Mowing your lawn is a fun thing, and it feels like an accomplishment when the exterior of your home looks clean and tidy. But this fun activity can take up a lot of your time, and the last thing you’d want to do is to spend more time sweeping the area from debris, lawn clippings, or leaf droppings. This is where a leaf blower can save you time and energy, and embellish the overall appearance of your property.
This guide will help you choose the best leaf blower. And in case you still want to learn more about a particular type or model, we recommend you to read leaf blower reviews by others who have had a hands-on experience of using one.
Interestingly, leaf blower is believed to be invented by Dom Quinto in the late 50s, but unfortunately, nobody knows much about the gentleman himself. Today you can find a wide variety of blowers on the market which can make picking one a little difficult, unless you know which type and design fits your bill. So, let’s find out.
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What’s the best type of leaf blower for you?
You probably know that if you have a lawn, you need a leaf blower. But some communities, especially in California prohibit the use of any type of blowers. So, before you go shopping for the best leaf blower, make sure its use is not prohibited in your neighborhood and also figure out if there are any improper times (usually it’s between 9pm and 8am).
Most people think that leaf blowers are good only for fall clean up, but they’ll come in handy during all four seasons, even during winter. Yes, you can even blow away snow, especially if you have a powerful gas-powered blower.
Nowadays, there are numerous varieties of blowers available on the market, but there are three main types depending upon the power source:
1. Corded leaf blowers
If you don’t have an outsized lawn, corded blowers are the safest bet. They’re lightweight, powerful and are relatively quiet. Their only limitation is that they can reach as far as the cord’s length will allow. They’re usually the cheapest option available.
2. Cordless leaf blowers
Powered by a battery, cordless blowers are alternate choice for homeowners with bigger lawns. They’re highly portable, lightweight and don’t make much noise. However, they’re not as strong as the corded blowers and you’ll have to frequently charge the batteries.
3. Gasoline-powered leaf blowers
Gas-powered blowers come in three different types: handheld, backpack and wheeled. They are the most expensive and the noisiest option. And you won’t probably like the gas smell. However, they’re usually professional grade equipment, are very powerful and, depending on the model, can be highly portable.
For better understanding, let’s compare the three types side by side:
| Type | Price range (US$) | Pros | Cons | Weight (lbs.) | Handling |
| Corded | 30 150 | Lightweight, powerful, quiet | Limited mobility | 8 to 15 | easy |
| Cordless | 50 350 | Lightweight, quiet, portable | Comparatively weak, battery life limitations | 8 to 15 | easy |
| Gas | 80 – 800 | Very powerful, professional grade, durable | Expensive, loud, may cause air pollution | 8 – 100 | Handheld and backpack: Easy Wheeled: Clumsy |
Corded leaf blowers vs cordless leaf blowers vs gas-powered leaf blowers
Top 3 Best Leaf Blowers In 2020 Reviews
The previous section will help you figure out the best type of blower for you, but if you’re still not sure which particular model is ideal for you, we’ve picked top three models, one from each of the three different types.
1. Black & Decker BV5600 High Performance Blower/Vac/Mulcher
Weighing a little over 14 pounds, this is arguably the best leaf blower for most homeowners, and that’s why it’s the bestselling item in its class on Amazon – the largest online retailer.
It comes with a powerful 12amp motor that can work as a blower, vacuum as well as mulcher. It can blow at a speed of 250 MPH, though you can regulate the speed with the selection switch.
Our Rating: 
(4.2 / 5)
Probably its biggest selling point is its versatility: once you blow all the leaves and debris into piles, the blower can suck it up if you switch to vacuum mode, and then using the mulcher mode, you can grind up to 16 bags of mulch down to one. But the best thing about it is that, despite all the different modes, it’s very affordable.
However, just like any other product, it has a couple of drawbacks. Firstly, it takes a little while to suck up debris and mulch the leaves and any other matter you use it on. Secondly, the Vac isn’t as powerful as your normal vacuum cleaner and might not be able to remove thick, heavier debris.
2. Toro 51619 Ultra Blower/Vac
Weighing 8.5 lbs., the 51619 Blower by Toro comes with an improved, bigger metal impeller for more power and thorough mulching. Just like the Black and Decker BV5600, it has a maximum speed of 250 MPH, and can also act as a Vac.
Our Rating: 
(4.4 / 5)
It also gives you the option to control speeds in both lower and Vac modes. Different blower inserts for multiple applications allow you to clean leaves and debris from virtually any space. Since it’s very powerful, it’s also a little loud.
Also, it’s ideal if you have a small yard; because of its design and bag’s size, it’s not ideal for taking care of leaves in large quantities. With an overwhelming number of positive leaf blower reviews, Toro 51619 is definitely one of the best, if not the best, blower in its class.
3. Hitachi RB24EAP 23.9cc 2-Cycle Gas-Powered Blower
Weighing just 8.5 lbs. this is one of the lightest (yet powerful) gas blowers available on the market. It has a rather slow air velocity of 170 MPH, but the tapered nozzle helps clear all the debris.
Our Rating: (4.4 / 5)
Though the manufacturer boasts it’s ideal for professionals also, but that claim is probably a little too ambitious. It comes with a 23.9 cc commercial grade 2-stroke and Hitachi’s industry leading 7-year warranty.
The only little glitch attached to this blower is that it’s a little difficult to start i.e. sometimes it might take more than one pull to start.
Let’s compare our top 3 blowers side by side:
| Name | Price (US$) | Power (MPH) | Pros | Cons | Weight (lbs.) | Handling |
| Black & Decker BV5600 | 70 | 250 | Blower, Vac, Mulcher – all in one, powerful, quiet, affordable, instant switch between blower and Vac | Limited mobility, Vac isn’t very powerful | 14.3 | Easy |
| Toro 51619 | 70 | 160 250 | Lightweight, two speeds, multiple attachments, affordable | Not very quiet, not ideal when dealing with large quantities of leaves | 8.5 | Easy |
| Hitachi RB24EAP | 129 | 170 | Affordable, lightweight, 7-year warranty | Not easy to start | 8.5 | Not easy to start |
Please note that the prices were checked at the time of writing this guide, and might be different when you read
Best Leaf blower Buying Guide
Picking the best leaf blower depends on a variety of factors from the size of the area to be cleaned to the type of debris to surrounding circumstances. Just like buying any other product, you should shop around to find a good bargain and go for a reputed brand, durable and affordable blower.
Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
Considering power source
You first consideration should be to decide whether you need an electric blower, a battery-powered blower or a gas-powered blower. This mainly depends on the area you need to clear.
If you have a small backyard and don’t get much debris, a cordless leaf blower can do the job. While the battery life varies from blower to blower, usually they can run for up to fifteen minutes on a single charge.
A corded blower can run for indefinite period of time, but its use is restricted by the cord’s length, which can be up to 150 feet. So, they’re ideal for a midsized area. Gas-powered blowers have their shortcomings, but they offer an unparalleled combination of power and portability. They are usually more expensive and ideal for professional use.
Considering the ideal power level
While the temptation could be to get the blower with the highest power because it’ll do all sorts of jobs, but buying an expensive, high-powered blower to clean just a driveway is simply unwise. Likewise, buying a 160 MPH blower to clear thick debris is counterproductive. The best approach is to go for the minimum power that will do the job for you.
Considering rules and regulations
Before you spend your hard-earned cash on a blower, make sure its use isn’t restricted in your area. Certain communities totally ban the use of any blower, some prohibit its usage during certain hours while some allow blowers which are loud to a certain decibel level. You obviously don’t want to buy a blower that you won’t be allowed to use, so better get acquainted with any rules and regulations in your locality.
Considering the design
Depending on your budget, choose a design that suites your needs. If you will be done in ten minutes or less, a cost-effective handheld model will be fine. But if you’ll be clearing debris for longer periods of time, go for a model with backpack. And if we’re talking about a massive ranch, a wheeled blower can be ideal, though it can be a little difficult to manage and requires more storage space. And in case you want to suck up the piles of debris, look for a multipurpose device that also has a Vac.
Features and attachments
If you’ll be clearing just a plain ground, any blower will do, but if you need to reach deep into crevices and a variety of spaces, a blower with different attachments is a better choice. Some blowers come with multiple speeds, which can be ideal for different situations.
Usage and maintenance
Remember your and other’s safety always comes first. So, make sure you’re wearing goggles, dust mask, appropriate gear, and hearing protections. Even if your blower is very quiet, the best time to run it is in the morning on weekdays, when most people are up and ready to leave for work. When you’re in action with your leaf blower, make sure there are no pets or people nearby.
Read and follow all the precautions and instruction on the packing. Store your leaf blower in a safe, dry place and avoid placing heavy objects on it. To prolong your blower’s life, clean the exterior, replace the air filter, make sure all housings are free of any cracks and the mulch collection bag is intact, every time before you use it. You should also check the cord, condition of air intake, fan blades, carburetor space and the outside of spark plug. Replace any part if you notice any wear and tear. If you own a gas-powered blower, make sure to flush and refill the tank of old gasoline after every couple of months, and also add a fuel stabilizer. Some blowers shouldn’t be used for extended period in one go.
Conclusion
Your job becomes easy if you have the right tool. Reading leaf blower reviews to get acquainted with different types and then following this guide will make sure you choose the best leaf blower and don’t have buyer’s remorse at the end of the day. Using the blower with caution and performing simple routine maintenance will keep your blower in optimal condition, will prevent any damage and save you money in the long run.
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