Gardening is all fun and games until you wake up to a humongous pile of shredded leaves in your backyard.
Moreover, the leaves begin to shed a lot more frequently during the fall season, which makes yard cleaning an everyday task. Nonetheless, Leaf mulchers and shredders always come in handy in ridding us of this stress without forcing us to put in extra hours.
But, there are so many variants out there in the market that it becomes tough for a first-time buyer to know which product is the best. And that’s why we have handpicked 7 of the best leaf mulchers and shredders so that you can choose which one serves your needs correctly.
So, let’s dive deep into the list!
Why Did We Like It?
The WORX Trivac series boasts multiple best-selling products, one of which is the popular Trivac 3-in-1 Electric Blower/Mulcher/Vacuum. If you’re searching for an inexpensive machine for everyday use, we cannot have a more appropriate recommendation than this unit. As for us, we became an instant fans of its ultra-ergonomic design, which also features a shoulder strap feature for increased mobility.
You can wear it as a bag and walk around while cleaning your garden or yard with only one hand. It’s incredibly lightweight, so we didn’t face any shoulder fatigue while carrying it around for a lengthy cleaning session. It offers an average mulch ratio, which suffices for small cleaning tasks.
Furthermore, its tube is specially designed at a curved angle, which helps it penetrate hard-to-reach bushes and drains to ease up your vacuuming jobs. The product also features soft-grip handles, which makes it comfortable for users of all reach lengths to use it. Overall, it may not qualify as an industrial-use product, but it rules when it comes to personal jobs.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The Trivac 3-in-1 turned out to be surprisingly loud, which is a significant disadvantage for a tool that you have to wear while working. Unlike the former Trivac mulcher, this unit doesn’t mulch the leaves straight into the garbage bin.
Why Did We Like It?
We were looking for a powerful-yet-affordable leaf mulcher when we came across the Earthwise GS7001515 unit. Surprisingly, this product seems to offer a lot more than what we pay for it. It beats most of the WORX leaf mulchers in terms of power and efficiency, and the credit goes to its long-lasting 15-amp electric motor. It offers a satisfying all-in-one mulching/vacuuming experience with its mobile dust collection bin.
Similar to the WORK Trivac, this product is capable of transporting shredded leaves directly into its collection bin. Apart from leaves, you can also use this product to clean almost any kind of waste. However, the icing on the cake here is its 1.2-bushel bin, offering you enough space to mulch heaps of garbage at once, without consuming a lot of time.
This machine further makes an appropriate companion for composting jobs, because it can chip small tree branches and twigs too. We’re also a fan of its advanced safety features, including a leaf chute and tamper tool.
If you’re new to mulching and shredding, you can prevent accidental hazards by using its overload protection feature. Not to forget, its sturdy rear wheels make it reasonably convenient to move around.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Although it can mulch small twigs, it would’ve been better if the product was capable of chipping large branches like the WORX models. Also, we personally find it a tad heavy for a medium-duty leaf mulcher. The manufacturers should further consider issuing a warranty period for this product too.
Why Did We Like It?
The Trivac range has undoubtedly redefined user convenience with such a vast palette of features that it offers without costing a fortune. It’s pretty impressive how this product can mulch the huge piles of leaves straight into your trash can while giving you 100% user control. Honestly, it feels like a mini-me version of the popular WORX 13 amp leaf shredder- only a lot lighter and quicker.
It comes equipped with an adapter bag and an extended vacuum tube, which can be directly attached to the opening of your garbage bin. While being used, the machine automatically transports the mulched leaves into the garbage container through the tube. Not only does it save you plenty of time by disposing of the shredded garbage automatically, but it also leaves very little post-work cleaning work to do.
Furthermore, you get a brand-new 26-gallon garbage bin with this machine, which saves you from buying a new bin if you don’t have one already. Also, its electric motor is specially engineered to produce very low noise levels, which was a much-needed upgrade since the loud WORX 13 amp unit.
What Could’ve Been Better?
We’re a little disappointed that the product doesn’t come with any warranty. Also, as we’ve said, it’s a compact mini-me version that may not deliver as much power as our other recommended leaf shredders. And on the flip side, it appears a little pricey for the product category it falls in.
Why Did We Like It?
Some of us usually look for low-priced products that come in handy during seasonal yard cleaning, and the Toro leaf blower is a perfect option for those people. It’s probably the most inexpensive unit on our list, so you can always go for it if you’re running short of cash. Also, we found it pretty appropriate for beginners to use- that’s how easy it is to operate.
The manufacturers haven’t compromised with the product efficiency for cost-cutting either, which is proven by its multifunctional usability. Although it’s a decent mulcher, it’s also pretty good at leaf-blowing and vacuuming yard waste.
In fact, the manufacturers claim that this product can offer a 97% size reduction from leaf to mulch, which is pretty amazing. It also uses a dual metal propeller, which gives you finely shredded leaves every time. Also, this unit offers a maximum capacity of 410 CFM, when it comes to vacuuming.
However, what we’ve liked the most here are its multiple speed modes. In other words, this product offers a high-speed mode for large-scale cleaning and a low-speed mode for small tasks, giving total control to the users. You can use it anyhow and anywhere you want because it’s also very lightweight and easy to carry around.
What Could’ve Been Better?
As we’ve mentioned before, there’s no guarantee that this product will last you for a long time. Considering that it’s manufactured in China and is available at a surprisingly low price, it may not even last for a few months. Neither could we find a lot of customer reviews for this product, which makes us seriously question its reliability.
Why Did We Like It?
This product doesn’t miss out on a single useful feature that a leaf mulcher must have. If you’re stressed out by cleaning out your garden and porch daily, this is a quick purchase that you can consider to make your daily life a little more comfortable. Also, we’ve found several similarities between this unit and the WORK Travic product, the biggest of which is the direct garbage disposal feature.
Yes, the Flowtron allows you to dump the shredded leaves straight into a garbage bin too. In case you don’t have a bin, you can hang the mulcher on the included stand right above your compost pile for better results. However, it gets an advantage here, as it weighs around 17 lbs. Being a lightweight product, it’s a lot easier to carry around without stressing your arms.
Also, we’re a fan of its detachable air filter, which extends the longevity of its motor by minimizing dust and dirt. It mulches leaves swiftly and precisely like a ninja- all thanks to its authentic double-cutting line design. Noteworthy to mention, we were able to reduce 11 bags of leaves into a single bag of mulch, which shows that this unit offers a decent leaf-to-mulch ratio.
What Could’ve Been Better?
There’s honestly not much to complain about this product, except for how often the wire cutters need to be replaced. Also, we wish that it could be a little more compact because it can be a bit troublesome storing this equipment. And we’ve found most of the buyers complaining that the switches on some models tend to malfunction, which can be a manufacturing defect.
Why Did We Like It?
B&D is one of those brands that don’t need any introduction when it comes to premium household tools. And its all-new 3-in-1 electric mulcher easily stands out as one of the best leaf mulchers, regardless of pricing categories. Despite being ridiculously inexpensive, it surpasses most of our recommended products in terms of the leaf-to-mulch ratio. Yes, its 16:1 mulch ratio is surprisingly too good for a product at this price bracket.
Speaking of performance, the BV6000 features a 12 amp motor, which can be used both for blowing or vacuuming. Furthermore, it also works as a decent mulcher that can shred around 16 bags of leaves into one, giving a very close competition to the Super handy electric mulcher.
However, we’d say that it features the most efficient vacuum on our list, as it’s proven to operate 50% quieter than most of the leaf vacuums available in the market.
Operating this device is easy as cake because it comes with fewer buttons. It features a large center button, which turns on the vacuum with a single click. We’re also pretty impressed by its ergonomic design and portable frame and would recommend it to any household owner looking for a quick fix to their yard-cleaning nightmares.
What Could’ve Been Better?
We’re a little upset that this product isn’t available as cordless, as the long wires can get in your way while working and cause an accidental hazard. And although it’s pretty good for small-duty jobs, it isn’t as powerful as the stationary products on our list.
Last but not least, we’ve noticed that the machine tends to get heavier while vacuuming leaves, which is a little inconvenient.
Why Did We Like It?
First and foremost, big ups to Worx for packing such a vast array of features within this unit, making it one of the most powerful pieces of equipment in the gardening tools market. Apart from that, this product also features quite a compact and lightweight frame, which makes it easier to carry around and store. In case you’re having storage space issues in your garage, you can opt for this product with your eyes closed.
Moving forward, we have to mention how strong its 13 amp motor is; it can mulch around 53 gallons of leaves within a minute. No matter how large the heap of leaves is, this product is guaranteed to clean every last bit within a few minutes. Now that’s fast!
The Worx leaf shredder also comes with a leaf disposal bag for higher efficiency and is capable of reaching up to an 11:1 mulching ratio, which is quite impressive.
This product is also quite user-friendly and features a singular button that shuts it down and turns it on with only one press. Also unlike the typical leaf mulchers, instead of using metal blades, this product is equipped with a heavy-duty grass trimmer line. Not only does it save this model from rust or dullness, but it also makes it a lot safer for the user.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Unfortunately, we’re a little annoyed by how the model produces unbearably loud noises while being used. And that’s why it’s best to use protection for your ears while operating this machine. Also, we’re not a fan of how this product relies on extension cords. But then again, electric machines are not all rainbows and butterflies.
Best Leaf Mulchers & Shredder
Here’s the list of the 13 best leaf mulchers & shredders in 2023, so you can easily choose the right one to tackle those piles of shredded leaves and make yard cleaning a breeze.1. WORX Trivac 3-in-1 Electric Blower/Mulcher/Vacuum – Best for Portability
If you’re still not convinced by the Trivac Blower/Mulcher, here’s an even more compact and portable alternative- the WORX Trivac 3-in-1. Although there isn’t much difference between these two products, the 3-in-1 unit raises the bar even higher for portability with its carry-on bag feature. On that note, let’s check out why we liked it!
WORX WG509 12 Amp TRIVAC 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower with...
- [LEAF BLOWER, MULCHER & VACUUM] Yard work doesn’t stand a...
- [QUICKLY SWITCH MODES] Changes from leaf blower to vacuum...
Pros
- Very lightweight and portable
- Ergonomic design
- Decent mulch ratio
- Reasonable price tag
Cons
- Loud motor
Mulch Ratio: Average | Dimensions: 20 x 15 x 9 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Voltage: 120V | Portable Yes
2. Earthwise GS7001515 15-Amp Electric Garden Chipper/Shredder – Best for Power
Although Earthwise isn’t one of those names that we come across too often, its out-of-the-box innovations can surely give major brands stiff competition. Likewise, its GS7001515 unit comes with an advanced 15-amp motor that makes leaf mulching look like a cakewalk. However, this unit has a lot more to offer than that, so let’s check it out!
Sale
Earthwise GS70015 15-Amp Garden Corded Electric Chipper,...
- Powerful mulcher wood chipper with a 15-amp electric motor...
- Safety shutoff with quick re-set button: When overloaded the...
Pros
- Multi-functional leaf mulcher
- Spacious disposal slot
- Value-for-money product
- Easy to use and store
Cons
- A little heavy
Mulch Ratio: High | Dimensions: N/A | Weight: 29.8 pounds | Voltage: 120V | Portable No
3. Worx Trivac Blower and Mulcher – Best for Convenient Disposal
Globally established brand WORX Tools co. has bagged another position on our list with the latest addition to its Trivac product range. It’s popular among DIY gardeners as an efficient leaf blower-cum-mulcher tool under a reasonable budget. If you’re trying to hit two birds with one stone, you should aim for this product. Let’s dive deep into its core features!
Sale
WORX 12 Amp TRIVAC 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower/Mulcher/Yard...
- [LEAF BLOWER, MULCHER and VACUUM] The proprietary design...
- [A WIDE, STRONG STREAM OF AIR] 600 CFM (Cubic Feet per...
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight
- Transports mulched garbage into the bin
- Quiet and smooth motor
- Easy to use and carry
Cons
- Lacks power
Mulch Ratio: Low | Dimensions: 35.5 x 10 x 14 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds | Voltage: 120V | Portable No
4. Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum Mulcher
We’ve recently tested the 51621 UltraPlus, one of the best-selling leaf mulchers manufactured by international power tools brand, Toro co. All we have to say here is that if you’re not looking for a leaf mulcher that’ll cost a fortune, this product can be a smart short-term investment you can consider.
Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum, Variable-Speed (up...
- Superior blowing and mulching proven by controlled...
- Powerful up to 250 mph degree. 350 CFM blow mode and 410 CFM...
Pros
- Meager price
- Lightweight frame
- Can blow leaves at 250 mph
- Suitable for beginners
Cons
- Not reliable
Mulch Ratio: High | Dimensions: 45 x 9 x 14 inches | Weight: 8.9 pounds | Voltage: N/A | Portable Yes
5. Flowtron LE-900 Electric Leaf Shredder
Commonly known as “the ultimate mulcher” among professionals, the Flowtron LE-900 surely has a few heads turning with its top-notch power and performance. This product offers a huge variety of useful features in a lightweight and portable frame, which makes it an ideal household tool. Let’s find out more about this product!
Sale
Flowtron LE-900 The Ultimate Mulcher Electric Leaf Shredder
- 17 pounds; limited one-year warranty
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Decent mulch ratio
- Reasonable price tag
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Storage issues
Mulch Ratio: High | Dimensions: 23 x 19.5 x 19.5 inches | Weight: 17 pounds | Voltage: N/A | Portable Yes
6. Black and Decker BV6000 High-Performance Blower/Vac/Mulcher
Any conversation about high-performance power tools is always incomplete without a Black and Decker product. We were fortunate enough to have a hands-on experience of the much-talked-about BV6000 multifunctional mulcher/vac/blower; we can’t wait to share our experience!
BLACK+DECKER Leaf Blower & Leaf Vacuum, 3-in-1, 12-Amp,...
- HEAVY DUTY ELECTRIC BLOWER AND MULCHER: High-powered 12 amp...
- 3 TOOLS IN 1: Blower, vacuum, and mulcher keeps the yard...
Pros
- Speeds up to 250 mph
- Low price tag
- Ergonomic body
- 12 amp motor
Cons
- Not powerful
Mulch Ratio: High | Dimensions: 15.63 x 1 x 20.6 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds | Voltage: 120V | Portable Yes
7. WORX 13 Amp Electric Leaf Mulcher
As we move on with our list, let’s have a quick peek at one of the most easy-to-use leaf shredders that we’ve tested recently. The 13 Amp electric leaf mulcher by Worx has been making waves in the market with its impressive 11:1 leaf-to-mulch ratio. Besides, it also makes an ideal companion for those who haven’t used this sort of equipment before.
WORX WG430 13 Amp Electric Leaf Mulcher
- [53 GALLONS/MIN] That’s right, the 13.0 Amp motor mulches...
- [RIGHT INTO THE BAG] Disposes of leaves and debris into a...
Pros
- A compact and lightweight frame
- 13 amp electric motor
- Enhanced safety features
- Easy shutdown button
Cons
- Noisy motor
Mulch Ratio: Very High | Dimensions: 22.6 x 22.6 x 13.2 inches | Weight: 20 pounds | Voltage: N/A | Portable No
Best Leaf Mulcher & Shredder Comparison Table
| Product | Mulch Ratio | Dimensions | Weight | Voltage | Portable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WORX Trivac 3-in-1 Electric Blower/Mulcher/Vacuum | Average | 20 x 15 x 9 inches | 11 pounds | 120V | Yes |
| Earthwise GS7001515 15-Amp Electric Garden Chipper/Shredder | High | N/A | 29.8 pounds | 120V | No |
| Worx Trivac Blower and Mulcher | Low | 35.5 x 10 x 14 inches | 8.6 pounds | 120V | No |
| Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum Mulcher | High | 45 x 9 x 14 inches | 8.9 pounds | N/A | Yes |
| Flowtron LE-900 Electric Leaf Shredder | High | 23 x 19.5 x 19.5 inches | 17 pounds | N/A | Yes |
| Black and Decker BV6000 High-Performance Blower/Vac/Mulcher | High | 15.63 x 1 x 20.6 inches | 8.1 pounds | 120V | Yes |
| WORX 13 Amp Electric Leaf Mulcher | Very High | 22.6 x 22.6 x 13.2 inches | 20 pounds | N/A | No |
Buying Guide For The Best Leaf Mulcher & Shredder
Leaf mulchers and shredders aren’t something we buy every day. And most of us are unaware of the main features to evaluate before purchasing these products. On that note, we’ve enlisted some of the critical factors that you must cross-check before buying a leaf mulcher.Motor Efficiency
The central aspect of any machine is its motor efficiency, without a doubt. Similarly, you must ensure that the motor is powerful enough to serve your needs. If you’re searching for a mulcher to finish personal jobs, a standard 12-amp engine may suffice.Safety Features
These machines work with sharp blades, and some of these products are powered by electricity. With that being said, always check whether the product comes with sufficient safety features before buying. For instance, even an automatic shutdown feature can enhance product safety by several notches.Storage
Mind you, some of these products are large and stationary. It may be troublesome to store these products if you don’t have sufficient space in your garage/workspace. And in case you don’t, it’s wise to opt for a non-stationary/wearable leaf mulcher.Leaf To Mulch Ratio
The higher the leaf-to-mulch ratio, the lesser time it would take to finish heavy-duty jobs. If any product offers a mulch ratio of less than 10:1, it shouldn’t be worth your investment or consideration.Environment-Friendliness
Usually, gas/oil-powered leaf mulchers tend to have a higher environmental impact due to its powerful engines. Such high emissions aren’t suitable for the air we breathe in, and that’s why you should mainly opt for electric mulchers.Leaf Mulcher & Shredder FAQs
What is the motor efficiency I should look for in a leaf mulcher?
The motor efficiency is a critical factor to consider when buying a leaf mulcher. For personal jobs, a standard 12-amp motor should be sufficient.
Are safety features important in leaf mulchers?
Yes, safety features are essential in leaf mulchers, especially since they work with sharp blades and some are powered by electricity. Look for features like automatic shutdown to enhance product safety.
What should I consider regarding storage for leaf mulchers?
If you have limited space in your garage or workspace, it’s wise to opt for a non-stationary or wearable leaf mulcher that is easier to store.
How important is the leaf-to-mulch ratio in a mulcher?
The leaf-to-mulch ratio is important because it determines the time it takes to finish heavy-duty jobs. Look for a mulcher that offers a mulch ratio of at least 10:1 for efficient performance.
Conclusion
Not only do leaf mulchers and shredders help you collect fallen leaves, but they also make disposing of the garbage easier by shredding it down into bits. So, if you have trees in your porch or backyard, a leaf mulcher/shredder makes for must-have equipment you should always keep within arm’s reach. On that note, we hope that you’ve enjoyed going through our 7 best leaf mulchers and shredders list. But before we sign off, let’s go for a quick recap. For portability, the WORX Trivac 3-in-1 Electric Blower/Mulcher/Vacuum is an ideal option with its lightweight design and carry-on bag feature. If power is your priority, the Earthwise GS7001515 15-Amp Electric Garden Chipper/Shredder is a good option, offering a strong motor and ample mulching capacity. And for convenient disposal, the Worx Trivac Blower and Mulcher is the right choice, mulching leaves directly into your trash can with ease. Say goodbye to the hassle of manual yard work and embrace the convenience and effectiveness of these top-rated tools. We’ll return soon with more useful product reviews, so stay connected! Related Articles 8 Best Blowers For Drying Cars This Year 10 Most Powerful Leaf Blowers to Consider 7 Best 21-inch Mulching Blade 11 Best Compost Aerators Right NowThis post first appeared on Homesthetics Magazine - Architecture Art Design, please read the originial post: here
