What is the best leaf vacuum mulcher? The best models are designed to facilitate the process of clearing of leaves and other garden debris out from your area. Thus, being a happy owner of a high-performance leaf vacuum mulcher may save your time on cleaning routine. These devices would be also helpful for maintaining different ground surfaces on your territory like walkways, patios, driveways and decks and keep them always clean. The majority of modern models can be easily converted from a vacuum mulcher to a blower and back. Overall, such tools will provide plenty of opportunities and versatility in use allowing taking a special care of your garden. The Greenworks 24322 is one of the state-of-the-art models fully packed with user-oriented solutions to tackle any cleaning challenge with no hassle.

Why have I chosen this model? The Greenworks 24322 is a bright example of the innovative battery-powered garden products on the modern market. It is the sophisticated 40V li-ion leaf blower/vacuum mulcher which comprises the “green” power and ergonomic design taking it to the next technological level in comparison with the lineup predecessors.

The ergonomic design of the Greenworks 24322 creates comfortable conditions during its operation. Lower noise level and anti-vibration system contribute to the above mentioned benefits as well.

Leaf blower vs. Leaf blower/vac mulcher | On-point comparison

In order to give you more detailed and coherent picture of difference between the power, capabilities and designations of leaf blowers and their multifunctional counterparts, let’s review two similar models from the same manufacturer.

  Power ratings / Scope of application

WORX WG547 

2-speed leaf blower

360 CFM at 75 MPH /

More suitable for hard surfaces like sidewalks, driveways, dry debris and other lightweight wastes

WORX WG512 

3-in-1 vacuum blower/mulcher

600 CFM AT 70 MPH /

Clearing debris out of the lawns, vacuuming of wet leaves, and similar garden debris

The electric handheld models would be recommended for smaller areas of any household. Since the WORX WG547 has the function of a power sweeper only, it features higher air velocity than the WG512, being a blower/vac mulcher.

The WORX WG512, in its turn, features significantly higher air volume as besides blowing it will be used as a vacuum to suck all smaller debris in, and a mulcher to shred the collected debris and accumulate them in a special bag. However, this unit is also heavier due to its multifunctionality with the additional mechanisms installed. Also, this leaf blower/vac mulcher will be restricted by the length of its power cable/extension cord.

On the contrary, the WG547 can be used anywhere providing long-lasting running, in case if you always have a spare battery in reserve. So, it’s up to you to decide which model would suit your needs in a better way, considering their design peculiarities as well as rated capacity and performance of each tool for different applications.

Power source type

The process of leaf vacuum mulcher selection shall be started with the critical decision regarding its power source: whether a gas- or electric- driven model would be preferable in your case. So let’s sort the things out! The units equipped with gas engines are more powerful and at the same time heavier than the electric motor counterparts. For instance, an average weight of a gas handheld device may reach up to 15 lbs. However, similar electric motor models will weight in average 8 lbs. This is a significant difference, especially if such leaf vacuums are commonly used by women, older people or children.

Unlike outdoor power tools like trimmers, saws or other cutting appliances, the electric leaf vacuums do not pose a danger to power cord integrity. Besides, the electric models are quieter in operation (especially battery-powered options) than those run by the loud engine. For instance, the WORX WG512 is a very powerful corded model, which still runs much quieter than any of gas units.

Nevertheless, electric-corded vacuums also have some disadvantages. Sometimes the large space cannot be covered due to the limited length of a power cable or even an extension cord. Besides, the electric components hardly withstand freezing temperatures opposed to gas-powered systems.

Electric cordless are also less powerful than the gas-powered vacuums with a restricted run time by the battery life. But still they have particular beneficial features which lead them forward in some cases. Their freedom from a power cable which considerably contributes to their mobility and convenience in use is one of the obvious advantages. The modern li-ion battery technologies are capable of generating more power, comparable with the gas counterparts. Besides, they have an awesome capacity which allows working much longer. More than that, you may always have another battery as a reserve, not to lose time when the empty one is recharged. The li-ion battery technologies from the Greenworks 24322 will provide enough confidence for any demanding operator to perform long-lasting and heavy-duty cleaning chores whenever and wherever needed.

As you may see, there is a big variety of options, thus it’s up to you to decide which variant to choose.

Performance characteristics (Air flow, velocity, noise level)

The overall performance of a leaf blower/vacuum mulcher depends on a type of the unit. In particular, the commercial-grade gas devices come in a wheeled self-propelled design capable of handling challenging cleaning projects of large territories like parks and squares. On the contrary, the light-duty handheld electric tools will be a perfect solution for light-duty clearing tasks on tackling fallen leaves and garden debris.

However, as leaf vacuums and blowers share the same principle of operation, the power ratings are of the same importance for both. The vacuuming and blowing modes are enabled by means of an impeller which rotates at a rattling rate to speed the air up. Some advanced leaf blowers/vacs generate the air speed up to 170 MPH (miles per hour) and even more. It is possible to switch from blowing to vacuuming and back by a simple change of a nozzle. Thus, the air stream direction will be changed from outlet to inlet and backward.

Airflow is another priority to be considered when looking for a decent leaf vacuum. This parameter is determined in CFM (cubic feet per minute). Compact and lightweight handheld models may create up to 450 CFM. In general, it is better to get less powerful model featuring high airflow. The thing is that the units with extremely high power ratings are very heavy and consume more electricity or fuel, accordingly.

It goes without saying, that if you have to cover a large territory or clean several of them in a row, than motor/engine power will be strong enough to withstand long-lasting operations and higher loads. In this case, you should pay attention to the gas-powered models. They are capable to develop a real air blast of around 800 CFM. However, the electric corded WORX WG512 is capable of delivering up to 600 CFM thus being comparable with the gas counterparts in its class.

Noise level is a critical issue to be considered as well in advance. Unfortunately, the most powerful gas leaf blowers/vacs can be too loud for the neighboring surroundings or in some cases exceed the officially permitted noise levels in some areas. Surely, the electric leaf blowers would be more preferable here with their relatively quiet operation not exceeding 78 dB. Gasoline units would hit the rocks here with their loudness of up to 107 dB. The hearing protection would be required for the latter, as frequent exposure may lead to hearing problems and even loss.

As I’ve mentioned before the principle of operation of a leaf vacuum is based on motor/engine running which activates an impeller. The latter is rotating and boosting the airflow from a wide hole to a narrow one. The unit is working as a leaf blower if a high-pressure air flow is streamed through a narrow nozzle and directed to the objects to be blown out from your way. The blowing power will depend on the capacity of your unit.

In order to switch the tool to the vacuuming mode, you should replace the narrow blowing nozzle by a wider vacuuming tube and attach a bag to its rear side in order to collect hindering objects. Such leaf vacuum will draw leaves and debris in accumulating them in a collection bag.

You’d better get to know about availability of these functions prior to purchase. The thing is, some manufacturers offer their products featuring only blowing function. Such tool would be cheap, but demonstrate a high air speed, thus allowing sweeping leaves and other debris from any surfaces (specially sanded or graveled), or blowing grass out of hard-to-reach areas. The models having blowing/vacuuming function still can be offered as leaf blowers. These devices will be sold separately, however you’ll always have possibility to buy a vacuuming tube and a collection bag additionally, if needed. If you are eager to purchase a 3-in-1 tool, than look for a leaf blower/vac with all attachments already included in the scope. So, again, be very attentive to this fact, and check it twice before acquiring any model. If you want to clean an even short-cut lawn, cobbled path or any paved surface, than vacuuming mode will do its job. However, it’s recommended to switch a tool to the blowing mode when clearing sandy or dry surfaces from leaves, stems, branches, pebbles and other debris. Otherwise, the vacuum might be clogged with sand or dust.

Additionally, the advanced vac/blowers feature one more useful mode – mulching. After blowing leaves in a big-volume pile, you’ll have to dispose it of somehow. Thus a special toothed impeller mechanism allows reducing considerably the amount of debris in a collection bag thus saving time and efforts for its cleaning. As a result, you’ll have natural mulch for sidewalks and paths or a great raw material for fertilizers. The mulching can be activated only together with the vacuuming mode and an appropriate nozzle equipped with a toothed impeller to shred the debris and feed them into a collecting bag. For instance, the WORX WG430 presents the state-of-the-art mulching technology which allows collecting and processing larger amounts of leaves and recycling them efficiently and usefully.

Top Best Leaf Vacuum Mulchers

You will be definitely interested in our top selection of the modern leaf blower/vac mulchers with the most advanced functions like brushless technologies from Greenworks, extra-efficient mulching ratio and incredible power ratings from Worx, and many others.

1. GREENWORKS 24322

Greenworks has become a well-known company for its innovative eco-friendly technologies on the modern electric equipment market. Their cordless products which are designed for continuous and reliable work with neither negative affect on neither environment nor emitting excess noise during operation.

The Greenworks 24322 is one of the newest innovative products from the company. It is a versatile 3-in-1 unit is run by the advanced long-lasting 40V li-ion batteries. The latter in combination with a powerful brushless motor ensure 80% longer life and 30% higher performance than similar models in this class. The unit is capable to reach up to 340 CFM at 185 MPH. The power settings may be adjusted by means of a variable speed control (6 speeds) to adopt this powerful buddy for any cleaning jobs both inside and outside.

Its innovative design allows generating less noise and lower vibration thus enhancing its friendly-user features. Besides G-MAX 40V system is compatible with 14 other corldess tools from the manufacturer’s range.

Features

  • Air speed Max (MPH): 185
  • Air flow (CFM): 340
  • Weight (lbs): 5.6
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 32.5 x 8.5 x 11
Pros Cons
  • Brushless motor
  • Variable speed control
  • Turbo button
  • Quiet operation
  • Lower vibration
  • Lightweight
  • Universal battery for the entire range of cordless tools from Greenworks
  • Expensive

This leaf blower/vacuum mulcher has the performance and reliability of a gas-powered model. However, this cordless device would definitely take the lead thanks to its eco- and user-friendliness.

Greenworks 24322: Check the current price

2. BLACK+DECKER LSWV36

The products from B&D have been released to the market since 1910. Nowadays, their outdoor equipment demonstrates high quality and durability which became a kind of their hallmark worldwide.

The LSWV36 is the li-ion battery-powered leaf blower/vac mulcher which is perfect for clearing any surfaces from leaves, grass, stems, pebbles and other lawn or lightweight construction debris. All this is possible thank to its max air speed of 120 MPH. the power command functions allows adjusting speed depending on the selected mode and cleaning task. The mode switching is very easy and quick. When selecting a mulching mode, the built-in fan serves for reduction of collected debris up to 6:1 ratio.

This unit comes in a compact and lightweight design ensuring comfortable and fatigueless operation for a user. Also, it has an integrated scraper which allows loosening matted leaves and stuck-on debris. Its ergonomic soft grip contributes to the convenience as well.

Features

  • Air speed Max (MPH): 120
  • Air flow (CFM): N/a
  • Weight (lbs): 6.9
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 37 x 8.5 x 20.4
Pros Cons
  • Variable speed control
  • Scraper mechanism
  • High-efficient mulching fan
  • Low noise operation
  • Ergonomic design
  • Battery and charger are included
  • Brushless technology is not applied

The LSWV36 is a versatile and powerful but still lightweight unit which allows handling different cleaning jobs with the minimum of operator’s efforts.

BLACK+DECKER LSWV36: Check the current price

3. WORX WG512 Trivac 2.0 Electric 12-amp 3-in-1 Vacuum Blower/Mulcher/Vac with LeafPro Universal Leaf Collection System

This model comprises a universal leaf collection system consisted of a blower/vac mulcher, a 26-gallon foldable waste bin, and associated attachments. The unit features a single knob conversion to switch from one mode to another. Also, the unit is capable of delivering the high-capacity airflow of 600 CFM at the speed of 75 MPH. The 2-speed operation can be varied depending on a particular application. The integrated metal impeller serves for shredding incoming leaves down to 16:1 mulching ratio.

With all the power of this blower/vac, it is designed to be operated with one hand almost effortlessly by any user. The cleaning system comes with a set of different adapters, a flexible hose, and a mesh hood.

Features

  • Air speed Max (MPH): 75
  • Air flow max (CFM): 600
  • Weight (lbs): 9
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): N/a
Pros Cons
  • High airflow
  • High-efficient mulching
  • Lightweight
  • Cleaning accessories are included
  • 2-speed settings only
  • More suitable for vacuuming than blowing

This leaf collection system will give you whatever is required to keep your outdoor territory free from leaves and other debris right after its receipt.

WORX WG512: Check the current price

4. WORX WG430

This leaf mulcher would become an indispensable tool for any gardener with its ability to get rid of piles of dead leaves and other lawn debris, and to use the mulch mass as a natural fertilizer thus recycling it in your garden.

This unit is equipped with a 13Amp motor which delivers 8,500 RPM thus mulching up to 53 gallons of leaves per minute. Thanks to the unique bladeless trimmer line system the mulching ratio may achieve up to 11:1. All incoming debris may be collected both in paper and plastic bags fixed by a universal bag holder.

This model has a foldable and lightweight design to be assembled without any additional tools needed, and disassembled quickly to provide a compact storage.

Features

  • Power source: Electric corded
  • Mulching ratio: 11:1
  • Weight (lbs): 24.3
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 22.6 x 22.6 x 13.2
Pros Cons
  • High mulching capacity
  • Dust-reducing motor system
  • Lightweight
  • Convenient storage
  • Suitable for paper and plastic bags
  • Source of natural fertilizer
  • No blowing or vacuuming mode

This tool is the must-have for any gardening enthusiast to maintain the lawns manicured and free from rotting leave, to turn it to the organic mulch thus contributing to the landscaping boost.

WORX WG430: Check the current price

5. WORX WG512

This electric corded leaf blower/vac mulcher is designed to provide an incredible air volume up to 600 CFM at 70 MPH. It features 2 speed settings to switch the tool from slow-rate running to its maximum performance. Working in a mulching mode will become an easy and quick job. The integrated metal impeller will shred the incoming debris in 2 stages, thus allowing getting a great 16:1 mulch ratio. That is 16 bags of garden debris will be mulches into 1 bag only!

The WG512 comes in a lightweight and ergonomic design for easy and convenient one-hand operation. The built-in extension cord retainer will help you to prevent occasional disconnection whenever used.

Features

  • Air speed Max (MPH): 70
  • Air flow (CFM): 600
  • Weight (lbs): 9 
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 35.5 x 10 x 14
Pros Cons
  • High airflow
  • Efficient mulching
  • Quick-release collection bag
  • Ergonomic design
  • Extension cord retainer
  • Lower air speed in comparison with similar models
  • 2 speeds only

I would recommend this 3-in-1 tool for those who prefer maintaining lawns in a perfect condition, as its extra high airflow will allow vacuuming plenty of garden debris with no hassle.

WORX WG512: Check the current price

6. TORO 51621

The 51621 is one of the great tools from the rich outdoor equipment range of this American brand. This electric corded blower/vac mulcher has an outstanding capacity to generate up to 350 CFM in the blowing mode and up to 410 CFM in the vacuuming mode at 250 MPH. The variable speed control adjusts the power ratings depending on a selected mode of operation. This unit is equipped with a robust metal impeller to provide an ultra-efficient mulching.

This blower/vac comes in an ergonomic and compact design offering numerous user-friendly features like the quick-release latch for a tool-free conversion from one mode to another, a durable vacuum bag, the built-in cord lock, and special attachments for an easy storage.

Features

  • Air speed Max (MPH): 250
  • Air flow max (CFM): 410
  • Weight (lbs): 8.5
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 9 x 41 x 14
Pros Cons
  • High power ratings
  • Variable speed control
  • High-efficient mulching
  • Lightweight
  • Compact
  • Easy storage
  • Affordable price
  • A bottom-zipper design might be too weak

This electric blower/vac muilcher offers the outstanding power and versatility to tackle any cleaning chores around the house at a reasonable price.

TORO 51621: Check the current price

Expert Opinion: Lou Manfredini, TV Personality & Home Improvement Expert

Lou Manfredini, TV personality & Home Improvement Expert

Lou Manfredini is Ace Hardware’s Home Expert with more than two decades of home improvement experience. He is the host of several TV and radio programs and a contributor to NBC's Today Show. After graduating from Millikin University in Decatur, in 1987, Manfredini launched a Chicago-based building company and then started his a media career in the mid-1990s.

“This time of year we start raking the leaves and it can be a huge job. One of the ways to make it go a little quicker is by using a leaf blower. And there is a lot of options when it comes to leaf blowers. There are these battery-operated ones. This particular one is an Ego line Li-ion battery-powered. Very nicely balanced. Then, we have got the Toro line. This is a power sweep, an electric blower right here that you will actually plug into an extension cord and you can really get a lot of power out of something like this. Or there is a combination. This particular one is not only a blower but it comes with an attachment to allow you to vacuum the leaves as well. So let's say you are spending time in your backyard and you are making a big pile. And now you need to collect the leaves with this attachment. You put this bag on and then this collector right here and you go ahead and fire this up. As you see, it makes pretty quick work”.

9 Best-Selling Leaf Mulchers | Comparative Table

Products with 5 star rating

 

Product5 Stars Votes
WORX WG512 12 Amp TRIVAC 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower/Mulcher/Yard Vacuum2109(11.2%)
BLACK+DECKER Leaf Blower & Leaf Vacuum, 3-in-1, 12-Amp, 250-MPH, 400-CFM (BV6000)2099(11.1%)
Worx WG430 13 Amp Electric Leaf Mulcher1974(10.4%)
BLACK+DECKER Leaf Blower/Vacuum Kit, Cordless (LSWV36)1773(9.4%)
WORX WG547 20V Power Share Turbine Cordless Two-Speed Leaf Blower1143(6.1%)

Main advantages of vacuum mulchers at a glance

It is always a joy to see well-kept grounds with the lawns, patios and driveways cleared from any debris around a house, and to see garages, workshops, warehouses or any other housekeeping premises clean and tidy. Manual tools will hardly help you to keep all this in perfect conditions like a leaf vacuum mulcher does.

The modern technical solutions suggest using a modified variant of a conventional domestic vacuum cleaner outdoors, thus considerably facilitating cleaning of a garden, lawn, flower bed of any size. In fact, a modern leaf vacuum presents a 3-in-1 tool comprising blowing and mulching modes. And now, let’s figure out the difference between various options designed to fulfill different cleaning tasks.

FAQ

How does a leaf blower vacuum work?
The principle of operation may differ depending on a model, but in general it has a lot in common. It implies impeller activation and sucking of debris by means of a vacuuming tube. The incoming leaves fed through a nozzle to a collection bag. When the vacuum tube is replaced by a blowing one, sweeping of grass, fallen leaves or similar debris into piles can be started. This would facilitate the process of surface cleaning. Mulching is the third function which is usually enabled after vacuum mode is activated. The mulcher allows increasing the volume of collected debris by means of their reduction and accumulation in a special bag.

How to use leaf blower vacuum?
Operation of a leaf blower vacuum may be comfortable and even become a fun! Thus you should follow simple recommendations: It’s better to vacuum fallen leaves when they are still dry or already frozen. In this state it will be easier to separate them from the ground and suck quickly by the tool. When cleaning gravel paths, it is better to activate a blowing mode and hold the unit at a sufficient height to avoid sweeping of pebbles or small stones. The whole cleaning process would take considerably less time if debris are blown into one or several piles first in a blowing mode, and then sucked in by the tool in a vacuuming mode.

What is the best leaf mulcher? Electric models are safer and show higher performance. They can be corded or cordless, with the latter being more convenient. However, cordless units have a limited battery life, which is why you should better opt for a corded option that will allow you to work as long as you need without interruption. As for power requirements, a model with a 12-amp motor will be a wise choice. Apart from that, the product should have a high mulch ratio, which is a measure showing how well the machine reduces the volume of leaves. The best ratio is somewhere between 15:1 and 18:1. Other aspects, such as the size of the collection bag and adjustable speed, are also important.

Leaf mulchers are divided into two main categories — gas-powered and electric devices. Gas models can be either backpack or handheld and their main advantage is a cheap source of energy. That said, they have a number of weak points, such as a noisy operation, heavy weight, higher price and, more importantly, they pollute the air and, therefore, are not environmentally-friendly. Electric devices are safer, lighter in weight, not so noisy, and have no emissions.

Black Decker BV6000 Leaf Mulcher

This leaf mulcher has a 12-amp motor and two speed options. Apart from mulching, it serves as a blower and vacuum. With a weight of just 8 pounds, the unit is heavy-duty and works great. It boasts a good mulching ratio (16:1), which means that you will get one bag of mulched leaves from 16 bags of loose ones. You will be able to effortlessly switch between a blower and a vacuum, with the former perfectly dealing not only with leaves but also needles and all sorts of lawn debris. Alternatively, you may try the WORX model with a bladeless mulching system. This option has a more powerful motor but a lower mulching ratio.

BLACK+DECKER: Check the current price

Other interesting articles about leaf mulchers

The Best Leaf Mulcher Options for Yard Work in 2021 - Bob Vila

If you’re tired of raking, check out today’s best leaf mulchers that can reduce a large pile of leaves to a small mound of shredded mulch.
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-leaf-mulcher/

5 Best Mulchers - Apr. 2021 - BestReviews

Our team of experts has selected the best mulchers out of hundreds of models. Don't buy a muncher before reading these reviews.
https://bestreviews.com/lawn-garden/gardening/best-mulchers

Tips and advices on YouTube

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