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    String trimmers
    String Trimmer Buying Guide
    Into the Weeds

    Even a blue-ribbon lawn won’t win any landscaping prizes if you have shaggy, untrimmed walkways and tall grass poking up around trees and fence posts. Modern string trimmers address a garden variety of lawn-grooming issues with better performance and convenience for less money.

    If you're looking to skip the mess and hassle of dealing with gas and oil, you may gravitate toward an electric string trimmer. But you should know that today's gas-powered string trimmers emit fewer pollutants than they used to. Cordless, battery-powered trimmers—while not quite as robust as corded-electric or gas models—can still make your yard look trim and proper. And they'll do it while producing far less noise than their gas counterparts, so you can skip hearing protection and get an earlier start without annoying neighbors. 

    What to Consider

    You don’t need an expensive, professional-grade string trimmer. For regular jobs, gas trimmers and most electric trimmers can dispense with run-of-the-mill grass and weeds just fine.

    For what type of yard work do you need a string trimmer? Typically, gas-powered trimmers are more powerful and may be more effective at tackling substantial weeds and tall grass growth. Corded string trimmers can be easier to maneuver, and a good choice for lighter duty landscaping tasks. Newer battery-powered models have power nearly equal to gas trimmers, but they're just as heavy and more expensive. But their batteries can often be used for a whole suite of tools including lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and chain saws. For more information see our full string trimmer ratings.

    Try It Out
    Handle a string trimmer in the store to check its balance. After adjusting the front handle for a comfortable reach, hold the trimmer in the cutting position with both hands. Its weight should feel evenly distributed from top to bottom or slightly heavier at the top. Be sure the controls work smoothly and are easy to reach.

    Mind the Gap
    Some string trimmers have a built-in design flaw that allows tall grass and weeds to wrap around the top of the cutting head, which can slow or stall the trimmer. Look for models with only a small gap or better yet, a protective sleeve between the cutting head and trimmer shaft.

    Be Safe
    String trimmers can kick up debris. Make sure you wear safety glasses, gloves, long pants, and boots. All but the cordless electric trimmers we tested emitted at least 85 decibels, the level at which we recommend hearing protection. 

    We Don't Recommend Split Shaft
    With split-shaft models, the shaft comes apart to accept a leaf blower, hedge trimmer, edging blade, or other yard tools. But most add-on tools haven't been very effective in our tests.

    For Top Models Check Our String Trimmer Ratings

    Interactive Video Buying Guide

    For more, watch our interactive buying guide below. You can skip to chapters based on your interests, such as gasoline powered string trimmers, non-gasoline string trimmers, features, maintenance, and tips.  

    String Trimmer Types

    Call it String Theory: Again, we recommend wearing hearing protection whenever using a gas or corded electric string trimmer. 

    A gas-powered string trimmer.

    Gas-Powered String Trimmer

    These are the best choice for large areas of tall grass and weeds. Many weigh less than 13 pounds, although they're still heavier than corded-electric models. Today’s gas-powered trimmers run more cleanly but still produce exhaust emissions. Most gas models should have a deflector to aim exhaust backward. If you're left-handed, a model without this would aim exhaust back towards you.

    On gas models, a translucent tank lets you see the fuel level, and a centrifugal clutch lets a gas trimmer idle without spinning the line—safer and more convenient than when the line keeps turning. Note: Electric models don't spin unless you press a switch.

    Cost: $100-$190



    See our String Trimmer Ratings for top gas-powered models.
    A corded-electric string trimmer.

    Corded-Electric String Trimmer

    Corded-electric string trimmers cost the least and weigh less than 10 pounds. They're best for smaller yards and more modest landscaping needs. Corded-electric trimmers don't require tune-ups, and they start with pushbutton ease.

    Corded-electric string trimmers are also lighter and quieter than their gas counterparts, but the power cord limits your range—and we still recommend you wear hearing protection.

    Electric trimmers with a top-mounted motor tend to be better balanced and easier to handle than models with the motor mounted down near the cutting line.

    Cost: $90-$110



    For more on how different corded-elecric string trimmers perform, check our full String Trimmer Ratings Charts.
    A cordless-electric string trimmer.

    Cordless-Electric String Trimmer

    Battery-powered string trimmers deliver cord-free mobility without fueling, fumes, or pull-starting. They trim and edge impressively, and perform reasonably well in moderate-length grass. But top gas and plug-in electric trimmers still outperform them in the tall stuff. They are heavier than corded models and limited to a run time of about 30 minutes before they need a recharge, which can take hours for some models. Best suited to smaller jobs.

    As with corded-electric trimmers, cordless trimmers with a top-mounted motor will also be better balanced and easier to handle than those with a motor near the cutting line.

    Cost: $130-$190



    Check our String Trimmer Ratings for more on the top cordless-electric models.

    It’s a Jungle Out There

    Shopping for lawn gear can be overwhelming, but here's the help you need to get the job done.

    Picture of a curved string trimmer shaft.

    Straight vs. Curved Shaft (shown)

    The shaft transfers power from the engine or motor to the lines that do the cutting. Models with a straight shaft offer a longer reach, and they tend to be better for tall users and for reaching beneath bushes and other shrubs. Models with a curved shaft tend to be lighter and easier to handle.

    Picture of a rotating head.

    Rotating Head

    On some models, the cutting head can be swiveled to a vertical position for edging. This feature is especially useful because the trimmer can otherwise feel unwieldy if you have to maneuver it 90 degrees—and hold that position—for several steps as you edge your lawn where it meets a driveway or sidewalk.  

    Picture of a string trimmer cutting line.

    Cutting Line

    All manufacturers tell you which size replacement line fits your trimmer. Be sure to use what's intended for your trimmer. Line that's too thin can compromise cutting power, while line that's too thick can bog down a trimmer's engine or motor. Trimmers with two lines cut more grass with each revolution than single-line models, so they can typically handle heavier growth.

     

     

    Picture of where the line feed is on a string trimmer.

    Cutting Line Feed Options: Bump Feed, Fixed Line, and Auto Feed.

    A bump-feed releases line from a spool when you bump the trimmer's head on the ground, but more models are using fixed-line heads with short lengths of line to help eliminate the jams and tangles associated with loading new line. You thread in a piece of line as needed—though you'll have to do that relatively frequently. Fixed-line heads are also available as aftermarket items. Auto-feed heads come pre-wound and release line on their own as needed. While some on electric models don’t reliably release line, each time you turn on the trimmer it releases a quarter-inch of line.

    Picture of a stop switch on a string trimmer.

    Starting Aids and Stop Switches

    Spring-assisted starting makes pulling the starter cord of a gas-powered trimmer easier. And a relatively foolproof sequence of pushing the fuel-primer bulb and engaging the choke delivers the proper fuel mixture to a cold engine for faster starts. Trimmers that have the stop switch within easy reach let you quickly stop the engine or motor should you need to.

    Black+Decker Craftsman Echo Husqvarna MTD brands Stihl Toro
    Black+Decker is the leading manufacturer and marketer of corded- and cordless-electric string trimmers and offers an extensive line of electric products. Black+Decker string trimmers are widely available online and at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart.
    Craftsman products are made by a variety of manufacturers, and most have similar counterparts under different brand names. In the string-trimmer market, Craftsman is a top brand. Craftsman string trimmers are available with two- and four-stroke engines and split-shaft designs for attachments. Craftsman products are sold at Sears and Kmart and at Sears.com.
    Echo is the leading manufacturer and marketer of gas string trimmers and now also sells cordless-electric models. Echo products are used in the consumer and professional market. Echo string trimmers are available with two-cycle engines and split-shaft designs for attachments. Some models claim low noise, emissions, and weight, along with anti-vibration features. Consumers can find Echo string trimmers at Echo dealer stores and Home Depot.
    Husqvarna markets a small line of gas string trimmers for both the consumer and professional market. These string trimmers are available with both two- and four-stroke engines, and many have split-shaft designs for attachments. You'll find Husqvarna string trimmers at Lowe's and dealer stores.
    MTD markets electric and gas string trimmers under the Yard-Man, Yard Machines, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, and Bolens brand names. MTD's diverse line of string trimmers includes corded- and cordless-electric types, models with two- and four-stroke engines, and split-shaft designs for attachments. MTD products are sold at a broad array of retailers including Sears, Tractor Supply, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Walmart.
    Stihl is a leading manufacturer and marketer of gas string trimmers. These premium-priced products are for consumers and pros. Stihl string trimmers are available with both two- and four-stroke engines. One model in the line is electric, and many have split-shaft designs for attachments. Some models claim features that reduce noise, emissions, weight, and vibration. You'll find Stihl string trimmers at dealer stores.
    Toro manufactures and markets a line of small, lightweight, corded- and cordless-electric string trimmers sold through dealers and Home Depot. The Toro brand is also used on a line of gas trimmers, not manufactured by Toro, that are sold at Home Depot.
    Shopping links are provided by eBay Commerce Network and Amazon, which makes it easy to find the right product from a variety of online retailers. Clicking any of the links will take you to the retailer's website to shop for this product. Please note that Consumer Reports collects fees from both eBay Commerce Network and Amazon for referring users. We use 100% of these fees to fund our testing programs.

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