If you are searching for the best weed eater according to consumer reports in 2023 then this post is for you.
Do you think a weed eater is not important for your lawn?
Then how would you clip up the narrow sides, nooks, corners, or small grass patches?
Some do it manually and ruin the curb appeal of the lawn.
For me, a weed eater is as important as a lawn mower, and I always make sure both are available in my tool arsenal.
If you too are maintaining a manicured lawn, I highly recommend using a weed eater aka string trimmer.
It helps you get those refined and precise cuts and edges on the corners and nooks to make your lawn stand out.
Without once, I can’t think you can achieve the scale or accuracy even after hour’s long manual labor.
A weed eater is easy to use as a powerful tool for your lawn. It comes in various types, sizes, features, and specs integrated.
For a newbie, it becomes hard to decide and narrow down the right option.
In this post, I am going to help you with our hand-picked best weed eaters. These products are added to the list based on personal testing and consumer reports.
Our experience with a particular product can be different than others, or what brands claim. So Without further ado let’s get started.
Best Overall: Husqvarna Detachable Weed Eater
Husqvarna-designed detachable weed eater stands out due to its portable make, powerful 2-cycle engine, advanced features, and ease of use.
It is an easy-to-use, manage tool that comes with a translucent fuel tank to help monitor the fuel level, quicker starts, and an automatic feed system.
7 Best Weed Eater Consumer Reports
I have compiled a list of the 7 best weed eaters based on consumer reports 2023.
1. Husqvarna Detachable Gas String Trimmer
- 2 cycle engine
- Tap N go line release feature
- Translucent fuel tank
- 11 pounds weight
If you need to level up dense grass outgrown in your lawn, and looking for a portable lightweight easy-to-use string trimmer that without straining your hands helps remove the grass, go with Husqvarna designed Detachable grass string trimmer.
It is an 11 pounds weight grass trimmer. The weight might not look easy to use or compact, but it’s the weight distribution that makes it a powerful and compact option.
It is a gas-powered trimmer, powerful enough to easily help you get things to look finished and beautiful.
It comes powered by a 2-cycle engine, which integrates easy-to-use features. For instance, it works on tapping the head against the grass and activates the go-line release feature.
It also comes powered with a translucent fuel tank that helps you easily visually monitor the current fuel level in your trimmer.
It comes with a straight shaft and is expandable. That means, you can use with it multiple attachments, some come with the package too.
You can attach a brush cutter, hedge trimmer, leaf blower, and many others with it.
One more thing I would like to add here is fast and quicker starts. With this weed eater, you enjoy smoother and faster going without wasting any time or struggling.
Its engine is specially designed for quicker and instant starts without any big effort.
In total, if you need a compact and easy-to-use weed eater, don’t overlook Husqvarna designed weed eater.
It comes with a detachable shaft that makes it easy to transport if you want to take it around or store it anywhere.
Pros
- Lightweight designed model
- The detachable shaft makes it easy to store and transport
- Faster, quicker, and instantly starts
- It can attach multiple attachments
Cons
- Short in length for a straight shaft
2. Worx WG163 GT Cordless String Trimmer
- Two 20V battery
- 90-Degree tilt head
- Space-guard adjustable
- Automatic feed
As I mentioned in my introduction that weed eaters and lawn mowers go hands-in-hands in maintaining your lawn.
So, for those who can’t afford to buy two different power tools, we got another amazing option; a Worx-designed weed eater as well as a lawn mower.
Yes, you can transform it into a lawn mower occasionally, not a dedicated lawn mower for leveling up wide lawns.
Plus, it is a battery-powered option, you would not have to rely on the long wires or cables, and neither buy expensive gas.
It comes with two lightweight and powerful 20v lithium-ion batteries that help you go through your lawn work without any issue or trouble.
Another must-highlight feature of this string trimmer comes with its 90-degree head tilt.
With that, you can trip and edge on slopped terrain. Plus, it allows you easily reach to hard-to-reach places and areas.
I loved its space-guard feature too. Like, sometimes when you are trimming or cutting, you may cut your plants, unknowingly.
It got a space guard, with an adjustability feature that without cutting or damaging your plants remove overgrown grass.
If you own more than one Worx tool, you can use the batteries alternatively. Like, if you have a charged battery of some other power tools, you can insert that one into this weed eater.
Don’t forget the line feed is automatic. You would not have to make the head of the trimmer to access more trimming lines.
The command line spool system is automatic and feeds automatically without any trouble.
Pros
- The Command-line spool system automatically feeds
- Comes with 20 Volt two batteries
- Compatible with other Worx batteries
- Adjustable space guard
- Tilted head adjustable
Cons
- The runtime could be longer
3. Husqvarna 18″ Cutting Path Gas String Trimmer
- 4 25 cc engines
- 18-inches cutting path
- Separate fuel tank
- 2-Year limited warranty
I don’t usually recommend gas-powered string trimmers aka weed eaters.
Because, they are not environmentally friendly, the world is moving fast towards adopting battery-powered systems.
But sometimes, there is no other way except to adopt what we got already.
The same goes with gas-powered weed eaters. This Husqvarna-designed 4-cycle 18-inches cutting path integrating weed eater is an absolute beast.
For those with the luxury of a few acres of lawns, a small battery-powered weed eater can bring no good.
For those, something like this Husqvarna weed eater is the best option. It comes powered by a 25cc four-cycle engine with the power of 18-inches cutting path or trimming head.
That means, in one go, it covers 18 inches of the area easier to accomplish tasks faster.
Another Standout aspect that helps this weed eater manages to amass great ratings is its separate tank for fuel.
That means you would not have to mix oil with gas to get a smooth performance. Here what you need is gas plus oxygen, buy the gas and let the oxygen flow in from the surrounding.
Like the above-reviewed model, this too comes with a viewable tank, aka a translucent fuel tank that helps you learn how much gasoline is left. So that you could fill the gas before it runs out in the middle of your task.
In my view, if you want a powerful string trimmer, don’t buy a 2 stroke engine trimmer.
Go with at least 4-stroke engine weed eaters like this one, you will get the right power needed to accomplish your tasks without any big issue or trouble.
Pros
- Four 25cc engines render the right power
- A wide feed path helps accomplish tasks faster
- Good for those with acres of spanned lawns
- No need to mix oil, got a separate fuel tank
Cons
- Many consumers were not happy with the quality of delivery
4. BLACK+DECKER 40V String Trimmer
- Weed eater plus edger
- 40V battery integrated
- Automatic feed spool system
- Cordless battery operated
Who says battery-powered weed eaters are not as powerful as corded string trimmers?
Usually, it is considered that gas-operated ones are more powerful, but if you got a good battery onboard, I don’t think there would be any different.
Dewalt-designed professional-grade weed eater is one of the high-quality constructed, and modern features integrating a weed eater. It comes integrated with all modern features to make it stand out in the list.
If you compare the power, I can safely say that this one can easily replace your 2 strokes, gas-powered weed eater.
It is a weed eater as well as an edger. Shares 2-in-1 design, if you think you need an edger, transform it into an edger, and without spending on two dedicated power tools for your lawn, get this 2-in-1 designed trimmer cum edger.
I loved its battery. Yes, it comes with a 40v max lithium-ion battery that helps you get things accomplished faster than before.
If you got a big lawn, probably you should buy an extra pack of batteries and get it fully charged to take hands-on whenever needed.
Its motor due to its power drive system integrated produces high torque transmission.
That means, even the tasks considered better to take hands with gas-powered weed eaters can easily be done using this motor.
Its automatic feed spool system adds quickness to your tasks. It automatically feeds the trimmer line as needed no bumping and no manual feeding. Let the machine gets its job, without spending any extra time in manual labor.
So, if you like cordless battery-operated powerful weed eaters, don’t look anywhere else and get your hands on this Dewalt-designed weed eater.
Also Read: Hedge Trimmers
Pros
- 2-in-1 design
- The automatic spool feed mechanism
- Motor runs on power drive system produce high torque transmission
- Comes with a 40V battery
Cons
- Line snaps often
5. BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 String Trimmer
- 3-IN-1 Design
- 5 amp power motor
- Four hours battery
- Gear drive transmission
If you want three jobs done using one tool, I highly recommend buying a BLACK + DECKER designed 3-in-1 string trimmer, edger, and mower.
It helps you do your trimming and edging needs along with being able to mow the lawn too.
I especially appreciate the price point of this model, I don’t think not only three, but even one tool can be bought at this price point.
Its Automatic feed system is another important and must-highlight feature. You would not have to worry about feeding the line, the head does that automatically itself.
As per consumer reports, and in our testing too, this tool can last for four hours in one charging.
I don’t think you spend four hours mowing, edging, or trimming. Yes, for once in a year maybe, but the four hours battery run is phenomenal.
The most highlighted and stand-apart feature is its gear drive system. This system provides consistent power, and moving performance even on dense grass or any type of grass.
You can easily move this mower, or edger along with the edges, and designed for smaller or larger lawns.
I found this edger, weed eater, and mower very easy to use. It is easy to handle and gets the job done without facing any trouble.
Pros
- 3-in-1 functionality
- Affordable price range
- Runs for four long hours in one charging
- Moves easily even on denser grass
Cons
- The extension cord will have to purchase separately.
6. Greenworks Corded Electric String Trimmer
- 065 dual-line
- Automatic feed system
- Compatible with other tools
- 15-inches cut path
If you are on a budget and looking for a cheaper range of weed eaters that help you trip up your small backyards, look no further because at a steal price you got in hands Greenworks designed corded electric string trimmer.
This tiny-looking, compact but powerful trimmer easily help those got a small or an average-sized lawn.
With a 15-inches of the cut path, it easily accomplishes the trimming jobs in no time.
Yes, it is a corded system. Good for those who require unlimited time to trim up the lawn.
You can get your unlimited time with it, with no worry to charge it up or top up with fuel.
It has a 0.065 dual-line auto-feed with electric starts to help you get going in seconds.
Even in cold weather, you would not face any difficulty in starting it up. Plus, despite its cheaper price range, the tool is compatible with many other small tools.
You can use those tools to ease up your cutting, and trimming job in no time.
Pros
- Budget-friendly model
- Lightweight, compact, easy to use
- Good for small and medium-sized lawn
- Automatic feed system with dual line
Cons
- Not a powerful enough to handle complex tasks
7. Worx WG170 GT Revolution edger trimmer
- 3-in-1 design
- Adjustable handle
- 6 head settings
- GT revolution support
Worx-designed edger, trimmer, and the mower are other great tools.
It comes at a high price point, but if you look at its performance, features, and overall build, it is worth buying a tool.
I especially admire its powerful in-line wheeled edger that helps you make precise edges without any big trouble or issue.
Its stand-apart feature is its push-button feed system. That means, with a press of a button it lets you take more lines so that you don’t stop and accomplish the job faster and quicker.
It’s another worth mentioning and highlighting aspect is its 7 handle adjustment feature and six rotating head settings to easily and comfortably use the flexibility.
By adjusting the handle you can tune to the ideal height you want to operate this machine at. On the other hand, by adjusting the head you can increase or decrease the feed line.
The head also pivots, mean supports a 90-degree slope to easily help you reach hard-to-reach areas.
That means you can trim near flowers, or plants without touching them or damaging them.
With the package, the brand delivers GT Revolution 3 in 1 trimmer, 2 20V batteries, 20V battery charger, support wheels, trimmer spools, and spool holder as well.
Look at the additional accessories you get with the package, and easily tackle any job without any big issue or trouble.
Pros
- 3-In-1 Design
- Cordless system
- Push-button feed system
- Comes with lots of accessories and tools
Cons
- The battery would not last long
Weed Eater Buying Guide
Again, weed eaters come in a variety of sizes, designs, combinations, and many other features that a novice buying it for the first time can’t decide how to buy and what to buy.
In this tiny section, we are going to pen down the most essential features you should look for in any of the models you buy for your home.
Look everyone can have different needs and requirements regarding the size of their lawn, price range, and features.
So, it is you who has to decide the right model for you, I can just mention the features, power, performance and other things.
Types of weed eaters
1. Electric
As the name suggests electric weed eaters come with cords. They might look inconvenient, but electric models come with lots of advantages over gas or battery-operated models.
With electrically operated models, you can use them for long hours, and don’t have to worry about gas or battery.
These models are easiest to manage and use, come with simple designs, and are considered great for residential lawns.
The only drawback of them is, if there is no power or electricity around, you can’t simply use them.
2. Battery operated
As the name suggests, these run on batteries.
They got great benefits over electric powered one. You can take them anywhere you like, for outdoor tasks or where there is no power.
They are usually compact, simple to use and lightweight, and easy to take around.
The issue with them is, that the battery does not last long. And if the battery runs out of power, you will have to wait for charging it up and halt the lawn maintenance process.
Furthermore, you can’t use them for a complex project. The battery-operated models are often not so powerful and considered ideal for small and average-sized lawns.
3. Gas-powered
If you have a big lawn, spread on acres, battery or electric-powered weed eaters can’t take the load of complex or harder jobs.
For that, you will have to buy gas-powered weed eaters. They are considered powerful, and can easily go through the thickest shrubbery and other foliage.
The disadvantage of them is noise, fumes and not environmental friendly.
They are loud and hard to take around due to their bulky design. Plus, they are expensive and run on gas. Not an ideal option for small or average-sized lawns.
Comfortability
Comfort should be the best priority. You will have to take the weed eater out and operate it. Comfort means comfortable grip handles.
If you have a big lawn, and a heavy weed eater, after one hour, you will end up with strained muscle or aching hands if the grip is not cushioned or comfortable.
Noise level
Weed eaters can be, and are very noisy, especially the gas-powered ones.
If you love quieter models, it is better to go with battery-operated models, and high-performance or power models. More the power a weed eater houses, the more noise it will produce.
Heads
The weed eater head is the most important part. It is the part that comes in contact with the grass and spins in a circle with different ways of feeding.
Automatic: Automatic feed eater heads automatically feed the line when it feels the line is becoming too short.
With this type of weed eater, you don’t have to remember to feed more lines, its intelligence system sends the line along whenever needed.
Fixed: With this system, you have to feed out more lines, it is more simple and easy to handle design systems.
And if you have never used a weed eater before, it is recommended that you buy a fixed-head designed weed eater.
Wrap Up
To maintain a well-manicured backyard, a mower is not enough tool. You require lots of tools, and the most important all after the mower is a weed eater or string trimmer.
As we discussed in buying guide as well as in the review section that there is a huge range of weed eaters you are overwhelmed with.
It is you who needs to decide on the right tool as per your need, budget, and requirement.
We tried to help you with top-of-the-line products, and we can hope that any of them would make a great fit for your lawn maintenance.
FAQs
How do you clean a weed eater?
Well, you can’t wash them or have a detailed cleaning. The thing you can do is, wipe the model down with a stiff brush or damp cloth to get rid of the clipping and soil.
And if you use a gas-powered model, it is ideal that you get it maintained by a service center within one year.
Why is my string trimmer line breaking?
The line breaks only where it got hit by a hard object. So, the thing you can make sure that the line should be exposed to hard objects like stones and other hard objects that can break the line.
How do I install a new weed eater line?
Installing A new weed eater line is not a hard process if you know what to do and how to do it.
Generally, replacing or installing a new line is different in different models.
In general, what you should do is remove the head cover, spool in more lines, pull the line, and replace the cap.
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