The Best Leaf Vacuum Blower Buying Guide in 2022

18 mins read

A leaf blower is a tool that modern-day gardeners use. It propels the air from the nozzle to move the debris. They can be powered by either electricity or by gasoline. The gasoline models generally operated using a two-stroke engine. The four-stroke has been introduced only recently, as a step to reduce air pollution caused.

As soon as a tree sheds its leaves, the leaf blower is used to quickly gather the leaves. While some argue that leaf blowers have a use, only for the fall season, regular users would agree that they are used throughout the year.

Even when there is light snow and you would like nothing more than to make your walkway windblown, you can use leaf blowers. Apart from the more traditional leaf blower, there are modern versions of the leaf blower, which vary from hand-held and wheeled, to backpack models. Because of the variety available, it is not easy to decide the model that will suit you best.

Factors To Consider Before You Can Buy A Leaf Blower

  1. The size of the area that has to be cleared.
  2. Decide how much you would like to lift, using the leaf blower.
  3. Figure out if you want a corded or a cordless model. If you have access to a power socket right in your backyard, the corded model works well.
  4. Decide if you want an encumbered battery or if you would prefer a gas-powered model.
  5. Think about the money that you are ready to invest in the leaf blower.
  6. Determine how much space you have to store your leaf blower when you are not using it.

Once these factors are figured out, making the right choice becomes easy. However, keep in mind that these factors will only help you, by acting as a guideline and not serve as the decisive factor. To make a well-informed choice, read on to learn more about leaf blowers.


Analysis of Best Electric, Gas, & Backpack Leaf Blowers

With summer coming to a close once more, it won’t be long before the leaves are ablaze in crimson and golden hues – a sight to warm the hearts of most, to be sure. That is until those same leaves (millions of them) are deposited upon your lawn and you are once again reminded why autumn is also called “fall.” If you’re one of the growing numbers of homeowners ready to trade in the leaf rake for a leaf blower, HuntForGardening has published its best buy and most recommended leaf blower models.

Five leaf blowers were rated “Best” by the HuntForGardening Experts:

  1. Toro Ultra Blower Vac 51599
  2. Black & Decker LSW221
  3. Toro Power Sweep 51585
  4. Echo PB-255LN
  5. Echo PB-265L

According to the HuntForGardeing, testers divided leaf blowers into four types based upon function and intended use, and reported recommended and best buys in each type after testing more than 30 models:

  • Electric Handheld: Recommended for smaller areas
  • Gasoline Handheld: Recommended for larger areas requiring more power
  • Gasoline BackpacK: Recommended for those clearing large areas and wish to shift weight from the arms
  • Gasoline Wheeled: Recommended for very large areas and high power

The Best Leaf Vacuum Blowers Of 2022

Leaf Blowers are never so much in demand, as they are during fall. With so many countries and states facing short spells of drought, agriculture was expected to be at an all-time low. Despite all odds, trees continue to grow, bloom, blossom and shed. Thanks to nature, leaf blowers continue to hold a place in your outdoor equipment kit. And now that fall season is coming up soon, you will probably want to buy a leaf blower.

This is an era where external appearances mean a lot. This also makes you think, if you want to tarnish the looks of your pristine house with a messy backyard, filled with leaves and even worse, leaves that are raked up in a corner or gathered together using a leaf blower.

To make these problems go away, the most practical thing to do is to get a leaf blower that also converts the debris into mulch. With the market booming with variety, we are here to make things easier on you. A list of the best eight leaf vacuum blowers is compiled below.

1. Black + Decker Lithium-ion Sweeper/Vacuum 

BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX Cordless Sweeper (LSW36)

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Black & Decker has created this flawless cordless mower. It has a design that is not only efficient but is also quick in cleaning up the messes and debris. The vacuum also works on hard surfaces like patios and lawns.

By switching to the vacuum mode, it can be used to suck up debris and leaves and collect it in the additional bag that is attached. The ideal time to use it is after a backyard birthday party.

The blower has a 40V Lithium-ion battery that is rechargeable and will not get caught in cords. With this battery, you will not have to deal with a gas-powered motor either.  A Scrapper is built in the system, which can be used to loosen the debris that has become a matter on the blow tube.

By choosing between different speeds, it is possible to maximize power/energy savings. The vacuum costs around $82 and comes with a 2-year warranty. While other models come with a range of speed settings, this model has only limited settings, but it still is the best in its price range.


2. WORX Cordless Gutter Kit

WORX TURBINE 12 Amp Corded Leaf Blower with Fit Gutter Cleaning Kit for Blowers

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The WORX model is a combo kit. It functions as a sweeper, a blower, and a cleaner. It is powered by the 32 volt Lithium battery and is cordless. The kit comes with 14 cleaning attachments, that when used in different places of the house have a different purpose.  It even clears the gutters.

The battery has made it possible to avoid the tangling cords and the messy gas. Just like other light-weight and compact equipment, it fits just about everywhere.  By twisting the tubes to the desired length and adding the appropriate equipment at the end, we can get the job done.

There are nine other attachments, such as a long and short tube, dust and detail brush, extension hose and duster, as well as the wand and inflator nozzle. It also has a deflated cover. The kit can be bought at $202.28 with free shipping. It is relatively expensive but it is of multipurpose use and several functions can be done with the same kit.

The length can also be reduced to use it indoors. It is light weighted. While it does a range of functions, it is limited, when it has to act as a plain old vacuum cleaner.


3. Toro Ultra Electric Blower/Vacuum

Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum, Variable-Speed (up to 250 mph) with Metal Impeller, 12 amp,Red

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It is a powerful unit that is easy to use, releasing up to 250 mph of the air stream. It can blow, as well as vacuum debris like grass clippings into a bag. Without using any tools, it is possible to convert the blower into a vacuum. The compressed debris is about a half-inch high, and it is reduced from 88% of mulched debris.

The vacuum bag is also new and improved, which has a bottom-zip. Smaller pieces of debris, like grass clippings, can also fit into the bag.  The built-in cord lock makes it possible to extend the cord of the blower. The cord storage hook and concentrator nozzle are also found in the product packaging.

The power switch is a bit wobbly, where the electrical cord could come loose easily. It also has a small mulching capacity. The equipment is affordable and is easy to use.

There are also two choices in speed- low and high. The blower is perfect for yards that are sized from small to medium sizes.


4. Black + Decker Electric Leaf Blower and Vacuum

BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower, Leaf Vacuum, Mulcher (BEBL7000)

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From its second appearance on the list already, it is pretty evident that Black and Decker are one of the leading manufacturers in maintenance products and power tools. This 12 Amp leaf blower and vacuum provides for all your gardening needs. It does blowing, vacuuming and mulching, powered by a 230 mph blower.

The steady and strong air flow released makes it ideal for use in the medium and large yards. It clears leaves, pine needles, grass clippings and other debris that you would typically find on your lawn.

Irrespective of whether you want to sweep across fragile flower beds or matted leaves, this equipment is the one you need; the speed settings come handy here. Starting the system is also effortless, as pushing the engine starts it.

The machine has a low noise rating and is also lightweight.  The machines switches between the blowing and the vacuuming mode easily and is supported by the vacuum bags that save time and effort. While it is very quiet on the low-speed setting, on high speed, it can be pretty loud. The machine is pretty heavy and lacks a shoulder strap, so it might be a bit difficult to handle.


5. Troy- Bilt TB2BV Leaf Vacuum

BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower, Leaf Vacuum, Mulcher (BEBL7000)

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This vacuum is used to give a clean sweep across the lawn and the hard surfaces. It sweeps just about everything in its path and leaves behind a clean finish. The equipment is big and powerful and does a good job when it is cleaning large areas.

The system uses a jump starter technology which helps you to turn on the machine by just pressing a button.  Because of the powerful air that blows, the rate at which leaves are picked up is also high. It runs on gas and, hence, requires more maintenance.

The airflow vlume is 150mph which can also be expressed at 450 CFM. By using SpringAssist, JumpStart and Cruise control throttle, it is possible to control the heavy equipment and use it safely and effectively.

The box also contains support equipment such as upper and lower blow tubes and the upper and lower vac tubes, as well as a collection bag. The engine uses a two cycle system featuring an engine that is full-crank, which has a capacity of 27cc.

Besides functioning as a vacuum, it also does the functions as a blower and a mulcher. With a plastic impeller, the product also vibrates. The warranty extends for 2 years and the equipment weighs roughly 12 lbs.


6. TORO UltraPlus Vacuum Blower

Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum, Variable-Speed (up to 250 mph), 12 amp,Red & Worx WA4058 LeafPro Universal Leaf Collection System for All Major Blower/Vac Brands,Black/Orange

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The UltrapPlus 51621 made by Toro is not just a blower but also functions as a vacuum. The technology it is used is the Shredz All Shred Ring Technology. It reduces around 97% of the mulched debris and makes it less than half an inch. The kit has a nozzle kit that oscillates.

This features makes it is possible to create wider blowing path by sweeping the air back and forth. A latch makes it easy to switch from blower to vacuum quickly. It has excellent mulching and blowing capabilities.  Once you are done using it, the components can be stored in a vacuum bag.

The machine has variable speed control, which means there is improved control in both the modes. It has superior mulching and blocking capabilities.  On purchase, you will get the cord storage kit, the shred ring, bottom zip bag and time-saving oscillating tube and vacuum tube.

While it could have better mulching capabilities, it works brilliantly well as a blower. It costs less than $100, so if you want to make a long term investment on the mid-range blower, this is the way you should go.


7. Black & Decker BCBL700D1 Blower

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Leaf Blower, Axial, 2.0-Ah (BCBL700D1)

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Using switch speeds of up to 250 mph, Black & Decker blow leaves and other debris. It can also perform a range of tasks such as mulching and vacuuming. This model is only half as loud as the other leaf blowers.

This way, you can avoid getting all those complaints from your neighbors. The presence of the high-impact metal fan makes it possible to prevent clogging when it is used for mulching. Using two-speed selection, the speed and the intensity can be varied, making it possible to deal with both soft-land and hard ground.

The tool-free changing operation also makes it possible to switch between modes easily. Irrespective of whether you want to clean the garage or the sidewalk, it is effective and acts as an all-rounder.  The BCBL700D1 is capable of converting 16 bags of debris into 1. It produces a mere 68 dB of noise and it is really easy to switch between modes. While it can chop and grind the leaves and debris, it is not very effective with twigs.

For anyone who wants to remove a large number of leaves, they can remove it. It is ideal for places with plenty of trees, like a boulevard.


8. GreenWorks Variable Speed Cordless Blower / Vac 24322

Greenworks 40V 185 MPH Variable Speed Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum, 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Included 24322 & G-MAX 40V Li-Ion Battery 29472

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This is the best leaf vacuum blower that money can buy in the current market. It does not have any emissions and causes less pollution. For clearing and cleaning the debris from your backyard, it offers a versatile solution. It works just as well in the garage, driveway, deck, and patio. Just by charging it one single time, it is possible to collect debris that occupies four and a half bags of debris.

The battery life is 80% longer than a normal vac. The brushless motors also cause reduced vibration and noise. With an air speed of 185 mph and 340 CFM, there is absolutely no doubt about how well it performs. There is a cover or gate that protects the bottom of the blower from the spinning impeller of the blower. It is instrumental in reducing the risks of an injury.

It handles both wet and dry leaves with ease. The 24322 gets the work done quickly and efficiently because it has the capabilities of both the vacuum and the blower. The brushless motor also contributes to the longer motor life.  While most customers are happy with the 24322, there are some, who say that it needs to be even more powerful.

If you are looking for equipment that is reliable and can do quality work and can also serve as an all-rounder, then look no further; 24322 is the one you have been looking for. Check this blower analysis here.


Other Reviews

The Echo PB-251 gas leaf blower was recommended over an electric cord leaf blower if the work area is farther than “150 feet of an electrical outlet.” The model weighs 9.9 pounds and usually meets noise restriction requirements enforced in some communities. The Echo PB-251 has “rotation-control technology” adding to control and ease of use. The model comes with a 5 year warranty.

The Toro Ultra Blower Vac 51599 is a corded electric 12 amp blower and vac. The analysis states it is more powerful than most hands-held gas blowers. The model has a variable speed motor and the sound varies from 63 to 67 decibels. The metal blades, for mulching after vacuuming, are more durable than other models with plastic blades.

The Black & Decker NS118 is an 18-volt cordless model. It comes with a nickel-cadmium rechargeable battery and battery charger. The battery will provide 15 minutes of service before needing recharging. The weight of this model is only five pounds. The NS118 is best for “quick cleanup” as opposed to a whole yard job.

The Toro Power Sweep 51585 corded electrical leaf blower is best for surfaces within 150 feet of an electrical outlet. The model weighs slightly less than 5 pounds, with has a 63.5 decibel sound maximum. The noise level meets most community noise requirements.

Terminologies you MUST know

When you start looking up leaf blowers, you are bound to be bombarded with terminology that you do not know anything about. So here is a list of a few basic terms that you will do good to know.

MPH Ratings – This is used to indicate the speed at which the air from the nozzle escapes to the external world. As the nozzle size increases, the MPH rating falls, and with the smaller nozzle, the MPH increases.  This measure is used only by products made by companies like Sears and MTD.  Companies like ECHO and STIHL and Shindaiwa, however, measure CFM which stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. Based on this, the power of the blower can be evident.

Nozzle – While the flat nozzle will have higher MPH and lower CFM ratings, the round nozzle will have higher CFM and lower MPH. A Higher CFM rating means that the leaf blower will reduce and the price increases as you go for options like a backpack and walk behind.

Vibration Reduction Features – These are features that basically improve comfort.

Speed Settings – They are present to allow the speed at which air flows. This subsequently also controls the speed with which debris moves. In some blowers, the speed settings are fixed and in some, they are variable. In certain other types, it is possible to set a specific speed and lock down the values.

Reduction Ratio – The reduction ratio is the ratio between the number of bags of debris that was actually present to the number of bags it was reduced into by mulching capabilities. It is generally denoted by the number of bags that can be reduced to a single bag. The ratios can be 10:1 or 16:1.

Larger Diameter Tubes: Also known as larger diameter chutes, is the model that is capable of removing debris by vacuuming methods.

Simplified Choke Operation – It makes starting the blower easy, on the gas-powered blower.

Ratings: The performance and the power output are all measured by the ratings. For a corded blower, the current is rated, in Amperes and in the cordless blower, voltage is rated in volts; in gas powered blowers, the volume is rated in cc or cubic centimeter.

Two-Cycle Engine and Four Cycle Engines: With a two-cycle engine, the user can expect to have a balance of power and weight. However, it has to operate on both gasoline and oil. The oil can either be purchased pre-mixed or they can be mixed before usage. In the 4 cycle engine, it uses only gasoline. So, there is no need for mixing the gasoline. It is heavier than 2-cycle and requires oil change more frequently.

Leaf Vacuum/Blower types

Vacuum
Vacuum

There are four basic types of leaf blowers namely electric hand-held, gas-powered hand-held, gas-powered backpack, and the self-propelled blower. By using certain types of blowers, first, the blowers use a vacuum and allow the blower to collect the debris and the leaves and twigs in a bag that are attached to the blower for convenience’s sake.

It also makes it easy to dispose of it. The conversion type of leaf blower is ideally best suited for landscaping, when tidiness and class, determine the quality of the work done. A simple DIY method for the same is to use vacuums and string trimmers together.

Pro-Tip #1: When the product description found on the box says that it is a ‘bare tool only’, it means that only the tool is present in the box; there is no battery in the packaging. You will have to buy both a battery and a charger to use on the tool.

By using a corded blower, you can expect it to provide consistent electricity, without being held back by the weight of the battery. However, it will restrict mobility; this makes it ideal for clearing small areas and for house yards.

You will also have to find a compatible cord for the corded blower. The cordless leaf blower, however, has high mobility.  The batteries that are of higher voltages last longer and provide more time.  They also add weight. The batteries will, however, have to be recharged periodically. Based on the importance of the work you do, make sure you have a spare battery with you, in the case of battery failure.

Electric Handheld Blower

It works really well on smaller areas and is compact in size. The biggest advantage is that it is smaller in size. It is not very noisy and fairly quiet when it starts up.  It is generally corded, but battery-powered variants also exist.

Among the battery-powered variants, there are different capacities and most of them are not as powerful as the gas-powered variants.  Before you can purchase this type of leaf blower, make sure you evaluate the area that you have that must be cleared and also decide if the cord will get tangled up. And the most important factor of them all is to see if there is a power source at a convenient place.

Pro-Tip #2: In corded equipments, the cord is not included in the package. The cord must almost always be bought t separately and is not a part of the tool itself. The cord needs to be chosen appropriately and used suitably.


Gas Powered Handheld Blower

In cases where the power requirement is more than the power delivered by the electric blower and when the purpose is purely residential, you can opt for the gas-powered handheld blower.

The absence of the cord makes it easier to handle and maneuver. The leaf blower is slightly towards the heavier side, unlike the electric model. It is also more expensive and requires maintenance of the engine. The fuels will also have to be mixed for smooth operation.

Gas Powered Backpack Blower

This type of blower is strictly not for you if you have to work with only smaller areas of land. It is mainly intended for commercial purposes or if you have a humongous residential area. Because of the higher power that they offer and the ease with which they can be maneuvered, this type is widely preferred.

They weigh twice as much as a normal gas-powered handheld leaf blower, which is why the leaf blower is generally carried around in a harness. The backpack leaf blower was originally intended for landscapers, who work commercially. Lately, there has been an increase in the number of residential customers who have purchased this leaf blower, because of how effective it is.

With the backpack leaf blower, the time is taken drastically reduces.  It is advisable to compare the engine size and the weight of this type of leaf blower as well as the CFM output, to the handheld variant. Increasing the CFM reduces the time that you would actually spend in the yard, cleaning it up.


Self-Powered Blower

The self-powered blower, also known as the push blower, is very powerful. In fact, it is the most powerful type, currently in existence. It works and looks a lot like a lawnmower and can be pushed.  It blows the debris away by using high power and speed. This makes it a good buy if you are looking to clean a large residential area.

The wheels also make it a bit hard to maneuver. The blower is the most expensive model and requires a lot of storage space. It has high CFM output. When you have land that is more than one acre in size, this is a good equipment to blow leaves with.

Pro-Tip #3: when you have several outdoor types of equipment that will require a battery and a charger, buy one battery and use it for all purposes. This way, you spend less and use more. The outdoor equipment mentioned includes leaf blower, trimmer, mower, and a chainsaw.

By understanding the area that would have to be covered and the amount of power you would need to clear the debris as well as the capacity of the user, you can easily pick the leaf blower that would work best for you.

Pro-tip #4: In a cordless blower, NiCad and Li-ion batteries can be found. Li-ion stands for Lithium ion battery and it is lighter and smaller than the NiCad battery, which stands for Nickel Cadmium, which cannot hold the charge for months between uses, like the Li-Ion can.

In addition to all the features mentioned, for a handyman who does all the work by himself, a smart move is to also look for equipment that contains all the facilities. For instance, rather than looking for a leaf blower that does one task, look for equipment that has optional attachments such as leaf blowers, mowers, snow blowers and pressure washers. Apart from maintaining smaller storage space, it also reduces the maintenance cost.

Leaf Blower Safety Measures

There are some safety measures that you could use before you start using your leaf blower. They are

  1. Wearing protective aids on your ears. It does not matter how well your leaf blower scored on the noise tests, always protect your ears.
  2. Wear a dust mask and goggles. This can help you avoid endless problems, especially if you are wearing contact lens.
  3. The area that you are cleaning needs to be clear from pets and people.
  4. Do not run your leaf blower really early or very late in the day. This way, you are not a public menace and are just a friendly neighbor.

And the most important thing that you should look into, before you buy a leaf blower, is to read a lot of Analysis. The leaf-blower is not something you use one day and throw away the next.

It is a long-term investment. And the best place to know if you are making the right investment is by knowing what people who had previously bought it, thought of it. And always remember, the more expensive the product, fewer the buyers and fewer the Analysis.

Conclusion

This list consists of the best leaf vacuum blower that exists in the market.  They are all exceptional products and can all do the job required. The jobs mentioned here giving you a clean yard that is free from debris like leaves, twigs, dust and plant waste. Deciding which one will do the job for you is up to you.

There are several factors that you will have to consider like your budget, the area that you want to cover, the functions that you expect your leaf vacuum blower to perform and most importantly the performance that you can expect. Hopefully, these can help you decide which one you need to buy. If you have not been able to decide, then check out guides on how to choose the vacuum blower for you.

Just remember, whatever product you want to buy, you will constantly have to decide between the pros and the cons. Decide if the pros outweigh the cons and if they do, then go ahead. Just buy it. It is a good investment and by making the right choice, it will serve you will for many number of years.

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