When it’s time to trim the hedges and shrubs around your home, having the best electric hedge trimmer makes the job easier and faster. With over 10 years of experience using both corded and cordless electric trimmers, I’ve learned first-hand which features and capabilities you need to look for to get the best performance. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my expertise to help you choose the ideal hedge trimmer that fits your needs and budget.
Whether you have small ornamental bushes or heavy duty trimming along a long perimeter hedge, I’ve evaluated trimmers from leading brands like to provide specific recommendations. I’ll advise you on key factors like blade length, motor power, comfort features, and safety additions to ensure you invest in the best electric hedge trimmer. My goal is to arm you with the knowledge to select the right trimmer that delivers power, durability, and ease of use so you can expertly shape your hedges and shrubs into a neat, elegant look you’ll love.
1. BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 Electric Hedge Trimmer, 17-Inch
The BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 is an excellent electric hedge trimmer for homeowners looking for a compact and lightweight option to trim small hedges, shrubs and bushes.
Top Features
- Dual-action hardened steel blade: The 17-inch blade makes quick cuts with reduced vibration compared to single action blades. It can trim branches up to 5/8 inch thick.
- Lightweight and compact design: Weighing only 3.9 pounds, the trimmer is easy to maneuver and reduces fatigue during extended use.
- Built-in T-handle and full trigger: Allows you to maintain control and comfortable grip while trimming.
- Cord retention system: Prevents accidental unplugging during use for uninterrupted power.
Build Quality and Durability
With a lightweight plastic housing, this BLACK+DECKER model trades off some durability for increased portability and ease of use. The dual-action blade is hardened steel for longevity. Overall, it’s a reasonably durable tool for light-duty trimming tasks.
Performance
The 3.2 amp motor provides sufficient power for the 17-inch blade to make quick work of branches up to 5/8 inches. With 3800 strokes per minute, it trims through hedges efficiently. The angled head can reach tight spots.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Dual-action blade reduces vibration
- Built-in cord retention
- Easy to control trigger and handle
- Good for small trimming jobs
Cons
- Not as durable as metal/steel housing models
- Not ideal for heavy duty trimming
- Short cord length limits reach
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Verdict
Overall, the BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 is a great choice for homeowners looking for a compact, lightweight electric hedge trimmer ideal for periodic trimming of small hedges and shrubs. It’s easy to control and reduces fatigue for the user.
2. BLACK+DECKER LHT321FF 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer
With a powerful lithium-ion battery, the BLACK+DECKER LHT321FF cordless hedge trimmer delivers strong cutting capacity and extended runtime for tackling larger trimming jobs.
Top Features
- 20V MAX lithium-ion battery: Provides sustained power and up to 3,000 sq. ft. runtime per charge.
- 22 inch dual action blade: Hardened steel blade reduces vibration and easily cuts branches up to 3/4 inch.
- Ergonomic grips: Soft grip handles minimize vibration and keep you comfortable.
- POWERCUT feature: Boosts blade speed to power through tough branches.
Build Quality and Durability
The LHT321FF has a sturdy plastic housing and metal blade. The hardened steel 22 inch blade stays sharp for clean cuts. Overall construction feels solid and made to last.
Performance
With a high 2400 strokes per minute alongside the POWERCUT feature, this hedge trimmer slices through branches effortlessly. It’s ideal for frequent heavy duty trimming.
Pros
- Powerful 20V MAX lithium-ion battery
- Cuts branches up to 3/4 inches
- Reduced vibration from dual action blade
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Powerful cutting performance
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Heavier than corded models
Verdict
The BLACK+DECKER LHT321FF is an outstanding cordless electric hedge trimmer equipped to handle tough branches. It’s a great choice if you need sustained power and longer runtime when tackling large trimming tasks.
3. Saker HT01 Cordless Hedge Trimmer
The Saker HT01 Cordless Hedge Trimmer is a versatile 2-in-1 tool suitable for basic lawn and garden trimming needs. It includes a long blade for hedges and a short blade for grass and weeds.
Top Features
- 2-in-1 hedge trimmer and grass shear: Easily swap between 8.9 inch hedge blade and 6.8 inch grass blade.
- 20V lithium-ion battery: Provides wireless power for cordless convenience.
- Safety features: Blade guard and safety switch prevent accidental starting.
- Adjustable head: Choose between 3 angles (15°, 30°, 45°) for comfort and control.
Build Quality and Durability
With a plastic housing and steel blades, the Saker HT01 is fairly lightweight yet seems durable enough for basic home use. It may not withstand heavy duty commercial use.
Performance
The 1200 RPM motor provides sufficient cutting power for light vegetation. Best for maintaining ornamental shrubs and lawn edges, not thick hedges.
Pros
- Convenient cordless operation
- Includes backup battery and charger
- Head adjusts for comfort
- Easy to swap grass and hedge blades
- Very affordable
Cons
- Not for heavy duty use
- Short run time per charge
- No blade guard on grass shear blade
Verdict
The Saker HT01 2-in-1 trimmer is a budget-friendly option suitable for light homeowner use. It offers cordless convenience for quick lawn and garden touch ups.
4. BLACK+DECKER BEHT350FF Electric Hedge Trimmer, 22-Inch Blade
With its powerful motor and 22 inch dual action blade, the BLACK+DECKER BEHT350FF makes quick work of large trimming tasks. It’s designed for frequent heavy duty use.
Top Features
- 22 inch dual action blade: Hardened steel blade reduces vibration on cuts up to 3/4 inch.
- 4 Amp motor: Provides consistent power to cut through thick branches.
- Full wraparound front handle: Comfortable non-slip grip for controlled handling.
- Lightweight and compact: Easy to maneuver around shrubs with less fatigue.
Build Quality and Durability
This corded trimmer has a sturdy steel blade housing and hardened steel 22 inch blade designed for durability. The plastic handle housing feels solidly constructed as well.
Performance
With its 4 Amp motor, this trimmer powers through thick woody stems with ease. It makes quick work of overgrown hedges and shrubs.
Pros
- Powerful 4 Amp motor
- Cuts branches up to 3/4 inches thick
- Reduced vibration dual action blade
- Comfortable wraparound front handle
- Durable steel housing
Cons
- Cord limits range of motion
- Heavier than cordless models
Verdict
The BLACK+DECKER BEHT350FF corded hedge trimmer is an excellent choice for frequent heavy duty use. With robust power and an extra long 22 inch blade, it handles large trimming jobs efficiently.
5. BLACK+DECKER LHT218C1 20V MAX Hedge Trimmer
Part of the 20V MAX system, the BLACK+DECKER LHT218C1 hedge trimmer delivers cordless convenience in a lightweight compact form. It’s ideal for homeowner use.
Top Features
- 20V MAX lithium-ion battery: Provides consistent power without extension cords.
- 18 inch dual action blade: Hardened steel reduces vibration on cuts up to 9/16 inch.
- Lightweight and compact design: Reduced fatigue from easy handling and maneuvering.
- Full length trigger: Allows comfortable grip and control while trimming.
Build Quality and Durability
This model has a sturdy yet lightweight plastic housing with rubberized grips. The 18 inch steel blade is durable for home use but may not withstand heavy commercial use.
Performance
The 20V MAX battery delivers ample power for efficiently trimming small to medium size hedges and shrubs. Cuts branches up to 9/16 inch thickness.
Pros
- Cordless convenience
- Dual action blade reduces vibration
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Full length trigger for control
- Part of 20V MAX system
Cons
- Not for heavy duty use
- Shorter blade than other models
- Battery sold separately
Verdict
The BLACK+DECKER LHT218C1 is an excellent cordless hedge trimmer for homeowner use. With its lightweight form factor and 20V MAX battery system, it delivers sufficient power in a maneuverable package.
How to Choose the Best Electric Hedge Trimmer
With so many electric hedge trimmers on the market, it can be tricky to determine which one is the best for your needs. There are several factors to consider when shopping for an electric hedge trimmer to ensure you select the right tool for trimming hedges, bushes, shrubs, and other vegetation around your property.
Determine Your Trimming Needs
First, assess the size and thickness of branches you plan to trim. Smaller branches under half an inch thick can be handled by basic electric hedge trimmers with shorter blades around 16 to 18 inches. For cutting thicker branches up to 3⁄4 inches, look for trimmers with longer hardened steel blades over 20 inches like 22 inches. The motor power also matters—trimmers with motors 3 amps or higher work better for frequent heavy duty use.
Also, consider the amount of area you need to trim. For occasional light trimming of ornamental hedges or shrubs, a compact and lightweight cordless trimmer is handy. But for maintaining long boundaries or privacy hedges, a more powerful corded electric trimmer provides unlimited runtime.
Finally, factor in maneuverability. Do you need to trim hard-to-reach spots around gates or tight corners? Compact and slim hedge trimmers are easier to maneuver than full-sized models. An articulating head also helps trim at various angles.
Compare Power Source: Corded vs Cordless
Corded electric hedge trimmers plug into an outlet to provide consistent power and unlimited runtime—ideal for large properties with extensive trimming needs. However, the cord can limit your range of motion.
Cordless hedge trimmers run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, giving you free range of motion to access any area. Cordless trimmers are convenient for quick touch-ups but provide limited runtime per charge. Consider the battery voltage (20V or higher is best) and back-up batteries.
Check Blade Type and Length
Look for dual-action blades which vibrate less during cuts compared to single action blades—this produces cleaner cuts and reduces fatigue. The blade length determines maximum cut thickness. Common lengths are 16-18 inches for light branches and 20-22 inches for cutting thicker stems. Longer blades tend to tackle heavy duty trimming jobs better.
Opt for Comfort Features
Using an electric hedge trimmer requires standing and carrying it for extended periods. To reduce fatigue, choose a trimmer with an ergonomic front handle for easy maneuvering. Rubberized grips also enhance comfort and control. Other useful features include swiveling heads to trim at multiple angles and adjustable handles. A lightweight and balanced design further minimizes fatigue.
Safety Features are Crucial
Electric hedge trimmers can be dangerous, so look for essential safety features. These include a front guard to protect hands from the blades and a rear handle guard. An automatic braking system is useful in case you drop the trimmer. Other safety features are throttle triggers or switches that reduce accidental starting.
Assess Durability and Warranty
Durability depends on the materials used. Plastic housing keeps trimmers lightweight but may not hold up to heavy commercial use. Metal or steel housing makes them sturdier but heavier. Look for aircraft-grade aluminum or hardened steel blades which maintain sharp edges. A warranty of 2 years or more ensures the trimmer is built to last.
Extra Features to Consider
Added convenience features include swiveling heads to trim in multiple directions, built-in cord retention to prevent accidental unplugging, and tool-less blade changes for quick maintenance. Some trimmers convert into edgers for straight borders. Higher priced models may offer increased cutting speeds, low noise/vibration, and electric brakes.
Compare Prices and Get the Best Deal
Electric hedge trimmers range from $50 to $250 for residential models and up to $500 for commercial grade trimmers. Set a budget and look for sales or bundles with extra batteries and accessories which provide more value. Avoid going for the cheapest model—key features like blade length, power, and comfort features impact the performance and durability.
By taking these criteria into account, you’ll be able to select the ideal electric hedge trimmer that matches your trimming requirements and budget. The best trimmer provides the right mix of power, blade length, comfort, safety features, and durability for your specific needs. Investing in a quality electric hedge trimmer from a leading brand will give you lasting performance for neatly trimmed hedges and shrubs for years to come.
Final Thoughts on the Best Electric Hedge Trimmer
After reviewing the top-rated electric hedge trimmers, the best models for both homeowners and professionals are those that provide the right balance of power, durability, safety, and ease of use. Based on my years of experience using electric trimmers, the ideal hedge trimmer should have a dual-action steel blade over 20 inches to cut thicker branches cleanly. A powerful 3 amp motor or more tackles heavy duty trimming jobs with efficiency.
Ergonomic additions like rubberized grips keep you comfortable during extended use. Key safety features include hand guards and a blade brake system. For light trimming tasks, compact cordless models offer hassle-free cutting power. For frequent large trimming jobs, corded trimmers provide unlimited runtime.
While less expensive trimmers may be tempting, I recommend investing in a quality electric hedge trimmer that matches your trimming needs. This ensures you get an effective tool to expertly trim your hedges and shrubs into beautiful shapes for years to come. By following these criteria for the best electric hedge trimmer, you’ll find the right option to make hedge maintenance quick, easy and safe.
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Michael Glenn is a certified arborist and horticultural expert with over 15 years of experience in the landscape industry. His passion for plants and trees has led him to become a sought-after authority on pruning and trimming techniques. Glenn’s in-depth knowledge of proper pruning methods, timing, and tools has helped countless homeowners and professionals maintain healthy, aesthetically pleasing gardens and landscapes.
In addition to sharing his pruning expertise through practical tips, step-by-step guides, and expert advice, Glenn is also a respected author of pruning tool buying guides. His comprehensive reviews and comparisons ensure readers can make informed decisions when investing in quality loppers, pruning shears, saws, and other essential equipment. With a deep understanding of plant biology and sustainable practices, Glenn’s writing empowers audiences with the knowledge needed to properly care for green spaces.
