Very few feelings come close to caring for your garden!
During the lockdown, I have spent countless hours in my garden- planting, fertilizing, and trimming plants. While I enjoyed giving my shrubs the care they deserve, it wasn’t long before my limbs and back forced me to stop. And that’s when I decided to get an electric hedge trimmer.
But upon browsing through the hundreds of options, I realized it’s not a cakewalk. Hence, after much thought and significant research, I’ve finally shortlisted the 5 best units.
Hi! I’m Stacy, and today, I have reviewed the top 5 electric hedge trimmers to take a pick from. So, let’s begin!
Top 5 Electric Hedge Trimmer
1. Toro 51490 Corded 22-Inch Hedge Trimmer
As far as power tools are concerned, there can’t be a list without Toro! As such, I’d like to start with the 51490 Corded 22-inch Hedge Trimmer. With high praises from both new and existing customers, it’s definitely worth your consideration.
Product Highlights
I’m sure that many of my readers will resonate with me on not being pros at tool assembly. And that’s where the Toro 51490 grabs attention at first glance. Unlike a lot of other hedge trimmers, it comes fully ready straight out of the box. So, brownie points awarded!
Now coming to the performance aspect, it features a robust 4-Amp motor, which is considerably powerful for electric trimmers. On top of that, it’s equipped with 22-inch dual-action blades, capable of producing 2300 strokes per minute. In my opinion, it’s more than enough for regular residential trimming jobs.
Moreover, the large padded grip-handle offers 180-degrees gripping so that you can find a comfortable hold position when trimming at different angles. I also appreciate the cord lock system, which prevents unplugging if there’s a sudden jerk.
Complete with a 30-day return policy and 2-year warranty, Toro ensures peace of mind in case of any defects.
What I like about it
I tried the Toro 51490 for various trimming projects, including trimming some bigger bushes and vine clearing, and the dual-blade design helps get through the job rather quickly. Furthermore, it reduces vibrations to put little strain on your hands, which will come in handy during long hours of trimming. But if you plan to trim a lot, I’d suggest changing the blade with a longer one.
Since the power button should be kept depressed, there’s minimal risk of injuries if you lose control of the tool.
What not to like about it
Although I’m all for the comfort grip handle, I feel a rotatable handle would have served the purpose of accessing awkward angles better. Also, the bottom head is slightly heavier compared to the handle, so you may need some practice to keep it in line. But these minor inconveniences are far from being actual deal-breakers.
Pros and Cons of Toro 51490 Corded 22-Inch Hedge Trimmer
Pros
Cons
- Corded hedge trimmer with a powerful 4 amp motor
- 22-inch-long cutting bar; hardened steel blades
- Easily cuts through branches up to 9/16-inch thick
2. Greenworks 2200102 Corded Hedge Trimmer
Next up, I have the Greenworks 2200102 Corded Hedge Trimmer. With similar specifications to that of its predecessor, its durable yet lightweight build makes portability a breeze. What’s more, it can easily take on out-of-control hedges.
Product Highlights
Since the Greenworks 2200102 has almost identical features to the Toro 51490, I thought it’d be a good idea to judge its performance in comparison to that. And I wasn’t disappointed to a large extent. For starters, the 4-Amp motor does well to provide consistent power for trimming medium-sized to larger bushes.
Secondly, the 5/8-inch cutting capacity of the head is suitable for shrubs as well. And unlike the Toro 51490, it has a 180-degree rotating handle, meaning you can get around those tricky angles without changing your position.
At the same time, the wraparound auxiliary handle provides additional support that may be required while trimming thicker branches. On that note, the lightweight design doesn't pose a problem while aligning the tool.
Finally, the 2-year warranty is twice more than what you’ll normally find. Overall, the Greenworks 2200102 is one of the most cost-effective models on the market.
What I like about it
I was impressed with how this electric hedge hammer worked for trimming my blackberry briar. And for the smaller branches, I didn’t need to use the auxiliary black handle at all. Even with some considerable stretch, the cord lock didn’t cause unplugging. Besides, the plastic shield kept most of the clippings from hitting my face.
While I didn’t have difficulty figuring out the operation, there’s a detailed instructions manual if you need help.
What not to like about it
One of the few annoying things is that it gets through the thicker branches with an uneven chew. Sure, it doesn’t spoil the look per se, but I’d have liked an even trim. Other than that, it’s a little noisy, especially when used for a longer time. Hence, I’d advise putting on an ear protector.
Pros and Cons of Greenworks 2200102 Corded Hedge Trimmer
Pros
Cons
- 4 Amp motor to get the job done efficiently
- 22" dual action steel blade for optimal performance and maneuvering
- 9/16" cutting capacity perfect for bushes and shrubs
3. SereneLife PSLHTM20 Cordless Handheld Trimmer
Moving on from corded hedge trimmers, here’s a cordless variant that’s making the right noise. The SereneLife PSLHTM20 Cordless Handheld Trimmer is a simple yet powerful unit that packs a punch for its small size. Plus, getting one won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Product Highlights
Versatility runs synonymous with the SereneLife Cordless Handheld Trimmer. It boasts of a special “glide-cut” technology, which teams up with a comfortable hand grip for quick and easy trimming. If you aren’t in the mood to deal with the hassle of cords, then this model is just for you.
However, that’s not the only reason it features on my list. Despite focusing on convenience, I liked how the brand doesn’t compromise on power. It runs on a 3.6V built-in removable battery, which provides 1000+ RPM irrespective of the height and density of the bush. Apart from that, the package includes two quick-change blades to tackle various trimming and cleaning jobs.
While the smaller one is meant for clipping grass, the longer one is designed for trimming bushes and clearing debris from sidewalks, patios, and garages.
Last but not least, its pocket-friendly price includes the tool, charger, and blade attachments.
What I like about it
First and foremost, the durable ABS construction deserves all the praise for keeping up with frequent outdoor trimming. Even with the battery installed, the tool doesn’t weigh more than 3 pounds. And it takes about 4 hours for a complete charge.
Additionally, switching the blades is no nerve-wracking job. Both of them have an engineered metal construction, but that doesn’t interfere with the maneuverability. With the padded grip and the on/off switch located just below, I didn’t experience any significant problem in operating it.
What not to like about it
While the battery lasts for a good 2 hours, it may be helpful to know that speed isn’t its biggest advantage. Also, the blades tend to come off occasionally, especially while trimming dense shrubs. I fixed it by applying some tape, but it can be a hassle if you need to switch them continuously.
Pros and Cons of SereneLife PSLHTM20 Cordless Handheld Trimmer
Pros
Cons
- EASY & CONVENIENT USE - Featuring a 2-in-1 system with quick-change blades, this grass trimmer includes a grass cutting blade and a hedge trim blade. The Glide-Cut technology ensures smooth and precise cuts, making it an ideal bush trimmer.
- VERSATILE & CORDLESS CUTTING - Enjoy cordless operation with SereneLife hedge trimmer. This handheld grass cutter and electric grass trimmer has a built-in 3.6V rechargeable battery, making it perfect to use around your garden, lawn, and walkways.
- EFFORTLESS MAINTENANCE - Tackle your yard work with ease using this cordless hedge trimmer. Its lightweight, portable, and powerful design, with a comfortable handheld grip and simple one-handed operation, makes garden maintenance a breeze.
4. Greenworks 22102 Corded Hedge Trimmer
Another one of my budget-friendly favorites is the Greenworks 22102 Corded Hedge Hammer. Powered by a modest 2.7-Amp electric motor, it’s ideally meant for light to medium-duty trimming. If you’re looking to get the hang of things, then this might just suit your needs.
Product Highlights
The 2.7-Amp motor doesn’t generate a lot of power, but considering that it’s not meant for heavy duty trimming anyway, I’m fairly satisfied with its performance. Besides, the 18-inch dual blades can get hold of the taller branches without much fuss. With a total weight of around 7 pounds, pretty much anyone can have a go at it.
What I liked the most about this product is that it doesn’t miss out on the features found in some high-end models. For instance, the locking mechanism negates the chance of the cord getting unplugged, no matter how much you move around.
On the other hand, the power button is devoid of a locking feature to take care of safety. This means the trimmer will only work when the button is depressed and halt operation immediately when released.
While I opted for the tool only, it also comes with a cord-combo so that you don’t have to search for one.
What I like about it
Again, the Greenworks 22102 is not the most powerful unit on my list, but it does well to serve its purpose. The 3/8-inch cutting capacity is suitable for average density, as it is for softer and more dense shrubs. In addition, the lightweight body aids maneuverability.
But what I liked the most is the stationery auxiliary handle that provides a really nice grip. And unlike the Greenworks 2200102, my eardrums weren’t hammered despite using it for quite some time.
What not to like about it
The plastic body. Now, I’m not against plastic constructions, but this one, in particular, doesn’t have the kind of durability I’d have preferred. Furthermore, I observed that the motor gets a tad bit heated, and continuous heating can cause the area around it to melt.
Pros and Cons of Greenworks 22102 Corded Hedge Trimmer
Pros
Cons
5. BLACK+DECKER BEHT350FF Hedge Trimmer
Before I conclude the list, the Black+Decker BEHT350FF Hedge Trimmer finds a deserving mention. Featuring a mighty 4-Amp motor, its 22-inch dual-action steel blades are designed to eat through branches up to 3/4-inch thick.
Product Highlights
Just like Toro, Black+Decker is another brand that runs synonymously with power tools. And the BEHT350FF Hedge Trimmer truly justifies this reputation. To begin with, 22-inch dual-action serrated steel blades are equipped with a cutting capacity of 3/4-inch, which can handle haphazard growths.
As far as the operation is concerned, first-timers don’t have to rack their brains to figure the controls. Simply wrap your hands around both the handles and keep the on/off button depressed with your fingers. Additionally, one-hand operation may be necessary to reach those awkward angles.
With everything on, the unit weighs surprisingly low to facilitate maneuverability. And nor does the cord come off during trimming.
Lastly, buyers can choose from various combinations, like the trimmer with leaf bean collector, or gloves, or safety glasses. So, it can become the perfect gift this holiday season!
What I like about it
From the power to cutting capacity and comfort grip, the Black+Decker BEHT350FF Hedge Trimmer ticks almost all the right boxes. I used it without putting on my gloves, and unlike the Greenworks 22102 Corded Hedge Hammer, this one didn’t heat up. But even if it did, I’m sure the durable body would have absorbed it.
As with most dual-action blades, the vibration was at a bare minimum for both vertical and horizontal trimming. So, cross off hand fatigue from the list of concerns!
What not to like about it
Without sounding too technical, the prongs of the cord extension plug at the back of the handle are located at the center, in a circular depression. The diameter of this circle is such that it doesn’t accommodate a heavy duty cord with a large extension. So, compatibility might be an issue.
Pros and Cons of BLACK+DECKER BEHT350FF Hedge Trimmer
Pros
Cons
- Versatile Cutting Power: The garden trimmer is ideal for tackling large hedges, shrubs, and bushes in your landscape
- Reduced Vibration: The 22-inch dual-action blade delivers smoother operation with less vibration for efficient trimming using a heavy duty hedge trimmer
- Robust Motor Performance: The 4.0 amp motor provides ample power to cut branches up to 3/4 inch thick with your hedge cutter
Buyers Guide
Knowing the best names is not enough to buy the best electric hedge trimmer. Unless you weigh in on some crucial factors, your investment is likely to fetch the wrong product (because luck is a myth). Hence, this buyer’s guide is at your disposal.
1. Power
No surprises here as power is one of the most important things to consider. As you may have already noticed, most of my recommendations have a 4-Amp motor, which is the standard for residential trimmings. But if you don’t deal with frequent or heavy duty trimming, I’d suggest opting for a 2.7-Amp model. However, keep in mind that speed will also take a hit with reduced power.
2. Length
The length of the blade will directly affect your reach. Not only that, but longer blades generally perform more uniform trims than the shorter ones. That said, longer blades may be difficult to control, especially if you have no prior experience. In this regard, most shrubs can be trimmed with an 18-inch blade, whereas larger shrubs may require a 20-inch or longer blade.
If you’re a first-timer, I’d highly recommend going for a shorter blade, even for larger shrubs. This will ensure proper safety while you’re still getting used to the operation.
3. Blade Type
Dual-action blades have always been my preference, simply because they offer more precision and speed. And they also minimize the vibration, thereby resulting in reduced hand fatigue. Furthermore, the distance between the blade teeth determines the cutting capacity of the hedge trimmer.
Commercial hedge trimmers usually have a blade gap of an inch, but homeowners can work just fine with the ones between 3/8 and 3/4-inch. Here again, first-time gardeners are better off with the single-sided blades and can then transition to the dual-action models.
4. Grip
When it comes to the grip, there’s more than one aspect to consider. Firstly, a cushioned or padded handle will provide a good comfort level and prevent the tool from slipping. Additionally, wraparound or 180-degree handles can be gripped anywhere according to your convenience.
But the best of the lot are rotatable handles, which practically control the movement of the hedge trimmer without the user shifting position.
5. Safety
The most common safety feature that trimmers employ is to keep the on/off button without a lock. This way, the blade will instantly cease operation when the button is released to prevent sudden engagement. In short, keeping your fingers on the button is the only way to make it functional.
Heads up: don’t forget to put on gloves, eye and ear protection gears during trimming.
6. Durability
You’d definitely want a hedge trimmer that lasts for years to come. And nothing speaks of longevity like an ABS plastic construction and engineered steel blades.
7. Weight
In my opinion, electric hedge trimmers should weigh 7-pounds or less when assembled for users to control them comfortably. Also, make sure that one half doesn't weigh more than the other. Otherwise, it may be challenging to level the trimmer.
8. Maintenance
Unlike gas-powered hedge trimmers, electric models don’t require mixing gas and oil. So, there’s no leak to take care of. However, you may need to sharpen the blades or replace them when worn out. It’s better to carefully go through the instructions manual for a detailed understanding.
9. Corded Vs. Battery
Battery-powered hedge trimmers are more compact and lightweight than their corded counterparts. They are an ideal choice if you have a small lawn or are wary of tripping on cords. One key feature of corded models is a cord lock mechanism that keeps the cord from getting unplugged during movement. Likewise, go for a battery trimmer that comes with the charger and an extra battery.
Electric Hedge Trimmer FAQs
Electric hedge trimmers aren’t as powerful as gas-powered units. However, they have some significant advantages over the latter. For one, they don’t emit any toxic fumes, which can be hazardous to your health and the environment. Secondly, there’s no risk of a leak. In hindsight, it comes across as the perfect option for beginners and the elderly.
Not every plastic is equipped to take on the wear-and-tear of regular use. But ABS plastic, which is generally used for building electric hedge trimmers, is a food-grade material that remains rigid at a lower temperature. Similarly, it can also absorb the heat produced by the motor during operation.
Blade replacement, albeit a complicated process, is possible. If the blade becomes dull, you can first try sharpening it by following the instructions from the brand. Replacement should ideally be the last resort and is best left to professionals.
Absolutely yes! Covers protect the blade from dust, moisture, and friction when not in use.
Most electric hedge trimmers have a low noise output, but you’ll rarely find units that make no noise at all. It’s a good option to check the product description for the noise level.
It’s not a bad idea to choose a model with an extension capacity of around 150 feet. You may not need all of it today, but a higher cord capacity makes room for future requirements.
Trimming wet shrubs with an electric trimmer is a big no-no. Apart from the safety hazard, the moisture will damage the blades in no time.
Our Final Recommendation
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So there you have it- everything about electric hedge trimmers!
Trust me, with progressing age, trimming those shrubs won’t become any easier. That’s why getting an electric hedge trimmer should make that shift to your to-do list. And while you process all the information to let that happen, allow me to name my favorite products from the list.
The Toro 51490 Corded 22-Inch Hedge Trimmer takes the position of the best corded hedge trimmer, followed by the SereneLife Cordless Hedge Trimmer Handheld Grass Cutter Shears Electric Shrub Trimmer with 3.6V Rechargeable Battery, 2-in-1 System Lightweight and Portable Ideal for Lawns and Gardens if you’re looking for a cordless model. And the Greenworks 22102 Corded Hedge Hammer is a nice option for medium duty trimming.
With that, I’ll now take your leave. I hope you’ll come back for more such reviews.
See you again!