Best Leaf Blower Reviews
These days leaf blowers do more than simple cleanup autumn leaves. You see this with professional landscaping and lawn care businesses that use leaf blowers to clear away grass clippings, cleaning up landscaping mulch and more. There are even a few models that have gutter cleaning and vacuum attachments that add to their long-term functionality
On the face of it, a leaf blower produces a powerful jet of air to blow lawn debris away. Though when you take a closer look, I think you’ll find there are some key features to choose from to choose the best leaf blower for your yard.
Choosing Between An Electric Or Gas-Powered Leaf Blower
There are two power sources to choose from when looking for a leaf blower or a blower/vac combo. Electric and gas-powered lawnmowers have their own pros and cons to consider.
Electric leaf blowers don’t tend to produce the intense force of air as their gas-powered siblings. However, you get more reliability when it comes to starting and long-term performance. At the same time, most electric lawnmowers rely on extension cords which can tangle, and limit your overall range, making them more likely for small lawns of a quarter acre or less.
Leaf blower manufacturers have caught on to this limitation and some now offer battery-powered electric leaf blowers. Like their corded brethren they tend to be weaker than gas-powered leaf blowers, but they let you stay on the move and give the ability to cover more total real estate.
A decade ago, electric leaf blowers were also touted for being much quieter than gas-powered leaf blowers. In recent years small gasoline motors have made improvements that take a little bit of the edge off this noise complaint. Though you still need to wear ear protection.
Gas-powered leaf blowers, on the other hand, tend to be more powerful. They tend to move a larger volume of air at a higher rate of speed.
Unfortunately, the con with gas-powered leaf blowers is that they tend to be heavy, and they require routine maintenance. As time goes on problems with carburetors and spark plugs can lead to start-up problems, and you will inevitably need to have the spark plug replaced.
CFM And MPH
When you look through leaf blowers and blower/vac combos you often see specs that use terms like CFM and MPH. Focusing in on them can help you filter through your options to compare apples to apples.
CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute, which is the rate of measure for the volume of air the leaf blower can move. If possible, you want to target a leaf blower that has around 300 CFM, which means it has the power to move more than just a light pile of leaves.
As you can imagine, MPH stands for Miles Per Hour, which notes the speed of the air coming out of the leaf blower. The overall velocity that you can move lawn debris.
Ideally, you want to prioritize a leaf blower or blower/vac that has both a high CFM and a high MPH rating. If you see a particular unit that is high in one number and low in the other, it’s likely a red flag telling you that there is some sort of engineering flaw afoot.
What Are The Benefits Of A Blower/Vac?
Some lawn equipment manufacturers offer leaf blowers with a special vacuum feature. You put a special attachment on and reverse the airflow which give it the ability to suck up leaves and other small pieces of lawn debris. A special internal impeller then grinds them up into tiny pieces and deposits them into a storage bag. This is a great way to clean out tight spaces and beef up your compost pile.
The downside of a blower/vac combo is that the impeller can sometimes jam up, or break on a small, hard piece of stick. If the impeller is damaged in the process, it can lead to a costly repair bill. Prioritizing a leaf blower with a metal impeller reduces the risk of this happening.
You also need to bear in mind that the collection bag is usually pretty small. So, you shouldn’t plan on using it to clear a large yard. It’s meant more for small yards or tight areas that a blower might struggle to clean.
The Best Electric Leaf Blowers
Sun Joe SBJ597E-SJB 6-Amp 155 MPH Electric Leaf Blower
Sun Joe SBJ597E-SJB 6-Amp 155 MPH Electric Leaf Blower, Blue
- [VERSATILE]: Clean sweeping patios, driveways, decks and garages
- [POWERFUL]: 6-amp motor creates up to 155 mph air speed (max)
- [NO LOAD SPEED]: 14,000 RPM
- [LIGHTWEIGHT]: Only weighs 3.9 lbs.
- [RATED VOLTAGE]: 120 V ~ 60 Hz
- [VERSATILE]: Clean sweeping patios, driveways, decks and garages
- [POWERFUL]: 6-amp motor creates up to 155 mph air speed (max)
- [NO LOAD SPEED]: 14,000 RPM
- [LIGHTWEIGHT]: Only weighs 3.9 lbs.
- [RATED VOLTAGE]: 120 V ~ 60 Hz
- [WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED.]: Your new leaf blower is backed by the Snow Joe + Sun Joe customer promise. We will warrant new, powered products for two years from the date of purchase. No questions asked. Contact Snow Joe + Sun Joe customer support for further assistance
Electric corded leaf blower that only weighs in at 3.9 pounds. Rated to produce 260 CFM volume of air at up to 155 MPH. All with a very friendly price point.
WORX WG520 Turbine
WORX WG520 Turbine 600 Corded Electric Leaf Blower, Black
- [TURBINE FAN TECH] Worx engineers figured out how to get a jet engine-type motor inside of a leaf blower. Super powerful, yet not so loud that you’ll think it’s getting ready for takeoff
- [TWICE AS FAST AS PRO BLOWERS] Professional-grade gas blowers rely on outdated tech. The Turbine is cutting edge, and spins twice as fast as the blowers used by commercial grounds crews
- [TURBINE FAN TECH] Worx engineers figured out how to get a jet engine-type motor inside of a leaf blower. Super powerful, yet not so loud that you’ll think it’s getting ready for takeoff
- [TWICE AS FAST AS PRO BLOWERS] Professional-grade gas blowers rely on outdated tech. The Turbine is cutting edge, and spins twice as fast as the blowers used by commercial grounds crews
- [2 SPEEDS FOR DIFFERENT JOBS] Go slow for pavement or tight corners. On the open lawn, switch to speed 2 and see what the 110 mph Turbine can do
- [600 CFM] We named the Turbine 600 after the 600 Cubic Feet per Minute of high-capacity air volume that shoots out of its wide-mouth nozzle. That’s a wide, strong path of air that allows you to clear large areas with fewer passes
- [DO IT YOURSELF. DO IT BETTER. DO IT WITH WORX.] WORX tools are engineered with cutting-edge technology, and above modern efficiency standards, so you can build a cost-effective tool collection that’s been designed to last
- [HYPER-STREAM AIR NOZZLE] We didn’t just stop designing once we were finished with the Turbine engine. We added an attachable nozzle, optimized to direct all that volume in a concentrated area for tougher jobs
- [ONE-HANDED OPERATION] All the power and only 6.4 lbs. The Turbine 600 is designed to be controlled with just one hand. The ergonomic design funnels the wind in a way that’s easy to handle
- [EXTENSION CORD RETAINER] The 11-1/2” electrical cord comes with a retainer attached, so when using an extension cord it won’t disconnect, even when it gets snagged
A corded electric leaf blower with a turbine engine. It’s rated to move an astonishing 600 CFM air volume at a velocity measuring up to 110 MPH. It’s “Hyper Stream” nozzle helps direct the force of the air for better accuracy. There are also two distinct speed settings to help you dial into the terrain.
DEWALT DCBL772X1 Leaf Blower
DEWALT DCBL772X1 Blower, Yellow/Black
- High-efficiency brushless motor of battery operated leaf blower helps extend runtime
- Cordless blower powers through debris at up to 600 CFM of air volume at 125 MPH
- Battery leaf blower is designed to withstand everyday heavy-duty usage
- High-efficiency brushless motor of battery operated leaf blower helps extend runtime
- Cordless blower powers through debris at up to 600 CFM of air volume at 125 MPH
- Battery leaf blower is designed to withstand everyday heavy-duty usage
- Variable speed trigger and speed lock maintain control of the blower output
- Includes 60V MAX* 3Ah battery and charger
As one of the most reliable manufacturers of power tools and lawn care equipment, DeWalt Lawn Mowers infuses quality engineering into all its products. The DCBL772X1 leaf blower runs off a 60 Volt electric motor powered by a 3 Ah lithium-ion battery with a run time of up to half an hour. It moves 600 CFM at a maximum speed of 125 MPH, which is impressive for an electric leaf blower.
The Best Gas Powered Leaf Blowers
Poulan Pro PR48BT, 2-Cycle Gas-Powered Backpack Leaf Blower
Poulan Pro PR48BT, 48cc 2-Cycle Gas 475 CFM 200 MPH Backpack Leaf...
- 48CC 2-stroke engine
- 200 mph/475 cfm
- Cruise control. Heavy duty frame
- This lightweight blower is packed with all sorts of load-reducing harness for optimal fit, superior comfort, minimal strain, and reduced fatigue for users of any size
- 48CC 2-stroke engine
- 200 mph/475 cfm
- Cruise control. Heavy duty frame
- This lightweight blower is packed with all sorts of load-reducing harness for optimal fit, superior comfort, minimal strain, and reduced fatigue for users of any size
- Variable speed throttle control.Adjustable shoulder straps
A powerful 48 cc 2-stroke gasoline-powered engine mounted on a backpack with adjustable straps and only weighs in at 22-pounds. It’s rated to move up to 475 CFM at 200 MPH. Ergonomic variable speed controls with a cruise control function.
Hitachi RB24EAP Gas Powered Leaf Blower, Handheld
Hitachi RB24EAP Gas Powered Leaf Blower, Handheld, Lightweight, 23.9cc 2 Cycle Engine,...
- Class leading air volume at 441 CFM for excellent debris movement
- Lightweight (only 8.6 lbs) & well-balanced for comfortable use and less fatigue
- 23.9 cc Commercial grade 2-stroke engine for outstanding power & longer life
- Class leading air volume at 441 CFM for excellent debris movement
- Lightweight (only 8.6 lbs) & well-balanced for comfortable use and less fatigue
- 23.9 cc Commercial grade 2-stroke engine for outstanding power & longer life
- Industry leading warranty- 7-year consumer use, 2-year commercial use, 1-year rental use
- Produces an impressive air velocity of 170 MPH (with taper nozzle)
- Large two-finger throttle lever for easier operation; Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.6 fl. oz.
- Features PureFire low emission 2-stroke engine technology for a better environment
- NOTE: Refer User Guide on Technical Specification before use
This Hitachi gas-powered leaf blower move an impressive 441 CFM volume or air, at a vigorous 170 MPH. The 23.9 cc two-stroke engine is lightweight, which makes the blower easier to operate as a handheld unit. It also was also engineered to produce lower emissions. Hitachi further backs this leaf blower with a proud 7-year warranty, which makes a statement about the overall quality.
Craftsman B215 25cc 2-Cycle Handheld Gas-Powered Leaf Blower
Craftsman B215 25cc 2-Cycle Handheld Gas-Powered Leaf Blower
- POWERFUL ENGINE: High performance 25cc 2-cycle lightweight engine with air volume and air speed up to 430 csm/200 mph. Work more efficiently and effectively on yard work, lawn care, and other projects.
- POWERFUL ENGINE: High performance 25cc 2-cycle lightweight engine with air volume and air speed up to 430 csm/200 mph. Work more efficiently and effectively on yard work, lawn care, and other projects.
- EASY-START TECHNOLOGY: Faster starts with 3 simple steps: prime, choke, and pull.
- USER-FRIENDLY ENGAGEMENT: User friendly features such as the lightweight design to reduce user fatigue, variable speed throttle for more control, and the translucent tank to tell you when to refuel. Designed to make you work smarter and not harder.
- EXTENDED NOZZLE: Extended nozzle with integrated scraper provides more precise blowing to help clear stubborn leaves and debris making you well equipped to take on those hard to reach areas.
- 2-CYCLE ENGINE OIL: Oil included with purchase for your convenience.
Craftsman is one of the more reliable names in the tools, hardware, and lawn care euipment. Their B215 2-cycle gas-powered leaf blower has a 25 cc engine that is surprisingly lightweight. This helps keep the total weight of the B215 down to only 11-pounds, for easy hand-held operation. It also has Craftsman’s popular “Easy Start System.” It’s rated to move up to 430 CFM of air at a blistering 200 MPH.
Poulan PLB26, 26cc 2-Cycle Gas 430 CFM 190 MPH Handheld Leaf Blower
Poulan PLB26, 26cc 2-Cycle Gas 430 CFM 190 MPH Handheld Leaf Blower
- Air volume: 430 CFM, air speed: 190 mph
- 2-Stroke 26cc gas engine with standard choke
- Variable speed with trigger throttle
- Two Year limited Warranty
- Air volume: 430 CFM, air speed: 190 mph
- 2-Stroke 26cc gas engine with standard choke
- Variable speed with trigger throttle
- Two Year limited Warranty
As one of the larger manufacturers of quality lawn care equipment Poulan has a diverse line for just about any budget. Their PLB26 has a 26 cc 2-stroke engine that can move a robust 430 CFM of air at speeds up to 190 MPH. For the price point it makes the PLB26 a great value capable of handling everything you need it to do. Yet it still only weighs in at 9.5 pounds, making it a comfortable handheld leaf blower.
The Best Blower/Vac Combos
Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vac
Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vac, 250 mph, Red
- New larger metal impeller drives power and improved mulching
- Powerful up to 250 mph degree
- Vacuum tube, bottom-zip bag, power insert, concentrator nozzle and cord storage hook included; Extension cord not included
- New larger metal impeller drives power and improved mulching
- Powerful up to 250 mph degree
- Vacuum tube, bottom-zip bag, power insert, concentrator nozzle and cord storage hook included; Extension cord not included
- Variable speed control for better control in both blower and vac mode
- Top rated air horse power degree degree for comparison purposes only; Performance claims based on controlled laboratory testing
- Blower is corded. 350 CFM blow mode and 410 CFM Vac mode
An electric-corded blower/vac combo from an industry-leading manufacturer. It moves 350 CFM as a blower, and 410 CFM as a vacuum, at 250 MPH. It has a heavy-duty metal impeller powered by a 7.0 Amp electric motor.
WORX WG512 Trivac 3-in-1 Vacuum, Blower and Mulcher
WORX WG512 Trivac 2.0 Electric 12-amp 3-in-1 Vacuum Blower/Mulcher/Vac, Black and Orange
- [LEAF BLOWER, MULCHER and VACUUM] The proprietary design changes from a blower to a vacuum with a mulcher with just the turn of a dial. Blow, vacuum, and mulch all day long if you want. But you won’t have to. The Worx Trivac makes quick work of yard work
- [LEAF BLOWER, MULCHER and VACUUM] The proprietary design changes from a blower to a vacuum with a mulcher with just the turn of a dial. Blow, vacuum, and mulch all day long if you want. But you won’t have to. The Worx Trivac makes quick work of yard work
- [A WIDE, STRONG STREAM OF AIR] 600 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) come streaming out of the wide-mouth tube. That’s high-capacity air volume so you clear your property with less passes back and forth
- [METAL MULCHER] The metal impeller with its shredder blade cuts in two stages, chopping leaves down to a 16:1 mulch ratio – that’s 16 bags of leaves mulched into one
- [QUICK, DETACHABLE BAG] When it’s time for composting or collection, the bag has an easy release. No muss, no fuss. Turn a dirty job into a quick one
- [DO IT YOURSELF. DO IT BETTER. DO IT WITH WORX.] WORX tools are engineered with cutting-edge technology, and above modern efficiency standards, so you can build a cost-effective tool collection that’s been designed to last
- [2 SPEEDS FOR DIFFERENT JOBS] Go slow for pavement or tight corners. On the open lawn, switch to speed 2 – up to 70mph – and see what it can do
- [ONE-HANDED OPERATION] The Worx Trivac is designed to be controlled with just one hand. It’s only 9 lbs. and the ergonomic design funnels the wind so it’s easy to handle
- [EXTENSION CORD RETAINER] The 12” electrical cord comes with a retainer attached, so when using an extension cord it won’t disconnect – even when it gets snagged
- [INCLUDES] 600cfm 12A Trivac, 1.4 Bushel Collection Bag
The Trivac vacuum, blower, and mulcher are designed to carefully blow leaves, while also having the ability to mulch up vacuumed law debris with a metal impeller. This gives the 12-Amp electric motor a mulching ratio of 16:1. Meaning it can transform 16 bags of leaves into 1 bag to save on disposal costs, or to better prepare carbon-rich material for your compost pile.
