Weed eaters, also known as string trimmers or weed wackers, are one of the essential tools during Spring cleaning. Instead of using a blade, string trimmers have monofilament strings that rotate rapidly to cut the grass. It’s safer and useful in areas that your lawnmower can’t cover. Most string trimmers also come with a built-in edger for a multi-functional gear. In this post, we will help you find the best weed eater on the market that suits your garden.
Comparison tables
Last update on 2023-06-04 at 12:16 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Although you have a lawnmower, this equipment can’t cover all the spots in your garden. This is where a weed eater comes handy. It can remove weeds and grasses on cramped areas and even cracks along a sidewalk.
Moreover, string trimmers are lightweight and easy to operate. It also comes in a cordless construction that allows you to trim freely all over your yard. You can also find gas trimmers for more power, though often at the expense of quietness.
Below, we reviewed 5 of the best trimmers on the market, be it cordless, gas-powered, and so on. Check which one suits your garden and budget well.
1. GreenWorks Cordless String Trimmer
If you’re looking for an electric trimmer, you should check the GreenWorks Cordless Weed Eater. It’s ideal for small to medium-sized lawns with moderate trimming needs. It’s powered by a lithium-ion battery with a high-performance G-MAX 40V motor.
Moreover, this boasts a 13-inch cutting path that can cut through grass and tough weeds. Another great thing about the GreenWorks trimmer is its 3-position head that pivots in multiple angles for easy use.
Aside from that, this trimmer has a 90-degree rotating head, which also serves as an edger. It has a 0.065-inch single-line feed that delivers fast and accurate results. As long as you lock the parts in place, this tool will have the right balance for ergonomic trimming.
The GreenWorks trimmer has a quiet operation on its auto-feed line. Each charge will last for up to 60 minutes of trimming. That’s equivalent to trimming ½ acre of land.
This trimmer weighs 9.3 pounds, which is way lighter than its 14-inch bump version. The only downside of this trimmer is it’s not attachment capable. Nevertheless, its quiet, maneuverable, and has high commanding power that compensates for this little flaw.
Pros
- 3-position head that rotates in 90 degrees
- 13-inch cutting path
- Lightweight at 9.3 pounds
Cons
- Not attachment ready
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2. Husqvarna Gas String Trimmer
If you’re looking for top rated gas weed trimmers, we recommend the one from Husqvarna. It sports a 28cc, two-cycle engine with a 17-inch cutting width. This runs through a mixture of two-cycle oil and unleaded gas for the utmost power.
For those who have a large yard, this trimmer is an unbeatable choice. It has the Tap ‘N Go line release feature that you can access by simply tapping through the trimmer head.
What we really like about this string trimmer is its T25 trimmer head that allows easy line reloading. It’s also equipped with the Smart Stat technology for instant starting.
This string trimmer offers expanded functionality through its three click-on attachments. It also has a special fuel system with an air purge prime bulb. This allows you to remove unwanted air from its carburetor.
Aside from that, it comes with a translucent fuel tank where you can visually monitor the fuel level. Also, it comes with optional attachments as well as an edger to keep your lawn well-trimmed.
Pros
- Backed by a 2-year limited warranty
- Tap ‘N Go line release feature
- Easy line reloading
Cons
- You may have to reload the line manually
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3. DEWALT Brushless String Trimmer
Another great string trimmer that we like is the DEWALT Brushless String Trimmer. It has a brushless motor with excellent durability and efficiency. This has better cutting power, thanks to its dual 0.0080” line with a bump feed. Overall, it has a 13-inch cutting swath with a variable trigger and speed control.
Moreover, this has a patented gear drive design that boasts a 20V power and a highly maneuverable build. It’s easy to trim around with this tool, and your hands will not feel strained.
However, you should note that the battery pack for this trimmer is sold separately. Also, the trimmer comes in two separate parts and will require basic assembly.
The best thing about the DEWALT string trimmer is it’s made tough to deal with stiff overgrowth. So in just one tool, you can keep your yard well-trimmed.
Aside from that, this trimmer operates with very low noise and with no pull cords. It also maintains its torque and speed even under the extreme workload.
Overall, this is a great residential trimmer that can take the beating of regular use.
Pros
- Low noise operation
- Brushless motor for better power
- No pull cords, instant start
Cons
- There’s no trimmer guard so be ready to get grass on your legs
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4. BLACK + DECKER Easy Feed String Trimmer
Another BLACK + DECKER trimmer that we like is the Easy Feed String Trimmer. It has a PowerDrive transmission with consistent and increased torque. Aside from that, this trimmer can be converted into a wheeled edger to finish up weeds on the edges and pathways.
Moreover, this has a two-speed control where you can choose to extend its runtime or use the maximum power. It also has a line diameter of 0.065 inches with a cutting swath of up to 12 inches.
This string trimmer comes with a battery, charger, guard, and AFS spool. Once you put everything together, you’re good to go in trimming your yard.
You can also advance your line using the push button on the handle with no bumping required. What we also like about this B & D tool is its interchangeable cordless battery. If you have other BLACK + DECKER tools at home, you can use the battery pack all around it.
Overall, this is lightweight yet powerful. The construction is very solid, and it can deal with thick weeds without too much labor.
Pros
- Two power modes
- Interchangeable battery across B & D tools
- PowerDrive transmission
Cons
- The batteries don’t last as long as other trimmers
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5. BLACK + DECKER String Trimmer & Edger
Another 40V trimmer that you can consider is the BLACK + DECKER trimmer and edger. It has a PowerDrive transmission that gives more power for a faster trimming experience. Also, it has a lithium battery with a long runtime, thanks to the PowerCommand dial that allows you to set the tool from MAX power to MAX runtime.
Moreover, this has an automatic feed spool that works smoothly without bumping. And if you need to refine some edges, you can use the edger using the quick turn on the shaft.
This has a 13-inch string swath that will work without the hassle. Overall, this has a 52-inch telescoping shaft with adjustable auxiliary hands. On the handle, you’ll find an instant trigger. The handle is very ergonomic, so you can trim around without tiring your hands.
Also, this is a very lightweight trimmer at 7.8 pounds. Still, it doesn’t mean that its trimming power will be less efficient.
Overall, this works on lawn grass and weeds. However, it may take time to chew through reedy grasses.
Pros
- PowerCommand dial or maximum runtime
- Telescoping shaft with auxillary hands
- PowerDrive transmission
Cons
- The edger doesn’t have a wheel
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Best Weed/String Eaters Buying Guide
Regardless if you’re looking for the best gas trimmer or a battery-powered one, you must consider the following aspects first:
Single vs. dual-feed line
String trimmers or weed eaters come in either single or dual-feed line.
Those with single-feed lines are easier to set up because there’s minimal winding needed to be done. But since it only has a single line, it’s best for small gardens and yards.
If you need better cutting power, you should consider getting a dual-feed line. It takes more work to set up, but it pays off in the performance department.
Overall, dual-feed lines cut twice faster than a single-line version. It’s ideal for commercial use and for those who have a large lawn.
Cutting width
Next, you have to check what the cutting width or swath of the trimmer is. String trimmers range from 10 to 18 inches in cutting width. For most residential use, a 13” or 14” swath would usually suffice.
For those who want the best cutting performance, a generous width would be ideal. However, as the cutting width gets longer, the more expensive the trimmer becomes.
Battery vs. gas-powered
String trimmers are usually available in battery or gas-powered models. There’s also an electrically and corded version.
Battery-powered trimmers are the most popular among homeowners. It’s lightweight and can be used without having a cord in tow. Also, it doesn’t emit smoke and excessive noise like gas-powered ones do. However, it’s less powerful than gas-powered trimmers, though it works its magic on most yards with light to moderate trimming needs.
On the other hand, gas-powered string trimmers offer the best power. It can cut through thick foliage, though you’d have to deal with the smoke and noise. If you have a large yard or commercial lawn, you must consider a gas-powered weed eater.
Lastly, you can also look for an electrically-powered trimmer if you want a continuous power supply. However, it tends to be noisy, like gas-powered types.
Shaft design
You should also check the design of the shaft: straight, curved, or adjustable. Straight shafts are the most common since they can be stored in small spaces. Also, it allows you to trim while standing up. It’s the perfect choice when trimming around and under benches, shrubs, and decks.
On the other hand, there are curved shafts. This is ideal for short users since it’s easier to maneuver and hold in low heights.
Both curved and straight trimmers can be adjustable. You can look for telescoping shafts if multiple individuals use the trimmer.
Additional functionality
We always like a string trimmer with a built-in edger. This gives you two tools for the price of one.
If you are to purchase a trimmer with an edger, try to look for a wheeled one since it’s more convenient to use.
Aside from that, a trimmer that’s attachment-ready is also a great investment.
Easy start
No one wants a trimmer that takes forever to start. We are not fans of pull cords, so we recommend looking for a type with a button start or anything that will bring the trimmer to life in one try. Usually, battery-powered trimmers start instantly, while gas-powered ones can be a little challenging to start.
Locking mechanism
A string trimmer with a safety lock is always a great purchase. This feature is very useful if you have kids roaming around. It’s also a matter of safety for the user, so you won’t run the trimmer accidentally and ruin the landscape.
Weight and size
For typical households, a lightweight trimmer will do the job. Battery-powered ones are usually lightweight, with gas-powered models being the heaviest. Nevertheless, the weight is often directly proportionate to the power of the trimmer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use weed eaters to cut grass?
A: Yes, you can. However, you have to check the cutting power of the trimmer against the thickness of the grass. The thicker the grass, the more powerful trimmer you’ll need.
Q: What string trimmer do professional gardeners use?
A: Usually, professionals use gas-powered trimmers because it offers more power for large lawns. Also, gas-powered trimmers can be refilled with fuel and be used right away.
Q: Why does the trimmer line of my tool keep on breaking?
A: There may be issues with the nylon line or the spool. Also, grass or weed might be clogging the spool, which causes the breakage of the line.
Conclusion
A string trimmer is a useful tool, both at home and in commercial spaces. With the right trimmer line, cutting width, and power, you can keep your yard well-trimmed in just a few minutes.