How to Choose the Right Leaf Blower: A Buyer’s Guide Leaf blowers, and blower-vacs, are a godsend for garden tidiness. However, with many models and options to choose from, how do you select the right one for your needs? This article covers the questions to ask, and points to which of our products best suits different situations. Main Factors to Consider Garden Size & Terrain Small garden – 200 m² or less, or mostly patios and paths Medium garden – lawns plus beds and borders, a few trees Large garden or grounds – big lawns, many trees, awkward access Frequency of Use Occasional use – once/twice a month Regular use – weekly during leaf fall to maintain a clean garden Daily – professional grounds-keeping, large areas Function: Blowing Only vs Vacuum / Mulcher Just need to blow leaves into piles for collection – Get a blower. Need to collect leaves into bags for composting – Use a blower/vac. Prefer to mulch leaves into small fragments – Use a shredder-vac. Power Source: Petrol, Cordless, Electric Petrol – High performance, ideal for big areas or heavy, wet leaves. Cordless battery – Quieter, cleaner, lighter. Run times are a consideration, so you may need spare batteries for large areas. Electric/plug-in – A lot less common, and only makes sense for small areas with mains power access. Budget Entry level – for occasional, light domestic use. Mid-range – more power, better batteries, or a vac function. Professional – backpack model to support heavy and continuous use. Storage & Portability Handheld models – Light, easy to store and carry. Backpack models – Heavier, more comfortable for long use. Battery storage – Keep dry. Petrol models need fuel stabiliser and emptying before storage. Matching Model to Gardening Need Small gardens, occasional use Look for a light weight cordless model with modest blowing power. Stihl BGA 45 Cordless leaf blower Makita DUB185Z Cordless leaf blower Medium gardens, regular leaf drop Choose a mid-range cordless or light petrol model, or a blower/vac if you want to collect leaves. Husqvarna 120iB leaf blower with battery and charger Stihl BG 56 Petrol leaf blower Stihl SHA 140 cordless vacuum shredder Large gardens, many trees, heavy wet leaves or professional grounds maintenance Go for a powerful backpack blower with high blowing power. Stihl BR 800 Petrol Backpack leaf blower Husqvarna 580BTS Backpack leaf blower Stihl BR 600 petrol backpack leaf blower Stihl BGA 300 Cordless backpack leaf blower Vacuum and mulching requirements Look for a blower-vac or shred vac with good suction power and a large, easy-bagging system. Echo ES-250-ES blower Stihl SHA 140 cordless vacuum shredder Husqvarna 120iBV Budget Bands (from the MowShop range) Low budget (£75-£200) Stihl BGA 45 cordless leaf blower Makita DUB185Z cordless leaf blower Mid-range (£200-£300) Stihl BG 56 Petrol leaf blower Husqvarna 120iB with Battery and Charger Echo Shred ‘N’ Vac High / Professional (£300+) Stihl BR 800 petrol backpack blower Husqvarna 580BTS backpack leaf blower Stihl BGA 300 Cordless backpack leaf blower Practical Tips & Trade-Offs Battery run time vs weight – Bigger batteries last longer, but are also heavier. Noise – Petrol models are louder, cordless are much quieter. Wet leaves – Take more power to blow, so petrol or strong cordless models are better. Maintenance – Petrol machines need servicing and fuel/oil, batteries degrade over time. Storage – Remember to allow space for the machine, and the fuel, batteries or bags. Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing How big is the area that I need to clear? How often? Do I prefer quieter/cleaner cordless power, or maximum power? Do I need to collect and mulch leaves, or just blow them away? Is weight and portability a concern (carry into a shed, over lawns, up steps)? What is my total budget (including fuel/batteries, tool purchase price, servicing)? Do I have space to safely store the machine at all times? Our Recommendations Best for small/light use – Stihl BGA 45 Cordless, cheap and practical. Best for regular medium gardens – Husqvarna 120iB with battery & charger, consistent with good cordless performance. Best for heavy/commercial – Stihl BR 800 Petrol Backpack or Husqvarna 580BTS, built to last with the highest level of performance.. Best for vacuum and mulching – Stihl SHA 140 Cordless Vacuum Shredder or Echo Shred ‘N’ Vac. Conclusion Leaf blowers can transform the speed and ease of your autumn clean-ups, but choosing the right one for your garden depends on more than just performance or cost. If your area is large or the job often involves wet leaves, a petrol backpack model is well worth the investment, but the majority of British gardens are better served with a simple handheld cordless blower. Those who value quiet and clean power should select a battery model, while those who want tidier, neater gardens will benefit from using a blower-vac that collects and mulches leaves. From professional commercial models to affordable, basic models for light use, the MowShop range has products to suit every gardener. Hopefully, with the questions to ask above in mind, you will be able to select a model that is well matched to your needs, and enjoy a more efficient and satisfying leaf blowing experience.
