ByAnthony O'Reilly
Tested by Tyler Graham and Mary Henn
Updated Aug. 15, 2024
The best gas leaf blowers have the power to clear your yard of leaves, sticks and debris. Here are the top picks according to lawn experts.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
VIA MERCHANT
If you’re a DIY homeowner with a large yard, a leaf blower is a worthwhile investment. The best gas leaf blower gets the job done fast with a lot less strain on your back and joints than a leaf rake.
While gas versions of the best leaf blowers are a bit heavier and louder than their electric counterparts, they offer long-lasting power and remain the tool of choice for landscaping professionals, as they clear lawn debris quickly and efficiently.
Gas leaf blowers are a tried and true, time-tested lawn tool that helps get the job done. Like an old T-shirt, gas blowers just feel right, and you know what you’re going to get. Fortunately, gas blowers come in all shapes and sizes–some are good for extremely large pieces of land and others for clearing off the front porch before neighbors come over.
After much research and testing, we narrowed down the list to our top seven gas leaf blowers.
Note: Gas-operated lawn care equipment is not legal everywhere in the United States. More than 100 local governments, including Washington D.C., have enacted partial or seasonal bans on gas leaf blowers, lawn mowers and other equipment. Consult your local laws before purchasing a gas leaf blower.
Best Overall Gas Leaf Blower
Husqvarna Two-Cycle Handheld Gas Leaf Blower
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Best Budget Gas Leaf Blower
Craftsman Handheld Gas Leaf Blower
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Best Low-Noise Gas Leaf Blower
Ryobi 40-Volt Whisper Series Cordless Leaf Blower
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Best Backpack Gas Leaf Blower
Stihl BR 600 Backpack Gas Leaf Blower
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Best Lightweight Gas Leaf Blower
Stihl BG 86 C Handheld Gas Blower
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Most Powerful Residential Gas Blower
Husqvarna 150 BT Gas Backpack Blower
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Best Splurge Gas Leaf Blower
Stihl Backpack Gas Blower with Electric Start
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VIA MERCHANTVIA MERCHANT
Best Overall Gas Leaf Blower
Husqvarna Two-Cycle Handheld Gas Leaf Blower
Pros:
- Features variable speed throttle with cruise control
- Adjustable tube length
- Weighs just 9.4 pounds
- Goes up to 170 MPH
Cons:
- Doesn't have an ergonomic handle
Buyers like the maneuverability, lightness and drying power of the Husqvarna two-cycle gas blower, giving it high marks. It has an impressive high air volume of 470 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and velocity of 170 miles per hour (MPH) to make quick work of fall leaves. This best gas leaf blower features a stop switch that automatically resets to the “on” position for convenience. It offers cruise control, and the blowing tube length adjusts for the countless brilliant uses for your leaf blower.
“The Husqvarna two-cycle gas blower’s specifications and reputation within the industry are noteworthy,” says Plant Bible chief editor and gardening expert, Zahid Adnan. “The powerful air volume and speed, coupled with Husqvarna’s dedication to ergonomic design and reduced noise levels, make it a promising choice for efficiently managing garden debris.”
VIA MERCHANTVIA MERCHANT
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Features variable speed throttle
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight
- Reliable brand
Cons:
- Low to moderate power
- Not ideal for large yards
Make quick work of cleaning up smaller yards and gardens with the Craftsman handheld gas leaf blower. This pick has a two-cycle engine that provides 430 CFM and 200 MPH. It has user-friendly features, such as a lightweight design (just 10 pounds!) to reduce user fatigue, variable speed throttle for plenty of control and translucent gas tank, so you’ll know exactly how much gas you have left. Plus, the extended nozzle with an integrated scraper offers precise blowing to clear debris.
“The Craftsman blower is a solid choice for the majority of homeowners,” Tyler Graham says. “Craftsman is a household name and makes thousands of tools—they know their stuff. With a super lightweight and affordable gas blower, they’ve nailed what homeowners want from a blower: An inexpensive, easy-to-use and reliable lawn tool.”
Graham adds that the Crafstman’s handheld blower knocks out leaves with ease. “”It’s great for around-the-house use throughout the year.”
VIA MERCHANTVIA MERCHANT
Best Low-Noise Gas Leaf Blower
Ryobi 40-Volt Whisper Series Cordless Leaf Blower
Pros:
- Has a noise rating of 57 dB
- Brushless motor is more durable than a traditional motor
- 730 CFM and 190 MPH
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Pricey
If you’re looking for the best gas leaf blower to clean up those fall leaves, and want a model known for being quieter than its competitors, check out the Ryobi 40V Whisper Series leaf blower.
The noise-dampening technology lowers the noise rating to 57 decibels (dB), which is 30 points lower than the industry standard and quieter than a dishwasher. Quiet as it is, it’s just as powerful as loud gas leaf blowers—it has a 730 CFM and can go up to 190 MPH, so it can tackle even the largest yards and most stubborn wet leaves. This unit has a runtime of up to 30 minutes, so you can take care of your front yard or backyard (or both!) in one shot.
ALEX K. FOR FAMILY HANDYMANALEX K. FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN
Pros:
- Has an adjustable harness and comfortable straps
- 677 CFM and 238 MPH
- Designed to prevent operator from flooding the machine
- Three-position adjustable tube
- Extreme power and speed
- Easy to start
Cons:
- Loud
- On the heavier side
If you’re looking for the best backpack gas leaf blower, the Stihl gas backpack leaf blower gets high marks for its ease of handling and maintainability. It has a fuel-efficient engine with plenty of power when it comes to air volume and velocity (677 CFM and 238 MPH, respectively). A quality choice for heavy-duty yard and garden cleanup, this model is comfortable with an adjustable harness, multi-function control handle and anti-vibration system. And at 22 pounds, it’s lighter than many other backpack gas leaf blowers.
“Good for large yards or clearing a lot of debris,” says professional landscaper Ralph Joed Abundo. Our Shopping EditorMary Henn, has tested it, too. “While the BR 600 is certainly an investment, it’s a worthwhile one if you do your own yard work and landscaping and like to keep things as tidy and pristine as possible,” she says.
ALEX K. FOR FAMILY HANDYMANALEX K. FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN
Pros:
- Weighs just 10 pounds
- Provides moderate power
- Reliable and durable
- Adjustable nozzle to work for various users
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance
The Stihl BG 86 C is compact and lightweight at only 10 pounds, “This was the first leaf blower I owned when I bought my first house,” lawn expert Tyler Graham says, “and it launched my leaves into oblivion.” To this day, the handheld blower still runs like a charm and is just as powerful as the day he bought it.
While handheld gas blowers are becoming less and less common these days, there are still some positives to consider, according toGraham. “For starters, they are reliable and long-lasting. With proper maintenance and care, a gas blower can last well over a decade.”
“Additionally, compared to most electric blowers, most gas blowers provide more power,” he adds. “But there are downsides to gas blowers and the Stihl BG 86 C is not immune to being loud, making you smell like exhaust and taking a few tries to get started. Still, the BG 86 C is the most reliable blower I’ve owned, outlasting even some of the most expensive electric tools I have. Plus, it starts up almost instantly, even after a long winter.”
VIA MERCHANTVIA MERCHANT
Pros:
- Extremely powerful
- Comfortable
- Relatively inexpensive
Cons:
- Requires yearly maintenance
- Can't return if used with gas
The Husqvarna 150 BT is one of the most powerful backpack leaf blowers, with 765 CFM and speeds of up to 270 MPH. “Husqvarna is known for its super popular and powerful chainsaws and zero-turn mowers. I’m not surprised that the 150 BT is the king of power in the residential leaf blower space,” says Tyler Graham.
“As Husqvarna’s best-selling backpack blower, the 150 BT is still relatively lightweight and comfortable,”Graham adds.“To make it easy to use for extended periods,Husqvarna included a hip belt and extra padding on the back of the blower.” Husqvarna backs up this blower with a 5-year warranty if you buy its preferred fuel.
VIA MERCHANTVIA MERCHANT
Pros:
- Hassle-free electric start
- 642 CFM and 221 MPH
- Adjustable tube length and control handle position
- Anti-vibration system
Cons:
- Weighs 25 pounds
For those who find themselves dealing with a lot of leaves and aren’t afraid to shell out for the best gas leaf blower, you’ll want to take a look at the Stihl gas backpack blower with electric start. With a quick electric start, there’s no idling while walking across the yard to the next cleanup area or removing the unit to restart. Plus, it has powerful blowing power (642 CFM and 221 MPH) and a large fuel tank. All of this machine’s controls are on one handle, making it easy to operate.
Types of Gas Leaf Blowers
- Handheld leaf blowers: As the most common choice, they’re suited for smaller lawns and are available in gas, electric and corded models. A huge perk is their portability.
- Backpack leaf blowers: These come with straps to wear on your back. Backpack leaf blowers are a smart option if you have an acre-plus of land to cover. They’re available in gas and electric.
- Wheeled/Ealk-behind leaf blowers: These are more specialist machines, many of which are commercial models. They’re ideal for large, flat yards with a lot of leaves and other heavy-duty tasks.
What to Look for When Buying a Gas Leaf Blower
With so many leaf blowers on the market, narrowing down which one is best for you can be hard. You’ll want to consider noise levels, maintenance requirements and price, but we contacted more than 20 gardening experts to see what they look for in a gas leaf blower.
Power and Engine Type
- 2-stroke vs. 4-stroke: One of the other major differences between engines is whether they are 2-stroke or 4-stroke. 2-stroke engines sacrifice power for size—they’re smaller and lighter—whereas 4-stroke engines are much more powerful but also a lot bigger and heavier. A 2-stroke is plenty for smaller jobs and yards, but if you have a lot of land to cover frequently, a 4-stroke may be the better option. 2-strokes are also more fuel-efficient than 4-strokes, which is another consideration.
- Engine Size (cc): If you see a cc rating on a leaf blower, this is related to the size of the engine. It stands for cubic centimeters; you’ll see measurements from around 50cc (sometimes even a little lower) to numbers approaching 100cc. The higher the number, the bigger the engine. However, the overall power output is not solely determined by engine size—it also depends on the engine’s stroke, as mentioned above. Typically, larger cc engines will be 4-stroke, and smaller cc engines will be 2-stroke.
Air Volume (CFM) and Air Speed (MPH)
- CFM vs. MPH: Most leaf blowers advertise their products using cubic feet per minute (CFM) and miles per hour (MPH).
- CFM: “CFM is a measurement of how much material a leaf blower can move. The higher the CFM, the more material it can move,” explains Sarah Jameson, gardening expert and founder of Lawn Chick. “If you get a thick layer of leaves in your yard or typically have heavy rain during the fall, choose a blower with a higher CFM.” Roughly 300 CFM is good for basic tasks; more than 500 CFM is best for heavy-duty jobs.
- MPH: “MPH measures the speed at which air is pushed through the blower’s nozzle and is directly related to the speed at which you can clear leaves from your yard,” Jameson continues. “Homeowners with a large yard should choose a blower with a higher MPH rating. A blower with high MPH is great for large yards that get a lighter coating of leaves to clear.” Expect to see leafblowers in the 150-250 MPH range.
Weight and Ergonomics
“Look for features like adjustable tube lengths, soft-grip handles and a balanced design,” says Aaron Green, owner at Essential Home & Garden. “Long term, your back will thank you.” Additionally, look for a weight that you can realistically hold for long periods of time without any discomfort. But weight is just one part of the equation. You should also consider whether your leaf blower has a harness or a shoulder strap.
Harnesses are more secure and can be more comfortable for bearing weight, but they take longer to put on and are more restrictive overall. Straps, by contrast, are speedy and straightforward, but they lack comfort and security in trade for convenience—a strapped leafblower can easily be unslung and set down if needed.
Finally, there’s a question of vibration. Due to the way leaf blowers work (utilizing a fan), they do tend to vibrate to some degree. This can cause discomfort for the user and may require you to take breaks, as there’s really no means to dampen the vibrations. However, if your leafblower is vibrating at a higher rate than normal, this may result from a broken or damaged fan blade. In this case, you should immediately stop using it and take it in for maintenance.
Noise Level
Leafblowers make a lot of noise. The good news is they should have a decibel rating (listed as “dB”) somewhere in the specs. A normal conversation registers at around 60 decibels. A leafblower will average around 70-75 dB at 50 feet and will only get louder the closer you get to the leafblower. You can (and should) always use ear protection when operating or working near a leafblower. Most professional ear muffs will also give you a decibel protection rating—meaning they’re good to protect against sounds up to a certain level. Ensure the ear protection matches your leafblower’s decibel output (or more).
If your leaf blower makes more noise than usual, it may mean something is wrong with it, like a jam or a broken part. In this case, you should immediately stop using it and take it in for maintenance.
Starting Mechanism
“Check if the blower features a reliable and user-friendly starting mechanism, such as a primer bulb or a choke. Quick and hassle-free starting can save time and frustration,” says horticulturist and landscape designer Jack Hall. Easy-start buttons are more common these days and make for a much simpler startup. Similarly, auto-choke mechanisms (which reduce the intake of air and allow a fuel-rich charge to be drawn into the engine) are also becoming more common, keeping your leafblower running smoothly and efficiently without any extra work for you.
Fuel Efficiency and Emissions
“Look for models with adjustable throttle settings to match the power output to the task at hand,” Hall says. But remember that a larger adjustable leafblower (like a 4-stroke) may still have a greater fuel use than a smaller 2-stroke. Consider the fuel tank size, as this will determine how long you can run your leafblower between refills (larger ones eat up more gas faster). While there’s some variance (depending on how hard you run the blower), you can expect about three hours of operation on every 0.5 gallons of gas (the average tank size).Check every leafblower’s EPA and local government regulations (like California’s CARB) to ensure compliance.
Yard/Job Size
Be sure to buy enough power for your lawn or job, but not too much. Overspending on a blower is like buying a heavy-duty F-350 pickup truck when you just need to grab groceries. As mentioned, smaller 2-stroke leafblowers are fine for small to medium yards. Larger 4-strokes should be kept in the realm of jobs that cover a lot of space—typically, these are better for professional-level leaf-blowing.
Maintenance and Durability
Look at the yearly maintenance schedule for your leafblower before buying. Some can be quite intensive, whereas others have lighter requirements. Either way, you should adhere to it as closely as possible (and you can have a professional handle it, if necessary). Furthermore, you should check your leafblower’s warranty, which will give you a better idea of what to expect regarding maintenance, what might void the warranty, how long it covers your heavy-duty equipment, etc.
Additional Features
Though not typically make-or-break features, additional inclusions might tip the scales in your buying journey. Some blowers, for instance, offer cruise control, which allows consistent output without the user having to hold down on the trigger. Others might come with various nozzle attachments, each serving a different purpose. Even variable speed control, mentioned earlier, could be considered an additional feature, as it’s not present in every leafblower on the market.
Why You Should Trust Us
We have personally tested dozens, if not hundreds, of leaf blowers, including backpack blowers, corded electric blowers, cordless blowers and gas-powered handheld blowers. Basically, if it pushes out air, we have used it and put it to the test.
As a former landscaper, Tyler Graham developed a unique love for lawn tools after using them daily for years. With his deep love for lawn tools, he became an absolute leaf-blower snob. Now, he spends his days testing lawnmowers, string trimmers, leaf blowers and more. He helped us select this list of the best leaf blowers and tested several on this list himself.
In addition to our personal research and testing, we also consulted withTyler Graham of The Lawn Review,Zahid Adnan of the Plant Bible (chief editor and gardening expert), professional landscaper Ralph Joed Abundo, gardening expert and founder of Lawn Chick Sarah Jameson,owner of Essential Home & Garden Aaron Green, horticulturist and landscape designer Jack Hall, founder of GreenPal Gene Gaballero and Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) on this article. Their collective expertise represents literal decades of work in gardening and landscaping, including extensive, regular use of leaf blowers.
Family Handyman Shopping Editor Mary Henn also researched and tested the products on this list to help select the best leaf blowers on the market.
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol and HiConsumption.
How We Found the Best Gas Leaf Blowers
Our search for the best gas leaf blower began with reaching out to dozens of gardening experts for this piece and looking at our leaf blower buying guide to find out what separates a great gas leaf blower from a bad one. Then, we relied on product testing from our in-house shopping editor, Mary Henn, and lawn expert, Tyler Graham, to ensure the blowers we listed actually performed well.
Graham has been testing leaf blowers in his yard for a decade. Before he was a professional lawn tool reviewer, he was a professional landscaper and owned his own landscaping company. The leaf blowers on our list have been personally tested by in backyards across eastern Tennessee. Many of the blowers Graham has included in head-to-head tests on his YouTube channel.
We researched more than 36 gas leaf blowers on the market before picking our top six and running them through our expert gardeners.
FAQ
What is the most reliable leaf blower brand?
We spoke to more than 20 gardening experts, and they agreed that Husqvarna is the most reliable leaf blower brand.
How much CFM should a good leaf blower have?
A gas leaf blower for a small yard should be able to move at least 200 to 400 CFM, and a mid-sized yard with more leaves should have 400 to 700 CFM.
What is more critical for a leaf blower: CFM or MPH?
People who need to move a lot of material or get a lot of rain on their leaves should look for a higher CFM. Homeowners with larger yards should look for a leaf blower with more MPH because it can help them get the job done in a shorter amount of time.
Are gas leaf blowers more powerful than electric ones?
Generally, gas leaf blowers are more powerful than electric ones, but power levels vary by brand and model.
What are the pros and cons of gas leaf blowers?
Gas leaf blowers have great qualities like reliability, run-time, power, and durability but also have negative qualities such as being loud, causing you to smell like gas, and yearly maintenance schedules.
How long do gas leaf blowers last?
With proper care, gas leaf blowers can easily last you 10-15 years.
Originally Published: March 31, 2022
Author
Anthony O'Reilly
Anthony is an award-winning writer who grew up in the Big Apple but always dreamed of being closer to the mountains, and that's just one reason he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. He writes shopping content and in-depth product reviews and is always on the hunt for a good deal.
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Tester
Tyler Graham
Alex is a lawn care and lawn tool enthusiast who is the primary editor of The Lawn Review. Alex has been featured in the Washington Post among hundreds of other national publications.
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Tester
Mary Henn
Mary Henn, MA, MFA is a shopping editor at Family Handyman. She’s also a national award-winning writer and journalist. Her expertise lies in interior design, cleaning, pets, and outdoor trends.
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