The Best Weed Eater of 2019 – Your Guide to Perfect Outdoors

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The market is full and flourishing with a broad range of weed eaters.

If you aren’t familiar with the term, you might also know these handy garden gadgets as string trimmers or weed whackers, which is exactly the same as a weed eater.

Weed eaters are a versatile home necessity tool that can fulfill many of your needs when it comes to gardening and maintaining your lawn or taking care of your backyard.

What the best weed eater does is provide an effective service with no safety hazards, and this is where the versatility of this device comes to take away the spotlight.

Maintaining the area around your plants and herbs, trimming your front lawn, effectively taking care of your bushes and tree trunks, all in a matter of seconds; that is a service only a weed eater can provide.

Over the years of using, changing, and testing out various models of weed eaters, I have decided to share my wisdom with you.

No matter if you are upgrading your outdated device or if you are fairly new and unsure of what your needs are, I can assure you that you are in the right place.

Selecting and buying the right model out of a broad range of seemingly spectacular tools can be both difficult and confusing.

With my help, you will be able to make the final call and select the best weed eater for yourself.

Stay tuned!

More...

The Quick Glance: Top 3 Weed Eaters

For impatient ones, here are the three best out of best weed eaters and a shortlist of their characteristics.

Editor's Choices
Worx String Trimmer Cordless GT3.0 20V PowerShare 12" Edger & Weed Trimmer (2 Batteries & Charger...*
Husqvarna 324L 4-Cycle 18" Cutting Path Gas String Trimmer,Orange*
Best Selling
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* String Trimmer / Edger, 12-Inch (LSTE523)*
Dimensions
36. x 7.5 x 5.5 inches
70 x 9 x 9 inches
9.2 x 41.3 x 5.7 inches
Weight
6 lbs
17 lbs
6.2 lbs
Power
20V Lithium battery
4-cycle Engine/gas
20V Lithium battery
Price
$104.99
Price not available
$72.83
Prime
-
Customer's Rating
Highlight Feature
2-in-one, trimmer & edger
Vibration control system
Two-speed control system
Editor's Choices
Worx String Trimmer Cordless GT3.0 20V PowerShare 12" Edger & Weed Trimmer (2 Batteries & Charger...*
Dimensions
36. x 7.5 x 5.5 inches
Weight
6 lbs
Power
20V Lithium battery
Price
$104.99
Prime
Customer's Rating
Highlight Feature
2-in-one, trimmer & edger
Husqvarna 324L 4-Cycle 18" Cutting Path Gas String Trimmer,Orange*
Dimensions
70 x 9 x 9 inches
Weight
17 lbs
Power
4-cycle Engine/gas
Price
Price not available
Prime
-
Customer's Rating
Highlight Feature
Vibration control system
Best Selling
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* String Trimmer / Edger, 12-Inch (LSTE523)*
Dimensions
9.2 x 41.3 x 5.7 inches
Weight
6.2 lbs
Power
20V Lithium battery
Price
$72.83
Prime
Customer's Rating
Highlight Feature
Two-speed control system

Best Weed Eater Money Can Buy: My Top 10 Favorites

Both manufacturers and sellers offer a colorful palette and a wide array of various weed eaters.

As you continue to figure out which weed eater suits your needs the most, I present you the best of the best:

GreenWorks ST80L210 - The Best Battery-Powered Weed Eater​

Battery-powered weed eaters are tricky and in need of a lot of testing. Some people find this precise category to be the least trustworthy, as the life of a battery can be short.

However, Greenworks surely puts those doubts to rest with this model. They are famous for manufacturing heavy-duty outdoor machines, and this one is no different.

So, with the right product, you can get the most out of your battery-powered weed eater.

The strength of GreenWorks ST80L210 lies precisely in its battery – an 80-volt battery that guarantees a run of 45 minutes of continuous work, without the necessity of a recharge. What is more, you can fully charge it in 30 minutes with the rapid charger that you get with the purchase.

This handy outdoor machine was designed to perform a heavy-duty job and is equipped with a bump feed.

It is compatible with accessories, such as a shoulder strap, which you might need as this machine leans on the heavy side.It accepts attachments from other manufacturers, and, finally, I want to mention that it comes with a charger. 

Pros
  • No fumes, no loud noises
  • A powerful weed eater
  • Powered by an 80-volt Lithium-ion Battery that is reliable
  • Offers a quiet operation
  • Offers a runtime of 45 minutes before a recharge
  • The battery charges in 30 minutes
  • Doesn’t need a lot of maintenance
  • Compatible with many attachments
Cons
  • Although it did not happen to me, I’ve read that some customers reported having had issues with the charger
  • It’s a bit heavy

Worx WG163 - The Best Electric Weed Eater

If you do not enjoy the hassle of a loud weed eater that vibrates too much, then Worx has the perfect solution for you. A lightweight but refined option that they offer is Worx WG163.

Since it is equipped with a 12-inch cutting swath, this weed eater will feel like home the most at smaller yards or lawns, where it can showcase its true power.

Another great thing about it is that it has an automatic feed, which means that you won’t have to have a hands-on approach when it comes to releasing the string.

A detail about this machine that should not go unmentioned is that it is highly versatile. It is both a trimmer and edger, which means that you get two tools for the price of one, which is a great deal! Its dual function allows you to keep your green areas properly trimmed and edged.

Worx WG163 is run by a 20V lithium battery, which indeed means that it has a shorter runtime overall.

Out of all the weed eaters that I’ve tested out (and there were a lot of them), I find Worx WG163 the most reliable and efficient.

To conclude the evaluation of this outstanding machine, let’s move on to the pros and cons!

Pros
  • Versatile, both a trimmer and an edger
  • Lightweight
  • Powered by a 20-volt Lithium Battery
  • Offers a quiet and pleasant operation
  • Doesn’t need a lot of maintenance
Cons
  • Trimming line wears down quickly
  • Needs recharging after 30 minutes

Echo GT-225 - The Best Gas Weed Eater

Echo is a company lauded for its quality household products, and it is truly not a surprise that one of their outdoor-oriented products found its place on this list.

The title of the best gas-powered weed eater belongs to Echo GT-225, a lightweight but powerful tool.

Even though I described it as lightweight, it is far from being delicate. Echo GT-225 is a well-made gas-powered weed eater, and what I find the most admirable about is its design.

If you’re interested in the properties of this machine gas-related, I can tell you that you can use any oil mix as long as it is made for 2-cycle weed eaters, and my recipe is around 2.5 oz of oil mix for 1 gallon of gas.

It was designed to hold a lot of power but not at the cost of its weight, so it guarantees a sturdy package without a heavy load.

This machine is equipped with a bump feed, paired with a curved shaft, and, finally, topped with a 16-inch cutting swath.

So, what does this all mean? It means that this machine blends the barriers and curves the borders, all in one.

Its curved shaft would traditionally place it in the category more suitable for smaller spaces, but its cutting swath begs to differ.

Finally, let’s examine the pros and cons of this machine!

Pros
  • Sturdy packaging, well built
  • Lightweight but powerful
  • Easy to use
  • Excellent customer support
  • Does not require a lot of maintenance
Cons
  • Not accessories-friendly

Black+Decker LSTE523 - The Best Cordless Weed Eater

On paper, the Black+Decker LSTE523 weed eater seems as if it is an ambitious undertaking.

If you don’t love to deal with cords and you don’t enjoy the nuances of gas-powered weed eaters, this might be the one for you.

Since it is a machine that can be both a weed eater and an edger, you get both for the price of one, which is a point in my book for versatility.

Black+Decker LSTE523 is equipped with a 12-inch cutting swath, and its feed system relies on the EasyFeed™ systems, which means that it’s basically an automatic feed.

There is one feature of this machine that I would like to single out: I present to you the two-speed control system.

What it does essentially is that it lets you extend the overall runtime of the weed eater, or if you encounter an especially tricky area, it lets you boost the power. It’s really neat!

The runtime of this weed eater is dual because it allows you to pace its power – if you use it on the “extended” runtime, it means that you will get 40 minutes of uninterrupted work. If you decide to PowerBoost through the task, you will get roughly 20 minutes of undisturbed work.

Let’s move on to the pros and cons!

Pros
  • Versatile, both a trimmer and an edger
  • Lightweight but powerful
  • Well-built
  • Easy to use
  • Reasonably priced
  • EasyFeed Button for automatic feed
  • PowerBoost Button for those extra tricky areas
Cons
  • The battery takes too long to charge
  • The battery does not last long

GreenWorks ST24B01 - The Best Cheap Weed Eater

A well-deserved second mention of a product from the same manufacturer goes to the Greenworks company.

When you search for a weed eater on a budget, it always seems like you have to sacrifice one feature over another, doesn’t it?

Let's start with the aspects that are certainly favorable and preferable when we talk about weed eaters on a budget – this one is cordless, which means that you don’t have to deal with the hassle that a cord can be.

This weed eater falls among the lightweight weed eaters. It comes with a rechargeable battery, which adds a bit to the weight, but it’s not considerably heavier. So, if you want to avoid heavy lawn mowers and perhaps heavy-duty weed eaters, this is the right choice for you.

With its lightness comes the ease of maneuvering, which is a pretty nice combo. Its battery can last up to an hour, which is nothing short of impressive.

However, you should consider the fact that this weed eater is not equipped with an automatic feed system, but a fixed feed system, which means that you have to load the string manually. 

The weed eater comes with an extra string, but during my testing time (roughly a month or a bit more of using this weed eater), I haven’t had the need to replace it.

With this being said, let’s consider the pros and cons.

Pros
  • Budget-friendly
  • Lightweight
  • The battery lasts up to 40 minutes
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Cordless
Cons
  • The fixed feed system can be a hassle

Husqvarna 967055801 324L - The Best 4-Cycle Weed Eater

Weed eaters have proved to be one of the most necessary outdoor tools when it comes to lawn maintenance and yard work.

Husqvarna established a longstanding tradition of reliability and trust when it comes to outdoor power machines. Their dedication to improving and perfecting their products is exemplified in the Husqvarna 324L weed eater.

Some of you may wonder, what is a four-cycle weed eater?

These machines are quieter, more efficient when it comes to fuel rationing, and envious when it comes to durability.

There are many more advantages when it comes to four-cycle weed eaters, like less pollution, and, of course, they lack the notorious mixing of oil and fuel together, just to name a few.

This model is equipped with a straight shaft, which puts it in the heavy-duty category. Another handy thing that this machine is imbued with that I liked the most is the vibration control system to ensure the comfort of the user.

Bump feed is another characteristic of this model, along with a 17-inch cutting swath

Another favorable characteristic to mention is that this model has managed to earn the consistency when it comes to customers – after all, Husqvarna is a company that has existed for a long time, and it wouldn’t be there without satisfied customers.

Lastly, let’s move over and evaluate the pros and cons of this weed eater!

Pros
  • Powerful
  • Enhanced reach
  • Capability to perform heavy-duty tasks
  • Excellent manual
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Cordless
Cons
  • Leaning towards the heavy side, you might need a shoulder strap
  • Is not attachment-friendly

Black+Decker LST 300 - The Best Lightweight Weed Eater

The best lightweight weed eater crown goes to Black+Decker LST300. It is both a classic weed eater and an edger – and as you might have noticed, I have a knack for versatility, so this is a huge boost for me.

Overall, it is perhaps the most easier to use out of all weed eaters that I’ve tested out. It is extremely easy to assemble, its size is compact, and you will easily adjust to this weed eater, no matter your height.

It is a cordless weed eater, so you will be able to move around without any obstacles or limitations. Along with the ease of use that comes with this lightweight weed eater, there is an automatic feed as well.

This machine is battery-powered, and the battery can provide up to 30 minutes of uninterrupted work. Recharging will take a couple of hours, however, so bear that in mind.

There is a 12-inch cutting swath to this model, which puts it in the category that is ideal for your backyards and front lawns, even smaller gardens. 

Even though it is lightweight, it is very well-built, and you will sense that you’re dealing with a powerful tool.

Now, let’s move over to the pros and cons of this gardening tool!

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • High-quality built
  • Budget-friendly
  • Easy to operate and maneuver
  • Comes with a charger
  • Solid battery runtime
  • Cordless
Cons
  • Cannot modify the cutting speed
  • If you have a larger area to trim, you might need a backup battery

Worx WG170 - The Best Rechargeable Weed Eater

If you find yourself to be exhausted and unnerved with your aged weed eater that you have to push and pull around in order to make it work, or you simply want a clean start – we have just the product for you.

Worx WG170 offers a whole other level of precision and power – it is basically a 3 in 1 device. It can be turned from a weed eater into an edger, and then again, it can be transformed into a mini mower.

Versatility is another really powerful aspect of this machine – it has a seven handle and six rotating head positions. Worx did not disappoint when it comes to the cutting swath, which allows for a 12-inches of a nice trimming grasp. 

This machine is equipped with a 20V Lithium-ion battery, which does not come charged upon purchase – this means that you will need to charge it.

The optimal charging time is around 5 hours, and the runtime of the battery is good, and you will find it to be as satisfactory as I have.

Overall, I was greatly satisfied with this model precisely because of the fact that it is versatile, lightweight, and highly adaptable and functional.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Highly versatile
  • 3 in 1, as it can be an edger, a mini mower, and trimmer
  • High-quality design
  • Solid battery runtime
  • Very convenient
Cons
  • Battery charges for five hours

DEWALT DCST925 - The Best Straight-Shaft Weed Eater

Dewalt is known for putting out traditionally high-quality tools and accessories, and if you’re anywhere familiar with this world, surely you expected to find their product on the list.

After my careful examination, Dewalt DCST925 made it to the list as the best weed eater that has a straight shaft.

Because of the 13-inch cutting swath, to get the most out of this machine, you should definitely use it in smaller areas to cover smaller portions of grass. 

This weed eater is designed to have a gear drive transmission in order to amplify torque when it comes to powering through the overgrowth.

This means that this machine is very much capable of dealing with thicker weeds and more stubborn kinds of grass, or if you simply did not cater to your lawn’s needs for a while.

One of the characteristics of this weed eater that I found neat is the trigger, which allows for speed control. This means that you can choose between high/low speed in order to add more power or to extend the runtime of the machine.

Its highly improved balanced design guarantees that you will be able to move around without any burden felt as this weed eater is very light.

Its design is enhanced by a straight shaft, which means that you will find it easy to reach the trickier parts of your garden or your lawn. 

Pros
  • Solid battery runtime
  • Convenient
  • Easy to use and maneuver
  • Sturdy build
Cons
  • Not attachment-friendly

Makita XRU027 - The Best Curved-Shaft Weed Eater

Makita is a Japanese company that works with manufacturing and designing outdoor power tools.

For an electric weed eater, it contains a lot of power as it is able to withstand roughly 40 minutes of uninterrupted work.

Because it is a cordless electric weed eater, you will be saved the hassle of cords and obstacles, and you will be able to move freely around your yard.

It is very compact and lightweight (6.4lbs), and I particularly liked its ergonomic and sleek design. The machine is unique, and the Aegean blue color of this tool is aesthetically pleasing.

This model is equipped with an adjustable loop handle, which is a huge plus on my behalf – you can adjust it so that it fits your height and posture best. 

And if your household has more users of one weed eater, it is great because everyone can adjust it to their liking.

Another thing to mention is that this model is equipped with a bump feed button, and there is also a battery capacity warning system that will warn you when it is time for a recharge.

Also, it is pretty versatile when we talk about accessories, so you can use, e.g., any string or batteries that you like.

Pros
  • No gas emissions
  • No need for gas or oil
  • Easy to use and maneuver
  • Cordless
  • Lightweight
  • Can be converted into an edger
  • Excellent design
Cons
  • The battery and charger are sold separately
  • Some users reported that the replacement head was missing

Types of Weed Eaters

best weed eaters to buy

Now, there are many types of weed eaters that you can get, and each one of them has its own perks and characteristics.

So, before you decide to buy the best weed eater, it’s essential to get acquainted with all the different types and their features.

As always, I am there for you. Without any further ado, let’s jump straight into the categorization of these handy little outdoor tools!

This extensive classification I will present to you contains all the main types of weed eaters you can find on the market.

Of course, along the way, I’ll be giving you some useful pros and cons from my experience for each variety, so that you’re fully informed about everything.

The classification is made depending on multiple criteria, from the position of the shaft to the way it is powered, and I chose to present to you the 5 main types of weed eaters that you can find.

Mobility, Power, or Ecology?

Based on the power, there are three main types of weed eaters: gas-powered, battery-powered, and electric.

That is the first choice you will have to make.

  • 1. Gas-Powered
  • 2. Battery-Powered
  • 3. Electric​

This type of weed eater can be powered either by gas or a combination of gas and oil.

It’s likely to be the oldest weed eater, as the first ones that I remember using were gas-powered.

There are two different kinds of gas-powered weed eaters that you can obtain:

  • With a two-stroke engine
  • With a four-stroke engine

How are these options different?

If you choose a gas-powered weed eater with a two-stroke engine, you will have to use gasoline and oil in order to start it, whereas, if you opt for a stronger machine, with a four-stroke engine, you will have to use gas only.

More engine cycles also mean more power.

Overall, gas-powered weed eaters are the most powerful type and have a longer runtime compared to the next type (as gas lasts longer than batteries), but still lower than the final type (as electric trimmers have infinite).

This type of weed eater also comes in handy when we talk about mobility, as you can take them and use them wherever you want since they don’t have a cord that would impede your movement. The only thing you’ll have to worry about is your fuel and changing the filters.

Practicality or Comfort?

The next decision that you will make relates to the type of the shaft, and there are two types of weed eaters here.

1. With a Straight Shaft

These weed eaters can reach a longer range than those that have a curved shaft because there are no obstacles in its shape that will prevent it from getting it pretty much under anything that you need - be it a bush, bench, or delicate flower bed.

They are also more durable, as the cable that is located inside the tool does not have to be curved, although with a high-quality curved-shaft weed eater you will not have to worry about the durability of the cable (of course, I will update you on that in some other articles, too).

Overall, if you need a versatile tool for heavy-duty trimming and edging, this type of weed eaters will work for you.

2. With a Curved Shaft

best weed eater gas

There are also some benefits of weed eaters with a curved shaft.

Namely, these are lighter, shorter, and the grip on them is more comfortable than with the straight-shaft weed eater.

This translates to more control over your weed eater and portability of the device. I would say they are also a bit easier to use.

However, if you’re taller, you may have to lean forward when using this type of weed eaters.

On average, weed eaters with a curved shaft are more affordable, and they will be a valuable tool for you if you own a small lawn that needs regular trimming but does not have areas that are hard to reach.

Therefore, if the main purpose of your weed eater will be maintaining a smaller area without too many obstacles, the comfortable fit and efficiency of a curved-shaft eater are good enough reasons to opt for one.

Now that you are acquainted with the main types of weed eaters, you can apply your knowledge and purchase the one that suits you the most.

If you’re in for a heavy-duty, powerful tool that will reshape your grass in larger areas, opt for gas-powered weed eaters.

On the other hand, there are electric weed eaters if you’re looking for a more quiet and environmentally-friendly tool, or battery-powered if you want the same benefits, but with a more portable, cordless device.

Finally, choose between straight and curved shaft, taking into account my guide and the size of your yard.

Congratulations! You are one step closer to your ideal grass surface.

What To Consider When Buying a Weed Eater?

When you need to make a decision that is going to be beneficial to your household, such as this one, it is best to know what to be on the lookout for.

The things you need to consider before purchasing:

1. Shaft

There are two options when it comes to the shaft of the model.

  • The first one on my list is a straight shaft. These models are great for larger areas and areas that are hard to reach, as they are heavier and hold more power.
  • Curved shafts are more suited for smaller spaces; they have a shorter reach but are easy to carry, store, and use.

2. Feed

When it comes to the feed type, there are a few options to consider.

best weed eater 2019
  • Bump Feed: If you are wondering why it is called a “bump” feed, I will tell you the story now. When you want the machine to release more line, you bump the bottom of it against the ground so it could do that. These are the most old-fashioned out of the mix, but they still work great!
  • Automatic Feed: If you simply do not want to get involved in the machinery of it all, you should choose an automatic feed. It is designed in such a way that the weed eater automatically releases the string when it is necessary. 
  • Fixed Feed: This feed type lets you load the line manually.

3. Cutting Swath

Another piece of advice that is good to keep in mind when buying a weed eater concerns the cutting swath.

Depending on what you need, you can easily sort yourself in one of the two categories:

  • From 10 to 15 inches - These weed eaters are recommended to be utilized in smaller spaces and areas.
  • From 16 inches and above - Weed eaters with this cutting swath are considered heavy-duty and therefore operate best on large-scale places.

4. Accessories

It’s a fact that cannot be ignored: everybody loves bonus features! Bonus features bring the extra pizzazz you did not think you needed previously.

There are many accessories that can spruce up your weed eater.

What you need to pay attention to is whether your weed eater comes with some of the accessories or if it is compatible with them.

Weed eaters that can be adaptable are the much-preferred ones as they can perform more than one duty.

Whether it is trimmer to edger function, or the anti-vibration feature, or maybe the shoulder straps to help ease the heavy load? All of these things, no matter how little, matter in the long run.

Stick around to find out which one is the best weed eater!

My Final Thoughts

Investigating through the wide assortment of the newest and most popular weed eaters, I managed to compile the list that contains the best of the best.

Whether you need a weed eater that falls under the heavy-duty category, or you find yourself wanting something rather lightweight, or you have a strong preference for gas-powered over battery-powered weed eaters, I sincerely hope that this review can help you solve your dilemma.

If your main concern is your budget, I have managed to select quite a few weed eaters that are budget-friendly but not lacking in quality. Be sure that one feature will not be at the cost of another.

All in all, I know that the market fluctuates and changes frequently and drastically, but one thing that can always be recognized and valued is quality. This is one aspect that I can always rely on to find a highly functioning and reliable machine.

For me, the title of the best weed eater can go to Worx WG163. It is one of the most efficient machines and reliable too.

Sale
Worx String Trimmer Cordless GT3.0 20V PowerShare 12" Edger & Weed Trimmer (2 Batteries & Charger...*
  • [TRIMMER & EDGER 2-in-1] Easily converts from a string trimmer to an edger lawn tool in just seconds
  • [INSTANT LINE FEED] This grass trimmer has innovative push button Command Feed spool system for instant line feeding. Plus, Free Spools for Life
  • [HEAD TILTS 90°] So you can use string trimmer and edger 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 using the lawn trimmer

I hope that you enjoyed my best of the best review and that you were able to find which of these suits you and your lawn the most!

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