The 10 Best Electric Weed Eaters
Keep Your Garden Looking its Best with an Electric Weed Eater
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Electric weed eaters are becoming more popular for homeowners and gardening contractors. They have less weight than gas weed eaters, and you don’t have to mess with fuel and oil. Since they don’t emit any fumes and are much quieter to run, they’re also kinder to the environment. Not to mention, they produce much less vibration compared to gas-powered string trimmers.
Depending on the size of your yard and how much trimming you need to do, you can either use a corded string trimmer or a battery-powered cordless electric weed eater. The best feature of battery-powered electric weed eaters is that the battery is usually compatible with most other tools from the same brand. So, if you have a lot of Makita or Black & Decker tools that you use, you might want to consider a battery-powered electric string trimmer from that brand.
Because there are countless electric string trimmers available, it can be time-consuming to find one that suits all your needs. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and discovered the best features of each one. Don’t forget to check out our buying guide! It explains all the options and features you should consider before making a decision. Read on and discover the best electric weed wacker for you.
View the Best Electric Weed Eater, Below.
- WORX WG163 GT PowerShare Cordless Trimmer & Edger
- Makita XRU15PT1 LXT String Trimmer Kit
- Greenworks 21212 Electric Corded Weed Eater
- EGO Power+ ST1521S String Trimmer
- RYOBI P2030 Electric Cordless String Trimmer
- DEWALT DCST970X1 FLEXVOLT Brushless Weed Eater
- Makita XRU02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer
- DEWALT DCST922P1 20V MAX String Trimmer Kit
- Greenworks 21302 40V Cordless String Trimmer & Edger
- BLACK+DECKER LST522 String Trimmer
1. WORX WG163 GT PowerShare Cordless Trimmer & Edger
Best Lightweight Electric Weed Eater
This battery-powered electric weed eater easily changes from a string trimmer to a wheeled edger. It has an ergonomic handle that you can position for greater comfort. It also comes with two 20 volt Power Share MaxLithium batteries. These can be used in any other Worx tools that you have. For extra safety, the spacer guard is adjustable - you can easily avoid trees, shrubs, and other garden structures as you work.
This cordless electric weed eater is lightweight (5.3 pounds) and comfortable to use. The edging wheels give you a nice, straight edge, allowing you to edge your lawn with just one hand. Plus, the batteries are interchangeable with other Worx power tools. This makes it one of the best battery-powered weed eaters for convenience.
Check Price on Amazon ➞2. Makita XRU15PT1 LXT String Trimmer Kit
Best Value Weed Eater Kit
This Makita cordless electric weed eater kit comes with not two but four 5-amp batteries. This means you can happily keep trimming until you're done. It's a brushless string trimmer with three speed control options, allowing you to select extra power when you need it or extend the run time for larger yards. You get 6,500 RPM at high speeds, which offers great performance. In fact, the 5-amp motor features a direct-drive system that gives you more power, speed, and longer runtime for all gardens. Tackle tough areas with ease.
You'll never run out of power for your string trimmer. The speed control options allow you to easily cut through even the toughest weeds and grass. The weed eater also has a reverse rotation function, so you can quickly clear the trimmer head if grass and weeds get tangled in it. With a great cost, it's the best battery-powered weed eater for those on a budget.
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3. Greenworks 21212 Electric Corded Weed Eater
Best Corded Electric Weed Eater
Looking for a high quality model to tackle all jobs? This corded electric weed eater has a fully adjustable, telescopic shaft, meaning you can easily alter it to your preferred height for comfort. Because you have to connect it to a power outlet, you get unlimited runtime. This feature allows you to do as much or as little trimming as you want. Trim your driveway, around your fences, and more to get the perfect cut.
This lightweight, easy-to-use electric string trimmer runs from a power socket. The auto-feed line will advance every time the trimmer slows down. So, if you find you need more line feed, just stop the trimmer, and the string will advance, ready for you to continue. Keep on top of your lawn maintenance with one of the best electric trimmers on the market.
Check Price on Amazon ➞4. EGO Power+ ST1521S String Trimmer
Best Overall Weed Eater
There are many reasons why the EGO Power+ ST1521S is one of the best battery-powered electric trimmers on the market. It comes with patented Powerload technology and a carbon fiber straight shaft. The Powerload line feed function on this battery-powered string trimmer will save you lots of frustration when you want to change the string.
With Powerload, you can load the string with just the push of a button. You have to feed the string into the head - pushing the button will automatically wind the string. Plus, the brushless motor gives you a longer runtime and less vibration.
The carbon fiber shaft is extremely durable and will last a lifetime. It's also super lightweight, making it the best string trimmer for users who hate heavy equipment.
Check Price on Amazon ➞5. RYOBI P2030 Electric Cordless String Trimmer
Best Electric Weed Eater & Edger For Small Yards
This battery-powered cordless string trimmer features a rotatable shaft so that you can easily convert it from a trimmer to an edger. All you have to do is turn the shaft to rotate the head. It's also easy to advance the string line with just the release of the trigger. Each time you release the trigger, the string advances 1/4 inches.
This lightweight, battery-powered string trimmer is great for small yards. It easily converts from a trimmer to an edger by turning the shaft. More line is advanced when you release the trigger. If the string gets stuck, there's a button on the trimmer's head to manually advance the line. It's one of the best weed eaters for small yards.
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6. DEWALT DCST970X1 FLEXVOLT Brushless Weed Eater
Best Heavy-Duty Weed Eater
This battery-powered brushless string trimmer will power through even the toughest weeds and grass in your backyard. It features a variable speed trigger for either high or low speeds. It features two-speed options; the high-speed option will give you extra power (up to 6,600 RPM), and low speed will extend the runtime.
When running this battery-powered string trimmer at low speed, you should be able to get your whole yard done in one go. But, if you have heavy undergrowth to control, this heavy duty trimmer has a powerful motor and the durability to power through it at high speed. Plus, the 15-inch head will help get the job done much faster. It's a great power tool for all jobs and will make a fantastic investment!
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7. Makita XRU02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer
Best Adjustable Lightweight Electric Weed Eater
This is a battery-powered string trimmer from Makita that you can also use as an edger to tackle your lawn edges. This unit has an adjustable head with up to 180-degree rotation and five different positions. This means you can reach all those hard to get to places and give your lawn a perfect edge. The trimmer string is super easy to load when you have to replace it.
This brushless string trimmer edger combination is highly versatile. Both the head and the shaft are fully adjustable. This means you can use it to trim anywhere and give the edge of your lawn a highly manicured look. When you need more string, you can easily reload the cartridge using the reinforced metal bump feed button.
The blue frame of this trimmer is very pleasing to the eye, too, meaning customers can take care of their garden in style! Tackle weeds and plants with ease thanks to this lawn trimmer.
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8. DEWALT DCST922P1 20V MAX String Trimmer Kit
Best Electric Weed Eater For Commercial Use
This battery-powered electric weed eater has a unique feature - a foldable handle for easy storage and transportation. This makes it ideal for landscapers and gardeners. It's also a great cordless weed trimmer for professionals who have to travel for their job! Trim that pesky grass along patios and more. It has a cutting swath of 14 inches.
The speed control offers both high and low speeds. Use the high speed to power through tough weeds and grass and the low speed to extend the runtime. The 14-inch diameter head will help get the job done faster.
The Quickload 14-inch spool head makes string replacement fast and straightforward. This durable brushless string trimmer has a powerful motor and will take care of all your trimming needs, whether at home or on the job. And coming from one of the most famous brands in the world, it's a lawn tool you can trust.
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9. Greenworks 21302 40V Cordless String Trimmer & Edger
Best Light-Weight Edger And Trimmer
Greenworks is one of the best manufacturers of garden tools. This electric weed eater is a combination of a trimmer and edger in one. The head pivots 90 degrees to get just the right angle. The edging wheel makes it easy to walk behind the trimmer when edging your lawn. The 40-volt 2.0 Ah battery can give a runtime of up to 30 minutes. Plus, the battery has an indicator to let you know how much charge it has left.
This electric weed eater will not only cut through your weeds but will give your lawn a nice clean edge as well. The four-position pivoting cutting head means you can get into all your weeds and grass with ease. Plus, the battery has an impressive runtime, ensuring you'll get the job done on one charge. This electric weed wacker also comes with a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.
Check Price on Amazon ➞TRACTOR SUPPLY CO ➞
10. BLACK+DECKER LST522 String Trimmer
Best Electric Weed Eater With Automatic Spool Feed
This is a great, lightweight cordless electric weed eater from Black & Decker. At 5.7 pounds, it's not only an electric weed eater but a wheeled edger as well. The variable speed control allows you to switch from high to low easily to tackle all lawns. This electric weed eater is also kind to your hands, featuring a soft-grip handle for extra comfort. Plus, the straight shaft is well balanced and easily adjustable to your height.
This Black & Decker string trimmer is lightweight and comfortable to use. The variable speed allows you to get through all your trimming and edging with ease. Plus, the automatic spool feed makes advancing the string quick and simple.
Check Price on Amazon ➞Best Electric Weed Eater Buying Guide
Keeping on top of grass and weed growth is never an easy task. Where there is soil and water, you’ll probably find weeds, determined to ruin your landscape. But whether you’re a professional who needs a great model for your company, or just someone looking for something for your house, we’ll help you find the best electric string trimmer for you.
It’s good to choose an electric weed eater over a gas-powered one. Weed whackers that utilize gas engines are noisy and heavy. Gas-powered weed eaters also create a lot of vibration when in use, so they can be difficult for many people to handle, especially if you have a ton of trimming to do. They also cost a lot more.
However, before deciding which electric weed whacker will suit your needs, there are a few things to think about. You want to consider the power source, cutting width, string feed mechanism, and type of motor the electric string trimmer has. You also need to consider the cutting power, weight, and ease of use for each unit. Think about the materials the trimmer is made out of, too, as the construction will play a part in how durable the trimmer is.
Think about the areas you need to trim, too. If you have a small yard, a corded model may be for you, but if you have a larger yard, you may want to invest in a battery-powered weed eater.
We’ll look at each of these features in more detail. But first, let’s talk about the advantages of electric weed eaters over gas-powered models.
Advantages of Electric Weed Eaters
Although they do the same job, it’s worth knowing the difference between gas and electric models. Electric trimmers have a number of advantages over gas trimmers. Primarily, these are:
- Electric weed eaters are quieter to run. Therefore, you won’t annoy your neighbors with the noise each time you happily trim your yard. You won’t have to wear earplugs either! You won’t annoy anybody if you start trimming early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Unlike a gas engine, electric-powered trimmers don’t feature systems that require fuel or oil. This will save you money and avoid the mess of having to mix them. And you won’t have to keep up with the maintenance of the fuel tank, or worry about oil drainage! These types of weed trimmers are also better for the environment as you’re not using up valuable resources.
- Electric weed eaters produce far less vibration than gas models, which is especially great if you need to use your trimmers over an extended period of time. You’ll suffer far less fatigue.
- Electric trimmers are kinder to the environment because they don’t emit any carbon or fumes.
- Weed eaters powered by electricity require very little maintenance to keep them running. If you had a gas trimmer, there would be a lot more maintenance involved.
- Electric weed eaters also weigh far less than their gas-powered counterparts. This is especially good for older people who may not have the strength to handle the weight and vibration of a heavy gas model.
- Electric trimmers don’t need any warm-up time, and they start easily with just the push of a button.
However, if you still want to opt for a gas trimmer or brush cutter, some brands to check out include Husqvarna and Stihl. We also have a number of articles on our site explaining everything you need to know about gas trimmers, so check them out!
Power Source: Battery or Corded?
Whether a battery-powered or a corded electric trimmer is better for your needs depends on the size of your yard and how much trimming you plan to do.
An electric string trimmer that utilizes a power cord is perfect if you have a small yard. This way, you’ll have an endless power supply to get all your trimming done in one go. When choosing this type of trimmer, remember that you can only go as far as the power cord will let you.
For larger yards, battery-powered string trimmers are a better purchase. With these, you’re not tethered to a cord and can go anywhere you want. Most of these electric weed eaters have plenty of power to get through a lot of weeds and grass. You just have to ensure that you keep the battery fully charged.
If you have a lot of trimming to do, it might even be wise to invest in an additional battery. An additional battery is especially important for landscaping or gardening professionals, as a weed eater that cuts out all the time may be bad for business. A second battery will see you through most of your tasks; you can use it while the first is charging up.
Keep in mind that some models will come with a battery and charger included, but some may not. It’s always worth checking the product information to make sure.
The Cutting Width of the Trimmer Head
Electric weed eaters come in a variety of cutting widths. The cutting width is how wide the string trimmer cuts a swath with each pass. We’ve covered weed eaters with 10-inch, 12-inch, 13-inch, 15-inch, and 14-inch cutting widths in our reviews.
Obviously, the wider the cutting width, the fewer passes you’ll have to make to cut the grass. That also goes if you’re using a lawn sweeper too!
Trimmer Line Feed Mechanism: Auto feed or Manual Feed?
An electric weed eater with an auto-feed line will require less interference as you won’t have to manually feed more line when it breaks or is used up. However, these do have some limitations.
Most auto-feed line trimmers require you to stop and start the trimmer to feed more line through. This can have the reverse effect too. If you’re constantly stopping and starting, you’ll find that the line advances each time. This means you could be going through far more lines than you have to.
Also, automatic feed is not always reliable. But thankfully, most weed eaters with this feature have a manual line advancement button on the head to overcome this problem.
A trimmer with a manual feed will give you a bit more control, but it can become cumbersome if you’re cutting through a lot of heavy weeds or grass. Consider the size of your yard and the type of grass growing in your lawn.
Advantages of an Electric Trimmer with a Brushless Motor
A few of the weed eaters we’ve reviewed feature a brushless motor. This means the motor is more durable and made to last a lot longer. An electric trimmer with a brushless motor is also the best electric alternative to a gas-powered trimmer. That’s because these weed eaters are more powerful, offer more runtime, and require less maintenance.
If you have a large yard, a riding lawn mower will help you maintain the area. Or if you have a lot of trimming to do, consider an electric trimmer with a brushless motor.
Why the Weight of Your Chosen Trimmer is Important
Generally, the best electric weed eaters have far less weight than their gas-powered counterparts. This makes these weed eaters easier to use for an extended length of time. Using a lightweight trimmer also makes it easier for older people or those with physical impairments to keep their yards nice and tidy.
You should note that more lightweight devices may not have quite as much power as others. However, if you only have a small yard, this should not be much of a concern. Lightweight trimmers are easier on the hands and back, making for a much more comfortable trimming experience. Look after your garden health with ease.
Why the Length of the Shaft is Important
Most weed eaters powered by electricity have an adjustable shaft or a telescoping shaft. You want to be able to adjust the length of the shaft to accommodate your height. This will make the trimmer easier to use, especially if you’re tall or petite.
If you’re using the trimmer for any length of time, you want to make sure that your arms are in a comfortable position, close to your body, to eliminate fatigue and possible injury.
Many cordless or battery powered weed eaters also come with different attachments for you to test.
Consider the Line Diameter
The electric weed eaters in our reviews have a line diameter ranging from 0.065 inches to 0.080 inches. The thicker the line is, the better it will work when cutting through tough weeds and grass.
You can consider a trimmer with a lesser line diameter if you only have grass to trim. But, if you have a lot of thick scrub, tough grass, and weeds to get through, it would be better to select a machine that accommodates a thicker line. For this type of work, you might also want to consider a trimmer with a dual-line feed.
Just remember that the finer the line, the more likely it is to break when you hit items that are a little more solid, such as fencing, a hard bit of debris, or a tree. Keep in mind that tree trimming shouldn’t be done with even the best weed eater in the world. Hitting a tree with your weed whacker could damage it, leading to disease and even death of the tree. You may have to call professional tree services or an arborist that has experience in tree removal.
Consider the Battery Life
If you’ve decided to go with one of our battery-powered weed eaters, you need to consider each model’s battery life in this category.
Some of the battery-operated machines we’ve reviewed have both a high and low-speed selection. When using the trimmer at low speed, you’ll get more trimming time from each battery charge. However, if you run the battery-powered string trimmer at high speed, this will reduce runtime. You need to find a balance between the amount of power you need and how long it will take you to trim your entire yard.
It might also be wise to consider investing in a second battery if you find that you keep having to stop halfway through a job to recharge. Alternatively, opt for a corded electric grass trimmer.
Consider the Amperage of the Motor
Generally, electric weed eaters will have lower amperage motors than gas-powered ones. But, amps are still something you need to consider when choosing the right model for your yard. If you have a small yard, you might only need a weed eater with a 1 – 3 amp motor. This should give you enough power to keep your yard looking neat and tidy.
However, if you have a larger yard or tough weeds to get through, consider a weed eater with at least a 5-amp motor. A weed eater with a 5-amp motor, or even higher, is essential if you’re a contractor or landscaper.
Conclusion
Keeping your garden looking its best is easy with an electric weed eater. These weed eaters are far easier to use and less weighty than their gas-powered counterparts. They require very little maintenance and no fuel or oil. As electric weed eaters emit no fumes or carbon, this means you’ll be looking after the environment as well as your own piece of paradise. All you have to do is either plug them into a power socket or keep the battery charged.
We hope that our top picks in electric weed eaters have helped you decide which one will suit your needs the best. Our list includes both cordless and corded models for you to peruse. Our buying guide questions and tips should help you determine the features you’ll need most. You’ll end up with a beautiful garden that all your friends envy!
Did you know?
Did you know that the first-ever weed eater had the design of a car wash brush, also known as the weed whackers? The model was to make it suitable to knock down tall, overgrown objects like trees and trim down long weeds. Read more about selecting the right trimmer here.