Just to clear things up before we get into our guide. At GardenConsumers.com, we highlight the best weed eater models from a variety of brands and not just the “Weed Eater” brand. See our Cordless Trimmer page or our Gas Trimmer page. We even have some information on Trimmer Line.

If your goal is to eliminate the unsightly overgrowth of weeds and grass around the edges of your lawn, flowerbeds, pathways, or anywhere else around the home, you are definitely in the right place.

Battery-Operated, Corded or Gas?

As you can see from our table, many prefer the battery-operated trimmers, but that doesn’t mean they are the best on the market.

You need to weigh out the pros and cons of each style to determine which is the best weed eater for your trimming needs.

Battery Powered

The battery-operated units are quite convenient. Just like the gas-powered weed eaters, there is no cord that will limit the distance you can travel or that you have to worry about tripping over as you move.

The downside is that you are limited when it comes to the trimming time. The session will last only as long as the battery has juice in it, and if your trimmer isn’t fully charged, you might not be using it for very long.

We will say, however, that these are some of the quietest models, which is important when you’re trimming in areas where there are certain rules and regulations regarding sound.

Corded

Corded weed eaters do not limit you like the battery-operated and gas-powered units do. You can use a corded model for as long as you want (and as far as the cord will reach). You don’t have to worry about the battery dying or running out of gas.

The power supply is always constant! But to be honest, messing with the cord can become troublesome. So, if you find yourself weed-eating often, it is worth it to go with the battery units.

What you won’t like about a corded unit is the cord! It gets in the way as you walk and it can be frustrating when you have to move it around constantly to avoid tripping over it. You will most likely have to purchase an extension cord, as well.

If you have a fairly large yard, this is the least convenient option of them all.

Gas Powered

While they may be stinky, noisy, and very demanding in terms of maintenance, the gas-powered weed eater is the most powerful of the three.

If you have a tall brush or thick patches of weeds to whack down, then nothing compares to a gas-powered monster.

Keep in mind that these models will vibrate more than the corded and battery-operated units, which can make your hands numb after an hour of trimming!

Pay Attention to the Small Details as You Shop

Once you have narrowed down a trimmer style, there are still plenty of small details you should take into consideration before you purchase one.

• String Replacement. The less experience you have with trimmers, the easier you will want the string replacement process to be.

Let’s face it – no one wants a difficult machine, but obviously, an inexperienced user won’t be as comfortable with a weed eater as an experienced user will.

If you’re a newbie, make sure you opt for a trimmer that has an easy string reloading system.

• Whether or Not It Functions as an Edger. Some weed eaters make it easy for you to do edging around the flower beds, walkways, stone steps, or anywhere else you would like to create a straight line.

Number 3, for example, has a little lever you can pop down that rests along the edge of the surface you’re trimming, and number 7 has a little wheel that makes it easy for you to roll along a surface and create an even cut.

The post Weed Eaters: What is in a name? appeared first on Garden Consumers.

In our guide, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best gas weed eater models and providing you with all of the tips and suggestions you need in order to purchase the right one.

With the help of our detailed reviews and the fact that we’ve done all of the research for you, choosing one will be much easier.

You’ll be out there whacking away at those weeds in no time!

Weed Eater – a Brand and a General Term

One thing we wanted to point out quickly before you head down to check out the trimmers is the fact that the words “weed eater” are used in two different ways.

• Weed Eater Brand. Weed Eater is actually a brand name. You’ll notice that Weed Eater still makes popular weed wackers, or weed trimmers, or string trimmers as they are more generally known. It’s just that they no longer dominate the category of the best gas weed wacker like they once did.
• Weed Eater Term. Just like most of us call bandages “Band-Aids,” many of us also end up calling trimmers “weed eaters” or “weed whackers.”

This is a minor detail but one that we wanted to mention in order to avoid any confusion! We will use these terms interchangeably, but it is easy to understand based on the context.

We are a professional reader-supported review site. You get our best product recommendations and we can receive small commissions from our affiliates at no cost to you. Win-Win!!

How to Choose the Right Gas-Powered Trimmer

Not sure where to begin your search? We recommend you take the following points into consideration to choose the best gas weed eater for your needs.

Straight Shaft or Curved Shaft. You’ll notice as you shop that there are both straight shaft models and those with a curved shaft. So, what’s the difference?

Straight Shaft

Without a curve, the shaft is naturally longer and these types of trimmers offer better balance when you handle them. The slight length increase also allows you to reach under objects easier and they usually have more attachments available.

Curved Shaft

These can be easier to maneuver than straight-shafted trimmers and are usually lighter. If you have a bad back, this is the best gas weed eater for you. These units generally allow you to work in a more straight up manner.

If this is your first time purchasing a weed whacker, then start with a curved shaft model. Or at least give them some good consideration. Most likely though, you will adapt to the shaft style you first purchase.

Engine Cycles. When it comes to the amount of power that the engine offers you, you’ll notice that gas trimmers come in either 2-cycle or 4-cycle engines.

2-Cycle

These run on a mixture of oil and fuel. They require a bit more prep work. You have to mix the oil and fuel yourself to the proper ratio. Although they are smaller, they are still designed to offer you quite a bit of power. The engines run at a higher RPM (revolutions per minute) to get more horsepower from the same weight.

These are generally smaller and less expensive and probably best for the typical homeowner’s needs (edging around walkways, flowerbeds, etc.). Although, unless you really need the power or portability of a Gas Weed Eater you will probably happier with a cordless weed eater.

4-Cycle

Also known as “4-stroke,” these are usually “quieter” than the 2-cycle trimmers and no mixing is required before you use them. Just add the fuel to the designated fuel tank, the oil to its designated tank and then power it up.

Since these are more powerful (and heavier) than the 2-cycle trimmers, you can plow down larger, thicker patches of weeds with them.

Top 3 Best Gas Weed Eater Reviews

Husqvarna 25cc 2-cycle 17″ Gas Trimmer 

Currently on Sale

Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer, 28-cc 2-Cycle, 17-inch Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer with Tap ‘n Go trimmer head

• Husqvarna 128LD Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer is a great multipurpose weed eater with a 17-inch cutting width and a powerful 28-cc engine to let you power through yard work
• Tap N' Go T25 Trimmer Head: Husqvarna string trimmer with heavy duty twin line cutting system features a Tap N' Go weed trimmer head for quick line feed- spins counter clockwise
• Smart Start Technology: specially-designed engine and starter for easy and fast starting with minimum effort
• Air Purge: removes air from the carburetor and fuel system for additional easy starting
• Versatile and Easy to Store: This grass trimmer is compatible with select click-on attachments to cover the job of a variety of lawn care equipment, plus it features a detachable shaft for easy transport and storage

$239.99 −7% $222.79

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*Price from:  2024-04-02 at 18:34 EST

This trimmer from Husqvarna is pricey. But if you’re looking for a reliable easy starting machine it is worth the investment. It will last a very long time and can handle all the weeds you put in front of it.

As we mentioned earlier, the 2-cycle engine requires you to mix up oil and fuel prior to adding it to the trimmer. This is a bit of a drawback in my opinion.

The nice thing about this trimmer is Husqvarna’s SmartStart technology that makes it easy to start even if you don’t know much about engines and trimmers.

Those of you with experience using gas trimmers will probably appreciate this one the most. Let's get it NOW! 

If you are new to trimmers and prefer something a little smaller, then we suggest you check out number 3.

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This is a large engine Weed Eater that has 2 cutting heads. It can be used as a standard string trimmer or install the 3-T metal blades for a serious cutting machine that can even take down larger brush and even small trees!

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The 2-cycle engine on this at 51.7cc is a bit larger than the engine on my first motorized scooter. It has an easy pull starter, translucent gas tank, and snap on/off air filter for easy use.

You will operate this we ease because the extra weight, 18 pounds, is perfectly balanced on an adjustable shoulder harness. And the head movement is controlled by a wide-set handlebar. This handlebar is ergonomically set up to keep your wrists at a neutral position and allows you to work without bending over.

If you are purchasing this unit, you probably have serious work to do and have had experience with these larger units. If it is your first time using a device of this size, make sure you take the time to get the shoulder harness and balance point adjusted to your working style.

Great for serious trimming needs but not for everyone. If you want a more affordable machine for smaller jobs, check out the next trimmer. No products found.

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First time gas-powered trimmer users will probably opt for the Ryobi thanks to the affordability. It won’t burn a hole in your pocket and it’s comfortable on the back!

This runs on a full crankshaft to help increase the longevity of the trimmer. It features a bump-feed string head for quicker line reload, and the 3-step ZipStart carburetor makes it easier to start.

The shaft length is a bit shorter than some of the other trimmers (only 49 inches), but that’s only because it is curved.

For edging your lawns and trimming around flowerbeds, we’d say this is an excellent gas-powered trimmer model. No products found.

The post Best Gas Weed Eaters 2021 appeared first on Garden Consumers.

While it may be easy to keep the tall weeds at bay when you have a trimmer, finding a good model isn’t so easy with all of the choices available out there.

Below, we will be showing you some of the best battery-powered weed eater units. This will make it quick and easy to find a high-quality trimmer.

How to Choose a Trimmer

There are so many small things to take into consideration when choosing the best cordless weed trimmer. Here we highlight a few of the most important ones for you here.

Consider Trim Width

The full diameter of the strings as they spin, the trim width averages about usually around 12 inches. This is the primary sizing element for a string trimmer. If you have a high volume of cutting to do, we’d suggest that you look for a trimmer with a wider cutting width, maybe around 15 inches.

Choose a Motor Powerful Enough for Your Needs

Some of you may just need to lightly trim a few stray weeds around the perimeter of the yard. While others need to tackle the field of grass that’s invading the lawn. The bigger the workload, the more power you’ll need. If you know that you’ll be using the trimmer in some thick areas on a regular basis, opt for one with a higher voltage which will directly result in more power. The battery voltages run from 12V up to 40V and well beyond for truly powerful units!

Battery Type

The newer Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries are FAR SUPERIOR to the older NiCad batteries. If you are looking for a less expensive trimmer, you will still find some with NiCad batteries. These should be avoided as the batteries will not last, and often start underperforming in the first season of use! Only buy trimmers with Li-ion batteries regardless of size.

Battery Capacity

Battery capacity is measured in Amp-Hours (Ah). Note that a 40V 2Ah battery will have twice the energy of a 20V 2Ah battery, so you should only compare battery capacities on trimmers with the SAME battery voltage. The battery capacity will determine the run time of the unit.

Battery Count

If you need long and continuous run times, then you will want 2 batteries so one can charge while you are using the other. For most home users, this is probably not needed. Look at your requirements for run time and see what each battery will provide. The batteries are a very expensive part of the package!

Line Feed

Anyone who has owned a string trimmer knows that eventually, you will be dealing with the line feed. Sometimes it might just be to refill, but all too often it will be line feed failure. The latest models have advanced line feed mechanisms that work much better.

How to Determine How Long It Will Run

As we mentioned below, the “Ah” (amp-hour) rating of the battery is the amount of energy it can store. This will directly correlate to the runtime of the weed trimmer and why we are mentioning it to you now!

Be aware though, that many battery powered devices may state an unrealistic runtime. We found this especially true for older cordless wee trimmers.

The higher the Ah rating, the longer the battery will run on a single charge. Realize that the runtime is just an estimate and it is quite hard to determine an exact run time since so many factors are in play. Sometimes, you might just “zap” the weeds here and there. Other times you may have the motor running full-blast for long periods of time.

If you blast through a patch of thick weeds, the motor is going to work extra hard and you’ll wear down the battery faster!

The moral of the story is that the AH of the battery can give you a clue to the run time but exact time depends on how you use it.

We are a professional reader-supported review site. You get our best product recommendations and we can receive small commissions from our affiliates at no cost to you. Win-Win!!

Top 3 Best Cordless Weed Trimmer Reviews

Just like my Apple MacBook Pro, I’ll say this unit is expensive, BUT NOT OVERPRICED. The unit has top of the line features across the board: light, powerful, easy line handling. The Ego Power+ is one of our favorite trimmers. This is a serious professional product.

1. EGO Power+ 15-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 

EGO Power+ 15-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless String Trimmer - 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Kit

• Dual-feed twist line with 0.095 in. diameter
• Hi-efficiency brushless motor with variable speed
• Weather-resistant construction
• Variable speed trigger
• Extended aluminum shaft with in-line grip

$259.00

View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-04-03 at 00:07 EST

The shaft of the trimmer is now made from carbon fiber (upgraded from aluminum in the previous generation) keeping the weight down without sacrificing strength.

One of the keys to this trimmer’s success is the brushless motor. Brushless motors are popular in power tools since they can make the tool lighter, more efficient, and less noisy.

This trimmer has the EGO Power POWERLOAD feature which will solve the trimmer line handling issue. You insert a precut line into the trimmer and then it will wind it into the head. This makes it reload of string simple, quick, and flawless! I cannot overemphasize how big this is! Let's get it NOW! 

2. DeWalt FlexVolt 60V Max String Trimmer 

DEWALT definitely has one of the best cordless string trimmer models on our list (and one of the most expensive!)

DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX* String Trimmer, Brushless, Two Speed, 15-Inch, 3-Ah Battery (DCST970X1)

• Gear drive design of the edger/trimmer powers through tough overgrowth
• High-efficiency brushless motor of the cordless grass trimmer maximizes run time and motor life
• Lawn trimmer provides 15-inch cutting swath with 0.080-inch line (also accepts 0.095 inch)
• Variable speed trigger with Hi/Lo speed control for added power or extended run time
• Lightweight and ergonomic design maximizes control and minimizes stress on your arms

$298.99

View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-04-03 at 00:07 EST

This also has a wide, 15-inch trim width like the previous trimmer and has a much longer run time thanks to a higher 3.0Ah. It comes with two different speeds (high and low). So if you don’t need the extra available power, you can run on low and get extra-long battery life. And, just like the EGO; it also has a brushless motor to power it.

This unit weighs 13.9 pounds and thanks to the patented gear drive, you can slice through those thick patches of weeds like a hot knife through butter.

So why is the price so high? Well, you get the trimmer, battery, and battery charger, and if you had to purchase them separately, they’d cost you even more. But this is no ordinary battery.

The DeWalt FLEXVOLT system allows this batter to run at 60V or 20V so it can be used interchangeably with a whole line of DeWalt products. If this is you, this trimmer would be the first one to consider.

Considering the quality of this trimmer and the dependability of the brand, this is the right investment if you’ll be using the trimmer on a regular basis and need something that can handle bigger jobs. I'm sold, let's get it! 

3. Black+Decker LSTE525 Trimmer/Edger 

Currently on Sale

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer and Edger, Cordless, 12 Inch, 2-Speed Control, 2 Batteries, Charger, and Spool Included (LSTE525)

• Converts from trimmer to wheeled edger; Amp hour: (2) 1.5 ampere hour
• Power drive transmission for increased torque
• 2 speed control for more power or extended runtime. Line diameter: 0.065 inches; Cutting swath 12 inches
• Easy feed allows you to advance your line with the push of a button with no bumping required
• Part of the 20V Max system; 1 system endless tasks. Power for your style

$119.00 −34% $79.00

View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-04-03 at 00:07 EST

Our final suggestion is a bit more budget friendly and ideal for lighter trimming jobs. This unit has been on our recommendation list for years and continues to deliver.

This little trimmer weighs just 5.7 pounds, and we see that it is quite popular with quite a few senior gardeners since it is much lighter than some of the other units.

It runs on two 2.0 AH lithium batteries and should give you a run time of one hour on a full charge with average use.

One nice feature that we liked was the fact that you can change it from trimmer to wheeled edger by rotating the head, making it perfect to trim grass along flowerbeds and walkways.

Out of all the Black+Decker trimmers, this is probably the most popular. Yes! I want it! 

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It is tempting to think that all trimmer lines are the same, but nothing could be further from the truth. The best trimmer line for one area of your landscape is most likely not the right choice for another section.

We’ll walk you through trimmer line differences and similarities as we highlight some qualities to look for as you shop. Plus, we’ve gone in search of the top trimmer lines and given you an in-depth review of the best three. These will make your gas or electric trimmer hum.

Buying Trimmer Line? Here Are a Few Pre-Purchase Considerations

How cost-effective your trimmer line turns out to be will depend heavily on how quickly it wears and how often you have to purchase more. A factor affecting trimmer line wear and tear is the material it is made from.

The most commonly used materials are nylon and titanium.

• Nylon. The vast majority of trimmer lines are made from hardened nylon. This synthetic material performs well in all trimming situations and rarely disappoints when you step back to look at the results of your efforts. Nylon lines are also cheaper – an added benefit if you are looking for a good bargain!
• Titanium. Having come onto the trimmer line scene in more recent years, titanium trimmer line has shown great promise regarding It exceeds nylon in many areas, being more energy-efficient and durable. Titanium lines allow you to work faster, completing jobs in much less time. While you will have to spend more for lines made of titanium, the cost-over-time is greatly reduced.

What’s Good to Know When Shopping for Trimmer Line?

Trimmer line comes in varying diameters to match the type of work it does and the size required by your trimmer.

• 065 to 0.080 Inches. Use for light work such as on residential lawns with thin weeds. This will be for entry-level trimmers.
• 085 to 0.105. Best for medium work as you would do on large lawns with heavy weeds. Larger cordless trimmers and smaller gas trimmers will use this size.
• 110 Inches or Greater. For heavy work in wide-open spaces that possibly contain heavy weeds and require plenty of trimming. Generally, only large gas trimmers will need this large of line, although large cordless trimmers are getting really powerful and I expect some of them to start using this size as well.

Trimmer line also comes in varying cross-sections (the shape you see when you look straight on at the tip of the line).

• Round. This standard, basic shape is wear-resistant and a staple for light work such as trimming edges on residential property.
• Square. Good for repeated professional use on heavy weeds.
• Multi-Sided. Thick, heavy weeds and large yards call for trimmer line with this shape.
• Twisted. This heavy-duty and efficient trimmer line keeps your trimmer noise level low.
• Serrated. Quick and clean – that’s how this line works on large areas of heavy, thick grass and weeds.

NOTE: The owner’s manual will point out the best diameter and shape of the trimmer line to use with your trimmer. Some trimmers now take specialized line. If you have one of those, you may need to purchase a specific product matched to your trimmer.

The post Trimmer Line Knowledgebase appeared first on Garden Consumers.

Our guide can help you narrow down your search, and finally, put an end to your unsightly backyard once and for all. Check here for general yard trimming information.

Scroll down for useful buying information as well as reviews of our five favorite string trimmers.

Should I Get a Gas or Electric Trimmer?

Whether you get a gas or electric trimmer depends upon how comfortable you are spending your money, whether or not you are worried about pollution, how much noise you’re willing to put up with, and how big your yard and trimming needs are. Let’s take a look to see if your best string trimmer will be gas or electric based on each of the following criteria.

• Noise. If you’re going to be wearing earplugs anyway while you operate your trimmer, then it won’t matter to you that gas trimmers are much louder than their electric counterparts. If, however, you have close neighbors and you plan to trim at weird hours of the day, you might want to go for the much quieter electric trimmer.
• Pollution. Electric trimmers are more environmentally friendly than the gas-guzzling gas models are. With electric string trimmers, you’ll just need to keep your battery plugged in at all times, so it’s ready to go whenever you want to do some trimming. Or you’ll have to buy a unit with a cord.
• The Size of Your Property. If you think by this point that electric is the way to go, this might change your mind. With a big yard and a fair amount of trimming to do, you’ll likely have to stop midway through and recharge your battery on your electric unit. If you have a corded unit, you may have to run several extension cords to reach the borders of your property.

Recharging the battery can take hours. Once it is charged, you’ll be out of your trimming clothes and freshly showered. You won’t want to go back out there until another day. That can turn your one-day trimming job into a two-day chore.

Gas allows you to trim until the job is completed. Well, you do need to have enough gas.

• Money. Gas string trimmers are generally more expensive than electric units are. Plus, you’ll have the extra cost of having to fill your trimmer up with gas every time you use it.

With electric trimmers, not only is the trimmer less expensive, but you won’t need to spend any extra money to run it. You may decide that having a second battery is important though and that can drive up the total cost.

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