gas vs. electric HEDGE TRIMMERS

Gasoline-powered hedge trimmers are still the best at cutting through thick hedges, but new electric trimmers are now very effective at it, namely corded units, and in general electrics are a better option for average and small sized yards.

Electric trimmers are more energy-efficient, easier to use, safer and cheaper than gas power trimmers. They are also low-maintenance units, contrary to gas units: gas units require the mixing of oil and gasoline (common 2-stroke gas units), gasoline storage, and regular tune-up…

Electric corded vs. cordless electric hedge Trimmers

Cordless (battery powered) electric trimmers are lightweight units that do not demand electric outlets. But they have a smaller power output.

That, and also the fact that the batteries have relatively short run-times (30-45 minutes) and relatively large recharging periods (24 hours, in many cases) make them a bad choice for more than small trimming tasks.

Corded electric hedge trimmers are currently the most popular type of hedge trimmers. Typical 3-amp units (or better units) are powerful enough for most yard needs. Their main disadvantage is often their power cords.

Electric trimmers vs. gas trimmers: Advantages and disadvantages

As mentioned earlier, electric trimmers have some clear advantages over gas trimmers. They are cheaper, easier to maintain and to use (they aren't so heavy and involve less vibration), and aren't smelly and do not produce the noise and the pollution of gas units. They perform very well in small and average-sized yards.

But for very large jobs, namely involving the trimming of old-growth hedges with very thick branches (say, with more than ½ inch/1 cm) gas trimmers are a better option. Their higher power output makes the trimming job easier.

Electric trimmers vs. gas trimmers: Safety

Electric trimmers are safer than gas powered due to their smaller weight, their design and their lower output. The weight and the wider blade gaps of gas units make them less safe…

Electric vs. gas trimmer prices

Expect prices in the range $60-$100 for most electric hedge trimmers. The prices of gas units prices are on average two or three times higher. See, for prices, customer reviews and ratings at Amazon.com: Electric Hedge Trimmers.