5 Best Weed Eaters (2023 Guide)

You can give your yard a clean and uniform cut by trimming and edging your grass where your lawn mower can’t reach. Trimming, or weed eating, allows you to cut the areas around stationary objects in your yard. Edging helps you cut a straight line in the grass where your yard meets mulch beds, roads, and sidewalks.

To help you select the weed eater that’s best for your lawn, our team evaluated the best weed eaters on today’s market. These are our top recommendations.

Top 5 Weed Eaters

• Best Overall: Husqvarna Detachable Gas String Trimmer
• Best Battery-Powered: BLACK+DECKER Cordless Sweeper & String Trimmer Combo Kit
• Best Corded: Greenworks Corded String Trimmer
• Best Lightweight: WORX Cordless String Trimmer & Edger
• Best Heavy-Duty: CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer / Edger

Best Weed Eater Overall

Pros and Cons

✔ Reduced starter cord resistance assists in starting the engine
✔ Capability to attach pole saw, edger, and cultivator, all sold separately
✔ Curved shaft design helps distribute the uneven weight of the trimmer
✔ Tap ‘N Go string release system gives you more string as needed

✘ Oil and gas must be mixed yourself
✘ Motor has difficulties starting, according to some reviewers

What Customers Are Saying

Many customers we found complimented this product’s power and balance. However, some reviewers noticed a performance decrease while trimming thick grass and weeds. Others felt the weed eater was heavy and awkward, despite the curved design. In one review, a customer detailed beneficial steps for mixing gas and oil, noting that non-ethanol gasoline is best and emphasizing the importance of mixing according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Bottom Line

This string trimmer is designed for homeowners with large lots that require extensive yard maintenance. We find that the power of a gas trimmer is hard to match, especially when cutting thicker yard areas. If you don’t mind dealing with an engine and the maintenance it requires, this weed eater could be a good fit for your trimming and edging needs.

Best Battery-Powered Weed Eater

Pros and Cons

✔ Automatic feed spool system delivers the right amount of line before every use
✔ Low noise design
✔ Charging indicator tells you how much battery is left
✔ Capability to easily convert to trimmer with rotating pole design

✘ Only one battery, so there’s no backup if it dies during use
✘ Amazon reviews consistently critique the leaf blower’s lack of power

What Customers Are Saying

Many reviewers commented on the battery’s longevity. Reviewers we found also praised the weed eater’s balanced weight and telescoping handle that adjusts to the user’s height. While the weed eater’s pole is adjustable, some customers had difficulty turning the pole, and others commented on the pole’s inability to absorb vibration.

Bottom Line

While Amazon customers suggest this trimmer’s battery life is better than most other battery-operated products, it is best suited for small jobs. Since only one battery is included, it’s important to finish the job on one charge. We think that features such as the automatic feed spool system and quiet design make small jobs more manageable.

Best Corded Weed Eater

Pros and Cons

✔ Electric start with cord lock feature
✔ Large cut path at 18 inches
✔ Cushion and over-mold grip for comfort and better handling
✔ Quick connect coupler allows for attachments from various name brands

✘ Variable speed control can be fussy and inaccurate
✘ Bump feed control system malfunctioned for many customers

What Customers Are Saying

One Amazon customer pointed out that the trimmer provides comparable power to that of a gas trimmer without the powerful fumes. Many reviews our team found raved about its easy assembly. While reviewers described the product’s powerful performance, some critiqued its design, citing poor ergonomics that forced the hand to wrap awkwardly around the handle.

Bottom Line

We think this corded weed eater is a good fit if you have a small yard. Though it’s powerful enough to cut through brush and heavy grass on large lots, the cord limits mobility to 100 feet from the power source. Despite an awkward design, the trimmer is affordable and effective.

Best Lightweight Weed Eater

Pros and Cons

✔ Command feed spool system gives you more control at the touch of a button
✔ Spacer guard prevents unwanted cutting of flowers and plants
✔ Free spools for life with paid shipping costs
✔ Interchangeable battery works with a variety of WORX tools

✘ Command feed system is prone to jamming
✘ Battery life can be unpredictable, according to some reviews

What Customers Are Saying

Amazon reviewers agreed that this lightweight mower is suitable for small, simple jobs. One reviewer we found cited the ease of the command feed system for distributing the line. Reviewers had varying responses on the trimmer’s battery life. Some said they could trim for up to 30 minutes on one charged battery, whereas others said they could trim for only 15 minutes.

Bottom Line

This is a suitable weed whacker for individuals who have difficulty managing heavier gas trimmers or have a smaller yard that doesn’t require a weed eater to last over an hour. We think this is an affordable trimmer for tackling small yard work without requiring users to have the technical skills of feeding in a new line or mixing oil and gas.

Best Heavy-Duty Weed Eater

Pros and Cons

✔ Two speed settings to balance the power of the trimmer and its runtime
✔ Adjustable length pole
✔ Push button feed system to deliver trimmer string at the touch of a button
✔ Battery compatible with a variety of CRAFTSMAN tools

✘ Only one battery included
✘ Feed system delivers line every time the head stops spinning, even when it’s not needed

What Customers Are Saying

Reviewers we found were satisfied with the ergonomics of this weed eater, complimenting the user-friendly adjustable shaft and handle. Though some reviewers thought the push-button feed system was unhelpful, others preferred it to other models’ Tap ‘N Go system. Despite being battery-powered, one customer stated the weed eater lasted long enough to trim their almost three-acre yard.

Bottom Line

Our team finds that this trimmer is a good choice if you want something portable and user-friendly. You can focus on your yard’s basic maintenance without the hassle of maintaining an engine or mixing oil and gasoline.

Weed Eater Buying Guide

Before deciding which weed eater is best for you, you should consider several important factors, including the type of weed eater, the fuel source, the line shape and size, and the machine’s function. Read our buying guide below to learn about the most important factors.

Weed Eater Type

Before deciding on a weed eater, it’s important to understand the different types available. There are gas, electric, and battery-powered weed eaters. What’s the best weed eater for your lawn care routine?

Gas Weed Eater

A gas-powered trimmer is a smart choice if you have a lot of acreage and thick grass that requires more power and runtime. However, gas weed eaters are typically heavier, requiring more energy to handle than electric or battery-powered trimmers.

Electric Weed Eater

If you value ease of use, electric trimmers are a good choice. As long as you have a cord and access to an outlet, you have unlimited runtime with a trimmer that is simple to start, quiet while running, and easy to maintain. The downside to many electric trimmers is that they aren’t as portable and can only go as far as the cord will allow. These weed eaters are a great choice for small yards.

Battery-Powered Weed Eater

Battery-powered trimmers are a smart choice if you’re looking for a quiet, portable weed eater that doesn’t release the fumes from gasoline or oil. Many battery-powered trimmers are effective, though some users find these weed eaters to be weak and have longer downtimes due to charging needs.

Line

Your choice in line can make or break getting a chore done as painlessly as possible. Weed eater lines vary in both size and shape. Here’s a breakdown:

Shape

• Round: This shape is basic, easy to find, versatile, and sturdy with minimal breakage.
• Square: This is a heavy-duty choice for tougher weeds but not brush.
• Multi-sided: A step above square as far as durability goes, this is a good choice for thicker brush.
• Twisted: This choice is more expensive but well-suited for heavy workloads.

Size

The thinner the line, the lighter the weed you can “eat.”

• 0.065-0.080: Light work—grass and grass-like weeds
• 0.085-0.105: Medium—grass plus non-woody weed
• 0.110 and above: Heavy—all types of weed and brush

Function

Your weed trimmer’s size, weight, and maneuverability should accommodate the work you need to complete. If your yard has a lot of trees or lawn furniture and you need to get in nooks and crannies, stay away from heavy-duty weed eaters with wide shields. A heavier option may be better if you have an open space and want a power tool to make strong, sweeping cuts through intense brush.

Best Weed Eater Brands

Some of the most reliable weed eater brands include Husqvarna, Greenworks, Ego, RYOBI, BLACK+DECKER, CRAFTSMAN, WORX, DEWALT, ECHO, and STIHL.

Weed Eater Safety Tips

Using a weed eater can be dangerous if proper precautions aren’t taken. Here are some of the most important things to remember to operate a weed eater safely.

User Guide

When it comes to any power tool, it’s important that you know your product model. Review the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly to ensure you understand all the safety risks and recommendations for handling and care.

Maintenance

After use, clean the string trimmer with a cloth and dish soap to avoid a clogged machine. Remove and clean the air and fuel filters and the spark plug. Some gas weed eaters may need oil changes.

In-Use Safety

Weed trimmers can be heavy, commonly at least 10 pounds before being filled with gas. Form matters when using these power tools. Avoid injury by using both hands and a tight grip. Stand straight with a slight bend in your knees. Some customers prefer an over-the-shoulder harness for additional back support. Do not operate the tool within 60 feet of another person.

For additional tips, learn as This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook demonstrates how to use a weed eater safely and effectively:

Frequently Asked Questions About Weed Eaters

When is the best time to use a weed eater?

Our experience shows that weed eaters should be used whenever you mow your lawn to help you eliminate tough-to-get weeds that a mower can’t reach. Unlike mowers, weed eaters can be used all year round to keep up maintenance and eliminate unwanted vegetation.

What’s the difference between a string trimmer and a weed eater?

String trimmers, weed eaters, and weed whackers typically refer to the same product type. The name may vary based on the manufacturer, model, or region.

Can weed eaters be used on wet grass?

Weed eaters should not be used on wet grass. This could lead to scalping or bald patches.

Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team

This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.

We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.

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