Anyone With an Outdoor Space Needs a Leaf Vacuum Right Now

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Now that fall is here, there's one thing on our mind: fall foliage. For some, that means a new list of chores, including keeping the lawn clear of fallen leaves. The thing is, when it comes to lawn maintenance, leaf blowers tend to get all of the attention, but the best leaf vacuums deserve some love too. So we chatted with Zahid Adnan, founder of The Plant Bible, to get his opinion on all things leaf vacuums and leaf vacuum mulchers and why anyone with a lawn and even a few leaf-bearing trees needs one. "Leaf vacuums provide a more thorough and efficient cleanup by collecting leaves directly into a bag, eliminating the need for manual raking or multiple passes," Adnan explains. "Unlike leaf blowers, which can stir up dust and debris, leaf vacuums minimize the dispersal of particles, making them a cleaner and less intrusive option." In other words, the best leaf vacuums are mess-free, which is pretty much the whole point of investing in lawn-maintenance tools, right?

What to Look for in a Leaf Vacuum

When it comes to buying the right leaf vacuum, Adnan says there are a few key factors to consider.

Power and Suction Source

Leaf vacuums can be electric, battery operated, or gas powered. Electric models are generally quieter and more eco-friendly, while gas-powered ones offer greater mobility. One isn't necessarily better than the other; it just depends on what you're looking for and what your outdoor space requires. It also may depend on what your town allows, since some municipalities are beginning to ban gas-powered lawn equipment due to noise and environmental concerns.

Also, "Look for a leaf vacuum with strong suction power to effectively pick up leaves and debris," Adnan says. Anything with an airflow above 200 miles per hour will get the job done effectively.

Mulching Function

"Some leaf vacuums also have a mulching feature, which shreds the leaves into smaller pieces, reducing their volume and making them suitable for composting or easy disposal," Adnan says. Lacking a mulcher isn't necessarily a dealbreaker, but a leaf vacuum mulcher would be beneficial for anyone who doesn't want to just throw the leaves away.

Bag Capacity

"Consider the size of the leaf vacuum's collection bag, ensuring it is sufficient for your lawn's size and the amount of debris you anticipate," advises Adnan. Some of the bags that come with leaf vacuums are on the smaller side, so if you're dealing with a large yard that's often covered in leaves, make sure the bag is big enough to fit all of the debris blanketing your space.

14-Amp 3-In-1 Electric Blower, Vacuum, and Mulcher

With an airflow capacity of 150 cubic feet per minute, this is a good option for anyone with a sizable yard that gets blanketed in leaves when September rolls around. Such a massive airflow basically means that it can do a lot of work in a very short amount of time, so if you're eager to get back to your day after checking off items on your list of chores, this will help save time.

"I've got a large patio with a pool in the middle and a problematic tree that drops a ton of leaves every June. I bought this device to essentially vacuum my patio like you would a carpet," one of the reviewers who helped this product score best-seller status says. "And it works. It's also got a built-in mulcher, which fills the bag with mulch from whatever you vacuum up. I pick up a lot of leaves a few days a week in spring and early summer, and dump the bag around trees and bushes that could use the mulch. love it."

Power Source: Electric (corded)

Air Flow: 250 mph

Weight: 8.6 pounds

Lawn Vacuum

This may be one of the pricier options on our list, but hear us out: You don't have to hold it, plug it in, or charge it for it to work. In fact, if you've ever gone over your lawn with a mower, this will feel very familiar. Here's the best part, though: Unlike plenty of the vacuums on our list, which are mostly stick vacuums, this one has a 24-inch nozzle, so it can grab anything that gets near it, even larger debris like acorns and rocks. And for tough-to-reach spots where you want to use a stick vacuum, rest assured that this one comes with a three-foot-long tube that lets you squeeze into tight spots.

Power Source: Gas-powered engine

Air Flow: 250 mph

Weight: N/A

Electric Leaf Vacuum

This isn't just a powerful leaf vacuum with a 250 mph airflow and a 400 cfm delivery power; it's also a leaf blower and mulcher. So if you have a big lawn with leaves strewn about, you may want to invest in this compact find that's shockingly affordable. One reviewer even says, "I cleaned up my whole yard and made 9 giant leaf bags full of finely mulched leaves, and I probably fit double the leaves in each bag. I also didn't have to touch any yucky, dirty leaves." The best part is that it comes with a little backpack that houses all the leaves, so you don't have to lug around a giant bag with your free hand.

Adnan's expert opinion: "This corded electric leaf vacuum offers powerful suction and mulching functions. With its high-capacity collection bag and adjustable speed settings, it is suitable for medium-sized lawns."

Power Source: Electric (corded)

Air Flow: 250 mph

Weight: 11 pounds

Cordless Leaf Vacuum and Mulcher

This cordless leaf vacuum runs on a 5.0 AH (which stands for amp-hours) battery, which means this thing can employ five amps of current for one hour. That's a lot of power, so if you have a large outdoor space, this will save you a lot of time. It also comes with a metal impeller, a heavy-duty leaf collection bag, and adjustable wheels. One reviewer explains, "What I accomplished with one charge was impressive considering the layer of leaves on the lawn."

Power Source: Battery

Air Flow: 75 mph

Weight: N/A

3-In-1 Electric Blower/Mulcher/Vacuum

This WORX find is another 3-in-1 vacuum that's easy to use. All you have to do is flip the switch, and it will start to blow, vacuum, or mulch, depending on what you want. There's no need to change out the tube. A happy buyer says, "This works very well and has a TON of pressure in either direction. I'm definitely happy with this purchase and would recommend to anyone." It also weighs less than 10 pounds, so even not-so-strong arms can easily move this thing around your lawn.

Adnan adds, "If you prefer a compact and versatile option, this handheld leaf vacuum from WORX is a great choice. It combines a leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher in one device, making it suitable for small yards or areas with tight spaces."

Power Source: Electric (corded)

Air Flow: 210 mph

Weight: 9.5 pounds

40-Volt Cordless Leaf Vacuum Kit

Though this highly powerful vacuum comes with or without a battery, we highly recommend springing for it. That way, you'll make sure you're getting the right one and you'll get a better deal than if you were to buy one separately. Battery aside, this is a great find because it's pretty customizable depending on where you're using it. For instance, if you're picking up the leaves on a big yard, turn the speed dial up. If you're using it on a small terrace, wind it down a bit. "Where has this thing been all my life!! For years my husband and I have been breaking our backs picking up leaves in our yard," a reviewer notes. "We always had to rake tiny piles and then pick each pile up one at a time which would take hours but now we do not need to suffer any longer! This thing is truly amazing. It is easy to use and not too heavy."

Power Source: Battery

Air Flow: N/A

Weight: 12.85 pounds

Handheld Leaf Blower and Vacuum

This handheld leaf blower and vacuum is Amazon's Choice for a reason: It's that good. One happy customer says, "I use it every time I mow, trim hedges, etc. I also got the gutter blower attachment so I can keep my gutters clean in the fall. I also use the vacuum frequently but for light work like sucking up hedge clippings or leaves in the garden beds." It's also easy to start and stop courtesy of the power switch, which automatically resets to the "on" position for easier starting.

Power Source: Gas

Air Flow: 170 mph

Weight: 9.6 pounds

Gas-Powered Leaf Vacuum

This gas-powered handheld leaf vacuum includes an engine strong enough to collect leaves and debris with 16:1 debris reduction ratio. One user says, "Love how handy this is. I keep it in my garage. Lightweight and easy to start I find myself picking it up to blow out the garage or the patio when leaves have blown onto it. I use it for a couple of minutes and then put it away. Perfect!" It also has an airflow of 200 miles per hour, so it's ideal for larger spaces.

Power Source: Gas

Air Flow: 200 mph

Weight: 15.5 pounds

Electric Leaf Blower, Mulcher, and Vacuum

For those who think a collection tube will be too small, this leaf vacuum with a collection system ought to work for you. There's also no need to swap out attachments depending on how you want to use this multifunctional find. All you have to do is switch the button. One customer notes, "Very happy with vacuum/mulcher hooked it to 55 gallon drum on dolly took all my leaves in no time I would buy it again and again."

Power Source: Gas

Air Flow: 70 mph

Weight: 9 pounds

Cordless Leaf Blower and Vacuum

This all-in-one tool comes with two batteries, but you only need one. In fact, while one charges, you can use the other for a full 40 minutes before you need to switch. It's also silent so you won't get a headache from any noise or bother your neighbors. "This small blower is simply fantastic and a must to have when you have a home," one user suggests. "I do not even use my broom outside because with the blower you can use the power you want to clean."

Power Source: Battery

Air Flow: 170 mph

Weight: 3.9 pounds

What Is the Difference Between a Leaf Blower and a Leaf Vacuum?

The difference between a leaf blower and a leaf vacuum is what they do with dried leaves. The former propels air out of the nozzle to move leaves, while the latter sucks them up and deposits them in a collection bag. Many leaf vacuums also have a mulcher, which chops up the leaves for mulch you can use in your garden.

Do Leaf Vacuums Work on Wet Leaves?

Some leaf vacuums work on wet leaves, but they generally don't work as well on wet leaves as they do on dry leaves. Wet leaves are heavier and harder to move than dry ones, which is why most leaf vacuums suggest using them on dry leaves.

How Powerful Do Leaf Vacuums Have to Be to Actually Work?

Leaf vacuums should have at least 150 CFM (cubic feet per minute). Anything less won't work very well, meaning you'll probably have to break out a rake or go over the same areas multiple times.

Which Is More Important for a Leaf Vacuum: CFM or MPH?

CFM and MPH (miles per hour) are both important factors to consider when buying a leaf vacuum. That said, the first is a bit more integral than the second because it indicates how much power and efficiency go into a large area. MPH is key if you'll be using your leaf vacuum on wet leaves or debris that's typically heavier than dry leaves.

Both measurements indicate something we don't want to ignore: These are powerful machines, and it's important to take safety precautions when using them. Says Adnan, "It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions, wear appropriate protective gear, and be mindful of any potential hazards such as rocks or other debris that could damage the vacuum or cause injury."

Why Trust Us?

House Beautiful editors are as committed to maintaining an aesthetically pleasing lawn as any renowned landscape architect, so when it came to sourcing the best leaf vacuums on offer, we tapped a gardening expert, Zahid Adnan, founder of The Plant Bible. All of our suggestions are affordable and effective.

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