Here at Homyden, our editors independently research, test and recommend the best products. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made from our chosen links, there is no additional cost to you.
That’s where weed eaters come in – they are machines made specifically for solving this issue, and they do it marvelously. That’s not all they do, though – the best weed eaters can offer you so much more and getting one can make taking care of your lawn and yard that much easier.
In this article, we’ll go over what weed eaters are, how useful they can be, and offer you our opinions on some of the best products on the market that we’ll present here. So let’s begin.
Why Buying a Weed Eater?
Buying a weed eater might seem like a luxury purchase at first, something that’s not so necessary – your lawn mower can do just fine, right? Well, not exactly. It can’t go around edges, tight spaces or near walls and such, and trying to do that might just break it. Leaving tall grass and weeds around also isn’t harmless as it might ruin your fence, your walls, your sidewalk and so on. By that we mean it won’t just make it look bad – the roots will eventually just crack the concrete.
Deal with strong weeds or taller grasses with the best weed eater
So, you need to take care of such things, but cutting them manually can be a real chore. That’s what weed eaters are for – also known as string trimmers. They were invented in the 1970’s and work on a rather simple principle of centrifugal force – a line turned fast enough and held out from its housing becomes stiff and can cut efficiently. The line is wound, by hand, on a reel and both ends are left extending from the housing. The reel is turned by the motor, and the line extends cutting everything in its path. When the line wears out, it can be replaced by hand, or in more modern models with an ‘auto-feed.’ On some, a metal blade can be attached in place of a string for more heavy duty tasks.
While they all work on the same principle, not all weed eaters are equally useful, and some of them might just be a pure waste of cash. So, how to spot a best weed eater? Well, it’s not easy, but we’re here to help. We compared some of the best products on the market in this roundup, reviewed them and outlined what makes them good and what makes them bad, which should help you decide when buying one for yourself. We even added some user feedback for extra info. So, let’s take a look at these great weed eaters!
Meet the Best Weed Eaters
The Good: It’s lightweight, adjustable, versatile and has adequate power.
The Bad: Only uses a single line for cutting.
The Bottom Line: This is a great product in almost every regard and barely has any failings.
The Good: Incredibly versatile and able to transform into two other machines.
The Bad: Issues with the handle and the line feed not working properly.
The Bottom Line: Decent product that’s worth checking out, but has plenty of flaws.
The Good: It’s a decent weed eater but also a great edger.
The Bad: Poor quality line and a long, non-adjustable shaft.
The Bottom Line: It’s only a serviceable weed eater but a much better edger if that’s what you need
The Good: Lightweight and powerful dual-line gas powered weed eater with various attachments.
The Bad: Attachments don’t snap on properly, stop button malfunctions, the motor vibrates too much.
The Bottom Line: The power, versatility, and portability of this product are great, but it’s impossible to overlook all the flaws it has.
The Good: It’s a dual-line battery powered machine with a surprising amount of strength.
The Bad: Seems to be poorly constructed.
The Bottom Line: It looks great on the surface, but it might fail you due to the poor construction.
The info here is just a quick overview – the more detailed opinion and reviews follow below.
All of the Factors Considered
With such an astounding amount of variety on the market, picking the best weed eater for you might be a difficult proposition. While they are rather simple machines, distinguishing the good ones from the useless ones is more than just a matter of looking at the numbers. So, here are the most important things to consider when picking a weed eater. We hope this will help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Power Source
Weed eaters are most commonly powered by either electricity or gas. There are various upsides and downsides to either of those two variants.
Electric trimmers require far less maintenance than gas powered types, cost less up front and in the long run, they are lighter and more portable, don’t produce any harmful fumes and make much less noise. On the other hand, they are usually less powerful and have a shorter reach, especially the corded variants. Battery-powered variants also exist, and they have better reach and portability, but also feature a far more limited operational time.
Gas-powered weed eaters are more powerful and offer better reach while being able to run for longer periods of time. They are however noisier, harder to maintain, require constant oil and gas refills and are heavier.
What you need and what you’re willing to put up with is what will influence your choice here.
Cutting Diameter
The cutting diameter of a weed eater is the diameter of the spinning head to which the cutting line is attached. It essentially tells you how efficient a weed eater is, as those with a larger cutting diameter can get through larger areas in a shorter amount of time.
Cutting diameter tells you how efficient a weed eater is
However, a large cutting diameter is only good if backed up by an adequate amount of power – if the strength of the motor is not sufficient it will result in less cutting strength. Conversely, some manufacturers use smaller cutting heads on machines with weaker motors to keep the cutting strength up to snuff.
It’s important to note that weed eaters with a smaller cutting diameter can get into tighter spaces more easily and are more maneuverable. You should consider what you need and pick according to that. 10 to 14 inches is decent enough for smaller and medium yards, but for larger ones, you can go up to 20.
Number of Trim Lines
Most weed eaters usually have either one or two trimming lines, and the difference is more significant than it might seem at first.
Single-line weed eaters are easier to reload with line and require less fiddling around. However, dual-line weed eaters are better at cutting, since they cut twice with each turn of the head. The downside is that they are more difficult to reload with the line if one of the lines breaks.
In general, dual-line weed eaters are considered better, but some do prefer single-line machine, click here to see more discussion on this topic. The choice is up to you.
Reach
The length of the shaft, as well as the length of the cord (if it has one), are the things that affect the reach of a weed eater. The shaft length is usually more important as a longer shaft allows the weed eater to reach into various places where a lawn mower can’t, getting rid of the pesky grass and weeds that reside there. However, a shaft that’s too long might be unwieldy for a short person, while one that is too short might make using the weed eater troublesome for a tall person. You should look carefully and pick a shaft length that will fit you. Adjustable shafts also exist, if you think that’s what you need.
Versatility
Weed eaters are machines made with a singular purpose in mind, which can make them seem rather limited and not worth the price. Well, various extra features can amend that and make the weed eater easier and more comfortable to use.
Features like an adjustable shaft, varying speed options, and different attachments can make a weed eater into so much more. If you don’t think one of these is worth your money, some extra features might make you reconsider as they can turn the machine into a lawn mower, a pole saw a cultivator – you name it.
Now that you know all that let’s see how our top picks ranked in these categories.
In-depth Reviews of 5 Best Weed Eaters
BLACK+DECKER LST400 Trimmer and Edger
Key Features
Strong Battery-powered Motor
The strong motor with 20 volts of power behind it ensures that this weed eater will be cutting at incredible speeds. It can even be adjusted between 7200 RPM for maximum power and 5500 RPM to maximize run-time.
Wide Cutting Diameter
With a cutting diameter of 12 inches, this weed eater is rather wide for a battery-powered unit and can get rid of weeds or grass in the corners of your yard in almost no time at all.
Long & Adjustable Shaft
The shaft features a sliding clamp that makes it adjustable with a length of up to 12 inches, meaning it is easily fit for almost any task around the house, able to maneuver into tight nooks and crannies with ease.
Convenient & Versatile Design
The head of this trimmer can be rotated up to 180 degrees, allowing to be used as an edger as well. The automatic feed spool system that it has dispenses more line whenever you need it, without you having to trouble yourself. Various other features make this weed eater comfortable to use in a variety of situations.
Customer Reviews
Who Should Buy this Product
This weed eater easily fits anyone with a small or medium sized yard that needs a light, powerful unit to get rid of all the weeds and grass in hard to reach spots. It’s easy to use, cordless and extremely lightweight, portable and has an adjustable shaft length for extra comfort and versatility.
What to Watch Out For
The only thing that holds this unit down is the fact that it’s a single-line trimmer, meaning it won’t fit some people and it doesn’t work as fast as a dual-line machine would. It’s a shame, but it still doesn’t stop it from being a fine piece of kit, even though it could be better.
The Conclusion
It’s not just one of the best battery powered weed eaters – it’s one of the best overall. It’s lightweight and easy to use while having a large amount of power, good reach, decent cutting width and it’s incredibly adjustable. The only blemish in its record is the fact that it’s single-lined, meaning that it just doesn’t fulfill its full potential. Regardless, it’s still an incredible product.
Purchase this Product on Amazon.com
WORX Wg180 GT3.0 String Trimmer
Key Features
Powerful Motor
Powered by a 40V battery, this weed eater offers a surprising amount of strength for a cordless machine, running at a speed of up to 7600 RPM with ease. All of this with a weight of only about 8.2 pounds.
Good Cutting Width
With a cutting diameter of 12 inches this weed eater can do any job in a short amount of time. Even people with larger yards should be able to get some good use out of it.
Telescopic Shaft
Adjustable, telescopic handle that extends up to three feet in length makes this weed eater have a great reach while being fit for almost anybody to use without a problem.
3 in 1
This weed eater can also be used as an edger and as a small lawn mower, thanks to its back wheels – the conversion is tool-free as well. Add to that the 90-degree rotating head, automatic line feed and a quick release lever for telescopic height adjustment, and you got yourself an eminently versatile machine.
Customer Reviews
The battery is good, give around forty minutes of running time, and the machine itself is durable and has a nice look. Overall, I’m satisfied with it, aside from the one problem.
Who Should Buy this Product
For anyone who needs a best weed eater that can perform a variety of other functions, you’re in luck; this one’s for you. It offers a lot of bang for your buck, allowing you to get more use out of it than you would get out of any comparable weed eater, making it a worthy purchase.
What to Watch Out For
There are a few smaller issues that plague this weed eater. First off, the automatic line feed is not as useful as you might think, as it constantly malfunctions and feeds line when it’s not supposed to. Then there’s the issue that the handle is too small for taller people, even when fully extended. And so on, you get the point.
The Conclusion
Overall, this is a quality smaller machine that will get the job done and offers plenty of incredibly useful additional features that can always come in handy. However, plenty of niggling flaws stop it from being a true five-star product. Still, it’s not bad for the price, and you will get plenty of good use out of it.
Purchase this Product on Amazon.com
GreenWorks 21302 Cordless String Trimmer
Key Features
Powered by a 40V Battery
This battery-powered edger has an astounding amount of strength for such a machine, allowing it to achieve great cutting power, more than similar machines, while also being able to run for a long time.
Incredible Reach
With a long shaft, this weed eater can reach almost anywhere, making it able to get rid of all the pesky weeds, wherever they may grow.
Single-line Operation
Uses a single line that has to be manually replaced to cut grass and weeds, making it simple to use and maintain, easier than a machine using a dual-line setup.
Wide Cuts
The cutting width of 13 inches puts this weed eater on par with corded variants and even comes close to gas-powered types, it’s no slouch. You can even run it at varying speeds for extra control of how fast you cut and how quickly your battery runs out.
Doubles as an Edger
The pivoting head of this weed eater along with a wheel allow it to be used as a surprisingly effective edger. The head can be put in three different positions for extra versatility and control.
Customer Reviews
Overall, I like it, but it could be better. Maybe I should have gotten the model with dual strings.
Who Should Buy this Product
This weed eater is ideal for people who don’t want a weed eater but an edge trimmer instead. Yes, that is weird, but it works extremely well as an edger, possibly better than as a weed eater, making it a rather strange product to be sure. It’s still a perfectly functional weed eater, though, just nothing exceptional.
What to Watch Out For
There are a couple of things – first, replace the line as soon as you get it. The line it comes with is plastic, poor quality and you won’t cut much with it. Second of all – and this is not a fixable problem – the shaft is too long for most people, and it cannot be adjusted in any way. Check the size before you buy and consider if it will be comfortable for you.
The Conclusion
Here we have a perfectly serviceable weed eater that has an extra trick up its sleeve – it’s an edge trimmer in disguise. Yes, it works better for that purpose, even though it is marketed as a weed eater. However, it’s not without problems – the biggest of which is the non-adjustable shaft. It’s still a fine product, though nothing exceptional.
Purchase this Product on Amazon.com
Husqvarna Gas Straight Shaft String Trimmer 128LD
Key Features
Strong Gas-powered Engine
Inside this weed eater is a powerful 28cc engine that allows it to cut at high speeds of up to 8000 RPM. Despite that, it’s surprisingly lightweight for a gas machine at only 11 pounds.
Dual-line Weed Eater
With two strong cutting lines at work this machine is capable of cutting twice as fast as single-line units, making each turn of the head count for double and its 8000 RPM worth a full 16000.
Great Cutting Width
The cutting diameter is 17 inches, allowing this weed eater to just cut through anything in a flash, getting every job you put in front of it done in record time.
Amazing Reach
The long shaft of this unit allows it to reach anything and you can use it in almost any situation.
Attachment Capable
The design of this machine makes it capable of supporting various attachments, turning it into various gardening machines. You have to buy the attachments separately, but they are worth it.
Customer Reviews
Who Should Buy this Product
Gardeners looking for a lightweight gas-powered weed eater will find their fix here, as this machine fits that description and boasts a surprising amount of power. It’s also highly versatile, being able to transform into various other tools, which justifies its price easily.
What to Watch Out For
There are a few different failings this unit has – for example, the attachments don’t snap on properly because of how it’s designed, and they might fall off during use. Moreover, the stop trigger can malfunction, meaning that it could be difficult to stop the motor. The motor itself is also questionable as it vibrates way more than it should during full-power use.
The Conclusion
At first, this seems like a great product – that much power in such a little machine, and such great cutting width! However, the problems it has can seriously get in your way and even pose a safety hazard. They make this unit a difficult sell, even though it has great specs.
Purchase this Product on Amazon.com
DEWALT DCST920P1 Brushless Trimmer
Key Features
Brushless Motor
This electric motor, powered by a 20V battery, maximizes both efficiency and durability while not losing any strength. It’s a lightweight motor making the whole unit compact and easy to maneuver with – it weighs only 8.5 pounds.
Wide Cutting Swath
The 13-inch cutting diameter of this weed eater makes it a force to be reckoned with, as it can easily clean up all the weeds in your yard in no time at all.
Dual-line Trimmer
The dual-line system inside this weed eater allows it to cut twice as efficiently as comparable machines, making it a real powerhouse. Combined with its wide cutting swatch this turns it into a surprisingly effective machine, especially for a battery-powered one.
Variable Reach
The handle can be adjusted up to a massive reach of 40 inches, making it able to reach anywhere you might need to, without issue. It can reach your roof if you ever need to do that, or go into incredibly tight spaces.
Highly Adjustable
What makes this unit highly versatile are a variable speed trigger as well as a precise speed control switch.
Customer Reviews
Who Should Buy this Product
Anyone looking for a best battery powered weed eater that uses two lines should look no further – this is the product you should get. It offers great cutting power for its size at a fair price. It even has a better run time than similar, but less powerful, machines, making it a great deal.
What to Watch Out For
The worst problem here is that the dual-line mechanism in this unit is a bit messy, making the line difficult to replace even for experienced users. Moreover, the shaft doesn’t stand up to scrutiny, and the two-piece construction makes it seem rather flimsy and prone to failing. There are other smaller problems, but you get the gist of it – it’s not a perfect machine.
The Conclusion
Here’s something you don’t see every day – a battery powered weed eater that uses two lines for cutting. Even more so, it excels in areas like motor power, cutting width and running time. However, there are plenty of small, niggling issues with it that point to some poor design decisions and flimsy construction, making it difficult to recommend, even though it’s a stand-out product.
Purchase this Product on Amazon.com
The Best Weed Eater – BLACK+DECKER LST136W
There are plenty of different weed eaters on the market, and the amount of choice is incredible, probably larger than ever before. This makes it difficult to pick out the best machine, since there probably isn’t one, especially since different people use them for different things. For us, however, the best weed eater out of all the ones we listed here is the BLACK+DECKER LST400 Trimmer and Edger. We picked it as the best because it’s the only weed eater out of all of these where we simply struggled to find any flaws – all the others have some obvious failings, but not this one. It isn’t the greatest in all areas, but it fairs well in each of them and is just a reliable, hassle-free machine that won’t fail you in the short-term or the long run.
The Conclusion
While BLACK+DECKER LST400 Trimmer and Edger is our best pick, as we honestly do think it’s the best weed eater out there right now, it might not be fitting for what you have in mind, and the other products we listed here are also fine and might fit you better. In the end, the decision is up to you – we just hoped we helped you make it.
If this article gave you some useful info and helped you, please do share it around with people who need the same kind of help. Have a good day.
Weed eater that’s a new one to me but it good to know that there’s a machine that can they can’ cut strong weeds or taller grasses, as well as the edges and tight spaces around the lawn. This is great!
After going through the article, I see where weed eaters come in – they are machines made specifically for solving issues like handling strong grasses, stubborn grasses and tall grasses – doing it marvelously. That’s not all they do, though – the best weed eaters can offer you so much more and getting one can make taking care of your lawn and yard that much easier.
Thanks for the awesome article about weed eaters and their great difference to a lawn mower. But personally i have seen the picture and the weed eater looks like it makes the cleaner dirty and that is a major factor for me.
I definitely could have used these weed eaters when I was landscaping a few years ago. The dual-line system and wide cutting range are pretty impressive with the Dewalt. I also really like the adjustable settings with the Black + Decker and the Worx. I think every model listed has pretty good reach, which is why they are all stand above supplies. Thanks for sharing.
The weed eater WORKS GT2.0 is very versatile and has a good power source, I like it. but what i like most is that it’s able to transform into two other machines.
I always try to look at the power consumption when choosing a weed eater. I am very environmentally aware.
I’m in love with the BLACK+DECKER LST136W 40V. It is very fairly priced.
The HUSQVARNA 128LD really stands out to me. If I’m ever out to get a weed eater that’s the model I would get.
I really need a weed eater, my yard is bushy and messy.