Cordless leaf vacuum: How to find your test winner!

Cordless leaf vacuum: Trees not only enhance the cityscape but also gardens and courtyards. They provide shade and delight children and adults alike with colorful leaves in autumn. However, wet and slippery leaves on sidewalks can pose a safety risk that needs to be addressed. The time-consuming task of raking leaves is a thing of the past. Modern cordless leaf vacuums allow you to quickly clear flower beds, lawns, and pavements of leaves.

How do I recognize a good cordless leaf vacuum?

The essential features of a good cordless leaf vacuum are its performance and endurance. If the vacuum struggles to suck up the leaves or the collection bag needs to be emptied constantly, the work becomes unnecessarily difficult.

Suction power:

The higher the wattage, the higher the airspeed. With a powerful leaf vacuum, your garden will be leaf-free in no time. The performance of a cordless leaf vacuum can be identified by the wattage and airspeed specified by the manufacturer. Higher values mean stronger performance. Some manufacturers also specify the suction power in square meters per minute. Many models reach airspeeds of up to 230 km/h. It is also practical to have a speed control option to adjust the performance to the conditions and conserve the battery.

Collection bag:

Depending on the amount of leaves, a larger collection bag means less frequent emptying. However, the weight of the filled collection bag should be manageable. If you prefer a lightweight and compact leaf vacuum, a smaller collection bag will suffice.

Weight:

Choose a portable leaf vacuum. The weight is crucial as the vacuum must be carried during operation. Heavier models are often equipped with wheels that allow for pushing and relieve the weight.

Battery technology:

Runtime and weight of the battery. A powerful battery determines the strength and runtime of the leaf vacuum. Longer runtimes usually mean longer charging times and higher weight. Consider whether you want to cover the entire area in one go or in stages. Check if the batteries are compatible with other devices from the manufacturer to possibly use uniform battery systems and acquire spare batteries.

Noise level:

Wear hearing protection. Cordless leaf vacuums are quieter than gasoline-powered models, but hearing protection should still be worn during use. There are significant differences in noise levels among cordless leaf vacuums.

Scope of delivery and equipment

Pay attention to what accessories are included. Bargains can turn out to be expensive if necessary accessories such as batteries, chargers, or shoulder straps have to be purchased separately.

Types of cordless leaf vacuums

2-in-1 leaf vacuums with blower function. These devices can not only suck up leaves but also be used as leaf blowers. This way, leaves can be blown into a pile and then sucked up. The switch between modes is usually done via a switch or a simple conversion.

Advantages

• Leaves can be blown into a pile and then sucked up
• Easy switch between modes

Disadvantages

• Usually smaller collection bag
• Leaves are not shredded and therefore have a large volume

Leaf vacuums with shredding function. These devices shred the leaves before sucking them up, allowing more leaves to fit into the collection bag and requiring less frequent emptying. Shredded leaves also decompose faster in the compost.

Advantages

• More leaves fit into the collection bag
• Better suited for compost

Disadvantages

• Heavier than models without shredding function
• More expensive to purchase

Cordless leaf vacuums with wheels. Heavy cordless leaf vacuums can be equipped with wheels to facilitate handling. These models usually have larger collection bags and batteries.

Advantages

• Larger collection bag
• Easier handling due to wheels

Disadvantages

• Less flexible in use
• More expensive than classic models

With these tips and information, you are well-equipped to find the right cordless leaf vacuum for your needs.

Which cordless leaf vacuum is right for me?

The choice of the right cordless leaf vacuum depends on your garden, the plants there, and your available time for gardening. As more leaves there are to remove and the faster the work needs to be done, the more powerful the device should be.

The right cordless leaf vacuum for small properties and front gardens.

With only a few trees and shrubs, a small, handy, and lightweight cordless leaf vacuum is often sufficient. These devices are easy to handle and do not tire you out quickly. Whether you choose a pure cordless leaf vacuum or a combination device with a blower function depends on the size of the area to be cleaned. For larger areas, the blower function is useful for gathering leaves.

Cordless leaf vacuums for yards and sidewalks.

If you need to remove leaves from several trees and shrubs in a yard or on a sidewalk, you need a powerful and mobile device. For large areas and a lot of leaves, a cordless leaf vacuum with wheels is recommended to make it easier to push the device. These models offer a good combination of performance and handling.

Cordless leaf vacuums for large areas.

In large gardens or on lawns with many trees, efficient work is important. Cordless leaf vacuums with a shredding function are particularly advantageous here. They shred the leaves so that the collection bag needs to be emptied less frequently. Shredded leaves are also better suited for compost or as winter protection for beds.

Combination devices help save costs.

Many manufacturers offer combination devices that can be operated with the same batteries as other garden tools from the same manufacturer. If you already have batteries and chargers, you can save costs by purchasing additional compatible devices.

Which cordless leaf vacuums are the best according to tests?

Reviews from test institutions are helpful in making a purchase decision. So far, Stiftung Warentest has not conducted its own test for cordless leaf vacuums. The Scandinavian partner magazine “Råd & Rön” tested various leaf blowers and vacuums in 2017 and found that corded models often performed better. The magazine “Selbst ist der Mann” tested various electric leaf vacuums and combination devices in 2013 and found that models with a simple switch were less powerful than those requiring a small conversion.

What do cordless leaf vacuums cost?

Inexpensive cordless leaf vacuums: Up to 80 euros

No-name brands often offer inexpensive 3-in-1 combination devices for around 50 euros. However, these are usually less robust, and batteries and chargers are often not included in the price.

Mid-priced cordless leaf vacuums: From 80 euros

Most models cost between 80 and 110 euros and offer more comfortable handling and better workmanship. Here too, batteries and chargers are often sold separately but can be used with other devices in the same series.

High-priced cordless leaf vacuums: From 150 euros

Premium models cost between 150 and 200 euros and offer high suction power and longer battery life. These 3-in-1 combination devices are ideal for large areas and intensive use.

Conclusion

The choice of the right cordless leaf vacuum depends on the amount of leaves and the size of the area. Here are the key points summarized:

• Many cordless leaf vacuums offer additional functions such as blower or shredding functions.
• Combination devices can save costs if you already own other cordless garden tools.
• Inexpensive models are sufficient for small areas and occasional use.
• Mid-priced and high-end models offer more power and comfort for larger areas and more intensive use.

With this information, you can choose the right cordless leaf vacuum for your needs.