Maintaining your yard can become a headache. Clearing away garden debris is a painstaking chore that most gardeners wish they could hand off to someone else.
What if there was an easier way to take care of your leaf problem in the fall? Fortunately, we live in the era of a boom in technology. Every gardener needs a leaf blower in their shed or garage if they want to reduce their clearing duties this autumn.
A leaf blower is a versatile tool that saves you time and effort in your gardening duties. Combine your purchase with a leaf mulcher, and you have everything you need to start a compost patch in the corner of your yard.
In this review, we take a comprehensive look at the best leaf blowers for your yard.
Read through our top choices for the best leaf blowers, and check out our buyers guide section for more information to help you with making the right purchase to suit your needs.
Top 3 Picks:
Contents
- 1 Top 3 Picks:
- 2 The Best Leaf Blowers
- 2.1 Best Overall Leaf Blower – Toro 51619 Ultra Blower and Vacuum
- 2.2 Best Premium Leaf Blower – Echo PB-580T Backpack Blower
- 2.3 Best Budget Leaf Blower – Greenworks 24012 7 Amp Single Speed Electric Blower
- 2.4 Craftsman – BV245 Blower
- 2.5 DeWALT – DCBL772X1 Leaf Blower
- 2.6 Echo PB-250LN Handheld Gas Blower
- 2.7 EGO Power+ – LBX6000 Commercial Blower
- 2.8 Makita – XBU02PT Blower Kit
- 2.9 Ryobi – RY40440 Leaf Blower
- 3 Leaf Blower Buyer’s Guide
- 4 What Are the Types of Leaf Blowers?
- 5 Other Considerations When Purchasing a Leaf Blower
- 5.1 Noise Level
- 5.2 Power
- 5.3 Which Leaf Blower Model Is Best for Your Yard?
- 5.4 Leaf Blower for Small Yards
- 5.5 The Best Leaf Blower for Medium to Large Yards
- 5.6 Leaf Blower Power Sources
- 5.7 Battery-Powered Leaf Blowers
- 5.8 Corded Leaf Blowers
- 5.9 Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
- 5.10 Leaf Blower Accessories and Extra Features
- 5.11 Maintaining Your Leaf Blower
- 6 Leaf Blower FAQ
- 7 Conclusion
If you don’t have the time to read through all the leaf blower options in this review, let’s save you time. Here are our top three choices for the best leaf blowers available.
Best Pick: Toro 51619 Ultra Blower and Vacuum
- 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
We choose the Toro 51619 ultra blower and vacuum as our best overall leaf blower in this review. It’s three-in-one functionality, combined with its sleek design and user-friendly operation, make it out top overall choice.
Premium Pick: Echo PB-580T Backpack Blower
- Genuine OEM Echo Part
- Engine Displacement 58.2 cc
- Air Volume 510 cfm-pipe, Maximum Air Speed 215 mph
- 70 dB(A)
- Dry Weight 22.6 lbs
If you have the budget available, and you’re looking for the best premium leaf blower money can buy, we suggest you look at the Echo PB-580T backpack blower. The backpack mounting of this unit makes it ideal for large clearing jobs, producing gusts of up to 215 mph (that’s a hurricane-force wind speed).
Budget Pick: Greenworks 24012 7 Amp Single Speed Electric Blower
- To reduce sound levels, limit the number of pieces of equipment used at any one time
- Simple design Light weight design makes it easy to use and easy to maintain
- Up to 160 mph, this blower is designed to get the work done efficiently and quickly
- Extension cord included
- Includes factory warranty. Includes full Warranty
If you have a tight budget for your leaf blower, but you still want a quality leaf blower you can trust, the Greenworks 24012 is an affordable option that still offers high-quality design and construction. The lightweight feel of the machine in your hands makes it easy to use, and the ergonomic handle provides user-friendly operation.
The Best Leaf Blowers
In our review, we looked at the best-selling models available online. From the dozens of leaf blowers available, we selected the following options as our top choices. There’s a model in this review to suit any size yard, and we’re confident you’ll find the right leaf blower for your yard in these picks.
If you need some more information to help you settle on your purchase, read through our buyer’s guide later in this review. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know when choosing the best leaf blower for your yard.
Best Overall Leaf Blower – Toro 51619 Ultra Blower and Vacuum
Gardeners looking for the best of the best when it comes to leaf blowers, need to consider the Toro 51619. This machine features 3-in-1 functionality that allows you to blow you leaves into a pile, and then suck them up into the collection bag after you finish clearing.
The machine also features a built-in mulcher, allowing you to mulch the leaves you collect in the weed eater, and then send them to the compost heap.
The compact design of the machine makes it easy to store, and this is one of the few models that comes with a complete accessory kit as standard options.
The high MPH and CFM ratings are the best in this review, and it’s available at a competitive price when you take a look at the offerings from premium brands like Makita and Echo.
- Three-in-one functionality, with blower, vacuum, and high-speed leaf shredder
- Cordless operation
- Sleek, lightweight design reduces operator fatigue
- A user-friendly operation for large to medium-sized yards
- Produces gusts of up to 250 MPH
- Includes vacuum tube, concentrator nozzle, zip bag, and storage hook
- Handheld design provides more fatigue than a backpack model
Best Premium Leaf Blower – Echo PB-580T Backpack Blower
If you have a large yard or an estate to clear, then we recommend the Echo PB-580T Backpack Blower for your top choice. This blower has a backpack design that limits operator fatigue, making it the ideal choice for large landscapes.
The powerful gas-powered motor and fan produce wind speeds of up to 215 MPH, making it the second most potent blower in this review. This blower is ideal for extended use and an excellent choice for contractors and professional landscapers.
- Cordless operation
- Strong blower motor produces wind gusts of up to 215 MPH
- High-quality design and construction
- Backpack mounting for user-friendly operation and reduced operator fatigue
- More expensive than handheld models
Best Budget Leaf Blower – Greenworks 24012 7 Amp Single Speed Electric Blower
If you’re working with a tight budget when selecting your leaf blower, then consider the Greenworks 24012. This machine features a powerful 7-amp motor, but it focuses more on CFM than MPH with its operation.
This unit may have less power than the two leading models in this review, but it still offers user-friendly and efficient operation. The battery-powered operation means that you get around 20-minutes of use between charges, and the battery packs are interchangeable with other Greenworks gardening tools.
The lightweight design of this machine reduces operator fatigue, and it has an excellent balance with the batteries fitted to the blower.
- Well-balanced in the hands to reduce operator fatigue
- Fantastic value for money
- Cordless operation
- Produces wind gusts of up to 160 MPH
- Lightweight design
- Motor slightly underpowered compared to the top two choices in this review
Craftsman – BV245 Blower
If you’re looking for an affordable leaf blower, and sound is not an issue in your neighborhood, then consider the Craftsman BV245 leaf blower. This machine offers mid-range performance at an affordable price point.
The gas-powered operation of the leaf blower works well, but the electric models in this review have higher CFM and MPH ratings. Still, this machine has its place, and if you seldom have use for a leaf blower, then this machine is an excellent, affordable option to add to your tool shed.
- Fast and easy start-up
- Gas-powered model
- Longer run time
- Twist-locking blower tip
- Not eco-friendly
- Noisy
- Gyroscopic effect is somewhat fatiguing
DeWALT – DCBL772X1 Leaf Blower
The DeWALT leaf blower has one of the lowest MPH ratings in this review. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not an effective leaf blower.CFM is as crucial as MPH when assessing the efficacy of a leaf blower. The DeWALT has one of the best CFMs in its class, with a broad airstream that picks up leaves at a wide-angle.
This model also features an excellent balance when holding it in your hands. You’ll find you develop less operator fatigue using this machine.
DeWALT designed this leaf blower for semi-industrial use, and contractors might find it a useful tool for clearing job sites. The rugged skid plate below the battery and blower housing helps the machine withstand the moist demanding workplace conditions.
- Battery-powered cordless operation
- Excellent airstream coverage
- Good balance reduces operator fatigue
- Compatible with other DeWALT battery packs
- Shorter run time than most other battery-powered models
Echo PB-250LN Handheld Gas Blower
Echo makes another appearance in our review of the best leaf blowers. This model features a powerful motor and a great CFM rating that provides a dense and focused airstream. The intuitive design of this leaf blower makes it a top choice in this review.
The offset blower tube lines up with the handle, providing the gardener with an improved aim and better user control during operation.
However, the power available in this machine might be too much for seniors to handle, and it can become fatiguing for any gardener during prolonged use. This gas-powered model is powerful, but the user controls aren’t as user-friendly as we would like.
The black-on-black mark for the correct choke position is challenging to read and may contribute to the hard starting of the machine.
- Gas-powered model
- Longer run time
- Effective airstream
- Costly
EGO Power+ – LBX6000 Commercial Blower
If you’re a landscaper looking for the best heavy-duty leaf blower you can find, then look no further than the EGO Power+ – LBX6000 commercial leaf blower.
You get a 56-volt battery, offering the most extended run times of any electric model in this review. However, this machine is more than overkill, even for the largest gardens.
- The best choice for contractors and landscapers
- Maneuverable with user-friendly operation
- Long run time
- Quality design and build components
- Costly
Makita – XBU02PT Blower Kit
When it comes to reviewing power tools, brands like Makita make it all worthwhile. This model is one of the best blowers available, and if it weren’t for the price tag, we would make it our preferred machine in this review.
This leaf blower runs on the same interchangeable batteries as other Makita power tools, and the balance of the machine makes it feel more lightweight than it appears. The balance of the weed eater allows you to use it at the perfect cutting angle, reducing operator fatigue, with a comfortable trigger for easy use.
- One of the world’s leading power tool brands
- Suitable for heavy-duty use
- High-quality design and build components
- Powerful motor
- Lightweight for reduced operator fatigue
- Battery-powered cordless operation
- Compatible with other Makita 18-volt batteries
- Somewhat expensive for a handheld model
- Short run time
Ryobi – RY40440 Leaf Blower
When people think of Ryobi power tools, they think of a manufacturer that releases a mixed bag of products. For the most part, Ryobi power tools are lemons, but there are a few that do a good job of fulfilling their intended purpose.
The Ryobi RY40440 Leaf blower is a Ryobi product that works very well. With an affordable price tag, it’s a machine worth considering. We would recommend this leaf blower to people with small yards that don’t use a leaf blower frequently.
To our surprise, this blower was the quietest machine in this review, but we think that’s due to the underpowered motor. Still, it makes the Ryobi the best option for gardeners with neighbors that like to complain about the noise.
The machine’s cruise-control lever is a little difficult to pivot, and the blower tube might seem a bit short, providing a challenging pivot position for the operator.
- Quiet operation
- Adjustable carrying straps that reduce operator fatigue
- Affordable
- Cruise control lever is a bit stiff
Leaf Blower Buyer’s Guide
Open a gardener’s shed or garage, and you’re bound to see a lawnmower and a weed eater lying among the tools. However, most gardeners don’t even consider adding a leaf blower to their gardening power tool collection.
It’s when the leaves start to fall that we realize the benefit of owning a leaf blower. However, Purchasing the right tool for your yard is as important as owning one. Your living environment plays a significant role in your choice of machine for the job.
For instance, if you live in a complex or a close-knit community, a battery-powered model makes more sense than a gas-powered leaf blower in this situation. Gas-powered models are noisy, and you can bet your neighbors will complain while your clearing leaves from your yard.
In this buyer’s guide section, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know when selecting the right leaf blower for your garden.
What Are the Types of Leaf Blowers?
Leaf blowers come in different types, referring to the power source of the machine, and the user operation. You select the type according to your needs as a gardener. Larger yards and estates might require backpack-style, gas-powered models, especially if they have heavy falls during the autumn.
If you own a small yard, then a battery-powered, handheld model is all you need.
Handheld Leaf Blower – The top choice for versatility and maneuverability. These machines are lightweight, and often feature either gas or battery-powered design. Most of these machines are only suitable for use around small to medium-sized yards.
Backpack Leaf Blower – If you have a larger yard, and you need a longer run time, then a backpack-style leaf blower is the best option for your garden clearing needs. This machine is the ideal choice for larger estates and commercial properties.
Other Considerations When Purchasing a Leaf Blower
Noise Level
As mentioned, leaf blowers come in both gas-powered and battery-powered models. While battery-powered models offer near-silent operation, gas-powered models can be somewhat noisy. If you live in a neighborhood that has a set “Quiet Time,” then it’s best to go for a battery-powered model to avoid conflict with your neighbors complaining about the noise.
Gas-powered models create more noise due to the motor that powers the machine. Therefore, if you require a gas-powered model to clear your yard, and sound is a concern, make sure you stick to a model with a small motor.
However, it’s important to note that even electric models will make a shrill, high-pitched noise when clearing.
As the motor powers the fan, it spins at high speed providing airflow from the tip of the blower nozzle. Some fans have baffles attached to reduce noise, so look for a model with this feature if noise is a concern for you.
Power
Leaf blowers are available in a variety of models. Most gardeners think that gas-powered models are the most powerful, allowing for the best clearing function from the leaf blower. However, some of today’s electric models offer more power than gas-powered versions. However, power is not the only concern when choosing the best leaf blower for your yard.
Gardeners need to get the right balance between power and airflow from their leaf blowers. These factors play a significant role in choosing the right leaf blower to match the size of your yard and your operating conditions.
The two most important factors you need to consider when buying a new leaf blower are the cubic feet per minute (CFM) that the fan produces and the miles per hour (MPH) provided by the machine.
Many novice gardeners assume that the higher the wind speed, the more powerful the operating action of the machine. While the air might exit the nozzle at a faster rate, this does not correlate with the clearing efficiency of the leaf blower.
What gardeners need to pay attention to when purchasing a leaf blower is the CFM produced by the machine. This factor is far more critical than the MPH the tool generates. CFM refers to the volume of air flowing out of the blower tip every minute during the operation of the machine.
The CFM number is a reflection of how far the machines fan blows the leaves over a specific area. While CFM is by far the better barometer to guide your purchase decision, MPH is an essential factor as well.
However, many of the new leaf blowers available, such as the DeWALT model, has a lower MPH value, but a much higher CFM. Finding the balance between the two factors is the best strategy when selecting the right leaf blower to suit your yard.
Which Leaf Blower Model Is Best for Your Yard?
When selecting the right leaf blower to suit your garden, each machine has the same key function of blowing away leaves. However, each model offers different user functionality, depending on the size of the yard.
Leaf Blower for Small Yards
For smaller yards, or clearing patios and decks, gardeners can rely on a handheld leaf blower for their top choice. Handheld units are lightweight, easy to maneuver and offer the gardener compact storage. Handhelds are generally more affordable than backpack-style leaf blowers.
The Best Leaf Blower for Medium to Large Yards
For larger gardens and extended run time, the backpack-style leaf blower is your best option. These leaf blowers mount to your back, reducing operator fatigue during large clearing jobs. The cordless operation means you can walk around your yard without worrying about a power cord tripping you up or running short.
These models typically have higher MPH and CFM values than handheld machines, but they also produce more noise during operation. These leaf blowers are also the best choice for landscapers of contractors clearing large areas.
Leaf Blower Power Sources
Leaf blowers come in gas-powered and electric models. Choosing the right model for your garden depends on your living environment and your clearing needs. Each of the types has its benefits and drawbacks, and you’ll need to decide on the right tool for your work.
We recommend looking at a battery-powered option where possible. Battery-powered models are kinder to the environment, and they won’t get you in trouble with your neighbors if you live in an environmentally-conscious neighborhood.
Battery-Powered Leaf Blowers
For first-time leaf blower owners, and those gardeners living in quiet communities, the battery-powered model will be the best choice for your application.
Most battery-powered options also allow the user to swap batteries with other similar branded power tools. For example, you can change the DeWALT battery pack with any other 18-volt DeWALT battery pack, and your machine will work fine.
First-time blower users might find the nuance of maintaining and operating a gas-powered model somewhat overwhelming. With a battery-powered model, you click the battery into place, pull the trigger, and you’re on your way.
Battery-powered leaf blowers require very little maintenance, other than ensuring that the nozzle is clean and the batteries have a charge.
However, battery-operated leaf blowers have a limited run time between charges. In some cases, you might only get 15-minutes of run time, or less, depending on the model you choose. Gas-powered motors may run dry on fuel, but you can always fill it up.
Most battery-powered models take at least 2-hours to charge, requiring many homeowners to invest in a second battery. Leaving your clearing job while you wait for the battery in your leaf blower to recharge can be a frustrating experience.
Corded Leaf Blowers
Purchasing a battery-powered leaf blower can set you back quite a bit in your budget. Lithium-ion battery technology is expensive, and this reflects in the purchase price of battery-powered machines.
If you want an electric model, but you don’t have the budget for a battery-powered leaf blower, then consider a corded version. Corded models are also very lightweight because they don’t house a battery pack, reducing operator fatigue.
However, we have to admit that we don’t use or recommend corded types. Cords get in the way, and they turn what should be an easy job, into a chore.
Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
Gas-powered leaf blowers can be challenging to master for first-time leaf blower owners. However, if you have plenty of experience with using other gas-powered tools and machines, then the leaf blower should present too much of a problem.
Gas-powered models offer longer run times, and if you run out of gas, all you need to do is fill up the gas tank, and you can carry on with your clearing.
Most gas-powered models offer higher CFM and MPH values than electric models. However, there are a few electric models, such as the Toro 51619 Ultra Blower and Vacuum, that perform as well as gas-powered models.
Gas-powered models also include two-stroke motors, meaning that you’ll need to add oil to the fuel at a specific ratio.
Some gardeners may find this operating requirement intimidating, forcing them to choose an electric model. Overall, maintenance on gas-powered leaf blowers is what puts off most first-time buyers when assessing the utility of the machine.
By far, the most significant drawback to owning a gas-powered model is the noise that the machine produces during operation. While the high-pitch shrill of the fan is already loud, the addition of a two-stroke motor compounds the noise pollution.
Therefore, we recommend gas-powered leaf blowers for those gardeners that live on estates, where operating the machine won’t disturb your neighbors.
Leaf Blower Accessories and Extra Features
When reviewing your ideal leaf blower, it’s a good idea to check out the accessories that come with the machine. Accessories can make a huge difference in the cost of your blower, providing you with more value for your money.
Many manufacturers don’t include a full leaf blowing accessory kit with the machine, requiring the gardener to purchase accessories separately. It’s for this reason that we feel the Toro 51619 Ultra Blower and Vacuum is such a good deal.
The machine comes with a complete accessory kit, including a collection back and a built-in mulcher. There’s no need to spend any money on additional accessories, and you get everything you need in one kit.
Maintaining Your Leaf Blower
Leaf blowers are seasonal tools. Gardeners will find they get the most use out of the machine during the autumn. However, in some cases, a leaf blower can double as a snowblower for light snowfalls as well.
However, because of the low usage of the machine, maintenance is not much of a concern with a battery-powered model. The battery in an electric leaf blower should provide you with at least 5-years of service life before it needs replacing.
Gas-powered leaf blowers are a different animal. Leaving fuel in the tank for a prolonged period will ruin the machine. Therefore, you’ll need to drain the fuel tank at the end of the fall.
Gas-powered models also include mechanical parts in the motor. Therefore, you’ll need to send the machine into a dealer for servicing every other year to ensure it stays in good condition.
When storing the leaf blower over the winter season, cover it with a drop cloth to prevent dust from penetrating the housing of the leaf blower.
Leaf Blower FAQ
If you find yourself sitting on the fence regarding your purchase, we recommend you read through these frequently asked questions.
What Is the Most Important Metric for Choosing a Leaf Blower, MPH, or CFM?
Both of the metrics apply when selecting the right leaf blower for your garden. Most people are more familiar with the MPH reading than they are with the cubic feet per minute (CFM) reading. However, CFM may play a more significant role when selecting your leaf blower.
While MPH is a critical metric for understanding the power of the machine, CFM provides you with an idea of its clearing capability. Gardeners should choose a leaf blower offering the best balance between MPH and CFM outputs.
Leaf blowers with high CFM and high MPH readings will have better power and more range.
What Is the Best MPH Rating for a Leaf Blower?
The MPH reading of your leaf blower depends on the jobs you intend on doing with the machine. You need an MPH reading of at least 150 MPH for efficient operation. Most models settle around the 200 MPH mark, which is as fast as a category five hurricane.
In most cases, you won’t need an MPH reading over 150 if you’re clearing a small yard. Medium to large-sized yards can benefit from machines that produce an output of 200 MPH, and landscapers will find that most industrial and heavy-duty models offer MPH readings of 230 or more.
What Is the Best CFM for a Leaf Blower?
As with the MPH reading, the ideal CFM metric depends on the size of your yard, and the workload on the machine. Most electric battery-powered models offer gardeners CFMs of between 200 to 400, which is more than enough to clear away garden debris like leaves.
Heavy-duty machines can offer CFMs of up to 600, but these leaf blowers are only for use on large areas. It’s essential to measure the CFM and MPH of the machine to your gardening requirements.
If you select a leaf blower that’s too strong for your yard, it will blow the leaves around, making a mess. However, choose an underpowered model, and it won’t clear large piles of leaves.
What Is the Ideal Gauge of Extension Cord for a Corded Leaf Blower?
We typically don’t recommend that gardeners select a corded leaf blower, especially if it’s your first machine. The cord gets in the way while you’re working, making it a hassle to continue your clearing job.
However, some gardeners might not have the budget for a battery-powered or gas-powered machine., In this case, a corded model might be a pragmatic solution to your clearing needs. When using a corded model, you’ll need to use an extension cord to power the machine.
The gauge of extension cord you need for your machine depends on the Amperage required by the leaf blower.
A machine rated for 12 amps or less, requires the use of a 16-gauge, light-duty electrical extension to power your leaf blower.
Larger models with higher outputs and more Amperage can use a medium-duty 14-gauge extension cord.
It’s important to note that the length of your cord also plays a significant role in choosing the right gauge of extension. Gardeners can use a 16-gauge, heavy-duty extension cord that’s up to 50 feet long. If you want to go longer than that, then we suggest you up the gauge.
Conclusion
Buying the right leaf blower to suit your gardening needs requires some consideration. If you have a small yard, then a handheld model is the ideal choice. In this case, we recommend you look at our top pick, the Toro 51619 Ultra Blower and Vacuum.
The 3-in-1 functionality of this machine reduces the chore of clearing your yard. Blow the leaves into a pile, suck them up with the vacuum function, and then shred them into mulch for your yard, all with one machine.
However, the Greenworks and the Echo backpack blower also make for excellent choices as well, depending on your needs.
All of the machines we cover in this review are worthy of mention. Therefore, if you’re a die-hard fan of a power tool brand (We’re talking to your DeWALT and Makita fans out there), then there’s a leaf blower for you in this review as well.
