Best Leaf Vacuums to Clean Your Yard in Minutes

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 29, 2023
If you have your own yard or garden, you know that taking care of it isn't a very pleasant experience, especially in fall when tons ...Read more
PROS

The benefit of the GreenWorks 24322 is that it uses the type of batteries that are compatible with over 25 products produced by GreenWorks brand, meaning if you plan to buy or have several of the tools by the same manufacturer you can save a considerable sum of money. 

CONS

You'll need to keep an eye on the status of the battery life.

OUR VERDICT

If you're searching for a leaf vac that will be versatile in use and capable of handling both wet and dry leaves with ease, you simply cannot go wrong with the GreenWorks 24322 Cordless Leaf Blower. This tool combines the functionality of a mulcher, blower, and vacuum cleaner, which makes it ideal for those who seek flexibility. 

detailed parameters
TYPE

Cordless

ENGINE

40V/4Ah

MODES

Blower/Vac/Mulcher

AIRFLOW VELOCITY/ VOLUME

185 MPH / 340 CFM

USABILITY

Adjustable speed, G-MAX battery, DigiPro Brushless technology for longer service life, 40V G-MAX 4 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery, Charger, Upper blow tube, Lower blow tube, Mulcher/Vac

WHAT'S IN THE BOX

Tubes, Concentrator Nozzle, Collection bag

WEIGHT

9.92 lbs

WARRANTY

4 years (vacuum) 2 years (battery)

PROS

The device can be transformed from a vacuum into a leaf blower or mulcher in a matter of seconds. Thanks to its handheld design, you can use it for an extended time without wearing out your back or arms.

CONS

The user manual is not detailed enough.

OUR VERDICT

Relatively lightweight and maneuverable, the BV6000 can perform a lot of functions, allowing you to clean your yard or garden easily and fast. The simplicity of use of the tool will be highly appreciated by everyone.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Corded

ENGINE

12 Amp

MODES

Blower/Vac/Mulcher

AIRFLOW VELOCITY/ VOLUME

180-250 MPH/ 400 CFM

USABILITY

Variable Speed, Quick conversion between a blower, vacuum, and a mulcher, Built-in cord retainer, Double-insulated construction, Polarized plug

WHAT'S IN THE BOX

2 disposable bags, Diffuser for use with disposable bags, Detachable shoulder strap, Concentrator, Blow tube, Vacuum tube, Reusable bag assembly

WEIGHT

8.1 lbs

WARRANTY

2-year limited

PROS

Thanks to the concentrator nozzle on the blower tube, you can blow out small debris from tile joints and other tight spaces. And a shredding ratio of 10: 1 means that 10 regular bags of whole leaves will fit in just one.

CONS

The intake tube is funnel-shaped and tends to clog.

OUR VERDICT

The device has three functions in one. The high power mode allows you to quickly clear the yard from fallen leaves, branches, and debris. The ergonomic design and capacious bag with a shoulder strap make it easy to operate the equipment.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Corded 

ENGINE

12 Amp

MODES

Blower/Vac/Mulcher

AIRFLOW VELOCITY/ VOLUME

150-230 MPH / 375 CFM

USABILITY

2-speed control, Quick and easy tool-less transition, Cord retainer, Ergonomic main handle, Auxiliary handle

WHAT'S IN THE BOX

Blower tube, Mulcher tubes, Bag, concentrator nozzle

WEIGHT

9.26 Ibs

WARRANTY

4 years limited

PROS

The angled nozzle lets you clean even difficult-to-reach places and the convenient switch makes it possible to change modes with one touch.

CONS
The vacuum's construction might seem bulky.
OUR VERDICT

After you buy the WORX electric vacuum, taking care of your garden will become the simplest thing ever. The well thought-out design will let you tackle lawns with uneven terrain and get into tricky spots without a hassle as well as easily operate the tool with only one hand. It's a great assistant to mid-sized and smaller lawns.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Corded

ENGINE
12 Amp
MODES
Blower/Vac/Mulcher
AIRFLOW VELOCITY/ VOLUME
210 MPH / 350 CFM
USABILITY
Adjustable speed, Blower to vacuum mode, Extension cord holder, Quick-release tube for easy cleaning
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
Angled nozzle, Collection bag
WEIGHT
9.3 lbs
WARRANTY

3-year limited

PROS

Included is a charger that fully charges the 40-volt lithium-ion battery in just 1 hour. The battery is compatible with other devices in the BLACK+DECKER line, making this perfect for those who use other appliances and tools of this brand.

CONS

Mulch isn't as fine as that from some other units.

OUR VERDICT

The Black & Decker LSWV36 is a productive and functional leaf vacuum with a thoughtful ergonomic design. Allows you to quickly clean the terrace, paths in your yard, driveways and other areas of dry leaves and debris. Suitable for anyone looking for a lightweight and efficient wireless garden appliance.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Cordless

ENGINE

40V/2.0 Ah

MODES

Blower/Vac/Mulcher

AIRFLOW VELOCITY/ VOLUME

120 mph

USABILITY

Low-noise design, State of charge indicator, Power Command controls, built-in scraper in blow tube, Soft grip handle

WHAT'S IN THE BOX

LCS36 Fast Charger, Blow Tube, Vacuum Tube, Collection bag

WEIGHT

5.2 lbs

WARRANTY

3 years limited

Unlimited Mobility

Are you tired of spending your precious time on cleaning fallen leaves or grass after lawn mowers? There is a solution! GreenWorks leaf vacuum is what you really need. This machine is battery powered, meaning it won't produce any emissions and you'll be able to move it freely around your yard reaching all of its corners. Thanks to the G-Max technology which the folks behind GreenWorks have implemented in this leaf model, the machine can operate up to 60 minutes on a single charge which is a very good operating time considering that what we're dealing with is a cordless tool. Charging the batteries isn't a long process either and will take about 2 hours maximum. 

Another thing that adds to the performance and durability of the tool is the fact that it has a brushless motor which, unlike many others installed in regular models, boasts a longer life, more powerful performance, and quieter operation. The combination of a brushless motor and the best technologies used has made it possible to reduce the vibration level of the tool by 70% so you can use it anytime and with maximum convenience.

Power of the Battery

If you worry that battery-powered appliances aren't as powerful as those that run off electricity, we'd like to prove you wrong. And the GreenWorks leaf vacuum we're talking about is a good example of that. Take a look at the technical specifications of the 24322 and compare them with other vacs. Even a very quick analysis will be enough to see that the GreenWorks' 24322 can match the power and performance of corded models. 

The machine features 340 CFM airflow volume and 185 MPH speed, which will enable you to clean both wet and dry leaves as well as twigs and other debris efficiently and with ease. In addition to great speed parameters, the GreenWorks leaf vacuum features three functions such as blowing, vacuuming, and mulching. Basically, this means it combines the functionality of three garden tools so you don't need to buy them additionally. 

Performing any of the functions is easy by connecting one of the attachments that come supplied with the tool (two narrow tubes are used for blowing, while the wider tubes are used for vacuuming). Changing attachments requires neither additional tools nor screwdrivers and can easily be done by anyone. 

Finally, we'd like to turn your attention towards the availability of a shredding function which makes it possible to grind leaves to petite size so that they don't take all space in the collection bag.

Last updated price $214.84
Stock In stock
ASIN B00DRBBRVU

All-in-one Package From a Renowned Brand

The Black & Decker BV6000 is a handheld model that can function as a blower, vacuum, and a mulcher. Fitted with a 12A motor, it generates enough power to perform all those functions fairly well and spare you the trouble of using additional tools.

The Black & Decker BV6000 offers a lot of benefits. With it, you won't need to do a lot of work. It will allow you to quickly blow leaves off your lawn, collect them inside the machine using the vacuum option, and shred them to the condition of fine dust. On top of that, the Black & Decker BV6000 features two speed modes. Thanks to this, the tool can 'eat' different types of debris. To let you understand how it works, 180 mph of speed will be enough to quickly sweep dry or recently fallen leaves while 250 mph will let you remove heavier wastes and some compressed piles.

When it comes to mulching, the Black & Decker BV6000 doesn't trail behind fully-fledged mulchers and is capable of chopping not only leaves but also twigs and small tree branches that have a diameter no bigger than a few inches. The Black & Decker BV6600's equipped with a medium-sized leaf collector designed to hold mulched leaves, small branches, and twigs. Although it isn't as big as that in full-size mulchers, it will be enough for little- to mid-sized lawns.

Though the model is a corded unit, the power cable is long enough to ensure decent coverage and you can always use an extension to clean larger areas and get into some distant corners and work at heights. On the positive side, the consistent power supply will let you operate the unit for as long as you need without stopping for the battery to recharge.

The only negative claimed by most users about this model is somewhat confusing instruction manual lacking detailed descriptions. However, the unit is a breeze to assemble and you’ll quickly get the hang of all the functions.

Two Garbage Collection Options

As a leaf vacuum intended use suggests, the BV 6000 comes fitted with a collection bag to pack up foliage and debris or even mulch if you don’t want to throw it back onto the lawn. The bag is made of durable fabric resistant to wear and tear and has a handy strap for convenient handling when it’s stuffed with garbage. Yet, the multiple-use collection bag needs emptying from time to time and if you are not eager to do that and want simply to get rid of wastes, this model also allows using disposable bags. Two of them are included in the set and you can always get more in the store.

Wrapping things up, this vacuum mulcher from Black & Decker will be a good pick for users that don’t have a huge lawn but still want to maintain a neat, good-looking front yard throughout the year.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $91.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00FREQC10

3 Function Device

Leaf blowers may seem to be a "luxury" item to some, meaning that they're nice to have, but that they're a bit expensive for a single function appliance. But what if a leaf blower can do more than just blow leaves? In a case like this, such a device may seem like a much better value. This is exactly what you get with the GreenWorks 12 Amp 2-Speed Leaf Vacuum \ Blower. This electric leaf blower does more than just blow leaves. It also serves as both a leaf vacuum and a mulcher, making it a much more flexible and handy tool than what many people may have been used to using in the past.

First things first, let's talk about this device's ability to blow leaves. Being a 12 A leaf blower gives it plenty of power for handling all the functions that it is designed to do, and this shows in its blowing power of 150-230 MPH. The higher speed puts it in line with the more powerful models in this list, although since it is a 2-speed blower, you also get a lower speed for times when you don't need as much blowing power.

Also worth noting is the build of the device, an important but often overlooked aspect of leaf blowers. This leaf blower has an ergonomic design that makes it easy to use as well as to hold for long periods of time, and it even comes with a shoulder strap to assist with this.

Convenient Features

To talk a little more about its blowing capabilities, this blower comes with a concentrator nozzle on the blowing tube that lets you blow out leaves and other debris from small nooks and crannies, letting you do a thorough and precise cleaning job easily and swiftly.

Next up, the vacuuming and mulching capabilities definitely deserve a closer look. The device is able to vacuum up leaves quickly without scattering them all about thanks to the wide intake tube opening. On top of that, the mulcher works as a wonderful shredder, cutting the leaves down into very small particles that work well for using them as mulch. Of course, another side benefit of this is in saving trash bags. With how well the mulcher works, what would normally require 10 trash bags in order to hold all the leaves can now fit in just one.

One small problem that many users have noticed is with the funnel-shaped intake tube, which does sometimes tend to clog up when trying to do a quick vacuuming job. We wouldn't say this is a huge problem, but it is something to be aware of. Regardless, the positives of this leaf blower definitely put it in a class above many other models, so it is definitely worth a look if you are needing such an appliance for taking care of your yard.

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B0030BG1D6

Everything is Close at Hand

Another model of leaf vacuum that is worth your attention is the WORX WG509. This electric model works from the home electric power supply. Although your movements are a bit limited by the length of the power cord, it shouldn’t stop you from considering this model as you always have a chance to buy an extension cord. Moreover, this model has a lot of advantages such as lightweight, quiet performance, and lack of emissions. 

As well as the majority of models, the WORX WG509 appliance has three main functions – vacuuming, blowing, and mulching. So what’s special about the tool then? Of course, its usability! The thing is, you don’t need to change attachments for different purposes. Two built-in nozzles (located one under another) are enough to successfully vacuum and blow leaves. The angled nozzle for vacuuming deals with leaves under patio furniture or in difficult-to-reach places.

If you want to change the mode, all you need to do is flip a special switch. Thus, blowing leaves in one heap, then vacuuming them will be a trouble-free and simple process. By the way, you can also shred them with an 18:1 mulch ratio – this function is helpful for saving space in a collection bag or creating fertilizer for the soil. If you feel that the leaves block the system, you’ll be able to solve the issue fast due to the vacuum's design – it is divided into two parts for easy removal of stuck leaves or branches.

High Efficiency

Of course, the usability of this garden equipment won’t interest you unless it is powerful enough to accomplish the tasks you’re going to perform in your garden. As for the efficiency of this model, it can be determined as medium. Its 210 MPH speed and 350 CFM volume assist in blowing and vacuuming dry and a bit wet leaves. There is also the possibility to change the speed of airflow depending on your goal. In general, the WORX WG509 model of leaf vacuum is a good choice for relatively small areas. 

So, if your yard or garden isn’t large but you’re still tired of using rakes, this model of leaf vacuum is definitely what you need.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $130.39
Stock In stock
ASIN B00MN4YCKK

High Quality and Cordless

Black & Decker is one of the most trusted names in the market when it comes to household tools, and with the Black & Decker LSWV36 Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum Kit. This model is a productive and functional leaf vacuum with a thoughtful ergonomic design that is built with both quality and ease of use in mind. With this leaf vacuum, you can quickly clean the terrace, paths in your yard, driveways and other areas of dry leaves and debris, all while providing suitable mulch for your yard. With all of that said, it is worth taking a closer look at this leaf vacuum to see how it stacks up to other models.

First of all, this cordless leaf vacuum is suitable for anyone looking for a lightweight and efficient wireless garden appliance. The device has an ergonomic feel to it which makes it easy to hold, and comes in at a weight of just 5.2 lbs, easily making it the lightest model on our list. Despite its lightweight design, it is no less effective at its job than other models. The leaf vacuum provides an airflow velocity of around 120 mph, which while not being the strongest among our reviewed leaf vacuums, is still plenty strong enough to handle most leaf-cleaning tasks around the house. In short, there is little to complain about here when it comes to this device's overall performance.

Quick Charging

One of the handiest aspects of this cordless leaf vacuum is in how its power management is handled. It seems that Black & Decker really pulled out the stops when it came to making this model efficient and convenient to use. First of all, a charger is included that fully charges the 40-volt lithium-ion battery in just 1 hour. Combined with the fact that most users report a total runtime of around 30 minutes from a full charge, this means that you won't have to wait around all day in order to get your yard cleared of leaves. On top of that, the battery is compatible with other devices in the BLACK+DECKER line, making this perfect for those who use other appliances and tools of this brand.

What else is there to say about this model? Plenty, as we can attest to. This leaf blower/vacuum fits in well with the other multifunctional models in its feature set. You can set it to both blowing and vacuuming modes, with the latter fully utilizing the included half-bushel bag. The leaves are collected in vacuum mode and turned into mulch, just like with most other models, but there is a caveat here. The mulch created with this model isn't as finely ground as it is with many others, although it should still be suitable for a compost pile. Regardless, you will certainly find this high-quality leaf vacuum from Black & Decker to be a great addition to your collection of yard tools.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B006Z63K1O

Infographics


What Is a Leaf Vacuum?

A leaf vacuum is much more than just a vacuum. It's the machine that performs several functions which usually include vacuuming, blowing, and mulching, though not all models are equally versatile.

Leaf vacuums make a great addition to the arsenal of any owner of a private house since with the help of this device it's much easier to keep the territory clean. Leaf vacuums do wonders gulping dry and wet leaves, vacuuming them, and then turning them into a natural fertilizer that can be further used for your garden. Wonder which leaf vacuum will suit your needs? For this review, we've picked some of the best blower vacs available, so you can see what the market offers and decide how much functionality you need. In general, most models are quite similar in features. Where they differ is in power, airflow velocity, and a few other key points that determine how efficient the operation of the vacuum will be.

So, if you are still using your rake, forget it. It's time to face the future and bring technologies to your home. With leaf blowers, it's easy to do.

If you don't find a suitable appliance in this selection, you may also want to check our gas leaf blowers and backpack blowers reviews.

Best Leaf Vacuums

What Features to Compare

Type and Functions

The first thing to pay attention to while choosing a leaf vacuum is its type. There are two of them – gas and electric. In general, the vacuums of the first type are more powerful and efficient. It’s convenient to use them if you don't want to be dependent on the power supply. The only thing you need to start working is to have some amount of gas nearby. Such leaf vacuums let you take care of quite a big territory. Electric leaf blowers are subdivided into battery-powered and corded ones. They aren’t as powerful as the gas ones but still efficient enough to keep a yard of a medium size in order. The main advantage of electric vacuums is that they are environmentally friendly. They are also lighter and work quietly. As for leaf vacuums’ functions, these appliances usually (but not always) perform three of them – blowing, vacuuming and mulching. Thus, you have a range of options to choose from to maintain your yard/garden/field in a perfect condition. We're mainly focusing on the electric ones in this article but picking out the best gas model shouldn't be too tough either.

Efficiency

The efficiency of a leaf vacuum depends on two factors – airflow volume (measured in cubic feet per minute or CFM) and airflow speed (measured in miles per hour, also known as MPH). The greater the volume is, the easier it will be for you to clean your yard – you won’t need to move much to gather all the leaves in one heap. However, if you are going to use the appliance as a vacuum, the large volume might cause some inconveniences. For example, small branches might block the nozzle and clog the vacuum’s system. Thus, we would recommend you to consider models with approximately 400 CFM volume. As for the airflow speed, it determines the ability to blow or vacuum heavy objects such as wet leaves or small litter. If your yard isn’t big, 150-200 MPH is enough to clean it from undesirable stuff.

Usability

This feature varies depending on the vacuum’s type. For example, gas equipment benefits from the ability to start the vacuum with one button instead of pulling the cord. As you need a different speed for vacuuming and blowing, you’ll also appreciate a speed adjustment feature. Electric vacuums are more convenient to use if they have a cord lock system and a cord storage hook. The ability to change modes easily (from vacuum to blower and vice versa) will be another advantage. Finally, pay attention to the attachments compatible with your vacuum. An angled nozzle will allow you to clean places difficult to reach while a narrow one will help manage wet leaves. And, of course, a collection bag lets you gather and store leaves and other stuff until disposal or shredding.

Sources:

1. Leaf Blower Buying Guide, Consumer Reports. September 2016.

2. Choosing the Best Leaf Blower or Leaf Vacuum for Your Needs, HomeAdvisor.

3. Chris Barnes What to Look for in a Leaf Blower Vac, Choice. August 27, 2015.

4. Adelaide Gray How to Buy the Best Leaf Blower, Which?

5. John Kelsey How to Choose and Use a Leaf Blower, This Old House.

6. Leaf Blower Buying Guide, Lowe's.

7. How to Select the Right Blower for You, Yardcare.

8. Gwen Bruno How to Choose a Leaf Blower, SF Gate.

9. Your Guide to the Absolute Best Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers, The Family Handyman.

Other reviews