Best Cordless Leaf Vacuum – Buyer’s Guide 2022

Leaves are lovely while turning; however, falling leaves accumulate in beds and borders on lawns, paths, and patios. Rustling up leaves, raking blossom petals, clearing your garden can be exhausting, especially when using a manual rake. You cannot avoid clearing the leaves, as decomposing garden waste can lead to diseases if left to rot. Also, if the leaves cover your lawn, it will reduce sunlight getting through the grass, resulting in poor lawn quality.

See also:

• Best Commercial Backpack Vacuum Cleaners
• Best Commercial Upright Vacuum Cleaners
• Best Commercial Vacuum Cleaners

If you have a garden or yard with trees that shed their leaves every fall or through summer, a leaf vacuum can help in making your yard work easier and more rewarding. Vacuums are lightweight and designed for small garden tasks such as clear pathways, pests, garden sheds, clean decking, and banishing leaf buildup beneath hedges and flowerbeds. These machines come in different sizes and power ranges and operate by sucking up leaves and garden debris, then captured in a waterproof bag. Once it’s full, you can detach the bag from the device and empty it into the garden waste bin or compost pile without any mess or hassle.

Some of the latest leaf vacuums allow you to switch between the vacuum and the blower function. At the same time, some advanced models are also equipped with a mulching feature that cuts the leaves into smaller pieces, considerably reducing the leaves’ volume and turning them into nutrient-rich mulch to fertilize your plants. The best units can reduce the equivalent of 18 bags of leaves into just one bag.

Types of Garden Vacuum

Electric leaf vacuum:

An electric leaf vacuum can be corded or battery-powered. These models deliver quiet operation, are easy to operate, lightweight, maintenance-free and eco-friendly.

Corded electric blower vacuums are popular due to their low average price. Corded options have a limited range but unlimited power supply and unlimited work sessions.  Just plug the device into a power outlet, and you are good to go. The downside of corded models is that they are not as powerful as gas-powered models, and you need to purchase an extension cord to enhance the operating range. Corded leaf vacuums have an unlimited run time, unlike battery-powered devices.

If you have a small lawn with several nooks and corners where pesky leaves keep getting caught, then a battery-powered vacuum would be ideal. Battery-powered vacuums are becoming competitively popular due to the rapid development and cheapening of lithium-ion batteries that can usually work up to 60 minutes on a single charge. Cordless electric leaf vacuums offer the same mobility as gas-powered blowers and don’t pollute the air at all, and require very little maintenance.

Battery-powered leaf blower vacuums offer combined capabilities of a leaf blower and vacuum mulcher. Battery-powered leaf blowers are eco-friendly and allow for cordless yard work. No more unplugging a cord when you wander too far, and you aren’t limited to working near an outlet. The drawback to battery-powered leaf vacuums is that they run out of juice and need to be recharged, and you won’t get the same power as some of the higher-performing gas models.

If your garden is difficult to maneuver around – whether it be an odd shape or contains plants or bedding plant areas that require a tentative clean, then a cordless model would be suitable.  They are great for clearing smaller outdoor areas such as patios or balconies, and they won’t internalize your precious plants accidentally. You can also use them amongst flowers and buds to remove dead and rotting garden foliage.

Gas Leaf Vacuum:

Gas leaf vacuums are generally more powerful than their electric counterparts and easily take on more demanding jobs. They are typically reserved for commercial projects and ideal for gardens containing obstacles and features such as ponds, statues, or bedding plant areas. They are not limited by a cord and can work for longer hours. On the downside, gas-powered vacs are high-maintenance and create a lot of noise pollution. They also emit exhaust fumes, are heavy to carry, and require you to maintain the proper gas-to-oil ratio. Gas-powered vacuums are available in either a handheld or backpack style.

Things to Consider While Buying a Leaf Vacuum

Mulching ratio: The mulch ratio describes the amount of leaf bags the leaf vacuum can shred down to get a bag of mulch. Usually, the mulching ratio is 10:1 or 16:1. The higher the mulching ratio, the finer the mulch, although wet leaves will create more mulch than dry ones. The mulching function allows shredding incoming grass and leaves, thus reducing considerably the volume of debris accumulated in a collecting bag.

Suction power: The suction power is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). If your leaf vacuum has a 200 CFM that means the leaf vacuum sucks up an air volume of 200 cubic feet in 60 seconds. CFM rankings for leaf vacuums range from around 150 to 600. A vacuum with a CFM of about 200 would be ideal for cleaning up a small balcony or yard, but larger areas such as squares or parks will require not less than 600 CFM flow.

Noise level: Leaf vacuums are noisy; battery-powered vacuums generate around 78 dB of sound during operation. A number of counties and cities have rules limiting noise pollution; hence ensure to check the dB rating of your appliance is appropriate for your area’s laws.

MPH: Miles per hour (mph) refers to how quickly air is suctioned into the vacuum through the tube. If your leaf vacuum has a mph of 50 that means the air sucking up your leaves is moving at 50 miles per hour. Most vacuums operate within the range of 110 and 180 MPH. A vacuum speed of around 100 MPH   would be enough to efficiently sweep up dead leaves, grass, stems, and similar debris.

Versatility: Many vacuums available in the market feature a 3-in-1 operation combining a leaf vacuum, blower, and mulcher. Some people prefer to have one tool to operate on multiple tasks, while others opt for a specific tool for that particular task.

Bag Size: Each leaf vacuum comes with a reusable leaf collecting bag, and its collection capacity is measured in bushels or gallons and typically ranges between 1 and 1.5 bushels. You may prefer larger collection bags, as bigger the bag less often you have to empty; however, you should consider your strength and comfort while picking up such bags for longer hours. It would help if you were careful not overloading your back as the collection bag will be heavier to carry as it fills up.

Suction power: Suction power depends on motor power which determines the overall performance of a leaf vacuum—the more powerful the motor, the higher the unit’s efficiency.  Residential-grade devices with a 1-2 kW motor can clean small areas and handle light-duty tasks. Units of 2-3 kW are suitable for cleaning larger territories, are capable of clearing heavier debris, including wet leaves, and can also be used for lighter commercial purposes.

Impeller: All incoming debris in the vacuum passes through a fan system called an impeller equipped with blades that shred the incoming objects. It features multiple channels that ensure variable airspeed passing through the debris. This allows separation between light and heavy debris.

5 Best Cordless Leaf Vacuum (With Reviews)

1. KIMO 20V 2-in-1 Cordless Leaf Blower and Vacuum –

The KIMO cordless leaf blower packs a lot of power in a compact and comfortable-to-use design. The upgraded, robust all-copper motor produces a maximum speed of up to 150MPH, perfect for cleaning debris, snow, and wet leaves off hard surface areas and patios.

The KIMO leaf blower features a power control circuit that enables continuously varying the speed of the motor from 0 to 20,000 RMP. The trigger is sensitive enough to instantly go from full speed to a more delicate stream for various applications. The blower is also optimized to run as quietly as possible.  The machine features Kimo’s Max 20V 4.0AH Lithium-ion Battery that delivers fade-free power with no memory loss after charging. The machine takes 90 minutes on the quick charger to reach full capacity.

The Kimo machine can also double up as a garden vacuum to suck up any stragglers and work around bushes or flower beds. To convert the device to a yard vacuum, switch the tube to the lateral, install the hose nozzle on the inlet, and put the collection bag at the air outlet. The machine is powerful enough to clean the window sill, engine compartment, sofa, or PC.

The KIMO leaf blower is well designed in step-less speed regulation for different demands; the motor idle speed range is 0-20,000r/min.  KIMO cordless leaf blower is lightweight and made solidly. Kimo leaf vacuum’s stable thermal performance and porous heat dissipation design protect the motor, the porous exhaust heats up, and faster heat dissipation. In addition to portability, KIMO cordless leaf blower is easy to store and freely takes anywhere to blow dirt off.

Pros

• Lightweight and Compact design
• Efficient heat dissipation
• Easy to store
• Upgraded Battery

Cons

• The vacuum tends to get clogged easily

2. WORX WG583 40V Power Share 4.0Ah Cordless Leaf Blower/Vac/Mulcher –

The Worx WG583 Cordless Blower/Vac/Mulcher delivers three times the functionality and twice the performance of an everyday leaf blower. The machine features a high-efficiency brushless motor for higher power, extended runtime, and longer life.

The Worx WG583 3-in-1 leaf blower vacuum & mulcher uses two 20V batteries and a high-efficiency brushless motor to deliver an efficiently clearing process. If you’re going to use the machine as a vac/mulcher, remove the cover over the impeller and click on the vacuum tube. Then on the back, you will click on the collection bag. The leaf mulcher comes with a durable, 2-stage impeller design that shreds them down into 1/12th their original size instead of having 12 bags of yard debris.  If you want to use it as a leaf blower, you attach the blower nozzle. 

The Worx WG583 can pump out 350 CFM on high and 200 CFM on low, at 185 or 116 MPH in leaf blower mode. The machine is ergonomically designed, lightweight, and very mobile and weighs only 8.4 lbs. in leaf blower mode and just 11.5 lbs. in leaf vacuum mode. The battery-powered machine features a charge level indicator for quick reference to the remaining runtime.

Pros

• 3-in-1 Functionality
• Easy to Assemble
• Lightweight Machine
• Dual Battery Charger

Cons

• Low Battery Life in Mulching Mode

3. Makita XBU04ZV LXT Brushless Blower with Vacuum Attachment Kit –

The Makita XBU04Z 3-in-1 vacuum, mulcher, and blower provide convenient clean-up.  The machine easily converts from blower to vacuum/mulcher with a vacuum attachment kit. The 10:1 mulch ratio reduces up to 10 bags of leaves down to 1 bag with a shredding blade.

The Makita-built BL Brushless Motor delivers speeds up to 120 MPH and up to 473 CFM. The brushless motor is electronically controlled that optimize battery energy use, and deliver up to 50% longer run time per battery charge. Makita’s brushless motors run efficiently, provide longer life, and optimize battery to match the dynamic demands of the machine as per requirement speed when needed.

The Makita XBU04Z’s precision suction power is designed for fallen leaf clean-up without altering stone and rock settings in plant beds. You can lock on the power switch for continuous operation. An extended nozzle with 3-stage telescoping action provides convenience, while the ergonomic and lighter weight design offers operator comfort.

The XBU04ZV features Makita Extreme Protection Technology (XPT), a protective seal inside the tool engineered to deliver improved performance in harsh conditions by channeling water and dust from key internal components. The machine also features Makita’s Star Protection Computer Controls that enable exchanging of data in real-time between the tool and battery to monitor and protect against overloading, over-discharging, and overheating.

Pros

• Great battery life
• Powerful performance
• Efficient Power Management
• Overheat and Overload Protection

Cons

• The ergonomics are awkward
• It’s onerous to switch between blower and vacuum mode.

4. Greenworks 40V (185 MPH) Brushless Cordless Blower / Vacuum –

The Greenworks DigiPro G-Max delivers versatile features and a zero-emission solution for cleaning and clearing debris. The variable speed Blower/Vac provides up to six-speed selection making it ideal for moving heavier objects. The machine can provide a run time of 21 minutes in high blower mode. 

The Greenworks G-Max features innovative brushless motor technology that delivers up to 80% longer life and up to 30% more torque and creates less noise and lower vibration for user comfort.   The ergonomically designed blower/vac comes with a variable speed dial that allows you to regulate your wind speed for the best directional control. Combined with a turbo button, the machine can generate up to 185 mph wind speed. The device can generate up to 340 CFM of suction power, and its lightweight, ergonomic design and vacuum capability make your clean-up chore a breeze; snap in the battery, press a button, and you are ready to go.

The machine features a gate/cover at the bottom that protects the user from getting into the spinning impeller of the blower. To use the blower as a Vac, open this gate and insert a collection tube to allow leaf pick. The gate comes with a safety switch, and if the gate becomes unlatched during use as a blower, it will not allow the blower to run.

Pros

• Brushless Motor delivers 2x Torque
• Quiet Operation
• Extended Motor Time
• Variable Speed trigger
• Easier to assemble and reconfigure

Cons

• Bit Noisy

5. Dinshare Handheld Lightweight Sweeper/Vacuum Cleaner w/ 2.0AH Battery & Charger

The Dinshare 2 in 1 cordless leaf blower can be used as a sweeper and vacuum cleaner. The machine features a Copper motor that can help blow strong wind to effectively clean the patio/ driveway/ sidewalks. The leaf-blower can easily change into a small vacuum as long as the dust collecting bag is installed.

The DINSHARE 20V leaf blower can work continuously for 20 MINS at the highest speed. Convenient use will significantly increase your frequency of cleaning and keep your yard tidy anytime. The yard electric blower adopts a lightweight design, has well-balanced hands, and is ergonomically comfortable, helping anyone finish housework efficiently and quickly. W/ the modular design, this compact sweeper can change the length of the blowing tube through the extension tube, so the kids can also easily control it.

A battery-powered powerful leaf blower with infinitely variable speed is the kicker that satisfies various task requirements. You can instantly adjust the wind speed by pressure on the handle. 1. Press the trigger gently if you need to control where the dust and leaves go into a nice little pile. 2. Press the button slightly harder when you want to finish the cleaning job efficiently.  Design with one-step installation, the assemble between 2 in 1 leaf blower and blowing tube/collection bag become more accessible and quicker.

Pros

• Pure Copper Motor
• Variable speed-Maximum 150 MPH
• Long Last Battery
• Lightweight & Compact

Cons

• Suitable for small jobs