Are you tired of raking leaves every fall? It can be a hassle, especially if you have a large yard with a lot of trees. That is where the best leaf vacuums come in! They make the process easier and shred the debris for you. That way, the leaves take up less space in your garbage bag.
There are plenty of reasons to buy a quality leaf vacuum mulcher for the upcoming year. They can save you time, mulch leaves, are more convenient than raking, do not take up a lot of storage space, and have additional features.
Raking takes up a lot of time and forces you to use up a lot of garbage bags. If you want to try out a mulcher vacuum, you should feel better knowing that you are not wasting as much plastic. Plus, if you use the shred function, you can easily chop leaves for compost piles.
Overall, these items are best for anyone who wants to spend less time raking and feel better about the impact they are having on the earth. It can be hard to determine which of the best leaf vacuums are right for you since there are so many. However, we gathered everything you will need to know right here. These are the best features for a leaf vacuum in 2021.
Leaf Vacuum Features
There are many benefits to having a leaf vacuum mulcher. When determining which model you want to buy, we recommend that you make sure it has some of the following features. They will give you an advantage and make your purchase more worth the price tag.
Mulching Capabilities
Plenty of leaf vacuums come with the ability to mulch debris. The result is useful for gardens and compost piles. Mulch works as a wonderful natural fertilizer, since it is rich in nutrients that plants love.
If you are not interested in gardening, mulchers can still benefit you. They break down the leaves, making them smaller and easier to put into garbage bags, if you are planning on throwing them out. That way, you use less bags- you are being kinder to the environment and spending less on garbage bags in the long run when you use a vacuum with this feature.
Strength Level
Many leaf vacuums are strong. They need to be powerful to mulch debris, but also to suck them up and contain them. If they are not high-quality and designed to be durable, you will likely run into a lot of problems with your new purchase.
The strength of the vacuum makes it more convenient to clean up your yard. Overall, a good leaf vacuum should be able to shred leaves into a small pile that is about one-tenth the size. The blades and mechanical parts need to have a certain level of strength to handle that task.
Adjustable Speeds
Leaf vacuums might also come with different speed levels that you can select. You might need to adjust your speed depending on what you are trying to do with the equipment.
By having different speeds, the task is easier to manage when you choose the proper setting. For example, you should use the highest speed setting for clearing large fields of debris. Any other setting would probably make the job take longer.
Top 10 Best Leaf Vacuums
Best Overall
1. Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vac, 250 mph, Red
Key Features
Strong, can reach up to 250 MPH
Speed control settings
Large metal impeller for enhanced mulching
Has a blow mode and a vacuum mode
Our Rating
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Our Take
This Toro product is our top overall pick. There are many reasons why it deserves the title “Best Leaf Vacuum” for this year. To start, it is very highly rated by those who have purchased it. Users say that it can pick up just about everything and shred it, except for thick acorns.
Plus, the product does not clog often. It is made well, with a high-quality design- you can be sure that this purchase would last you many years.
The design of the bag on this product has a zipper on the bottom, making it a bit easier for users to empty it. The bag is quite large and can drag on the ground if you do not use the shoulder strap that comes with it. This additional little tool keeps the bag from dragging, which prevents the bag from wearing out.
Overall, this Toro leaf vacuum is a reliable and quality product. We are confident that it deserves this spot as number one on this list. The price for it is not bad either, it also seems to go on sale often. It is worth checking out, plus, you might be able to score a solid deal on your purchase!
Best Run Time
2. Greenworks 40V 185 MPH Variable Speed Cordless Leaf Vacuum
Key Features
4.0Ah battery and charger
Adjustable speed settings
Powerful and durable
Long life span
Can handle wet and dry leaves
Our Rating
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Our Take
The Greenworks cordless leaf blower is much lighter than the gas alternatives. You will not feel as tired after working on your yard and the difference is very noticeable. Users mentioned that the product was a lot more powerful than they thought it would be since it was rated at having the highest speed of 185 MPH.
It works well at blowing away any loose grass, leaves, and other debris. Plus, users also brought up that the impeller was extremely strong. It was able to shred leaves down into much more manageable sizes.
The machine also does not have a pull start. You can get it running with the simple pull of the button. It runs for a long time too, without having to be on a cord. The only real downside to this product is that you have to purchase the battery separately.
Once you have it though, you can expect your new leaf vacuum to last as long as you need it to.
Best Multi-Use
3. BLACK DECKER 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Vacuum
Key Features
Features a blower, vacuum, and mulcher
230 MPH blower
Anti-clog benefits
Two-speed settings
Easy to switch between vacuum and blower
Our Rating
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Our Take
If you want a tool that has different features for use around your yard, this item comes with all three in one. It works well at blowing away leaves, mulching them, and sucking them into a bag. The machine is also mostly durable, although it does make a lot of noise if you accidentally suck up any twigs.
Users also brought up that switching between the vacuum and blower settings is simple, as long as you make sure to do it on a flat surface. Otherwise, swapping out the tool can be a bit annoying.
Plus, this model is electric. You do not have to worry about buying fuel since it just needs to be plugged in. Over time, making the switch to electric leaf blowers from gas ones will save you a lot of money.
However, you can not use a normal power cord. You will want to ensure that you have an extension cord that is designed for outdoor use. Otherwise, you can cause the switch to trip in the unit, making it unusable until you reset it after unscrewing the parts.
Finally, users loved the mulching features on this machine. It can shred large piles of leaves into a much smaller size, making them easier to manage- whether that be for composting or throwing them out in a garbage bag.
Best Electric
4. WORX WG509 TRIVAC 12 Amp 3-In-1 Electric Vacuum
Key Features
Leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher in one
Change modes with a switch
Quality metal impeller
Two different speed settings
One-hand operation
Our Rating
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Our Take
Users enjoyed using this product and said that it felt as though it was focused on being easy to run. The impeller is high-quality and very strong, mulching tons of leaves into small amounts. If you have a lot of yard debris to handle, this could be a great unit for you to own.
You do not want to vacuum or try to mulch wet debris, however. Freshly fallen leaves and sticks can easily clog the inside of the machine and make it stop running. You would want to turn it off right away and use another long object to remove the blockage from the propellers. We recommend that you wait at least a day or two after rain to use your leaf blower.
Overall, this product is really easy to use. It comes apart and can be cleaned without much effort. Plus, the unit comes with a trash can attachment, which is good for when you are tackling a big project. It allows you to focus on your work instead of having to empty the bag every ten minutes or so.
Finally, this leaf vacuum is a good price for the quality that you receive with your order. As long as you make sure to clean and maintain your unit, it should last you many seasons of work.
Best Budget Option
5. LawnMaster Red Edition BV1210 1201 Electric Vacuum
Key Features
14:1 mulch ratio
Includes leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher
12 amp motor with the highest rating of 240 MPH
Two-speed settings
Powerful metal impeller
Our Rating
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Our Take
Many customers agree that the best feature this product has to offer is its mulching power. It makes it easy to gather leaves and shred them, while on a budget. Users also mentioned that this item is great for anyone who composts at home – the size of the mulched leaves is perfect.
The company says that the mulch feature has a 14:1 ratio, which is quite impressive. This means that the proportion of a pile of leaves will drop from 14 to 1, meaning you will be using way fewer garbage bags if you plan on tossing them.
The blower is also very lightweight and easy to use. One of the biggest downsides is that it does not include a power or extension cord, so you will need to buy your own if you do not already have one. Keep in mind that this one-time purchase is going to cost less than supplying your machine with fuel, however.
Users also brought up that the wheels do not roll smoothly and that it can be difficult to switch between vacuum and blower mode since you have to take apart sections of the machine. But, if you need a leaf blower on a budget, this is one of the most cost-effective options we have on this list.
6. Billy Goat TKV650SPH Lawn and Litter Vacuum
Key Features
2-inch chipper
Designed after a lawnmower
Comes with mesh bag and a dust skirt
Self-propelled in the back
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Our Take
This product is something closer to what a professional would want to use. The biggest effect this has is on the price, which is extremely high. We understand that this item is likely out of plenty of people’s budgets, but it was still worth talking about here.
The unit is perfect for clearing up large spaces quickly. It can mulch and contain a lot of leaves at one time, making it most useful to people who have big yards with a lot of trees on them. Professionals might also like to have this machine on hand for handling tough jobs.
It works extremely well at what it does. The vacuum has a powerful Honda motor installed, giving it the strength and ability to work wonders on your yard. We would have ranked this option a bit higher since it is a quality item, but it is simply way too costly for many people looking for an alternative to raking leaves.
Users mentioned that it was easier to start the engine than they thought that it would be. You can also purchase additional accessories, such as a hose kit, for your Billy Goat if you so choose.
7. WORX WA4054.2 LeafPro Universal Leaf Collection System
Key Features
Empties directly into waste disposal
Works with all other major brands
Comes with an 8 foot long hose
Mesh hood
Multi-fit universal adaptor is included
Our Rating
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Our Take
If you want to make cleaning leaves a little bit easier on a budget, this product is another great option. It can connect to any other model of the blower and deposits your mulched debris right into the trash can if you have the setup for it.
This feature is very useful if you want to save time and hate dealing with leaves. Plus, the orders come with an industrial strength 8-foot long hose. That way, you can reach just about anywhere that you need to since the hose brings the machine’s total reach up to 16 feet.
Users also mentioned that this machine gave their leaf blowers additional suction power. What seems to work best, according to customers, was gathering the leaves into a pile with their usual leaf blower, then using this tool to suck all of them up swiftly.
Overall, this product is not meant to be used on its own, but it is very high-quality and works wonders at helping you to get the job done. If you have a huge yard and hate raking leaves, we think this item would be very beneficial for you to own.
8. CRAFTSMAN Leaf Blower / Leaf Vacuum & Mulcher, 12-Amp (CMEBL7000)
Key Features
12 AMP motor
Can reach up to 260 MPH
Converts between blowers, vacuum, and mulcher without tools
Easy to store and transport with included backpack
Uses electric
Our Rating
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Our Take
This option comes with two different speed settings and is a little bit less costly than name brand blowers. However, it is really loud. We recommend that you use earplugs when running it.
The cord that comes with this item is also pretty high-quality. It should last you a long time and you do not have to worry about your blower running out of fuel or battery life halfway through cleaning up your yard.
Users said that this blower had a great vacuum and did a good job at mulching leaves. It cut them down into smaller pieces, which took up way less space than the whole leaf pile did. If you need to manage a lot of leaves and want to save your bags, this product has a good quality mulcher for you to use.
It also works well for cleaning patio areas. Not just leaves during the fall, this unit works as a snowblower too. That way, you can have snow-free areas without having to dig it out with a shovel.
9. Sun Joe SBJ606E-GA-SJG 14-Amp 250MPH 4-in-1 Electric Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher/Gutter Cleaner
Key Features
4 in 1 design including a blower, vacuum, mulcher, and a gutter cleaner
14 AMP motor is powerful
Reaches 250 MPH of airflow
6 different speed settings
Durable impeller made from aluminum alloy
Our Rating
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Our Take
This Sun Joe blower is a decent option if you need a multitool to help you with your yard work. It has plenty of features that make it beneficial for removing leaves in the fall. It mulches them nicely, making it good for composting or cleaning up outside.
The machine itself is easy to set up and get running. You will want to take it apart and clean it out after each use since the machine does tend to have dirt stick inside of it. Doing so will ensure that it lasts you a long time, just make sure that you have the unit entirely powered down and unplugged before you open it.
Users also brought up that this model was quieter than they thought it would be, especially when compared to gas-powered leaf blowers.
10. KIMO 20V Cordless Leaf Blower, 2-in-1 Battery Powered Sweep/Vacuum
Key Features
Comes with a battery and charger
Strong 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery
Adjustable speed settings
Quieter than alternatives
Reusable bag
Our Rating
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Our Take
Most users agree that this product works just as well as plenty of premium brands. It is cordless, with a battery that only takes 90 minutes to completely charge, making it a very convenient option for most people.
This is also a multipurpose tool. You can use it as a blower and vacuum, although it does not seem to be able to mulch debris.
The battery that comes with the unit is also very powerful. It lasts a long time and provides your unit with plenty of energy, allowing it to run at its highest potential.
The unit can not handle moving wet leaves, however. You will want to wait until your yard is pretty dry before you try to move debris with this tool.
Many users also seem to have an issue with the customer service team for this brand. They do not respond often or will not send you replacement parts, after saying that they will. Still, the product is decent, but you can find much better options on this list.
Leaf Vacuum Buyer’s Guide
When trying to find the best leaf vacuum for yourself, you will want to check out the following features. They provide you with all of the benefits that you need to quickly clean up your yard, without too much hassle.
Type Of Power
When shopping for any yard tool, make sure that you know what type of fuel it uses and what you would prefer. With leaf vacuums you often have the choice between gas, electric, and cordless power sources.
Gas blowers are heavy and noisy, they also can send pollution into the air. Many people do not use them because of this, although they are still useful for areas that have no outlets.
Electric leaf vacuums are lighter and safer for the environment. They tend to be quieter and cost a lot less than gas ones. The biggest downside is that you need to keep it connected to a power outlet, which can be difficult without a proper extension cord.
Cordless units still use electricity, but they have batteries that store their power. That way, they can be carried across your lawn without much trouble. They generally give you both the benefits that you get from a gas and an electric leaf vacuum.
However, you will need to remember to charge the battery and you will only be able to work on your yard until it runs out of power.
Leaf Vacuum Impeller
The impeller is an important part of your leaf vacuum. It is what allows the machine to mulch leaves and debris. You will need to ensure that it is made from a quality material, so that it does not jam or break too easily.
More expensive options tend to have metal impellers, while cheaper ones have them made from plastic. Metal impellers are better suited to handle rocks that might accidentally be sucked up by your vacuum. Although, at the end of the day, plastic ones fit into budgets much better.
Suction and Blower Power
You will need to consider the power of your machine as well. It is very beneficial to have one that has adjustable speed settings, so that you can change the rate depending on what task you are working on.
If you plan on working with wet debris often, you need a more powerful machine, since the leaves tend to weigh more. On the other hand, if you are working in a delicate garden bed, you want to ensure you do not accidentally blast away your flowers. Make sure to check our review of the best cordless leaf blowers for more information.
Leaf Vacuum Weight
When a yard tool is too heavy, you will have problems with lugging it around outside. You will also get tired faster, meaning you are less likely to finish cleaning. Plus, you might get sore after you complete the job.
The weight will directly affect how portable your machine is. Electric and cordless units tend to be lighter, although you will need to manage their battery levels more. Still, gas units are very heavy. So, even though you can transport it all over your yard, you might have to take more breaks or you risk running out of energy a lot faster.
The Price Tag
With any new purchase, you want to be sure that you are getting all of the benefits you need, without spending an arm and a leg for the item. If you are on a budget, you will want to check out quality options that do not break your bank.
Alternatively, you can get a blower that has less features, but does still do what you need it to. Giving up one feature will usually lower the price quite a bit.
If you plan on using your new leaf vacuum often, we do recommend that you put a large budget aside for it. More expensive options tend to be made from higher quality parts, which means that your new purchase will have a longer lifespan. If you use it a lot for yard work, you will want to consider it as an investment.
FAQs
We noticed that some common questions popped up when researching the best leaf vacuums for 2021. If you do not see yours here, feel free to reach out to us. We enjoy hearing from our readers!
Will a leaf vacuum pick up grass?
Yes, as long as they are left behind leaf clippings. Leaf vacuums can be used to blow dried grass, leaves, dirt, and more small debris off of your sidewalk or patio. They are much easier to use than a broom and a rake. Plus, they take a lot less time to accomplish the same task.
Should I get a leaf blower or vacuum?
Many units actually will come with a blower and vacuum feature together, so it is unlikely that you will have to choose between the two features. Leaf vacuums tend to be a bit slower, since they are sucking up debris. If you want to finish a job quickly, your best option would be to use the blower to create a pile, then use the vacuum on it.
Are leaf vacuums worth it?
For the most part they are. They reduce the amount of time it takes to finish yard work and are easier on your body than using a rake. Plus, they have additional features that rakes do not offer. They can also be used in gutters and on patios, sidewalks, and driveways with ease.
Overall, you are the only person who can determine if you need a leaf vacuum at the end of the day. If you have a small yard or do not mind raking leaves, then it might not be worth it to you.
How powerful does a leaf blower need to be?
You will likely want to find a blower that can offer you air speeds that are higher than 150 MPH. It is worth noting that your area might limit sound levels to a certain range, so you will also want to check how loud the leaf blower is before you buy it. Louder blowers tend to be the more powerful options.
Can you use a leaf vacuum on wet leaves?
That is going to depend on the power of the unit. Some struggle with wet leaves, since the debris is a lot heavier than it normally would be. However, if you want to create mulched leaves for compost, you might have more luck with wet leaves. They decompose better in the long run. Keep in mind that your particular leaf vacuum might not be able to handle wet leaves. Read the instruction manual that comes with your unit before you attempt it, so that you do not damage the machine’s impeller.
