Best Lawn Edger in 2022: Electric, Cordless & Gas-Powered Edgers Compared

One of the easiest ways to maintain the professionally-landscaped look with the nice-and-neat manicured finish is to invest in a decent lawn edger. As there are so many similar options on the market, choosing the right edger for your particular garden needs can become a real issue. This post will help you to get free of concerns and pick up the best lawn edger.

What is the best lawn edger? Independently from power source an advanced lawn edger should ensure the perfect lawn finish in your garden. Commonly, the cutting-edge models come as multifunctional or all-in-one tools granting incredible versatility around your territory. This equipment should be convenient and easy in operation, whether you have a lightweight handheld tool or a heavy walk-behind machine. Its mobility should not be restricted either. The power output should be enough to tackle various yard works considering specifics of a certain ground surface and presence of lawn borders. Also, this unit should feature a range of cutting heights and blade depth settings, thus creating sharp and neat lawn edges independently from grass type. The edger itself should be made of durable materials to tackle heavy-duty jobs with no hassle.

Best Lawn Edgers Compared

Types of lawn edgers

Electric vs. Gas

Modern power lawn edgers can run on either electricity or gas. Thus, we can define electric-powered (including corded and cordless options) and gas-powered lawn edgers.

• An electric-powered edger is the top pick for homeowners with a small or a middle-size yard or garden. Such unit tends to be lighter than its gas-powered cousins. Besides, it doesn’t not require any comprehensive maintenance. In particular, sharpening the blade or replacement of a cutting mechanism are the only things you have to care about when dealing with the electric-powered model. These edgers can come in a corded or cordless design. The latter is usually powered by 18V – 24V li-ion battery and allows for the unmatched mobility around your outdoor spaces. This is due to the absence of a power cable which considerably restricts the mobility of a user. For instance, the WORX WG163 GT 3.0 20V CORDLESS GRASS TRIMMER/EDGER is a decent battery-powered option which can ensure longer runtime and faster charging.

  Nevertheless, the battery of these tools must be recharged on a regular basis to avoid unexpected interruptions in the middle of your work. Besides, the battery-powered units are considered to have lower capacity in comparison with electric corded or gas-powered models. In particular, corded edgers feature 10 Amp – 12 Amp motors which deliver enough power to tackle larger landscaping jobs on vaster territories. However, in this case extension cords will become indispensable items in order to provide an adequate mobility. Corded units are commonly offered at the most affordable prices in comparison with their battery- and gas-powered counterparts, and this is their undeniable advantage which will be appreciated by the majority of the average customers. The BLACK+DECKER LE760FFAM Landscape Edger is an outstanding electric-corded tool which in spite of the electric motor shows similar performance to the majority of modern gas-powered models.

• A gas-powered edger demonstrates higher performance as it is equipped with a powerful engine. The latter delivers higher RPMs of the cutting mechanism, thus contributing to the increased efficiency of the tool and its ability to cover large outdoor spaces. Gas lawn edgers do not depend on external power supply sources, thus they are not restricted in terms of mobility and allow for working under any weather conditions. The SOUTHLAND SWLE0799 79CC WALK BEHIND GAS LAWN EDGER will become a great choice for any large-scale or commercial/professional-grade projects.

  The engines of gas lawn edgers come in a two- or four-stage design. While two-stage engines are more common, they require blending of both gas and oil for the operation. Also, the noise level is very high when the 2-stage edger is in operation. The exhaust gases contain larger amount of harmful substances, which make it far less environmentally conscious. Due to the presence of the high-power engines, gas edgers are quite heavy machines which have to be maintained on a regular basis. Besides, their cost will be always higher; and, you should not forget about fuel cost, as well.

Overall, both electric- and gas-powered lawn edgers do the same job, but the effectiveness will be different. Gas lawn edgers are more suitable for larger jobs to deal with tougher grass and matted roots. Electric units feature less power, but with this, they are lighter and more compact. And this fact contributes to their portability and maneuverability even in the tightest spaces.

Handheld vs. Walk-Behind

Lawn edgers come in three different designs including pole, string, and walk-behind options. Pole and string types belong to most common handheld lawn edgers which are highly demanded being the compact and portable alternatives. Generally, they are designated for residential jobs on smaller spaces. In particular, the BLACK+DECKER MTE912 12-INCH ELECTRIC 3-IN-1 TRIMMER/ EDGER AND MOWER is a compact handheld model with numerous user-friendly features prompting its efficiency when in operation.

Pole lawn edgers (three-wheeled edgers) are capable of handling uneven surfaces and rough grounds. They are usually equipped with 3 wheels, 1 at the front and 2 of them on the rear side. Thus they grant the ultimate control during the edging process and exceptional maneuverability even in the tightest spots. Usually, pole edgers come as the 2-in-1 tools with an ability of being converted from lawn edger to trencher, to dig clean trenches around flower beds, trees and curbs.

String edgers come with cutting lines instead of blades and can be also used as string trimmers. However, keep in mind that strings will wear faster when used for edging sidewalks and walkways. Thus, they have to be replaced more frequently. In general a string edger is the best option for owners of yards with irregular terrain with multiple shrubs, small trees and tight spaces. In comparison with other edgers, it is a bit difficult to control during the process, due to lack of any supporting structure (wheels, deck, etc). Also, string edgers do not prevent grass cuttings from flying around. That is why, it is highly recommended to use protective gears like goggles and gloves when operating a string edger/trimmer.

Walk-behind lawn edgers are the most powerful machines which can also operate as lawn mowers. They are supported by wheels (usually 4 wheels) and commonly equipped with gas engines to trim lawns on vast territories. The 4th wheel of these units is designated for greater stability of the edger when used around the curbs or walkways. For these reasons, walk-behind edgers are widely used for commercial- and some professional-grade purposes. Naturally, these machines are heavier and more bulky than the handheld counterparts; so, they would hardly handle grass in some narrow corners, or under any short-growing plants in small residential gardens. More than that, walk-behind models are quite pricey; so, reasonability of their purchase must be thoroughly assessed in advance. For instance, despite the high performance and durability of the SOUTHLAND SWLE0799 79CC WALK BEHIND GAS LAWN EDGER, it comes in a big and heavy-weight design leaving a bigger footprint with lack of maneuverability in the tight spots and hard-to-reach areas.

Summarizing the above-said, the choice of a certain type of a lawn edger entirely depends on the landscaping tasks you are going to face most of the time.

Top-5 Lawn Edgers | Reviews

BLACK+DECKER LE760FFAM Landscape Edger | Best Electric Corded

Black & Decker is a well-known U.S. brand of power tools. The broad lineup of the company is highly demanded by DIYers and professionals due to the combination of high-quality and affordability of their products.

The LE760FFAM is a combo kit which includes the LE750 lawn edger, two EH1000 and EB-007 replaceable blades by Black & Decker. The edger is equipped with a powerful 12 Amp motor which generates high torque of 150 in-lbs. A tool-free conversion of this edger to trencher will be quick and easy. The main 7-1/2 inches blade of this unit is made of hardened steel. The depth of the blade can be adjusted within 3 settings up to 1 1/2 –inch deep to have the utmost control over the cutting process.

Also, this unit features a pull-up edge guide which allows for cutting of crisp edges around hard surfaces like curbs, walkways, etc. The integrated cord retention mechanism prevents the extension cord from damage.

Features

• Power source: Electric corded
• Cutting depth (in): up to 1 ½
• Weight (lbs): 12.4

The lawn edger from this combo kit has enough power to cut flawless sharp lines at the edges of your lawn and dig clean-looking trenches.

BLACK+DECKER LE760FFAM: Check the current price

WORX WG163 GT 3.0 20V CORDLESS GRASS TRIMMER/EDGER WITH COMMAND FEED

Worx has established itself as one of the leading providers of battery-powered outdoor equipment and tools on the international market. The WG163 is one of the reliable products from the company’s range with multiple advanced features. This model can be used for multiple landscaping jobs due to its ability to be converted from a string trimmer to a wheeled edger with no additional tools required. This model features 0.065” line to provide 12-inch cutting diameter. Its innovative command feed spool system increases the efficiency of any lawn project with no bumping or interruptions.

The WG163 is delivered with 3 20V li-ion batteries of higher capacity for longer runtimes and quicker recharging which takes 3 hours. The ergonomics of this unit is proved by a telescopic shaft with an ability of 90-degree tilting of the cutting head, the rubberized wheel support for the edger which also serves as a cutting guide, and the adjustable grip handle for superior comfort during the work.

Features

• Power source: Electric cordless
• Cutting diameter (in): 12
• Weight (lbs): 6

Being an absolutely eco-friendly option, this cordless string trimmer/edger creates new levels of power and precision similar to more powerful counterparts.

WORX WG163: Check the current price

SCOTTS OUTDOOR POWER TOOLS ED70012S 11-AMP 3-POSITION CORDED ELECTRIC LAWN EDGER

The Scotts Company, LLC is the U.S. based company which manufactures and provides different lawn and garden products since 2004.

This electric-corded edger features 11 Amp motor and can be transformed into a trencher to create crisp lawn edges or clean trenches wherever needed. For these purposes it is equipped with an adjustable blade the depth of which can be set in the range from 1-in. up to 1 – ½ in.; 3 depth settings in total. Also, this model features a cut line indicator which contributes to high precision during edging and trenching.

The built-in cord retention compartment allows for easy storage of power cables with no risk of their damage.

Features

• Power source: Electric corded
• Cutting depth (in): 1 – ½
• Weight (lbs): 13

This Scotts lawn edger is the perfect tool for planet-conscious gardening with a clean and tidy finish.

SCOTTS ED70012S: Check the current price

BLACK+DECKER MTE912 12-INCH ELECTRIC 3-IN-1 TRIMMER/ EDGER AND MOWER

This all-in-one tool from Black & Decker can be operated in mowing, trimming and edging mode, thus granting the utmost versatility in your gardening chores. Thanks to its compact design it will be quite easy to handle this unit and use it in various hard-to-reach areas. Besides, due to the smaller footprint, the MTE912 can be easily arranged for storage in any even highly limited spaces.

This model comes with a 6.5 Amp motor and the gear drive transmission which delivers the adequate power for cutting of various grass, weeds, etc. The unit can provide 12-inch cutting swath when operated in trimming or edging modes. Its auto feed mechanism ensures continuous work without bumping. A foot pedal release allows for quick conversion from mowing to trimming/edging mode. The mower deck has two height adjustment settings to be used on various even sloped or uneven terrains.

Features

• Power source: Electric corded
• Cutting depth (in): 1.6 – 2.4
• Weight (lbs): 13

If you are an owner of a small or a medium-sized yard, you won’t definitely go wrong with this trimmer/edger/ mower to make your territory neat and maintained.

BLACK+DECKER MTE912: Check the current price

SOUTHLAND SWLE0799 79CC WALK BEHIND GAS LAWN EDGER

Being a part of MAT Holdings Inc., a global manufacturer of quality products for automotive and consumer segments, Southland is focused on production of gas-powered outdoor equipment to serve the customers throughout North America.

The usage of the Southland SWLE0799 lawn edger will be reasonable in case if you have a large outdoor territory with a lawn boarded with a lot of sidewalks, etc. This edger is equipped with a 79cc OHV engine which generates the impressive 3.5 foot pounds of torque. It can be easily started thanks to the manual recoil starting mechanism. You can select one of 5 cutting depth settings which would suit any of your current needs. The maximum depth of the triangular 3-point blade makes 2 – ½ inches. Additionally, the blade can be adjusted 15-degree left or right to achieve a beveled cut.

The curb hopping feature allows for sliding along the tough and hard edges thanks to the adjustable wheels of this lawn edger. It comes in a rugged and durable design consisting of a metal frame and blade guard to protect the edger during the process against any malfunctions caused by internal or external factors.

Features

• Power source: gas powered
• Cutting depth (in): up to 2 – ½
• Weight (lbs): 64.4

With the help of this powerful gas-powered edging machine you will be able to cover the majority of large-scale lawn maintenance projects getting a professional landscaping look.

SOUTHLAND SWLE0799: Check the current price

Features and specs of lawn edgers

As you may realize now, the lawn edger gives the perfect opportunity to make a crisp finish to the lawn trimming job. Besides, it can reduce grass spread over pathways and keep them free from weeds. So, you should be quite picky when considering this or that model with its available features. Some of them are reviewed in more details below.

Blade type. As I’ve mentioned already different lawn edgers feature different types of blades depending on particular needs. Some models are offered with a kit of blades of different sizes and shapes. Blade design determines the specifics of each lawn edging application, thus you need to distinguish the right options suitable for your purposes. Flat and star-shaped blades are the most common options on the market.

Flat rectangular blades with plain edges are the most regular items suitable for several lawn maintenance tasks including basic edging and trenching. Flat rectangular blades with serrated edges are capable of aggressive cutting of tough grass, stern weeds and roots. Which is why they are frequently used for professional-grade applications. These blades will do their best when used on uneven surfaces.

A star-shaped blade is the most heavy-duty cutting attachment of a lawn edger. It is frequently used on gas-powered models and allows tackling the most challenging gardening projects. They can safely cut grass that ends on hard surfaces like curbs. Besides, only with this blade type the crisp edging finish may be attained in one pass.

Cutting depth. It is possible to vary this parameter and set a particular cutting blade depth depending on application and the area of your garden. It is very important as in some cases the excessive penetration of a blade into the ground may lead to root cutting. Consequently, the grass in this area of your lawn will be damaged or killed. So, in order to avoid this, you should adjust the cutting depth. The majority of modern lawn edgers feature from 1-inch up to 2 ½-inch cutting depths. This range covers most of the cutting needs.

Output power. This parameter will be varied depending on a type of lawn edger in terms of power source. For example, the average output of the pricy gas-powered edgers makes from 3.5 to 4.5 HP with the adequate torque to not get dull or bog down during the work. Electric models are less powerful; nevertheless corded models come with 10 Amp – 12 Amp motors to tackle the majority of gardening needs on an average residential yard. Similarly to corded models, battery-powered lawn edgers with 18V-24V li-ion batteries have enough capacity to cover large areas with no mishaps.

Weight. This is another issue to think over when buying a lawn edger, especially if you have a large outdoor territory. As a rule, heavier models are more powerful and durable, but they are more bulky offering minimum maneuverability and requiring more efforts in handling. Thus, if you have to deal with large landscaping projects, it’s better to purchase a powerful walk-behind model. On the contrary, small gardening jobs can be easily performed with the help of lightweight and compact handheld lawn edgers.

Expert Opinion: Ron Henry, lawn and Bermuda grass expert

“I will show you a couple of techniques that are really going to help you improve the result you get when you edge your lawn, along with a couple of bonus tips you may not have heard before. Let’s talk about edging. It is often a neglected aspect of home lawn care programs. The edge is almost like a fine tie that a guy is wearing that makes the suit. Edging is that thing for your lawn. So how do you go about getting it? Well, I am going to share two major techniques with you today. The first tool we are going to talk about is your good old-fashioned string trimmer. The advantage of this is that it is something you probably already have and, with practice, you can get a reasonably good result. But it is incredibly difficult to get a crisp edge on the sidewalk. Option B, and the one that I really recommend, is using an actual dedicated edging tool. It has wheels, and it is very easy to guide along the surface of the sidewalk. It has a sharp edge which creates a very crisp cut. When it comes to your edger, having a sharp and fresh blade is really important.”