Best Electric Garden Leaf Vacuum – Choice and Reviews

Are you looking for the best cordless or corded garden leaf vacuum? Today I will explain how to choose it and which are the best models for sale.

The electric leaf vacuum can become your best friend, especially if you have a large garden and hate wasting time and energy sweeping up foliage. Unfortunately, when the leaves accumulate, they can prevent the soil from breathing and absorbing water and nutrients, with all the consequences you will already know: the lawn turns yellow, the seedlings do not grow and the health of the soil suffers. Consequently, if the square footage is large, you need to find a way to get rid of it, while minimizing the effort.

How does the garden leaf vacuum work?

A leaf blower vacuum is nothing more than a tool designed to suck all the soft debris from the garden or lawn into a bag. The power supply can be electric (with a battery or with a wire to be connected to a power outlet), or petrol. In the second case, they are professional and very expensive tools.

Choosing it is not a simple operation, because on sale you can find models more or less rich in functions, which I will explore further on. I am talking to you, for example, about the possibility of also functioning as electric leaf blower, or as a shredder.

• Blow molding: the blow mode is useful for sweeping leaves from the garden or driveway, or from the sidewalk edges. Of course you can also use it in the garage or in hobby workshops, for example to sweep away shavings.

• Shredding: the ability to shred the sucked leaves reduces the space occupied by the debris inside the collection bag. As a result, it allows you to vacuum up more foliage without having to empty the tank.

Keep in mind that it is very easy to switch from suction to blowing mode. In fact, in compatible models, just select the desired option and mount the appropriate tube. In some cases there are two fixed tubes, which will activate according to the function you have chosen.

The specific one for suction is very large and has a rather wide mouth, and sometimes it houses a grinder fan inside capable of shredding the foliage.

Features of the vacuum blower

Usually battery or wire garden leaf vacuums have the blowing function included, which instead cannot be said with reversed parts. Here are the pieces that make up this tool.

• Engine block with handle: First, find a block that houses the motor and has a handle (sometimes double). Depending on the power of the engine, the suction or blowing force can be more or less high.

• Suction union: it is a large pipe with a bazooka-like appearance, to be mounted on the engine block. Its task is quite clear: by pointing it in the direction of the foliage, you will be able to suck up the debris and convey them inside the special bag. As mentioned, it can be equipped with a fan for vacuuming and shredding leaves.

• Nozzle for blowing: it is smaller than the suction tube, and has a flat and thin mouth, useful for better “shooting” the jet of air.

• Collection bag: it can have a capacity of up to 50 liters, and in some models of leaf vacuums it can even be worn over the shoulder.

• Knob for adjustment: on the motor body you will also find an easy-to-reach knob that allows you to switch from suction to blowing mode (and vice versa).

• Battery or electric cable: an electric leaf vacuum can be battery or cable. The first guarantees you absolute freedom of maneuver, but has an autonomy that usually stops around 20 minutes. The cable model does not have this problem, but you will have to contend with the length of the wire.

Best electric leaf vacuums

1. Einhell 3433300 GC-El Aspira Trita Blow 2,500 W

I consider this Einhell product as the best corded electric leaf vacuum, due to the excellent relationship between quality and price. It is quite inexpensive but offers all three functions: it sucks up the leaves, chops them and if you wish it sweeps them away with the blowing function. It is a wire model, therefore it has no battery, while the motor power is quite high (2,500 watts). Finally, it has a bag with a capacity of 40 liters.

I have tried it myself and, while not professional, it is a great tool for the garden. It has a knob that allows you to select the blowing or suction mode, and in the first case there are 6 selectable power levels. It performs more than well in both modes, and the suction force is very strong, so much so that it can suck up even the wet foliage.

Remember that there is a shredder fan, which allows you to reduce the bulk of the leaves in the collection bag by 1/10, avoiding emptying it every 5 minutes. While not exactly light, this tool is comfortable to use, due to the presence of an adjustable shoulder strap. In addition, there are also 2 wheels at the end of the suction tube, which allow you to place it on the ground and slide it while you vacuum.

The blowing function is also of a good level, since at power 6 it can sweep away any, even the crushed stone. Of course it does not have the typical power of high-end models, but it has a very low price and therefore is ideal for those who aim for convenience and savings, without losing quality. Finally, if the cable is not enough for you, you can still connect it to an extension cable.

2. BLACK+ DECKER GW3030-QS 3 in 1 wire 3000 W

If you are looking for an electric garden vacuum cleaner capable of taking you to a qualitative leap, then I recommend this model from Black & Decker. It has a cost slightly higher than the average, but justified by a high power (3,000 Watt) and excellent performance, both in suction and blowing mode. In addition, it has a fan with metal blades, therefore durable and more performing than plastic ones.

The bag for the collection of the shredded debris has a record capacity (50 liters), and the foliage is shredded very finely, with a ratio of 16: 1. There is a double handle which makes life easier, and switching from one mode to another (suction or blowing) requires the assembly of specific tubes. The selection of the mode, on the other hand, takes place via a convenient knob on the motor body.

The handle is comfortable and can be adjusted, and the same goes for the power of the engine, using a special selector. The performance is really interesting, both in blowing and suction modes, to the point that this model can suck even large, heavy and wet leaves. Also, consider that the metal blades of the shredder are super effective, and you can also clean the fan by removing the cover.

I often use it in my garden, and the only real flaw is the need to use an Allen key to assemble and disassemble the pipes, so it takes some time. For the rest, although it is not a professional shredder leaf vacuum, I consider it absolutely one of the best for use in gardens with a surface area of ​​around 60 square meters. Finally, to mount one tube or the other you have to turn the handle, because the attachments are different.

3. Grizzly Vacuum Blower ELS 2614-2 E 2.600 W

That’s all except professional, but if you decide to spend little, with this vacuum cleaner and shredder you will find yourself wonders. It has a good base power (2,600 watts), and works great both in the suction phase and in the blower mode. Electronic adjustment of the airflow allows you to customize the power of the motor, and there is also a fan for shredding the foliage (reduction of 1:10).

The bag is quite large, considering that it reaches a total of 40 liters, and the package also includes a very comfortable shoulder strap. Then consider that the nozzle of the suction tube has 2 guide wheels, very useful for sliding the tool on the ground, for close suction. On the surface it might seem less “cool” than the more expensive products, but don’t be fooled: it is very basic but extremely functional.

In this case the assembly is really quick and simple, since it is enough to screw the tube to the motor body with the appropriate screws. Furthermore, the performances are quite good even against wet and large leaves, and the capacity of the bag is enough to clean a garden of about 70 square meters, without having to empty it during construction. Consider that if the flowers are small and dry, to vacuum them you should pass the hose close to the ground (operation facilitated by the wheels).

The only real flaw is the power cable, rather short, which requires the forced connection to an extension cable. Given the low price, this garden vacuum is practically perfect, also due to the resistant materials and its suction power, above expectations. Of course, I repeat, however, that it is not suitable for professional use.

4. IKRA 74003200 Battery-powered Leaf Vacuum Gray / red

Are you looking for an electric leaf vacuum equipped with batteries, therefore without a cable? Then this IKRA model is exactly for you. The price is higher than the average, but with this type of product you need to be ready to spend a little more. In the meantime, know that it is a 3 in 1, so blow, suck and chop the leaves, and the package includes not 1 but 2 batteries, so you will have a handy spare ready to use.

The detail relating to the supply of batteries is important. Since the duration is around 15 or 20 minutes, when the first runs out you can immediately assemble the second, thus extending the time available to complete the work in the garden. The bag for collecting the leaves is very large (45 liters), while the fan guarantees a standard shredding ratio (10: 1).

Very interesting is the presence of an additional adjustable handle, together with the possibility of customizing the suction or blowing power. In addition, the hose has 2 wheels on the spout, which allow you to “roll” the battery-powered leaf vacuum almost in direct contact with the ground. Returning to the battery, the duration obviously depends on the power you have selected (minimum: 1 hour, maximum: 11 minutes). Charging times are instead equal to 60 minutes.

Then consider that the charger is included in the package and that, being double, it allows you to recharge both batteries simultaneously. As far as ease of use is concerned, it is quite heavy (about 5.5 kilos) but this does not affect the comfort very much, due to the double handle. Unfortunately, the heavy weight must always be taken into account when buying a battery-powered leaf vacuum, given the presence of the latter.

How to choose the electric leaf vacuum

1. Power supply

An electric garden blower vacuum, as I have explained to you several times, can be powered by cable or battery. Both options have their pros and cons.

• Batteries: a battery-powered leaf vacuum has the advantage of guaranteeing you absolute freedom of movement, because you are not limited by the length of the cable. On the other hand, it costs and weighs more, and also has a limited duration in time, around 20 minutes.

• Flush: the wire forces you to use an extension cable, and at times it can be a bit of a hindrance when you move, but it completely cancels the problem of duration over time. Finally, it generally costs less and is lighter, precisely because it does not have any batteries.

Also consider that the battery tends to run out quickly when you use the garden vacuum at maximum power. Conversely, if you use it at a minimum, it could last up to 60 minutes. If there is a spare battery included in the package, you clearly solve the problem of shortened life in part.

Finally, since we are talking about power, I would like to remind you of the possibility of using a petrol leaf vacuum, professional type and designed for intensive use.

2. Power and speed of air flow

The power of the motor (measured in Watts) is obviously important, especially as regards the ability to suck the leaves inside the bag. The maximum speed of the air flow, measured in kilometers per hour, is instead decisive for the blowing power. A faster flow model can move larger and heavier leaves and debris (such as wet foliage).

3. Types of pipes

Most models give you the option to mount a special hose for suction and one for sweeping the leaves. The first is very wide, with a large diameter and a large mouth, while the second is narrower and has a flat mouth. Some appliances instead have a single tube that works in both modes, or two tubes mounted together (usually the small one for blowing is under the large one).

4. Type of handle

It is important that the handle is comfortable to hold and ergonomic, especially if the leaf vacuum is heavy. In fact, it allows you to grip it without risking losing your grip, and without letting it slip. In some products you can also find a second handle, useful for grasping the tool with 2 hands and to be able to manage it better. Still others have a second handle that can be adjusted.

5. Power regulator

Almost all leaf vacuums nowadays have a knob that allows you to adjust the engine power. Sometimes it is found only for the blowing function, other times also for the suction power. It is an extra that I consider very important, because it allows you to set a lower value, for example, when there is the risk of sucking up small stones (which could damage the grinder fan).

6. Other useful elements for the choice

A good bag capacity adds a noticeable extra, as it gives you the ability to work without the thought of having to empty the container. The wheels on the spout of the tube are convenient to be able to move the nozzle on the ground, placing it as close as possible to the leaves to be vacuumed. Finally, also pay attention to the shredding ratio of the fan, which should never drop below a value of 10: 1.