While a powerful leaf blower is best for blasting thick blankets of leaves from your yard, a leaf vacuum is more about the finish work. Any of the top picks featured here will quickly suck up smaller piles of leaves and debris from under bushes, around foundation walls and even out of your gutters. Think of it as the perfectionist’s outdoor power tool, a must-have for homeowners who like to leave no leaf unturned during routine yard clean-ups.
- 1 Best cordless leaf vacuum
- 2 How we chose the best leaf vacuums
- 3 What to consider when buying the best leaf vacuums
- 4 How is leaf vacuum power measured?
- 5 What machine is best for picking up leaves?
- 6 How powerful does a leaf vacuum need to be?
- 7 Will a lawn vacuum pick up grass clippings?
- 8 Can you clean gutters with a leaf vacuum?
- 9 How do I switch from blower to vacuum?
- 10 How powerful does a leaf blower need to be?
- 11 Are leaf vacuums worth it?
- 12 Should I get a leaf blower or vacuum?
- 13 Do leaf vacuums work on wet leaves?
People have the idea that using a leaf vacuum is a lot like vacuuming indoors, as if you just move smoothly along, leaving a clean path behind you. However, in practice, the process is not that simple. If that’s what you want, a lawn mower with a bag works better. Leaf vacuums do have their place in cleaning up yard debris—as long as you know their optimal uses.
Though broadly related to leaf blowers, leaf vacuums operate in the opposite direction. While leaf blowers disperse leaves by spewing air, leaf vacuums suck fallen foliage through a tube and into a bag, much like a house vacuum. A pool leaf vacuum does the same thing for a swimming pool.
The 12 Best Leaf Vacuums Tested in 2023: Reviews & Recommendations
When shopping for a yard vacuum, consider the size of the area you’ll be cleaning, as well as the volume of leaves that accumulate annually, to help determine the level of power and capacity required. Many electric leaf blower vacuums and cordless electric models are suited to medium-duty jobs, while a commercial model may be better for sustained professional or high-volume use in larger yards. From leaves in the driveway to debris in the pool, the best leaf vacuums can handle every scenario.
| Best overall | Worx WG509 TRIVAC 12 Amp 3-en-1 soplador eléctrico |
| BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK | Husqvarna 125BVx |
| BEST CORDLESS | Greenworks 40V (185 MPH / 340 CFM) |
| Best budget | Corded Electric Leaf Blower |
| BEST VALUE GAS | Echo X692000190 Shred ‘N’ Vac Dust Bag |
| Best vacuum cleaner for carpet | Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum |
| Most powerful vacuum cleaner | BLACK+DECKER Leaf Blower & Leaf Vacuum |
| Best budget vacuum cleaner | CRAFTSMAN BV245 27cc 2-Cycle |
| MOST VERSATILE | WORX 12 Amp TRIVAC 3-in-1 |
Leaf vacuums are exceptionally handy for tidying up yards and banishing leaf buildup beneath hedges and flower beds. To help you find the ideal model, we tested popular gas, electric, and battery-powered leaf vacuums to judge their performance in real-life conditions. Read on to learn the most important considerations to bear in mind while shopping, and check out our reviews of some of the best leaf vacuums in various categories.
1.Best overall:Worx WG509 TRIVAC 12 Amp 3-en-1 soplador eléctrico
What We Like
- Ergonomic
- Easy to switch between modes
- Expandable capacity
What We Don’t Like
- Additional bags sold separately
- Not best for heavy jobs
This electric corded leaf blower vacuum is capable of collecting and distributing leaves and other debris with an airspeed of 75 to 210 miles per hour. This WORX leaf vacuum quickly changes modes at the flip of a switch, and the integrated dual-stage metal impeller allows for an 18-to-1 reduction in leaf volume, making this a fantastic all-around choice for light- to medium-duty jobs. Its ergonomic design weighs in at 8.6-pounds, and it comes standard with a small bag, as well as the option to expand capacity with vacuum tubes and additional bags (sold separately).
2.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK：Husqvarna 125BVx
What We Like
- Creates fine mulch
- Easy to start
- Cruise control
What We Don’t Like
- On the heavy side
The combo Husqvarna 2-cycle gas leaf blower/vacuum is incredibly powerful, with blowing speeds of up to 170 miles per hour. When in vacuum mode, it also mulches leaves at a 16:1 mulching ratio, so you can suck up more without worrying about overfilling the bag too fast. Plus, it’s built with smart start technology to start the leaf vacuum with minimal effort. For easier handling, set the variable speed throttle with cruise control.
3.BEST CORDLESS:Greenworks 40V (185 MPH / 340 CFM)
What We Like
- Good suction power
- Good runtime per charge
- Toolless transition from blower to vacuum
What We Don’t Like
- Additional battery may be necessary to avoid downtime
- Suction tube may clog with coarse debris
- Higher price than plug-in and gas models
If a property is too large for a corded leaf vacuum, but mixing fuel for a gas model is too much hassle, check out this battery-powered option from Greenworks. Its 12-amp lithium-ion battery (included along with the charger) powers the vacuum’s brushless motor to run up to 60 minutes on a single charge at the lowest setting.
This cordless leaf blower/vacuum offers good suction and shredding capability. The runtime was longer than many comparable battery-powered blower/vacuums. But still, at about 20 minutes per charge on high speed, in an average-size yard with lots of leaves, users would either need to have a second battery charged and ready to vacuum after blowing, or they will need to stop and recharge at some point in the project.
The vacuum draws in air at six speed options up to 235 mph, with an impressive airflow volume of 380 cfm, which is suitable for light to moderate leaf accumulation. A metal impeller breaks up leaves for mulching before depositing them in the collection bag. A bigger battery puts the weight at 9.26 pounds, so users will need some strength for longer jobs.
4.Best budget:Corded Electric Leaf Blower
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Powerful motor
- Small and stowable
What We Don’t Like
- Not for large areas
This corded electric leaf vacuum from Vpment has a 400W motor, a durable ABS shell, and a low weight of 2.8 pounds, making this one of the best cheap leaf vacuums on the market. It’s perfect for storing in a utility closet or tool shed and reserving for quick sweeping and cleanup of leaves and dirt in small, confined areas, and it has a wide exhaust area that allows for quick heat dissipation. This design is also suited for indoor work like cleaning up sawdust and other debris from work areas.
5.BEST VALUE GAS:Echo X692000190 Shred ‘N’ Vac Dust Bag
What We Like
- Large collection bag
- Variable speed throttle
- Simple to transition from leaf blower to vacuum
What We Don’t Like
- Lacks a rocker switch
The Echo handled dry and uniform debris easily, gobbling it up at full throttle, quickly filling its bag. Conversion from blower to vacuum is fast and easy. To remove the vacuum tube, grip the large plastic lugs molded into the tube and twist it off. The debris bag, held with a large Velcro strap, is easy to mount and empty. The machine received only one small demerit, and that was for the fixed-position sliding on/off switch. Our experience shows that a momentary rocker switch is better because after the machine is switched off, the switch automatically springs back to the Start position. We inadvertently went to restart the Echo in the off position when we remembered to switch it on.
6.Best vacuum cleaner for carpet：Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum
What We Like
- Extra-durable metal impeller
- Adjustable speed control
- Convenient cord storage hook
What We Don’t Like
- Some reviewers felt the bag’s durability and quality could have been better
We think you could safely call this Toro model an air-moving beast. An important design feature that distinguishes this machine from its competitors is that it has a metal impeller, not one made from high-impact plastic. We didn’t notice any impeller breakage on our test vacuums, but when given the choice of metal versus plastic for this part, we’d opt for metal for its durability. Other features we like are its dial-adjust speed control and a wide-mouth zippered opening on its debris bag to facilitate dumping.
7.Most powerful vacuum cleaner:BLACK+DECKER Leaf Blower & Leaf Vacuum
What We Like
- Metal impeller
- Affordable price
- Two speeds to choose from
What We Don’t Like
- Probably not durable enough for heavy-duty use
At an affordable price point, this Black and Decker model is a good choice for folks who need the dual-capability of a low-cost blower vac. Here’s what you get for your money: a metal impeller powered by a 12-amp motor, high- and low-speed selection, and tool-free changeover from blower to vacuum. It’s also noticeably quieter than some other models, and emptying the reusable bag is quick and easy.
8.Best budget vacuum cleaner:CRAFTSMAN BV245 27cc 2-Cycle
What We Like
- Light weight makes blowing less tiresome
- Translucent tank for foolproof refilling
- EasyStart technology makes pull starts simple
What We Don’t Like
- Noisy operation
This Craftsman features a robust 2-cycle engine from a reliable name in the small engines used in a variety of outdoor power equipment. Our experts say the vacuum’s lightweight design reduces hand and arm fatigue. They also like the feature set, which includes a translucent fuel tank and variable speed motor, helpful when switching between yard cleaning tasks or moving across different surfaces, from thick lawns to paved driveways. As with all gas-powered blowers, the Craftsman is fairly noisy, so take that into consideration if there are neighbors close by.
9.MOST VERSATILE:WORX 12 Amp TRIVAC 3-in-1
What We Like
- Switches from blower, mulcher, and vacuum in seconds
What We Don’t Like
- Feels cumbersome for large jobs
This tool from Worx is the ultimate triple threat. It functions as a blower, a mulcher, and a yard vacuum, and it switches among them in seconds.
According to Popular Mechanics’ Roy Berendsohn, you can simply turn a dial on the machine’s side to rotate its motor by 90 degrees and then slip the vacuum collection bag into place over the impeller to change from blower to vac modes.
It’s powered by a 12-amp motor that won’t pump out smelly fumes as a gas-powered blower would, and it’s equipped with a metal propeller that absolutely annihilates scattered leaves.
The Worx WG512 forces 600 cubic feet of air per minute from its nozzle at a maximum speed of 75 mph, meaning that it expels air at a greater rate than most.
Weighing in at 9.6 pounds, note that this leaf vacuum is on the heavier side. Fortunately, its included collection bag has a strap, which helps make it easier to carry.
Best cordless leaf vacuum
10.WORX 20V Cordless Leaf Blower
Pros
- No assembly
- Simple and powerful
- Lightest on test
- Choice of speeds
- Blasts wet leaves
- Part of Worx 20-V Power Share system
This light, powerful leaf blower won a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award for best value blower and it’s easy to use and ready to go straight from the box. The 20V battery takes just 60 minutes to charge and has a 23 minute run time plus, it has a handy battery level indicator so you can check how much time you have left while you work. The blower offers the choice of two nozzle lengths, which are easily adjusted by flicking a button and sliding the nozzle up and down the tube, and two speeds for gentle or more powerful blowing – it coped brilliantly blasting damp leaves off paths and pathing in our test. It has a hard wearing, brushless motor and for its power and features we think it’s excellent value, plus it comes with a two year warranty.
Pros
- Long narrow nozzle for directional blasts
- Three speed settings
- Fasr charge time
- Compact, comfortable and lightweight
- Compatible with over 40 other Makita cordless 18V tools
- Three year warranty
Cons
- No charge level indicator on battery
A BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award winner for performance, this cordless leaf blower is light, compact and easy to use. It has one of the narrowest nozzles in the range we tested, which means it delivers a powerful but focused blast of air that tackles wet and dry fallen leaves very effectively, particularly on paths and in awkward corners. Generating an impressive air speed of 68m/s, we also like the three speed settings – low, medium and high – that allow you to increase and decrease the power according to need. This gives you plenty of control to manage wet and dry leaves and we found it even shifted compacted debris in between paving, and compressed wet leaves that had been trodden into the pavement. While you must hold the pressure trigger to operate, it’s in an accessible position so it doesn’t feel tiring, even with smaller hands. The soft-grip handle, together with the position of the battery, which slots in at the base, helps balance the leaf blower in a downward direction, making it comfortable to use for longer periods of time. It has a run time of up to 80 minutes (on the low setting – 12 minutes on high) and a relatively short charge time of 45 minutes, so you can use this in larger gardens with lots of leaves to clear. It’s part of the Makita LXT 18V cordless tool system so the 5Ah battery and charger are compatible across the range, and it comes with a three year warranty.
Pros
- Well balanced
- Turbo setting
- Choice of nozzle lengths and speeds
- Long run time
- Wall hook and carry strap
- Part of the Einhell Power X-Change system
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for features, this well thought out blower is packed with them. It has a whopping six speeds to choose from, plus a Turbo boost, so it’s easy to adjust the power of the blast according to what and where you’re blowing. The tough nozzle has a metal end for scraping debris the blower cant shift on its own and it adjusts with a twist to three different lengths so no matter your height you can get the nozzle to the perfect length to suit you. Powered by two 18V batteries, which take just 60 minutes to charge, they have a run time of 92 minutes on the lowest setting. However, the batteries and charger are not included with the blower and do need to be bought as a kit separately, but, once bought they can be used with any of the tools in the Einhell Power X-Change system, saving you money if you invest in these in the future. The blower is well balanced and feels comfortable, but it also comes with a carry strap so if you’re blowing for a while, this will help balance the load. The nozzle and tube breaks down for storage and there’s a handy hanging hook to keep the blowers stored up and out of the way. It has a brushless motor and comes with a two year warranty.
How we chose the best leaf vacuums
We’ve previously compiled a list of the best leaf blowers and best leaf mulchers. We took our knowledge and research from those subjects and applied them here. We also looked at reviews, recommendations, conducted user testing, and performed heavy research to narrow down our list of the best leaf vacuums. After all, you want something that sucks—in a good way.
What to consider when buying the best leaf vacuums
The best leaf vacuum available generally provides the standard features of a leaf blower while offering the ability to invert airflow to collect leaves in an attached bag for storage and removal. This dual functionality can be helpful when performing yard maintenance, as blowers require leaves and debris to be collected in piles before accumulation or disposal. And it comes in a familiar, ergonomic form for easy maneuvering without excessive bulk. Many blower/vacuum combos provide the added benefit of an integrated impeller to trap and chop debris into smaller, more manageable sizes. Not only does this feature save bag space and allow for more leaves to be vacuumed, it also prepares organic material to be redistributed and recycled as mulch and compost without requiring you to manually collect and break down debris. This feature is highly beneficial for anyone with a home garden or other plants requiring nutrients.
The best leaf blower vacuum is a cost-effective, flexible yard waste removal tool
The best leaf vacuum is a versatile lawn tool, effectively an all-in-one solution for managing leaves and debris, while saving storage space and task time. For example, combination blower-mulcher leaf vacuums use an air duct where a bag or hose can be attached for expeditious processing and collection of leaves (bags are the more portable option, but a hose to a bag or bucket is better suited to high-volume collection). The best blower/vacuum requires much less effort than a traditional rake or standard blower to complete the same amount of work. This makes collecting wet leaves after heavy rainfall—typically laborious and rage-inducing—a walk in the park.
When shopping for a blower/vacuum for yard work, look for a design that offers compatibility with both bags and hoses to assure the best results. This user-customizable feature maximizes the situations in which the blower-and-vacuum combo is useful. A built-in mulcher is also a must regardless of whether you’ll be using leaves in your flower beds, etc., as it drastically cuts down on the volume of leaves and maximizes storage space.
The best cordless leaf vacuum takes the hangups out of yard cleanup
Cordless leaf vacuum designs are championed for most yard maintenance and leaf removal jobs thanks to their portable, lightweight designs. Battery power frees users from the encumberment of cables and bulky gas tanks, while still packing ample power for most medium-duty jobs. Lighter weights also translate to better maneuverability, which is key when you’ll be gathering leaves over and around landscaping, lawn ornaments, wraparound porches, gazebos, and other obstacles. Some cordless models can even be worn like a backpack.
One thing to keep in mind is that the added convenience of cordless models does come at a price premium compared to corded models, and cordless designs also require somewhat frequent recharging. Still, investing in a cordless model can prove to be worthwhile when factoring in the greater mobility and lack of entanglement hazard.
When shopping for the best cordless vacuum, battery life is a critical consideration that can make or break this tool’s usefulness. Variable speeds are also a key feature to look for, as they allow users to conserve battery and only use the amount of power required for the moment at hand.
Got a bigger yard? Go beyond standard with a gas-powered model
A gas-powered leaf vacuum will require more maintenance than an electric model, but it makes quick work of large, leafy lawns. Most gas-powered models on the market are actually leaf blowers with the ability to convert into vacuums by attaching a suctioning tube and large vac bag. They are typically powered by two-cycle gas engines, which should be filled with a pre-mixed combination of gas and oil.
It’s important to keep in mind that gas-powered leaf vacuums are much noisier than their electric counterparts and that two-stroke engines emit hazardous levels of hydrocarbons. In fact, to reduce environmental damage (and noise complaints), some cities have an outright ban on gas-powered machines.
For leaf removal from water, a dedicated pool leaf vacuum works swimmingly
Pool leaf vacuums are their own class of product, but they perform the same debris removal duties of traditional models … just in water. The collection of wet, submerged leaves and organic debris comes with its own unique set of challenges, so it’s crucial to use equipment designed for this specific task when cleaning out your pool or pond.
The best pool leaf vacuums are designed to function using a standard garden hose and pool pole, creating vortexes of water around a central net to divert and capture leaves and other debris. When considering which pool model is best for your needs, go with a manually operated unit for the greatest degree of control and cost-effectiveness. Many designs include bumpers to protect the bottom and side surfaces of pool interiors from scratching as well, which can save money and prevent unsightly damage.
On a budget? For small, isolated jobs, a cheap leaf vacuum is great
Because these machines are specialized pieces of lawn equipment, it’s generally difficult to find a cheaper model that performs at an acceptable level for most yards. Portability and power along with capacity add to the costs of these units, so most budget models suffer a high drop in these areas and are simply not suited to the demands of most yard work. However, users may still encounter situations in which a less expensive model performs acceptably, such as in the cleaning of an enclosed porch or the removal of leaves from a deck or courtyard.
Be aware that the best model for less is usually corded designs, which cuts down on the bulk and weight of the unit while limiting mobility somewhat. Mulching options are also not found in budget units, so leaves will pile up quicker in the bag and require more frequent emptying. Still, a cheap vacuum may be all you need for small jobs and infrequent use.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Leaf Vacuum
Leaf vacuums come in various types and with different-sized collection bags. There are also three power source types—gas, electric, and battery power—with each option affecting runtime and suction. Take a look below at some important factors that can help you determine the motor type, power, and design that will work best for you.
Type
Leaf vacuums are made in a few types, and some kinds work better in certain situations and setups than others.
- Handheld leaf vacuums are the smallest and least powerful option, but they’re often the most affordable and lightest. These models can be vacuum-only or a hybrid that works as a blower and/or sweeper too. While handhelds typically have the smallest collection bags, some models may cross into backpack territory (see below) and have somewhat larger vacuum bags. A cordless leaf vacuum is also typically handheld to provide optimal maneuverability.
- Backpack leaf vacuums are usually hybrid models that have leaf blowing as their main function. Backpack models tend to have larger collection sacks that need emptying less often.
- Walk-behind leaf vacuums resemble lawn mowers, but instead of cutting grass, they suck leaves up into a large collection sack. These models hold the most leaves and may include a mulch function as well. However, they’re more expensive and cannot be used as a leaf blower.
Electric vs. Gas
Like lawn mowers, leaf vacuums are available in electric- and gas-powered versions.
- Electric leaf vacuums are quieter, easier to maintain, and typically less expensive. Corded leaf vacuums are best suited to modestly sized outdoor spaces, since they require access to an electrical outlet. A cordless leaf vacuum blower with rechargeable batteries allows room to roam and is compact enough to be easily stored. However, they don’t match the power of other leaf vacuums and can only be used for relatively brief periods of time between charges.
- Gas-powered leaf vacuums offer greater power and the ability to cover lots of ground in one go. As a result, these models are often more expensive. Gas leaf vacuums also run loud, emit fumes, and require maintaining the proper gas-to-oil ratio.
Power
To figure out the power of a leaf vacuum, check the product description for two numbers: mph and cfm. The mph stands for miles per hour—in this case, referring to how quickly air is suctioned into the unit and through the tube. Most units run between 110 and 180 mph, although some may reach extremes of 250 mph or so.
Somewhat more important than airspeed, however, is cfm, or cubic feet per minute. This describes how much air moves through the vacuum in the span of 60 seconds, indicating how powerful the unit is. While mph provides an idea of how quickly leaves can go through the tube, cfm tells how much can go through all at once.
The cfm rankings for leaf vacuums range from between 150 to 600. A unit with a cfm under 200 may be all that’s needed to clean up an apartment balcony or a small yard, but for larger areas, it may be desirable to invest in a higher-cfm unit.
Runtime
The runtime of a battery-powered leaf vacuum can limit the amount of work that can be done. Most models offer at least 20 to 30 minutes of runtime on the highest power levels. At lower levels, the battery may run for 45 minutes or more.
Battery-powered models that include two or more interchangeable batteries can increase the available work time. While one battery is in use, the other battery charges. Charge times vary from 1.5 to 3 hours and sometimes longer depending on the battery size. The amount of work may still be limited with interchangeable batteries, but it will provide more work time than a single battery.
Some manufacturers provide batteries that are interchangeable with the brand’s other power tools. In these cases, buying power tools of the same brand can add to the number of batteries available. Ultimately, that can extend possible work time even more.
Versatility
Some leaf vacuums offer bells and whistles beyond simple suction. In fact, most vacuums these days are actually leaf blowers with a vacuum function. That provides extra use options with a single tool.
Leaf vacuums are best suited for smaller outdoor spaces, like those surrounding apartments and duplexes. Some models also offer a mulching option, great for repurposing leaves into healthy plant beds.
Ease of Use
The leaf vacuum’s mix of features and design can make it easier or harder to use. Bag size, for example, determines how often it will need to be emptied. Larger bags mean less frequent emptying, but they can be awkward and heavy to carry.
Weight also affects ease of use. Gas-powered leaf vacuums weigh the most, though some battery-powered models are almost as heavy. For those with a large yard, gas power makes sense because it can keep a consistent high power throughout the whole yard.
However, for those with smaller yards, the light weight of a handheld or a battery-powered model can be more comfortable. Models with a backpack bag combine the lighter weight of a handheld leaf vacuum with the convenience of a backpack.
Finally, there are controls to consider. Trigger switches and on/off buttons directly on the handle are easier to use. This allows the user to turn the machine on or off one-handed. Toolless conversion for hybrid models can also add to ease of use.
How is leaf vacuum power measured?
There are a few factors involved. If the equipment has a mulching mode, you also want to pay attention to its claimed capacity.
- Vacuuming power: The power of a leaf vacuum is determined by how much air it is able to take in, which is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and how quickly it does so, which is measured in miles per hour (MPH). The ideal combination of the two measurements depends on the nature of the vacuuming work.
- Blowing power: Like vacuuming power, blowing power is decided by a combination of airflow (CFM) and speed (MPH). The power of a blower is measured by how much air a blower is able to push out and how fast it does so. Convertible engines often have similar vacuuming and blowing power, but it’s important to know both when purchasing a convertible machine.
- Mulcher reduction ratio: This is the ratio between the number of bags of leaves that the vacuum encountered and the number of bags that the leaves were reduced to through mulching. Most mulchers have a reduction ratio of either 10:1 or 16:1.
Best Leaf Vacuum In 2022 – Top 10 Leaf Vacuums Review
What machine is best for picking up leaves?
Handheld leaf vacuums work best for small yards and few leaves. Once the dry or wet leaves start piling up, a backpack or an electric model will offer longer running times and a larger collection-bag capacity. Gas leaf vacuums also work well for large yards, though they do require more maintenance and can be heavy.
How powerful does a leaf vacuum need to be?
Look at the leaf vacuum’s mph and cfm when determining the power. While these measurements aren’t volts or amps, they are a better indicator of the quantity of leaves the vacuum can handle. Speeds of anywhere between 110 to 220 mph are usually adequate for leaf removal.
The cfm tells you the quantity of dry or wet leaves the vacuum can move at once. Higher numbers (at 200 or higher) mean more powerful suction and removal. However, a model with a well-designed tube can provide adequate suction at 95 cfm and above.
Will a lawn vacuum pick up grass clippings?
A lawn vacuum can pick up grass clippings. However, depending on its power and cfm, it may struggle with wet clippings.
Can you clean gutters with a leaf vacuum?
Although the angle of use is not quite right, it is possible to clean gutters with a leaf vacuum. However, a leaf vacuum may not have the power to remove wet leaves.
How do I switch from blower to vacuum?
The process of switching from blower to vacuum depends on the make and model of the device. Some models require nothing more than the flip of a switch. Others require extra tools to remove a blow tube before functioning as a vacuum. Check the owner’s manual for specific instructions.
How powerful does a leaf blower need to be?
Any standard leaf blower needs to be powerful enough to dislodge and move wet leaves and other heavy debris, so a model capable of winds between 80 and 250 miles per hour is usually a good place to start.
Are leaf vacuums worth it?
Having a dedicated leaf vacuum is worth it because it’s a great way to make an easy, quick, and fun task out of the typically time-consuming process of raking. Models that transform leaves directly into mulch are doubly worth it.
Should I get a leaf blower or vacuum?
Leaf blowers only take care of half of the problem and don’t actually aid in the collection, mulching, or disposal process, while a dedicated leaf vacuum provides all those perks. Leaf blowers are great for moving leaves from one place to another but go with a vacuum if you’re looking to dispose of the problem altogether.
Do leaf vacuums work on wet leaves?
It’s also worth noting that most models with a vacuum function aren’t designed to mulch sticks or twigs, and either can jam the tool. All leaf blower vacuums work best with dry leaves, which the impeller can easily shred.