Maintaining your yard will be easier than ever with one of the best string trimmers. Designed to trim the long grass and weeds at the edge of your patio, fence or sidewalks, these handy tools provide an easy way to tidy your yard without worrying about back pain or chemical damage.
There are three main types of string trimmers: gas-powered, corded electric and battery-powered.
While gas-powered models are the most powerful, they are also the most expensive. Battery-powered models offer you the freedom to trim without a nearby power socket, although they have a limited runtime. Meanwhile, corded electric models often strike a good balance between power and expense, although they’re best kept for small or medium-sized yards.
Whichever type you opt for, the best string trimmers should help you attack grass and weeds from different angles with features such as telescopic poles and adjustable heads. If you're going to be cutting thicker vines and brush, you’ll also need a model with a heavy-duty line (HDL). To help you hone in on all the options we have tested all of the string trimmers that you see featured in this guide. The review process is for a minimum of two weeks, and we assess everything from the set-up to performance and maintenance.
Armed with the right string trimmer you’re all set for a tidy yard. Just remember that It’s best to leave the larger patches of grass to the best lawn mowers.
The quick list
If you’re in a hurry, browse our summary for each string trimmer, which includes all of the key specifications, features and limitations of each product. If you’re not yet ready to make a decision, you can use the links to jump down the page where there is a detailed analysis of each product and exactly why you should or should not buy it.
The best string trimmer overall
The BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 is lightweight but powerful, and adaptable yet easy to use. Without a heavy-duty line, the battery-powered model can be used to trim long grass and soft weeds to perfection in small or medium-sized yards.
The best string trimmer for on a budget
If you’re conscious of your budget, the BLACK+DECKER GH3000 strikes a fine balance between affordability and power. The corded electric string trimmer costs under $100, and yet includes 700 watts of power and a heavy-duty line for cutting thick weeds.
The best string trimmer for heavy-duty use
The professional-grade DeWALT60V MAX 17in Brushless Attachment Capable String Trimmer Kit and Brush Cutter Attachment has a brush cutter attachment to help you slice through brush under an inch in width. It’s also lightweight and easy to set up.
The best string trimmer for heavy-duty use
The Troy-Bilt TB25CB Curved Shaft String Trimmer is a gas-powered model that leaves an impression. With a 25cc, 2-cycle engine, curved shaft and a 16-inch cut, it can easily handle trimming vines, weeds and heather. This is all for under $100.
The best string trimmer for storing
With a foldable shaft, you can easily store the ENHULK 58V 16” String Trimmer even if you’re limited on space. The 9.8-lb tool also has three different speeds and an adjustable design, making it highly adaptable to different challenges.
The best string trimmer for battery life
With a runtime of just under an hour and a half, the Sun Joe 24V-ST14 Cordless String Trimmer is well worth considering if you have a large yard. Cordless and adjustable, it can be used for light yard work even in the far corners of your yard.
The best string trimmers we recommend in 2024
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The best string trimmer overall
✅ You’re cutting mainly grass and soft weeds: With a 20V battery and a 12-inch cut, the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 is best at trimming and edging small and medium-sized lawns with grass and soft weeds.
✅ You want to go cordless: You won’t have to worry about finding a power source close to the door or tripping over the power cord, as this battery-powered can be moved freely around your yard.
✅ You’re looking for convenience: The LSTE525 is lightweight and easy to use. The adaptable design has two speeds and two different heights, making it good for a variety of tasks.
❌ You have a large lawn: The LSTE525 is best suited to small and medium-sized yard work due to its limited runtime and smaller cutting width.
❌ You don’t like time restraints: It took our expert, Pete, four hours to get the 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery to full charge. If you’re busy tending to yard tasks and your battery runs out, you’ll have a significant wait before you can resume activities.
❌ You want to cut thick weeds: A heavy-duty line is ideal for cutting through thick weeds. However, the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 doesn’t offer this feature, meaning that you’ll have to get another tool for thick weed maintenance.
🔎 The BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 easily ranks as the best string timer overall, with its intuitive yet powerful cordless design. It’s equipped with two different heights, two different speed settings and an auxiliary handle, making it a versatile tool for trimming and edging small to medium-sized lawns. ★★★★
Throughout our thorough testing process, the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 consistently came out on top. In a nutshell, the LSTE525 is powerful at cutting grass as well as soft weeds, all while being user-friendly. The cordless design offers two speeds and two different orientations.
Design: The BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 was tested by one of our trusted garden experts, Pete Wise. He found the design to be lightweight, intuitive and convenient to store and maintain. With two speeds and two orientations, it's easily adapted to the task at hand. The auxiliary handle and edging wheel are also nice additions for horizontally cutting grass.
The cordless design offers more freedom, although Pete found that the 18V lithium-ion battery took four hours to charge. He noted a couple of other design limitations. Firstly, it doesn’t have a heavy-duty line (HDL) to cut thick weeds, making it best suited to trimming grass and soft weeds only. Secondly, the runtime is limited, although a larger 18V BLACK+DECKER battery can be purchased separately (it's handily included if you’re US-based).
Performance: Pete found that the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525's compact trimming head was adept at getting into hard-to-reach parts of the yard. Weighing just 8.8 lbs, it was a breeze to handle. The handle and trigger were soft, if a little rubbery.
Although the 12-inch cutting width is far from ideal (other models have 16+ inches), Pete was able to trim 5 x 5-metre areas in one or two minutes. Noise levels never exceeded 96 dB, comparable to traffic noise. It made light work out of cutting most weeds unless they were very thick, but it worked best on wide areas of long grass. It left it looking very tidy with the help of the trimmer’s guard.
Price: Costing $116, the model comes with a two-year warranty. This is a reasonable ask, considering you get a lithium-ion battery (and an additional battery in the USA) and a charger. Despite being small, it’s just as powerful as some premium line trimmers.
Read more: BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Ergonomic design with decent battery life and lots of power. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Very effective at trimming small and medium-sized lawns. | ★★★★★ |
| Price | Moderately priced, with just as much power as premium models. | ★★★★ |
The best string trimmer for on a budget
✅ You’re on a budget: The BLACK+DECKER GH3000 can be added to your tool shed for less than $100, a very attractive price for a good set of basic features.
✅ You want an adaptable tool: The GH3000 is good at a variety of tasks, including trimming horizontally or vertically, as it has an adjustable auxiliary handle and an adjustable shaft for trimming and edging.
✅ You have tough weeds to cut: The model has a standard trimming line for cutting grass but if you’re dealing with tougher weeds, you can easily switch to the HDL to get a more powerful cut.
❌ You have a large yard: The GH300 has a 10-metre electrical cord, so you won’t be able to reach the far corners in a large yard.
❌ You’re looking for the best of the best: Aside from a HDL line, this BLACK+DECKER string trimmer has basic features. If you’re trying to get the best of the best, you may want to pay a little extra for a more premium product.
❌ You’re worried about tripping over the cord: Although the cord is bright orange, accidents still happen. You’ll need to make sure that the cord is kept well out of your path, and if you’re still concerned, buy a cordless string trimmer.
🔎 The BLACK+DECKER GH3000 costs less than $100. It’s well-made and comes with all the basic features you could need, including an adjustable telescopic pole and a heavy-duty line for cutting through tougher weeds and vines. ★★★★
If you’re looking for a string trimmer that’s easy on your budget, look no further than the BLACK+DECKER GH3000. For just $99, it’s easily capable of handling the demands of a medium-sized lawn. It also has two trimming line types, a standard line and a heavy-duty line for tougher yard work.
Design: Our expert, Pete Wise, put the GH3000 through the paces. He found the design well-made, with a smooth, responsive trigger. As with any corded product, you’ll need a power source near the yard, as the powerful 700-watt motor runs off electricity. It's handy that the bright orange power cable is very visible, helping to prevent accidents. However, with a 14-inch cutting path and just a 10-metre cord, it's best suited to small and medium-sized lawns.
The telescoping shaft is based around a simple clasp mechanism, which can be used to alter the angle or length of the shaft, letting our expert trim high and low.
Performance: Setting up the string trimmer took Pete 15 - 30 minutes. He then went to work on a patch of weeds, achieving a precise cut while using the trimmer’s guard as a guide. Pete found that the standard spool and line are excellent for regular lawn trimming. When he wanted to cut weeds instead, it was easy to switch to the HDL cap (four HDL line attachments are provided, but you may need additional spares as they wear quickly).
The trimming line rotates at 7,000 RPM, so he found it quite powerful, although there’s only one speed setting. At the end of the day, he’d trimmed a neat, tidy edge around his yard and also used the HDL attachments to trim weeds precisely around a patch of daisies. He found the tool quiet; he recorded 89 dB, the same noise level as a blender.
Price: Stocked by Amazon, Walmart and Home Depot, the GH3000 costs $99. It also has has a two-year warranty. This is very budget-friendly, although it's worth noting that the Troy-Bilt TB25CB Curved Shaft String Trimmer is in close competition.
Read more: BLACK+DECKER GH3000 review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Well-made and robust with two trimmer line types for soft or tough weeds. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Once you get over the cord length, it trims neatly and powerfully. | ★★★★ |
| Price | A very attractive price point considering all the features it offers. | ★★★★★ |
The best string trimmer for heavy-duty use
✅ You want a model that’s easy to set up: Our reviewer had the DeWALT 60V MAX set up in no time. The simple cordless model only has a few different parts including the shaft, attachments, handle, guard and battery.
✅ You have no time to waste: As well as being quick to set up, the string trimmer doesn’t need to be plugged into an electric socket. It also takes a matter of seconds to switch between the brush cutter and string trimmer attachments.
✅ You don’t want to be held back by a cord: Many corded models restrict how far you can reach into the yard, so if you have a bigger yard, this model will help you to get to harder-to-reach corners.
❌ You don’t want the hassle of charging batteries: If you’re planning a long day of yard maintenance, you'll need to factor in breaks to charge the battery.
❌ You need to cut brush that's over an inch thick: Our expert found that this product worked best on brush under an inch in width. Anything over 1.25 inches was too thick for the brush cutter attachment.
❌ You want the attachments to feel very secure: During testing, we found that the brush cutter attachment spun in the shaft when attempting some heavy-duty tasks.
🔎 The DeWALT 60V MAX 17in Brushless Attachment Capable String Trimmer Kit and Brush Cutter Attachment is just the tool for heavy-duty yard tasks, with a brush cutter attachment that can slice through brush that's under an inch in width. As a cordless electric model, it’s also suitable for edging larger yards. ★★★★
For heavy-duty use, the DeWALT 60V MAX 17in Brushless Attachment Capable String Trimmer Kit and Brush Cutter Attachment is a standout contender. The multi-use tool is powerful enough to cut through brush that's over an inch thick, and still more lightweight than most gas-powered string trimmers.
Design: Our Dallas-based garden expert, Alex Temblador, put the string trimmer to work on her half-acre land. She was immediately impressed by how lightweight it is. Weighing 23 lbs, it’s heavy for an electric model but lighter than most gas-powered models, making it easier on the shoulders and arms. The design includes a bump head and an eight-inch brush cutter blade for thick vegetation. The 60V battery provides a generous runtime.
Performance: Alex found the product easy to put together, and just as handily, it only took her a few seconds to switch between the two attachments, the string trimmer attachment and the brush cutter attachment. However, it was quickly apparent that the brush cutter attachment design is a bit unstable. A couple of times, when she attempted to cut a very large branch (over one inch thick), the attachment spun into a different position a few times. This could be a safety hazard.
She found that the string trimmer attachment worked well when cutting through thick weeds, tall grass and small vines, although it could throw pebbles around at full throttle. It wasn’t powerful enough to cut small growths at the bottom of trees. The heavy-duty brush cutter attachment was more impressive, cutting small trees up to 1.25 inches in diameter, as well as shrubs and thick vines with thorns.
Price: You'll need to pay $329 for the 60V Max 17 in. Brushless Attachment Capable String Trimmer Kit and an additional $79.99 for the brush cutter attachment. This is quite expensive, although you should expect to pay more for a powerful tool like this. It's stocked by retailers such as Amazon, Acme Tools and The Home Depot.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Easy to switch between the string trimmer and brush cutter. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Powerfully cuts through brush up to an inch in width. | ★★★★★ |
| Price | On the expensive side, but widely available and includes a 60V battery | ★★★★ |
The best gas-powered string trimmer
✅ You want a professional-grade string trimmer: This is one of very few string trimmers that our experts consider to be professional grade, so for any home tasks, it’s more than capable.
✅ You don’t want to run out of battery: Unlike battery-powered models, the Troy-Bilt TB25CB Curved Shaft String Trimmer is powered by gas. As long as you have the correct supply of gas, you can keep using the tool until you have finished the task at hand.
✅ You want to cut thick weeds and vines: With a powerful 25 cc, 2-cycle engine, this string trimmer is cut out for heavy-duty tasks, even when it concerns heather and vines.
❌ You don’t like noise: The Troy-Bilt TB25CB can get quite noisy during use. You may need to invest in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs.
❌ You’re only trimming grass: If you only need a simple tool to cut through long grass or trim the edges of your lawn, it’ll cost you less to get a quieter, less powerful electric string trimmer.
❌ You don’t like the smell of gas: As when using any gas-powered string trimmer, you can expect some exhaust fumes. However, the odor quickly dissipates when the machine is powered off.
🔎 The Troy-Bilt TB25CB Curved Shaft String Trimmer is a powerful gas-powered string trimmer that easily slices through long grass, vines, weeds and heather. With a 16-inch cut, a curved shaft and a 25cc, 2-cycle engine, it’s a steal for under $100. ★★★★
Generally speaking, gas-powered string trimmers are more powerful than the typical electric or battery-powered string trimmer. This makes them well-suited to heavy-duty tasks.
The Troy-Bilt TB25CB Curved Shaft String Trimmer is our top pick for a gas-powered string trimmer. Although it’s a bit loud, its professional-grade system handled every challenge we threw at it.
Design: We had our expert, Mike Larson, test the Troy-Bilt TB25CB. His found the design to be extremely functional: lightweight, with a curved shaft to reach into tight spaces, and a powerful 25cc, 2-cycle engine in a small case at the top of the unit. It was also comfortable to use, with two ergonomic handles and minimal vibrations. Weighing just 13 lbs, it’s very lightweight too.
There’s no need to concern yourself with batteries or cords, so instead, you can easily focus on the task at hand with the help of the generous 16-inch cutting path and dual line bump head. The engine requires a mix of oil and gas, which Mike notes can be a bit of a nuisance to prepare.
Performance: Mike found that the string trimmer could easily handle trimming overgrown grass, thick heather, weeds and even vines on a chain link fence. Its main downfall, if he had to pick, would be the noise levels. It's nothing that a noise-blocking headset can't solve. He could also smell gas burning, something that’s to be expected for a gas-powered tool. After stopping the engine, the odor quickly dissipated.
Some maintenance is required, mainly cleaning the trimmer using a hose, preparing the correct gas and storing it upright to prevent any fuel leaks.
Price: The Troy-Bilt TB25CB is very reasonably priced for such a powerful gas-powered model, at just $99. Similar units with a 16-inch cut, a curved shaft and a 25cc, 2-cycle engine cost between $80 - $105, so any price difference is very slight. It also comes with a two-year warranty to cover defects.
Read more: Troy-Bilt TB25CB Curved Shaft String Trimmer review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Very well-made with a 16-inch cut, curved shaft and a 25cc, 2-cycle engine. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Robust and capable of handling grass, weeds, vines and heather. | ★★★★ |
| Price | Under $100 for a powerful gas-powered string trimmer. | ★★★★★ |
The best string trimmer for storing
✅ You have limited storage space: As the shaft folds in half, the ENHULK 58V 16” String Trimmer is easy to fit into a small shed.
✅ You want something lightweight: This string trimmer weighs just under 10 lbs, making it incredibly easy to move around your yard and a breeze to store on a top shelf.
✅ You want a variety of trimming speeds: There are three different speed settings on this model, including the standard mode, a turbo mode to target thicker weeds and an eco mode for light grass. The latter helps to conserve energy.
❌ You’re on a budget: Costing $269, the ENHULK 58V 16” String Trimmer is expensive for a battery-powered string trimmer, although the 58V battery is fairly generous.
❌ You want to trim for more than 45 minutes: The battery lasts around 45 minutes when placed on the eco speed setting, which means that if you have a job you want to get done that takes longer than this, you’ll have to twiddle your thumbs while it recharges.
❌ You are short: The shaft is over 5.5 feet long, so if you’re short, you might find it a bit difficult to hold and handle. For optimum comfort, look for a product with a shorter shaft.
🔎 The ENHULK 58V 16” String Trimmer has a foldable shaft, so when you're done trimming, you can fold it half and tuck it out of sight. With three different speed settings and a weight of just 9.8 lbs, it’s very easy to use too. ★★★★
Not only is the ENHULK 58V 16” String Trimmer lightweight, but it also has a unique foldable shaft, making it the best string trimmer for tight storage spaces. Weighing just under 10 lbs, the battery-powered design also offers three different speeds.
Design: Our gardening expert Alex Temblador, tested the ENHULK 58V 16” String Trimmer in her half-acre yard. She found the battery surprisingly powerful. However, by far, the standout feature is the foldable shaft which makes it a breeze for storage. It also arrived pretty much assembled, so aside from locking the shaft into place with a screw lever and attaching the handle, it's ready to go.
Overall, she found the design fairly simple. The 58V battery fits neatly on the back of the trimmer. There’s a trigger lever and a safety lever, making it quite family-friendly. The control panel can be used to flip between eco, high and turbo modes. The shaft is over 5.5 feet long, so if you’re short, it might be difficult to manipulate.
Performance: Using the ENHULK 58V string trimmer, Alex cut through thick grass and weeds with ease. As the model is so lightweight, it was easy on her arms. The turbo mode helped her cut through thicker vines, never getting louder than 72 dB. She found that the eco mode was effective on thin blades of grass.
The battery lasted between 30 to 40 minutes at a time, which is slightly underwhelming. The double string line was sturdy but Alex found that the handle moved slightly as she trimmed, which can be disconcerting if you’re new to using these types of devices. One benefit for beginners is that the tool doesn't require any significant maintenance, aside from cleaning the guard of grass and adding extra string.
Price: At $269, the ENHULK 58V 16” String Trimmer is on the expensive side considering its simple design. Our expert couldn’t find anything that warranted such a steep price, as many high-quality strimmers can be purchased for under $200. The foldable shaft is the main selling point here.
Read more: ENHULK 58V 16” String Trimmer review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Lightweight, foldable design that’s easy to use and store away. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Very easy to use, with three different speed options. | ★★★★ |
| Price | Priced a little too high, so the foldable design is the main USP. | ★★★ |
The best string trimmer for battery life
✅ You don't like cords: While gas-powered string trimmers may be more powerful, the cord can restrict how far you can move around your yard. With the Sun Joe 24V-ST14, you’re free from any cord limitations.
✅ You want plenty of battery life: This string trimmer lasted an impressive one hour and 26 minutes without a break.
✅ You want flexible trimming techniques: The model has an adjustable telescopic pole and an adjustable head, helping you to attack grass and weeds from several different angles.
❌ You want to trim brush and tall weeds: This model doesn't have a heavy-duty line and it only has 250 watts of power, so it’s not cut out for trimming tall weeds or thicker brush.
❌ You’re on a budget: Many comparable models can be found for under $100, whereas the Sun Joe 24V-ST14 will set you back by nearly $159.
❌ You don’t like fiddly accessories: Because the wheels and flower guard limit how low to the ground you can get, you may need to remove them. The Sun Joe 24V-ST14 can also be a bit fiddly to put together.
🔎 The Sun Joe 24V-ST14 Cordless String Trimmer runs nonstop for an hour and 26 minutes, making it a brilliant addition to your toolshed if you want to attack long grass and soft weeds at the far end of your yard. While it’s not as powerful as some corded models, it’s useful for light yard work and comes with an adjustable pole and head. ★★★★
Tested by one of our resident gardening experts, Jonathan Knoder, the Sun Joe 24V-ST14 Cordless String Trimmer quickly emerged as the best string trimmer for battery life.
Design: Our expert, Jonathan, was pleased to find the telescopic pole and rotating head. These features make it possible to change the weight distribution as well as the length of the pole. The wheel edger is also promising for larger yards, as the tool can be rolled along sidewalks. It also only weighs 9 lbs, which is incredibly lightweight.
A safety button must be activated to start the machine, which is helpful if you're safety conscious.
Performance: During the set-up, Jonathan had some trouble attaching the handle, something noted in other customer reviewers. When he moved onto edging the yard, he found that the wheels became more of a nuisance than anything, preventing him from getting low enough to the grass. He had to removed them along with the metal flower guard, which was also getting in the way.
Once they were removed, he had more precision and control. To rotate the head, he only had to press down a tab and choose his desired angle, which was helpful for trimming between two objects. The motor isn't as powerful as a corded trimmer, so the tool couldn't cut through thicker weeds or brush.
The best part about all of this is the 24V lithium-ion battery, which you can keep tabs on during use. On full speed, the tool ran for an impressive one hour and 26 minutes without a break, which is way more than some of the other battery-powered string trimmers we tested. It also only took an hour and 46 minutes to recharge.
Price: The Sun Joe 24V-ST14 Cordless String Trimmer is available for $159. Included in the package is a trimmer, one battery, a charger and a single spool of cutting wire. Considering that it only has a 12-inch cutting path, it should be considered on the expensive end of the scale.
Read more: Sun Joe 24V-ST14 Cordless String Trimmer review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A nice telescoping pole and adjustable head, as well as a safety button. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Impressive battery length; best for cutting long grass and soft weeds. | ★★★★ |
| Price | More expensive than expected. | ★★★ |
How to choose the best string trimmer for you
If you have decided that a string trimmer is for you, it is time to find the perfect one to match your needs. Knowing whether you want a corded or battery-powered string trimmer is important. If you have a large yard, we recommend a battery-powered weed eater, as it gives you complete freedom of movement while getting the job done. Battery-powered weed eaters can cost more, so if your yard is smaller or full of tough weeds, we recommend a corded machine to get the job done.
Size is another factor to consider when buying a new electric string trimmer. If you have a lot of weeds to remove and a lot of ground to cover, a string trimmer with a large head is ideal—the larger the head, the more time you have to spend on other tasks.
The speed of the head is also important, the higher the RPM (revolutions per minute) the faster the head spins, giving a more powerful cut. Some faster models may be limited by the thickness and strength of their plastic cords. However, if necessary, you can often change the cord to a thicker one. Some models will also let you remove the cord and add a bladed cutter, which can tackle thick brush rather than regular weeds, but this is often for professional use.
If you have your heart set on a corded model, we always recommend going for the longest cable possible. You can opt for a shorter cable, but it would be wise to buy an extension cord in case you need the extra range. With battery models, you may need a larger battery if you have a big yard to tend to—you can also buy extra batteries and swap them out as you cut.
How we tested these string trimmers
How we test the best string trimmers
All of the string trimmers you see featured in this guide have been tested by our review panel; Alex Temblador, Pete Wise and Jonathan Knoder. From the point of delivery through to cleaning and maintaining the string trimmers (aka weed eaters), we share our first-hand experience with you to help you find the best string trimmer for your needs.
The review process is a minimum of two weeks. In some cases we can either test the trimmer for longer, or keep it for long term use. When using it for a longer period of use we can also test for longevity and, therefore, value for money. We like to know that when we buy a product, it is going to last, so this would be the ultimate test of all.
We also measure the noise levels, and battery runtime and charge time if we're testing a battery-powered model. We'll asses the product specifications and give you our overall verdict of the string trimmer. Read more about how we test.
String trimmer FAQs
Are electric string trimmers any good?
If you’re looking for a fast, effective way to keep your yard a weed-free zone, then a string trimmer is a solid investment. They help take the hassle out of weeding so you can relax and enjoy your garden. The best electric weed eaters boast high power, with some models providing around 40 volts. This means the device can handle an hour’s worth of weeding. Compared to gas weed eaters, they’re much quieter and can keep your garden feeling like a tranquil haven.
If you’ve tried a gas trimmer in the past, you may have found it cumbersome to use. You’ll be pleased to know that electric weed eaters are much lighter, with the average machine weighing about 5 lbs. This is because they don’t have a tank of fuel attached, unlike their gas counterparts. Electric weed eaters are lightweight and much easier to use for long periods.
If you want to do your bit for the planet and save yourself money, an electric trimmer is a great option. Unlike gas models, they don’t rely on fossil fuels. They also offer great value, with the average model costing around $70. Plus, you’ll have no fuss about buying replacement gas.
Are gas or electric string trimmers better?
What’s the difference between gas and electric string trimmers? You’ll typically find gas weed eaters in a professional gardening setting. This is because landscapers work on a much larger scale and may need to tackle extremely overgrown plots. In this scenario, the power of a gas weed eater is necessary to blitz established weeds and last all day.
If you’re looking for a device for everyday use at home, we recommend choosing an electric weed eater. They’re lightweight, which makes them easy and convenient to use, and you don’t have the hassle of topping up the gas. They produce zero emissions and are far more planet-friendly than their gas counterparts. Electric weed eaters are much quieter, so they can keep your garden peaceful and avoid disturbing the neighbors. They help you fast-track your way to a tidy yard, giving you more time to sit back and enjoy it.
Are cordless electric string trimmers better than corded?
Corded electric weed eaters provide you with constant and consistent power without having to recharge your machine. They are often a lot lighter, too, as they don’t have the added weight of a battery. However, corded weed eaters don’t give you as much flexibility in reaching the furthest place in your garden. More often than not, corded models require the purchase of an extension lead – particularly if you have a large and lengthy yard to clear.
Cordless electric weed eaters give you more mobility. You can travel far and wide to rid your weeds with this type of battery-powered gadget because you aren’t limited by a cable. However, cordless electric weed eaters are often heavier than their corded counterparts. That’s because they have the added weight of the rechargeable battery.
Some cordless options also have lengthy battery charge times, so watch out for that. Plus, if you forget to recharge the battery before using your outdoor power tool, this can be a pain. Because you are running on battery rather than mains power, you also have a limit to your cutting time.
Do electric string trimmers have more power than battery?
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing an electric string trimmer is whether it has the power you need to accomplish the type of work you do. We looked for weed whackers with high amps for corded models and high-voltage batteries for cordless ones.
The more power a weed trimmer has, the tougher the grass and weeds can tackle. We evaluated and compared cordless and corded electric string trimmers and found that if you choose a trimmer with enough power, you can trim efficiently regardless of the power source.
When choosing between a corded and cordless weed eater, consider the type of work you need the trimmer to do and the size of your yard. Buying a trimmer that requires an extension cord limits your mobility, but that may not be a problem if you have a small yard.
The advantage of using a cord is you don’t have to worry about the battery eventually dying and needing to be replaced. However, a cordless trimmer gives you limitless mobility, so it’s likely the best option if you have a large yard or need to trim in a remote location.
How do you maintain an electric weed wacker?
While electric trimmers don’t require nearly as much maintenance as their gas counterparts, there are things you can do regularly to keep them running well for an extended period. Kristi Howard of Black & Decker Outdoor Products says that a common problem with electric string trimmers involves people using the wrong gauge of extension cord to power them. Howard says you should be sure to use an extension cord that is heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw.
“An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating,” Howard explains. “When in doubt, use the next heavier gauge.” She says the letters WA on the cord jacket indicate a cord suitable for outdoor use. Howard feels they are comparable in terms of power regarding corded versus cordless trimmers. Corded trimmers are generally less expensive than battery-operated trimmers and are easy to maintain but have less mobility.
Howard suggests checking for damaged parts and cleaning off the air intake slots before each use to properly maintain an electric trimmer to avoid overheating. She says you should never immerse an electric string trimmer in water or clean it with a pressure washer; you should store it indoors, out of reach of children. “Keeping your trimmer regularly maintained should minimize your need for larger repairs,” Howard adds.
