Types of string trimmers

String Trimmers Buying Guide

A string trimmer picks up where a lawn mower leaves off, providing the finishing touches as it whisks away grass around trees and flower beds, straightens uneven edges along driveways, and trims patches of lawn your mower or tractor can't reach. What's more, you can get a capable trimmer at a good price.

Latest String trimmer Ratings

Types

You don't have to invest in an expensive, professional-grade trimmer unless you need its metal-blade capability for cutting saplings and other woody waste. Most of the gas trimmers and even some electrics we tested can handle the grass and tall weeds that account for most trimming. Use this string trimmer guide to decide whether a gas-powered or electric trimmer fits your needs.

Gas-powered trimmers

Gas models are the best choice for trimming the tough stuff. These 9-to-14-pound machines are lighter than they used to be, but they're still two or three times as heavy as the corded electric models. The latest gas-powered trimmers run cleaner. but they still produce exhaust emissions. All require hearing protection.

Corded electric trimmers

These cost the least and weigh only about five pounds. They don't require tune-ups, and they start with pushbutton ease. They're lighter and quieter than the gas models, but the power cord limits your range, and you'll still need hearing protection with these models.

Cordless electric trimmers

Battery-powered string trimmers might seem like the best of both worlds: freedom from a cord without a gas model's fueling, fumes, and tune-ups. Cordless trimmers are also the quietest. But they tend to be expensive and heavy (about 10 pounds), especially considering their wimpy performance. And they run for only about 15 to 20 minutes before their battery needs recharging-which can take up to a day. Consider a cordless model only for the lightest-duty trimming.

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