electric vs. gas leaf blowers

In general electric leaf blowers are a better option than gas leaf blowers for most homeowners. They are quieter, less polluting, cheaper, easier to start, require less maintenance and – in the case of the best corded models – are as powerful as average gas blowers. Just choose a good model. Pay attention to customer reviews and ratings.

Other advantage of electric corded blowers is that they can include vacuuming and eventually mulching capabilities.

Electric corded vs. electric cordless leaf blowers

Electric cordless leaf blowers have an obvious advantage over electric corded units: their range isn't restricted too, say, the 100 or 150 feet of a cord. They are also lighter than other leaf blowers, but they have an huge downside: they are less powerful than corded models (and gas or propane blowers).

They are better for light-duty tasks: clean hard surfaces in patios, sidewalks, driveways… They are quiet and convenient for small tasks, but their batteries have to be recharged (after 30 minutes of use, say…), and in general they don’t include features like vacuum and mulching, common in corded electric models.

Restrictions to the use of leaf blowers
The noise and the emission levels of (gas) leaf blowers has led some communities to ban or to limit their use to quieter and less polluting units. So, before buying, check local ordinances. Noise limits are often set at 65 or 70 decibels. To overcome possible noise and emission problems with gas and propane blowers prefer a California Air Resources Board (CARB)/EPA 50-state emissions standards compliant unit.

Gas vs. Electric corded leaf blower

Electric corded leaf blowers are the more direct competitors of gas (and propane) blowers. The best electric units can match the power of common gas blowers, and have several important advantages over them, mentioned above: advantages in prices, maintenance, quietness, energy-efficiency, weight and environmental impact. Besides, many of them have vacuum (and eventually mulching) functions, which can also be important.

They are, due to all these reasons, the best option for most homeowners. Their main disadvantage over gas units is on their limited range. Gas units aren't limited by the extension of a cord (and the best models are also more powerful).

The most powerful leaf blowers

Do not overestimate the importance of the capacity of gas (or propane) gas blowers. Buying a blower with more power than that you need isn’t a good option, since it mainly implies more noise and weight…

Elements like noise, low-pollution and low-maintenance are often more important… Even electric blowers are a rather needless option in most average and small yards...

Large capacity gas and propane blowers only make sense in very large yards and for professional uses. That’s the case of backpack gas leaf blowers. They make the blowing task easier for long work sessions, but they are mostly used by gardening professionals. Only homeowners with very large properties will take advantage of them…

Even handheld gas leaf blowers (in general with a 24 cc to 30 cc engine) are beyond the needs of most homeowners, and should only be considered for large yards or when the range of an extension cord excludes the electric corded leaf blower option.

As to propane leaf blowers, they have the advantage of having features like vacuum and mulching, and they are less polluting, but they are as noisy as gas units, and more expensive than any other type of leaf blower.

The best leaf blowers: customer reviews and ratings

For customer reviews and ratings (Amazon.com) involving top manufacturers (Toro, Black and Decker, Husqvarna, Worx, Hitachi, Weed Eater, Makita, Greenworks...) see: Leaf Blowers