Top 10 best garden vacuums for 2023

While you may mistake their appearance for a leaf blower, garden vacuums, in fact, perform several tasks.

 

The average garden vacuum can clear pathways by blowing leaves out the way. But it can also suck and compact leaves, leaving you with clear paths and a bountiful amount of mulch. If you have twigs or branches, then you’ll need a garden shredder instead.

 

If you’re anything like us, no matter how much we love using our garden, having to maintain it is a necessary evil.

 

It’s one of the main reasons we love tools like cordless leaf blowers, robotic lawn mowers and garden vacuums, they just allow us more time to enjoy our outdoor space.

 

Let’s take a look at 10 of the best garden vacuums on the market in 2020.

 

 

* Prices correct at time of publishing

 

 

VonHaus 3 in 1 Leaf Blower

 

Description

The VonHaus 3 in 1 Leaf Blower is a 3000W Garden Vacuum and Mulcher is ideal for tidying any aspect of your garden, including lawns, patios, and driveways.

 

Out of the box, it does require some assembly. You need to screw two sections together and attach the collection bag.

 

At the heart of the unit is a 3000-watt motor, which supplies an air velocity of 260km/h. So offers more power than you’ll ever need. This unit blows, vacuums and mulches leaves into material suitable for composting.

 

With such a powerful motor, the VonHaus 3 in 1 Leaf Blower does require mains power and so comes with a 10-metre power cable. Of course, you’ll need an extension lead if you need to cover more ground.

 

At 3.5 kg it’s lightweight and compact. A shoulder strap and wheels provide comfort, especially when used for prolonged periods. The unit also has a thermal cut-out safety feature.

 

This leaf blower compacts leaves in the generous zipped 35-litre capacity collection bag at a shredding ratio of 10:1. This means you’ll spend less time spent emptying the bag and more time gardening.

 

Finally, VonHaus 3 in 1 Leaf Blower comes with a 2 Year Warranty.

 

 

Conclusion

The VonHaus 3 in 1 Leaf Blower sets the bar high. If you haven’t heard of VonHaus, they produce a range of tools which are well designed and affordable.

 

One of the downsides to so much power is having to plug into the mains. And while it does have a 10-metre power cable attached, you’ll probably end having to fight with an extension lead or two.

 

The other slightly negative, is you do have to assemble it. However, this is very simple as it clicks together.

 

With a 3000-watt motor, it has plenty of power on top whether you’re vacuuming, blowing or mulching. Plus VonHaus have made it simple to operate.

 

Its lightweight design means you can complete your gardening tasks quicker without fatigue or backache. 9/10

 

 

 

TECCPO 3-in-1 Leaf Blower, Garden Vacuum and Mulcher

 

Description

Before you adjust your screen, the TECCPO TABV01G 3-in-1 Leaf Blower, Garden Vacuum and Mulcher, comes with two attachments, hence the two images above. So sadly, you don’t get two units!

 

The unit offers 3 functions. It’s capable of blowing, vacuuming and smashing. Both the blowing and vacuuming modes gather leaves effortlessly, whereas the mincing function can quickly tears leaves into tiny pieces.

 

As a mains powered unit, the 3000-watt motor produces up to 350 km/h air velocity. The metal and plastic anti-blocking turbine prevents clogging when blowing or vacuuming. In grinding mode, the ratio can be as high as 16:1.

 

2 attachments come included. The first is an air tube, which is used in blower mode. A suction tube is the other attachment and is used in the vacuuming and grinding modes.

 

In vacuuming and griding modes, the 40-litre capacity collection bag comes into use. Leaves pass from the suction tubes to the grinder and end up in the bag.

 

The TECCPO TABV01G Leaf Blower, Garden Vacuum and Mulcher comes with a 24 Month Warranty.

 

 

Conclusion

At £40, the TECCPO 3-in-1 Leaf Blower, Garden Vacuum and Mulcher preforms well. It does requires assembly.

 

We’re impressed by this garden tool as you can easily switch between modes and use different attachments to get the most out of the unit. This might take a little time to get used to, but it’s an innovative idea.

 

With up to 350 km/h of air velocity, the unit can easily move leaves, small stones and other debris. Plus, in the vacuuming mode, you can easily collect and compact leaves.

 

As far as garden vacuums go, we rate the TECCPO 3-in-1 Leaf Blower, Garden Vacuum and Mulcher 9/10.

 

 

 

Bosch ALS 2500 Electric Garden Blower and Vacuum

 

Description

The Bosch ALS 2500 Electric Garden Blower and Vacuum features 2 modes, a large collection bag and powerful motor.

 

Powered by a 2500 watt motor, which produces 280 km/h of variable airflow speed, the Bosch ALS 2500 offers two modes: blowing and vacuuming. As a mains powered unit, it has an 8-metre power cable.

 

Using the blowing mode, the motor provides variable speeds up to 300 km per hour. This makes it ideal for light sweeping to remove sticky, wet leaves.

 

In vacuuming mode, the unit shreds leaves at a 10:1 ratio. Not only does this use the collection bag’s space more effectively, but it also means leaves are turned into mulch, ready to be used for composting.

 

Lightweight in design, it weighs only 3.2 kg in blowing mode and 4.4 kg in vacuuming mode. An adjustable handle and padded shoulder strap provide comfort, meaning you can use without pain in shoulders or arms.

 

The 45-litre collection bag is sizeable and means you’ll waste less time emptying it. A second handle for easy emptying and the bag open/close by a zip.

 

Finally, the Bosch ALS 2500 comes with a 2-year warranty which can be upgraded to 3-years when you register.

 

 

Conclusion

As you’d expect, when it comes to Bosch products, our standards are high. Thankfully, the Bosch ALS 2500 Electric Garden Blower and Vacuum overall is a superb unit.

 

It does suffer from a small power cable, so unless you have a tiny garden, you will end up using an extension lead.

 

Both modes are useful and there’s plenty of power thanks to the 2500-watt motor. The vacuuming mode makes use of the large collection bag and takes a while to fill as it’s 45-litres in capacity and leaves are shredded at a 10:1 ratio.

 

In blowing mode, there are two speed settings. The slower one is ideal for clearing light build-ups of leaves. In the fast setting, it easily moves leaves and debris. 8/10

 

 

 

BLACK+DECKER GW2500-GB Corded Blower Vacuum

 

Description

With specific tubes for blowing and vacuuming, the BLACK+DECKER GW2500-GB Corded Blower Vacuum is an ideal multi-tool for gardening.

 

Using a 2500 watt high-performance motor, the GW2500-GB products 310Km/h in air velocity. This makes blowing and sucking garden debris simple.

 

As it’s mains power, you’ll need to be close to a socket as it comes with a tiny 6-metre cable. You’ll probably end up having to use at least one extension cable.

 

There are separate attachments for the blowing mode and vacuuming mode. These are a little difficult to change but improve the overall performance.

 

In vacuuming mode, leaves and debris are sucked up and then shredded. The shredder uses a fan to compact debris at a 10 to 1 ratio and slowly fills the 40-litre collection bag. As this bag zips open, you can use this mulch directly on your garden.

 

At 3.2 kg, the BLACK+DECKER GW2500-GB is lightweight and easy to navigate. The secondary hand and shoulder strap allow for maximum comfort.

 

Finally, this unit comes with a 2-year BLACK+DECKER warranty.

 

 

Conclusion

As you might suspect when it comes to BLACK+DECKER tools, our expectations are high.

 

There are a few issues with the GW2500-GB, which should be taken into consideration before purchasing. Firstly, the mains cable is 6 metres. This is tiny and won’t cover a lot of the garden.

 

While it’s easy to assemble, it can be tricky to change attachments. And while we like this design feature as it improves performance, it’s worth bearing this in mind.

 

Whether your blowing, vacuuming or compacting, the BLACK+DECKER GW2500-GB performs well, thanks to its powerful motor which produces 310 km/h in air velocity. However, it uses plastic blades, so is likely to block or create issues if a stone or two get sucked up with the leaves.

 

The collection bag is of a good size but the zip doesn’t inspire confidence. It’s worth only part filling before emptying. This won’t concern you if you’re buying for the leaf blower function. 8/10

 

 

 

Garden Gear Leaf Blower Vacuum and Shredder

 

Description

As a 3 in 1 garden vacuum, this Garden Gear provides a range of functions and has a 3000-watt motor, large collection bag and is mains powered.

 

As it uses mains power, this Garden Gear tool is greeners than petrol options. It’s fitted with a 10-metre power cable, which is pretty standard and should cover most small gardens with ease.

 

The powerful 3000-watt motor produces an airspeed of 270km/h. So you have plenty of power on tap whether you’re blowing, vacuuming or mulching.

 

Operating this unit is simple as there’s a large mode switch on the side and a trigger at the handle. In addition to the shoulder strap, there are two handles, which make holding it comfortable.

 

The mulching function compacts leaves using a 10:1 ratio. This means it can create up to 45-litres of mulch, which can be reused straight from the bag.

 

The sizeable 45-litre collection bag means there’s little mess to clear up at the end. Its large size makes tidying a garden easy and reduces the need to empty it.

 

Finally, the Garden Gear Leaf Blower Vacuum and Shredder comes with a 12-month guarantee.

 

 

Conclusion

There’s a lot to like about the Garden Gear Leaf Blower Vacuum and Shredder and only a few negatives.

 

It’s affordable, light (only 3 kg) and has superb specifications. It is mains powered and comes with a standard 10-metre lead, which isn’t ideal if you have a medium or large garden.

 

However, we like the ease of operation. It’s really simple to change modes, you don’t need to change attachments and it has enough power to collect and grind damp leaves and garden debris.

 

At 3 kg, it’s fairly light and comes complete with a shoulder strap, meaning you’ll find it easy to carry and use over extended periods. The handles are also comfortable and well-positioned.

 

One final aspect worth mention is its bag. At 45-litres, it’s quite large and means you’ll spend more time clearing your garden than unloading the bag.

 

Overall, Garden Gear Leaf Blower Vacuum and Shredder scores 8/10.

 

 

 

Andrew James Leaf Blower and Vacuum Mulcher

 

Description

Andrew James Leaf Blower and Vacuum Mulcher is the ideal tool for clearing leaves and other garden debris. Weighing in at 4 kg, this garden vacuum is lightweight.

 

It’s two handles and a strap make for comfortable use. Easy to operate, it has a trigger operating button, speed control and a mode switch to change between blowing and vacuuming.

 

The mains-powered 2800W motor produces an airspeed of between 160 and 270km/h. So there’s plenty of power available.

 

What makes this unit different is its variable speed control, which allows you to tailor the power to the task. For example, on delicate areas such as flower borders, this control can be set on low. However, you can increase the blowing strength for clearing patios and driveways.

 

In garden vacuum mode, the built-in leaf mulcher comes into action. leaves are sucked in and then compacted at a 10:1 ratio. These tiny pieces feed the 45 Litre capacity collection bag and can be used as mulch. As the bag has a wide zip, it’s easy to empty.

 

Andrew James Leaf Blower and Vacuum is covered by a manufacturer’s 2-year warranty.

 

 

Conclusion

The Andrew James Leaf Blower and Vacuum Mulcher has a short 10-metre power cable. That said, the real let down is the bag. Some users have reported that rip easily. Hopefully, Andrew James address this problem and upgrades the bag.

 

We like the variable speed control as it’s highly useful on delicate areas and plants, and enables you to avoid collecting gravel. Also, the layout of the controls makes operating the tool easy.

 

While the construction of the bag might leave much to be desired, at 45 litres, it’s massive and will hold a lot of compacted garden waste.

 

The Andrew James Leaf Blower and Vacuum Mulcher scores 8/10.

 

 

 

Q Garden QGBV2500 Leaf Blower Vacuum

 

Description

Sporting a green and black styling, the Q Garden QGBV2500 Leaf Blower Vacuum uses an 2500 watt electric motor to provide an air velocity of 270 Km/h. It’s 10-metre power cable makes it ideal for small and most medium-sized gardens.

 

There are three functions to choose from: Blow, Vacuum and Shred. Thanks to the powerful motor, the Q Garden QGBV2500 can blow both wet and dry leaves as well as other garden debris.

 

In vacuum mode, the unit can suck wet and dry leaves into the shredder. Working on a 10:1 ratio, the shredder converts leaves into mulch with ease. The shredded garden waste ends up in the 45-litre collection bag, which is easy to empty.

 

At 4.2 kg, it’s fairly lightweight and designed with comfort in mind. The handles are comfortable to grip and the shoulder strap makes carrying the unit easy, especially over long periods.

 

 

Conclusion

The Q Garden QGBV2500 Leaf Blower Vacuum is reasonably priced and has some interesting features. But our usual compliant stands. The mains cable is small and only 10 metres. So unless you have a small garden, you’ll need an extension lead.

 

It’s has a good amount of power, especially when sucking or blowing wet debris. Plus switching between modes is simple, making it easier to complete tasks.

 

The 10:1 ratio means you’ll be emptying the collection bag fewer times and can use these cuttings as mulch to nurture your garden.

 

While a top-rated product on Amazon, some people have reported motor burn out after a few months. Taking the good and bad into consideration, the Q Garden QGBV2500 scores 7/10.

 

 

 

Handy THEV 3000 Electric Leaf Blower/Vacuum

 

Description

With variable speed and 3 modes of operation, Handy THEV 3000 Electric Leaf Blower/Vacuum is powered by a large 3000-watt motor powers the unit and produces an air velocity of 270km/h.

 

This means you have plenty of power at your fingertips, whether your blowing, vacuuming or shredding garden debris.

 

It has a standard 10-metre power cable, allowing you to cover small and most medium-sized gardens with ease. You’ll need an extension cable if your garden is fairly large.

 

Like most garden vacuums, the Handy THEV 3000 offers 3 functions. Switching between blowing and vacuuming modes is straightforward. When it comes to shredding, the unit compacts at a ratio of 10:1, meaning leaves are reduced to usable mulch.

 

The combination of the shredding function and 45-litre collection bag means you’ll empty the bag less often. The collection bag unzips, enabling you to spread or empty the mulch.

 

At 4.9 kg, it’s a little heavier than others on our list. That said, it does have a shoulder strap and Nozzle Support Wheel, both enable comfortable use over long periods.

 

Finally, Handy THEV 3000 Electric Leaf Blower/Vacuum comes with a 1-year warranty.

 

 

Conclusion

Overall the Handy THEV 3000 Electric Leaf Blower/Vacuum is an affordable unit with some good features.

 

At 4.9 kg, it’s is heavier than other garden vacuums we’ve covered and does suffer from a short 10-metre power cable. If weight matters to you, then it might be best to look at others on our list.

 

While it does have a 3000-watt motor, it only out 270 km/h, which is far below other units with smaller motors. To put this into context, air velocity matters especially when you’re trying to clear damp leaves or debris.

 

That said it performs well in each of the three modes and compacts well, meaning you’ll spend less time emptying it. 7/10

 

 

 

Flymo Scirocco Electric Garden Blower Vacuum

 

Description

As the most powerful garden vacuum, the Flymo Scirocco 3000 Electric Garden Blower Vacuum is also one of the most expensive.

 

Providing you with three functions, the Flymo Scirocco 3000 can blow, vacuum and shred. It has plenty of power on tap thanks to its 3000-watt motor which produces an air velocity of 200 km/h.

 

Changing between blowing and vacuuming modes is simple and requires no tools and there are no tubes to change. Using the shredder option with the vacuuming mode enables you to compact piles of leaves down to small piles as the unit uses a 10:1 shredding ratio.

 

A large 45-litre collection bag stores the compacted leaves, allowing you to vacuum and shred more debris before needing to empty it. Of course, once shredded, these leaves are the perfect mulch for your garden.

 

At 12 metres, the mains cable is larger than most and will enable you to cover most small and medium-size gardens with ease.

 

The Flymo Scirocco 3000 is easy to clean, simply open it up and remove any debris. It’s worth remembering that regular cleaning improves performance and lifespan.

 

Finally, this unit comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

 

 

Conclusion

As the most expensive of our garden vacuums, we have high expectations for the Flymo Scirocco 3000.

 

Starting with the not so good points. It has a fairly large motor, 3000 watts to be exact, yet only puts out an air velocity of 200 km/h. This is the smallest of any we’ve covered.

 

We’d expect Flymo, who are usually at the fore-front of specifications to offer a fast air velocity rate, especially for the price.

 

The other factor which lets the Scirocco 3000 down is its weight. It’s a massive 6kg. This means if you’re older or suffer from back problems, then it probably best to avoid.

 

With the bad points covered, there’s much to like. It’s easy to use and there are no tubes to switch between modes. While it might have the lowest air velocity of our range, it does have plenty of power available.

 

As it opens, it easy to clean, meaning it should perform well for years to come. The massive collection bag is ideal and helps to save you from wasting time. 7/10

 

 

 

Surreal 2500W Electric Garden Leaf Vacuum, Blower and Mulcher

 

Description

Surreal 2500W 3 in 1 Electric Garden Leaf Vacuum, Blower and Mulcher features a solid list of specifications.

 

Powering the sizeable 2500 watt motor is mains via a short 6-metre cable. The motor produces airspeed of 270km/h and so packs a punch!

 

Handling is easy as it weighs only 3.6 kg and has two handles and a shoulder strap. the front wheels make vacuuming up debris and leaves simple. All of the features are welcome news if you have a large area to cover or have back problems.

 

Operation is straightforward as there’s a mode switch on the side and a trigger on top. This means you can comfortably hold the unit while using it.

 

As you’d expect, in vacuuming mode, leaves and garden debris is torn to tiny pieces (using a 10:1 ratio) and collected in the 30-litre detatchable bag.

 

Finally, the Surreal 2500W Electric Garden Leaf Vacuum, Blower and Mulcher comes with a 1-year warranty.

 

 

Conclusion

The Surreal 2500W Electric Garden Leaf Vacuum, Blower and Mulcher is pretty impressive is most regards.

 

What lets it down is the collection bag and power cable. Both are quite small, especially the cable. Unless you have a postage-stamp-sized garden, you’ll need an extension lead.

 

Even though there’s plenty of power available, it does tend to clog with wet leaves and debris. While this shouldn’t shock you as many garden vacuums suffer from this, you’ll want to wait until everything’s dry before using it.

 

That said, it is fairly easy to open and clean, and operating it is simple. Out of the box, assemble, plug into the mains and you’re ready to go.

 

As you’ll walk away with change from £30, we can’t fault the value for money this Surreal 2500W Electric Garden Leaf Vacuum, Blower and Mulcher provide, and so our score is 7/10.

 

 

 

The best garden vacuum

When it comes to deciding which is the best of our 10 garden vacuums, the choice is quite hard. The market is full of fantastic options, many of which provide the same power output and features.

 

We would recommend looking for a brand who offers good support and warranty.

 

Top of our list are the VonHaus 3 in 1 Leaf Blower, Garden Vacuum and Mulcher and TECCPO 3-in-1 Leaf Blower, Garden Vacuum and Mulcher.

 

VonHaus built fantastic products and offer good after sales care.

 

The TECCPO is affordable and uses a different attachment for each mode. Some might not like having to change the attachment. However, we’d argue that it does improve performance and makes completing the task quicker.

 

If the TECCPO excites you but you prefer a well-known brand and a longer warranty then buy the BLACK+DECKER GW2500-GB. It also comes with 2 attachments, produces a strong blow and suction and is covered by a 2-year warranty. You’ll want to treat yourself to an extension lead!