The 6 Best Gas Leaf Blowers for a Clean Yard in Minimal Time
Updated: Mar. 01, 2023The best gas leaf blowers have the power to clear your yard of leaves, sticks and debris—and whatever else finds its way onto your lawn.
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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 since they can clear lawn debris quickly and efficiently.
We checked out a bunch of models, from backpack styles and those that can work with special attachments, to find the best gas leaf blower for your needs and budget.
Note: California has banned the sale of gas-powered lawn equipment as soon as 2024, and several states and localities are expected to follow suit. California also offers a rebate program to help with the purchase of zero-emission equipment. Be sure to check your local laws and regulations regarding this type of equipment before purchasing.
Best Overall Gas Leaf Blower
Husqvarna Two-Cycle Handheld Gas Leaf Blower
Buyers like the maneuverability, lightness and drying power of the Husqvarna 2-Cycle Handheld Gas Blower, giving it high marks on Amazon. 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 various jobs.
“Starts easy. Lightweight. Much more power than previous brands I have owned with same size engine as this. I like the easy-to-reach variable speed trigger,” writes reviewer, Dr. RM.
Pros
- Features variable speed throttle with cruise control
- Tube length is adjustable
- Weighs just 9.4 pounds
Cons
- Doesn’t have an ergonomic handle
Best Budget Gas Leaf Blower
Craftsman Handheld Gas Leaf Blower
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 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.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Has a variable speed throttle
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Not ideal for large yards
Best Low-Noise Gas Leaf Blower
Makita Gas-Powered Leaf Blower
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 Makita Gas-Powered Leaf Blower. While four-stroke engines add complication to a leaf blower, they’re significantly quieter. This one comes with a quality muffler that reduces the noise rating to 67 decibels (dB), roughly equivalent to a noisy dishwasher. It offers an air volume of 356 cfm and air speed of 145 mpb. Bonus: It’s relatively light, weighing just 9.8 pounds.
Pros
- Has a noise rating of 67 dB
- Features a cruise control lever
- Has a soft grip for less vibration
Cons
- On the expensive side
Best Backpack Gas Leaf Blower
Stihl Backpack Gas Leaf Blower
If you’re looking for a backpack model, 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.
“I bought it for my husband and he loves it. My husband said this is the best blower has ever used. It makes his jobs so much easier and quicker,” writes an anonymous verified buyer.
Pros
- Features an adjustable harness
- Provides 677 cfm and 238 mph
- Designed to prevent operator from flooding the machine
Cons
- Expensive
Best Lightweight Gas Leaf Blower
Stihl Handheld Gas Leaf Blower
You’ll get superior performance with the Stihl Handheld Gas Leaf Blower without breaking the bank, making it a leaf blower not to be looked over. This handheld model is compact and lightweight at only 8 pounds, and a surprising power-to-weight ratio at 412 cfm and 134 mph. Let’s just say that wet pile of leaves and brush won’t stand a chance. It also features a fuel-efficient, low-emission gasoline-powered engine, a solid choice for homeowners who want both quality and performance.
“Probably one of the best purchases I have ever made. This tool turned a very hard job into a much easier job. I could not recommend this leaf blower enough,” confirms an anonymous verified buyer.
Pros
- Weighs just 8 pounds
- Won’t break the bank
- Provides 412 cfm and 134 mph
- Adjustable nozzle to work for various users
Cons
- Starts up with a pull cord
Best Splurge Gas Leaf Blower
Stihl Gas Backpack Blower with Electric Start
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.
Pros
- Hassle-free electric start
- Adjustable tube length and control handle position
- Provides 642 cfm and 221 mph
Cons
- Weighs 25 pounds
What to Consider When Buying a Gas Leaf Blower
With so many options of gas leaf blowers available, consider its weight, how easy it is to operate, how comfortable it is to use for an extended period of time. Don’t forget to think about noise levels and maintenance requirements, as well. Price is also a key factor and, luckily, there are options for every budget.
When it’s time to think about power, there are two measurements: cubic feet per minute (cfm) for air volume and miles per hour (mph) for air speed. The higher the numbers, the more power. Just looking to tidy up dry leaves? That’s not as heavy as sticks and snow, so you wouldn’t need a super-strong machine.
Types of Best Leaf Blowers
- Handheld leaf blowers: As the most common choice, they’re a great option for smaller lawns and are available in gas, electric and corded models.
- Backpack leaf blowers: These come with straps to wear on your back. Backpack leaf blowers are a smart option if you have more area to over, such as an acre or more. They’re available in gas and electric.
- Walk-behind leaf blowers: These are more of a specialist machine, many of which are commercial models. They’re ideal for large, flat yards with lots of leaves.
How We Found the Best Gas Leaf Blower
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
Which is better: a two-cycle or four-cycle gas leaf blower?
A two-cycle gas leaf blower is lightweight and less expensive (but still packs plenty of power). A four-cycle model, however, tackles more work with less fuel. So you have to decide which factors matter most.
How many cfm should a good gas leaf blower have?
That all depends on what you’re trying to clear and how big your yard is. If you have light debris or a small lawn, a lower count works fine. Heavier debris, like wet leaves and sticks, or a large yard will require more power.
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