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Home & Garden / Tools & Power Equipment / Leaf Blowers / Gos Vs Electric Leaf Blover: Which Is Better' Gas vs. Electric Leaf
Blower: Which Is
Better?
Our rigorous battery of tests settles the
question
By Paul Hope
May 16, 2023
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Gas (left) and electric (right) leaf blowers have their pros and cons, but only one category is the smarter cholce, generally speaking.
Graphle: Consumer Reports, Stihl, Ego
When you upgrade from a rake to a leaf blower, there's
no going back. Moving lots of leaves-and blowing other
types of debris, such as beach sand from a deck-is
simply so much easier, faster, and less labor-intensive with a leaf blower:
For a long time, this has been especially true with gas leaf blowers. But over the past decade of testing, the
experts at Consumer Reports have noticed significant
Improvements in electric models, making the decision
between buying a gas or electric leaf blower a tougher
one.
"Every year, there are fewer and fewer reasons to tell
people to choose gas models," says Misha Kollontai, CR's engineer in charge of leaf-blower testing. "That's even more true with the advancement of larger batteries and
the introduction of battery backpack leaf blowers,
which are built for larger yards."
CR's Guide to Sustainable
Living
Find eco-friendly products and smart strategles
for a green home.
If you're just starting to shop, look to our leaf-blower uying guide for advice about types and features. Yo
'an also jump right to our ratings of dozens of models i you're ready to browse, or see which models CR has
deemed to be the best overall. But if you want to see
how gas and electric leaf blowers perform head-to-head
in our tests, read on.
How Consumer Reports Tests
Leaf Blowers
CR's test engineers rope off a standardized swath of
grass and dump bags of leaves inside the boundary,
making sure we use the same quantity of leaves for each test.
We time how long each blower
SAS VS. ELECTRIC TOOLS:
JО TO CHOOSE takes to clear the pile, and
whether the tool moves every last
Is Now the Time to Switch
to Electrie Tools? leaf. Some models struggle at the
Gas vs. Electric Lawn bottom of the pile, where leaves
Mower: Which Is Better? can become embedded in the
Sas vs. Electric String grass. Only certain technicians, rimmer: Which is Better
who use similar techniques with
Consumer Reports Gulde each model, do this test.
• Sustainable Livinc
We also note how hard it is to
maneuver each leaf blower, how
heavy it feels, and how intuitive the controls are to use.
Some years, we go through 2,500 pounds of leaves in
the process. And because we can't rely on that quantity to fall on our Yonkers, N.Y., campus each autumn, we
often start collecting and storing fallen foliage a year in advance.
How We Compare Gas and
Electric Leaf Blowers
Our engineers took years' worth of leaf-blower testing
data to build a tool that allows us to compare scores
from dozens of models, including gas and electric. We
compare average scores for both types of leaf blowers in the following tests: sweeping, loosening, vacuuming,
handling, noise at the ear, and noise at 50 feet. We also look at run times for every electric model and across
electric models in general. (There's no real limit on run time for gas models because you can quickly top off the tank and keep working.)
One thing to note: Averages can be misleading because
the scores can be diluted by outliers that are either
exceptionally good or exceptionally bad. A bell curve
shows where a majority of models of each type fall in
terms of performance; our results are below. Keep in
mind that we devised this head-to-head to compare
models across categories. But in your own yard, the
only thing that matters is the performance of the
specific leaf blower you choose.
Sweeping
The ability to sweep leaves into a tidy pile is a leaf
blower's most important attribute. Airflow, power, and
design all influence how effectively a model
accomplishes this task.
Which is best? Gas-by a tiny margin. On average, gas
models earn a 4.6 on a scale of 0 to 5.5 in this test, while electrics earn a 4.4. But plenty of electric leaf blowers individually earn near-perfect scores in our sweeping
tests, just like the best gas models. And, in fact, the best electric models earn a sweeping score of 5.2, identical to what we've found from the best gas models. What
throws the scales here is that some of the electric leaf blowers in our ratings are really crummy, and not viable contenders. The worst earn a score of just 0.5 for
sweeping. (Even the worst gas model we tested still
musters a sweeping score of 3.7.)
Loosening
It's one thing to blow dry leaves off a firm surface, like concrete or short grass. But loosening leaves that are
embedded in taller grass poses a challenge, even for
powerful leaf blowers, unless they're designed to funnel airflow into a tight stream.
Which is best? Gas blowers, as a group, get the edge
here, but the best electrics actually outperform them.
On the whole, gas blowers earn an average score of 4.1
for loosening, compared with an average score of 3.5 for electrics. But even the very best gas model maxes out
with a score of 4.8 in this test, while the best electric earns an impressive 5.5, our highest score. What's the
takeaway? Gas wins as a group, but choosing the right
electric leaf blower ensures performance that even gas
can't match.
Vacuuming
If you have a smaller yard, a leaf blower with a vacuum function is a great option. The vacuum mode sucks up
leaves and shreds them before discharging them into an
attached bag. While only a handful of models have this
feature, we do see differences in performance.
Which is best? Electric, but leaf blowers with a vacuum function are few and far between. Only a single battery model we've tested has this feature, but it handled the task masterfully. Four gas models in our ratings have a vacuum function, two of which excel at the task. We'd
argue that vacuuming is far from the most important
consideration and shouldn't sway your choice between
gas and electric leaf blowers.
Handling
This test reflects how evenly balanced and responsive a leaf blower is. Gas models need to account for a heavier engine and gas tank, but electrics need to balance the
weight of lithium-ion batteries, which can be heavy.
Which is hest? As a group, electric. leaf blowers earn a score of 4.4 on this test, while gas models cars an
average scure of 3.6. But if you only look at the very best models of both types, it's a tie, with a score of 4.9 for each. This test was done with the smaller batteries
electrics are sold with. So keep in mind that if you
choose to use a beefier battery at home because, for
instance, you already have a lawn mower from the same
brand and want to use its battery with your blower to
cut down on cost.
Noise
We measure noise both at the ear of the user and at 50
feet to simulate what the experience might be like for
your neighbors.
Which is best? Electric. It's probably no surprise that electric leaf blowers are quieter-after all, it's one of their big selling points. Of those in our ratings, electrics earn an average score of 2.9 for noise at the ear, while gas models average out to a score of 1.7. (The lower the score, the worse the noise.) Even the worst electric
model scores twice as high as the worst gas. The
disparity grows at a distance. When measured at 50
feet, the electric leaf blowers in our ratings earn an
average score of 4.8 compared with an average score of
2.5 for gas.
Which Leaf Blower Performs
Better: Gas or Electric?
At first glance, it might look like a draw, with electrics outperforming gas in many tasks, but gas acing it in key areas, like sweeping and loosening. But when you look
more closely, electric is the clear winner. That's because while gas models as a group do well in a few important
tests, on average, there are in each instance also at least a few electric leaf blowers that match or beat that
performance. In contrast, no gas models are quiet by
any stretch, and the best electric leaf blowers we've
tested match or beat the best gas models in every single test we conduct. The only case to be made here for gas
relates to charge times and run times for batteries. If you have a yard with dozens of deciduous trees
shedding leaves, gas could make sense. But keep in
mind that the batteries for the leaf blowers we've tested charge in 5 to 48 minutes and work for an average of
nearly 94 minutes.
That's a pretty strong case for electrics. What's more, they're also better for the planet, better for your ears, and over time, they're probably better for your wallet, too, when you factor in a gas model's lifetime cost of gas and (in some cases) oil.
Electric leaf blowers also have an advantage: the
interchangeability of electric batteries. Brands that
make electric leaf blowers know you'll likely want to use that same battery in, say, a lawn mower, string trimmer, hedge trimmer, chain saw, or even a snow blower.
And in most cases, you can. If you buy an electric
outdoor tool, make sure to buy into the platform, not
just that one tool. You can do that by confirming that
the brand you buy also offers other outdoor tools with
high scores in our ratings. The advantage here is
twofold. If you amass enough tools from the same brand
over time, you can buy some of them without batteries,
saving you about a third of the cost of the tool. Then you can simply use the batteries among multiple tools and
keep one charging at all times. With a charged battery
on hand, you'll never run out of juice.
All that said, a gas leaf blower might make sense if
you're not ready to buy into a battery platform and you have a big yard filled with leafy declduous trees. That's why we've also included a couple of great gas models,
along with three excellent electric options, in our
roundup of high-performing leaf blowers, below.
Best Electric Leaf Blowers
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Paul Hope
Paul Hope Is a senlor multimedla content creator at Consumer Reports and a trained chef. He covers ranges, cooktops, and wall ovens, as well as grills, drills, outdoor power tools, decking, and wood stains. Before jolning CR In 2016, he tested kltchen products at Good Housekeeping and covered tools and remodeling for This Old House magazine. You'll typically find him in his old fixer-upper, engrossed in a DIY project or trying out a new recipe.
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Home > Editorial > The Environmental and Health Impact of Leaf Blowers: A Call for Change The Environmental and Health Impact of Leaf
Blowers: A Call for Change
• November 29, 2023 D 1 comment Reagan Key
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Explore the impact of leaf blowers on natural ecosystems and public health. Understand how these modern tools disrupt the age-old cycle of leaf shedding and soil enrichment, and the ensuing environmental and health concerns.
For centuries, the natural process of trees shedding leaves has played a vital role in ecosystems, providing shelter for wildlife and enriching the soil. This annual cycle, a hallmark of Forestry * Register
times has significantly disrupted this natural cycle. While these tools offer efficiency in garden maintenance, their widespread use raises substantial environmental and health concerns. The impact of leaf blowers extends beyond mere convenience, posing a challenge to the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the well-being of our communities.
The Pervasive Use of Leaf Blowers
Every year, the United States witnesses the extensive use of approximately 11 million leaf blowers, each capable of unleashing winds up to 200 miles per hour. While these devices excel at their primary task of clearing leaves, their broader implications are far-reaching and multifaceted. The operation of leaf blowers significantly disrupts natural ecosystems. This disruption is not limited to the mere physical displacement of leaves; it extends to impacting the myriad of small creatures that depend on leaf litter for survival. This natural debris serves as a crucial habitat and food source for various insects and microorganisms, playing a vital role in the biodiversity of our ecosystems.
LEAF
BLOWER
FREE
ZONE
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Moreover, the widespread use of leaf blowers has escalated noise pollution, an environmental concern that often doesn't receive the attention it deserves. The persistent, high-decibel noise Forestry Register
In response to these concerns, several U.S.
regions, including Washington, D.C., Miami
Beach, Florida, and Evanston, Illinois, have
taken decisive steps. These areas have
implemented bans or stringent restrictions on
the use of gas-powered leaf blowers. Such
regulatory measures are a testament to a
growing recognition of the need to balance
technological convenience with environmental
and public health. These actions also reflect a
shift in societal values, where the health of the
environment and the well-being of
communities are being prioritized.
Furthermore, these changes have sparked a
broader conversation about sustainable
practices in lawn care and garden maintenance. They encourage individuals and professionals alike to explore alternative methods that are more in harmony with the environment. Options such as electric leaf blowers, manual raking, or even leaving the leaves to naturally decompose and enrich the soil are considered viable and eco-friendly alternatives.
The movement against the indiscriminate use of leaf blowers is not just about reducing nolse or protecting the environment; it's part of a larger narrative about rethinking our relationship with nature. It calls for a deeper understanding and respect for the intricate web of life that thrives in our backyards and urban green spaces. As this awareness grows, it paves the way for more responsible choices and practices that align with the principles of sustainability and ecological balance.
Increased Awareness and Regulatory Actions
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and the subsequent lockdowns, unexpectedly played a pivotal role in altering public perceptlon regarding the tranquility of natural environments and the intrusive nature of leaf blowers. As people found themselves confined to their homes, many began to appreciate the serenity and calm of their immediate natural surroundings. This newfound appreclation, however, was often marred by the disruptlve noise Forestry 2: Register
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This shift in public consciousness has been instrumental in driving regulatory changes across the United States. As a result, over 200 towns have now implemented varlous restrictions on the use of leaf blowers. These legislative actions have been significantly influenced by the efforts of advocacy groups such as Quiet Communities, which have been at the forefront of raising awareness about the adverse effects of noise pollutlon and championing the need for more environmentally friendly practices in lawn and garden maintenance. These developments mark a significant step towards reconciling the need for efficient lawn care with the imperative to preserve the tranquility and health of our natural and living environments.
Environmental and Health Impacts
The environmental and health impacts of gas-powered leaf blowers are far more significant than often realized. In just one hour of operation, these machines emit pollutants equivalent to what a car would produce on a journey from Los Angeles to Denver. This startling comparison highlights the substantial contribution of leaf blowers to air pollution. The emissions from these devices include a range of harmful pollutants such as benzene, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and nitrogen oxides, all of which are known to have detrimental effects on air quality and public health.
Forestry Register
Apart from the air pollution, the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers also generates low- frequency noise, which is more than just a mere annoyance. This type of nolse, often pervasive and penetrating, has been linked to serlous health issues. Studies have shown that continuous exposure to low-frequency noise from leaf blowers can lead to increased risks of heart attacks and strokes. This is due to the stress and disturbance caused by the noise, which can have a profound impact on cardiovascular health. Therefore, the use of gas-powered leaf blowers presents a dual threat: they not only pollute the air we breathe but also potentially endanger heart health through their disruptive noise emissions.
Historical Context and Current Debate
The history of leaf blowers dates back to the 1940s, with their initial design intended for agricultural purposes. However, it was in the post-World War II era that these machines found a new role in suburban lawn care. As residential areas expanded and the desire for well- maintained lawns grew, leaf blowers became increasingly popular as a tool for efficient yard maintenance. This shift from agriculture to residential use marked the beginning of the widespread adoption of leaf blowers, particularly in the United States.
Today, the use of leaf blowers is at the center of a significant debate that encompasses both environmental and economic dimensions. On one hand, environmental concerns are al the forefront, with issues such as air and noise pollution being major points of contention. The environmental impact of leaf blowers, especially those powered by gas, has led to increased scrutiny and calls for regulation or outright bans in various regions.
Ferestry Register
On the other hand, the debate also considers the economic implications for landscaping professionals. Leaf blowers, known for their efficiency in clearing leaves and debris, are a staple in the landscaping industry. Restrictions or bans on these tools could have a substantial impact on the operations and financial viability of landscaping businesses. This aspect of the debate highlights the need for a balanced approach that addresses environmental concerns while also considering the economic realities faced by those in the lawn care and landscaping sectors.
Thus, the discussion around leaf blowers is not just about their environmental footprint but also about finding sustainable solutions that can support both ecological health and economic livelihoods.
Challenges in Transitioning to Electric Blowers
The transition from gas-powered to electric leaf blowers, while environmentally beneficial, presents several financial and practical challenges for landscapers. This shift is not as straightforward as it may seem, primarily due to the differences in the operational capabilities and costs associated with electric blowers.
Forestry 8 Register
One of the primary challenges is the initial investment required for electric blowers. These devices, although increasingly efficient and eco-friendly, can be significantly more expensive upfront compared to their gas counterparts. This cost factor poses a substantial hurdle for many landscaping businesses, especially small-scale operators who may not have the financial flexibility to invest in new equipment.
Additionally, the practicality of using electric blowers in a professional setting raises concerns.
Electric blowers, depending on their design and battery life, may not always match the power and endurance of gas blowers. This can affect the efficiency and productivity of landscaping work, as electric blowers might need frequent recharging or battery replacements throughout the day. Such operational constraints could potentially increase the time and labor required to complete landscaping tasks.
Ferestry * Register
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Recognizing these challenges, some states, like California, are taking proactive steps to ease this transition. Financial assistance programs have been introduced to help landscaping businesses offset the costs of adopting electric blowers. These initiatives not only support landscapers in making environmentally friendly choices but also play a crucial role in reducing the overall carbon footprint of lawn maintenance practices.
Despite these challenges, the move towards electric blowers is a positive step towards sustainability. It aligns with broader environmental goals, such as reducing air pollution and noise levels, and represents a significant shift in how landscaping is approached in terms of environmental responsibility. As technology advances and more support becomes available, it is likely that the transition to electric blowers will become increasingly feasible for landscaping professionals.
Conclusion
Leaf blowers, though convenient for lawn maintenance, pose serious environmental and health risks. The growing trend of imposing restrictions and bans on these devices is a step towards addressing these issues. However, a balanced approach is necessary, considering the economic impact on landscaping professionals. As we move towards more sustainable lawn care practices, il's crucial to evaluate the benefits of technoloyy ayainst the need to preserve our natural environment and community health.
FAQS
Forestry Register
They also disrupt natural ecosystems by forcefully removing leaves that are crucial for soil health and wildlife habitats.
2. How do leaf blowers impact human health?
The pollutants emitted by gas-powered leaf blowers can contribute to respiratory problems, heart disease, and other health issues. Additionally, the noise generated by these devices is linked to increased stress, hearing loss, and cardiovascular risks.
3. What are the benefits of switching to electric leaf blowers? Electric leaf blowers produce significantly less noise and air pollution compared to gas- powered models, making them a more environmentally friendly and health-conscious choice.
4. Are there any laws regulating the use of leaf blowers? Yes, several cities and states have implemented regulations or bans on gas-powered leaf blowers due to their environmental and health impacts. These regulations vary by location, with some areas imposing time-of-day restrictions, while others have outright bans.
5. How can I minimize the impact of leaf blowers while maintaining my yard? Consider using electric leaf blowers, which are less harmful, or alternative methods like raking or manual sweeping. Composting leaves instead of blowing them away can also contribute positively to your garden's ecosystem.
6. What are some alternatives to using leaf blowers for yard maintenance? Alternatives include raking, using a broom for smaller areas, or mulching leaves directly on the lawn, which can provide nutrients to the soil.
7. Can leaf blowers affect wildlife?
Yes, the noise and disturbance caused by leaf blowers can disrupt local wildlife, particularly small creatures that rely on leaf litter for habitat and food sources.
8. How significant is the noise pollution from leaf blowers? Leaf blowers can generate noise levels that exceed safe hearing thresholds, contributing to noise pollution in residential areas. This can affect the quality of life for residents and disrupt local wildlife.
9. Are there any health risks for landscaping professionals using leaf blowers? Landscaping professionals are at risk of hearing damage due to prolonged exposure to the loud noise of leaf blowers. They are also exposed to the harmful pollutants these machines emit.
10. Is there a movement or advocacy for the reduction of leaf blower usage? Yes, organizations like Quiet Communities and local environmental groups are advocating for reduced leaf blower usage and promoting awareness about their environmental and HomeQuestions Answered Education Health Crafts Home About Contact Us Fact-checked
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What Are the Pros and Cons
of an Electric Leaf Blower?
Electric leaf blowers offer a quieter, eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered
PALL CIC
rodels, with no fumes and less maintenance. However, they may lack the power of gas blowers and tether you to a battery life or cord length.
Considering the balance between environmental impact and performance which factors weigh more for your yard care needs? Explore further to fine Try This 15-second Morning Ritual to your perfect match.
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Electric leaf blowers have a number of pros and cons in comparison to both gasoline leaf blowers and raking leaves manually. Some of the most common benefits of an electric leaf blower over a gas leaf blower are weight, noise output, and exhaust fumes. Electric units are typically lighter and make a lot less noise than gasoline units, though they are often less powerful as well. The primary reason to use an electric leaf blower instead of raking leaves manually is to save time, Joln the Vision Quest: Your Path to though there are also legitimate reasons to use a rake instead. Unless Crystal-clear Eyes! the electricity used to power a leaf blower comes entirely from Ragain Vision renewable energy, using a rake is be better for the environment.
The main benefit of using an electric leaf blower instead of a gasoline unit is exhaust emissions. Fumes from gasoline powered blowers can be Irritating or even unhealthy, and emissions from lawn care equipment often contribute to local smog. Since electric leaf blowers use elther extension cords or battery power, they generate none of the fumes or emissions associated with gasoline units. It is even more environmentally sound to simply use a rake however, especially If the electricity used to power an electric leaf blower does not come from Discover How One Simple Shift Can renewable resources.
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Reduced weight and noise output
are some other common benefits
Join the Community
associated with electric leaf
Subscribe to our newsletter and learn blowers. Powerful batteries can something new every day. add a lot of weight, but even the heaviest electric blowers often
weigh less than the lightest
gasoline units. They are typically An electric cordless leaf blower is lighter and less expensive than gasoline puwered units.
quieter as well, since the only
source of sound is the blower. Gas powered units generate sound Name from both the blower and gasoline motor, so they tend to be substantially louder.
A general lack of power is typically
Email Address considered to be the biggest
drawback associated with electric
leaf blowers. Heavy duty electric
Subscribe
leaf blowers can put out a
substantial amount of air at high
speeds, though gasoline units
tend to offer even more power.
Using a rake lo rake leaves is beller for lhe
For heavy duty commercial environment than an eleciric leaf blower. applications, the power offered by
gas blowers is typically the only viable choice.
Cord length and battery life are
also potentlally drawbacks when
comparing an electric leaf blower
to a gas unit. Electric blowers that
use cords can be difficult to
manage, especially when dealing Lear blowers might he used to help remove dobris with very large lawns. Extension from gutters.
cords, which can require extra
time to set up and put away, are typically needed in those cases.
Battery powered units are usually more convenient, though they can also be of limited use for big jobs. Bigger batteries can offer expanded operational time between charges, though gas powered blowers still tend to last longer.
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