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Maintaining your property is tough work, especially if you have a lot of outdoor space to look after. Summer grass trimmings, fall leaves, and winter snowstorms will all create more chores for you to do. Having the right tools for these jobs can make a huge difference in how easy or challenging they are.
Leaf blowers are a must-have for professional landscaping companies, and they've become popular for everyday homeowners, too. Even though they're called leaf blowers, these handy devices can actually be used on all kinds of debris - light snow, small stones, twigs, and more. They are usually pretty easy to use and are the most portable type of lawn care tool out there.
If you're ready to add a leaf blower to your collection of yard equipment, there are some things to keep in mind while you browse. Leaf blowers vary in price, functionality, power source, maintenance requirements, weight, air speed and volume, and other factors. All of these features will impact the blower's performance and how well it suits your needs.
This comprehensive guide digs into the best leaf blowers available in Canada right now and outlines the criteria you should consider when deciding which one to buy.
Top Pick: Black+Decker BEBL7000-CA Leaf Blower
Corded Pick: Black+Decker 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower
Cordless Pick: Makita DUB362Z Brushless Blower
Gas Pick: Makita BHX2500CA Commercial Grade 4-Stroke Handheld Blower
Budget Pick: Greenworks 24012 Corded Blower
The Black+Decker Leaf Blower has truly lived up to our hopes. Not only does it function as a regular leaf blower, but it also doubles up as a vacuum. What's more, it has a mulching feature, cutting down the number of bags you'd typically need for autumn yard tidying. The provided collection bag can be sported like a backpack, easing the strain during yard work – a real game-changer for those with expansive lawns.
We're particularly fond of the power boost button. With a quick press, it amplifies the airflow, making it a breeze to shift damp leaves or stubborn debris. Its robust 12 Amp motor ensures consistent performance without any hiccups. An added perk of this blower is its single-tube design, meaning no hassle of swapping tubes for different functions.
However, it is on the larger side. The handheld part is quite bulky, which could pose storage challenges or be a tad cumbersome in confined spaces.
It’s no surprise that reviewers are very pleased with their purchase of our top pick. The dual-speed design allows them to be gentle around flower beds and vehicles and blast through inches of snow or wet leaves with ease. The seamless transition between vacuuming and blowing helps save them time and energy, and the backpack collection bag keeps them comfortable while clearing larger properties.
Colour: Orange and black
Power Type: Corded electric
Maximum Air Speed: 250 MPH
Number of Speeds: 2
Maximum Air Volume: 400 CFM
Motor: 12 Amp
Warranty: 2 years
Pros:
Functions as a leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher
Backpack style collection bag relieves stress on arm/shoulder
Power boost button supplies extra power for tough spots
Don’t need to switch tubes for vacuum/blowing functions
Cons:
Pretty bulky for a corded model
In summary, the Black+Decker Leaf Blower is an excellent choice for all your yard maintenance needs. Its power is sufficient to handle debris throughout the year, and with its corded design, there's no concern about battery life during extended tasks.
This Black+Decker model is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly, corded model. Since it’s a leaf blower, a vacuum, and a mulcher, it allows you to spruce up your yard without the hassle of switching machines. Thanks to its impressive 10:1 mulch ratio, you'll spend less time bagging and reduce your waste bag usage.
A standout feature is the anti-clog vortex impeller, engineered to keep the leaf blower from jamming during the vacuuming and mulching phases. This means zero interruptions and no safety risks from clearing out blockages. Another perk that's sure to be a hit is the cord retainer, which ensures that the cord remains plugged in and secure throughout your tasks.
However, there are a couple of downsides to consider. Given that the collection bag is directly attached to the blower's base, the unit tends to get heavy as it fills up with leaves. Additionally, the tube's durability might not be up to par, potentially leading to earlier replacement unless handled with care.
Reviewers have been enjoying this Black+Decker Leaf Blower. They are very happy with its performance in snowy conditions and for fall cleanup of wet and dry leaves. The high-powered motor makes quick work of most yard tasks. Most users take advantage of all three functions, and there are very few complaints in this area as well. The main requests for improvements are a backpack-style collection bag and more durable tubes.
Weight: 7 lbs
Colour: Black
Power Type: Corded electric
Maximum Air Speed: 210 MPH
Number of Speeds: 2
Maximum Air Volume: 300 CFM
Motor: 12 Amp
Warranty: 2 years
Pros:
Functions as a leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher
10:1 mulch ratio helps reduce the number of waste bags needed
Anti-clog vortex impeller prevents clogging
Cord retainer prevents accidental unplugging
Cons:
Tube quality is not very high
Gets heavy when the collection bag is full
Overall, the Black+Decker's 3-in-1 Leaf Blower is a great choice for a wide range of users. While the tubes might not boast the best longevity, given its price, this is a minor drawback. The blower's performance is notably impressive for its cost, and it provides all the essential features one would expect.
For households seeking a robust cordless solution, this leaf blower is an excellent choice. Its dual-battery configuration ensures ample power, making it reliable even when faced with thick debris or damp leaves. The adjustable speed trigger is a notable feature, allowing users to set and maintain their preferred airflow without constantly pressing down, offering added comfort during prolonged use. Additionally, there are six distinct speed settings to choose from.
A standout feature of this Makita Blower is its extendable nozzle, which can stretch up to 4 inches. This added length is especially useful for reaching beneath foliage or accommodating taller users.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The higher cost might be a concern for some potential buyers. Moreover, if you're not already equipped with Makita's battery-powered tools, you'll need to account for the added expense of purchasing batteries. It's also worth noting that this model doesn't come with vacuum or mulching capabilities.
Reviewers love this battery-powered Makita Leaf Blower. It moves a lot of air very quickly for efficient yard work, and the variable speed trigger helps them adjust the performance to the needs of each task. The telescopic nozzle is also a big hit; most people can use the leaf blower comfortably whether they are short or tall.
Weight: 6 lbs
Colour: Blue and black
Power Type: Battery
Maximum Air Speed: 120 MPH
Number of Speeds: 6 plus variable trigger
Maximum Air Volume: 473 CFM
Pros:
Telescopic nozzle provides an additional 4 inches of reach in three increments
Dual-battery design supplies lots of power
Trigger lock for comfortable use
Cons:
Does not come with the battery, requires an additional expense
No vacuum functionality
If you're considering a battery-operated leaf blower, the Makita model is a solid choice. Yes, there's an upfront cost, especially if you're buying the batteries separately, but the convenience it brings is worth it. It's designed for ease of use, making yard work more straightforward and less exhausting.
There's a lot to love when it comes to this Makita leaf blower. First and foremost, it has a 4-stroke engine. This means you're looking at fewer maintenance hassles and a much smoother start-up experience. If you've ever wrestled with gas machines before, you'll know that consistent, easy starts can be a game-changer. With this Makita, it's up and running with just one pull (and on the rare occasion, maybe two).
Considering its power, it's impressive how lightweight it is. This makes it more user-friendly, especially for those longer yard sessions. It also comes equipped with two nozzle types, giving you the flexibility to adjust the airflow based on the task at hand. In terms of noise, it's relatively quiet when idling, and even at full speed, it's on par with most other leaf blowers out there.
However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Despite its lightweight design, the absence of a shoulder strap might make it feel a tad heavy during extended use. Additionally, it operates at a single speed, so there's less flexibility when adjusting the air output. But weighing the pros and cons, this Makita 4-Stroke Handheld Blower stands out as a top contender in the gas-powered category. It offers reliability, power, and user-friendly features that many will find appealing.
Reviewers have very few complaints about this model. They have been pleasantly surprised by how lightweight the leaf blower is, and the performance of gas power does not disappoint. Users have noted that it does start to feel pretty heavy the longer they use it, though. Almost everyone has reported that the engine starts on the first pull every single time.
Weight: 9.8 lbs
Colour: Blue and black
Power Type: Gas
Maximum Air Speed: 145 MPH
Number of Speeds: 1
Maximum Air Volume: 356 CFM
Engine: 24.5 cc
Warranty: 3 years
Pros:
Low-compression engine starts easily and is low in emissions
Comes with two nozzle types
Very lightweight for a gas blower
Fairly quiet when idling
Cons:
Lack of a shoulder strap will cause fatigue with longer use times
Cannot adjust the speed
In a nutshell, when it comes to gas-powered leaf blowers, this Makita model stands out. While it might not have the perks of a backpack-style gas tank or a leaf collection feature, its impressive power, hassle-free startup, and eco-friendlier emissions make it a top-notch choice.
For those seeking a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality, this leaf blower is a standout. Its lightweight design, weighing in at just 4.5 lbs, ensures easy handling. Plus, minimal vibration means a more comfortable experience during use.
A standout feature? The cord lock system. If you've ever been mid-task and had a corded tool unplug on you, you'll appreciate this. Coupled with its ergonomic handle, this blower is designed with user comfort in mind.
However, it's worth noting that while it's budget-friendly, there are some tradeoffs. Its power might not be up to par with pricier models, especially when dealing with wet leaves, twigs, or thick snow. And while it's great for blowing, don't expect vacuuming or mulching capabilities. Some manual yard cleanup might still be in the cards for you.
Reviewers are generally quite happy with their Greenworks Corded Blowers. Most people feel that they are getting the performance they expected and love the ergonomic grip, the absence of vibrations, and its plug-and-go style.
Weight: 4.5 lbs
Colour: Green and black
Power Type: Corded electric
Maximum Air Speed: 160 MPH
Number of Speeds: 1
Maximum Air Volume: 150 CFM
Motor: 7 Amp
Warranty: 3 years
Pros:
Cord lock system prevents accidental unplugging
Very lightweight and maneuverable
Very little vibration
Ergonomic handle reduces fatigue during big jobs
Cons:
Blowing performance isn’t suited to heavier debris types
No vacuum or mulching functionality
In essence, if you're looking to strike a balance between cost and quality, this Greenworks leaf blower is a solid pick. While it might not boast the bells and whistles of pricier counterparts, it's more than capable of handling regular yard maintenance tasks with ease.
Leaf blowers come in a wide price range, from below $100 to well over $350. Given the vast differences in features and quality within this range, it's beneficial to determine your budget and essential features from the get-go. This approach will streamline your shopping experience.
The weight of a leaf blower is often overlooked, but it's pivotal for user comfort. For instance, a 4 lb leaf blower feels significantly lighter during prolonged use than a 10 lb one, even if the difference seems negligible on paper. If you own a sizable property or have any health concerns related to carrying heavy things, always verify the blower's weight before making a purchase.
The power source of a leaf blower is a paramount consideration. Gas-powered units, while offering superior power and extended run times, tend to be costlier and demand regular maintenance. Conversely, battery-driven and corded electric blowers are closely matched in power. However, battery models might be pricier with restricted run times, while corded ones limit your mobility based on the cord's length. Their advantage? Minimal maintenance and they operate quieter than gas models.
Air output specifications can vary widely. They're typically measured in terms of air speed (MPH) and air volume (CFM). Generally, a higher CFM rating is more sought-after, but a robust air speed is also beneficial. Blowers with potent air outputs are adept at handling challenges like thick snow, damp leaves, and debris like small branches.
While the primary function of leaf blowers is, of course, to blow, some models offer the added feature of reversing the airflow to act as vacuums. A majority of these tools also come with mulching capabilities, effectively reducing debris into finer fragments. These supplementary features can considerably speed up your cleaning routine, sparing you the manual labour of collecting leaves.
Leaf blowers can be quite noisy, and some areas have noise restrictions. It's essential to check the decibel (dB) rating of the blower. Electric models tend to be quieter than gas-powered ones. If you live in a densely populated area or have close neighbours, you might want to opt for a quieter model.
Apart from weight, consider the design and ergonomics of the leaf blower. Look for models with padded handles and adjustable grip settings. Some blowers also come with backpack designs or shoulder straps, distributing the weight evenly and reducing strain on your arms.
Think about where you'll store the leaf blower when it's not in use. Some models are more compact or have detachable parts, making them easier to store in tight spaces.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.