Did you know that a gasoline-powered leaf blower can produce the same air pollution over just one hour as a car will by driving 100 miles? That’s quite a scary idea if all you wanted to do was tidy away those leaves scattered all across your beautiful lawn.
You can’t deny leaf blowers are useful tools, though, reducing hours of back-breaking autumn raking to a short afternoon’s work. You need a good, reliable leaf blower you can depend on, with enough air power to move even the most stubborn leaves. Why not use the best corded leaf blower you can buy, rather than continue to struggle with a rake?
Modern electric leaf blowers are now just as reliable and effective as their gas and battery counterparts. They have some amazing additional features that may well just inch them into the lead. Fortunately, we are here to help you with everything you could possibly need to know about these handy gadgets. Our electric leaf blower reviews include tips and tricks, and a handy buying guide to make sure you get the very best deal possible.
Table of Contents
Best Electric Leaf Blowers
Here are a few of our most recommended leaf blower models for you to consider:
1. Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower/Vacuum
This powerful 3-in-1 leaf blower, mulcher, and vacuum give you up to 250 mph wind at 350 cfm when in blow mode, and 410 cfm when vacuuming. A cord-storage hook keeps you free of tangles, and a zippered collection bag makes emptying the unit easy.
You can easily swap to the shred-all ring when it’s time to mulch. The oscillating tube helps save your precious time too. This unusual feature allows differential air pressure to spread the air stream, rather than the concentrated stream you may be used to from leaf blowers. This is ideal for dry leaves on hard surfaces.
Variable speed control gives you great control as you blow and vacuum both. This is a solid and robust unit, with all parts fitting together well and no ‘wobble’ to leave you worried. It does need some disassembly to change nozzles but otherwise is a strong contender.
Read the full review: Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower/Vacuum
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2. Worx Turbine 12 Amp Corded Leaf Blower WG520
The WORX WG520 Blower is a high capacity, turbine-fan powered blower packing a powerful 12 amp motor. It offers variable-speed controls and wind speeds up to 115 mph, using streamlining to ensure it can confidently deliver 600 cfm air volume, and putting it level with many professional backpack leaf blowers on the market today. Its delivery surpasses many gas leaf blowers, in fact!
A power cord retainer ensures the cord doesn’t bother you as you work, and despite the powerful engine, it weighs in at only 6.4 lbs, suitable for one-handed use. A three-year warranty rounds off the package. While not entirely silent, it has a quiet field of operation that makes it appealing to use despite being one of the most powerful corded electric leaf blowers available on the market currently.
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3. BLACK+DECKER BV6000 Corded Leaf Blower/Vac/Mulcher
The BLACK+DECKER BV6000 High-Performance Blower/Vac/Mulcher is a 250 mph blower, tackling even though gardens with ease. Despite this, it is a remarkably quiet blower. The metal fan is toughened against high impact so mulching will not clog your progress.
Two power settings ensure a wind delicate enough for your favorite flowers yet enabling you to power through autumnal debris. As a 3-in-1 unit, it offers convenience and simplicity for the user. Changing between settings is tool-free, and a cord retainer is in-built. Bags for this unit are disposable. So while you will need to keep some in stock, disposing of the clippings is a simple affair. A shoulder strap is provided for comfort, one-handed use is possible. The engine is rated at a powerful 12 amps to ensure a lifetime of strong service.
Read the full review: Black+Decker BV6000 Blower/Vac/Mulcher
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4. Toro 51585 Power Sweep Corded Electric Leaf Blower
Offering wind speeds up to 160 mph from its 7 amp motor, the Toro 51585 is no slacker when it comes to getting the job done. It still manages to retain a lightweight (at 4.6 lbs), has an easy-to-handle shape, and you can change airspeeds between low and max for greater versatility in the garden. This would be the perfect unit for someone looking to easily clear up a sidewalk, drive or deck with a minimum of fuss.
The low setting lends itself to tighter spaces, while the high offers you all the power you need in open spaces. Your purchase is covered by a 2-year full warranty, and this is an UL-listed unit. A compact 28 x 8.5 x 11.5 inches, it’s easy to store and has a little-to-no learning curve for operation.
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5. Greenworks 24012 7 Amp Single Speed Electric Blower
This bright, slick electric leaf blower sports stylish lines- but it delivers where it matters, too. Keep user fatigue to a minimum with its convenient shoulder strap and ergonomic styling, while a cruise-control setting enables you to set it and forget it rather than keeping up constant pressure on a trigger.
Super-lightweight, the unit only weighs 4.5 lbs, but a powerful 7 amp motor manages to deliver winds up to 160 MPH at 150 cfm. Operation is smooth, with a minimum of noise. This is a plug-and-play unit, simply needing a connection to your power to get going. This unit also promises a highly-attractive carbon footprint of zero emissions over the lifetime of the leaf blower.
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6. DEWALT DWBL700 Corded Electric Leaf Blower
The DEWALT DWBL700 is a 12 amp electric leaf blower built on the same lines as contractor’s tools and suitable for use indoors and out. With dust-resistant features and strong motor life, this is a purchase you will make for life. A tool for serious garden lovers, expect airflow of 145 mph and 409 cfm on the standard nozzle. You can also swap to the flatter contractor’s nozzle to max that out at 189 mph for more stubborn leaf litter and debris.
Finishing the additional features is a smaller, 1” round nozzle for small crevices and awkward corners. With all this power, the noise rating of 69 dba is more than fair. This leaf blower is a compact 17 x 17 x 11 in, but does weigh in heavier than some other models at 9.8 lbs.
Read the full review: Dewalt DWBL700 Corded Electric Leaf Blower
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7. Worx WG510 Leaf Blower, Mulcher, and Vacuum
If you’re looking for a corded leaf blower that can get the job done, then look no further. Boasting the same efficient turbine technology that Worx is renowned for, this 3-in-1 combo makes use of a dual-stage metal impeller for a robust, long-lived unit that will get the job done every time. A hassle-free collection bag seals the deal. Switch easily between the three modes with no needs for tools or fuss.
525 cfm is slightly unbalanced against a 65 mph wind speed– but you would hardly notice when using it, surprisingly. This is a blower that gets the job done. The mulch ratio of leaves and needles is an impressive 24:1, so if mulching is important for you this could be the best unit of the bunch. 9.3 lbs is a solid, robust size, a convenient shoulder strap makes it comfortable to use, and a 3-year manufacturer warranty buys you peace of mind too.
Read the full review: Worx WG510 Leaf Blower, Mulcher and Vacuum
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8. Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vac
Toro is a well-established leaf blower brand at this stage, and this is another shining offering from their stable. This is a blower and vacuum in one, making cleanup easier on the user with an 88% mulch rate to smaller than ½ inch. The reusable bag is conveniently zippered, making emptying less of a chore, while a metal impeller ensures years of reliable service.
Wind speeds are 250 mph, with 410 cfm air displacement, so this is pretty balanced as leaf blowers go, especially with the mulching setting included. A built-in cord lock ensures you don’t get tangled in the extension cord, either. A 2-year warranty seals the deal. If you’re looking for a balanced package of power and performance, while still providing the convenience, emissions reduction and reduced noise of an electric leaf blower, this could well be your next purchase. A concentrated nozzle provides an extra punch when needed.
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Electric Leaf Blower Buying Guide
Are you considering buying a corded electric leaf blower? Then look no further, as we have all the information you need to ensure you make a solid, long-lasting purchase.
Things You Should Consider When Buying a Corded Electric Leaf Blower
Is a corded electric leaf blower the right choice?
This style of leaf blower is aimed at those with small, medium and some large gardens. They are likely not ideal for you if you have a very large, unfenced garden, or a very ‘busy’ garden with lots of twisting pathways and tons of ornaments or trees which may snag the cord and cause your distress.
They are by far the most ‘friendly’ leaf blower on the market. There’s no need for you to learn the intricacies of 2-stroke engines, or how to correctly use (and maintain) them and the fuel/oil ratio they require. There’s also no need to spend a prolonged period of time maintaining batteries and waiting for them to charge.
Corded electric leaf blowers are, for the most part, created for single-handed use at the press of a single button. They usually come in at 10 pounds or less in weight. While they may sound a little noisy when you are standing over them, believe us- they are one of the quietest models available. Modern options also have enough power to get all but the most difficult jobs done, and yet they are one of the cheapest leaf blower types you will find on the market.
You must be willing to deal with the cord, however. Make sure you have an extension long enough to ensure you can reach everywhere in your garden with minimal plug changes, and be aware that children and pets may find the cord a fun ‘toy’ with no idea of the possible danger. There is also a trip hazard to yourself, of course.
How much power are you really receiving?
You’ll see two critical power figures when buying your electric leaf blower. That is the wind speed produced (measured, obviously, in miles per hour) and the cfm (cubic-feet-per-minute). These two numbers need to be balanced for the best results and should be as high as possible as well as close together.
It’s tempting to get an amazing mph and think that’s all you need. It isn’t all about how fast the air comes out the nozzle, however. The more leaves you have, the more work the unit needs to do. Air coming out faster means nothing if there is no ‘pushing power’ behind it.
The cfh tells you the volume of air coming out the tube over a minute- or how much push those high wind speeds will give you when confronted with a backyard full of leaves. These two values need to work well together, or you will have great ‘push power’ but spend forever on the task (high cfh, low mph), or have great speed, but cover only a tiny area (high mph, low cfh). Neither are ideal.
What does the unit weigh?
Have a good idea what the unit you are considering weighs, too. Anything will become a drag after a while. Make sure not only the weight but the dimensions of the unit fit you well- especially if you are particularly tall (shoulder straps may be too short for you) or short (units may feel bulky and be difficult to maneuver). If you are older, with less agile knees or arthritic hands, you will also want to look for a compact unit you can comfortably swing around. The right choice for you will vary, but make sure you can see yourself using the blower you are considering happily.
What noise does the unit produce?
Let’s be very clear here- an electric leaf blower is always going to be the quietest option. That said, there are variations in the noise produced. It’s always going to be a bit of a balancing act- the larger your yard or higher your leaf burden, the greater mph and cfh you require, which will always cause a trade-off in noise levels. However, a low decibel (indicated as dB) level is always an attractive addition to the package.
Is a hand-held unit the right choice?
Backpack and self-wheeled leaf blower options do exist. If you have a lot of mobility issues, or a very large yard, these may suit you better than a handheld version. They are less convenient for getting in small spaces, however, and typically cost more too. Again, get a feel for what will suit you best. Check out the best backpack leaf blowers here!
Now you know what to look for when you buy your leaf blower, let’s take a look at some other important considerations.
Pros & Cons of Corded Electric Leaf Blowers
As with everything in life, the leaf blower type you pick will have its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at what awaits you as the owner of a corded electric leaf blower.
The Advantages to a Corded Electric Leaf Blower:
You’ll be glad to know that there are a ton of significant advantages to using an electric leaf blower. Here are just some of these.
Less noise
Noise pollution has risen to be very viable concerns in many communities. No one loves having a peaceful morning disturbed as the sounds of your neighbor’s gardening efforts scream through your ears, and it can seriously damage your quality of life. Herein lies one of the major advantages of corded electric leaf blowers. You may not exactly call them ‘silent’ as the operator- but when compared to their gas-guzzling cousins, the difference in volume is immense and immediately noticeable.
Less pollution
Noise is not the only pollution to consider, of course. Gas leaf blowers guzzle fuel alarmingly and produce noxious exhaust fumes as you work. Not only can this have an impact on your health and environment, but it’s an unpleasant and dirty experience to have to put yourself through.
Pleasing to homeowners’ associations
Both of the factors we mentioned above, added together, make electric leaf blowers far more appealing to homeowners’ associations than their gas-powered cousin. In some energy-conscious communities, using sustainable electric equipment may even be a necessity.
Reduce your carbon footprint
Electric leaf blowers allow you to significantly contribute to the environment by reducing your household’s carbon footprints. Many of the models we recommended have no effect on carbon footprint at all.
Easier to use
Electric models require no mixing of gas, and you are not required to lug around the weight of the fuel tank as well as the unit. This makes the average electric model lightweight and simple to use. Many can even be operated with one hand. Maintenance is also minimal.
Cheaper
Electric, corded leaf blowers are typically the cheapest of the non-gas leaf blowers, and yet many will have a perfectly long service life, need less maintenance, and be less prone to hitches then battery-driven types, making them a simple and economical choice.
Possible Disadvantages to a Corded Electric Leaf Blower:
Electric leaf blowers do, of course, have a few disadvantages as well. Here are the major ones you will encounter
You are confined by a cord
You will need to be able to power your unit, so you will need to make sure you have extension cords suitable to reach the entire length of your garden. While a small price to pay for their other advantages, the cord may also get a little irritating as you move around. Make sure to use a proper plan to tackle your garden, and opt for a model with a cord lock feature, to keep this irritation to a minimum
You need a power source
Unlike gas models, you cannot simply whip out your corded leaf blower and get to work. You will need to make sure you have a power source on hand.
A (slight) drop in efficiency
This problem was more noticeable in the past, as early electric models simply didn’t have the power of their gas counterparts. However, modern models have fast caught up, and this disadvantage may soon be a thing of the past. For the average homeowner, the difference is negligible.
Electric leaf blowers offer lighter, simpler starts and contribute greatly to reducing both noise and pollution. They’re also more ‘people friendly’, and will be greatly appreciated by your neighbors and your family. While they occasionally lack a little of the power of their gas cousins, they are a more-than-viable alternative in a wide range of settings.
What Features and Attachments Will I Find?
Corded leaf blowers come with a wide range of convenient features and accessories. Which ones are open to you will depend strongly on the make and brand you choose. Expect to be able to accessories your purchase with additional nozzles with different shapes to provide certain blowing features, vacuum add-on kits (if your model is not already a 2-in-1 or 3-in-1), brand-specific extension cords, gutter cleaning kits, and leaf bags (disposable and reusable) for easy leaf mulching or simple collection.
Vacuum add-on
A vacuum can be a useful feature for those who don’t fancy collecting all the leaves they blow together. Take it a step further with a leaf shredder or mulcher, which will prepare the gathered leaves for disposal or re-use in the garden.
Safety Glasses
If there is a lot of dirt, debris, and sand in your garden, or if you will be using the blower alongside or over gravel, you will want to add a pair of safety glasses to your list.
Maintenance Tools
You will also find a host of maintenance tools open to you, to help you keep your leaf blower in peak running condition. In general, electric leaf blowers are very simple to maintain. There is none of the need to flush and refill the engine as there is with a gas model, and no spark plugs to be changed or special tasks for off-season storage to undertake. While most electrical leaf blowers will only need basic tools- a screwdriver and rags to clean with- some may have additional tools, covers, and other storage items to help you get the job done quicker.
Cordless vs Corded: Which is Better?
There is no true ‘better’ when it comes to the corded vs cordless leaf blower argument. It’s about what works best for your garden and your unique needs. Each model has its own pros and cons, and each brings something a little different to the table. We’ve looked in-depth at the pros and cons of the corded electric leaf blower type. Here’s a quick overview of all the classes of leaf blower open to you, and their many advantages and challenges.
As you can see, while cordless convenience is always a plus, both types of the cordless device come with their own set of cons.
- Battery powered leaf blowers are incredibly simple to use, but have the shortest lifespan of all the types and are the least powerful. Expect to have to buy new batteries throughout the lifetime of the device, and be prepared to take many a coffee-break while the device charges for use. Regular maintenance is pretty hefty too. For more information, read our detailed battery powered leaf blowers buying guide.
- Handheld gas leaf blowers, also a style of ‘cordless’ blower, pack a hefty punch for larger gardens or professional landscapers, but they are noisy, produce emissions, and have a steep learning curve both for engine maintenance and simply mixing the fuel and oil ratios correctly.
- Corded leaf blowers do suffer from needing to always be within cord’s reach of a safe power source. This does leave you with the disadvantage of having to take the cord wherever you roam in your garden. But they come with all the pluses of a battery model- they are clean, energy-efficient, quiet and simple to use- and provide far more power because of the cord drawing from the grid.
So while a corded model may have the cord get in the way, cordless models come with their own set of challenges. For many normal homeowners, especially those with medium-to-large gardens, corded provides all the pros (and none of the cons) of cordless models with very little hassle.
How to Use a Corded Leaf Blower Effectively & Safely
Now you’ve picked the perfect corded leaf blower for your needs- but what are you actually going to do with it? Fortunately, corded leaf blowers are very easy to use, and you will soon get the hang of the technique.
Firstly, get to know your new machine. Familiarise yourself with the switch, so you can hit it comfortably and cut it off quickly in event of an emergency. Now make sure that the shoulder strap is correctly sized so you can comfortably hold the unit while you work. If you are using a shredder/mulcher or vacuum, make sure you learn how to swap and release the bags- most units have a convenient lever near the bag to allow you to do so with minimal interruption to your work. If necessary, order in some of the bags for your unit.
Lastly, make sure you know how to swap nozzles and any other attachment you may like to use. For most units on the market, this is a case of twist-off, twist-on. Some units may require you to get a little more hands-on, and need disassembly in order to change features.
Must-Read Tips to Properly Use an Electric Leaf Blower
Now to the task at hand. Take a look at your garden, and make a sensible plan of action. If you are not using a vacuum, you will want to be sure to end somewhere where the leaves you have collected can easily be corralled and collected- perhaps a corner with only grass, or on a hard surface. Work methodically, with the stream of air from the blower always pointed ahead of you so you don’t have to re-blow any areas of your garden. Work in swathes towards your final destination, being mindful of your unit’s cord at all times. We strongly advise using an extension cord length and a blowing plan that needs you to change power sources as few times as possible, to speed up your work and keep irritation and interruption minimal.
You may wish to start at areas that need the lowest wind setting your leaf blower offers. This will be feature beds and flower gardens, where you do not want to damage the bedding plants. You can then work up to areas that need higher wind settings. You may also find it easiest to blow away from the walls of your home (and any decks and driveways) before you tackle the yard as a whole, so you don’t find yourself ‘stuck’ in a corner unable to blow the leaves ahead of you.
Last Notes
For the best possible results, be sure to move all vehicles under which leaves can be trapped out of the way before you begin. This also ensures that flying leaves and dust particles will not damage sensitive paintwork in any way. If you have pets or children or entertain in your garden regularly, be sure to cast an eye for abandoned toys and wanted goods before you start blowing, so nothing is accidentally swept away without you realizing it. When you are done, be sure to clean the unit of dust and debris, and empty the bag so pests don’t make a home in it.
It’s that simple! Using your new corded electric leaf blower will soon become a quick process you can tick off your to-do list with confidence.
FAQs About Corded Leaf Blowers
Still have some questions about your electric leaf blower? Hopefully, we’ve answered them below!
Are electric leaf blowers expensive to run?
You may be worried about the need to use electricity, but you shouldn’t be. Gas is equally as expensive, and most modern electric leaf blowers are energy efficient, drawing a minimum from your power grid.
Can I use my leaf blower for snow?
This will depend on the model, but stronger units with high mph and cfh should be able to clear snow from decks and paths too.
What should I do if I have an accident?
Immediately cut power to the blower, and remove it from your person, especially if you suspect the unit is faulty. Most leaf blower accidents are nothing but bangs, bruises, and pinches, but attend to them with any first aid needed. Do not use a unit you suspect is faulty.
How do I use my guarantee?
Most guarantees need you to send the unit, with a clear fault description, back to the brand warehouse or (possibly) the store at which you bought it. Be sure to read the guarantee in full so you know exactly what to do.
If you need further guidance, be sure to check out our leaf blower reviews on the homepage to learn which product will work best for you!
Wrap Up
Now you know everything there is to know about choosing the best corded electric leaf blower for you and your garden. You know what to expect from your blower, how to choose a quality model, and how to use and maintain it. Even a little about the different types of leaf blower on the market today, the considerable advantages to owning an electric leaf blower rather than gas- or battery-powered models, and how to get the very best out of your unit using key features and attachments.
You may even feel up to trying your hand at cleaning your gutters or moving some snow! Why not take the time now to head on over to our individual corded leaf blower reviews, and use the guidance of our expert team to help you find the new leaf blower today?
