10 Best Electric Weed Whackers in 2022 (Master Gardener-Reviewed)

Check out our top 10 recommended weed whackers. We've selected the best ones for a variety of tasks. Find yours here, or keep reading for some tips on how to choose the best weed whacker.

*Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Amy Jeanroy.

Weed whackers are handy gadgets that will help you keep your lawn and sidewalks well-manicured. Fortunately, weed whackers come in all shapes and sizes so finding the right fit for your yard shouldn’t be too hard. Here are some pointers to keep in mind if you want to make your work easier and leave your yard looking pristine.

Corded weed whackers are great because they never run out of power, but if you have a large yard, they may not be a practical choice. They may not reach the whole area or be hard to navigate if there are a lot of trees or shrubs in the way. They will be better if you have a small yard where the length of the cord will not be too restrictive.

Cordless weed whackers generally operate on rechargeable batteries. The cordless design is great for larger yards since you can move around freely and it might be easier to reach tricky spots with it. 

However, the batteries can run out while you're using them unless you're diligent about charging them beforehand. If you have a large area to cover, you'll want to make sure you get a powerful battery (or a spare) so that you can get the whole yard done in one session.

You can also consider gas-powered weed whackers. These are mobile, too, but they run on gas instead of electricity and may last longer. Generally, they pack a little more power than electric weed whackers and are good for big or challenging, overgrown yards.

The bigger the yard, the more power you'll want. If your yard is under half an acre, an electric weed whacker will do you just fine. If it's between half an acre and one acre, you can consider a gas whacker, but a cordless one will do fine, too. If you have a yard larger than one acre, you should consider getting a gas-powered weed whacker.

When looking for a weed whacker, you'll likely come across the terms amperage (amp), volts (V), or cubic centimeters (cc). These indicate the electrical power of the motor or battery. Generally, the higher the number, the more powerful the motor.

Amps are typically used for corded whackers and can range from thee to 4.4. Volts are used for battery-powered or cordless weed whackers and come between 12V and 24V. Think about the area you're going to cover and how much of your weed is going to be difficult when trimming it.

Lastly, cubic centimeters are used for gas-powered weed whackers. 15-cc to 25-cc motors give you basic trimming power, although you can find whackers with up to 31-cc if you're looking for one that packs a punch.

Weed whackers are tools that should make your yard work easier. This means you should prioritize finding a weed whacker that's easy to use. When you're looking around, make sure you pick one that's not too heavy; if you can't lift it, you can't use it. That's why a lightweight option offers more portability and maneuverability.

Heavy-duty trimmers can be highly effective on tough landscapes but are hard to maneuver. This might be a better option if you have a large and diverse yard, but keep in mind that you might spend a fair bit of time on trimming.

Look for an ergonomic model with good balance so it's easy and safe to use. High-quality whackers should be easy to keep at the right angle without having to make adjustments all the time. Telescoping shafts and ergonomic handles are also things to look out for if comfort is a priority for you.

Weed whackers typically use strings to trim and chop vegetation. A bump feed weed whacker needs to be manually tapped on the ground to release the string that does the cutting.

This means that if you buy an electric weed whacker with a bump feed, you will have to change the empty spools as they run out. Still, many users find this type of feed system practical and easy to control.

An auto-feed weed whacker doesn't require the manual release of the string and is, therefore, easier to operate. This option will allow you to trim without having to constantly check on the line.

An auto-feed weed whacker is generally fast and ideal if you have a large area to trim. However, since it can be unreliable unless made by a reputable manufacturer, always go for reliable models that have a sturdy construction and efficient design.

Lastly, a fixed-line system allows you to load individual strings into the trimmer, one at a time. This gives you greater control of the length of the string and may be a good choice for advanced users of weed whackers.

String trimmers can have straight or curved shafts. The best way to find out which one you should go for is to try both and see what feels the most comfortable to you. A straight shaft is useful because provides more power to the motor. It can also reach difficult spots more easily.

On the other hand, a curved shaft can be useful if you're planning to trim for prolonged time periods because it provides more comfort. It's typically attached to a gas-powered weed whacker. This option is more popular with professional trimmers.

A retractable or telescoping shaft is a necessary feature for comfort to ensure that you do not have to strain your back or shoulders. Look for a weed whacker with an adjustable height that you can customize to suit the user.

Cutting width refers to the diameter of the string that cuts your weed. So, the larger the number, the more grass it can cut in one go. For large gardens, a cutting width of 15 inches or bigger is recommended. Meanwhile, a more compact width is better for small and tight garden spaces.

If you have a big backyard to take care of and like spending time outdoors, we have some excellent recommendations for you. Check out these articles and see if anything catches your interest!

Author: Irene Ndegwa, Eren Gudny

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