Speed settingsīasic electric leaf blowers often operate at just one speed, but those with a bit more sophistication offer multiple speeds. You can change the nozzle depending on the job at hand. Multiple nozzles are an option on some electric leaf blowers. A flat nozzle generally works best for loose leaves, but for leaves that are embedded in the lawn, a round nozzle is more effective. Some have a flat, rectangular nozzle others have a rounded design. The design of a leaf blower’s nozzle can affect its performance. An extra hand grip makes it easier to control the blower and allows you to better distribute the weight of the tool when holding it. Some handheld electric leaf blowers feature more than one hand grip. For cordless leaf blowers, a leaf blower that weighs less than 10 pounds is the typical ideal. Most consumers prefer a corded leaf blower that weighs 8 pounds or less. Corded leaf blowers tend to weigh less than cordless leaf blowers because the battery pack of a cordless blower provides additional weight. Most electric blowers weigh between 5 and 14 pounds. Since you’ll either be wearing an electric leaf blower on your back or holding it in your hand, its weight is a vital consideration.
While a leaf blower can help make it easier to clear your yard of leaves, you’ll still likely appreciate having a rake to maneuver the leaf piles. While a leaf blower’s CFM and MPH both indicate how it will perform, CFM is a more significant measure. Most consumers seek a model that operates at 150 MPH or faster. A high-MPH leaf blower can move heavier debris easily, including wet leaves. MPH represents how fast the air from a leaf blower moves. Most consumers seek a blower with a CFM of 350 or higher. A leaf blower with a high CFM can move many leaves at once. In addition to voltage, most leaf blower manufacturers provide two other numbers to tell you how powerful a leaf blower is: cubic feet per minute (CFM) and miles per hour (MPH).ĬFM represents the volume of air a leaf blower can move. Most electric leaf blowers with an 8-amp or higher motor work well for home use. The higher the amp rating, the more powerful the machine. VoltageĪn electric leaf blower’s motor power is determined mainly by its voltage, measured in amps. If you must blow leaves for long periods, a backpack blower is often the better option. They’re specifically liked for their light weight.īackpack leaf blowers are heavier but also more powerful, consisting of a shoulder harness that holds the motor on your back and a nozzle attached to a hose.
Handheld electric leaf blowers are the most common option, featuring a handle, main component with motor, and nozzle.
Corded models are usually heavier, too, due to the weight of the battery pack. Notably, the lack of a cord does make corded blowers a little less powerful, and you may need to stop to recharge the battery if you’re working on a large area. Without a cord in tow, it’s much easier to navigate the yard. As such, corded models tend to be best for small yards.Ĭordless electric leaf blowers feature a battery pack, so no cord needs to be plugged in. However, the cord limits how far you can move with the leaf blower. They’re easy to maintain and extremely lightweight because they don’t have a gas engine or even a battery pack to weigh them down. cordlessĬorded electric leaf blowers have a power cord and must be plugged into an outlet. If you’re new to using a leaf blower or are using a new model, practice adjusting the speeds before actually blowing any leaves so you know what to expect.