Best Electric Hedge Trimmers – Corded & Cordless Electric

Only the best electric hedge trimmer can guarantee you of the ability to trim hedge overgrowth with immense ease. Unlike manual scissors or the ultra heavy gasoline units, here you get to use much less physical stamina. Plus you still get the job done faster albeit using an electrically powered unit. Since not all hedge trimmers are built equally, it is important to understand the different kinds of option available at your disposal. Below is a run-down of what would qualify as the most sought-after electric hedge trimmers in town.

12 Best Electric Hedge Trimmer Reviews

1. BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX Hedge Trimmer, Cordless

This hedge trimmer packs a 40-volt Li-ion battery which is rechargeable. The battery comes already fitted in place and so you won’t need to worry about a complex assembly process.

The battery may not seem that huge but it is specifically designed to deal with hedges of up to 6000 square foot per charge. That’s a pretty huge work area!

Besides that, the hedge trimmer has a 24-inch dual-action blade.

Its unique design gives it extra torque compared to the ordinary single action blades.

What’s more? You also get less blade vibration. Ultimately, that means you can enjoy trimming your hedge without worrying about hand fatigue as much as you would when using a single action blade.

Still, with the blade, a closer look at it reveals that it is meant to cut vegetation of up to 3/4-inch in thickness. And that way, you can pretty much deal with any stubborn hedge with absolutely no worry.

And to crown it all up, you get a full wrap-around handle which provides you with a comfortable grip in different cutting orientations

What We Like

• Small and compact.
• Powerful battery.
• Convenient, wrap-around handle.
• Versatile trimmer.

What We Didn’t Like

• It’s fairly heavy.

2. DEWALT 20V MAX* Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Looking for a trimmer that’s easy to maintain? The Dewalt DCHT820P1 is one of the few maintenance-free options available out there. And despite the fact that it’s battery-powered, it still packs lots of power.

Its blades are hardened with the best engineering technology and this makes them quite dependable for cutting thick branches.

But even then, we’d only recommend you stick to 1/2 inch thick branches when using this.

Otherwise, it might struggle to deal with anything larger than 3/4 inch thick.

Beyond that limitation, this trimmer is pretty light in weight. In fact, it weighs a paltry 7.5lbs which means you can pretty much operate it all day without fatigue.

What’s more? Its handle is specifically designed to minimize arm stress and maximize maneuverability.

Its 20V battery is quite good, though not as powerful. On average, it can support you for about 3,000 square feet of trimming on a single charge.

So, we’d like to recommend the Dewalt DCHT820P1 for light-duty tasks. It may not be the best choice for heavy-duty commercial work, though. However, it’s quite well-built and long-lasting

What We Like

• Compact and easy to handle.
• Powerful motor.
• Hardened blade.
• Reliable battery.
• Great handle design.

What We Didn’t Like

• Still a bit too heavy for overhead work.

3. BLACK+DECKER HH2455 Hedge Trimmer with Rear Rotating Handle

If vertical sculpting is your cup of coffee, then this trimmer from Black+Decker might just be what you need.
It comes with rotating handle which allows you to manage hedges with great convenience.

Its rear handle also rotates making it possible to maintain a grip that works best with your hedging style. And to make sure you don’t end up struggling to reach for the surface, this comes with a 24-inch long blade.

That’s just about enough to deal with those overgrown shoots near the further corner of your hedge.

Each unit is endowed with dual-action blades which do an incredible job of cutting twigs twice as fast. This means you end up saving time and effort. In addition, you enjoy better control on your cut – a feat that translates into precise trimming.

For your own safety, this unit comes with a fully-fledged lock-on/lock-off switch. This does an incredible job of preventing accidental starting.

What We Like

• Comfortable handle.
• Anti-vibration features.
• Ready to use.
• Lightweight.

What We Didn’t Like

• Makes a grinding noise when getting ready to stop.
• 3.3 amp motor not as powerful.

4. Makita UH6570 Hedge Trimmer, 120V Electric

The Makita UH6570 is one among many electric-powered hedge trimmers that promise nothing short of magic when put to use.

Well, to a large extent, its design is pretty well-balanced and easy to handle. That of course, means you can handle the unit for many hours of operation without experiencing hand fatigue.

Its engine is adequately shielded meaning you also get to put up with lower vibration.

All these perks are meant to maximize user comfort. How quiet is the machine, though? Well, everything from its engine power to blades and body seems optimized for quiet operation.

Yes, the unit still does produce some noise but not in a way that might disrupt your neighbors.

Safety is a key aspect of this unit also. For starters, this hedge trimmer comes with a two-hand operation switch. This prevents the motor from accidentally engaging. You also get a debris cover which ensures leaves and twigs don’t end up on your face or shoulders as you work on your hedge.

5. Earthwise 2-in-1 Convertible Pole Hedge Trimmer

Earthwise is not as popular as other mainstream hedge trimmer big boys. Their CVPH43018 is, however, in no way an underdog.

The 2-in-1 tool does a pretty decent job of ensuring you won’t need a ladder while trimming.

Well, of course, that’s an extra vote for the little-known machine as far as safety is concerned.
Nonetheless, the manufacturers seem to have lost precious points for this machine through its weight.
The trimmer, though compact, can be quite heavy and tiring to handle for lengthy trimming tasks.

That said, this machine still comes out as a well-balanced unit that can easily be tolerated with just a little bit of patience.

As far as noise is concerned, this electric-powered trimmer operates relatively quietly. You won’t need ear muffs to control it. Likewise, you won’t have to worry about waking up your neighbor’s dog while working with it (pun intended).

What We Like

• Simple and easy to operate.
• Well made on/off button.
• Up to 13 foot overhead reach.
• Six-position versatile cutting head.

What We Didn’t Like

• Might feel heavy after about 30 minutes of operation.

6. Toro 51490 Corded 22-Inch Hedge Trimmer

The 51490 from Toro is certainly one of the lightest, corded electric hedge trimmers in town. It comes with a fantastic cutting diameter plus its engine is just small enough to keep you going for a few hours.

So, you get the benefit of lightweight and a reasonably long operation time. While it may not be the ideal choice for large commercial tasks, it does a wonderful job when measured against small gardens.

You get a whopping 2,400 cutting strokes per minute which is just enough to deal with branches thicker than 0.5 inches.

In other words, this is the right kind of hedge trimmer for a homeowner looking to trim things up in their backyard.

But no worries, its 4-amp engine operates smoothly and quietly. And because it is corded, you don’t have to keep taking breaks in between sessions for a recharge. The absence of a battery pack or fuel tank further makes the trimmer very light – actually just over 6 pounds of weight. And in case you’re worried about the restrictions that come with the corded unit, the fact that this unit comes with a 150-foot cord should make you smile.

What We Like

• Relatively quiet motor.
• Extra-long cord allows you to move freely.
• Has a debris shield.
• Easy to maintain.

What We Didn’t Like

• Has serious power control issues.
• Limited Reach.

Benefits of Electric Hedge Trimmers

Different types of hedge trimmers have their fair share of merits and demerits. However, there are a number of pros and cons that are unique to electric hedge trimmers. Compared to gasoline models, electric models are known for being quiet. This removes the need for wearing ear muffs or restricting operations due to the fear of disturbing your neighbors.

The most obvious perk is that electric hedge trimmers presents you with a greater degree of freedom. Corded models, for instance, weigh almost half as much as empty-tank gasoline models. There is, therefore, less weight to deal with. Less weight means more comfort and convenience. Looking to operate for long hours without fatigue? Then, probably an electric unit is what you need to get yourself.

In most cases, you will find that corded models come with an extendable reach allowing you some decent coverage. Cordless models on the other hand offer unlimited freedom, though, they require frequent recharging. In a nutshell, electric hedge trimmers offer a great degree of power, though not as much as their gas counterparts.

It is also worth noting that electric powered hedge trimmers are much easier to maintain in the long-run. Unlike gas units where you have to struggle mastering gas ratio rules, here you only need to plug and play. In fact, there are no strings to be pulled to get the unit working. If you are a time conscious person, this key benefit of electric hedge trimmers will certainly impress you.

Most modern-day electric trimmers also come with super-long blades. This eliminates the need for a ladder by making it possible to reach far-flung twigs while standing.

Electric Hedge Trimmers – Disadvantages and Safety Considerations

One of the biggest downsides with electric hedge trimmers is that a good number of them are corded. The cord has to be plugged into a power source for it to work. This, therefore, limits your area of coverage. Even the cordless models have their own disadvantages. For instance, they offer a limited supply of power and need frequent backups.

Compared to their heavy-duty gas counterparts, electric models come with serious restrictions. For instance, you can only use a trimmer for a specified length of time. Any use beyond that level may result in a malfunction.

Likewise, electric units run on electric power. With power bills on the rise, it goes without saying that using them will lead to a significant increase in your cost of power.

Precautions

• Be careful not to entangle your hedge trimmer’s cord.
• Avoid using electric hedge trimmers for commercial jobs.
• Always keep the electrical components of the unit far from water sources.
• Make sure the on/off safety switch is adjusted appropriately when using or storing your trimmer.
• Always inspect your hedge trimmer for any signs of significant tear and wear.
• Don’t use corded hedge trimmer if the cord is broken or if some of its wires are exposed.

What People Are Saying

The jury on the superiority (or inferiority) of electric hedge trimmers is still out. Most people, however, contend that longevity is a significant challenge with electric models. And even, though, corded models do a good job, they also limit the user to a small spot.

Nonetheless, this category of hedge trimmers remains largely popular with homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. This is because they are incredibly light and super easy to control.

The debate seems, however, to be in favor of models that offer more than 22 inches of blade. Preference is also commonly placed on units with dual-action blades. Some argue that issues of cord retention still need to be worked on for some models. It is worth noting that, even the best unit can only handle up to a 0.75-inch diameter of twigs and branches. Therefore, to ensure maximum effectiveness, pundits argue that a bit of effort in job selection can go a long way in improving performance. For instance, it would not be a good idea to select a 3-amp motor for thick foliage. Doing so would only overwork the system leading to overheating and even total breakdown.

Maintenance/ Care/ Cleaning

Using an electric hedge trimmer is relatively simple and only requires basic common sense to manage. However, in order to ensure you get the best experience out of your machine, there are a few pointers to keep in mind. These include:

• Always check the weather before you start trimming. Trimming in the rain or on wet hedges could weaken your machine over time.
• Be gentle with your cuts and let the blade do its job. Applying too much pressure or trying some strange stunts is a big no-no.
• Lubricate the moving parts of your trimmer every so often. This will ensure your machine remains intact and that its delicate parts are free from rust.
• Make sure your hedge trimmer is stored in a cool, dry and well-aerated place. Avoid keeping it in extremely dusty areas.
• Remove the debris out of your blade after every use. Be sure to have the machine turned off while doing that.
• Keep your blades sharpened. If possible sharpen them before storing them in readiness for the next season.
• Get worn-out parts replaced as per the manufacturer’s guidelines or by consulting a professional gardening tool repair technician near you.
• It is always a good idea to give the motor sometime (2 to 3 minutes would be enough) to warm up. This allows the motor to operate at full speed and, therefore, do a good job.
• For corded electric hedge trimmers, keep the cords retracted or bundled.
• Hang your unit through its handle on a strong hook high up the wall.

Electric Hedge Trimmers – Expert Buying Guide

There’s a very thin line between choosing the right hedge trimmers and failing big time. The first and probably most important factor to consider is the nature of the project ahead. If you intend to work on a large hedge with numerous overgrown branches, invest in a powerful machine. Try to go for a unit with at least 5-amp motor and at least 23-inch of blade length.

Consider your tolerance level and stamina. If you would struggle to carry a 10-pound object for 10 minutes, then avoid going for large machines. There are always some lightweight units that can be easily carried for long hours.

If you leave in a quiet neighborhood you might want to consider going for a quiet model. Anything producing less than 80dB would be good enough for most situations.

For those on a tight budget, cost is an important factor to put into consideration. You can always find units as cheap as $30 or premium ones or as much as $80. Going for a cheap $30 unit could mean sacrificing on performance.

If you’re going to invest in a corded model, consider going for longer ones. The longer the length, the more ground you can cover when trimming. Short cords can be difficult to manage especially if the source of energy is located deep inside your house.

Last but not least, always check for ease of use before considering any machine. You don’t want to end up with a machine that is so complicated that it intimidates you. A good hedge trimmer is one that you simply need to plug and play. Be sure to go for a unit with a blade you can easily manage as well.

If that formula is anything to go by, the Earthwise CVPH43018 seems like a fair balance of features and functionality. It tops the charts thanks to its incredible operating power and ease of maintenance.

Final Words

As far as finding the best electric hedge trimmer is concerned, you can never run out of options. However, in order to find the best value for money, you need discerning with your choices. While at it, be sure to adhere to your specific needs and always go for a unit whose performance is proven.

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