The 10 Best Electric Weed Eaters
This review has been updated 5 times since it was first published in March of 2021. If a lawn mower is the bread and butter of your yard maintenance equipment, a quality weed eater serves as a tasty side dish. These electric string trimmers can access tight areas that are inaccessible to a mower, such as the edges alongside flower beds, the space beneath hedges, and around fences and mailboxes. We’ve included options suitable for anything from overgrown grass to thick vegetation.
10. Black+Decker LSTE525
If you go with the Black+Decker LSTE525 (around $164), you’ll get a solidly built machine that will make quick work of tall grass and coarse weeds. It’s a practical choice for residential applications, such as tidying up the edges of paths and flower beds.
- Cutting swath of 12 inches
- Durable plastic components
- Disappointing battery life
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9. Greenworks BST4000
A well-placed variable speed trigger on the Greenworks BST4000 (around $75) allows you to transition from tufts of overgrown grass to thick, unwanted vegetation without a problem. It charges fairly quickly, though it could use a shoulder strap.
- Well-balanced design
- Helpful battery life indicator
- Head angle does not adjust
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8. Craftsman CMESTA900
For a rather compact, lightweight model, the Craftsman CMESTA900 (about $52) delivers a workmanlike performance, with a sturdy trim guard and an adjustable handle that both help make the job as painless as possible. It offers a combination of torque and maneuverability.
- Not too noisy while in operation
- Spool is easy to change
- Requires an extension cord
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7. Worx WG170
No matter the size of the user or the remoteness of the nooks and crannies you’re trying to access, the Worx WG170 (about $111) offers the versatility you’ll need. Its handle can be adjusted to seven settings, while its head can be rotated to six positions.
- 2 resilient rubber wheels
- Smooth telescoping shaft
- Built-in extra spool holder
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6. Ego Power+ Trimmer
Before you fire up the Ego Power+ Trimmer (about $119), make sure you’re wearing closed-toe shoes, long sleeves and eye protection. This high-velocity machine is no toy, and you don’t want to become a victim of fast-flying debris. Its aluminum body features a comfortable grip.
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
- Highly efficient brushless motor
- Charges very quickly
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5. Black+Decker LST136
A practical option for ensuring that your suburban property always looks fresh and clean, the Black+Decker LST136 (about $131) is both lightweight and well-balanced. It may not offer overwhelming power, but it’ll vanquish your average overgrown patch in a hurry.
- Converts from trimmer to edger
- Has a useful auxiliary handle
- Super precise around trees and posts
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4. Makita XRU02Z
On a single charge, the Makita XRU02Z (around $99) can operate at full throttle for up to 45 minutes, which is plenty of time to whack a typical yard. It has a well-designed spool system, and the string that comes with it is stout and durable.
- Runs at 78000 rotations per minute
- 8 inches of length adjustment
- Head rotates 180 degrees
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3. Worx WG154
Transitioning the Worx WG154 (about $60) from its trimmer configuration to its edger setup requires only a few seconds and minimal mechanical knowledge, allowing you to focus on tidying up your lawn instead of fiddling with your equipment.
- Nice value for its versatility
- Cutting width is adjustable
- Front handle offers reliable control
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2. Makita XRU09Z
The Makita XRU09Z (about $180) is a heavy-duty trimmer, complete with a robust brushless motor, two speed settings, and dependable batteries. It’s surprisingly quiet for such a forceful model, and it provides enough precision for detailed work, too.
- Can run for 1 hour straight
- Impressive amount of torque
- Stays cool during extended use
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1. DeWalt DCST990H1
With a wide, 15-inch cutting path, the DeWalt DCST990H1 (about $286) enables you to carve smoothly through thick vegetation and tracts of tall grass that are in desperate need of some love and attention. It’s comparable in performance and speed to a gas-powered model.
- Strong metal gear case
- Minimal vibrations in your hands
- Long-term durability
