10 Finest Leaf Vacuums, Examined by Consultants
13 min read
A leaf vacuum is the perfectionist’s out of doors energy instrument, nice for sucking up each final leaf from below bushes and round basis partitions. It’s additionally useful for owners who must bag their leaves, somewhat than blow them to the curb, since most leaf vacuums characteristic 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 must! That’s as a result of a lot of the prime picks from Good Housekeeping Institute’s newest exams are multi-purpose machines that carry out each duties. As with different out of doors energy tools that passes by the Dwelling Enchancment & Outside 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 lower.
Our prime picks:
After testing our picks, learn on for extra particulars on how our testers select the very best leaf vacuums, plus the whole lot you might want to know to search out the correct mannequin in your house. You may also choose up different skilled recommendation on yard care, together with tips for mulching and our latest round-up of top-rated lawn mowers.
Finest General Leaf Vacuum
Worx Electrical Trivac
WORX Electrical Trivac
WORX Electrical Trivac
Now 14% Off
| Kind | Corded-electric |
|---|---|
| Air movement | 350 cfm |
| Air velocity | 210 mph |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs |
| Bag dimension | 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 evaluations 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 outfitted with an on-board conversion change, so that you could flip between capabilities rapidly 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 house 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 could actually mulch 18 luggage 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 wire, which is a nuisance to tug round and likewise means you’ll want an exterior-grade extension wire you probably have a big yard.
Finest 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 3 times 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 title in out of doors energy tools that always punches above its weight,” says Rothman. The system’s 14-amp motor blows as much as 240 miles per hour with six adjustable speeds so you may tailor it to numerous duties, and testers say it’s straightforward to change between modes. Rothman additionally referred to as out the devoted gutter cleansing equipment, with its 15-foot telescoping attachment that lets you blast leaves out of gutters from the protection of the bottom. Although the producer doesn’t record its noise score, testers discovered the motor on the Solar Joe to be comparatively quiet.
Finest Heavy-Responsibility Leaf Vacuum
Stihl SHA 56 Shredder Vacuum/Blower Package Vacuum
Stihl’s out of doors energy tools has impressed our testers with its mixture of outstanding energy and quiet operation — the latter being crucial in municipalities with strict noise ordinances. The SHA 56 2-in-1 vacuum blower lives as much as the identical excessive customary. The battery-powered machine was an absolute beast in our robust area exams, sucking up all method of yard particles and shredding it into a rough mulch that allowed testers to succeed in 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 ideal match for owners whose yard accommodates plenty of tough particles, together with twigs, acorns and the like. The SHA 56 can also be an excellent leaf blower for many who must cope with a thick blanket of leaves come autumn. Take be aware, nevertheless: 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 change, a comfort discovered on fashions that use the identical attachment for each modes. Plus, the additional elements require extra space for storing. However ultimately, we expect that’s a small worth to pay in case your precedence is most toughness and energy in a leaf vacuum.
Finest 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 ideal selection for owners with small- to mid-size yards,” says Rothman, who notes that the Toro is a straightforward to make use of and reasonably priced choice that gathered and eliminated leaves rapidly in our exams. Our consultants just like the variable velocity management, which seamlessly lets you regulate the facility in each vacuuming and blowing modes. The system can also be straightforward to function, due to its push-button electrical begin and quick-release latch that permits you to change from blowing to vacuuming with out instruments. However you’ll need to cope with the facility wire, plus the added value of an exterior-grade extension wire you probably have plenty of floor to cowl.
Finest Giant-Capability Leaf Vacuum
Ryobi 40-volt Handheld Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher
Ryobi’s 40-volt leaf vacuum is a good choose you probably have plenty of leaves to comb up, due to 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 lowering leaves to a nice matter, getting essentially the most capability out of each bagful. “The one downside is the steel impeller was just a little 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 a number of 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 change attachments, so it’s not essentially the most convertible combo we examined. The Ryobi can also be on the costly facet, however it’s vital 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.
Finest Light-weight Fuel Leaf Vacuum
Husqvarna Fuel Blower Vacuum
Don’t need the trouble of a wire? A gas-powered leaf blower is the best way to go, particularly for those who’re additionally in search of most energy. This Husqvarna gas-powered leaf vacuum can transfer plenty 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 you probably have plenty of leaves to suck up and don’t want to change speeds. Simply be ready for the noisier operation, which is loud sufficient that you just’ll wish to put on ear safety.
Finest Worth Fuel Leaf Vacuum
Craftsman Fuel Leaf Blower
This Craftsman incorporates a sturdy gas-powered engine that generates a strong mixture of air velocity and movement. Our consultants say the vacuum’s light-weight design reduces hand and arm fatigue. Additionally they just like the characteristic set, which features a translucent gasoline tank and a variable velocity motor, useful when switching between yard cleansing duties or transferring throughout completely 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 should additionally want extra upkeep, together with routine oil checks.
Finest Backpack Leaf Vacuum
Black + Decker Backpack Blower Vacuum
BLACK+DECKER Backpack Blower Vacuum
BLACK+DECKER Backpack Blower Vacuum
Now 29% Off
| Kind | Corded-electric |
|---|---|
| Air movement | 400 cfm |
| Air velocity | 250 mph |
| Weight | 11.1 lbs |
| Bag dimension | Not listed |
| Noise score | 75 dB |
In case your property has plenty of leafy timber, it’d make sense to improve to a backpack-style leaf vacuum. Our engineers say this corded electrical Black + Decker mannequin is sweet for blowing and mulching, particularly in small- to mid-sized yards (like all corded fashions, it’s not preferrred for bigger properties due to wire constraints). Testers say the two-speed blower is able to transferring a good quantity of air in a short time. This mannequin comes with an easy-to-carry backpack-style assortment bag, due to the comfy harness, and has a powerful 16:1 discount ratio in mulching mode.
Finest 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 frontrunner in battery-powered out of doors tools. This cordless leaf vacuum is one other instance, with its mixture of reliability and efficiency. Although the air movement isn’t as highly effective as with fuel or corded-electric gadgets, this battery-operated mannequin lets you clear and take away leaves unrestricted by a wire, plus it’s extraordinarily light-weight. Our engineers say the brushless motor ought to ship an extended runtime and improved torque, whereas additionally lowering pressure and increasing the vacuum’s lifetime. Although the system can convert from a vacuum to a blower, it makes use of separate tubes for every operate, so it’s not as straightforward as flipping a change, the best way you may with different prime picks.
Finest Stroll-Behind Leaf Vacuum
Troy-Bilt Fuel Chipper Shredder Vacuum
Troy-Bilt Fuel-Powered Chipper Shredder Vacuum
Troy-Bilt Fuel-Powered Chipper Shredder Vacuum
Execs
- Provides in a chipper and shredder
- Good for big properties
Cons
- Requires far more storage
| Kind | Fuel-powered |
|---|---|
| Air movement | Not listed |
| Air velocity | Not listed |
| Weight | 125 lbs |
| Bag dimension | 18 gallons |
| Noise score | Not listed |
Take one look and you’ll see instantly 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 reside on a big property with plenty of timber and fallen branches. It makes use of a distinct engine than fuel leaf blowers, which is why the producer doesn’t record air velocity and movement. 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 plenty of floor quick throughout 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 plenty 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 Dwelling Enchancment & Outside Lab begin by surveying {the marketplace} to establish top-selling leaf vacuums that you just’re most definitely 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 most recent in garden and yard care. Subsequent, we establish manufacturers which have carried out the very best and proved essentially the most dependable by years of testing on the Good Housekeeping Institute. We additionally think about newer manufacturers with distinctive options or improvements.
Based mostly on an intensive evaluation 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 couple of of our product consultants additionally took leaf vacuums house to guage them within the real-world circumstances of their yards. Efficiency exams targeted on how rapidly and cleanly fashions sucked up small piles of leaves across the yard, in addition to from gutters when that characteristic was provided. 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 stage 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 may be battery-powered, gas-powered or corded electrical. The ability kind that’s finest for you relies upon largely on the dimensions of the venture.
- Battery-powered leaf vacuums provide cordless operation they usually’re additionally the quietest. Due to enhancements in battery know-how, they’re additionally almost as highly effective as fuel machines.
- Fuel-powered leaf vacuums nonetheless are usually essentially the most highly effective however they’re additionally louder, tougher to begin and require additional care upkeep, together with mixing the oil and fuel.
- Electrical leaf vacuums have a wire that restricts mobility however ensures an infinite runtime.
✔️Assortment bag type and dimension: Some assortment luggage may be worn on the consumer’s again whereas others are connected immediately under the engine. Backpack assortment luggage usually have a better quantity than those who grasp immediately under a handheld engine. In case your vacuum has mulching capabilities, you’ll wish to make be aware of its discount ratio with a purpose 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 luggage are reusable whereas others are disposable.
✔️Convertibility: In case you’re trying to buy an all-in-one instrument that’ll enable you to fight fallen leaves and particles, chances are you’ll wish to think about one of many many engines that may convert between leaf blowing, vacuuming and mulching. It’s vital to contemplate the benefit of changing between completely different capabilities when buying a convertible instrument. Some convertible vacuums/blowers/mulchers are outfitted with a change that permits them to alternate from operate to operate. Different machines include completely different tubes or nozzles that it’s a must to connect and detach with a purpose to convert. That’s extra of a problem, however our exams have discovered that these gadgets are likely to carry out higher at each vacuuming and blowing.
✔️Weight: Most leaf vacuums are handheld and comparatively light-weight. In case you’re in search of one thing extra heavy-duty, like a extra highly effective leaf blower that additionally has robust 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 nice for minor clean-ups, however you ought to be ready to lug round at the least a 10-pound machine for those who plan on sucking up plenty of yard particles,” says Rothman. Heavier vacuums additionally are usually extra sturdy.
How is leaf vacuum energy measured?
There are just a few 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 ability of a leaf vacuum is partly decided by the air movement, or how a lot air it’s ready to absorb, which is measured in cubic toes per minute. The upper the CFM, the extra air it could actually soak up. Essentially the most highly effective vacuums have 400 CFMs and up.
- Miles per hour (MPH): Then there’s air velocity, i.e. how rapidly a lead vacuum takes in air, which is measured in miles per hour (mph). Above 200 mph is good.
- Mulcher discount ratio: That is the ratio between the variety of luggage of leaves that the vacuum encountered and the variety of luggage that the leaves had been decreased to by mulching. Most mulchers have a discount ratio of both 10:1 or 16:1.
Why belief Good Housekeeping?
The Good Housekeeping Institute Dwelling Enchancment & Outside Lab offers skilled evaluations and recommendation on all issues home-related, together with leaf vacuums. In his function as Director of the Dwelling Enchancment & Outside Lab, Dan DiClerico brings greater than 20 years of expertise to the Institute, having reviewed hundreds of merchandise, together with all types of outside energy tools for Good Housekeeping, in addition to manufacturers like Client Stories and This Outdated Home. He has huge hands-on expertise with each model included on this report, in addition to many others that didn’t make the lower.
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 area. She additionally routinely exams leaf vacuums and other forms of outside energy tools at her house on Lengthy Island, NY.
Dwelling Enchancment & Outside Director
Having written hundreds of product evaluations and how-to articles on all points of house possession, from routine upkeep to main renovations, Dan (he/him) brings greater than 20 years of {industry} expertise to his function because the director of the Dwelling Enchancment & Outside Lab on the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can usually be discovered protecting home at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, the place he lives together with his spouse and youngsters.
