The 10 Best Mulchers
This review has been updated 28 times since it was first published in April of 2021. Facing a pile of leaves in your backyard? No problem. You can easily turn them into useful plant bedding with one of these garden mulchers, shredders, and chippers. We’ve included some affordable models with lower capacities that are great for smaller yards, as well as heftier machines that can destroy branches up to 3 inches thick.
10. Sun Joe
This freestanding model from Sun Joe (around $128) has a high reduction ratio, resulting in finely chopped material that’s perfect for the garden. Its specially-designed safety hopper features a locking knob that prevents the motor from operating when the unit is opened.
- Good for twigs and small branches
- On a convenient 2-wheeled cart
- Gets bogged down with wet materials
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9. Flowtron Ultimate
The Flowtron Ultimate (about $164) can be fitted with a bag, or placed directly over a bin or trashcan for simple debris collection. A wide hopper makes it easy to load with large batches, though the motor isn’t as powerful as some others.
- Swivels to just the right angle
- Coarse to fine size adjustments
- Can get jammed up by small sticks
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8. Tazz K32
Covered by a 5-year warranty, the Tazz K32 (appx. $549) is ideal for large farms and landscaping applications that require a serious chipper. The rugged debris bag features a bottom zipper for easy emptying, and a dock-and-lock connector for quick hook-ups.
- Optional vacuum kit available
- Durable 11-inch wheels
- A little pricey for most home users
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7. Earthquake Chipper
If you’re serious about making mulch, then consider the gas-powered Earthquake Chipper (around $1799). While it’s extremely expensive, it’s a truly professional-grade machine, with heavy-duty components that reduce waste to 5% of its original volume.
- Patented dual triangular hammers
- Handles branches 3 inches thick
- Not intended for domestic use
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6. Black & Decker BV6600
With a capable, 12-amp motor and two speed selections, the Black & Decker BV6600 (appx. $76) can help you loosen up those matted leaves, and produce a fine fertilizer for your flower beds, although it’s not terribly effective at breaking down larger waste.
- Blower reaches speeds of 250 mph
- Durable metal impeller won’t clog
- Bag tends to wear out prematurely
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5. Patriot Products
The heavy-duty Patriot Products (about $1130) has a top-mounted, extra large hopper that easily swallows piles of difficult organic material. It tears through branches up to 2.5 inches in diameter, and starts up rather quietly with just the flip of a switch.
- Low-maintenance motor
- Doesn’t produce any smoke or fumes
- Its high torque comes at a high cost
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4. Worx TriVac
The Worx TriVac (appx. $284) is a versatile piece of equipment that can serve as a blower, a vacuum, and a mulcher, all in one convenient package. It’s great for streamlining yard work, and its compact size makes storage and transport easy.
- Quick blower-to-vacuum conversion
- Well-balanced and easy to maneuver
- Variable speed for dynamic control
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3. Husqvarna 125BVX
At just under 10 pounds, the Husqvarna 125BVX (around $142) is surprisingly light for a gas-powered appliance and, thankfully, it’s not quite as loud as their dirt bikes. It is, however, one of the best ways to carry a powerful leaf vacuum to the far corners of your property.
- Continuously variable speed control
- 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Easily washable filter
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2. Worx WG430
The Worx WG430 (appx. $110) is tailored specifically to destroying leaves, thanks to a bladeless design much like that of a string trimmer. It’s easy to load, creates a consistent end product, and will take care of most homes’ autumn needs.
- Easy tool-free assembly
- Includes 24 replacement lines
- Won’t hurt your back at all
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1. Toro UltraPlus
Rated among the best leaf blowers by Consumer Reports, the Toro UltraPlus (about $90) takes handheld shredding to the next level. It can suck up to 450 cubic feet of air per minute, cutting 97% of yard debris down to half-an-inch or smaller.
- Quieter than most options
- Weighs just under 9 pounds
- No need for mixing oil and faShred ring ensures consistent outputuel
