There comes a time with every lawn where the best electric weed eater is needed to get the job done right. Nothing is worse than your mowed lawn looking great, but the stubby trim growing like a jungle on the outside. This is the perfect time for a quality weed eater.
The challenging part is deciding what to buy in the first place. There is a price to consider, brands, parts, accessories, warranties, and so much more. As you read this buying guide/review, you will get a better sense of what you need, so you can make the best decision possible.
So, grab a cool beverage, and let’s consider what your lawn could look like with the help of a great weed eater. Who knows? You may even use it to lop off weeds out in your field or help a neighbor nearby all with the help of your great machine choice.
Contents
Best Electric Weed Eater: Editor’s Top Picks
Types of Weed Eaters
There are three types of weed eaters that you should know when going through the buying process. These include gas-powered, corded electric, and cordless battery power.
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1. Gas-Powered
Weed eaters that are gas-driven are the oldest type on the market. For decades, the gas-powered trimmer has mixed oil and/or gas together to perfection. The two types of engines include two and four-stroke engines. Two-stroke engines use a mixture of gas and oil, while four-stroke engines use gas specifically.
By purchasing a gas-powered engine, users have great mobility to take it anywhere they want without being held down by cords. Also, gas will last longer than battery power, so you can expect this to be the most efficient option.
Perfect for heavy-duty trimming, the gas-powered model uses the most variety of lines, so it is a really well-rounded model. On the other hand, the cons of this model are the fact that they weigh a lot and are not very compact. Also, they are super noisy and are not great for the environment. With more maintenance needed, you got to keep this model up-to-date, or there could be trouble.
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2. Corded Electric
The corded electric trimmer is the next great option. These are perfect for a small garden and/or yard. They are not as expensive as a gas-powered option either. You will need it plugged in at all times to work, so you must have an outlet close by.
Since they are the lightest of the options, the corded electricity will not hold you down because there is no fuel tank or heavy battery. Additionally, they have low noise and, will not emit any bad chemicals into the environment.
Having a cord can be the biggest limitation of this model, but if you have a long enough cord and power outlets nearby, you should be good to go. They are easy to set-up and will run as long as you need them to, as long as you have electricity. Lastly, with little to no maintenance, you will love the extra time you will have.
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3. Cordless Battery Power
The technology of cordless battery power was the last technology to come into the fold. It was designed to fix the issues from the gas and cord-powered trimmers. Battery power trimmers are like gas-powered in how mobile they are, but you will not have to deal with any oil and/or gas.
Another benefit is the fact they are quite like corded weed eaters. But, cords do not restrict you. By using rechargeable batteries, you can have one charging, while you use another one. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type in the 21st Century. The downside of battery power is the limited runtime and recharging can take a while.
Things to Consider When Buying an Electric Weed Eater
When looking to purchase the best electric weed eater, there should be a few things to consider beforehand. These things include design, power source weight, string lines, and warranty.
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1. Design
Many may not think that design is a very important piece to the weed eater puzzle, but it is an essential one. A weed eater with an ergonomic design can go a long way to help you get the job done quickly and efficiently. When the mass is distributed evenly, with not too much at the top or the bottom, you will have a smooth ride wherever you need to trim.
The shaft has a lot to do with this because it transfers power from the motor to the line used when cutting. If you have a great design, then you will be able to work through underbrush and shrubs with ease. Additionally, shafts on an edger are great, too, if people with different heights are using the same edger.
Shafts that are curved are usually better for moving around because they are a lot lighter. Before buying any weed eater, make sure the shaft is adjustable. This way, you can customize your product to fit your needs. When it is well positioned, then you will be able to cut grass more accurately than you ever thought possible.
However, if you use shafts that are straight, they are usually better if you are looking for the best safety around. Lastly, a good weed eater should have a starter switch that can’t be turned on and off with ease. If this is not the case, steer clear of that particular model.
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2. Battery Power vs. Plug-In
Another thing you will have to decide on is where you will get your power. Do you want plug-in power or battery power? If you want corded power, then make sure to have a high amp model. On the other hand, a battery should have a high-voltage that can last and last.
Also, it truly depends on what you need to trim and cut. If you must cut through tough weeds and grass, you will probably want something with a lot of power. Spend time determining what you need for you and your lifestyle. Consider your lawn size and the type of grass you will be cutting.
Do you have a small lawn? Then, an extension cord may work for you. Another great thing about cable power is that your edger will never die like a battery can do. However, if you are far from a power source, then battery power maybe your best option.
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3. Weight
The mass of a trimmer should always be well thought out. If you pick a machine that is lightweight, then you will be able to work for hours without worrying about wear and tear on you and/or the machine. You will also be able to work on bigger areas with your product. Still, most battery edger choices do not weigh a lot in general anyway.
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4. String Options
When picking either the best battery powered weed eater or one that uses a cord, you need to understand its string features. Some trimmers are easier to restring than others. The width of your cutting path can also tell the story here. If you have a trimmer with a broad width area, you may be able to cut through grass or weeds with one single motion, instead of multiple times.
However, if you have a narrow string option, this is great for tight, tight spaces. Either way, the average cutting path usually falls around 13.5 inches. Other features include a single or dual feed. Most people have a single, but dual lines give you extra power against the words grass and weeds.
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5. Having a Warranty
Warranties vary from company to company; so, do not expect everything to be created equal in this market. When you are searching for the right edger, an extended warranty is best and worth the extra money you pay. What you will find is most give a 1-year warranty at a minimum.
But, even if brands say they have a warranty, they might not always follow through. Pick a brand that is true to their word and exceeds what is asked of them. Also, having great customer service is imperative, too.
The Best Electric Weed Eaters Reviews:
1. DEWALT DCST920P1 Brushless Trimmer
One of the best electric weed eater cordless options is this first model from DEWALT. With a brushless motor, this trimmer is both durable and efficient because of its phenomenal design. It has a bump feed with two 0.080” line. The 13” swath cuts with precision and grace. You can vary the speed with the push of the trigger.
The gear design for this DEWALT trimmer has an rpm range from 0 – 6,000. With every purchase, you will receive a 20V lithium-ion battery and a charger. When you buy this product, make sure you only buy this trimmer from DEWALT or one of its authorized resellers like Tool Barn, and ACME Tools among others.
You will notice about this trimmer is the fact it is really compact and lightweight. But, you can push through the toughest grass, weeds, and underbrush. There will be no need for maintenance because this DEWALT trimmer does not have a lot of running pieces like a gas-powered edger would have. Additionally, there is limited noise from this product because of its sound-sensitive properties.
With no electric cords to get in your way, all you need to do is snap in your battery. Then, you can get to work quickly. Lastly, if you love the way your DEWALT trimmer works, then you can connect the batter with 200 or so other products that run on the same DEWALT battery system.
Highlighted Features:
- Less than 15 pounds
- Uses the newest DEWALT technology
- East to refill string
- Low and high setting power through obstacles
- Runs for 45 minutes on the low setting
2. Black & Decker 40V Max String Trimmer/Edger
Another best-rated electric weed eater comes from Black & Decker. The 40V Max String Trimmer/Edger uses a lithium battery that can run for close to an hour. You can switch it back and forth from edger to trimmer. It does this with a push of a button, rotating 180 total degrees. With a shaft length of 52 inches, you can customize it to the height of the person using the device.
Black & Decker uses a technology called PowerCommand. With this technology, you can switch between two power settings: Optimal Runtime or Powerful Performance. Depending on what you need, this trimmer is adaptable to your needs. Also, this trimmer uses an automatic feeding AF-100 spool. This allows for a quick and easy edging process for you to enjoy the work that you need to do outside.
At less than 10 pounds, this product will not weigh you down. You can carry it around without the nagging poundage. With every purchase, you will receive the trimmer/edger, a battery, and a charger. To get started, you may want to purchase an extra battery and some spool replacements, just in case you run out of line. In the past, replacing an edger spool has been a challenging task, but not anymore with this Black & Decker model.
Highlighted Features:
- The battery lasts 15 minutes on the highest setting
- Size of battery is a third of its competitors
- Uses pre-spooled string
- Perfect for getting through thick brush on a weekly basis
- Limited maintenance
3. Greenworks PRO 16-inch 80V Cordless String Trimmer
You may not be as familiar with the company Greenworks, but you should get to know one of the best cordless weed eaters around. The Greenworks Pro has a 16-inch cut path maximum work capacity, wherever you trim. With a fully charged 80V battery, you can use this great weed eater for 45 minutes or for 30 minutes on full blast.
This edger uses a dual line to get work down quicker. With a 0.080” line, your spool will stay strong and not run down easily. A brushless motor also keeps this Greenworks weed eater going strong in its durability, performance, and power. When it comes to the design of the trimmer, Greenworks uses a split shaft construction that is easy to store and a mounting scheme that allows for perfect balance when edging.
As you purchase this model, you will receive the trimmer and an 80V battery. With this one battery, you can trim up to 1 acre of land. Additionally, you can connect the same battery to 20 other Greenworks products, as you build your collection.
At 18 pounds, this is one of the heavier options, but this Greenworks model is not so heavy that you will be overwhelmed by its weight. One thing you should know is this Greenworks trimmer is not attachment capable. This means it can only be a trimmer and not morph into anything else.
Highlighted Features:
- The battery is equivalent to a gas-run trimmer
- Professional grade product
- Limited noise operation malfunctions
- No cord needed for this model
- Lithium-ion tech is used in every Greenworks battery
4. Black &Decker GH900 String Trimmer
To this point, we have not talked about any corded options, so let’s take a second to do so. One of the best electric weed eater corded models is made by Black & Decker. It uses an automatic feeding system where do you not have to bump feed the line through.
In terms of the moving parts, this string trimmer uses a 6.5-amp motor with high torque to plow through any performance obstacle. Also, a 13-inch cutting path, you can expect to get any job done in a hurry. With every purchase, you will receive the trimmer/edger, 1 spool of line, an auxiliary handle for easy use, and a protective guard. You will have to purchase the electric extension cord separately.
One of the biggest problems with edger models these days is the fact they get bogged down due to heavy grass, weeds, etc. This Black & Decker model has a Power Drive Transmission that never has this problem. If you are worried about its weight, do not be either. With its ergonomic design, you will not strain yourself using this product. Furthermore, you can adjust the height and handle your specific needs.
Highlighted Features:
- Essential for edging flowerbeds, borders, and sidewalks
- Accuracy and precision comes standard this product
- Less than 7 pounds
- Can be shipped anywhere in the United States of America
- Uses other bulk string varieties
- Last longer than the other leading brands
- Perfect for residential and small commercial use
5. WORX WG163 GT 3.0 Cordless String Trimmer & Edger
Another brand you may not have heard of is WORX. They make a quality-grade trimmer/edger that could be the best cordless electric weed eater in the business. Here is why. Let’s start with the battery and charger. Most brands give you one battery to start off with, but then you can buy any additional ones. With WORX, two batteries come standard, just in case you run out of juice.
With its 2-for-1 trimmer/edger option, you can move back and forth with ease. No tools are needed for this to happen. It will flip naturally 90-degrees in a tilting manner. Additionally, with a no-load speed of 7,600 per minute, you will be sure to have an efficiently run trimmer whenever you decide to use it.
With a cutting line measuring out at 10 feet, you will have plenty to get the job done right, without having to replace the spool too quickly. Also, the cutting radius is 12-inches, so you can cover more ground than you ever thought possible.
As you cut, you may be worried about your flowers and other vegetation. WORX created the spacer guard to protect any part of nature that you want to keep around. At less than 6 pounds, this is one of the lightest trimmer models on planet Earth.
Highlighted Features:
- Line diameter is 0.065-inches
- The battery connects with other WORX tools
- Easy Command Feed option for your line
- New batteries will cost less than $50
- The string will not jam
6. Makita XRU02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer
Makita is another trusted brand that makes another great cordless electric weed eater. Let’s start with its motor. At 7,800 rpm, this trimmer has a crazy high cutting speed, as well as amazing performance. It is designed ergonomically for a balanced product that is less than 7 total pounds.
The size of this trimmer is perfect for an individual looking for a compact model. With a shaft that is telescoping, you can adjust the length of the edged from about 48” to 56”. When purchasing this edger, it is important to know that the battery and charger are not included with your purchase.
Because this model is battery charged, you would not burn emissions into the air, for all you environmentally savvy people out there. Additionally, with no need for gas and/or oil, you will not need as much maintenance with this product.
As you use your battery, Makita uses a capacity system that has an indicator light to tell you how much life it has left. Also, the edger will completely shut off when the battery has hit zero, signaling you to use a new battery and charge the old one.
With 5 adjustable positions, you may never buy another edger again. This do-it-all product is known for its versatility, and it will show you why. Consider Makita for your entire trimming and edging needs.
Highlighted Features:
- Cutting capacity is 10.25”
- 30-day warranty
- Variety of string options to use
- The total run time between 30-40 minutes per battery
- Can trim bushes and trees
7. Black & Decker MTE912 12-Inch Electric 3-in-1 Trimmer
This Black & Decker model is not only one of the best-corded electric weed eater choices on this review, but it is actually a 3-in-1 model with a trimmer, edger, and mower all combined. It uses the traditional automatic feeding system, so you will not have to worry about bumping your edger to feed more line.
Secondly, Black & Decker uses a Gear Drive system, so your technology will not lag when you need it to work the best. With the wheeling edger, you will have a perfect lawn, especially in a space that is no bigger than 750 square feet. The motor uses 6.5 amps for the best performance on the block.
As soon as you get an extension cord, you will be good to go working on your lawn. You can arrange cutting heights from 1.6 to 2.4 inches off the ground to fit your liking. When you are done with your lawn, you can use your same battery to run other great Black & Decker products like drills, saws, and blowers.
With a well-rounded product like this one, you will make your lawn look great. Also, you will be able to use this model for years to come. Think Black & Decker when investigating the best option for you.
Highlighted Features:
- Cuts grass evenly in mower mode
- Uses 0.065” string
- Mower features have 2 heights
- Easy-to-clean this product
- Very lightweight considering all the features it has
8. Greenworks 18-Inch Trimmer Attachment
For the second time on this review, Greenworks finds its way onto the buying guide. As one of the best cheap electric weed eater options, you will have an 18-inch cutting path to get you clearing out shrubbery in no time. This model uses a 0.080-inch line that comes out of two places on the spool. To feed the line, all you will need to do is bump the line on the ground, and more will dispense for you.
If you are looking for a multi-use tool, then this Greenworks option is for you. With a plethora of other tools, you can add other tools using the same top motor mount for the best results. Greenworks attachments are not the only things that connect to this trimmer, but brands like Yardworks, Tyobi, and TrimmerPlus work, too. Also, you can rest assured that your product will last because of its 4-year warranty.
Lastly, when using this trimmer, you will notice that the molded grip is comfortable and easy-to-handle. This will allow you a more enjoyable workday and more control than you ever thought possible. You can have both cushion and effectiveness with this model.
Highlighted Features:
- Much lighter than its gas-powered counterpart
- No signs of overheating ever
- Extra powerful when you need it most
- So quiet the neighbors will not even hear you
- Very easy to put together and use
- Meshes well with a 12 to 16-gauge extension cord
- Safe for the environment than gas-powered trimmers
9. Remington RM115ST Lasso 5.5 Straight Shaft Trimmer
Still looking for the best electric corded weed eater? Well, you may not have to look far because this Remington 2-for-1 model may do the trick for you. The edging well is very easy-to-use and is perfect for tiny lawns or areas you are trying to trim down.
The Remington engine runs on 5.5 amps, which is plenty for edging and cutting grass. With a 180-degree rotating handle, you will be able to trim to your liking. Also, dual-line, of about 14 inches, allows for a simple auto-release system whenever you want more of the 0.065-inch line to appear.
A telescoping shaft can change heights depending on how tall the user is. As you trim, there is a heavy-duty debris guard, so things will not hit you when you work. When you are done with the trimmer, you can collapse it for storage.
At less than 5 pounds, this is one of the lightest edger options that have ever been manufactured. But, do not think for a second that this trimmer will not hold up over time because it will. Its strong construction may be light, but not cheap. Look for this model if you are on a limited budget, but want to find success in the trimmer world.
Highlighted Features:
- Powerful enough to cut small branches
- Comes with a 15-foot spool of line
- Comfortable handle when working
- Only takes 5 minutes to put together
- Works like a more expensive option
10. Craftsman CMESTA900 Electric Powered String Trimmer
Craftsman gets on the list of best electric weed eaters for a few reasons. First, this electric driven 13-inch trimmer uses a single-line feature with auto feed for best results. By using 0.065-inch line, this trimmer runs easily without any problems at all.
Depending on your needs, you can use the “twist & edge” feature for a different angle to help you on the job. Weighing in less than 7 pounds, this string trimmer gives you some of the best bangs for your buck.
With a 5-amp motor, this Craftsman trimmer is super powerful, but will not breakdown easily because of its electric design. When purchasing this model, you will receive the trimmer and a spool of line.
There is no bump feature for this device, so it will automatically feed the line for you when it gets too short. This is truly an amazing thing because then you can focus on what is most important, working on your lawn, rather than spending time figuring out why the line will not come out.
Make sure that you have an extension cord to work this Craftsman trimmer. If you do not, it will be hard to move very far around your lawn or area. This way, you will have success wherever you take your awesome edger.
Highlighted Features:
- Easy-to-use on/off trigger
- Super compact design
- Very quiet with limited noise
- Simple to install new spools of line
- A better option for the environment than a gasoline-powered edger
Types of Weed Eater Heads
Weed Eater Heads are another category to think through. There are three specifically line feed designs that include automatic feed, bump feed, and a fixed head.
- Automatic Feed
An automatic feed uses a spinning rotor of a line that works without you manually telling it to. With this in mind, you will just get to focus on the work of lawn care instead of if your line is coming out or not. Your job will go quicker than you ever thought possible. However, if this breaks, it is really different to fix.
- Bump Feed
A bump feed gives you control of when you want more lines. You can repair a bump feed quickly if there ever is an issue. The head of the bump feed will wear out eventually and you will need to replace it.
- Fixed Head
With a fixed head, you will install different line lengths into a trimmer. Since this is one at a time, it will take longer than the other options. But, this is great for businesses or individuals who want extra strength string. The string will not wear down quickly and you will have limited maintenance with this option.
Ultimately, pick a weedeater head that is all about safety. Check to see if your equipment is good to go, while you wear protective attire. Lastly, your ears and eyes should be protected in case the noise and/or debris comes your way.
Why Do You Need An Electric Weed Eater?
There are quite a few reasons why you need an electric weed eater. Let’s give you 5 reasons why.
#1 – No Gas And Oil: Most times, when people have a gas-powered weed eater, they use too much gas and oil. There are pre-mixed solutions, but they are really expensive. Electric weed eaters do not need anything like that.
#2 – Easy To Start: Electric weed eaters start with a push of a button. All you have to do is (1) insert a battery and start or (2) plug the cord into the trimmer and an outlet and push the start button. It can’t get much easier than that.
#3 – Sharing Batteries With Other Equipment: Gas-powered trimmers have one job and that is to trim. However, battery-powered trimmers can share batteries with other equipment, so you can get more bang for your buck. For example, you can use the battery for your trimmer and a leaf blower. How cool!
#4 – Quick Storage: When you are done with your trimmer, you can put the cord or battery away and put the weed eater wherever you want. Gas-powered trimmers need its fuel mixed during all seasons, and you don’t want the fuel to leak.
#5 – Electric Models Have Power: There is a misconception out there that electric trimmers do not have enough power. This could not be further from the truth. The newest models have fixed this problem and are lasting longer and longer.
How To Use An Electric Weed Eater Properly
Check out these steps, so you know how to use an electric weed eater the right way.
#1 – Get Started: It is time to put your machine to work. Plug the weed eater in or snap in the battery.
#2 – Prep Time: Put the weed wacker on the ground, as close as you can without touching the ground.
#3 – Turn Trimmer On: Push the “start” button or “on” switch and move the edger back and forth to help cut up weeds, while walking.
#4 – Move Rocks: If there are movable rocks in your way, get them out of the way. They can wear down your line way quicker than you want it to. Then, move the rocks back in place after you are done.
#5 – More Line: If you notice that the cutting is not happening as quickly as it has been, it is time to bump the feed or make sure your automatic feed is working properly. 6-inches of the line is plenty to use when trimming.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Weed Eater
Q-1: Can straight shaft trimmers use a blade?
- This really depends from brand to brand. Some can switch out heads with a blade if that is what your heart desires. However, more often than not, string can’t be replaced with a blade. So, this may be hard to come by.
Q-2: What precautions should I take when using an electric trimmer?
- If you are using a cord option, make sure your extension cord is plugged appropriately, so this is no concern for electrocution. Do you see exposed wires? Get a new extension cord or use electric tape to fix the problem.
- How are your working conditions? Is it sunny outside or is it raining? The only edger is appropriate weather where you can’t get injured using an electronic product. On another note, do not rub the head of the trimmer on the ground. You will wear out your product sooner rather than later.
- Lastly, wear glasses to protect your eyes from debris that might come your way. If there is a debris guard, use it for your protection. These are all safe ways to make sure you have a great trimming experience.
Q-3: How do trimmers work?
- Trimmers use a microfilament string to cut through weeds and grass. As the motor runs, the cord stiffens to cut whatever you need. As the line slices through the grass, it will not damage hard surfaces.
Q-4: How efficient is an electric weed eater?
- An electric weed eater is effective for a few reasons. First, you can help limit pollution because gas will not be emitted. Additionally, they are very quiet. You will not lose your hearing when using an electric weed eater. Lastly, you will not run out of power when a trimmer is plugged into an outlet.
Final Verdict
At the end of the day, you have to decide which trimmer is best for you. Analyze your property and why you need a trimmer in the first place. Think through the pros and the cons, and make the best decision possible. This way, you will be able to focus on lawn care and less on your troubled machinery. Lastly, enjoy the process. There may be a lot of options to sort through, but it can be fun buying something that will last for you year after year.