Our experts
Alexandra Chikhrinova is an expert in the “Home and Dacha” department of the online hypermarket VseInstrumenty.ru. Svetlana Dusatova is the director of the “Garden” department of Lemana PRO (Leroy Merlin).
Content
Best Garden Leaf Blowers and Vacuums – Which is BestHow to Choose a Garden Leaf Blower and VacuumBest Garden Leaf Blower and Vacuum Manufacturers in 2024 – Expert OpinionBest Gasoline Leaf Blowers and VacuumsBest Handheld Gasoline Leaf Blowers-VacuumsBest Backpack Gasoline Leaf BlowersBest Cordless Leaf Blowers and VacuumsBest Handheld Cordless Air Blowers-VacuumsBest Handheld Cordless Leaf BlowersBest Cordless Backpack Leaf BlowersBest Electric Leaf Blowers-Vacuums
Garden vacuums and leaf blowers: which is better?
A leaf blower, as the name suggests, is used to remove debris from the garden. This is convenient when you need to collect fallen leaves or other “trifles” in one place, for example, near a wall or fence. This is where the work with the tool ends, because it serves only for blowing. However, there are blowers with a spray function – they can be used in another situation – when processing plants.
Leaf blowers are convenient to use when you need to collect fallen leaves or other “trifles” in one place, for example, against a wall or fence. Photo by : iStock
A garden vacuum cleaner has both a blowing function and, on the contrary, a suction function. It allows you to clean the surface of leaves, grass and debris in a short period of time. For this purpose, the vacuum cleaner usually comes with a bag, which contains all the “unnecessary” after cleaning.
Some vacuum cleaner models are capable of shredding the waste that enters them. Photo by: iStock
Just like a blower, a vacuum cleaner has additional functions; for example, some models are capable of shredding the garbage that comes to them. “This allows you to reduce the volume of collected waste: the higher the shredding percentage, the less space the collected waste will take up,” says Alexandra Chikhrinova, an expert from the “Home and Dacha” department of the VseInstrumenty.ru online hypermarket.
How to choose a garden vacuum and leaf blower
To understand what the pros and cons of different device models are, it is important to understand what parameters to pay attention to.
Force
This is one of the main technical features, as it is responsible for the performance of the tool. However, it is important to maintain a balance: the more power, the higher the price (and the equipment itself is heavier and makes more noise). If you need a garden vacuum cleaner to clean a small area, you will not need the most powerful unit.
Expert opinion
“For small areas up to ten acres, vacuum cleaners with a power of 1500-2000 W are suitable. For larger areas, it is better to choose a model with a power of 2500 W or more,” advises Alexandra Chikhrinova.
Gasoline blowers are more powerful, so to clean a small area (100-150 m2) a tool with a power of up to 1.5 horsepower is sufficient.
Air flow velocity
This value is measured in meters per second or kilometers per hour. It shows how heavy the debris is that the instrument can eject. Models with a reduced air flow rate (up to 80 km/h) are also suitable for clearing dry leaves or grass. By choosing a speed of 120-250 km/h, you can count on successful clearing of small branches and wet leaves.
Ease of use
Another criterion is the volume of the garbage bag, says Svetlana Dusatova, head of the Gardening department at Lemana PRO (Leroy Merlin). “The larger it is, the less often you will have to empty it. Pay attention to models with bags with a volume of 45 to 60 liters.”
Garden equipment manufacturers often produce models with additional accessories that make cleaning even easier:
Shoulder strap. Suitable for heavy models, the weight of which will be distributed over the human body. Replaceable nozzles. With the help of various “attachments” the tool can be adapted to different surfaces. Anti-vibration system. The load on the hand is reduced, which means that you can use the device for a longer time. It also transfers part of the weight of the unit onto itself. However, such an addition will most likely be inconvenient when clearing leaves, bushes and grass, as the wheel will stick to such debris. There are models of backpack blowers that allow you not to carry the tool in your hands, but to put it on your back.
Important! You can buy noise-cancelling headphones – it will be more comfortable to work with them, especially if you have to clean a large area.
Best Leaf Blowers and Garden Vacuums Manufacturers in 2024: Expert Opinion
If you need a garden vacuum to clean a small area, you won’t need the most powerful unit. Photo by: iStock
According to the selection criteria we have identified, experts point out several leaders. According to Svetlana Dusatova, these are:
Makita, Worx, Katana, Greenworks.
They are “known for their reliability and power.”
At the same time, Svetlana explains, buyers do not always pay attention to the manufacturer of the equipment: “Often, buyers’ choice is influenced by factors such as price and functionality. For example, Sterwins garden vacuum cleaner models, known for their quality. Their quality and ease of use, offer compact and lightweight models ideal for small areas and clearing leaves from sidewalks, which attracts buyers.”
Alexandra highlights brands such as:
The expert explains that “users are turning to analogue equipment from lesser-known brands, which allows them to save money.”
However, price is not always the decisive factor: let’s take a look at the popular models of blowers and vacuum cleaners on the citilink.ru store website. Among them are branded units:
ZITREK, Bison, Bosch, Greenworks, Deko.
Their cost varies from 2,800 to 18,500 rubles. Users of the site note that the tools are quite functional: in addition to the technical advantages we have already highlighted (power, air flow speed, etc.), they allow, for example, to clear snow from a car or a computer from dust. Therefore, investing in a leaf blower will pay off in more ways than just in the garden.
Important! Please note that garden vacuum cleaners also differ in the type of power supply. Some are powered by electricity, others by batteries, and others by gasoline. Let’s look at their differences and highlight those models that are worth choosing.
The best gasoline blowers and vacuum cleaners
These tools can weigh up to ten kilograms, so working with them will require physical strength. However, their power is worth it – they are indispensable on large surfaces, for example when cleaning park areas. The headphones we wrote about earlier are great for gas-powered leaf blowers, as they make a lot of noise.
Gasoline blowers and vacuum cleaners are indispensable for large areas, for example when cleaning park areas. Photo by: iStock
Best portable gas vacuums and blowers
Patriot BG 125. The model has a number of advantages: one horsepower and a displacement of 25 cm3 are enough to clean large surfaces. The anti-vibration system will make working with the tool more comfortable. Electrolite EBV280EL. Like the previous unit, this unit is equipped with an easy start function, which allows you to start it smoothly and quickly even in the cold autumn. Low cost and light weight are also advantages of the tool.
The best gas backpack vacuums and blowers
STIHL BR 200. Let’s note right away that this device may not be suitable for clearing wet leaves. However, it is quite environmentally friendly (the point is in the patented engine, thanks to which the emission of harmful substances is reduced) and consumes fuel moderately. The powerful engine, about 4.1 horsepower, also gives rise to one drawback : the unit is quite heavy, its weight when fully refueled is about 15 kilograms. Returning to the advantages, you can quickly complete work on the site and quickly clean the unit (the air filter is easy to open and clean).
There are backpack blower models that allow you to not carry the tool in your hands, but rather put it on your back. Photo by: iStock
The best cordless blowers and vacuums
Cordless leaf blowers have comparable power to electric ones and make little noise. They are quite compact, environmentally friendly and suitable for sites of different sizes. When choosing such a device, it is important to pay attention to the battery capacity, since the operating time of the blower depends on this parameter.
Best Cordless Handheld Leaf Blowers
STORM! CGB1801. This unit has a convenient feature – you can regulate the air flow pressure. The blower can easily clean small areas from small debris. Judging by customer reviews, the tool “fits comfortably in the hand” and the air flow quickly blows away debris. However, you should be prepared for the noisy operation of the model.
Best Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaners
Green Works GD40BV. The weight of the tool is just under 2 kilograms, and the air flow speed is 370 km/h, which is suitable for quickly clearing not only branches, but also heavier debris. It is important that the blower has 6 speeds, is lightweight and compact. There is a protection system against accidental falling of objects on the turbine blades.
When choosing a battery-powered device, it is important to pay attention to the battery capacity, since the operating time of the blower depends on it. Photo by: iStock
Best Cordless Backpack Leaf Blowers/Vacuums
Greenworks 2401207. Low noise and vibration levels will make work on the construction site easier, and high power will increase your speed. If environmental friendliness is important to you, then this choice will also be correct. WORTEX BB 2536 D ALL1 0333234. Sellers note the high durability of the tool, so this investment will be relevant for a long time. The backpack will make work easier, although the unit itself weighs a little – 2 kg.
The best vacuum cleaners with electric blower
Such devices are lighter, produce less noise and do not pollute the environment. The price of an electric blower is several times lower than that of a petrol blower. One disadvantage may be the lack of an extension cord, because in this case it is impossible to work on large areas. Low power is also disappointing. The conclusion is that it is better to use such a blower in small areas.
Makita UB1103. A backpack unit with adjustable speed will become an assistant in the garden. The rubberized handle will create comfortable working conditions. The quiet operation of the unit is complemented by another advantage – the presence of a grinding function. It is also environmentally friendly and does not emit harmful substances.
