Updated: 28 Apr 2011

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Introduction

Deal with autumn leaves the easy way with our test of 13 blower vacs.

Blower vacs sweep leaves and other garden debris away from lawns and driveways or into piles for vacuuming up. They also mulch the waste and deposit it into a collection bag.

We tested 7 electric and 6 petrol models. What’s best for you will depend on the size and layout of your section.

Models we tested

This report contains test results and recommendations for the following petrol and electric blower vacs:

Checklist

If you're thinking about buying a blower vac, here's what to consider.

What they do

Blower vacs have two main functions – they blow leaves and other garden debris off lawns and driveways, or into piles, and they also vacuum them up. Most models also chop up the waste and deposit it into a collection bag.

Some models can be bought as a blower only; the vacuum attachment is an optional extra, which makes the complete unit expensive. Blower-only models may suit users who just want to blow debris into the garden (or into a pile to pick up manually).

Petrol or electric?

What’s best for you will depend on the size and layout of your section.

Petrol models run on a mixture of petrol and oil. They’re a better choice for larger sections where a trailing cord is impractical. They can also be used in wet weather or when the ground’s very wet – which you can’t safely do with an electric model.

Electric models use mains power. They’re generally cheaper to buy and cheaper to run than petrol models. You don’t have to fiddle with a petrol/oil mix either.

Speed settings

Some electric models have multiple speed settings so you can vary the airflow, giving better control when moving debris. In others, you can narrow the aperture on the tube to speed up the airflow – useful for loosening stubborn material like wet leaves.

Some petrol models have a useful trigger on their handle that can be locked on full throttle. Others have a lever on the motor to set the desired speed. See which suits you best.

Changing functions

For electric models, the ease of changing from blowing to sucking varies. On some, the tube attachments are fixed permanently to the units and to change functions you simply flick a switch, push a lever or turn a dial, without the need to change parts. On other models you have to change the tube. Check which seems easiest for you.

For petrol models, very few convert from blower to vacuum easily. Most need parts changing, and some need a screwdriver to do this.

Mulching

Most models are able to chop material that's vacuumed up into finer pieces. An advantage of this is that material packs down in the bag, so you don't have to empty it so often.

Safety

All blower vacs should pass electrical safety checks. But don't use them in wet weather or on very wet ground. And always use a residual current device (RCD). All blower vacs may send up some debris and dust – wear eye protection.

Some models have a device preventing the motors from starting unless the tube is fitted. This protects users from the moving blades. Other models have fully enclosed fans. But before clearing blockages or dismantling, you should always turn off and unplug blower vacs, and allow blades to stop.

Noise

Sustained noise at or over 85 decibels (dBA) can permanently damage hearing. Most blower vacs will reach over 90 decibels when operating. Always wear ear protection, and be considerate of your neighbours!