10 Greatest Leaf Vacuums, Examined by Specialists
A leaf vacuum is the perfectionist’s outside energy device, nice for sucking up each final leaf from below bushes and round basis partitions. It’s additionally useful for householders who should bag their leaves, relatively than blow them to the curb, since most leaf vacuums function mulching capabilities that allow you to hoover up many extra leaves right into a single bag.
Can’t determine between a leaf blower and a leaf vacuum? You don’t should! That’s as a result of many of the prime picks from Good Housekeeping Institute’s newest exams are multi-purpose machines that carry out each duties. As with different outside energy tools that passes by means of the Residence Enchancment & Out of doors Lab, from pressure washers to snow blowers, our consultants thought of efficiency, ease of use, sturdiness, noise and extra of their evaluation of greater than 20 leaf vacuums. Listed here are the ten that made the minimize.
Our prime picks:
After trying out our picks, learn on for extra particulars on how our testers select the very best leaf vacuums, plus every part it’s worthwhile to know to search out the correct mannequin on your dwelling. It’s also possible to decide up different knowledgeable recommendation on yard care, together with tips for mulching and our latest round-up of top-rated lawn mowers.
Greatest General Leaf Vacuum
Worx Electrical Trivac
WORX Electrical Trivac
WORX Electrical Trivac
Now 14% Off
| Sort | Corded-electric |
|---|---|
| Air circulate | 350 cfm |
| Air velocity | 210 mph |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs |
| Bag measurement | 10.5 gallons |
| Noise score | 50 dB |
Our consultants like the flexibility of the corded-electric Worx Trivac, a highly effective three-in-one blower, vacuum and mulcher that handles every job with ease and effectivity, which the 5600+ five-star opinions on Amazon attest to. In our testing, it was significantly adept at scarfing up leaf fragments and different small particles. “I like that it’s geared up with an on-board conversion swap, so to flip between capabilities shortly and with out the trouble of separate tubes and attachments,” says Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist on the Good Housekeeping Institute, who examined the Worx over a number of weeks at her dwelling on Lengthy Island, NY.
She notes that the curled finish of the vacuum tube was useful for sucking leaves from gutters and different hard-to-reach locations. The Worx’s steel impeller has an 18:1 discount ratio, that means it might mulch 18 baggage of leaves down to 1, and this mannequin comes with a 10-gallon reusable assortment bag. Whereas it’s additionally very quiet, the massive draw back is the twine, which is a nuisance to tug round and likewise means you’ll want an exterior-grade extension twine when you have a big yard.
Greatest Worth Leaf Vacuum
Solar Joe Electrical Handheld Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher
This budget-friendly three-in-one leaf vacuum, blower and mulcher carried out in addition to some fashions costing two and thrice as a lot. “Like its cold-weather model mate Snow Joe, whose snow blowers we’ve tested, Solar Joe has established itself has a value-driven identify in outside energy tools that usually punches above its weight,” says Rothman. The gadget’s 14-amp motor blows as much as 240 miles per hour with six adjustable speeds so you possibly can tailor it to numerous duties, and testers say it’s straightforward to modify between modes. Rothman additionally referred to as out the devoted gutter cleansing equipment, with its 15-foot telescoping attachment that permits you to blast leaves out of gutters from the protection of the bottom. Although the producer doesn’t checklist its noise score, testers discovered the motor on the Solar Joe to be comparatively quiet.
Greatest Heavy-Responsibility Leaf Vacuum
Stihl SHA 56 Shredder Vacuum/Blower Equipment Vacuum
Stihl’s outside energy tools has impressed our testers with its mixture of remarkable energy and quiet operation — the latter being vital in municipalities with strict noise ordinances. The SHA 56 2-in-1 vacuum blower lives as much as the identical excessive commonplace. The battery-powered machine was an absolute beast in our robust discipline exams, sucking up all method of yard particles and shredding it into a rough mulch that allowed testers to achieve most capability within the 10.5-gallon bag. “Regardless of all that stellar sucking energy, the Stihl was one of many quietest leaf vacuums we examined,” says Alec Scherma, take a look at engineer on the Good Housekeeping Institute.
It’s an amazing match for householders whose yard incorporates a number of tough particles, together with twigs, acorns and the like. The SHA 56 can also be an outstanding leaf blower for individuals who should cope with a thick blanket of leaves come autumn. Take word, nonetheless: The machine has separate tubes for its vacuum and blower modes. Whereas making the conversion was pretty easy in our exams, it’s not as straightforward as flipping a swap, a comfort discovered on fashions that use the identical attachment for each modes. Plus, the additional elements require extra space for storing. However in the long run, we predict that’s a small worth to pay in case your precedence is most toughness and energy in a leaf vacuum.
Greatest Variable-Velocity Leaf Vacuum
Toro Electrical Extremely Blower Vacuum
This Toro is one other plug-in leaf vacuum that scored factors with our testers for its mixture of energy and light-weight design. “It’s an amazing selection for householders with small- to mid-size yards,” says Rothman, who notes that the Toro is a simple to make use of and inexpensive possibility that gathered and eliminated leaves shortly in our exams. Our consultants just like the variable velocity management, which seamlessly permits you to alter the ability in each vacuuming and blowing modes. The gadget can also be straightforward to function, because of its push-button electrical begin and quick-release latch that permits you to swap from blowing to vacuuming with out instruments. However you’ll need to cope with the ability twine, plus the added value of an exterior-grade extension twine when you have a number of floor to cowl.
Greatest Massive-Capability Leaf Vacuum
Ryobi 40-volt Handheld Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher
Ryobi’s 40-volt leaf vacuum is a superb decide when you have a number of leaves to brush up, because of its huge 600 CFMs of vacuum energy and its ample 10.5-gallon bag. The Ryobi additionally has an industry-best 20-to-1 mulching ratio, so it’s glorious at decreasing leaves to a positive matter, getting probably the most capability out of each bagful. “The one disadvantage is the steel impeller was somewhat extra liable to jamming when sucking up tougher stuff like twigs,” says Scherma. “However that is the right vacuum for those who’re primarily clearing numerous free leaves out of your garden.”
It converts from vacuum to blower mode with the flip of a knob on the principle deal with, however you additionally want to modify attachments, so it’s not probably the most convertible combo we examined. The Ryobi can also be on the costly facet, nevertheless it’s necessary to notice that the equipment features a pair of 4.0 Ah batteries, which collectively delivered greater than half-hour of run time in our exams, even when working the variable velocity motor at full tilt.
Greatest Light-weight Gasoline Leaf Vacuum
Husqvarna Gasoline Blower Vacuum
Don’t need the trouble of a twine? A gas-powered leaf blower is the best way to go, particularly for those who’re additionally searching for most energy. This Husqvarna gas-powered leaf vacuum can transfer a number of air in a rush — 425 cubic toes per minute at a velocity of 170 miles per hour. Our consultants say it ought to carry out capably whether or not you set it to hoover, blow or mulch leaves and different yard particles. The light-weight development and ergonomic design maximize consolation and management, whereas the cruise management setting is good when you have a number of leaves to suck up and don’t want to modify speeds. Simply be ready for the noisier operation, which is loud sufficient that you simply’ll wish to put on ear safety.
Greatest Worth Gasoline Leaf Vacuum
Craftsman Gasoline Leaf Blower
This Craftsman contains a sturdy gas-powered engine that generates a strong mixture of air velocity and circulate. Our consultants say the vacuum’s light-weight design reduces hand and arm fatigue. In addition they just like the function set, which features a translucent gas tank and a variable velocity motor, useful when switching between yard cleansing duties or transferring throughout totally different surfaces from thick lawns to paved driveways. As with all gas-powered blowers, the Craftsman is pretty noisy, so take that into consideration if there are neighbors shut by. It can additionally want extra upkeep, together with routine oil checks.
Greatest Backpack Leaf Vacuum
Black + Decker Backpack Blower Vacuum
BLACK+DECKER Backpack Blower Vacuum
BLACK+DECKER Backpack Blower Vacuum
Now 29% Off
| Sort | Corded-electric |
|---|---|
| Air circulate | 400 cfm |
| Air velocity | 250 mph |
| Weight | 11.1 lbs |
| Bag measurement | Not listed |
| Noise score | 75 dB |
In case your property has a number of leafy bushes, it would make sense to improve to a backpack-style leaf vacuum. Our engineers say this corded electrical Black + Decker mannequin is nice for blowing and mulching, particularly in small- to mid-sized yards (like all corded fashions, it’s not ultimate for bigger properties due to twine constraints). Testers say the two-speed blower is able to transferring an honest quantity of air in a short time. This mannequin comes with an easy-to-carry backpack-style assortment bag, because of the comfy harness, and has a formidable 16:1 discount ratio in mulching mode.
Greatest Light-weight Cordless Leaf Vacuum
Greenworks Cordless Blower Vacuum
Our consultants have been testing Greenworks merchandise for the higher a part of a decade they usually’ve come to know the model as a pacesetter in battery-powered outside tools. This cordless leaf vacuum is one other instance, with its mixture of reliability and efficiency. Although the air circulate isn’t as highly effective as with fuel or corded-electric gadgets, this battery-operated mannequin permits you to clear and take away leaves unrestricted by a twine, plus it’s extraordinarily light-weight. Our engineers say the brushless motor ought to ship an extended runtime and improved torque, whereas additionally decreasing pressure and lengthening the vacuum’s lifetime. Although the gadget can convert from a vacuum to a blower, it makes use of separate tubes for every perform, so it’s not as straightforward as flipping a swap, the best way you possibly can with different prime picks.
Greatest Stroll-Behind Leaf Vacuum
Troy-Bilt Gasoline Chipper Shredder Vacuum
Troy-Bilt Gasoline-Powered Chipper Shredder Vacuum
Troy-Bilt Gasoline-Powered Chipper Shredder Vacuum
Execs
- Provides in a chipper and shredder
- Good for big properties
Cons
- Requires way more storage
| Sort | Gasoline-powered |
|---|---|
| Air circulate | Not listed |
| Air velocity | Not listed |
| Weight | 125 lbs |
| Bag measurement | 18 gallons |
| Noise score | Not listed |
Take one look and you’ll see straight away that walk-behind leaf vacuums are a distinct breed of garden care tools. This one from Troy-Bilt provides in a chipper and a shredder, good for those who stay on a big property with a number of bushes and fallen branches. It makes use of a distinct engine than fuel leaf blowers, which is why the producer doesn’t checklist air velocity and circulate. Our consultants solely admired it from afar, however they’re impressed by the specs, beginning with the 24-inch-wide vacuum head, which helps you cowl a number of floor quick through the leafiest weeks of fall. The 7-foot vacuum hose is useful for sucking up smaller leaves and twigs from below bushes. However make no mistake: Weighing in at 116 kilos, this walk-behind leaf vacuum is a number of garden gear, so be sure to’ll put it to work earlier than making the funding.
How we take a look at the very best leaf vacuums
Our product consultants within the Residence Enchancment & Out of doors Lab begin by surveying {the marketplace} to establish top-selling leaf vacuums that you simply’re probably to search out at shops and on-line. We additionally attend commerce reveals and {industry} occasions like Equip Exposition to remain on prime of the newest in garden and yard care. Subsequent, we establish manufacturers which have carried out the very best and proved probably the most dependable by means of years of testing on the Good Housekeeping Institute. We additionally take into account newer manufacturers with distinctive options or improvements.
Based mostly on an intensive evaluate of technical information, our consultants chosen numerous fashions for hands-on testing, which began in our Lab the place we assessed ease of meeting, high quality of development, comfort options and extra. A number of of our product consultants additionally took leaf vacuums dwelling to judge them within the real-world circumstances of their yards. Efficiency exams centered on how shortly and cleanly fashions sucked up small piles of leaves across the yard, in addition to from gutters when that function was supplied. We additionally evaluated usability — for instance, how simply the bag goes on and off, intuitiveness of the controls, the runtime of battery-powered vacuums and the noise degree of the motor.
What to search for when selecting the very best leaf vacuum
There are a number of basic components to contemplate when deciding which leaf vacuum is finest for you. No matter whether or not the vacuum can convert right into a blower or mulcher, you’ll wish to take note of a vacuum’s energy kind, the dimensions and type of its assortment bag, in addition to its weight and sturdiness.
✔️Energy kind: Leaf vacuum engines could be battery-powered, gas-powered or corded electrical. The facility kind that’s finest for you relies upon largely on the dimensions of the venture.
- Battery-powered leaf vacuums supply cordless operation they usually’re additionally the quietest. Due to enhancements in battery know-how, they’re additionally practically as highly effective as fuel machines.
- Gasoline-powered leaf vacuums nonetheless are usually probably the most highly effective however they’re additionally louder, tougher to begin and require further care upkeep, together with mixing the oil and fuel.
- Electrical leaf vacuums have a twine that restricts mobility however ensures a vast runtime.
✔️Assortment bag type and measurement: Some assortment baggage could be worn on the person’s again whereas others are hooked up straight under the engine. Backpack assortment baggage usually have a better quantity than those who cling straight under a handheld engine. In case your vacuum has mulching capabilities, you’ll wish to make word of its discount ratio as a way to decide what number of shredded leaves can match within the gathering bag (for instance, a mulcher with a ten:1 ratio can match 100 gallons of dry leaves in a 10-gallon assortment bag). Many assortment baggage are reusable whereas others are disposable.
✔️Convertibility: Should you’re seeking to buy an all-in-one device that’ll make it easier to fight fallen leaves and particles, you could wish to take into account one of many many engines that may convert between leaf blowing, vacuuming and mulching. It’s necessary to contemplate the benefit of changing between totally different capabilities when buying a convertible device. Some convertible vacuums/blowers/mulchers are geared up with a swap that permits them to alternate from perform to perform. Different machines include totally different tubes or nozzles that you need to connect and detach as a way to convert. That’s extra of a trouble, however our exams have discovered that these gadgets are inclined to carry out higher at each vacuuming and blowing.
✔️Weight: Most leaf vacuums are handheld and comparatively light-weight. Should you’re searching for one thing extra heavy-duty, like a extra highly effective leaf blower that additionally has sturdy vacuum capabilities, you’ll have to contemplate that extra highly effective engines are usually heavier and probably tougher to function. “Light-weight leaf vacuums that weigh as little as 5 kilos are positive for minor clean-ups, however try to be ready to lug round at the least a 10-pound machine for those who plan on sucking up a number of yard particles,” says Rothman. Heavier vacuums additionally are usually extra sturdy.
How is leaf vacuum energy measured?
There are a number of components concerned. If the tools has a mulching mode, you’ll additionally wish to take note of its claimed capability.
- Cubic toes per minute (CFM): The facility of a leaf vacuum is partly decided by the air circulate, or how a lot air it’s in a position to absorb, which is measured in cubic toes per minute. The upper the CFM, the extra air it might absorb. Probably the most highly effective vacuums have 400 CFMs and up.
- Miles per hour (MPH): Then there’s air velocity, i.e. how shortly a lead vacuum takes in air, which is measured in miles per hour (mph). Above 200 mph is right.
- Mulcher discount ratio: That is the ratio between the variety of baggage of leaves that the vacuum encountered and the variety of baggage that the leaves had been diminished to by means of mulching. Most mulchers have a discount ratio of both 10:1 or 16:1.
Why belief Good Housekeeping?
The Good Housekeeping Institute Residence Enchancment & Out of doors Lab gives knowledgeable opinions and recommendation on all issues home-related, together with leaf vacuums. In his position as Director of the Residence Enchancment & Out of doors Lab, Dan DiClerico brings greater than 20 years of expertise to the Institute, having reviewed 1000’s of merchandise, together with all types of outside energy tools for Good Housekeeping, in addition to manufacturers like Shopper Studies and This Previous Home. He has huge hands-on expertise with each model included on this report, in addition to many others that didn’t make the minimize.
For this report, Dan labored intently with Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist & Director of Engineering on the Institute. For greater than 15 years, Rachel has put her coaching in mechanical engineering and utilized arithmetic to work by researching, testing and writing about merchandise throughout the house enchancment house. She additionally routinely exams leaf vacuums and other forms of outside energy tools at her dwelling on Lengthy Island, NY.
Residence Enchancment & Out of doors Director
Having written 1000’s of product opinions and how-to articles on all points of dwelling possession, from routine upkeep to main renovations, Dan (he/him) brings greater than 20 years of {industry} expertise to his position because the director of the Residence Enchancment & Out of doors Lab on the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can usually be discovered preserving home at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, the place he lives together with his spouse and children.
