Theres no difference between a strimmer and a trimmer, theyre the same tool. One thing to keep in mind if you are considering purchasing this particular model is that the trimming wire used isnt your everyday wire, and while it is much stronger and long-lasting, it is also more expensive to replace. RRP: 199.99 (including battery and charger). I have to say I love the Makita DUR181Z but Ive also had a go with the other strimmers for a bit of balance. 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I bought and tested the new Flymo Contour to see how it stacks up against the other electric strimmers available in the UK. Cordless electric grass strimmers have the same advantages as corded electric models as they are quiet, dont give off emissions, and dont require much maintenance. Just like the UR3000 this has variably adjustable height of shaft for all people. The main things I like about this particular model were that firstly, it runs very quietly so you dont have to disturb anybody if you fancy getting an early start on the garden, and secondly, that it comes with a long 12 metre power cord that makes it practical for small to average-sized gardens. RRP: 129.99 (including battery and charger). Awarded a BBC Gardeners World Magazine Best Buy for ease of use, the Gtech grass trimmer GT50 is a well-designed tool. Deciding which one is best for you all comes down to individual needs and preferences. Whats more, if you compare it with some of its competitors, it runs fairly quietly. The nylon line itself is advertised as being extra strong but I found it to be the same as most regular nylon trimming wire and it breaks from time to time, especially if you hit anything other vegetation. The downside to using a cordless strimmer is that they are powered by batteries that need to be charged before each session and the running time of the battery limits how much gardening you can do. Heres a look at that power on my tested video: The first thing you will notice about the Bosch electric strimmer is that it is very, very light but powerful as a whole package. However, this is still a good choice for those customers on a tight budget and comes with a free 2-year guarantee. Large, double yellow flowers with pom-pom-like centres, bloom from July to September. And like the ART 30 when compared directly, the handle changed position easily too. They were assessed according to the following criteria with equal marks attributed to each: For more information on our testing process, see How We Review. Powered by a 18V, 450W motor, the Makita packs a punch and can deliver running speeds of up to 9000rpm. You may have seen if youve followed my reviews before that I had the AR26 since buying the Bosch Electric Grass Trimmer ART 30 and the Makita UR3000 I really dont have much use for it and so have removed it from my list when they are all compared, sorry AR 26 adios. The plastics used in the casing are a bit hit and miss though. Use a broom or rake to sweep the grass before you start, taking care to look out for small critters like frogs and slow worms, but also larger animals like hedgehogs. Furthermore, the noise level is one of the loudest at 96dB, and this noise is noticeably high-pitched. Well, let me put your mind at ease by introducing you to a monster of an electric garden strimmer- the Bosch strimmer AFS 23-27. Buy the Gtech GT50 from Gtech, Amazon, and Robert Dyas. Specification: Warranty: yes (2 years), Motor power: 950W, Cutting speed: 7000 rpm., Cutting Diameter: 37 cm, Weight: 5.7 kg. Strimmers cut the long grass and weeds that a mower cant reach. This single-line cordless model from Makita is easy to set up thanks to clear instructions. Weve decided to offer electric strimmer reviews that are positioned throughout the price range to make it clearer to see what is available for sale within certain budgets. The whole product including the motor was designed with weight reduction to power and I can confirm from testing multiple units I definitely prefer this on a weight to power ratio. Your email address will not be published. Weighing 5.3kg it is heavier than a lot of other strimmers, but for the extra weight, you get the peace of mind that high-level build quality gives you, and it is still very light compared to petrol models. Id recommend watching the video just to quickly see what I mean by the additional power delivery its similar in power to the Makita UR3000 but nearly as useable/manoeuvrable as the Flymo Contour. This electric strimmer uses a 2mm single feed spool that works with Black and Deckers auto-feed spool system to give a great cut and has a 30cm cutting radius. any extra tools were needed, and how easy the instructions are to use. Specification: Warranty: yes (1 year), Motor power: 450 W, Cutting speed: 8800 rpm., Cutting Diameter: 30cm, Weight: 2.64kg. This Bosch electric strimmer has a semi-automatic feed system for the trim line that releases line from the spool when you switch it on. My Bosch Electric Grass Trimmer ART 30 the handle adjusts very easily for all heights. Thankfully, the handles on the Einhell are large and ergonomically designed so that it is easy to keep control of the tool. Strimmers arent designed to trim hedges, as their woody growth is too thick to be cut with plastic blades or nylon cord, and it would be very dangerous. Each review will also point out the various pros and cons too, so youll find it easier to compare them. Heres a look at that its twin feed: My Bosch Electric Grass Trimmer ART 30 the line spool is reasonably easy to sort out when its jammed. Pick from foxgloves, anemones, cyclamen, ferns and more. The shaft is made of aluminium and this is also a nice feature, as that particular material is well known to be rustproof. Back on point and to summarise the heavier duty motor is surprisingly powerful for its size and has a decent operating speed. Powerbase 550W Electric Grass Trimmer, 30cm, WORX WG184E Dual Battery (x2 18V battery) Cordless Grass Trimmer, Mac Allister 18V LI 18V 280mm Cordless Grass Trimmer. Buy the Powerbase 550W Electric Grass Trimmer from Homebase, RRP: 139 (301 including battery and charger). Many strimmers can also be used to tidy up along the edges of a lawn by adjusting the angle of the cutting head. The one thing I had to sort was the strimmer line. Instead, use a hedge trimmer, or for more precise work, shears, a pruning saw, or pair of secateurs. Black and Decker have been a household name for decades. Up next in our electric strimmer reviews is the Speedi-Trim by popular gardening brand Flymo, priced at around 40. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability. These corded electric strimmers are best suited to people with smaller gardens. If youre planning on edging, you can spin the shaft 180 degrees so that it cuts vertically instead of horizontally and use the built-in wheel edge guide. What are the key features to look out for? The aluminium shaft ensures that rust wont be a problem, and for the most part, the plastic used for the casing is very good. I have to say, I still end up sorting the spool feed just like with any strimmer that uses line if you check my video its pretty straight forward to sort the feed out. Secondly, the shaft is telescopic and can be adjusted to suit the users height, and there is also a large adjustable secondary handle that helps you to balance the 3kg weight of the product. In every review we award outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. First of all, it is made of metal and not plastic so it is more durable when compared to a lot of other strimmers in the same price range. This enables you to tackle overgrown lawns with confidence, and that faith in the products performance is repaid in full when you see the strimmer slice through weeds. Please read our, how easy the strimmers were to assemble, how long this took and if. A brush cutter is a more powerful tool, usually with metal blades, designed to tackle thick vegetation, rough grass, and weeds. The soft-grip loop handles on its telescopic shaft are comfortable and theres a helpful loop for tucking the cable away when youre moving around. Id heard that this strimmer was a bit on the heavy side, but after using it, Id have to disagree. Ok, so on with the reviews. Powered by two 20V lithium-ion batteries, it has a 20-minute run time from a one hour charge, and theres a battery level indicator on the shaft, so you can see how much power you have while youre using the strimmer. Another good feature of this Black and Decker electric garden strimmer is the shaft. UKs best chiminea you can cook on too: cast iron, steel, clay, Best kebab skewers for a super summer bbq, Juicy meat. This Bosch strimmer comes with two different cutting blades- an extra-strong cutting line spool that is probably the most heavy-duty strimmer wire Ive seen come with a product and a triple-toothed, metal brush cutter blade for combating the heaviest undergrowth. Its particularly good when edging due to wheels that help take the strain, so you can achieve a precise cut. Not only does the head rotate into an edger, but it also can be tilted through four preset angles, and I have to say that this feature, when combined with adjusting the length of the aluminum shaft, did come in handy for getting under hedges and in other tricky spots. Theres a safety button, which must be pressed to turn it on, and at 88.5dB this was the quietest strimmer on test, compared to the Powerbase strimmer, which was the loudest at 95dB. There are a couple of quality control niggles, but it is still an excellent strimmer for the price. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best strimmers below. Unlike petrol strimmers of similar power, the Bosch strimmer doesnt vibrate and it runs much quieter. The contour XL can be used as an edging tool and comes with an edging wheel attachment to help guide you along and get those perfectly trimmed lines. Ideal for Paradise or Mediterranean Garden designs. Unlike some other low-cost strimmers, this Flymo has a dual nylon cutting line system that auto feeds to save time, and also has a decent 25cm cutting width. A double line trimmer, it gives a fantastic cut, and thanks to its generous 30cm cutting width, tackles the job quickly and efficiently. Corded electric and cordless strimmers. We like the different speed settings, so you can boost power for longer grass, or reduce it to conserve the battery life if youre just neatening up edges. Between the harness and the adjustable handle, its easy to find the right setup for you to have a comfortable trimming session. Snap up great exclusive offers from our carefully chosen partners, All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. The design is ergonomic and the handle felt easy to hold for me. This inconsistency is a shame really as if it wasnt for that, the Einhell would be ranking higher up on our list. The cutting head rotates to convert to an edger, and the wheels provide support and ensure a neat, consistent cut along an edge. Strimmers are much less efficient at this task than lawn mowers, and its more difficult to get an even cut. Depending on their power and their blade material, they can also tackle woodier growth like ivy, brambles, and stinging nettles. On test it tackled long grass and thin woody weeds on uneven terrain, as well as leaving lawn edges looking neat. Ask any tradesman about Makita tools and Id bet my shirt that the feedback you get is overwhelmingly positive. I really love the Makita DUR181Z electric grass strimmer, Ihave to say: Ive taken a short video so you can see the power involved too. Summary: If I had one grip it would be the spool re-spooling line and sorting out blocks was a bit of a drain as the cap is clipped in far more firmly than the Bosch electric strimmer range: Makita DUR181Z electric cordless strimmer is single line and was a bit fiddly to re-spool, Given the variable shaft and handle, usability on this is easy as you like. This review was last updated in April 2022. For smaller gardens, the 300W motor should be more than enough, especially when you consider Flymos track record for reliability, however, people looking for something with a bit more grunt should look elsewhere. It has several adjustable features, so you can alter the length of the shaft from 115 to 133cm, change the angle of the trimmer head, and rotate this head to trim the edges of the lawn. When I look at its uses its ideal in weight to carry around borders gently taking down the grass edges, but also packs enough punch with a thick enough strimmer line that itll handle nettles, and other weeds. However, we found all its parts stiff to adjust particularly lifting the bump guard up and down and its fiddly to switch between the strimming and edging modes and to extend the telescopic shaft. However, while its efficient, this machine is the loudest on the test at 98dB, and the handles are uncomfortable too. The Flymo Contour XT electric strimmer combines stylish looks with practical features and an affordable price, and is a top selling product in the UK. As with most products these days, the instructions provided are all pictograph and not the easiest to follow but thankfully a little common sense and some google searches will have you set up in no time at all. The 33cm cutting width makes this the widest model in the test. Noise and vibration are about what youd expect too, no better or worse than the vast majority of products in this category. This article is one such page and is focused on the best corded electric strimmers that are available at the moment. And its all about alternatives to me this is not strictly a corded electric strimmer but it would be nothing short of a crime if I didnt at least give you this option. The Flymo Speedi-trim electric grass strimmer weighs only 1.6 kilograms and the curved, molded handles make it very comfortable to hold. Need a new strimmer? They can also help clear overgrowth if youre starting a new garden, and trim vegetation on steep slopes. Hypothetically, you could use a strimmer to cut a lawn, but it would take a long time. Specification: Warranty: yes (1 year), Motor power: 550 WCutting Diameter: 30cm, Weight: 2.7kg. However, as it doesnt come with a support strap, its eventually tiring to use. Subscribe to BBC Gardeners World Magazine and get your first 3 issues for just 5 PLUS receive our 2-for-1 Gardens to Visit Card and Guide. The motor powering this black and decker electric strimmer is a high torque 700W machine that cuts at 7000RPM and doesnt slow down, even when slicing through the most stubborn weeds and overgrown vegetation. We put a range of strimmers to the test, using them in different areas of the garden to see how they coped with trimming long grass and awkward areas. Required fields are marked *. The shaft also has a handy place for storing the long cable on it. In fact, I cant think of any other similarly priced product that compares. This makes it very easy and comfortable to use, even for those who have back problems. There is a downside to this though, and that is the fact that finding a replacement spool of the same wire isnt that easy in the UK, and youll have to search online to order some. It comes with a two year warranty. The 18V, 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery charges in 75 minutes and covers 250 square meters on a single charge. RRP: 178.00 (including battery and charger). Just like most Flymo products, the first thing you notice about this one, apart from the trademark, bright orange color scheme, of course, is the sleek, modern design that stretches from the handle all the way to the tip of the cutting head. If you only need a strimmer for light work at home, you could do a lot worse than the Flymo Speedi-Trim. Heres a look at why I really like this unit: If you take a few minutes to watch my short video youll watch me demolish a small overgrown front lawn with the Makita cordless lawn mower and this electric strimmer its not neatly done but ripping back an overgrown foot long grass is no problem for this electric strimmer as you can see. RRP: 79.99 (includes battery and charger). In this mode, it performs as well as when used upright, and it is easy to balance the end of the strimmer and get a nice, neat cut. I have to say given the freedom of the battery I now much prefer this over any corded strimmer plus, if the work is significantly tougher than just grass, theyve made cordless brush cutters now too. That said, its good value, gives a great cut, and comes with a generous three-year warranty. Heres a look at that: An electric strimmer is a power tool used for cutting grass but is smaller and less powerful than a lawnmower, and so is better suited to trimming the edges of your lawn, or removing weeds from around garden paths. In some places, they are thick and feel highly durable, while in others they seem to be a bit thin and gave me reason to question how long theyd hold up. The nylon cutting wire that comes fitted in the Makita is better quality than what you get with most electric strimmers, and breaks a lot less often. Impactful, bold, bright and long flowering, this hardy sunflower will bring radiant sunshine to your summer and autumn garden. The Bosch AFS is all about cutting power. Another common case of mistaken identity is when people buy a strimmer instead of a brushcutter, and often electric strimmers can be used as such with the addition of a brushcutter attachment, but trying to tackle thick brambles and such with a standard spool fed strimmer will only end in tears. Super lightweight and available for around 30 pounds, theres a lot to like about theFlymo Speedi-Trim Electric Grass Trimmerthough due to the low price, there is a little niggle here and there, but nothing to write home about. This is a direct competitor to the Makita UR3000 and nestles itself beautifully in between the power of the ART 30 Bosch and the manoeuvrability due to its light weight of the Flymo contour. On the plus side, the shaft can be split in two making storage all that much easier. Makita DUR181Z electric cordless strimmer cuts foot long grass with ease. The power cord that comes with this strimmer is nice and long, but unfortunately, there is nowhere on the strimmer to spool and store it, or even to keep it out of the way while you are working. Its especially comfortable to hold when edging, has a simple automatic feed, and a relatively generous 28cm cutting width the widest in the test was the Worx WG184E with 33cm. It also doesnt come with any spare line, and unlike some of other battery powered strimmers, there is no indication of the battery level as you work. It is great for tidying up the edges of your lawn but dont expect it to be a substitute for a lawnmower or more powerful petrol strimmer. Assembly is far from complicated and shouldnt give anyone any problems despite the usual poor instructions that come with it. Buy the Mac Allister 18V LI 280mm Cordless Grass Trimmer from B&Q. Find the perfect plant to brighten partial or fully shaded garden areas, for colour and interest across the seasons. This is a heavy-duty garden strimmer that can cut its way through the toughest weeds and thick long grass easily. The cutting line has a large cutting diameter of 37cm to really speed up your gardening sessions, and the three-tooth, brush cutter blades diameter is 23cm. We also looked at how easy and quick it was to charge the batteries and store the strimmers. The spare batteries for cordless electric garden strimmers can also be quite expensive. Specification: Warranty: yes (1 year), Motor power: 300 W, Cutting speed: 10500 rpm., Cutting Diameter: 25cm, Weight: 2.8kg. It has an automatic feed and we love that theres a storage compartment on the shaft for the spare spool, so its close-at-hand when it needs replacing. Other cordless systems have more battery-sharing tools available. Although the 300W motor is far from the most powerful you can find, it is enough to tidy the edges of a pre-mowed lawn. The metal shaft is curved to give a really nice ergonomic angle that allows you to stand up more upright and still get a great cutting angle too. Petrol strimmers are easily the most powerful type and are better suited to people with larger areas to work on and people who will use their tools commercially. I will talk about the specifications of each one and highlight any particular features that make the models stand out. Theyre great for cutting in tricky places, such as around the base of a tree, the corner of a lawn, or on steep slopes. On the other hand, they do offer more range and freedom of movement. The key thing is to always check before you strim. That said, at 3.9kg its also the heaviest in our test, but the telescopic shaft and adjustable loop handle help to balance this strimmer and make it comfortable to hold and manoeuvre. For such a low price you expect a few flaws and this electric strimmer from Bosch has a few, such as a short power cord. Overall the quality of the product seems good and the plastic seems like it will be quite hard-wearing as long as you are careful with it. Weighing just 1.8kg, its the lightest in the group we tested, but has a relatively narrow 23cm cutting width, so it takes longer to cover ground than the Worx, with its generous 33cm head. Flymos Counter XL strimmer is an extremely popular product here in the UK, and you dont have to search very far to find praise from its many customers. The extra weight isnt really a problem anyway as this Bosch electric garden strimmer comes with its own adjustable shoulder harness. It wont be able to cut through thick undergrowth that has been left unkempt for a long time I keep re-iterating that to manage your expectations on this its a very decent mid range grass strimmer that will do some heavier work. New this year to the electric strimmer list is the Makita DUR181Z electric cordless strimmer. So Ive grabbed a few of the very best electric strimmers in this list and quickly shown you their power. Switching between them is very easy, just the removal of a screw, and there is no need to remove the guard to do so. Short 10m black power cable is hard to see in the grass, Stiff to switch between trimming and edging modes, Telescopic shaft, which separates in two for storage, Battery and charger must be bought separately, Battery only compatible with 2 other Gtech tools, Battery compatible with more than 100 other Makita tools, Part of a cordless system, but only 6 other tools available, Battery compatible with only three other tools. However, it doesnt come with a strap for additional support and becomes tiring after use in the strimmer mode. There is a smaller second handle on top and slightly in front of the main one but anyone with a little bit of strength can use this one-handed without too much bother. Its powered by a large 2Ah 48V lithium-ion battery, which along with the charger is sold separately, making this significantly more expensive than other models in the test. The best robot lawn mower Want maintenance free gardening? Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test. It comes with a generous three year warranty. Do you have some particularly thick vegetation that needs trimming and are a little concerned that an electric strimmer just isnt powerful enough to get the job done? Sporting a 25cm cutting width, and armed with a dual-line spool, this Flymo can make quick and light work of long grass and weeds around the borders of your lawn and path, but as the line that comes with the strimmer is only the thin 1.5mm stuff, it will break on thicker vegetation and if it hits any stones or other hard material. For more lawn tool reviews, check out our reviews of the best lawn mowers, particularly our tests of the best cordless lawn mowers. For a strimmer that does that you need to go up the price range a bit, and invest in a petrol strimmer. A hook on the handle helps to keep the power cord out of the way of the strimmer head. It is slightly heavier than some other electric strimmers, but still a long way from what I would consider heavy, and the weight distribution, combined with the free shoulder strap make whatever extra weight there is, completely unnoticeable. Awarded a BBC Gardeners World Magazine Best Buy for features, the Worx WG184E grass trimmer includes variable speed settings, an adjustable handle and shaft, an automatic feed and wheels. Specification: Warranty: yes (1-3 year), Motor power: 450W, Cutting speed: 9000 rpm., Cutting Diameter: 30cm, Weight: 2.6kg. The adjustable shaft is made from aluminium, making it completely weather and rust proof while still providing a good deal of strength and remaining lightweight. However, youll need to plan ahead for strimming sessions as the 18V lithium-ion battery takes a lengthy four hours to charge to give 30 minutes of power, though there are helpful indicator lights on the battery to keep track of how much time you have left. It copes well with large patches of long grass, as well as hard to reach areas, and cuts lawn edges cleanly.