Leaf blowers make lawn and garden maintenance easy. There’s no better way to collect fallen leaves from the grass or remove debris after a heavy storm.
That said, gas-powered leaf blowers require a lot of maintenance. They’re also really loud and can be quite disruptive to the neighborhood.
That’s why you need the best battery powered leaf blower for your lawn, garden, and yard. You get all the benefits of a gas-powered leaf blower without any of the noise or maintenance costs.
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Battery Powered Leaf Blower vs Gas – Pros and Cons
Both gas and battery-powered leaf blowers have their pros and cons, but, for the average homeowner, battery-powered is a great way to go. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two.
The one area where gas-powered leaf blowers have a real edge is power. Gas is simply more powerful than battery-powered could ever be, but there’s a cost for all that power.
Gas-powered models require a lot of maintenance to keep them running properly, and, with some models, you have to worry about mixing fuel and oil correctly. Recoil starters can be really tricky to use, and they don’t always start reliably when it’s cold outside.
Fuel storage can become a problem, too. You have to get the right containers that are safety rated for fuel. If you don’t use a gas-powered leaf blower for a few months, you have to drain all the fuel out beforehand or you’ll have issues with the motor when you want to use it again.
Battery-powered leaf blowers are so much easier to use. All you have to do is charge and attach the battery then press the start button. You don’t have to worry about oil, gas, or messy cleanup.
While gas-powered leaf blowers are more powerful, they’re also very loud. If you want to be courteous to your neighbors, a battery-powered option is much quieter.
The biggest downside to a battery-powered leaf blower is the same as it is for any other tool – you have to worry about battery life. That said, battery-powered tool technology has come a long way. You might be surprised by the life you get out of some of these tools.
Battery-powered leaf blowers are also really lightweight and easy to maneuver when compared to their gas-powered counterparts. That said, they’re also extremely durable and built to last a long time.
Best of all, battery-powered tools don’t have any of the harmful odors and emissions that gas-powered tools do. They’re better for your wallet and the environment.
What to Look For in a Battery Operated Leaf Blower?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a battery-operated leaf blower for your home.
Battery Capacity
Battery capacity is important, especially if you have a big yard. How long a battery lasts largely depends on how much power you need. Obviously, the more power you need, the faster the battery is going to drain.
If you have a big yard or need to use your leaf blower for longer stretches of time, choose one that has a larger battery capacity so you don’t have to worry about recharging quite as often.
CFM or MPH for Leaf Blower
CFM = Cubic Feet per Minute and measures the volume of air the leaf blower moves.
MPH = Miles per Hour rating is how fast the air comes out of the blower. These are two different things, though they both tell you something about how much power the leaf blower has.
Under 200 CFMs: not powerful blower, used for clearing patios, driveways, workshops, and gutters.
200 – 350 CFMs: slightly stronger blower, good for clearing leaves off of small yards, sidewalks, or patios.
350 – 450 CFMs: more powerful, for medium-sized yards
450 CFMs above: very powerful, easily move large amounts of debris, leaves in large areas.
Light Weight
One of the main reasons to choose a battery-powered leaf blower over a gas-powered one is how lightweight they are. Battery-powered leaf blowers are easy to maneuver, which makes them a good choice for people who may have a hard time with a heavy piece of equipment.
Adjustable Speed Settings
Adjustable speed settings give you more control over speed which means you also have some control over the rate at which the battery runs out. The slower the speed, the longer the battery lasts. These are also nice if you plan to use your leaf blower to perform multiple jobs.
Low Noise Level
If you live in a neighborhood with noise ordinances if you’re concerned with bothering your neighbors, most battery-operated leaf blowers operate at a reasonable volume. The lower the decibels, the better.
Included Battery and Charger
A lot of these tools include a battery and charger, but some do not. The good news is that those that don’t often have an interchangeable system so you can use the same battery and charger from other tools of the same brand.
The Best Battery Powered Leaf Blowers
There are a lot of great products out there if you’re looking for a battery-powered leaf blower. Let’s take a look at some of our favorites.
This portable leaf blower from KIMO is extremely lightweight at only two pounds. It’s powerful enough to remove leaves and snow and the cordless design lets you take it wherever you need it. The powerful motor runs at top speed for twenty minutes with a full battery.
One of the great things about this model is that you can instantly convert it into a cordless vacuum cleaner. Just attach the blow tube to the air inlet, add the collection back to the outlet, and you have a powerful, cordless vacuum that helps you reach tight spaces and is perfect for cleaning your car.
It only takes one hour to fully charge the battery and the power indicator lets you know when it’s ready and when it’s time to recharge. Everything you need comes with it, including the fast charger, a 20-volt lithium battery, a blow tube, and two reusable collection bags.
2. DEWALT DCBL722P1 Blower
DEWALT is a well-known name when it comes to power tools, which is why you can trust the power and reliability of this leaf blower. With up to 450 CFM of air at as fast as 125 MPH, this product gives you the power you need to get the job done.
At only 66 decibels, this leaf blower is a great choice for neighborhoods where you’re worried about disturbing your neighbors. Plus, the lightweight, ergonomic design is easy to use and control to get the results you want.
This tool has a high-efficiently brushless motor that stands up to wear and tear and extends run time. The variable speed trigger and speed lock give the user full control over the power and intensity.
Another great thing about these products is that DEWALT backs it with a manufacturer’s warranty. They will repair any defects or faulty materials within three years of the purchase date, free of charge.
3. Makita XBU02PT1 Blower Kit
This leaf blower kit from Makita is a great blower backed by the reputation of a well-known brand. The brushless motor provides up to 473 CFM of air at up to 120 MPH. With a full charge, the run time is up to 28 minutes at mid-speed.
One of the notable things about this product is how quickly the batteries charge. The charger has a built-in fan that cools the batteries while they’re charging for faster charge time. Two 18-volt batteries are ready to go in only 45 minutes.
Because there is no need for gas or oil, maintenance is easy and there are no harmful emissions to worry about. The brushless motor optimizes energy and matches the demand for increased airspeed when needed.
This blower uses Makita’s Extreme Protection Technology which seals the tool and channels water and dust away from the motor to extend the life of the tool. The kit includes the blower, dual-port rapid charger, and four batteries so you’ll always have a backup set charged and ready to go.
4. Greenworks Pro Cordless Brushless Axial Blower
The Greenworks cordless leaf blower features a brushless motor that extends the life of the tool. It provides up to 500 CFM of air as fast as 125 MPH. With three speed settings and a variable speed trigger, you get a lot of control.
On low power, the batteries last up to 70 minutes. A rapid charger is included that fully charges your batteries in only 30 minutes. It weighs only nine pounds and the cushioned over-mold grip provides a comfortable grip that helps you control the air stream to get the best results
It’s rated at only 60 decibels, so it’s perfect for quiet neighborhoods or office parks, especially if there are noise ordinances in place. It also features a quick push-button start and tackles big jobs without any complicated maintenance, fumes, heavy gear, or gas.
5. WORX Cordless Air Leaf Blower
If you’re looking for something small, lightweight, and easy to use, take a look at this leaf blower from WORX. It produces 80 CFM as fast as 120 MPH, perfect to sweep debris from your yard, garage, or driveway.
The battery has an indicator system so you can keep an eye on how much power you have left. When it’s time to recharge, it only takes about 60 minutes until you’re back up and running.
At only 3.5 pounds, this is one of the lightest options available when it comes to battery-powered leaf blowers. If you’re worried about weight or looking for something that’s easy to travel with, this one is a great option.
This leaf blower is a really nice size for smaller jobs. It’s powerful enough to get rid of debris without blowing mulch or gravel everywhere. You get everything you need, too. It includes a 20-volt battery, quick-battery charger, and carry bag for easy transport and storage.
6. EGO Power Lithium-Ion Cordless Blower
The EGO Power Lithium-Ion cordless leaf blower is one of the most powerful battery-powered options out there. With 480 CFM of air at up to 92 MPH, it has the power of a gas tool without any of the downsides.
This tool is super durable. The high-efficiency brushless motor is designed to last and the weather-resistant construction protects it from exposure to elements so you don’t have to worry about rain or snow.
The variable-speed motor gives you control over how much power you’re using, and a full battery lasts up to 75 minutes, depending on the speed. If you need a little more kick, use the turbo boost button to get full power.
If you already have an EGO lithium-ion tool, you’ll be happy to know that the battery and charger are compatible with this leaf blower. Note that the battery and charger are not included and must be purchased separately.
7. Greenworks Variable Speed Cordless Leaf Blower
This variable-speed leaf blower from Greenworks is a good cordless option for small to medium-sized jobs around your yard or garage. The 40-volt battery provides a decent amount of power and run time to help you get your work done quickly and effectively.
The lightweight design has minimal vibration, making it really comfortable to use. For added convenience, it includes extension tubing that increases reach and efficiency while giving you more control. It blows air at up to 150 MPH and is quiet enough that you don’t have to worry about disturbing the whole neighborhood.
Thanks to the impressive variable speed motor, there are six different power settings to choose from so you can get just what you need to finish the job while preserving battery life for as long as possible. It lasts for about 14 minutes and takes about 60 minutes to get a full charge.
8. Ryobi P2108A Cordless Jet Fan Blower
The Ryobi battery-powered leaf blower features a unique jet fan design to optimize airflow, giving you nearly twice as much power as other models. It produces up to 280 CFM of air at a speed as high as 100 MPH.
This tool weighs only 6.5 pounds and the ergonomic design makes it easy to maneuver right where you need it. It includes a debris scraper to loosen and stuck-on leaves and debris, helping you get an extraordinary clean. When you’re done, use the hanging hook to keep the blower up and out of the way.
If you have other Ryobi tools that are part of the ONE+ system, you’ll be happy to know that this leaf blower is compatible with the ONE+ battery. Note that the battery and charger are not included, but it is covered by a three-year limited warranty.
9. WORX WG584 Cordless Leaf Blower
The turbine technology of this leaf blower from WORX delivers up between 370 and 470 CFM of air so you can choose the path you need. There are also three-speed settings and a turbo boost so you can choose how much power you need for the job. Speeds range from 60 to 80 MPH and the power boost reaches 95 MPH.
This tool has a lightweight, ergonomic design that’s designed for one-handed operation. The brushless motor is highly-efficient and designed to last a long time. It’s covered by a standard WORX two-year warranty.
Note that this is a bare tool only, meaning the battery and charger are sold separately. If you have other WORK tools, the 20-volt batteries and charger are all compatible with the brand’s 20V Power Share system. You can seamlessly switch them from one tool to the next.
10. LiTHELi Leaf Blower with Brushless Motor
One of the best things about this leaf blower from LiTHELi is how customizable it is. You can adjust the airspeed from 45 to 76 MPH and, when you need to really turn it up, turbo mode provides air volumes as high as 480 CFM.
The brushless motor is efficient and made to last. It also operates at less than 66 decibels so you can sweep your deck or patio or clean up debris from your lawn without disturbing your neighbors.
This tool weighs just under six pounds and has a sleek, ergonomic design that makes it easy for anyone to use. Plus, storage is easy. The blower tube is detachable so you can make it really compact if you don’t have a lot of space.
The leaf blower, battery, and charger are included, and the battery is compatible with other LiTHELi tools. This one comes with some great guarantees, too. There’s a 90-day money-back guarantee, a three-year battery, and a charger warranty, and the tool itself is covered by a five-year warranty.
9 Expert Tips When Using a Battery Powered Leaf Blower
Here are a few tips to make sure you get as much use as possible out of your battery-powered leaf blower.
1. Consider getting a spare battery. Battery life is the biggest unknown when it comes to these tools. If you know you need to extend run time, get a backup battery. That way, you’ll have one ready to go when the first one runs out.
2. You should always wear safety glasses, gloves, and long pants when using a leaf blower, just in case.
3. Have a target area in mind where you plan to collect the leaves. Map out your route to make the best and most efficient use of your time and battery life.
4. It’s better to use your leaf blower when it’s dry. Wet leaves are heavier and much harder to move. Plus, they’re messier when it’s time to collect them. Dry leaves, on the other hand, won’t require as much power to collect and are easier to work with.
5. Don’t try to blow leaves on a windy day. When you blow the leaves off the grass, the wind is likely to carry them away, making the job even more time-consuming.
6. Use only the amount of power you need to get the job done. It might be tempting to crank up the power for every job, but this is likely to make a mess and drain the battery quickly.
7. If you don’t have a backup battery, make sure you plan strategically. Divide your lawn into sections and work through them one at a time. That way, if you have to stop and wait for a recharge, you don’t have to backtrack or redo anything.
8. Work in one direction so you don’t end up blowing leaves back onto an area you’ve already covered.
9. Use a shallow angle. You want to move the leaves forwards steadily, If the angle is too high, the leaves won’t move forward quickly. If the angle is too low, the leaves are likely to blow out of control.
Conclusion
All of the products we covered are effective, but the KIMO Cordless Leaf Blower comes out ahead. It’s extremely lightweight at only two pounds so it’s the perfect size for just about anyone.
You get 20 minutes at top speed with this one, which is pretty impressive. Slow it down a bit and the battery will last even longer.
The best thing about this product is that it’s so versatile. Just attach the blow tub to the air inlet, add the collection bag to the output, and you have a powerful, portable vacuum that’s perfect for cleaning your car or reaching under couches and beds.
It only takes the battery one hour to charge fully, too. The indicator lets you know when the battery is running low and everything you need comes with it, including the battery, charger, and two collection bags to use with the vacuum feature.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more power, take a look at the leaf blower from DEWALT. This well-known brand doesn’t disappoint. It moves up to 450 CFM of air at speeds as high as 125 MPH and remains surprisingly quiet at only 66 decibels.
One of the best things about DEWALT is that their products are exceptionally durable, and this one is no exception. It comes with a three-year warranty period where DEWALT will fix anything that’s defective or faulty, free of charge.
Nice
These are all great in all but what really matters is Newton force . CFM and MPH sound cool but don’t tell the story.