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Electric vs. Gas Leaf Blowers: What Do You Choose?

When it comes to yard maintenance, it is essential to dwelling more on the conveniences of a leaf blower than its inconveniences. But, there are also major safety concerns that homeowners and parents, to be more specific, need to weigh before purchasing a leaf blower. This is true, especially for families with kids in the house. When leaves start to fall from the trees and summer turns to fall, a leaf blower becomes a valuable tool to consider investing in. Instead of spending hours raking up the leaves into piles, you can blast through them and finish the work within some time. If you’re mulling over getting a leaf blower anytime soon, then one crucial consideration you should weigh into is whether you need a gas or electric leaf blower.

Electric vs. Gas Leaf Blowers: What Do You Choose?

Both an electric and a gas leaf blower are good and powerful machines and the best machine for you depends on your use case. An electric leaf blower needs less maintenance, is quieter, but often has a shorter running time. A gas leaf blower generally is better protected in a damp environment, is a good choice for large lawns but is louder.

Like with any product on the market, the best blower is one that fits your required needs. In general, if you want a powerful product and are not worried about anything else, you should settle for the 2-stroke. But there is more to it, and your specific case can be different. In this blog post, we look at the main differences between a gas leaf blower and an electric leaf blower. We also look at the advantages and disadvantages while assisting you in choosing between the two.

Leaf Blowers In General

Whether you own a landscape, garden, or just a small yard, several retail stores have leaf blowers that can meet your demands. Selecting the right one is not that simple. This is because some tasks need a relatively lighter touch compared to others. Some leaf blowers are capable of sweeping up the damp, squalid leaves while others will just rough up the petunias.

Note, both gas and electric leaf blowers use a viable centrifugal force that helps them to move fallen leaves into a pile. Typically, they both have a casing where you shall find the motor coupled with a fan that has several blades. And when the engine of the leaf blower is turned on, the motor will begin to run and then spin the fan. Any time the fan in the machine spins, you will realize that it draws in some air while spinning in the air. The outset of leaf blowers on the market has been a major blessing for garden enthusiasts. This is only because we can all do away with rakes and clear debris within a few minutes. The variety of leaf blowers you will find on the market currently are gas-powered while others are electric-powered. Thus, 4-stroke engines are usually gasoline models. These engines were launched on the market to help address issues related to air pollution about gas-powered blowers.

All to this juncture, it is evident that electric leaf blowers are the best option for most homeowners seeking to invest in a leaf blower. They are not just affordable but exude less power. Gas-powered leaf blowers, on the other hand, have backpack units and wheeled units. Gas-powered leaf blowers are perfect for prolonged use. The machines can be used in clearing dead leaves from larger gardens.

These days, it is easy to find reviews of various leaf blowers with various in-built features such as a vacuum as well as a mulcher. The leaves will then be sucked in and then end up being shredded into a certain bag. The spun air is going to be thrown out of the machine via a tube that has an opening linked to the machine. And as the air pressure builds up into the machine, it must come out of the tube at high speed. The powerful air should force dead leaves from your lawn.

Gas Leaf Blowers

Your choice of a leaf blower really depends on your demands and requirements. It also relies on the entire budget you have.

Faced with the need to make the selection pretty much straightforward for you, we decided to explore the features of gas leaf blowers by looking at the pros and cons. This will significantly assist you to identify the best between the two.

Two-Stroke Leaf Blower

Cheaper gas leaf blowers have two-stroke engines. This is a preferred engine because of several reasons such as:

  • Typically, the construction of the engine is simple. This is because it does not really have a valve
  • Secondly, it is light-weight
  • It can efficiently work in different angles without potential issues-this implies that they offer optimum performance
  • The engine fires once for different revolutions

With all these advantages, two-stroke engines are perfect for leaf blowers since they make them lighter and easy to operate. You will also find them easy to carry. This feature makes them more affordable. There is also no doubt that gas-powered engines make noise because of the combustion within their engines.

However, because of the produced airflow, they shall play an important role in cleaning the debris found in your garden efficiently. Electric leaf blowers are known to be quieter and the smaller models are known to consume less power. Because you have garnered some information regarding leaf blowers in general, it is now time to discuss the differences between electric and gas leaf blowers while giving specifications on the area size as well as individual needs.

Differences Between Electric And Gas Leaf Blowers

1. Power:

The first significant difference between an electric and gas leaf blower is the power source. This is an essential factor when it comes to finding out how the blower operates in identifying as well as fulfilling your demands. Other than that, it also influences crucial aspects of the leaf blower including noise level, power output, as well as maneuverability.

And speaking of power, gas blowers will definitely win. This is because they have more power as compared to the electric-powered leaf blowers. Cordless leaf blowers are restricted when it comes to power. Briefly put, cordless blowers are known to be more potent than their counterparts, corded leaf blowers. This is because their power is not restricted by the power rating of the outlet.

2. Weight: 

Electric leaf blowers are winners in this case. The corded models can weigh up to 4.8 lbs. This is lighter than the cordless model. Other than that, gas leaf blowers are like twice the weight of electric leaf blowers. Backpack leaf blowers can still be referred to as lighter models. It is critical to note that heavier gas blowers weigh approximately 14 pounds. Similar to other products within the market, certain powerful backpack models operate with gas. These leaf blowers weigh more. But the models provide a major benefit to users-they put weight on the back of the user. This enhances maneuverability.

While the electric leaf blowers are considered to be lighter, they restrict mobility. In this case, you also need to weigh the yard size coupled with the volume of leaves that need to be cleaned. The two significant elements will greatly determine the time required for using the leaf blower.

3. Noise:

Generally, leaf blowers, particularly gas blowers, are known to be noisy. Multiple regions have stipulated regulations for making use of noisy models. And in several nations, their application is restricted. For instance, a homeowner can only use leaf blowers during the day.

Note, electric leaf blowers, on the other hand, are less noisy compared to gas models. This implies that they do not have restrictions. There are definitely remarkable exceptions. Some gas models are designed in a way they can emit noise of up to 67 decibels, which is equivalent to the usual conversation two people can have. But these gas models are expensive.

It is essential to note that sound ratings of these blowers are majorly ascertained at about 60 feet from the leaf blowers. Therefore, the noise will be higher for users, especially if it is a blower with a backup motor. A leaf blower with over 80 decibels can lead to hearing loss. This implies that homeowners should aid themselves with a hearing protector.

4. Warranty:

The warranty of a product varies from one brand to the next one. Generally speaking, the warranty of a gas-operated blower can last five years. The electric model can have a warranty of 80 days. This should be a concern if warranty time is crucial for you. Consider choosing a leaf blower with a longer warranty.

It is factual that the cheaper models of electric leaf blowers are a great deal for individuals who reside in suburban areas. This is also factual for those who do not need the power of a pricey leaf blower. Usually, the price gap between the cheapest as well as expensive and most suited leaf blower is wide.

In recent years, electric leaf blowers have become stronger. Currently, there are better electric models, but gas leaf blowers will always give the electric models a beat when comparing strength.

Electrics will always be lighter than their gas counterparts. They can be lightweight such that you only require one hand to operate the most powerful models on the market. Gas leaf blowers are more complicated to operate because they have a backup attached.

Electric leaf blowers are easier to use. Gas leaf blowers will need you to mix pricey fuels while their electric counterparts only need you to change the battery. When caring for your environment, then the electric leaf blowers win in this case. The gas leaf blowers are harmful. They have environment-damaging emissions.

Pros and Cons of Buying an Electric Leaf Blower 

If you have a garden, you may consider owning a leaf blower. There are different types of leaf blowers; however, in this section, the main focus will be on the electric leaf blower. If you ask some people whether they would consider giving up their leaf blowers, they would say “No.” Some people may consider hiring someone who can clean the yard at a fee rather than handling some tasks on their own. The cost of hiring a professional may be high, and you may consider acquiring a leaf blower. An electric leaf blower may be expensive; however, it harbors numerous benefits. Its advantages will outweigh its cost in the long run.

Is an Electric Powered Leaf Blower the Best Choice?

If you want to purchase a leaf blower to ensure that your garden is tidy, you will notice that there are many options within the market, and you may be spoilt for choice. Many brands usually manufacture leaf blowers, and they all claim that they produce quality products. However, some leaf blower models only have basic functions, whereas others have some high-end features. Before you purchase an electric leaf blower, there are many factors that you should consider. To make sure that you can make an informed decision when purchasing a leaf blower, we will look into the pros and cons of an electric leaf blower. The merits and demerits will ensure that you can easily weigh in on whether the electric leaf blower is right for you.

Pros of an Electric Leaf Blower

 Many tools are being used to handle different tasks today. When looking into the electric leaf blowers, you will realize that the appliance has some appealing benefits. Many features usually sway many people into acquiring electric leaf blowers. The pros are as follows:

1. Freedom to Move Anywhere:

One of the major factors to consider when purchasing the electric leaf blower is its mobility. There are two types of electric leaf blowers, that’s corded and cordless leaf blowers. The cordless leaf blowers offer more mobility as compared to the corded leaf blowers. Nevertheless, the corded leaf blowers enable you to move from one place to another as long as there is a source of electricity nearby. Although the gas-powered leaf blowers may be portable, they emit carbon monoxide, and that means that they cannot be used in an enclosed room such as a garage regardless of whether the room is well ventilated.

Apart from the portability factor, the electric leaf blowers are beneficial since they ensure you can quickly move around the garden and in any other area that you may be working on. You will not experience any restrictions when using the cordless leaf blower. When using a corded leaf blower, you should utilize an extension cord since it will enable you to maneuver a huge lawn.

 2. Versatility:

 Another good thing about the electric leaf blower is that you will always have a choice when it comes to power. As for the corded leaf blower, it usually relies on the power grid. On the other hand, the cordless leaf blower can run either on gas or a battery. Although the gas-powered leaf blowers are more powerful, they usually produce some unpleasant noise and they also produce harmful emissions such as carbon monoxide. The electric leaf blowers are lightweight and provide low amounts of noise.

3. Low Noise:

 You can choose between quieter running noise or raw fan power; in this case, you should opt for electric leaf blowers. You cannot get the best of both in one package. It was earlier mentioned that gas-powered leaf blowers are more potent as compared to electric leaf blowers. The main issue is that they produce a lot of noise. On the other hand, the electric leaf blowers are quieter; the main issue is that their blowing power is lower as compared to the gas-powered leaf blowers.

– Cons of the Electric Leaf Blower

Some drawbacks are associated with the electric leaf blower. Generally, the corded leaf blower may be preferable as compared to the battery or gas-powered tool. The electric leaf blower may not have the best features; nevertheless, the tool is quite efficient. The cons of the electric leaf blower include: 

– Limited Runtime:

There is the corded and cordless leaf blower. In this case, the limited runtime applies to the cordless leaf blower. The corded electric leaf blower usually operates for an entire day as long as it has been plugged into an electricity source. When the power grid is down, you cannot use the corded leaf blower. As for the cordless leaf blowers, they have limited power. Their power is based on the battery capacity or the amount of gas.

Which One Is Better Between The Two?

Like with any product on the market, the best blower is one that fits your required needs. Therefore, if you want a powerful product and are not worried about anything for that matter, you should settle for the 2-stroke. In case you are planning to purchase a leaf blower that is more efficient when operating, then a 4-stroke should serve the purpose. As we mentioned earlier, the 2-cycle leaf blower is the most popular since it is cheaper as well as lighter. Many individuals use these blowers for residential purposes. Therefore, convenience is a major factor to weigh in on when purchasing a new device.

Final Remarks

Before making an informed decision, you need to be sure of weighing in on the pros as well as cons to make a viable purchase. You should also weigh in on the price of the leaf blower before anything else. Lastly, the type of leaf blower you are to purchase should be guided by your field blowing needs and general preference. We hope that after reading this article, you are in a better position to make the most optimum purchase that suits your needs.

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  1. Esther Chambers says:

    The comparison between the 2-stroke and 4-stroke leaf blowers was very helpful in understanding which one would be best for me.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Esther! I’m glad you found the comparison helpful. Remember to consider your specific needs and preferences when making your final decision on which leaf blower to purchase.

  2. Ben Stewart says:

    Can you recommend any specific brands that are known for making high-quality leaf blowers?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Ben, when it comes to high-quality leaf blowers, some top brands to consider are Husqvarna, Stihl, and Echo. Each brand offers a range of options to suit different needs. Happy shopping!

  3. Nathaniel Thompson says:

    The discussion about warranties for leaf blowers was eye-opening, I’ll definitely consider that when making a purchase.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Nathaniel! So glad you found the discussion helpful. Best of luck with your leaf blower purchase decision.

  4. Hilda Barrett says:

    Are there any safety tips for using leaf blowers, especially around children and pets?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Hilda, safety is paramount when using leaf blowers around kids and pets. Always ensure they are a safe distance away when in use, wear protective gear and choose the right leaf blower for your needs. Stay safe!

  5. Jamie Duncan says:

    The section on the power differences between gas and electric leaf blowers was very helpful, it’s a key factor to consider.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Jamie! I’m glad you found the information on gas vs. electric leaf blowers helpful. It’s important to consider power differences when choosing the right leaf blower for your needs.

  6. Victoria Carroll says:

    I have never thought about the differences between electric and gas leaf blowers before, this was very informative.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for reading and finding the information informative, Victoria! It’s important to weigh your needs when choosing between electric and gas leaf blowers. Happy yard maintenance!

  7. Julia Spencer says:

    I’m glad I now know about the noise differences between gas and electric leaf blowers, noise level is important to me.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for sharing your insight on the noise levels of leaf blowers! It’s great to consider such an important factor when choosing between gas and electric models.

  8. Theresa Gonzalez says:

    Is there a way to convert a gas leaf blower into an electric one for environmental reasons?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your comment, Theresa. Converting a gas leaf blower to electric may not be feasible due to safety concerns. It’s best to weigh the pros and cons of both options before making a decision.

  9. Gordon Nichols says:

    I never knew about the different types of engines in leaf blowers, this was really interesting to learn.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Gordon! I’m glad you found the information on different types of leaf blower engines interesting. It’s always great to learn something new about yard maintenance tools!

  10. Vanessa Hunter says:

    The pros and cons of electric leaf blowers were well laid out, it helped me weigh my options more effectively.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Vanessa! I’m glad the blog post helped you weigh your options effectively. Let me know if you have any other questions about leaf blowers.

  11. Ricardo Butler says:

    I would like to know more about the environmental impact of gas leaf blowers compared to electric ones.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Gas leaf blowers tend to be noisier and heavier, while electric leaf blowers are quieter and lighter. The best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

  12. Phyllis Knight says:

    I appreciate the final remarks encouraging us to weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase, it’s good advice.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your kind words, Phyllis! I’m glad you found the advice helpful. Remember to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing between an electric and gas leaf blower. Happy gardening!

  13. Sheila Harper says:

    What type of maintenance is required for both gas and electric leaf blowers?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Sheila, when it comes to maintenance, electric leaf blowers require less maintenance and are quieter, while gas leaf blowers are better for large lawns but are louder. Consider your specific needs before choosing.

  14. Zoey Sanchez says:

    The explanation of the airflow in leaf blowers was really informative, now I understand how they work better.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Zoey! I’m glad you found the information on leaf blowers helpful. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

  15. Juan Duncan says:

    I always thought electric leaf blowers were the way to go, but now I see the benefits of gas-powered ones too.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for sharing your thoughts on electric vs. gas leaf blowers, Juan! It’s essential to consider both the benefits and drawbacks of each option before making a decision. Happy yard work!

  16. Joe Jones says:

    I had no idea that gas leaf blowers are better in damp environments, that’s good to know for my yard.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for reading! I’m glad you found the information helpful for your yard. Let me know if you have any other questions about gas leaf blowers or any other yard maintenance tools.

  17. Floyd Lawson says:

    I didn’t realize there was so much to consider when choosing a leaf blower, this article opened my eyes.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for reading the article! I’m glad it helped you consider all the factors when choosing a leaf blower. Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions!

  18. Regina Moreno says:

    I didn’t know about the limitations of cordless leaf blowers in terms of runtime, that’s definitely something to keep in mind.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your insightful comment, Regina! It’s always important to consider the limitations when choosing a leaf blower. Your awareness will help you make the best decision for your yard maintenance needs.

  19. Brad Perry says:

    I appreciate the detailed comparison between gas and electric leaf blowers, it helped me understand the pros and cons of each.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your feedback, Brad! I’m glad the comparison was helpful for you. Happy leaf blowing!

  20. Jeremy Crawford says:

    I never thought about the weight of leaf blowers before, but now I see why it’s an important factor to consider.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for considering the weight of leaf blowers, Jeremy. Safety and convenience are key factors to weigh in before making a purchase. Happy yard maintenance!

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