The Best Electric Leaf Blowers – 2018
A decent leaf blower makes short work of yard work. Much more effective than using a broom, you can quickly clear leaves, debris, lawn clippings and more away from the paved areas of your yard.
There are 3 main categories of leaf blower – gas powered, cordless electric, and the corded electric types we will look at here.
You will need a power outlet within a reasonable distance of your yard if you decide on a corded electric blower.
Safety Notice: you should always use a GFCI power outlet for any corded electrical equipment being used outdoors, including leaf blowers.
Also consider noise regulations in your area – generally electric leaf blowers are quieter than their gasoline counterparts, however it’s best to confirm the model you choose conforms to your local regulations.
The corded electric leaf blowers on the market today can be further split into two categories - blower / vacuums, and blowers. Blower / Vacuums can be used either to blow leaves and debris away, or as outdoor vacuum cleaners, which suck debris into a detachable bag.
The vacuum types usually have a mulching facility, which chops debris down to a smaller size for easier disposal (or potentially for use as garden mulch).
Once you have decided on the type of blower, the main differences between the different models available are noise, air speed, portability, quality and price.
We will consider blower / vacuums first:
The Best Corded Electric Leaf Blower / Vacuum In 2018 - Comparison
Corded Leaf Blowers with vacuum function and detachable debris bags
# | Make | Model | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1a | Black & Decker | Blower / Vacuum | $$ | |
#1b | Black & Decker | Blower / Vacuum | $$ | |
#1c | Black & Decker | Blower / Vacuum | $$$ | |
#2a | Toro | Blower / Vacuum | $$$ | |
#2b | Toro | Blower / Vacuum | $$$ |
#1 - Black & Decker BV5600/BV6000/BV6600
3 different-but-the-same Black & Decker Blower / Vacuum / Mulchers to choose from
Black & Decker BV5600 High Performance Blower/Vac/Mulcher
- 12 amp 3-in-1 blower, vacuum and mulcher
- 180mph/250 mph, two fixed speeds
- Can grind up to 16 bags of mulch down to one
- Tool-free changing between vacuum and blower
- Noise : 68 dBA
- Weight 8.1lb
- Warranty: 2 years
Black & Decker BV6000 High Performance Blower/Vac/Mulcher
- 12 amp 3-in-1 blower, vacuum and mulcher
- 180mph/250 mph, two fixed speeds
- Disposable leaf bag system
- Can grind up to 16 bags of mulch down to one
- Tool-free changing between vacuum and blower
- Noise : 68 dBA
- Weight 8.1lb
- Warranty: 2 years
Black & Decker BV6600 High Performance Blower/Vac/Mulcher
- 12 amp 3-in-1 blower, vacuum and mulcher
- 140mph – 250mph, variable speed
- Disposable leaf bag system
- Can grind up to 16 bags of mulch down to one
- Tool-free changing between vacuum and blower
- Noise : 68 dBA
- Weight 8.1lb
- Warranty: 2 years
Fundamentally, these 3 blower / vac / mulchers are very similar, and do more-or-less the same job – the primary differences are the the attachments they come with, and the ability to adjust the air speed.
BV5600 vs BV6000
Air Speed
- Both the BV5600 and BV6000 have 2 selectable fixed speeds (180mph and 250mph). If 180mph is too much, or a speed in between is ideal, you should look at the BV6600.
Attachments
- BV5600: leaf blaster attachment
- BV6000: attachable diffuser
Accessories
- The BV6000 comes with a disposable leaf bag system and a detachable strap.
BV6000 vs BV6600
Air Speed
- The BV6000 has 2 selectable fixed speeds (180mph and 250mph). The BV6600's air speed is infinitely adjustable by the user, you can set it to any speed between 140mph to 250mph.
Attachments
- Both the BV6000 & BV6600 are supplied with an attachable diffuser.
- The BV6600 comes with an additional rake attachment.
Accessories
- Both the BV6000 & BV6600 come with a disposable leaf bag system and a detachable strap.
Common Features Of All 3 Black & Decker Leaf Blowers
All 3 feature metal fans (which prevent clogging), quick & easy changing between vacuum and blower (no tools required), soft grip handles, and built-in cord retainers. The blowers themselves weigh just over 8 pounds. The bags can hold about another 20lb of mulch when vaccuming. Noise levels are about average for the type (68dBa is around the same noise level as a domestic indoor vaccum cleaner).
If you want the basic model, the 2 fixed speeds are enough for you and you’re not concerned about the extra attachments, the BV5600 would be the best bet. If you want the attachments but not the infinitely variable speed selection, choose the BV6000. The ultimate Black & Decker electric corded leaf blower is the BV6600.
Minor Issues
Minor flaws and issues you should be aware of, before deciding which blower is best for your needs
Although these blowers aren't especially heavy, they are heavier than some competitors. The BV5600 in particular could do with the detachable shoulder strap that the other 2 models come with, to take some of the load. This is particularly noticeable when you're vacuuming, as you end up carrying the weight of the blower and all the debris you vacuumed up around with you.
Manual
Click here to download the user manual for all 3 models.
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#2 - Toro 51619 / 51621
For most users, these Toro leaf blowers are no better or worse than our #1 pick, but they're usually more expensive.
Toro 51619 Ultra 12A Variable Speed Leaf Blower/Vacuum
- 12 amp 3-in-1 blower, vacuum and mulcher
- Variable speed, up to 250mph
- Includes vacuum tube, bottom-zip bag & cord storage hook
- Infinitely variable speed control
- Noise: 68dBa
- Weight: 8.9lb
- Warranty: 2 years
Toro 51621 UltraPlus 12A Variable Speed Leaf Blower/Vacuum
- 12 amp 3-in-1 blower, vacuum and mulcher
- Variable speed, up to 250mph
- Includes vacuum tube, bottom-zip bag & cord storage hook
- Infinitely variable speed control
- Noise: 68dBa
- Weight: 8.9lb
- Warranty: 2 years
The Toro 51619 and 51621 seem at first glance to be broadly similar to the 3 Black and Decker models mentioned above – same power, same maximum air speed, same metal impeller, similar noise levels, similar weight. However the Toro 51621 comes with some extra attachments, which may justify its extra expense:
- An oscillating nozzle, which automatically sweeps air back and forth making a wider blowing path without moving your wrist
- A power insert for wet & heavy leaves
- A concentrator for use in corners & crevices
The Toro blower / vacuums come with a re-usable, bottom-zip vacuum bag, which can also be used to store the device and all the attachments.
Toro 51621 vs 51619
Like Black & Decker, Toro seem to be in the business of competing against themselves! At first glance, the 51619 and 51621 appear almost identical.
Key differences:
- The 51621 has a leaf-shredding ring (patented by Toro), which is claimed to reduce up to 97% of mulch to less than 1/2". The same statistic for the 51619 is 88%
- The 51619 doesn't have the oscillating nozzle that comes with the 51621
- The 51621 is usually a little more expensive, though prices do vary.
Apart from these differences, the two models appear to be identical.
Manual
Click here to download the 51619 user manual, and here for the 51621.
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The Best Corded Electric Leaf Blower 2018 - Comparison
Leaf Blowers only, with no detachable debris bag or vacuum function
# | Make | Model | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | WORX | Blower only | $$$ | |
#2 | Greenworks | Blower only | $$ | |
#3 | Sun Joe | Blower only | $ | |
#4 | Black & Decker | Blower only | $$ | |
#5 | Toro | Blower only | $$ |
#1 - WORX WG520 12 Amp Corded Leaf Blower
The WG520 is our favourite corded leaf blower - one of the most powerful electric leaf blowers available
- 12 Amp lightweight blower
- 60mph – 110 mph, variable speed
- 600cfm Airflow
- High capacity air volume with turbine fan technology
- Lightweight and ergonomic one-hand operation
- Noise: not stated
- Weight: 6.4lb
- Warranty: 3 years
The WORX WG520 Blower is a high capacity air volume blower, delivering up to 600cfm (similar to some backpack blowers). With air speeds up to 110mph and a variable-speed control system, this blower is suitable for heavier-duty work than some others in this comparison, such as the Black & Decker LB700.
Although the 110mph air speed may seem low compared to some other blowers in this category, the amount of air moved (measured in cubic feet per minute, or cfm) is much more important, and here the WG520 shines, moving up to 600cfm.
Like the WG506 and the Greenworks 24012, this is a blower only with no vacuum or mulching functions. This blower is suitable for large and small jobs, everything from sweeping the driveway and patio after mowing, to piling up leaves on a fall afternoon.
Considering its light weight, the air volume is exceptional – not long ago, you would have needed a gasoline engine at a much higher price point to move this much air.
Manual
Click here to download the user manual.
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#2 - Greenworks 24012 7A Electric Blower
This Greenworks model is great value and lightweight
- 7 Amp motor
- Simple light weight design
- Easy to use and easy to maintain
- 160mph air speed
- Safety Cord Lock feature
- Noise : 97 dBA
- Weight 4.5lb
- Warranty: 4 years
This lightweight model is a blower only (no vacuuming or mulching capability). It is extremely lightweight, and is backed by an impressive 4 year warranty (for residential use only).
The blower features a cord retainer device, to prevent the extension cord from becoming unplugged when using the blower.
On the downside, the speed is not adjustable & is significantly lower than the WORX and Black & Decker products.
The noise rating is on the high side – ear protection as well as safety glasses and a dust mask are advisable with this blower (as they are with all leaf blowers).
The Greenworks 24012 is a great option if you are looking for a lightweight, low cost blower.
Manual
Click here to download the user manual.
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#3 - Sun Joe SBJ601E 10A 2-Speed Electric Blower - Best Budget Leaf Blower
The SBJ601E is our favourite budget leaf blower
- 10 Amp motor
- Simple light weight design
- Safety Cord Lock feature
- Maximum 215mph air speed
- Up to 240cfm
- 2 speed settings
- Weight 4.4lb
- Warranty: 2 years
The Sun Joe SBJ601E stacks up well against the Greenworks 24012:
- Similar weight
- Similar price (usually)
- Safety Cord Lock feature
The SBJ601E has a more powerful motor (10 Amps vs 7 Amps), a higher maximum air speed (215mph vs 160mph), and it has 2 selectable air speeds, compared to the single-speed Greenworks blower.
The only real shortcoming the Sun Joe model has, compared to the Greenworks blower, is a shorter warranty (2 years vs 4 years).
Both blowers are cheap and cheerful - they are not really suited to heavy-duty operation, large areas, lots of heavy / wet / compacted leaves and debris. If you have a small yard, with an outdoor power point nearby, and you want to do some light-duty cleaning up, either the Sun Joe or Greenworks blowers would be ideal.
Manual
Click here to download the user manual.
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#4 - Black & Decker LB700 7-Amp Corded Blower
Another lightweight, low cost, moderate-power leaf blower
- 7 Amp motor
- Light weight
- Safety Cord Lock feature
- 180mph air speed
- 180cfm
- Single speed
- Weight 4.4lb
- Warranty: 2 years
Our #4 pick, the Black & Decker LB700 is another lightweight, low cost, moderate-power leaf blower, similar to the Greenworks 24012 and the Sun Joe SBJ601E above.
All 3 of these blowers feel like cheap toys compared to our #1 pick, however if you're just looking for a lightweight, low-cost, light-duty blower, they may fit the bill.
The Black & Decker model loses out to the Greenworks blower by having a shorter warranty, and to the Sun Joe model by virtue of the B&D's lower power & single speed, vs the two speeds of the Sun Joe model.
Prices change all the time, so if you're considering one of these blowers, and the LB700 is on sale at a lower price than the competitors, it may be the best choice.
Manual
Click here to download the user manual.
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#5 - Toro 51585 Power Sweep Electric Leaf Blower
Similar to our #2, #3 and #4 picks, but more expensive
- 7 Amp motor
- Light weight
- Safety Cord Lock feature
- 160mph air speed
- 155cfm
- Two speed
- Weight 4.6lb
- Warranty: 2 years
The Toro 51585 is another lightweight, low cost, moderate-power leaf blower, similar to our #2, #3 and #4 picks. The difference is, the Toro is more expensive than the others, often more than double the price.
The Toro does have the benefit of two selectable speeds, which can be an advantage near delicate plants etc. However, the maximum speed of 160mph, and the maximum airflow of 155cfm are both lower than the minimum figures of some other two-speed blowers.
Toro does have a good reputation, and has been established for a long time. We feel this particular blower is far too expensive to recommend (we have seen it prices not much lower than the far more capable WORX WG520 on occasion). If you do find the 51585 on sale at a comparable price to some of the other blowers mentioned here, it may be worth considering - however, bear in mind the limited performance.
Manual
Click here to download the user manual.
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What Makes A Good Leaf Blower?
Our buying guide will make sure you're informed before you decide which model is best for you
Air Volume
Air volume (measured in cfm, which means 'cubic feet per minute') is probably the most important criteria. There is no point buying a blower that doesn't blow hard enough! Electric leaf blowers are available with air volumes from under 90cfm to over 600cfm; more is better.
Air Speed
Air speed is also important - though it is easier for the manufacturer to play games with this feature (if they supply a small nozzle with the blower & rate the air speed with this nozzle attached, the air speed through the small nozzle will be high, but the blower will not be able to move much air at this speed).
Weight
Any yard tool you have to carry around will begin to cause fatigue after some time. Generally, the heavier the blower, the quicker you'll feel tired. This is a particular issue with the combined blower / vacuums, as you end up carrying the weight of all the debris you've vacuumed up, as well as the machine itself.
There are other factors, such as the balance of the blower, and any ergonomic design features such as the placement of the handles, however in our opinion, weight is the most important factor in determining how long you can use the blower without a break.
Maintenance / Cleaning
How to look after your new leaf blower, so it works as well as it can, and lasts as long as possible
Very little maintenance is required. Generally you'll just need to remove any debris from the outside of the blower with a stiff brush. Don't use solvents or water to clean these devices - some solvents can attack the plastic housing, and usually these leaf blowers are not protected against moisture.
You should occasionally check the outside of your blower for any cracks - there was a recall of some corded electric leaf blowers in 2016, due to cracks in the housing potentially allowing the user's fingers to come into contact with moving parts, so it's worth keeping an eye on.
Be sure to read the user manual for any additional tips specific to your blower.
Recalls
Occasionally faults are discovered after a product has gone on sale, usually requiring the product to be recalled by the manufacturer.
The Black & Decker BV5600, BV6000 and BV6600 were the subject of a recall in September 2016. The recall notice states there were four incidents where the fan cover unexpectedly came off and the users received cuts to their fingers, from contact with the fan.
You can tell if your model is affected by reading the nameplate (on the right side of the motor housing). The affected models have the model number and "Type 1" on the nameplate. Later models without the fault will have "Type 2" displayed.
Any of these blowers sold since September 2016 should be the later, corrected model (it is illegal to continue to sell a defective appliance to the public, once it's subject to a recall notice). However, it's safest to check for yourself which model you have.
If you have one of the affected models, contact Black & Decker for a free repair kit. Their toll-free number is 866-937-9805.
More information at the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.
Do you own any of the <item type> mentioned here? Did you choose a different one? Let us know in the comments!
