5 things you need to know if you're buying a leaf blower

Autumn is a beautiful time of year, but shedding leaves can become a nuisance and a hazard, especially when wet. That's where a good leaf blower comes in.

An effective and efficient leaf blower will clear fallen leaves in a matter of minutes without damaging any nearby plants, but our tests have found huge differences between the best and the worst.

Here's what you need to consider if you're looking to potentially buy a new leaf blower for your property.

Compare the best leaf blowers to see which ones impressed enough to get our Best Buy recommendation

1. Leaf blowers can be extremely noisy

Cordless leaf blowers are quieter than corded leaf blowers, but that doesn't mean they all produce the same amount of noise.

In our lab tests, we measure the volume level of each leaf blower in decibels and compare them. The quietest are given five stars out of five, while the noisiest – which often produce an annoying whiny sound – only get a one-star rating.

If you're sensitive to loud sounds, or you know you'll be clearing a large area and using your leaf blower for prolonged periods of time, it's worth investing in ear defenders or earplugs.

2. Leaf blower vs leaf vacuum – what's better?

The main difference between leaf blowers and leaf blower vacuums is that the latter can also suck up the leaves into a collection bag. 

But we've found that, while a vacuum can save time as you don't need to pick up leaves by hand, they can be a little tricky to switch from blow to vacuum mode, and the collection bag can develop holes over time. 

A leaf blower won't be able to pick up leaves once you've collected a pile, but it can be quicker and easier to use – and won't get blocked and damaged if it sucks up stones and debris, which can be an issue with vacuums.

Our leaf blower reviews reveal if we had any issues with blockages during our tests.

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3. Handy features make leaf blowing easier

Some leaf blowers come with practical features, including:

• Collection bag If you've decided on a leaf vacuum, look for a model with a large collection bag. The bigger the better we think, as you'll be able to use it for longer before it requires emptying. Make sure it's waterproof, as in our tests some leaked and soaked our legs.
• Narrow nozzle for blowing Look for a machine that has a narrow nozzle to direct the blast of air and the ability to control the speed of it, so you can get the leaves into a neat pile easily.
• Straps and handles If you'll be clearing a large surface, you'll want to make sure your leaf blower comes with a strap and a soft-grip handle so it's comfortable to hold. Alternatively,  you might think about buying a strap separately – look for a padded shoulder for maximum comfort.

4. You don't need to spend a fortune

Leaf blowers can be expensive – we've tested some that cost well over £200 – but we've also found some quality tools that cost a lot less.

This includes two Great Value leaf blowers and a high-scoring Best Buy and Great Value leaf blower that all cost less than £100.

Take a look at our leaf blower reviews to compare the 21 we've tested.

5. Cordless leaf blowers are as powerful as petrol garden tools

We've tested plenty of battery-powered leaf blowers and vacuums and are happy to confirm that cordless tools are now rivalling petrol options when it comes to power – in some cases, they even outperform them.

And that's not all. Cordless tools produce zero emissions and are quieter, making them a better alternative for the environment and our health. 

If you opt for a corded leaf blower, remember you'll need an outdoor power supply and a cable that's long enough. You may also have to get an extension lead.