The Most Popular Electric Weed Eaters Review Guide For 2022-2023

April 25, 2022

The Most Popular Electric Weed Eaters Review Guide For 2022-2023 – Electric weed eaters are growing in popularity among homeowners, both for their efficiency and eco-friendliness. But which one is right for you?

We’ve tried to make that decision easy for you. We compared a host of electric string trimmers to compile our list of the 10 best electric weed eaters.

The following 10 weed eaters with the best-weighted averages made it to our final list. We were as surprised as anyone to find BLACK+DECKER weed eaters winning so many blue ribbons. Happy shopping!

To see our picks keep reading The Most Popular Electric Weed Eaters Review Guide For 2022-2023.

BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 Amazon’s Choice

Get jam-packed power for around 50 bucks with the BLACK+DECKER BESTA510. Operating with an 8000 rpm and 14-inch cutting swath, this weed wacker will get the work done in no time.

Users are impressed with the powerful motor, and positive reviews remark on the weed eater’s lightweight design.

The weed eater’s automatic feed spool technology eliminates having to pause work for string refills. Just trim the grass, and the weed eater will self-regulate the line on its own.

Need to edge along the sidewalk or front walkway? Transition the BLACK+DECKER tool from a weed eater into an edger. And better yet, reviewers love how the connected edging wheel makes the job a breeze.

Stayed away from corded models because you find it a nuisance when power cords disconnect? The BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 features a corded retention system that helps prevent accidental disconnection.

About This Item:

Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) technology of the edger/trimmer eliminates bumping for hassle-free line feeding that helps you work without interruptions
The 6.5 amp motor and POWERDRIVE Transmission of the grass cutter provide maximum performance when trimming through the toughest weeds, grass, and overgrowth
2-in-1 trimmer/edger with wheeled edge guide – just rotate to convert from lawn trimmer to wheeled edger
Lightweight design with adjustable handle and height positions provide maximum comfort and control
Cord retention system prevents accidental cord disconnection
14-inch cut path gets the job done fast. Rpm : 8000rpm

Specifications:

Weight: 5.3 lbs
Cutting Swath: 14 inches
Line Diameter: 0.065 inch
Power Source: Corded Electric, 6.5 amp
Revolutions Per Minute: 8000 rpm

Pros:

Tied for lightest weed eater on our list
Great for shopping on a budget
Automatic feed spool technology
Adjustable handle and height positions
2-in-1 edger and weed eater
Equipped with edging wheel
Corded retention system helps prevent accidental disconnection
Easy to assemble

Cons:

Some users have reported the weed eater breaking too soon
The automatic feed technology may go through the spool too fast

VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

BLACK+DECKER ST8600

For a smaller cutting path and slightly slower rpm than the BLACK+DECKER BESTA510, try the BLACK+DECKER ST8600. The corded weed eater’s 7700 rpm, 5 amp motor, and 13-inch cutting swath make it easy to spruce up the spots where the lawn mower missed.

And whenever you need to edge the lawn, you can take advantage of the weed eater’s edging guide.

At 5.35 lbs, the lightweight design is perfect for those longer outdoor jobs. The BLACK+DECKER ST8600 also has an automatic feed spool system, so you don’t have to worry about pausing your work to adjust the line.

About This Item:

2-IN-1 – Corded electric Trimmer and Edger cuts along borders, sidewalks and flower beds and easily converts between trimmer and wheeled edger.
EASY HANDLING – Lightweight and easy to handle with adjustable height handles
MORE LINE, MORE CONTROL – Automatically feeds more line with no bumping necessary thanks to AUTOMATIC SPOOL FEED technology
HIGH POWER, LOW NOISE – POWERDRIVE Transmission delivers more power from the motor to the cutting string so you can get the job done faster
WIDER TRIMMING AREA – 13” Trim radius lets you cover more ground faster

Specifications:

Weight: 5.35 lbs
Cutting Swath: 13 inches
Line Diameter: 0.065 inch
Power Source: Corded electric, 5 amp
Revolutions Per Minute: 7700 rpm

Pros:

Adjustable height and pivoting handle
Corded retention system helps prevent accidental disconnection
Features an edging guide for a more controlled cut
Great for shopping on a budget
Automatic feed system
Lightweight design
2-in-1 edger and weed eater

Cons:

Some reviews remark the auto feed system uses the string too fast

VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

BLACK+DECKER GH900

This weed eater is the third BLACK+DECKER on our list. We scouted the market, and time and time again, BLACK+DECKER string trimmers dominated the top sellers and our rankings.

Users report the BLACK+DECKER GH900 is strong and dependable, great for small yards, and the perfect combination of lightweight design and powerful performance. This weed eater shows off a 7000 rpm and a wide 14-inch cutting path.

About This Item:

The 6.5 amp motor and POWERDRIVE Transmission of edger/trimmer provide maximum performance when trimming through the toughest weeds, grass and overgrowth
The AUTOMATIC FEED SPOOL (AFS) of the grass cutter automatically feeds trimmer line when needed with no bumping required
2-in-1 Trim or Edge with wheeled edge guide – just rotate to convert from lawn trimmer to wheeled edger
Lightweight ergonomic design with adjustable height and pivoting handle positions gives maximum comfort and control
13-inch cut path gets the job done fast
Cord retention system prevents accidental cord disconnection
AFS automatic feed system ensures continual work without bumping or having to stop

Specifications:

Weight: 5.5 lbs
Cutting Swath: 14 inches
Line Diameter: 0.065 inch
Power Source: Corded electric, 6.5 amp
Revolutions Per Minute: 7000 rpm

Pros:

Automatic feed system
Edger wheel
2-in-1 edger and weed eater
Adjusts to various heights
Cord retention system prevents accidental cord disconnection
Pivoting handle for added control and comfort
Lightweight ergonomic design

Cons:

Users report the automatic feed system goes through the trimmer line too quickly
A bit pricier than other BLACK+DECKER weed wackers.

VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

Remington RM115ST

Get the job done faster with the Remington RM115ST’s dual-line auto feed. Instead of trimming with one trimmer string line, the Remington RM115ST speeds up the cutting job with two lines. Combine the second string with the impressive 14-inch cutting swath and automatic feeder system, and you can zip right through your yard work.

Users report the weed eater is easy to assemble and produces an excellent bang for the buck. The Remington RM115ST also features a 180-degree rotating handle, an edger, and an adjustable shaft for different operator heights.

About This Item:

This 2-in-1 machine’s edging wheel provides fast, easy, and even trimming ideal for small yards and quick shape-ups
5.5-amp electric engine is engineered for cutting grass and edging
The 180-degree rotating handle and edging wheel lets you trim efficiently
A 14-inch dual line auto release that uses .065-inch line provides superior coverage
The telescoping shaft adjusts for different user heights and collapses for easy storage

Specifications:

Weight: 7 lbs
Cutting Swath: 14 inches
Line Diameter: 0.065 inch
Power Source: Electric corded, 5.5 amp
Revolutions Per Minute: 7000 rpm
Weight: 7 lbs

Pros:

Adjustable telescopic shaft
Collapses for easy storage
Easy to assemble
180-degree rotating handle
2-in-1 edger and weed eater
Automatic feeder system
Two string trimmer lines
Affordable

Cons:

Some users report having to pause their work to advance the line manually

VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

Greenworks 21342 Amazon’s Choice

The Greenworks 21342 operates on a 24-volt lithium-ion battery compatible with more than 20 other Greenworks tools.

If you need to edge the landscape, rotate the cutting head and guide yourself with the edger wheel.

And did we mention the Greenworks 21342 is equipped with an automatic feed system and an impressive 9000 rpm? The automatic feed system helps take the guesswork out of adjusting your string line.

About This Item:

Pivoting head allows for edging and trimming capability with edging wheel
Electric start eliminates gas hassle, less maintenance and 0 fumes; Handle type: Wrap around
12 inch cut path with .065 single line auto feed for easy line advance
Shaft length (inch): 40 inch compatible Greenworks replacement spool, model 29252 and 29092
Battery and charger included; Compatible battery models 29842 and 29852 and charger 29862; Drive shaft type: Telescoping
Power source type: Battery powered

Specifications:

Weight: 8.82 lbs
Cutting Swath: 12 inches
Line Diameter: 0.065 inch
Power Source: Battery, 24-volt
Revolutions Per Minute: 9000 rpm

Pros:

Edging wheel
Automatic feed head
Highest rpm on our list
24-volt lithium-ion battery compatible with over 20 Greenworks tools
2-in-1 edger and weeder

Cons:

Users have complained about needing to pause their work and manually pull the string trimmer line.
Weighing in at 8.82 pounds, this weed eater may be heavy for some users.

VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

WORX WG163 Amazon’s Choice

The battery-powered WORX WG163 weed eater has plenty to offer with its rubberized wheels, adjustable space guard, commander feed, and tilting head.

While automatic feeder systems save you from pausing your work and replacing the line, an automatic feeder system isn’t always accurate.

Instead of an automatic feeder system, the WORX WG163 features a commander feed system which lets you simply press a button to replace the line.

Bonus points: The rubberized edger wheels make edging a breeze, and the adjustable spacer guard lets you protect your flower beds or other landscape features from the trimmer. When you’re trimming those hard-to-reach places, adjust the head up to 90 degrees for optimal control and reach.

About This Item:

[TRIMMER & EDGER 2-in-1] Easily converts from a string trimmer to a wheel edger in just seconds
[INSTANT LINE FEED] Innovative push button Command Feed spool system for instant line feeding. Plus, Free Spools for Life
[DO IT ALL WITH THE SAME BATTERY] Worx Power Share is compatible with all Worx 20v and 40v tools, outdoor power and lifestyle products
[BATTERIES INCLUDED] 2 powerful and lightweight 20V Power Share MaxLithium batteries come with this tool and can be used on any other tool in the WORX PowerShare family
[HEAD TILTS 90°] So you can trim and edge on sloped terrain, and get to tough-to-reach places
[RUBBERIZED WHEELS] Support and guide the edger, giving you straighter lines and cleaner cuts
[SPACER GUARD] Adjustable, so you don’t damage plants, landscape features, and lawn ornaments while you’re trimming

Specifications:

Weight: 5.3 lbs
Cutting Swath: 12 inches
Line Diameter: 0.065 inch
Power Source: Battery, 20-volt
Revolutions Per Minute: 7600 rpm

Pros:

Rubberized edger wheels
Two 20v Max Lithium batteries included
Lightweight design
Adjustable spacer guard allows you to protect plants and other lawn features
Can tilt the head 90 degrees to trim on difficult terrain
Innovative commander feed system
Adjustable handle
2-in-1 edger and weed eater

Cons:

Smaller cutting path than most weed eaters in our top 10

VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

Makita XRU15Z

If you’re looking for a high performing weed eater to tackle the tough spots in your yard (and aren’t afraid to lay down the big bucks), the Makita XRU15Z may be just what your turf needs.

This weed eater has a 0.08-inch line diameter to tackle those thick grasses and weeds that are too much for the 0.065-inch lines.

The Makita XRU15Z also has a straight shaft design that brings more power to the job. The long shaft is perfect if you’re tall or find discomfort in shorter models, which typically have curved shafts and less power.

If short battery-life has ever been an issue with your other battery-powered tools, the Makita XRU15Z ought to end that frustration. The weed eater has three-speed options to let you regulate power and increase battery life.

The tool features Star Protection Computer Controls technology that allows the weed eater and the battery to exchange data and protect against overloading, over-discharging, and overheating.

The weed wacker’s brushless motor helps ensure a longer run time, more power and speed, and longer tool life. Given the appropriate power setting and handling, the Makita XRU15Z boasts up to 1.5 hours of run time.

About This Item:

Up to 1-1/2 hours of run time with 18V LXT 5.0Ah batteries (batteries not included)
Makita-built Outer Rotor BL Brushless Motor direct-drive system provides high power and increased torque
Automatic Torque Drive Technology mode automatically shifts from 3,500-6,500 RPM for extended run time or added power
3 speed options (Low: 3,500 RPM, Medium: 5,300 RPM, High: 6,500 RPM) for power management
15″ cutting swath for increased productivity

Specifications:

Weight: 10 lbs
Cutting Swath: 15 inches
Line Diameter: 0.08 inch
Power Source: Battery, two 18-volt batteries (36V)
Revolutions Per Minute: 6500 rpm

Pros:

0.08-inch line diameter makes it easy to handle more challenging jobs.
The long shaft is excellent for tall operators.
The straight shaft delivers more power than curved shafts.
15-inch cutting swath –– the highest on our list
Brushless motor
Up to 1.5 hours of run time
Includes bump feed trimmer head
The reverse rotation function allows the user to clear the trimmer head of entangled grass and weeds.
Adjustable loop handle for operator comfort

Cons:

Expensive
The long straight shaft may be difficult for some operators to control
Lower rpm
Batteries not included on Amazon
Some users may prefer an automatic feeder system over the bump feed system

VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 Amazon’s Choice

Users of the BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 report long battery life and a lightweight operation. If you need to do light trimming in the backyard, don’t let smelly gas or a short extension cord hold you back. Just grab your charged BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 and get cutting.

This weed eater is equipped with a two-speed control system that lets you adjust for more power or extended runtime. Only need to tackle a few stray weeds? Save on battery power by changing the speed setting.

Instead of an automatic feeder or bump feed system, this BLACK+DECKER weed eater has a command feed system that advances the trimmer’s line at the push of a button.

About This Item:

Converts from trimmer to wheeled edger; Line diameter 0.065 inch
Power drive transmission for increased torque
2 speed control for more power or extended runtime. Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18
Easy feed allows you to advance your line with the push of a button with no bumping required
Part of the 20 Volt MAX System; 1 system endless tasks. Power for your style
Part of the POWERCOMMAND Family of tools EASYFEED, POWERCUT, POWERBOOST helps solve common user frustrations when using outdoor power equipment. Included components: (1) LSTE523 20V MAX Cordless Trimmer/Edger, (1) LB2X3020 20V MAX Extended runtime Lithium Battery, (1) Charger, (1) AFS Spool, (1) Guard

Specifications:

Weight: 6.3 lbs
Cutting Swath: 12 inches
Line Diameter: 0.065 inch
Power Source: Battery, 20-volt
Revolutions Per Minute: 7200 rpm

Pros:

2-in-1 edger and weed eater
Equipped with a wheeled edger
Adjustable height and handle
A two-speed control system allows the operator to adjust for more power or extended runtime
Command feed system

Cons:

Some reviews note low durability

VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

Makita XRU02Z Amazon’s Choice

Need a weed eater with a long battery run time and a charging time that takes only 30 minutes? The Makita XRU02Z can trim your turf for up to 60 minutes with its 18-volt lithium-ion 3.0Ah battery. It can edge your lawn, too, with its 180-degree rotating head (equipped with five adjustable positions).

And if your automatic feed trimmers ate up too much trimmer line in the past, the bump and feed trimmer head may be just what you need. When your trimmer line runs low, give the head a bump on the ground to restock.

About This Item:

Makita-built motor delivers 7,800 RPM for faster cutting speed and performance
Ergonomic design is well balanced with less weight (only 6.4 pounds with battery, sold separately)
Compact size is ideal for trimming and precise edging
Telescoping shaft allows the user to adjust the length of the tool from 48-1/2″ to 56-1/2″ for an optimum cutting position
Battery and charger sold separately

Specifications:

Weight: 6.4 lbs
Cutting Swath: 10.25 inches
Line Diameter: 0.065
Power Source: Battery, 18-volt
Revolutions Per Minute: 7800

Pros:

2-in-1 edger and weed eater
Adjustable shaft
180-degree rotating head with five adjustable positions
Adjustable loop handle
Bump and feed trimmer head
Users applaud long battery life
Only a 30-minute recharge

Cons:

The bump and feed system is challenging to use on edging mode
Batteries are not included on Amazon
The 10.25-inch cutting swath is the smallest on our list
Some reviews remarked that this weed eater lacks cutting power and is best for light work

VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

EGO Power+ ST1521S Amazon’s Choice

You might not typically associate battery-powered equipment with horsepower (usually, you save that praise for the gas-powered tools). But that will likely change with the battery-powered EGO Power+ ST1521S.

Powered by a 56-volt ARC Lithium battery, the EGO Power+ ST1521S has plenty to boast. It gets the work done in no time with its 15-inch cutting swath and dual-feed line. When the line runs down, use the bump feed system to reload the line with ease.

And if you’re tired of reloading a new spool by hand, this tool self-winds the spool at the click of a button.

Even better, this dual-line weed eater also supports a 0.095-inch line diameter. But what does a thick line diameter mean? It means this weed eater can tackle those demanding projects your 0.065-inch line weed eaters can’t cut through.

And the EGO Power+ ST1521S’s durability ought to be the least of your worries. EGO boasts that its weed wacker has a carbon fiber shaft stronger than any other string trimmer on the market. The shaft also comes equipped with a lifetime warranty when you buy from EGO.

About This Item:

POWERLOAD Head, load your line, push a button and go
15” cutting swath
Dual-feed spiral twist 0.095in. Line
High-efficiency brushless motor
Variable speed control
Power source type: Battery Powered

Specifications:

Weight: 12 lbs
Cutting Swath: 15 inches
Line Diameter: 0.095 inch
Power Source: Battery, 56-volt
Revolutions Per Minute: 5800 rpm

Pros:

POWERLOAD technology self-winds the line
Dual-line system
Bump feed system
15-inch cutting swath
Spiral twist 0.095-inch line
Variable speed control
The 56-volt battery powers over 50 EGO tools
Battery features cooling technology and power management
Carbon fiber shaft comes with a lifetime warranty when you buy from EGO
High-efficiency brushless motor

Cons:

12 pounds may be too heavy for some users
Lower rpm
Expensive

VIEW PRICE ON AMAZON

What factors did we look at to compare the best electric weed trimmers? We ranked each weed eater in five categories (with various weightings):

Cost: 10%
Weight: 15%
Cutting Swath: 25%
Line Diameter: 20%
Revolutions Per Minute: 30%

The Most Popular Electric Weed Eaters Buying Guide For 2022-2023

Sometimes when shopping around for tools, it can be tough to know what to look for. Refer to the buying guide below for some essential items to weigh and consider how they meet your needs.

Corded vs. Battery:

When shopping for electric weed trimmers, you have the choice between a corded or battery-powered model. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

With corded models, you have an almost unlimited run time, as long as the tool doesn’t overheat. And since they don’t need to carry a battery, corded models tend to be lighter than battery-powered string trimmers.

Needing to work close to an outlet is the downside to corded models. If you don’t have an outdoor outlet or need to work far away from one, a corded model may not be the best choice.

With battery-powered weed trimmers, you don’t need to worry about the extension cord being a nuisance. Just pick up your weed eater and take it anywhere in the yard.

Yet battery weed eaters don’t have unlimited run times. Once the battery has run out of juice, you’ll need to charge it before using your weed eater again. Some users may find that recharging the battery slows their work.

Invest in a second battery if you need to increase your run time. Several manufacturers also design their equipment so that one battery is compatible with many of their tools.

Curved vs. Straight Shaft:

A weed eater with a curved shaft is usually bent about halfway between the trimmer head and the handle. A curved shaft is often easier to control than a straight shaft and can trim better in tight areas.

Yet, the increased comfort and balance of a curved shaft does have a tradeoff: power. A straight shaft usually features more power than a curved shaft and is often used in large commercial projects.

A straight shaft may be hard for some users to control, but it’s often the optimal choice for tall users. Straight shaft weed eaters tend to be longer than curved shaft weed eaters, so if you’re tall, you won’t need to bend as much.

Versatility:

Several string trimmers can convert from a trimmer to an edger, which is especially helpful for buyers who can’t afford two separate tools. Some brands sell multi-task weed eaters that can convert into edgers and leaf blowers.

String Trimmer Line:

There are three things buyers ought to consider about the trimmer’s string line: thickness, shape, and the feeder system. Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice.

Thickness:

Pro tip: The thicker the grass, the thicker the string trimmer line. For example, for trimming regular grass, a 0.065-inch to 0.080-inch line will do. If you’re tackling thicker grass and weeds, get the job done with a 0.080-inch to 0.110-inch line. Any heavy-duty jobs ought to be cut with a trimmer line that’s 0.110-inch thick or more.

Remember: The thicker the string trimmer line, the harder your weed eater will need to work. Make sure you don’t use a string trimmer that’s thicker than what a manufacturer recommends. Doing so could lower the weed eater’s power and run time.

Shape:

The shape of the trimmer line will affect how well the grass is cut. Though commonly used, rounded string trimmer lines do not have a cutting edge and will instead rip your grass rather than cut it.

Consider a trimmer line with a cutting edge for a cleaner cut, like a square- or star-shaped trimmer line.

Feeder System:

Your string trimmer line will eventually wear down after it slices through the weeds and grass. Here are four common ways weed eaters advance the new trimmer line:

An automatic feed system detects when the string begins to run short and releases more line automatically. The automated system is popular with beginner operators, as they don’t need to maintain the string quite as much. An automatic feed system also allows the user to get more work done without pausing and adjusting the line.

The downside is that an automatic feed system may go through too much line too fast. The operator does not have full control over when more trimmer line is added, like in a bump feed system or fixed line system.

A bump feed system requires you to bump the trimmer’s head on the ground to release more string when needed. This system gives you more control over when the trimmer adds more line.

Yet repeated bumping can sometimes lead to damaging the trimmer head over time. A bump feed system also can be challenging when using the weed eater as an edger.

Command feed systems give you plenty of control. When the line appears to have worn down, the operator simply clicks a button or turns a dial to add more trimmer string.

Fixed line heads require an individual piece of line to be loaded as needed. Using single line pieces is ideal for commercial trimmers that use a tough, thick string that outlasts thin trimmer lines. The disadvantage is having to pause the work and replace the string line each time it’s worn down.

Weight:

A heavy weed eater can wear you out. If you buy a weed eater that’s too heavy for you to handle, it’s likely to slow you down. Avoid tired muscles by getting a weed eater that feels comfortable in your hands and isn’t too heavy.

Height:

Remember, your height and the weed eater’s length will affect how comfortable you are when operating the tool. If you’re tall, don’t opt for a weed eater that will have you bending the whole time you work. And if you’re short, don’t pick a weed eater that’s too long and difficult to control.

Your weed eater needs to feel comfortable in your hands and shouldn’t require you to feel pain in your back and knees. Before buying your weed eater, check if it has an adjustable shaft that can accommodate your height.

FAQs About Electric Weed Eaters

Q: Are electric weed eaters as powerful as gas weed eaters?
A: Several electric weed eater models can perform just as well as some gas trimmers, but many gas weed eater models can outperform electric models and are typically reserved for heavy-duty commercial jobs.

If you need a weed-eater to tackle a demanding project, you may not find the power you need in an electric weed eater. If that’s the case, you may want to consider a high-performing gas weed eater that can handle the job.

But if your lawn is small and you’re not tackling a commercial-grade job, then an electric weed eater will perform just as well as some lower-performing gas models.

Q: How do I refill the string trimmer line?
A: Refilling the string trimmer line will vary depending on the weed eater model. Take a look at this instructional video by ehow garden on how to refill the string trimmer line on basic feeder systems.

Q: How can I edge with a weed wacker?
A:Give your landscape a manicured look with edging. Edging makes your flower beds, walkways, and other lawn features pop, giving your landscape the extra touch neighboring lawns may not have.

But edging with a weed wacker can take a bit of practice –– always start your edging in the backyard to test your skills before you edge the front yard.

Check out this Silver Cymbal video for tips on how to use your weed wacker as an edger.

When to Call a Professional:

If trimming the grass and weeds isn’t how you want to spend the weekend, why not have someone do it for you? Call a local lawn care professional near you to get the job done with quality and care so you can spend more time doing the things you love.

A lawn care professional also can mow the lawn, mulch the flower beds, install sod, and even apply fertilizer. Pull your daunting to-do list off the refrigerator and hand it to someone with a passion for lawn care. Because in our books, the best weed eater stays in the hands of a qualified professional while you relax with family and friends.