Leaf Vacuum – Top Rated Leaf Vacuums | Best4YourHome

Leaf vacuums are gradually replacing the use of leaf blowers because you don’t have to litter the environment by blowing leaves into the street. Also, many urban centers have regulations that prevent you from using leaf blowers.

Getting a leaf vacuum saves you from all these stresses and time because it is more efficient than manual leaf pickup or using a rake. Some leaf vacuums can also perform other functions apart from vacuuming such as blowing and mulching thereby saving time and effort.

Choosing a leaf vacuum is not always the easiest task. Most leaf vacuum brands have similar features but there are whole lots of other features such as sizes, shapes and cost that distinguishes one from the other.  

To help you in selecting the best leaf vacuum for your home, we have put together ten of the top-rated leaf vacuums in the market in addition to a helpful buying guide.

Things to Consider when selecting a Leaf Vacuum

• Type

There are majorly two types of leaf vacuum, gas-powered leaf vacuum and electric leaf vacuums.

• Gas Powered Leaf Vacuums

Gas powered leaf vacuums use gasoline to power their motor rather than electricity. They are the most powerful leaf vacuum available in the market. They can perform heavier vacuuming tasks quickly.

However, gas powered leaf vacuums are quite heavy and can be very expensive to maintain, requiring constant filling of gas for them to function continually. They also make a lot of noise than the other type of leaf vacuum.

Overall, there are the best for you if you don’t want to be dependent on the power supply. All you need to do is get some extra gas nearby.

• Electric Leaf Vacuums

Electric leaf vacuums are of two types – corded leaf vacuums and battery-powered leaf vacuums.

Corded Leaf Vacuums are usually the lightest when compared with gas-powered vacuums and battery-powered vacuums. They are relatively cheap suitable for light garden tasks. They don’t emit gases and their electric motors make little noise making them environmentally friendly

However, they can only be used where an electrical outlet is available. As long as you’re connected to an electrical outlet, you can use them for as long as you want without disruptions.

When purchasing a corded leaf vacuum, make sure it has enough cord length to reach where you’re going to be working from the electrical outlet.

Battery-Powered Leaf Vacuums are not as powerful as gas powered leaf vacuums, but they offer great flexibility in terms of handling and control. As the name suggests, they operate on batteries which are rechargeable.

They have limited run time depending on the model and type of battery used. They are usually lighter than quieter than the other two types earlier mentioned. If you’re going for this type of leaf vacuum, make sure it’s powerful enough to take care of your needs.

• Function

When selecting a leaf vacuum, you need to also consider the amount and nature of leaves you’re going to be using the tool on. Generally, for small jobs you use garden vacuums. They are less expensive and good for picking up leaves as well as general litter. However, they can’t be used because it’ll take a lot longer and might probably damage the tool.

For larger jobs, you can get a combined leaf blower and garden vacuum. They are very powerful and versatile. Although they come with attachments that can be easily lost if not properly stored.

Leaf vacuums can be categorized into four based on function:

1. Light-Duty Electric Vacuums – This type of vacuum is needed when you want to remove leaves from your deck, sidewalk, garage or your driveway. Most cordless electric blowers are considered light-duty electric blowers. They are quiet and less powerful than gas-powered leaf vacuums.
2. Heavy-Duty Electric Vacuums – This type of vacuum is needed when you want to clean larger surfaces like your lawn. They are more powerful than light-duty electric vacuums. They sometimes come with long extension cords to reach far areas on your lawn.
3. Handheld Vacuums – This type of vacuum is mostly gas-powered rather than battery-powered. They can do the needed task in just a little period of time.
4. Backpack Leaf Vacuums– This type of vacuums also operates on gas. They are the most powerful among the four categories but can be very heavy. They come most times with additional features.

• Efficiency

The efficiency of a leaf vacuum depends majorly on two factors, Airflow speed and volume. Basically, the greater the airflow volume (measured in cubic feet per minute), the faster it is for you to cover a large expanse of land.

Airflow speed determines the ability of your leaf vacuum to clean heavy objects such as litter or wet leaves. An airflow volume around 400CFM and airflow speed between 150-200MPH should be enough to clean your yard.

• Usability

Your leaf vacuum should be easy to set up and operate. Generally, electric vacuums are more convenient to use than other types earlier discussed especially if they have a cord lock and storage hook features. These features will prevent you from accidentally unplugging your leaf vacuum from the electrical outlet while working.

Also, some gas-powered leaf vacuums now have a push-button startup features replacing the outmoded pulling of cord.

Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum, Variable-Speed (up to 250 mph) with Metal Impeller, 12 amp

Specifications

• Product Weight: 8.9 lbs.
• Air Speed: 250 mph (402 kph) maximum
• Air Speed Control: Variable
• Maximum Air Flow (Blow Mode): 350 CFM
• Maximum Air Flow (Vacuum Mode): 410 CFM

Key Features

• Oscillating Nozzle
• 3-in-1 Machine (blower, vacuum, and mulcher)
• Adjustable speed up to 250 mph
• Cord Retention

Features and Benefits

The Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum is an extremely well-designed combination leaf blower, vacuum, and leaf mulcher that really works.

Weighing 8.9 lbs., this machine is a little on the heavy side. But this leaf vacuum is complemented by weight distribution, so you don’t feel it much.

It features a variable speed knob which allows you to control the airflow up to 250 mph. This can be very useful when trying to clean up wet leaves and other heavier debris and you can also adjust it when you don’t need that much power.

Another great feature is the metal impeller, it’s a fan-like component inside the leaf vacuum that helps you shred leaves as you vacuum. Metal ones have added advantage because they can also take impacts from hard materials such as stones and gravel that get accidentally sucked up into the vacuum.

It’s mulches into a well-designed leaf collection bag which can be emptied easily. It also does other functions well, making a point that it’s possible to have all three functions work properly.

Pros

• Less noise when compared with other models in this category. This leaf vacuum generates less noise.

• As a 3-in-1 machine, it blows, vacuums, and shreds

• Adjustable speeds up-to 250 mph

• Easy to use

• Oscillating nozzle

Cons

 

• Power cords tend to loosen easily

• The mulching shred gets easily clogged if not properly monitored

• You need to take the machine apart before you can change nozzles

 

Verdict:

The Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum is a versatile tool that can conveniently take care of your light cleaning tasks. It can also be used for indoor vacuuming and can make your home really tidy, although the use of cord also limits its movement especially when an electrical outlet is far from work area.

Overall, this leaf blower vacuum is a great tool complimented by other extra features such as adjustable speed and oscillating nozzle that helps save time and effort.

BLACK+DECKER BV6000 High Performance Blower/Vac/Mulcher

Specifications

• Product Weight: 8.1 lbs.
• Air Speed: 180/250 mph
• Power Source: Electric
• Voltage: 120V
• Amps: 12 Amps
• Bag: 1.5 Bushels
• Decibel: 68 dBA
• Mulch Ratio: 16:1

Key Features

• 2-speed selection
• Cord retention
• 3-in-1 machine (blower, vacuum, and mulcher)

Features and Benefits

The BLACK+DECKER’s BV6000 High Performance Blower/Vac/Mulcher is a great tool that can help you clean your yard without releasing harmful emissions thus, helping to reduce your carbon footprint.

It weighs just 8.1 lbs., one of the lightest in its category, allowing you to control and maneuver the tool more easily.

This leaf vacuum has two selectable fixed speeds (180mph and 250mph). The blower’s speed can also be set between 140 mph to 250 mph allowing you blows through leaves and debris with ease. No extra tools are required for changing functions from vacuum to blower

It also features metal fans, which prevent clogging in case you accidentally pick up hard objects.  

Noise levels are fair (68 dB which is about the same noise level of an indoor vacuum cleaner), and the soft grip handles and built-in cord retainers enhance safety and comfortability while working.

Pros

• • Compact, lightweight design
  • Less noise, suitable for suburban areas
  • 3-in-1 machine
  • Speed up to 250 mph

Cons

• Bag is made from cheap material, it can easily tear or leak.

Verdict

The BLACK+DECKER BV6000 lightweight and compact design make this leaf vacuum a very good option for yard work cleaning or for indoor cleaning tasks.

It’s blowing, mulching, and vacuuming functions make it a very versatile tool fit to be among the best leaf vacuums in the market. 

Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vacuum

Specifications

• Product Weight: 8.5 lbs.
• Leaf Shredding Reduction: Up to 88%
• Maximum Air Flow (Blow Mode): 350 CFM
• Maximum Air Flow (Vac mode): 410 CFM
• Nozzle Velocity: Max. Up to 250 mph (402 kph)
• Standard Warranty: 2 Years

Key Features

• Lightweight
• Variable speed control
• Powerful blower

Features and Benefits

The Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vacuum functions as a vacuum, blower and leaf mulcher. It is affordable and comes with some fine features such as variable speeds and mulching abilities.

It is a corded model, so you might want to get a long extension cord if your work area is very large. An advantage that it carries is unlimited run time as long as you’re connected to an electrical outlet.

This leaf blower vacuum also features a metal impeller allowing you to shred leaves and debris into little pieces. With a maximum air speed of 250 mph, it has the power to blow the very heavy items in your yard. This speed can also be controlled so you don’t use high speed in places that need mild breeze.

It comes with multiple air tubes to suit various purposes. The concentrator tube can be used to clean debris in cracks and crevices, the power insert tube creates piles while the main tube moves the debris from your yard.

Pros

• Easy transition from blowing mode to vacuum mode

• Shreds leaves and twigs with much ease

• Highly durable metal impeller

Cons

• Poor bag quality
• No anti-vibration features

Verdict

The Toro 51621 Ultra Electric Blower Vac comes with lots of great features including speed variability, vacuuming and mulching capabilities, and multiple air tubes to cater for different jobs.

Although the cord limits your mobility with the leaf vacuum within your work area, you can always get a long extension cord that will stretch across your yard.

Greenworks 40V 185 MPH Variable Speed Cordless Blower Vacuum, 4.0 AH Battery Included 24322

Specifications

• Product Weight: 9.9 lbs.
• Battery: 40V 4.0Ah Li-ion
• Charging: 2 hours
• Air Speed: 185 mph
• Maximum Air Flow (Blow Mode): 340 CFM

Key Features

• Cordless

• Powerful Battery

• Variable speed operation

Features and Benefits

The GreenWorks Blower Vacuum 24312 one of the most powerful cordless blowers available in the market offering 180 mph of airspeed and air volume of 340 CFM enough for your domestic home cleaning tasks such as clearing leaves off your sidewalks, porch, driveway, garage, or yard.

Another great feature is the ability to control speed, there are low/high button and a 5-speed thumbwheel (sounding overcomplicated), which you can use to turn the power down to protect flowerbeds or turn the power up to blow wet leaves.

This leaf vacuum features a 4Ah 40V battery, which offers about 45 minutes runtime when operating on low speed. However, if you adjust it to the speed to max, the battery drains really fast, and you might end up with only 15 minutes of operation. Full battery recharge takes about two hours, so you need to break your cleaning sessions if you have a large yard.

Although, it’s easy to go between the vacuum function and mulching function. The vacuum works slowly and can also get clogged by heavy items such as sticks or wet leaves.

The impeller is made of plastic and not metal, but the mulching function works fine.

Pros

• Easy to use

• Speed control settings

• Quiet operation

Cons

• Relatively costlier than other leaf vacuums in this category.
• Turbo mode consumes a lot of battery power
• Slow vacuum function

Verdict

The Greenworks Cordless Blower Vacuum 24322 is a great choice for you if you are looking for a leaf vacuum with great power, but you don’t want to deal with the problems of electric cords.

However, if you can live with the problems of extension cords, an electric blower/vac would be a better option.

BLACK+DECKER BV6600 High Performance Blower/Vac/Mulcher

Specification

Product Weight: 8.1 lbs.

Air speed: 140-250 mph

Power source: electric

Amps: 12 amps

Bag: 1.5 bushels

Decibel: 68 dba

Mulch ratio: 16:1

Key Features

• Cord retainer

• 3-in-1 machine (blower, vacuum, and mulcher)

• Lightweight

• Variable speed controls

Features and Benefits

The Black & Decker BV6600 is an electric-powered leaf vacuum with a 12-Amp motor and a blower that runs at 140-250 mph. It’s very easy to use, and its a smooth transition between blower and vacuum functions make it a good choice for anyone in need of extra help around the yard.

Its variable speed controls make the tool suitable for various cleaning situations. You can turn the power down on this leaf vacuum when cleaning flower beds and other light tasks, and turn the power up when working on heavier debris such as wet leaves.

It weighs just 8.1 lbs., making it easy to control without putting much strain on the operator’s forearms. This leaf vacuum features a metal impeller, which prevents clogging when mulching.

With noise level rated at 68 dBa, the leaf blower vacuum is substantially quiet during operation. You don’t have to worry about disturbing your neighbors too much when operating the machine. Its built-in cord retainer feature prevents the cord from getting loose while working.

It comes with multiple attachments that make cleaning easier. Some of the attachments include a concentrator, an oscillating nozzle and leaf scraper nozzle.

Pros

• 3-in-1 machine

• Easy conversion switch from blower to vacuum

• Low noise model

• Cord retainer

• Multiple attachments

Cons

• Heavier than lower-priced leaf vacuums.

Verdict

Overall, the Black and Decker BV6600 is a handy tool that has the ability to clean, vacuum, and shred the leaves and debris from your garden and driveways easily and quickly.

Worx Turbine Fusion Leaf Blower, Mulcher, and Vacuum with Dual-Stage Metal Impeller and Turbine Fan Technology – WG510

Specifications

• Product Weight: 9.3 lbs.
• Air volume: 525 CFM
• Air speed: 60 mph
• Power Source:  Electric
• Voltage: 120v
• Power input: 12 amps
• Mulch ratio: 24:1
• Bag capacity: 0.75 bushels
• Warranty: 3 years

Key Features

• Ergonomic design
• Powerful Blower
• 2-speed sliding switch
• 3-in-1 machine
• Dual-Stage Metal Impeller
• Turbine Fan Technology

Features and Benefits

The Worx WG510 is a powerful leaf blower, mulcher, and vacuum weighing 9.3 pounds with a power rating of 12 Amps. Its ergonomic design makes it easy to handle and maneuver during operation.

It features a dual-stage metal impeller which effectively shreds leaves with an impressive 24:1 mulch ratio for needles and leaves.

The WORX WG510 boasts of more leaf blowing capability comparable to gas-powered leaf vacuums. It can easily handle wet, matted leaves and other heavier items without hassle,

It’s an excellent option for women, seniors, or individuals with health problems that might limit their mobility. Although it comes with a single tube, the tool can still be used for various functions.

Pros

• • 3-in-1 machine for blowing, vacuuming, and mulching
  • 2-speed control
  • Good balance in blow mode
  • Features a special turbine fan technology offering a whopping 525CFM at 65 mph

Cons:

• • Quite heavy
  • Does not work on wet leaves quite well.
  • Loud for a leaf blower

Verdict

The WORX TURBINE Fusion Leaf Blower WG510 offers a good solution for clearing your yard especially when you’re looking for leaf blowers powerful enough to handle the heaviest cleaning tasks.

With the powerful turbine technology, it can quickly and easily vacuum, blow and mulch leaves, loose grass, and debris quickly.

TACKLIFE Leaf Blower Vacuum, 12 Amp 3-in-1 High Performance Blower/Vac/Mulcher with 540 CFM, Variable-Speed Up to 240 MPH, Lightweight and Ergonomic Design, 11.9-GAL Durable Bottom-Zip Bag – GBV01A

Specifications

• Product Weight: 8.1 lbs.
• Maximum Air Speed: 240 mph
• Max Air Flow: 540 CFM
• Power Source: Electric
• Voltage: 120V
• Current: 12Amp
• Power: 1440W
• Mulch Ratio: 16: 1
• Bag capacity: 11.9L

Key Features

• 3-in-1 multipurpose blower/vacuum/mulcher
• 2 Variable speed switch
• Powerful blower

Features and Benefits

The TACKLIFE Leaf Blower Vacuum GBV01A is a quality tool with a powerful 12-Amp motor offering about 240 mph of airflow speed and 540 CFM of airflow volume. This leaf vacuum  has the power to clean your yards quickly and more efficiently.

It is a versatile tool offering blowing, vacuuming, and mulching functions. With all the functions working properly, this leaf blower vacuum’s lightweight and ergonomic design makes it very easy to operate without difficulty.

It also features an 11.9-gallon durable bag that can hold mulched leaves until you’re done with your cleaning session. You can easily detach and attach this zipper bag without having to take apart the components of the tool.

It comes with a two variable speed switch that allows for easy transitioning between vacuum and blower functions.

Pros

• Durable bottom-zip bag
• Power cord hook
• Easy to set up and use
• Auxiliary handle

Cons

• Low speed setting doesn’t have much suction.

Verdict

In general, this leaf blower vacuum is a great tool for cleaning blades and garden debris. It can also be used for clearing lanes, sidewalks, decks, garages, and yards

Sun Joe IONBV-XR 40V 5.0 Ah Variable-Speed Cordless Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher W/Brushless Motor

Specifications

• Product Weight: 8.7 lbs.
• Maximum Air Speed (mph): 200

• Maximum Air Volume (CFM) :350
• No Load Speed (rpm): 10,000 – 15,000
• Voltage (V): 40
• Battery: 5.0 Ah Li-on Battery
• Power Source: Cordless
• Variable Speeds: 6
• Mulch Ratio: 17:1
• Bagger Capacity (gal.): 16

Key Features

• EcoSharp technology
• 3-In-1 multipurpose machine: blower, vacuum and mulcher
• 6-speed control

Features and Benefits.

The Sun Joe IONBV-XR is a quality tool from Snow Joe that is light, making it easy to maneuver to control. It is powered by a 4.0-Amp battery leading to about 56 minutes of run time when fully charged.

Transition from blowing to vacuuming functions with this leaf vacuum is very smooth and quick. It has the ability to perform heavy tasks, such as blowing leaves and debris off pavements and asphalt, and the leaf vacuum can also handle lighter cleaning tasks such as blowing your sidewalk, decking or garage.

It also features exclusive EcoSharp technology for maximum performance and no power fade.

Pros

• Easy switch between functions
• It comes with a 16-gallon vacuum bag
• Powerful blower

Cons

• Quite loud for a machine (94 dB)

• Battery life could be longer

Verdict

Overall, the Sun Joe IONBV-XR is a good option for light-duty household applications. With features like six variable speed settings, you can adjust the wind to suit the purpose of the task you want to perform.

Black & Decker BV3100 12-Amp Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher

Specifications

• Product Weight: 7.0 lbs.
• Air Speed: 150 / 210 mph
• Power Source: Electric
• System: 120 V
• Power Input: 12 Amps
• Bag: 1.0 Bushels
• Decibel: 69 dBA
• Mulch Ratio: 10:1

Key Features

• • Lightweight tool
  • 2-Speed control settings
  • High Blowing Speed
  • 3-in-1 machine, blower, vacuum, and mulcher.

Features and Benefits:

The Black & Decker BV3100 Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher is one of the best leaf vacuums available in the market. It is powered by a 12-Amp motor giving an airflow speed of about 210 mph. Noise levels are also quite low, rated at 69 dBa which is quieter than most leaf vacuums in this category.

Weighing just 7.0 lbs., it is the lightest leaf vacuum in this review, making it easy to control and maneuver. With its lightweight feature and the ergonomically placed switch, you can turn your vacuum into a blower in no time. It offers two speed choices depending on the nature of the task you’re carrying out.

The BV3100 is a multipurpose machine with a blower, vacuum, and a leaf mulcher. The blower is suitable for clearing leaves, twigs, and other debris from sidewalks and driveways. The vacuum is suitable for sucking up leaves, clipping, and twigs right into the collection bag.

Although it’s a small unit, the Black & Decker BV3100 is made for heavy-duty vacuuming and mulching with the ability to reduce 10 bags of leaves to one. It can work on different kind of terrains and even over the top of rocks.

There is an option to install an add-on hose onto this leaf vacuum, and it is also easily cleared if leaves get stuck.

Pros

• Easy to assemble

• Smooth and easy transition from blower to vacuum function.

• Durable mulching bag

• Lightweight

• Strong and sturdy build.

Cons

• The BLACK& DECKER BV3100 is not made for large areas, but it works pretty well in small ones like carports, yards, and driveways.
• Plug gets loose easily making it highly vulnerable to wear and tear.
• A larger bag will be preferred.

Verdict

The Black and Decker BV3100 stands out among other leaf vacuum blowers in this category. Although the amount of mulch generated by this leaf blower is small, it is still powerful enough to clear debris from a sidewalk or carport without hassle and mulch them into fine pieces.

Black and Decker is a renowned brand and can always boast when it comes to gardening tools performance and ease of use. the Black and Decker BV3100 also possesses these abilities.

Sun Joe IONBV 40-Volt 4.0 Ah Variable-Speed (up to 201 MPH) Cordless Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher with Brushless Motor

Specifications

• Product Weight (lbs.): 8.7
• Maximum Air Speed (mph): 200
• Maximum Air Volume: (CFM)350
• Power Source: Cordless
• Voltage (V) :40V
• Battery: 4.0 Ah Li-ion Battery
• Bagger Capacity (gal.): 16
• Mulch Ratio: 17:1
• Variable Speeds: 6

Key Features

• 3-in-1 multipurpose machine: blower, vacuum, and mulcher for fast leaf cleanup
• Comes with a 16-gallon vacuum bag
• Easy and quick conversion from blowing to vacuuming
• 6 variable speed settings

Features and Benefits

The Sun Joe iONBV is a great leaf blower/vacuum/mulcher powered by a 4 Ah 40 V Li-ion battery, enabling the blower to run for about 45 minutes before recharging. This leaf blower vacuum has a maximum air volume rating of 350 CFM and an air speed rating of 200 mph, which is powerful enough for cleaning your yard.

The speed can be adjusted with a speed setting allowing for six possible variations to suit operator’s needs.

Weighing 8.7 lbs., this leaf vacuum is easy to handle and maneuver, although its heavier than most electric handheld blowers.

Other accessories that come with this tool includes blower tube, blower concentrator nozzle, front vacuum/mulcher tube, rear vacuum/mulcher tube, collection bag, and wheel assembly.

Pros

• 6 variable speed control settings
• Easy conversion from blowing to vacuuming
• Lightweight.

• Cordless
• High-impact impeller shreds leaves easily.

Cons

• Takes a lot of time to recharge battery

• Doesn’t come with a strap

Verdict

The Sun Joe iONBV is a cordless handheld leaf blower fit to be among the best leaf vacuums available on the market. It offers enough power for small to medium yard cleaning tasks.