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Shred away your chores with one of these leaf mulchers.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Learn testing processbelow.
Its a bit awkward to move around your yard.
The mulcher uses string-trimmer line to mulch leaves, meaning you wont have to mess with cutting blades.
Credit: Amazon
We did not venture to use wet leaves in the mulcher, as the instructions warn against this.
Our 59 tester found the mulcher was a comfortable height for him to place leaves into.
We did find this mulcher to be loud since the mechanism is basically two string trimmers running at once.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
At the end of the season, we found this mulcher easy to store thanks to easy-to-remove legs.
We needed two hands to toggle the on/off switch during testing.
We used this product to collect leaves in a small backyard.
We did find we needed to sometimes use two hands to toggle the on/off switch.
Due to its gas-powered engine, this leaf mulcher is the loudest on our list.
The vacuum/mulcher was also very effective at picking up leaves and small sticks and worked well on uneven terrain.
It features a two-cycle engine, so youll need to mix the included oil with gas to power it.
The vacuum/mulcher components required a few extra steps but were not hard to put together either.
We found it easy to switch between the blower and the vacuum/mulcher once we got the hang of it.
Each one has advantages and disadvantages.
However, new corded and cordless models are giving gas models a run for their money.
But you are burning gas and creating carbon dioxide emissions which an electric unit does not.
Corded and cordless leaf mulchers are usually quieter than gas models.
Cordless models offer the highest portability since they do not require a power source or cord, Roman says.
That said, you’re free to only work for as long as the battery charge lasts.
Size and Weight
These factors will primarily come into play for handheld leaf mulchers.
Included Accessories
Generally, handheld leaf mulchers come with a vacuum tube and leaf collection bag.
If they are cordless, they will usually come with a battery and charger.
Also keep safety in mind as you are shopping for a leaf mulcher and comparing features.
A vacuum and mulcher in one, it can mulch 16 bags of leaves down to just one bag.
We got tired holding the unit long before the battery charge ran out.
Its also quite powerful with an air flow capacity up to 380 CFM and speeds up to 240 MPH.
It features a 16:1 mulching ratio and includes a 14-gallon collection bag that will take a while to fill.
Your Questions, Answered
Do leaf mulchers work on wet leaves?
In general, the more powerful leaf mulcher models will handle wet leaves better.
What is the lifespan of a leaf mulcher?
As with many tools, leaf mulchers will likely last longer with proper maintenance.
Is mulching leaves better than picking them up?
Leaves make great compost if handled correctly.
Who We Are
Renee Freemon Mulvihillis a writer specializing in home and garden topics.
Credit: Lowe’s
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
During testing, the controls on the Worx Electric Leaf Blower/Leaf Vacuum/Mulcher were straightforward.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
This Greenworks Cordless Brushless Leaf Blower/Vacuum effectively cleared debris from a variety of surfaces.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
In addition to the body, the blower comes with an adjustable tube, a standard nozzle, a flared high-velocity nozzle, a vacuum kit, and a 2.6-ounce engine oil.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The handlebar on the Greenworks Cordless Brushless Leaf Blower/Vacuum made it easy to control the model with two hands.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
We were able to store the leaf blower by hanging it vertically.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
