Types
The best electric handheld blowers continue to outperform their gas-engine counterparts for less money. But both types of
leaf blowers take at least some of the grunt work out of sweeping and cleaning fallen leaves and other yard and driveway debris.
Electric handheld blowers
Electric handheld blowers
These corded models typically weigh seven pounds or less and are designed for one-handed use. No-hassle pushbutton starting
and zero exhaust emissions are pluses, as is power that meets or beats gas handheld versions. But the power cord limits your
mobility and can create a hassle around trees and other obstacles. Consider an electric blower where a power outlet is within
100 feet of the work area.
Gas-powered handheld blowers
Gas-powered handheld blowers
These are also designed for one-handed use, and there's no power cord to tangle or limit your mobility. The best approach
the best electrics in performance. But you need to yank a pull-cord to start the engine. Gas engines require periodic tune-ups,
and they're loud enough to warrant hearing protection. Gas-powered handheld blowers tend to be heavier than electrics; most
weigh 7 to 12 pounds. Most models have two-stroke engines that require mixing fuel and oil, and the four-stroke models, while
cleaner, have also been relatively heavy.
Gas-powered backpack blowers
Gas-powered backpack blowers
These blowers typically add power over handheld blowers. They weigh 15 to 25 pounds-up to twice as much as gas-powered handheld
blowers. But your back and shoulders, rather than your arms, support the weight. Like handheld gas models, they're noisy.
They can't vacuum or shred. And they cost more than handheld blowers.
Gas-powered wheeled blowers
Gas-powered wheeled blowers
These offer enough oomph to quickly sweep a sizable area. Their large four-stroke engines require no mixing of fuel and oil.
But wheeled blowers can't vacuum or shred. They're bulky and weigh 100 pounds or more, so they're relatively hard to maneuver
and push, especially uphill. They require about eight square feet of storage space. And they're noisy and expensive.
