Buyers Guide To Purchasing The Best Cordless Leaf Blower
Cordless Leaf Blower Power
Leading on from the above, you need to determine how much power you need. Basic leaf and dust blowing will not require a huge amount of power, but certain situations call for exceptional power and air speed. Therefore you will need to ensure that you purchase a cordless leaf blower with appropriate power for the job at hand.
For example, the powerful Makita 18v LXT Cordless Leaf Blower produces air speed up to 273 km/h (170 mph). The mid range power of the Bosch Cordless Leaf Blower ALB 18LI has an air speed of up to 210 km/h (135 mph), compared to a more basic model with less power, such as the Terratek Cordless Leaf Blower 20V with just 190 km/h (120 mph).
While mph is a good measure of the speed at which the air travels through the leaf blower, there is also another measure that will tell you how much air is passing through the blower. This is called CFM (cubic feet per minute). This measure is also an important consideration alongside with the mph, and in some instances may be even more important, for example when wanting to blow heavier objects. Most manufacturers will state both of these measurements in their leaf blower specifications. For example, the Makita LXT Cordless Leaf Blower has 140CFM along with its 170mph air speed.
Remember we are talking about cordless leaf blowers here. Electric and petrol leaf blowers will tend to have much higher values due to the increased power from the motor or engine. For example, the petrol EB7660TH Back-Pack Blower has a 75cc engine and will produce a maximum of 700CFM with a whopping air speed of 329 km/h (205 mph).
For general work around the garden, a cordless leaf blower with a mid-range power of around 210 km/h (135 mph) and 140CFM should be sufficient. However, if you need to tackle heavier objects, look for a more powerful model such as the Makita 18v LXT Cordless Leaf Blower which has an air speed of up to 273 km/h (170 mph).
Cordless Leaf Blower Run & Charge Time
Another important consideration is the run and charge time of the cordless leaf blower. A lightweight cordless leaf blower will not have an exceptional run-time. Generally, they are only needed for quicker jobs anyway. You should be looking to achieve between 15-20 minutes of run-time from a fully charged 2.0Ah battery.
Look for a model that comes with a fast charger as this can make a huge difference to how long you will have to wait to get a fully charged battery. Typically a standard charger may take over 3 hours to charge a 2.5Ah battery, whereas a fast charger will reduce this down to around 1 hour.
Cordless Leaf Blower Size & Weight
The size and weight of the cordless leaf blower are also important factors to consider. Cordless leaf blowers are compact and light, but some are heavier than others. Look for a cordless leaf blower that is supplied with a shoulder strap to take the weight of the machine while in use.
A good cordless leaf blower should not weigh much over 2kg without the battery. Remember the larger the amp hours of the battery, the more weight this will add to the blower.
Noise
Low noise is a major advantage cordless leaf blowers have over petrol and even electric models. Look for a cordless leaf blower that operates at between 80-90 dB at the operator level, as anything more would not be considered “quiet”. Anything above 100 dB should be avoided or ear defenders would be required even for shorter periods of time.
Budget
The cost will always be a factor for most people and you will need to consider your budget. The more powerful and multi-function options are naturally more expensive. There are, however, many models that are extremely affordable.
There is no need to spend a fortune if your needs are basic, but go for a quality brand that will give you a decent experience and last you some time.
So what can you expect to pay for a decent cordless leaf blower? Well, naturally this will also depend on the Ah of the battery that comes with the machine. So for example, if we were to take the Einhell GE-CL 18 Li E Solo Power X-Change cordless leaf blower, you can see the difference in price depending on the battery purchased with the machine.
Bare tool (no battery or charger): £45
With 2.0Ah battery: £60
With 2.5Ah battery: £80
With 4.0Ah battery: £95
So you can see here that, with regards to the 4.0Ah battery, the battery actually costs more than the leaf blower itself. Don’t worry this is normal.
Cordless Leaf Blower Features & Accessories
Some cordless leaf blowers offer a vacuum function which is handy for many people. A few models come with a range of accessories that will make your efforts easier and more accurate. Look for variable speed controls, vacuum bags, attachments, and being able to lock the power button into the “on” position.
Ensure there is easy access to the chute and impeller to quickly unblock any obstructions without the need to take the blower apart, voiding any warranty it may have.
By considering these factors, you can find the best cordless leaf blower that suits your needs and budget.
Conclusion
After conducting extensive research, I have compiled a list of the top 10 cordless leaf blowers available in the UK. Each of these options has been carefully selected based on their power, features, and affordability.
When choosing the best cordless leaf blower for your needs, it is important to consider the type of work you will be doing and the power required to get the job done. The cordless models reviewed here are suitable for a range of tasks, from light-duty yard work to heavy-duty commercial use.
All of the models reviewed offer excellent air speed and flow rates, making them efficient and effective for clearing leaves and debris. Additionally, they are all lightweight and easy to handle, making them ideal for extended use.
In conclusion, the cordless leaf blowers reviewed here are all excellent options for anyone in need of a reliable and powerful tool for clearing leaves and debris.
Finding the best cordless leaf blower for your needs can be a bit overwhelming, given the range of options available. I have done extensive research in order to bring you the very best of the best. There is something to suit all requirements and budgets.
Cordless Leaf Blower FAQs
How Long Do Cordless Leaf Blowers Run For?
How long your cordless leaf blower runs for will depend on the model and the battery supplied. There are some that run for up to an hour whereas others might only last for around 15 minutes. It’s important to choose a leaf blower with a running time that’s compatible with the size of your garden. To increase the run-time look for a leaf blower that has a battery with higher Ah rating. It is also worth checking if the battery can be power shared with other tools, as having additional batteries is another way to extend the run-time if needed.
How Do I Choose A Cordless Leaf Blower?
There are lots of things to consider when buying a cordless leaf blower. I have a full guide on what to look for above, but in short, you will need to choose something with a suitable run-time, power and features you require, as well as a tool that is lightweight yet durable and performs the tasks required.
Are Battery Leaf Blowers Worth It?
If you have a larger garden, then a battery leaf blower is a great tool to have in your shed. These leaf blowers stop you from being tethered by a power cord and allow for greater freedom of movement. Modern cordless leaf blowers can have just as much power and as many features as their corded counterparts, so they’re a worthwhile investment.
How Many CFM Do I Need For A Leaf Blower?
A standard cordless leaf blower should have a cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating between 200 and 400. That said, if you are going to be working in a larger area then you might need to look for a more powerful leaf blower whose CFM rating sits anywhere up to 700.
How Does A Battery Operated Leaf Blower Work?
Battery powered leaf blowers run on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. They’re very simple to use and involve nothing more than charging the battery, inserting it, and starting up your device. What’s great about them is that they are not as noisy as petrol leaf blowers, are better for the environment are require lot less maintenance.
Are Battery Powered Leaf Blowers Powerful Enough?
I cannot deny that a cordless leaf blower would struggle to be as powerful as a petrol model. That said, modern devices are more than powerful enough for most domestic applications and come with speeds of up to 170 mph (140 mph is average).
What’s More Important: CFM or MPH?
When choosing between cordless leaf blowers, there are two figures you’ll need to look at to see how the machine will perform. Neither is more important than the other as they both refer to different things. CFM (cubic feet per minute) tells you how much air is passing through the blower which relates to the size of the area you’ll be able to clear, and how many leaves you’ll move. Whereas MPH tells you how fast the air leaves the blower.
What Battery Operated Leaf Blower Lasts The Longest?
There are a lot of excellent performing cordless leaf blowers out there, but if you are looking for something that’s going to run for longer, then I would recommend something like the EGO leaf blower that has a thirty-minute battery run-time.
Why You Shouldn’t Use A Leaf Blower
Using a leaf blower on a driveway or similar area is a great way to clear debris and makes these a fantastic tool to have. However, you should be careful using a leaf blower on your lawn when you have weeds such as dandelions, as this will spread the seeds around the garden.
Are Cordless Leaf Blowers Loud?
A cordless leaf blower will make a degree of noise which is the case with any powered tool. However, when you compare this to the noise output of a petrol leaf blower, it’s far less and so these are ideal for domestic situations where you don’t want to disturb the peace. Expect a noise level of between 80-90 dB at operator level.
What Is The Quietest Cordless Leaf Blower?
If you are looking for a cordless leaf blower that’s going to make as little noise as possible then almost all models will meet your needs. However, the Ryobi RY40440 is known to be one of the quietest cordless leaf blowers on the market today at 59 dB.
How Much Do I Need To Pay For A Cordless Leaf Blower?
The cost of a cordless leaf blower varies depending on the model, features and batteries supplied. You can expect to pay over £200 for a top end model with a battery, and around £60 for a more basic model. Just remember, that the biggest investment can be the battery supplied, so ensure that you check the Ah and voltage of the battery. Also ensure that the battery is provided along with the charger, as opposed to a bare tool.
As a seasoned expert in the field of garden power tools, I have dedicated over a decade to working with and reviewing a wide variety of lawn mowers. My extensive experience has allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the benefits and limitations of different types of mowers and garden tools.
Over the years, I have honed my skills in writing informative articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications. This has given me the ability to not only recognise what makes a good lawn mower, but also to help you choose the perfect garden tool for your specific needs and requirements.
With my wealth of knowledge and expertise, I am confident that I can provide you with valuable insights and recommendations when it comes to selecting the right lawn mower for your lawn. So, whether you're looking for a battery cordless, electric, petrol, or robotic mower, you can trust in my expertise to guide you towards the best option for your garden.
