10 Greatest Leaf Vacuums, Examined by Specialists
A leaf vacuum is the perfectionist’s out of doors energy software, nice for sucking up each final leaf from beneath bushes and round basis partitions. It’s additionally useful for owners who should bag their leaves, relatively 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 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 out of doors energy tools that passes via 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 below 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 perfect leaf vacuums, plus every part you might want to know to search out the fitting mannequin in your dwelling. You may as well decide up different knowledgeable recommendation on yard care, together with tips for mulching and our latest round-up of top-rated lawn mowers.
Greatest Total Leaf Vacuum
Worx Electrical Trivac
WORX Electrical Trivac
WORX Electrical Trivac
Now 14% Off
| Kind | Corded-electric |
|---|---|
| Air circulation | 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 notably adept at scarfing up leaf fragments and different small particles. “I like that it’s geared up with an on-board conversion change, so to flip between capabilities rapidly and with out the effort 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, which means it could possibly mulch 18 baggage of leaves down to at least one, and this mannequin comes with a 10-gallon reusable assortment bag. Whereas it’s additionally very quiet, the large draw back is the wire, which is a nuisance to pull round and likewise means you’ll want an exterior-grade extension wire you probably 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 out of doors energy tools that always punches above its weight,” says Rothman. The machine’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 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 security 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 Package Vacuum
Stihl’s out of doors 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 powerful 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 a terrific match for owners whose yard incorporates numerous tough particles, together with twigs, acorns and the like. The SHA 56 can also be an outstanding leaf blower for individuals who should take care of a thick blanket of leaves come autumn. Take observe, 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 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 predict that’s a small value 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 a terrific alternative for owners with small- to mid-size yards,” says Rothman, who notes that the Toro is a simple 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 permits you to regulate the facility in each vacuuming and blowing modes. The machine can also be straightforward to function, because of its push-button electrical begin and quick-release latch that permits you to change from blowing to vacuuming with out instruments. However you have to to take care of the facility wire, plus the added price of an exterior-grade extension wire you probably have numerous floor to cowl.
Greatest Giant-Capability Leaf Vacuum
Ryobi 40-volt Handheld Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher
Ryobi’s 40-volt leaf vacuum is a good decide you probably have numerous leaves to comb 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 wonderful at lowering leaves to a positive matter, getting essentially the most capability out of each bagful. “The one downside is the steel impeller was a bit extra liable to jamming when sucking up tougher stuff like twigs,” says Scherma. “However that is the proper 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 primary deal with, however you additionally want to modify attachments, so it’s not essentially the most convertible combo we examined. The Ryobi can also be on the costly aspect, 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 Fuel Leaf Vacuum
Husqvarna Fuel Blower Vacuum
Don’t need the effort of a wire? A gas-powered leaf blower is the way in which to go, particularly for those who’re additionally on the lookout for most energy. This Husqvarna gas-powered leaf vacuum can transfer numerous air in a rush — 425 cubic ft 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 numerous 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 Fuel Leaf Vacuum
Craftsman Fuel Leaf Blower
This Craftsman incorporates a strong gas-powered engine that generates a stable mixture of air velocity and circulation. 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 gas tank and a variable velocity motor, useful when switching between yard cleansing duties or shifting 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 is going to 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
| Kind | Corded-electric |
|---|---|
| Air circulation | 400 cfm |
| Air velocity | 250 mph |
| Weight | 11.1 lbs |
| Bag dimension | Not listed |
| Noise score | 75 dB |
In case your property has numerous leafy timber, it’d 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 ideally suited for bigger properties due to wire constraints). Testers say the two-speed blower is able to shifting a good 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 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 circulation 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 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 machine 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 way in which you may with different prime picks.
Greatest Stroll-Behind Leaf Vacuum
Troy-Bilt Fuel Chipper Shredder Vacuum
Troy-Bilt Fuel-Powered Chipper Shredder Vacuum
Troy-Bilt Fuel-Powered Chipper Shredder Vacuum
Professionals
- Provides in a chipper and shredder
- Good for big properties
Cons
- Requires way more storage
| Kind | Fuel-powered |
|---|---|
| Air circulation | 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 unique 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 numerous timber and fallen branches. It makes use of a unique engine than fuel leaf blowers, which is why the producer doesn’t checklist air velocity and circulation. 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 numerous floor quick throughout the leafiest weeks of fall. The 7-foot vacuum hose is useful for sucking up smaller leaves and twigs from beneath bushes. However make no mistake: Weighing in at 116 kilos, this walk-behind leaf vacuum is numerous garden gear, so be sure to’ll put it to work earlier than making the funding.
How we take a look at the perfect leaf vacuums
Our product consultants within the Dwelling Enchancment & Outside Lab begin by surveying {the marketplace} to establish top-selling leaf vacuums that you simply’re most certainly 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 perfect and proved essentially the most dependable via years of testing on the Good Housekeeping Institute. We additionally take into account newer manufacturers with distinctive options or improvements.
Based mostly on an in depth evaluate of technical knowledge, our consultants chosen varied 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 guage them within the real-world circumstances of their yards. Efficiency exams centered 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 degree of the motor.
What to search for when selecting the perfect leaf vacuum
There are a number of common elements to contemplate when deciding which leaf vacuum is greatest 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 greatest for you relies upon largely on the dimensions of the challenge.
- Battery-powered leaf vacuums provide 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.
- Fuel-powered leaf vacuums nonetheless are typically essentially the most highly effective however they’re additionally louder, harder to begin and require further care upkeep, together with mixing the oil and fuel.
- Electrical leaf vacuums have a wire that restricts mobility however ensures a vast runtime.
✔️Assortment bag type and dimension: Some assortment baggage may be worn on the person’s again whereas others are hooked up immediately under the engine. Backpack assortment baggage typically have a larger quantity than those who grasp immediately under a handheld engine. In case your vacuum has mulching capabilities, you’ll wish to make observe of its discount ratio with a view to decide what number of shredded leaves can match inside 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 software that’ll allow you to fight fallen leaves and particles, chances are you’ll 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 software. Some convertible vacuums/blowers/mulchers are geared up with a change that permits them to alternate from operate to operate. Different machines include totally different tubes or nozzles that it’s important to connect and detach with a view 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. Should you’re on the lookout for 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 typically heavier and probably harder to function. “Light-weight leaf vacuums that weigh as little as 5 kilos are positive for minor clean-ups, however you need to be ready to lug round not less than a 10-pound machine for those who plan on sucking up numerous yard particles,” says Rothman. Heavier vacuums additionally are typically extra sturdy.
How is leaf vacuum energy measured?
There are a number of elements concerned. If the tools has a mulching mode, you’ll additionally wish to take note of its claimed capability.
- Cubic ft per minute (CFM): The ability of a leaf vacuum is partly decided by the air circulation, or how a lot air it’s ready to absorb, which is measured in cubic ft per minute. The upper the CFM, the extra air it could possibly absorb. 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 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 have been decreased to via 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 supplies knowledgeable 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 every kind of outside energy tools for Good Housekeeping, in addition to manufacturers like Client Studies 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 minimize.
For this report, Dan labored carefully 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 dwelling on Lengthy Island, NY.
Dwelling Enchancment & Outside Director
Having written hundreds of product evaluations and how-to articles on all facets of dwelling 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 typically be discovered preserving home at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, the place he lives together with his spouse and children.
