Top-rated trimmers that won?t drive you over the hedge
The top-rated gas trimmers in our recent tests are still fastest at buzzing through thick, dense shrubs. But this year?s best plug-in trimmers perform nearly as well, cost far less and offer more safety features.
Our top-rated Craftsman electric outscored five of our seven gas trimmers and costs only $60, whereas most gas-powered models cost upwards of $130. It also safeguards fingers by requiring two hands on the trimmer for it to operate.
Corded electric hedge trimmers outsell gasoline-powered models by more than four to one due to lower prices, less weight and much less maintenance. Despite the financial and safety benefits of a corded electric hedge trimmer, a gas model may be your only option if your trimming is beyond the reach of an extension cord.
We tested trimmers by attacking roughly 10,000 square feet of overgrown hedges, basing our ratings mainly on cutting power, handling and safety. We found that the best corded electric trimmers should be powerful and fast enough for nearly any homeowner. In fact, the top corded electrics outscored most tested gas models and weigh significantly less.
? Corded electric. Top rated here was the Craftsman 79957 (at $60, from Sears, it?s a CR Best Buy). Its 3.2-amp motor was the most powerful of the group, and its 22-inch dual-reciprocating blade provided smooth operation. (Although having two moving blades doesn?t guarantee better performance, they do cut faster and tend to vibrate less than single-action blades.) If you?re willing to trade blade length (17 inches), blade number (single-action) and power (2.4 amps) for a lower price ($30), consider the Black & Decker TR1700. Weighing just 5 pounds vs. the Craftsman?s 7, the Black & Decker also provides easier handling. Our only corded electric with extended reach, the $100 Remington 174364, was plagued by handling problems.
? Gas-powered. In addition to the extended-reach Little Wonder 2310, we like the top-rated Stihl HomeScaper Series HS 45 ($290). Its 27-cc engine was the biggest of this group and its 24-inch blade matched the Little Wonder?s for longest. It weighs in at 11 pounds. Another 11-pound model, the Echo HC150 ($265), was also a very good performer overall. Its 20-inch blade proved an excellent cutter, yet the Echo is the only gas trimmer tested that can?t be locked in the ?on? position. All three models feature dual-reciprocating blades.
While wider gaps between the blade teeth helped our recommended gas trimmers cut faster and more powerfully than any tested electric, they also make it more dangerous if you contact the blades.
To prevent contact, keep both hands on the trimmer and fingers and other parts of your body away from the blades when trimming. Also, turn off the power and wait for the blades to stop before adding fuel or removing debris.