The other option of manually pulling weeds is also pretty unappealing to most, which is where electric weed eaters come in. These are now available both in corded and battery powered options, each of which are capable of making short work of your weed problems. The key is that they are also an easy way to keep weeds at bay longer term so your open space looks the best it can be. Crucially, beyond aesthetics, weeds are nutrient thieves so by getting rid of them it can mean your other plants and lawn grass grow better than ever. You may have noticed there hasn’t been a mention of gas powered weed eaters yet, and that’s for a reason. While these do pack in plenty of power, for most home needs they’re overkill. They cost more to run and maintain, are loud and can weigh more too. Since electric models are now more powerful and efficient than ever before, they will be more than enough for nearly all circumstances when it comes to tackling weeds on your property. On a roll in the yard? Do also check out the best gas lawn mowers (opens in new tab) and the best electric lawn mowers (opens in new tab) too.
The best electric weed eaters
It’s hard to find a negative about the RYOBI RY40204A and we think it’s the best cordless electric weed eater on the market. It’s powerful, without the limitations of being corded, the battery has enough power to keep you trimming for over an hour and it’s quick to recharge too. It’s also quite light, so it’s not going to put extra strain on your back or muscles. It doesn’t have the same range of adjustability as other models on this list, so if you need to tailor your weed eater for height or mobility needs, the Black + Decker LST300 might be a better option. However, it does have edging capabilities so you can adjust the head for both trimming and edging your yard. It also has some nice features you won’t find on any other model on this list. The adjustable cutting width allows you to choose whether to save battery power or quickly breeze over your lawn. The variable speed is also another nice feature that allows you to choose how to trim.
Read our RYOBI RY40204A review (opens in new tab)
If you’ve got some doubts as to whether an electric weed eater could ever measure up to a gas-powered one, then the Greenworks 21142 deserves a closer look. It is almost double the weight of most electric weed eaters, but that’s because it’s designed for power and durability. It has an impressive 18-inch swath, so you can cover a greater area quickly, while the dual string means it easily dispatches even thick weeds. The lack of edging features is a bit of a disappointment and this is not a great option for small, hard-to-reach areas. The Greenworks 21142 offers great value for money too. It’s not the cheapest on the market, but at around $70, it’s still very affordable, especially considering the cutting power it offers. A corded model may be inconvenient for some, but a battery-powered model with this much power would be more expensive.
Read our Greenworks 21142 review (opens in new tab)
The Craftsman V20 Weedwacker is a lightweight electric weed eater that packs a surprising punch. Despite its slightly toy-like appearance and our doubts about the durability of the materials used for construction, its performance exceeded our expectations. We tested this weed eater in a backyard and found it could cope with even the toughest weeds we subjected it to. Our tests took place over a week and we put it through its paces during a trimming session of over 30 minutes, after which there was no noticeable shakiness or vibrations. The Weedwacker provided an even cut even in the thickest brambles. However, it’s worth noting that this power does come with a louder noise level than some of its competitors, something to keep in mind if you’ve got neighbors. This weed eater is perfect for the occasional gardener with a decent-sized backyard. The fact that it’s cordless means you have less maintenance to do, and its light weight is great for people who don’t want to log a large tool around, as per the words of Kenneth Deemer, founder of Local Roots Landscaping (opens in new tab) in Pittsburgh PA.
Read our Craftsman V20 Weedwacker review (opens in new tab)
The Black + Decker LST300 Electric Weed Eater is a versatile trimmer and edger that’s designed to tackle small gardens and hard-to-reach spots with ease. While the battery power is good, there are better battery-powered options for larger areas, like the RYOBI RY40204A. If you already have one or two battery-powered Black + Decker products then you might find their batteries are compatible with this weed eater too. As the weed eater only comes with one battery and has quite a long charge time, this would be particularly useful. The Black + Decker LST300 Electric Weed Eater is both lightweight and quiet, making it a pleasure to use. It also offers the ability to adjust the weed eater, so you can set it to a more comfortable setup for you.
Read our Black + Decker LST300 review (opens in new tab)
The Worx WG163 is the priciest electric weed eater on this list, but it’s also an adaptable option that comes with a spare battery too. While it does take a while to recharge the batteries, you can keep one charging while the other is in use and swap them out if the first dies before you’ve finished. The head is adjustable, moving through 90 degrees so it can adapt to a range of terrains. When using the Worx Weed Eater as an edging tool it becomes wheeled for extra ease of use too. The patented line-feeding system allows you to feed through more string with the push of a button. With the free replacement spools for life that come with this weed eater, you won’t need to worry about the cost of string replacement either. With the two-year warranty too, the Worx WG163 has been created with longevity in mind.
Read our Worx WG163 review (opens in new tab)
At just $30, the Sun Joe TRJ13STE is a bargain electric weed eater. It does have less power than the other models on this list, so it’s not best-suited for tough weeds and overgrowth, but it is light and easy-to-use so perfect for lawn trimming. It does have a tendency to work through spools quickly, so it’s worth keeping in mind the cost of replacement spools when deciding whether this model is for you. The four degrees of cutting is a nice feature that allows you to adjust the weed eater to the terrain you need to trim. The 13-inch swath is a good cutting swatch, but it is smaller than that of other models like the Greenworks Corded String Trimmer. The cord can be a bit inconvenient, but the cord hook is a nice little feature that helps keep it out of the way. As a budget model, it’s not going to be especially powerful, but it still manages to offer a good range of features and a two-year warranty. It’s not a great option for anyone looking to take on a big yard clearing project, but it can trim across a variety of terrains with ease.
Read our Sun Joe TRJ13STE review (opens in new tab)
What to look for in an electric weed eater
f you’ve decided to arm yourself with a weed eater, it’s time to decide which one will best suit your needs. First up, you’ll want to decide if corded or battery-powered is best. If you have a long way to go in your yard and want freedom of movement then battery-powered is ideal, but that mobility will mean these cost a little more. If it’s raw power at the lowest price you need, then corded models could be the best way to go for you. Then there is size. The larger the head on your weed eater, the more ground you’re going to cover in a shorter space of time. So if you have a particularly spacious yard then you may want to max this out to save you on time for other jobs. The number of revolutions per minute (RPM) is also important as this indicates how fast the head spins and how powerful the cut will be. The faster it goes, the cleaner the cut. But you are ultimately limited by the strength of the plastic cord that spins and does the cutting. Some models let you swap out heads for bladed cutters but this is more for professional use that gets into real brush rather than simply weeds. If you’re going for a corded model, then be sure to go for the longest cable possible if needed – or shorter if you prefer to use an extension cord anyway. With battery models, you may want one with a larger battery for longer use on bigger spaces, or the option to buy multiple batteries to swap out as a way to keep you cutting for longer.
Are electric weed eaters any good?
If you’re looking for a fast, effective way to keep your yard a weed-free zone then a weed eater is a solid investment. They help take the hassle out of weeding so you can relax and enjoy your garden. The best electric weed eaters boast high power, with some models providing around 40 volts. This means the device can handle an hour’s worth of weeding. Compared to gas weed eaters, they’re much quieter and so can keep your garden feeling like a tranquil haven. If you’ve tried a gas weed eater in the past, you may have found it cumbersome to use. You’ll be pleased to know that electric weed eaters are much lighter, with the average machine weighing in at about 5lbs. This is because they don’t have a tank of fuel attached, unlike their gas counterparts. As electric weed eaters are lightweight, they are much easier to use for long periods. If you’re looking to do your bit for the planet and save yourself money, then an electric weed eater is a great option. Unlike gas models, they don’t rely on fossil fuels. They also offer great value for money with the average model costing around $70. Plus you’ll have none of the fuss of buying replacement gas.
Gas vs electric weed eaters
What’s the difference between gas and electric weed eaters? You’ll typically find gas weed eaters in a professional gardening setting. This is because landscapers are working on a much larger scale and may need to tackle extremely overgrown plots. In this scenario, the power of a gas weed eater is necessary to blitz established weeds and last all day. If you’re looking for a device for everyday use at home, then we would recommend choosing an electric weed eater. They’re lightweight which makes them easy and convenient to use and you don’t have the hassle of topping up the gas. They produce zero emissions so are far more planet-friendly than their gas counterparts. Electric weed eaters are much quieter so can keep your garden feeling peaceful and avoid disturbing the neighbors. They help you fast-track your way to a tidy yard meaning you have more time to sit back and enjoy it.
Cordless electric weed eaters vs corded
Corded electric weed eaters provide you with constant and consistent power without having to recharge your machine. They are quite often a lot lighter too as they haven’t got the added weight of a battery. However corded weed eaters don’t give you as much flexibility in terms of reaching the furthest place in your garden. More often than not, corded models require the purchase of an extension lead – particularly if you have got a large and lengthy yard to clear. Cordless electric weed eaters give you more mobility. You can travel far and wide to rid your weeds with this type of battery-powered gadget because you aren’t limited by a cable. However cordless electric weed eaters can often be a bit heavier than their corded counterparts. That’s because they have the added weight of the rechargeable battery. Some cordless options also have lengthy battery charge times so watch out for that. Plus if you forget to recharge the battery before using your outdoor power tool, this can be a pain. Due to the fact you are running on battery – rather than mains power – you also have a limit to your cutting time.
Electric weed eater power and battery
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing an electric string trimmer is if it has the power you need to accomplish the type of work you do. We looked for weed whackers that have high amps for corded models and high-voltage batteries for cordless ones. The more power a weed trimmer has, the tougher the grass and weeds it can tackle. We evaluated and compared cordless and corded electric string trimmers and found that regardless of the power source, if you choose a trimmer with enough power, you can trim efficiently. When choosing between a corded and cordless weed eater, consider the type of work you need the trimmer to do and the size of your yard. Buying a trimmer that requires an extension cord limits your mobility, but that may not be a problem if you have a small yard. The advantage of using a cord is you don’t have to worry about the battery eventually dying and needing to be replaced. However, a cordless trimmer gives you limitless mobility, so it’s likely the best option if you have a large yard or need to trim in a remote location.
Maintaining your electric weed wacker
While electric trimmers don’t require nearly as much maintenance as their gas counterparts, there are things you can do on a regular basis to keep them running well for an extended period. Kristi Howard, of Black & Decker Outdoor Products, says that a common problem with electric string trimmers involves people using the wrong gauge of extension cord to power them. Howard says you should be sure to use an extension cord that is heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. “An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating,” Howard explains. “When in doubt, use the next heavier gauge.” She says the letters WA on the cord jacket indicate a cord that is suitable for outdoor use. Regarding corded versus cordless trimmers, Howard feels they are comparable in terms of power. Corded trimmers are generally less expensive than battery-operated trimmers and are easy to maintain, but they have less mobility. To properly maintain an electric trimmer, Howard suggests checking for damaged parts and cleaning off the air intake slots before each use to avoid overheating. She says you should never immerse an electric string trimmer in water or clean it with a pressure washer, and you should store it indoors, out of reach of children. “Keeping your trimmer regularly maintained should minimize your need for larger repairs,” Howard adds.
