When determining how strong of a leaf blower you need, there are a few factors to consider. The strength or power of a leaf blower is typically measured in terms of air volume and airspeed.
Air volume, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), refers to the amount of air the blower can move in a minute. A higher CFM indicates a more powerful leaf blower capable of moving larger amounts of leaves and debris.
Airspeed is measured in miles per hour (MPH) and represents the speed at which the air is expelled from the blower nozzle. Higher airspeed helps in moving heavier or wet leaves effectively.
The size of your outdoor area is a crucial factor in determining the strength of the leaf blower you need. For small yards or gardens with light leaf debris, a lower CFM and MPH rating will be sufficient. However, larger yards with numerous trees and heavy leaf cover will require a more powerful blower with higher CFM and MPH ratings.
Consider the type of debris you commonly encounter. If you mainly deal with dry leaves, a blower on the lower end of the power spectrum may suffice. However, if you frequently encounter wet leaves or other heavy debris like twigs, a more powerful blower with high CFM and MPH will be necessary.
Keep in mind your physical capabilities and comfort as well. More powerful blowers tend to be heavier and can be more challenging to handle for extended periods. If you have any physical limitations or prefer a lighter device, consider opting for a less powerful blower that still meets your needs.
In conclusion, determining the strength of the leaf blower you need relies on assessing the size of your outdoor area, the type of debris you encounter, and your physical capabilities. These factors will help you determine the appropriate CFM and MPH ratings required for your specific leaf-blowing needs.
Best Leaf Blowers and Vacuums of 2025
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Husqvarna 970466901 150BT Gas Leaf Blower, 51-cc 2.16-HP 2-Cycle Backpack Leaf Blower, 765-CFM, 270-MPH, 22-N Powerful Clearing Performance
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Husqvarna 150BT Gas Backpack Leaf Blower combines a high powered gas leaf blower with state-of-the-art ergonomic design, a perfect gift for dad
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Powerful Clearing Performance: 2-cycle, 51-cc, 2.16-HP engine has a powerful blowing force (765 CFM, 270 MPH, 22 N), reduces emissions up to 60%, and increases fuel efficiency up to 20%
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Ergonomic Harness System: Gas leaf blower backpack features a padded harness, hip belt and weight-leveling load management system for optimal comfort
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Easy Operation: Air purge system removes air from the carburetor and fuel system for trouble-free starting, plus the variable speed throttle with cruise control allows for easy operation without the need to regulate the blower's speed
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Gas Blowers for Lawn Care: Gas leaf blowers simplify the process of regular yard maintenance and more demanding lawn care tasks, like cleaning up heavy, wet leaves and debris
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
EGO Power+ LB6504 650 CFM Variable-Speed 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Leaf Blower 5.0Ah Battery and Charger Included
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Turbo button delivers 650 CFM, up to 180 MPH with tapered nozzle attached
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Up to 90 minutes of average runtime on a single charge with the included 56V 5.0Ah ARC Lithium battery
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Variable speed dial from 225 CFM to 470 CFM with lock on button for ultimate control
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High-efficiency brushless motor
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IPX4-rated weather-resistant construction
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64 dB noise level
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Compatible with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries
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Spread and tapered nozzle attachments included
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5-year tool warranty, 3-year battery warranty
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Leaf Blower, Cordless, Handheld, 125-MPH, 450-CFM, Tool Only (DCBL722B)
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Up to 450 CFM of air volume and up to 125 Mph with concentrator
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Innovative axial fan design that maximizes on air output and run time
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Low noise during operation - 66 dB(A), ideal for noise sensitive regions and properties
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High-efficiency brushless motor helps extend run time and motor life
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Lightweight and ergonomic design allows for easy control and arm movement
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
EGO Power+ LB5302 3-Speed Turbo 56-Volt 530 CFM Cordless Leaf Blower 2.5Ah Battery and Charger Included
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Turbo button delivers 530 CFM, up to 110 MPH to power through heavy debris
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Up to 75 minutes of runtime on a single charge with the included 56V 2.5Ah ARC Lithium battery
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Variable speed dial from 260 CFM to 400 CFM with lock on button for ultimate control
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High-efficiency brushless motor
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IPX4-rated weather-resistant construction
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64 dB noise level
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Compatible with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries
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5-year tool warranty, 3-year battery warranty
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Cordless Leaf Blower, Electric Leaf Blower Cordless with 2 Batteries and Charger, 160MPH,21V Battery Powered Leaf Blower Lightweight for Lawn Care, Patio, Blowing Leaves, Dust Blowing and Snow
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【High-Performance Motor】:The cordless blower With a high brush motor, our Cordless Leaf Blower not only delivers exceptional wind power but The leaf blower exhibits two modes. Maximum wind speed can reach 160mph You can easily adjust the wind power to meet your specific needs.
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【Highly Versatile 】: The leaf blower cordless has two types of blow tubes, suitable for use in a variety of scenarios. It's great for sweeping debris from shops, garages, driveways, outdoor yards, and gardens. It's also effective in removing snow, dust, debris, spider webs, and drying car surfaces. constructed from durable materials that can withstand outdoor conditions. A detachable tube is convenient for storage and easy cleaning.
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【Extended Runtime】:The battery leaf blower Provides 2 Removable and rechargeable 21V/2.0Ah batteries with a fast charger.making it a convenient choice for the Cordless Leaf Blower. so you can maintain a productive and uninterrupted workflow in your yard.
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【Lightweight Design】: Weighing in at only 2.6 pounds, our Cordless Leaf Blower boasts an ultra-light body that reduces fatigue during extended use. The ergonomic handle further enhances comfort, allowing you to maintain control and ease of operation.
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【Fantastic Customer Service】:committed to providing you with the best shopping experience possible. If you have any questions about the use of the product or any problems with the product, you can contact us at any time and we will solve it for you within 24 hours.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
VacLife Leaf Blower Cordless with Battery and Charger-350CFM 150MPH 20V Electric Leaf Blower, Perfect for Lawn, Yard, Garage, Patio & Sidewalk Red (VL717)
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POWERFUL MOTOR & EFFICIENT CLEANING: VacLife cordless leaf blower is equipped with a copper motor which makes the appliance durable, energy-saving, and less noisy. In addition, the turbo booster helps to provide stronger airflow, which is up to 280 CFM. Plus the strong wind speeds up to 120 MPH, VacLife can work efficiently in helping you clean the target area.
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CORDLESS DESIGN & LONG BATTERY LIFE: This battery powered leaf blower is cordless and portable. It's convenient for you to carry around. The 20V 4.0Ah battery can support the blower to work for 25 mins in high-speed mode and 15 mins in turbo-speed mode. What's more, it only takes 2h to fully charge the battery. You can monitor the remaining battery and charging process by the indicators.
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VARIABLE SPEEDS: This cordless leaf blower features variable speeds. The harder you press the power switch, the stronger the wind is. By pressing the turbo-speed button at the same time, the wind reaches its strongest speed. Thus, this blower can not only blow away leaves, fragments, and dust but also snow and stubborn debris. You can choose suitable speeds freely to solve your problems.
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WIDE-APPLICATION: This electric blower is suitable for many different uses. It is not limited to the function of a lawn vacuum or a yard vacuum. It can be used to clean the garage, patio, sidewalk, porch, car, balcony, deck, and hard-to-reach areas. Moreover, this electric blower works effectively in cleaning damp leaves, snow, dust, and fragments as well as drying your car surface.
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USER-FRIENDLY & ERGONOMIC DESIGN: The handgrip of this blower for lawn care is wrapped with elastic rubber which makes it non-slip and comfortable to hold. Meanwhile, the assembly of the appliance can be finished easily in a few steps by referring to the user manual included in the package. ( Note: Please read the manual carefully before using the electric blower. )
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Toro 51621 UltraPlus Leaf Blower Vacuum, Variable-Speed (up to 250 mph) with Metal Impeller, 12 amp,Red
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Superior blowing and mulching proven by controlled laboratory testing.This bag is designed to capture leaf particles not dust. Product needs air flow to work properly.3 in 1 Machine - Powerful Blower, High Speed Vacuum, Leaf Shredder340 CFM blow mode and 405 CFM Vac mode3 in 1 Machine - Powerful Blower, High Speed Vacuum, Leaf Shredder
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Powerful up to 250 mph degree. 350 CFM blow mode and 410 CFM Vac mode
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Vacuum tube, bottom-zip bag, cord storage hook, shred-all shred ring and time-saving oscillating tube included; Extension cord Sold separately
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Variable speed control for better control in both blower and vac mode
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This bag is designed to capture leaf particles not dust. Product needs air flow to work properly.
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3 in 1 Machine - Powerful Blower, High Speed Vacuum, Leaf Shredder
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340 CFM blow mode and 405 CFM Vac mode
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3 in 1 Machine - Powerful Blower, High Speed Vacuum, Leaf Shredder
How to clean the intake vents on a leaf blower to ensure efficiency?
To clean the intake vents on a leaf blower and maintain its efficiency, follow these steps:
- Safety first: Always make sure the leaf blower is turned off and unplugged during the cleaning process.
- Inspect the vents: Locate the intake vents on the leaf blower. These are usually located at the bottom or sides of the unit and are designed to pull air into the blower.
- Remove loose debris: Use a brush or a soft cloth to gently remove any loose debris, such as leaves, twigs, or grass, from the vents. Be careful not to push the debris further into the blower.
- Compressed air or blower: If the intake vents are clogged with stubborn dirt, you can use compressed air or another leaf blower to blow air into the vents. Start by placing the air nozzle near the vents and blowing short bursts of air. This should dislodge any trapped dirt or debris.
- Vacuum or brush: If compressed air is unavailable, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a small attachment or a soft brush to carefully remove the dirt from the intake vents. Gently run the brush or vacuum nozzle over the vents to loosen and remove any soiling.
- Check the fan and fins: While cleaning the intake vents, also inspect the fan and fins located inside the leaf blower. If these components are dirty, use a brush, cloth, or compressed air to clean them, ensuring that they are free from any debris that could hinder airflow.
- Clean the housing: Once you have finished cleaning the intake vents, wipe down the exterior housing of the leaf blower using a soft cloth. This will remove any dirt and grime that may have accumulated and affect the efficiency of the blower.
- Regular maintenance: To maintain the efficiency of your leaf blower, it is recommended to clean the intake vents after each use or at least once every few months. This regular maintenance will prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris, ensuring optimal performance.
Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance specific to your leaf blower model to avoid any damage or voiding the warranty.
What is the optimal nozzle size for different leaf blowing tasks?
The optimal nozzle size for leaf blowing tasks can vary depending on the specific needs and conditions. However, there are some general guidelines to consider:
- Small Nozzle (around 2-4 inches): A small nozzle is ideal for detailed or precision work, such as removing leaves or debris from flower beds, tight corners, or hard-to-reach areas. It provides more concentrated airflow for targeted blowing.
- Medium Nozzle (around 4-6 inches): A medium-sized nozzle is suitable for general leaf blowing tasks, including clearing large areas of leaves from lawns, driveways, or sidewalks. It offers a balanced airflow that covers a reasonable area without being overpowering.
- Large Nozzle (6-10 inches or more): A larger nozzle is typically used for heavy-duty tasks, such as blowing leaves or debris from large open spaces like parks or commercial properties. It provides a wide airflow, covering a larger area in less time.
It is important to note that these sizes are approximate and can vary based on the specific leaf blower model. It is always recommended to consult the manufacturer's guidelines or product specifications for the most appropriate nozzle size for your particular leaf blowing needs.
How to evaluate the noise-reducing features of a leaf blower?
There are a few factors to consider when evaluating the noise-reducing features of a leaf blower:
- Decibel (dB) rating: Check the manufacturer's specifications for the decibel rating of the leaf blower. A lower dB rating indicates a quieter operation. Leaf blowers with a rating below 65 dB are generally considered quieter.
- Noise reduction technology: Some leaf blowers are designed with noise reduction technology, such as insulated housing or sound-dampening components. These features can help reduce the noise emitted during operation.
- Product reviews: Read reviews from customers and experts to get an idea of how quiet a leaf blower is in real-world scenarios. Look for specific comments mentioning the noise level and whether users found it to be excessively loud or not.
- Compliance with noise regulations: Check if the leaf blower complies with local noise regulations and guidelines. Some areas have specific noise restrictions for outdoor power equipment, so it's important to ensure the leaf blower meets those requirements.
- Personal experience: If possible, try operating the leaf blower in person before making a purchase. This allows you to gauge the noise level firsthand and determine if it is acceptable for your needs.
Remember that noise perception can vary from person to person, so it's essential to consider multiple factors and gather a variety of opinions when evaluating the noise-reducing features of a leaf blower.
