Despite using high-quality machinery for removing the dust from our homes, many of us still bend our backs to remove leaves manually during the fall season. Alternatively, some of us remove the leaves using standard vacuum cleaners, which results in clogging of the tubes. This new year, you can choose to continue with the outdated methods, or shift to a leaf vacuum mulcher.

A close cousin of the leaf blower and vacuum cleaner, the mulcher nevertheless has some vital differences which make it important to gather sufficient information on the category in general and also the best products in the market today. To save you the hassle of going through endless product descriptions that promise the moon and sifting the truth from the marketing claims, we’ve provided below vital information about mulchers, buying tips from experts, and reviews of top rated mulchers available in the market.

Best Leaf Blower Vacuum Mulcher Reviews

It is one of those balmy summer evenings, and you and your family are relaxing on the green grass beneath a canopy, grilling and listening to music. A strong wind pushes nature debris from the street to your clean green yard, abruptly ending the lingering chill. Finally, you realize the importance of a leaf mulcher and the need to buy one.

Leaf Mulcher Blower: Black+Decker Lswv36 40v Lithium Ion Sweeper/Vac

Breaking away from the tradition of vacuum leaf mulchers with battery support that demands a massive price, this Black and Decker lswv36 40v Lithium-Ion sweeper/vac product comes with a 40w Lithium battery, which allows the product to charge faster and work longer. The available battery power can be used in two modes – maximum power and maximum run-time – so you can modify the model according to priorities set by you.

Coupled with the ability to blow leaves if needed and the ability to switch between vacuum and blowing modes easily, this engine product offers enough muscle to clear out the average lawn with ease.

Interestingly, this muscle is coupled with sufficient design specialty for the product to be used in odd-shaped regions. This design includes a built-in scraper in the blowpipe, which allows the user to clear out leaf mats that have been created due to rain, etc.

BLACK+DECKER BV3100 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower, Leaf Vacuum, Leaf Mulcher

Highly recommend | Check Price

This BV3100 12-Amp corded 3-in-1 leaf vacuum mulcher with up to 120 mph blowing power is another affordable leaf vacuum from Black + Decker. It offers high vacuum and mulching performance converting ten full bags of mulch to one bag making your yard clean in a second. It also comes with two easy-to-control power options for each yard.

Equipped with a 12-amp electric motor, the Black+Decker BV3100 reduces noise by up to 50% while emitting zero emissions, making it environmentally friendly. Furthermore, with a weight of only 7 pounds, the BV3100 yard vacuum is easy to use and maneuver, leaving your vast yard immaculate in seconds.

BLACK+DECKER BEBL7000 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Mulcher Vacuum Blower

The Black + Decker 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower model is one of the most cost-effective but powerful leaf vacuums available. It’s ideal for clearing, edging, and clipping leaves and other debris in general. It has a top air speed of 250 mph and a strong suction, making it ideal for clearing medium and heavy-duty chores. In simple terms, it blows up debris at a pace of 400 cubic feet per minute with a mulch ratio of 16:1, making clean-up quick and easy.

With a weight of only 11.2 pounds, the leaf vacuum allows you to cover a vast area. It also comes with two power boost buttons to help you switch on and off to different yard tasks. Furthermore, the Black + Decker 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower is affordable and comes with an easy-to-wear backpack.

Toro 51609 Ultra 12 amp Variable-Speed (up to 235) Electric Leaf Blower/Vacuum with Metal Impeller

Matching the WORX product closely, this offering from Toro 51609 Ultra 12amp comes with a powerful motor that can create airspeed of up between 112 and 235 mph. Coupled with a bag capacity of 390 CFM and a number of variable speed levels, this allows the product to offer mulching and blowing options without compromising on overall versatility or quality.

Where Toro really shines though is in the hardware – there is a special metal impeller blade in this mulcher too, and for good measure, it has been coated with magnesium. Furthermore, depending on the speed being used, there are two inserts – power insert and concentration insert, which decide the type and speed of leaf mulching/blowing. When added to the “Ultra” blower mechanism and the range of speed options, it becomes clear how this product can achieve a 16:1 leaf volume reduction ratio in a short span of time.

WORX WG509 Electric TriVac: Leaf Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher

Boasting a variable airspeed of 75 to 210 mph, this WORX offering’s 12 amp motor is further enhanced by options like six speed settings and throttles control. This system allows the product to scatter/collect leaves from large areas, as well as remove them slowly from sensitive and narrow regions. Indeed, such versatility extends to the function modification system as well, with vacuum and blowing modes being interchangeable using a simple hardware button.

In addition, two points need to be made about the design – the Worx WG509 leaf vacuum and mulcher comes with a special angled tube having a curved tip, which makes removing leaves from inaccessible areas easier.

Secondly, the product’s mulching system is composed of a two stage mechanism – a standard mulching stage followed by a rare impeller mulching mechanism that reduces the leaves to minute pieces with a volume that is 18 times lesser than the original volume of the leaves consumed. Last but not least, the machine carries out all these tasks without raising the noise level above 71 decibels.

WORX WG505 TRIVAC 12 Amp 3-In-1 Electric Leaf Blower and Vacuum Mulcher

The second WORX candidate on this list, WG505 offers a powerful 12 amp motor that boasts a maximum air speed of 210 mph and a minimum of 75 mph. Like its cousin mentioned above, there is no requirement for tube-changing when it comes to shifting the work mode, and this, coupled with the 1-bushel capacity bag that comes with the product, allows the user to work in different modes without having to change anything beyond the configuration of a lever on the product.

In the true spirit of a leaf vacuum mulcher, the product comes with a metal impeller that can turn 16 bags of leaves into one bag of leaf dust. This is coupled with the nice 14 gallons per minute processing capacity of the vacuum system, which ensures that the fine leaf dust is created at a speed that is convenient to your schedule.

Best Leaf Blower Vacuum Review

DEWALT DCBL720B 20V MAX  Lithium Ion XR Brushless Cordless Blower

Among the most popular of the brushless handheld blowers in the market today, this Dewalt DCB720B offering manages to clear a marvelous 400 CFM courtesy of a superior axial fan design and a number of electrical innovations. Combine this with 90mph top speeds and you have a blower that can handle even the toughest of yards.

At the same time, this Lithium-Ion monster is easy on the muscles, weighing in at just 7.1lbs. This allows its maximum capacity of 20V battery to be utilized without ending up with muscle cramps. Throw in a variable trigger and speed lock, and it becomes clear that this blower engine is the ideal solution for all except the largest of yards.

Greenworks 24012 Single Speed Electric Blower Engine

For those seeking a lightweight no-frills solution for their lawns/backyards, this Greenworks 24012 device comes with a healthy 7amp motor that can be bumped up to 9amps for some added power. At either rating, the motor ensures excellent clearing, going up to 530CFM and speeds of up to 160mph.

All of this is packed into an ergonomic design that doesn’t exceed 20 inches (Its blower tube measures 20 inches long), nor demands that you carry more than 4.8lbs. With no gas or cord hassles to deal with along the way, these features combine with the safety lock mechanism to ensure that small to medium homeowners get their best bang for the buck.

WORX WG518 Electric Blower/Mulcher/Vac, 12Amp

One of the most versatile multipurpose garden tools from WORX, the 3 in 1 Handheld Leaf Vacuum Mulcher Blower WG518 offers two speeds for those who prefer greater adaptability. Given that the powerful motor translates this into 250mph and 400 CFM at full capacity, the adaptability is hardly a trade-off for sheer power. Add to that the 16:1 mulching ratio and you have a powerful all-rounder.

Of course, this all-rounder can also brag about a total weight of 10.8lbs, which is remarkable considering this is a multipurpose unit and not simply a blower. Equally remarkable is the handheld blower’s ability to provide decent recharge cycles by virtue of its efficient 12amp motor. Add to these convenience features such as the one-touch blower to mulcher conversion and safety lock mechanisms, and you have a great option for the suburban homeowner seeking more than the average blower.

WORX TURBINE 12 Amp Corded Leaf Blower with 110 MPH and 600 CFM Output and Variable Speed Control – WG520

If achieving high CFMs in the range of 450-600 CFM is your goal, the Turbine is your ideal companion. Having been fitted with a top-end motor and WORX’s trademark Turbine fan technology, this beast pumps out 60-110mph without stretching the engineering.

On the power front, the Turbine uses the more traditional corded power supply but amply compensates for the reduced mobility this causes, courtesy of the efficient 12amp motor and a weight not exceeding 6.4lbs. Add variable speed control and decent safety features to the mix and the Turbine appears as one of the best corded offerings, even for homeowners with comparatively large lawns/backyards.

GreenWorks Pro GBL80300 Leaf Blower

Among the few cordless units to lay claim to being a true gas-blower replacement, this GreenWorks Pro unit backs up its boast with a motor capable of achieving up to 500 CFM clearance. With blow speeds reaching an admirable 125mph, the Pro managed to remove everything from autumn leaves in the garden to water on the patio.

Such work, however, was achieved without any strenuous effort given that the entire unit (battery included) weighs in at less than 8.2lbs. This is all the more remarkable when you realize that the battery packs 80V, charges in less than half an hour and can provide over an hour of service at top speeds. Consider these with the all-too-evident lack of a trailing power cord, and you have a unit that packs a punch without straining the back!

Tanaka Commercial Grade THB-260PF Gas Powered Handheld Leaf Blower

The commercial-grade leaf blower suits small yard blowing jobs. With a lightweight of 10.1lbs, it’s easy to bear in one hand and experience less fatigue. Its 25cc engine and the 1.3HP drive the high-velocity air of 393 CFM (at round tube) output to blow all types of debris from the yard without any struggle.  The cruise control and the innovative high fan nozzle allow for easy and efficient work of directing debris.

With a noise level of 68dbA, Tanaka leaf blower is relatively quiet to operate in the neighborhood. To further reduce the fatigue during operation, it has the soft grip handle feature that supports the comfortable hold and in addition, allows you to rest your finger off the trigger for protracted operations. Thus you don’t have to constantly press on the trigger from start to finish. Although it’s gas-powered, the PureFire, low emission technology, and CARB compliance make it hard to ignore!

What is a Leaf Mulcher Vacuum?

Leaf vacuum mulcher engine, as the name suggests, uses a vacuum to remove leaves from lawns, patios and other areas. Unlike the ordinary vacuum cleaner that you use to remove debris from your lawn, the mulcher has special blades that slice and dice the leaves into small pieces. These can, depending on the type of the best leaf mulcher vacuum (discussed below), be removed or restored to the lawn to act as fertilizer.

Mulching leaves every fall is vital because of a number of reasons

• Helps uncover grasses and flower beds, thereby allowing them access to sunlight and pollen.

• Ensures snow/rain during winter falls on the flower beds directly. If snow falls on leaves lying above flower beds, they can suffocate the plants underneath.

• Prevents leaves from turning into a soggy mat come spring rain.

• Prevents growth of crabgrass and dandelions, according to research by MS University.

• If left as mulch in open areas, they decompose and act as mulch.

• Ensure that an unsightly mess of leaves is not created in the lawn.

Other reasons

Despite recognizing the importance of removing leaves and/or mulching them, some garden owners consider mulchers to be a professional-only appliance. They instead prefer normal yard vacuum cleaners or leaf blowers without mulching facilities. Doing so is tantamount to doing a disservice to your lawn because

Ordinary vacuum cleaners cannot remove the leaves because of their typically larger size and presence of hard leaf stems. Using a vacuum cleaner will not only clog the tubing, but can cause worms and bugs to enter the cleaner along with the leaves. This can create a headache later when using the cleaner for cleaning the interior of the house.

Leaf blowers without mulching attachments/options are usually meant for moving the leaves from one place to another without breaking them down. You will still have to remove the leaves separately, unless you want to be criticized for leaving heaps of leaves around. Further, such removal prevents the lawn from benefiting from the mulch being mowed into the lawn as fertilizer.

Make sure to visit guide on how to pick the best leaf vacuum mulcher to access all the helpful information you need to find the perfect tool for your leaf management needs.

Types of Leaf Vacuum Mulchers

Since leaf mulchers evolved from various other gardening tools, they do not have a standard classification of their own. However, you need to know some broad classifications that set one mulcher apart from another –

Bag or without bag

Standard leaf mulchers

Come with a bag or basket in which the mulched leaves are collected, to be thrown away or returned to the soil as the need may be. The bags themselves are carried on the shoulder, or pulled/pushed along with the mulcher itself by means of an extra wheel.

Mulchers without bags

They are somewhat cheaper, but they tend to throw the mulched leaves back onto the ground. This is acceptable as long as you begin mulching from the edges of the garden and intend to return the leaves back into the ground, but in other circumstances, it is best to collect the leaf residue together in a bag for easy disposal/dispersal.

Gas or electric

Gas Leaf Mulchers

Belonging to the older generation of leaf vacuum mulchers, these products use gas to run the mulcher. The obvious benefit of this is that the mulcher can be carried around regardless of the electric supply situation. Indeed, if you are planning on opening a garden cleaning service and/or have to work in large areas (like orchards), a gas-powered leaf mulcher is a good idea.

The problem however is that the gas mulchers are extremely heavy, and cannot be used in areas of extreme heat. Further, gas mulchers are extremely noisy and can produce smoke if proper maintenance is not carried out.

Electric-supply only Leaf Mulcher Vacuum

Some products need an electric supply instead of gas to work, and this allows them to be quieter and cleaner than gas mulchers. Further, since gas tanks are not needed, the products are lighter and can be moved quickly and stored without fear of gas leaks.

The flipside of these mulchers is that they can only work in the area serviced by the power cord and/or generator

Battery powered leaf mulchers

The most advanced mulchers available, these products come with a small but powerful battery that can be used when the mulcher is out of power cord range. At other times, electric power allows the product to run and the battery to charge simultaneously.

The problem with these mulchers is that they typically come with a high price tag, though with improvement in technology, the prices have come down vis-à-vis the other mulcher categories. Indeed, many of the best blower vac mulcher today are those that come with both electricity-only and battery powered hybrid functional modes.

Tips for Choosing the Best Leaf  Vacuum Mulcher

Each person has his/her own garden size, tree composition and time schedule, and this area vital to deciding what type of product will be the Best Leaf Vac Mulcher for him/her. However, as general pointers when going shopping for a mulcher, you should keep in mind

Motor specifics

While the best products mentioned above never go below 12 amp motor power, the threshold for acceptable products is 10 amp. Below this air speed, it is impossible to obtain thorough mulching regardless of the overall capacity of the machine to handle leaves.

Reduction ratio

The reduction ratio refers to the ratio in which the original leaf volume is reduced when passed through the mulcher. Good ratios are in excess of 16:1 and can go up to 18:1 for top products.

Speed variations

All of us have garden sections that are filled with nothing but tough grasses, and also parts having delicate plants. Using the leaf vacuum mulcher at full speed in the former makes sense, but can damage the plants in the latter. Variable speeds, which can save these plants from damage is, therefore, a vital feature of any product. Aim for products with at least 2 genuinely different air speed variations.

Easy mode switching capability

Most modern mulchers also come with a leaf blower and vacuum integrated, so it makes sense to be able to shift from one mode to another at short notice. The best products come with a single lever or switch for making this transition.

Powerful impellers

Though it is not necessary for impellers to be made of metal, it is important for them to be present and be capable of taking high leaf debris impact while chopping the leaves into fine pieces.

Nozzle/pipe design

The nozzle or pipe (also called tube) of the product should be designed to fit into small spaces without creating a vortex of dust and residue that increases your work. A curved nozzle and a wide tube are the best solutions for the average garden mulcher, though more specialized attachments are always useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the operational mechanism of a leaf vacuum mulcher?

A leaf vacuum mulcher operates by utilizing suction to collect leaves and debris. The device typically consists of a powerful motor that creates airflow, drawing in leaves through an intake nozzle or tube. Once inside, the leaves are shredded by sharp blades or impellers, reducing their size and volume.

The mulched leaves are then collected in a bag or container attached to the vacuum. This mechanism allows for efficient leaf collection and simultaneous shredding, resulting in smaller pieces that can be used as mulch or easily disposed of.

Do Leaf Vacuums Work on Mulch?

When it comes to removing waste from your yard, a leaf vacuum is your greatest friend. Yes, a leaf yard vacuum, also known as a blower vacuum, can be used to suction mulch. Ideally, the vacuum sucks up debris, shreds it, reduces it to mulch, then collects it in a bag. However, the leaf vac has limitations, such as the fact that it only works with dry leaves and can only amass a small amount of debris at a time.

What Should I Get Between A Leaf Blower And A Vacuum? 

It is incredibly impossible to choose between these two gardening tools, as they perform nearly identical tasks. However, there are a few slight variations between the two. The primary function of a leaf blower is to blow or push debris, while a leaf vacuum can both blow and suck the debris. So, on which gardening tool to pick, we recommend a leaf yard vacuum, but what will ultimately determine your choice is the job at hand.

Is it permissible to use a leaf vacuum mulcher on wet leaves?

Using a leaf vacuum mulcher on wet leaves is generally not recommended. Wet leaves tend to be heavier and more clumped together, making them more challenging to effectively vacuum and mulch. The moisture content of wet leaves can also clog the vacuum and hinder its performance. It is preferable to wait for the leaves to dry before using a leaf vacuum mulcher to ensure optimal results.

Dry leaves are lighter, easier to suction, and less likely to cause clogging. However, it’s important to consult the specific manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions for your leaf vacuum mulcher model, as some may have features or settings that allow for limited use on damp leaves. Always prioritize safety and the proper functioning of the equipment when deciding whether or not to vacuum wet leaves.

Can You Use A Leaf Vacuum Mulcher On Gravel?

A leaf mulcher’s function is not to suck up gravel because doing so could cause mechanical damage to the machine. However, use the lowest setting of the vacuum if you need to suck up other debris, such as leaves from a graveled yard.

How Much Does A Leaf Mulcher Vacuum Cost?

Collecting debris in your home compound using a traditional rake or by hand is a daunting task. Fortunately, in the present day, there is a wide range of tools that can help you perform this particular task with ease. A leaf vacuum blower mulcher is one of those finest cleaning tools that does not disappoint. It sells for a reasonable price that varies depending on power options, performance, and features. 

Which leaf vacuum mulcher is recommended as the top choice for leaves?

Determining the best leaf vacuum mulcher for leaves depends on various factors such as personal preferences, yard size, and specific requirements. However, some highly recommended options in the market include models from reputable brands known for their quality and performance. These top choices often feature powerful suction, efficient mulching capabilities, and user-friendly designs.

It is advisable to consider factors like motor power, shredding ratio, ease of use, durability, and customer reviews when selecting the top leaf vacuum mulcher for your specific needs. Conducting research and comparing different models will help you find the ideal leaf vacuum mulcher that suits your requirements and provides excellent leaf vacuuming and mulching performance.

Are there available leaf vacuum mulcher options on the market?

Yes, there is a wide range of leaf vacuum mulcher options available on the market. These products offer efficient leaf collection and mulching capabilities, making yard cleanup easier. Here are four popular leaf vacuum mulcher options:

Worx WG512 Trivac

This electric leaf vacuum mulcher features a powerful motor and a metal impeller for effective leaf shredding. It offers variable speed control and a compact design for convenient operation.

Black+Decker BV5600 High-Performance Blower/Vac/Mulcher

This Back + Decker BV5600 versatile tool serves as a blower, vacuum, and mulcher, providing three functions in one. It has a high mulching ratio and a disposable leaf bag system for easy leaf disposal.

Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower/Vacuum

This Toro 51619 electric leaf vacuum mulcher offers variable speed control and a metal impeller for efficient shredding. It has a quick-release latch for easy conversion between blowing and vacuuming modes.

Greenworks 24322 G-MAX Cordless Blower/Vacuum

This cordless leaf vacuum mulcher operates on a powerful lithium-ion battery. It features a brushless motor for increased efficiency and offers variable speed control and a large collection bag.

These are just a few examples of the available leaf vacuum mulcher options, and there are many other models from different brands with various features and specifications. It’s recommended to consider factors such as power source, mulching ratio, ease of use, and customer reviews to choose the leaf vacuum mulcher that best suits your specific needs.

What are the advantages of using a leaf blower in comparison to a vacuum?

Using a leaf blower instead of a vacuum offers several advantages in terms of versatility and efficiency. A leaf blower is designed to quickly move leaves and debris across open areas, making it ideal for clearing large piles of leaves or maintaining spacious landscapes. Unlike a vacuum, a blower does not require collection or disposal of the leaves, saving time and effort. It allows for easier and faster leaf management, especially in situations where mulching or collection is not necessary.

Additionally, leaf blowers are generally lighter and more compact than vacuums, offering greater maneuverability and ease of use. They are available in both gas-powered and electric options, providing flexibility in terms of power sources. Ultimately, choosing a leaf blower over a vacuum can provide a convenient and efficient solution for leaf removal tasks.

Does a leaf vacuum have the capability to shred and mulch leaves?

Yes, a leaf vacuum is specifically designed to have the capability to shred and mulch leaves. In addition to its vacuuming function, a leaf vacuum is equipped with a shredding mechanism that breaks down collected leaves into smaller pieces. This shredding process significantly reduces the volume of the leaves, making them easier to handle and dispose of.

The shredded leaves can be used as mulch to enrich the soil in gardens or as a composting material. By combining the vacuuming and mulching functionalities, a leaf vacuum offers a convenient all-in-one solution for efficiently collecting, shredding, and repurposing leaves, simplifying the process of yard maintenance and waste management.

What is the leaf capacity of a typical leaf vacuum mulcher?

The leaf capacity of typical leaf vacuum mulchers can vary significantly depending on the specific model and design. Here are some examples of leaf capacity ranges commonly found in leaf vacuum mulchers:

Small capacity

Some compact or handheld leaf vacuum mulchers may have a leaf capacity ranging from 1 to 3 gallons. These are suitable for smaller yards or light leaf cleanup tasks.

Medium capacity

Many standard-sized leaf vacuum mulchers offer a leaf capacity between 4 and 8 gallons. These models strike a balance between portability and collection capacity, making them suitable for average-sized residential properties.

Large capacity

Heavy-duty leaf vacuum mulchers designed for larger yards or commercial use can have leaf capacities exceeding 8 gallons. Some high-capacity models can hold up to 15 or more gallons of leaves, enabling extended operation and reducing the need for frequent bag emptying.

It’s important to note that these are general ranges, and the specific leaf capacity can vary among different brands and models. When considering a leaf vacuum mulcher, it’s recommended to review the product specifications or consult the manufacturer’s information to determine the precise leaf capacity of the model you are interested in.

Do leaf vacuums generate excessive noise during operation?

Leaf vacuums can generate varying levels of noise during operation. The noise produced by a leaf vacuum largely depends on the specific model, motor power, and design. Some leaf vacuums are designed with noise-reducing features to minimize the disturbance caused by their operation. However, it’s important to note that leaf vacuums, especially those with powerful motors, can still produce noticeable noise. It’s advisable to check the noise rating or reviews of a particular leaf vacuum model before purchasing to get an idea of its noise level.

Additionally, wearing hearing protection while operating a leaf vacuum can help mitigate any potential discomfort or hearing damage. Overall, while leaf vacuums do generate some noise, selecting a well-designed model and taking appropriate safety precautions can help minimize any excessive noise during operation.

Conclusion

Mulchers are a varied and somewhat specialized branch of the large family of vacuums and blowing appliances, and as we have seen, their position cannot be supplanted by other products of the family, regardless of the minor similarities that may exist. Given how important proper mulching is for the health of your garden, it is wise not to experiment with anything short of the top leaf mulchers in the market.

Our guide has tried to explain in brief the basic tenets of buying a good mulcher, and then how the top products fit into these categories. It is earnestly hoped that this information, when combined with the special circumstances of your garden, can help produce a clean, fertile and flourishing garden through the purchase of the ideal best leaf vacuum mulcher.