A clean compound is often seen as a sign of a clean and organized homeowner. However, it can be tiresome to clean the compound manually when trees start to shed leaves and flowers. It is, therefore, essential to find an alternative for manually cleaning the yard, driveway, or patio. Besides, why should you spend a lot of time out in the yard instead of with family and friends? Traditionally, you would need a blower or rake and a couple of disposal bags. Technological advancements have made it possible to have a fan, vacuum, and mulcher as one tool. A 3-in-1 leaf vacuum can drastically change how you clean leaves and debris in your compound.
There are many types of 3-in-1 leaf vacuums available in the market with so many features.
All the elements are specifically designed to make removing leaves and debris simpler on big and small yards. Worry not because, by the end of this article, you will be able to confidently choose a leaf vacuum that meets your needs and budget. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a high-quality leaf vacuum mulcher. The list below includes some of the best leaf vacuum mulchers available in the market from reputable manufacturers.
Key Features
- It’s a corded leaf mulcher
- Weighs 8.9 lbs (4 kgs)
- It’s a 3-in-1 tool, i.e., a leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher
- Has an airspeed control
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- Has a metal impeller and mulches debris to 97%
- Comes with a 12-amp motor
Pros
- Wonderful compact design
- Powerful motor
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Mulches leaves and debris at high speed
- Mulch ratio of 16:1 which is great
Cons
- Not suitable for tall people
- Has a cord that can limit movement
Cost $$
Toro is a reputable brand that consistently produces reliable power tools. The Toro 51621 UltraPlus leaf mulcher is a 3-in-1 garden tool that makes it easy to keep an average size yard clean throughout the year. The machine comes with easy to carry handles, and it is lightweight weighing a mere 4 kgs. The powerful motor can blow leaves at a speed of 250 mp giving the leaf mulcher impressive performance. It has an oscillating nozzle kit, a cord lock, and variable speed control to allow users to have an easy time cleaning the yard.
The leaf vacuum also comes with a bottom dump zipper for the collection bag to release mulch quickly. You don’t have to worry about how to store the garden tool. It comes attached with a cold storage hook for secure storage. The vacuum leaf mulcher has all the necessary elements of a fantastic mulcher to be among the best tool in the industry.
2. BLACK+DECKER
Key Features
- Dominant 12- amp motor
- It’s a 3-in-1 tool, i.e., a leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher
- Has a two-year warranty
- Weighs 8.1 lbs
- Has a cord lock to keep it in place
Pros
- Offers value for money spent
- Has reusable collection bag system
- Easy to switch from vacuum and blower
- 50% quieter than other leaf mulchers
- Comes with an internal metal fan to prevent clogging
Cons
- It isn’t suitable for large yards
- The collection bags aren’t durable
Cost $
The Black+Decker is ideal for people looking for a powerful garden tool at an affordable price. The mulcher can mulch sixteen bags of leaves and debris into one bag of mulch. The high-speed wind makes it efficient in cleaning yards, decks, or flower beds. The speed adjuster allows the user to lower the speed when cleaning flower beds to preserve the flowers. The machine has a metal fan that prevents clogging on the impellers when mulching leaves.
The mulcher produces a 50% lower noise than any of its competitors. The lower noise reduces noise pollution and the general noise a user has to endure while vacuuming leaves. The 3-in-1 garden tool comes with several straps for securing it in place before starting the cleaning process. The weight of the machine is easy to carry around and comes with a cord lock to ensure steady electricity supply. Also, you easily switch between the blower to vacuum without using additional tools. With a speed of 250 mph, you are bound to clean debris from your lawn seamlessly.
Key Features
- Has a reduction ratio of 17:1
- It’s a 3-in-1 tool, i.e., a leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher
- Runs up to 45 minutes non-stop
- Has 6-speed settings
- Uses a battery as the energy source
Pros
- It is cordless allowing more movement
- It’s easy to use
- Runs up to 45 minutes between charges
- Special tubes can be attached for different projects
- Produces smaller quantity mulch
Cons
- Power doesn’t last long for big projects
- Lacks a harness
Cost $$
Sun Joe provides impressive cordless vacuum leaf mulchers and is an industry leader. Sub Joe iONBV is an excellent option for people who hate corded tools. The machine is lightweight and easy to use for an extended period. Despite that the power bottoms out after 45 minutes, the vacuum mulcher produces a maximum airspeed of 200 mph. Several speed settings can be adjusted depending on the area being cleaned.
The leaf vacuum offers a higher mulch ratio than competitors. It comes with a powerful impact-resistant impeller that is effective in shredding debris and leaves. It also produces significantly lower noise and vibrations. Less mulch means fewer bags of garbage. You can buy extra nozzles for cleaning tight spaces like the gutters. There is a cleaning attachment kit that is sold separately and has several attachments in different shapes and sizes.
4. WORX WG518
Key Features
- Weight 10.8 lbs
- Produces a mulch ratio of 16:1
- Uses an electric cord
- Has a one-touch conversion from blower to vacuum
- Has two-speed options
- Comes with a 12 amp motor
Pros
- Easy to use
- Users can attach the collection bag with one hand
- Easy to assemble without any tools
- Easy conversion from blower to vacuum
- Has a cord retainer to keep the power cord plugged in
- It is inexpensive
- Offers excellent value for the cost
Cons
- Suitable for small lawns
- It easily clogs when mulching
Cost $
Buyers with a small yard with a few mature shedding trees can benefit from using the Worx WG518 vacuum mulcher. It is lightweight and easy to use. You can switch from blower to vacuum in a matter of seconds. The mulcher is very affordable and suitable for people on a tight budget. It has impressive features for the low cost. It is rare to see a 3-in-1 blower, vacuum, and mulcher grossing for less than $40.
The tool has an airspeed of 250 mph, which comes in handy when blowing leaves and debris into manageable piles. You can use the machine to clean decks, driveways, and small lawns without any disappointments.
Key Features
- Comes with a 14 amp motor
- Has an aluminum alloy impeller
- Has 6-speed options
- It a 4-in-1 tool blower, vacuum, mulcher, and gutter cleaner
- Easily convertible from blower to vacuum in seconds
- Provides a 16:1 mulch ratio
- Comes with a 12-gallon collection bag
- Tubes allow a reach of 15.”
- Weighs 15.6 pounds
Pros
- It is highly affordable
- Comes with a gutter cleaning kit
- Has a long reach
- It is multi-functional and efficient
- Offers the best value for money
- Provides excellent suction power during vacuuming
- It’s easy to use and switch between functions
Cons
– It cannot suction medium or large acorns
Cost $
The Sun Joe SBJ606E offers a lot of power at the palm of your hands. It is a sweet tool that can save you a lot of time clearing leaves and debris from the yard, driveway, and deck. The 14 amp motor is powerful to vacuum and mulch large leaves seamlessly.
The powerful engine makes this leaf vacuum mulcher a work beast in the yard. It is easy to use the mulcher to clean the deck, yard, patio, and driveways when trees start shading. The powerful tool reduces the time you spend outside cleaning leaves from your lawn. It comes with 6-speed adjustable settings for ultimate control when cleaning.
The blower has a wind speed of 250 mph, which is impressive and can blow away debris forcefully. The mulch ratio of this garden tool is 16:1, which is fantastic. The best part is the price, which is on the lower side, considering the elements of the mulcher. This leaf vacuum mulcher is a must-have tool for people who enjoy clearing the yard or deck. You don’t need to buy extra power tools when you can enjoy four tools in one machine. Get high-end performance for a small fee and enjoy the best Sun Joe has to offer.
Key Features
- Fueled by gas or battery
- Weighs 9.4 lbs
- Has an adjustable tube length
- has a mulch ratio of 16:1
- Comes with a backpack option for heavy-duty cleaning
- Has an ergonomic design to reduce fatigue
- It is cordless, increasing mobility
- Has multiple controls
- Has a 2-year warranty
Pros
- Allows movement because it is cordless
- It is easy to use
- Gas versions are 20% more fuel-efficient
- Gas versions have lower emission up to 75%
- Comes with anti-vibration and noise reduction features
- Has adjustable handles
- Backpack straps are comfortable preventing straining
Cons
– It is expensive
Cost $$$
The Husqvarna 125BVX is an excellent handheld power tool that can be gas or battery powered. The mulching option is efficient and reliable. It is suitable for areas with access to a power source. This cordless tool allows the user to move around freely. It has a backpack option that allows the user to carry mulch more efficiently when vacuuming. The product design is ergonomic to reduce fatigue and prevent injuries when working. You can easily attach or remove the backpack.
There are several control options to allow easy management of the mulcher. It is easy to convert from vacuum to blower without a hassle. The blower has a wind speed of 170 mph, which is impressive. The anti-vibration technology significantly reduces vibrations making it more comfortable to use. There is also a noise reduction feature that reduces the overall noise production of the machine.
7. REMINGTON RM1300 MULCHUNATOR
Key Features
- Comes with a powerful 12 amp motor
- Comes in a 3-in-1 design as a blower, vacuum, and mulcher
- Has a mulching ratio of 10:1
- Comes with a quick shift lever to convert from blower to vacuum
- Has two-speed controls
- Comes with a bushel bag
- Has a 2-year warranty
Pros
- Easy to convert from blower to vacuum
- Has a powerful motor
- Comes with a wide-mouth vacuum tube
- Has a reusable collection bag
- It’s easy to empty the collection bag
- Has a rolling nozzle for cleaning hard surfaces
Cons
– Has a lower mulch ratio compared to competitors
Cost $$$
The Remington RM1300 Mulchinator is an excellent choice for cleaning lawns and under trees. The wide-mouth vacuum tube significantly increases the suction capacity of the mulcher. The design is ergonomic to ensure the user is comfortable and reduce straining. You can conveniently convert the mulcher from blower to vacuum with one switch. The motor simply reverses the wind direction to make the switch.
The rolling nozzle comes in handy when cleaning hard surfaces like garage flows and driveways. A reusable collection pack comes with the machine, and it is durable. You can use the mulcher to keep your outdoor space clean and free of debris.
8. WORX WG509
Key Features
- 3-in-1 blower, mulcher, and vacuum
- Has a switch to convert blower to vacuum
- Offers a mulch ratio of 18:1
- Weighs 9.3 lbs
- Has 2-speed options
- Comes in an ergonomic design
- Has an electric cord retainer
- Comes with a collection bag
Pros
- Has a powerful motor
- Can mulch medium acorns and hickory nuts
- Ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue
- It is easy to use
- Provides impressive mulch ratio
- Easy to switch from blower to vacuum
Cons
– Has a short shoulder strap
Cost $$
The Worx WG509 is a powerful 3-in-1 vacuum, blower, and mulcher. The most pleasing feature is the mulch ratio of the machine. You end up with a smaller quantity of mulch to dispose of. It is an excellent choice for people living in urban areas. It’s an efficient way to dispose of leaves and debris. The garden tool is easy to convert from blower to vacuum in a matter of seconds. The efficiency of the Worx WG509 has earned it a spot in the best leaf mulchers available in the market.
9. GREENWORKS
Key Features
- It is cordless with a 4.0 AH battery
- Comes with a brushless motor
- Has several speed options
- Comes with a 4-year warranty
- A lithium-ion battery can last about an hours
- Weighs 5.6 pounds
Pros
- It is cordless and allows unlimited movement
- Easy to use and has several handy settings
- Has a light and compact design
- Has a brushless motor for longer runtime
- Has a protective cover on the impeller
- Has zero emissions
Cons
– The battery doesn’t last long on the highest speed
Cost $$$
Greenworks is a master at producing powerful cordless blowers and vacuums. Greenworks leaf vacuum is easy to convert from blower to vacuum. You can enjoy freedom when cleaning without the interruptions of cords. The machine is lighter than other leaf vacuums in the market. The lithium-ion battery powers a high-performance motor. The motor can sustain a wind speed of up to 185 mph, making it easy to clean debris and leaves. The machine comes with various operation buttons like a simple push-button start for convenience.
There is a security feature that prevents the user from getting hurt by the impeller. A safety gate is strategically placed to cover the impeller. The machine will not start if the gate is open or poorly secured. The cover is a neat feature that prevents injuries at no extra cost.
Key Features
- It is a 3-in-1 garden tool
- Comes with a power boost button
- Has a 12 amp motor
- Comes with a beautiful backpack design
- Has a mulch ratio of 16:1
- Has a flexible tube making it easy to reach tight spots
- Has an electric cord for reliable power
Pros
- Easy to carry a backpack
- The backpack is the size of two bags
- A flexible-tube for easy cleaning
- Has a powerful motor
- Produces a wind speed of 250 mph
- Has padded straps for comfort
- Work seamlessly on heavy-duty jobs
Cons
– It provides limited mobility due to the cord
Cost $$
Black+Decker provides powerful tools at affordable prices, and the BEBL7000 isn’t any exception. The powerful garden tool comes with an easy to wear a backpack with no zipper. It is easy to dump mulch from the pack, and it has a capacity of two bags. The pack has padded straps to relieve pressure from the bulk of the mulch.
The mulcher has a mulch ratio of converting 16 bags of leaves into one bag of mulch. The Flexi-tube nozzle makes it easy to access tight spots like trenches. The Flexi-tube is handy for cleaning uneven lawns. The Black+Decker BEVL7000 can handle more extensive gardens without any disappointments or fluttering.
BUYING GUIDE
How To Pick The Right Leaf Vacuum Mulcher
There are so many brands that claim to provide the best leaf vacuum mulcher. However, the most potent mulcher may not necessarily be the best leaf vacuum mulcher for you. You need to consider your needs, the size of your lawn, and the number of leaves and debris. Here are a few elements to consider when choosing a vacuum leaf mulcher.
Gas vs Electric
Electric vacuum leaf mulchers are efficient, eco-friendly, and produce lower noise. However, high electricity consumption may be an issue for some buyers. Despite that, an electric mulcher is reliable, especially if it comes with a cord retainer to keep the connection steady.
Gas-powered mulchers, on the other hand, are cost-effective for someone on a budget. They are also portable and can be used in areas without an electric power source. However, gas-powered mulchers can be disappointing when you run out of gas before you complete your task. You have to buy gas which can be a bit demoralizing. Also, they are more substantial compared to electricity powered leaf vacuums.
Corded or Cordless
Corded vacuum leaf mulchers have higher power and can run for more extended periods. Running leaf vacuum or blower on the most top speed allows you to complete your cleaning activities. The most significant limitation of corded blowers/vacuum is the length of the cord significantly limits mobility. It is advisable to buy a long extension cord to increase mobility.
Cordless vacuum leaf mulchers are excellent for tricky spaces and produce relatively lower noise that other leaf vacuums. The mulchers give the user freedom to roam without worrying about a cord. The disadvantage is that finally, the mulcher runs out of power. Whether the cordless tool runs on batteries, you will have to stop and recharge after a short duration. However, a cordless leaf vacuum acts as the middle ground for gas and electric leaf vacuums. You can buy an extra pair of batteries to keep the leaf vacuum running for longer.
Mulching Ratio
The mulching ratio determines how much an impeller can breakdown leaves and debris. A 10:1 rate means that a vacuum leaf mulcher can shred ten bags of leaves and debris into one bag of mulch. A suitable home leaf vacuum should have a rate of at least 16:1 or higher. The higher the mulch ratio, the fewer the bags of leaves you will have to dispose of. A majority of the 3-in-1 vacuum, mulcher, and blowers have a mulch ratio of 16:1, which works just fine.
Collection Bag Size
A collection bag is usually attached to leaf vacuums that come with a shredder. The purpose of the collection bag is to collect mulch after shredding. The bigger the collection bag, the longer you can keep on vacuuming without emptying the bag. The average size of a collection bag is 10 gallons to 12 gallons. There are bigger sizes of collection bags, depending on the brand of the mulcher. You can also opt to buy a collection bag that meets your needs. Most brands offer collection bags as part of accessories.
Speed and Speed Adjustment
Speed plays and crucial role in blowers and effectively cleaning leaves from the lawn. A higher speed provides a higher impact, which removes all leaves easily. Lower speeds may require the user to pass a blower on the same location a few times to get all leaves and debris. Most domestic leaf vacuums can manage a speed of 200 mph when blowing.
A speed adjustment option for the blower and vacuum is a handy feature. Lower speeds are useful in cleaning delicate areas like flower beds. Higher speeds can make cleaning leaf dense areas easy. Therefore, find a leaf vacuum with at least two-speed adjustment options.
Suction Power
Suction power determines the capacity of a vacuum to suck leaves and debris in an hour. The suction power needs to match the impeller to prevent clogging at the impeller. Some leaf vacuums have the option to set the speed in which leaves are fed to the impeller from the vacuum compartment. However, keep steady suction for the best results. High-speed suction can lead to clogging, and low suction can make you spend more time cleaning.
Weight
The weight of a leaf vacuum determines how tired the user will be upon completion of the cleaning activities. Most domestic mulchers are handheld and only require one hand to function appropriately. However, it can be tiresome to curry the mulcher and the collection bag together. You can always opt for a backpack version or a harness. A harness makes it easier to carry the machine and effectively clean the lawn.
Mulchers with backpacks help to evenly distribute the weight making it easy to clean for long durations. Backpacks are an efficient way to carry collection bags when cleaning the outdoors of debris and leaves.
Impeller (Leaf Shredder)
The quality of your leaf shredder determines the size of your mulch and the frequency in which you change the blades. Plastic blades require frequent changes compared to metal impellers. Metal impellers with multiple blades work better than those with only two blades. Also, plastic impellers are not capable of achieving a high mulch ratio.
Metal impellers are durable and can be sharpened several times before replaces. You need to be careful when changing the blades to avoid injuries. Turn off the mulcher and disconnect the power source before attempting to replace the blades. If your compound has a lot of debris or acorns, it is better to choose an impeller with multiple blades.
Price
It is absolutely possible to find a quality 3-in-1 vacuum leaf mulcher under $50. The price can vary from $40 to $200 depending on the brand and capacity. You need to consider your budget as you venture into the market to find a vacuum leaf mulcher. A higher budget doesn’t accurately translate to high performance. The average cost for vacuum leaf mulchers is between $75 and $99. You can find a reasonable 3-in-1 vacuum leaf mulcher to suit your needs.
Warranty
It’s best to find a machine that offers a guarantee in case of fault or damage. The average warranty period is between one year and four years. Finding a vacuum leaf mulcher with a 4-year warranty would be excellent for your future needs. Ensure you check what kind of warranty the kind that the manufacturer offers. A full guarantee warranty covers any and all issues that may arise during the warranty period. A limited guarantee warranty only covers specific damages and repairs. Understanding the warranty, you get lets you plan appropriately for repairs and maintenance.
FAQs
1. Which are the best 3 in 1 blower vacuum and mulcher?
The best leaf vacuum, blower, and mulcher go to Toro 51621. The 3-in-1 garden tools strike the right balance between speed, capacity, weight, and price. The price is on the lower side for some of the high-end features the leaf vacuum possesses. Alternatively, you can opt for the Black+Decker 3-in-1 blower, vacuum, and mulcher. The brand offers an excellent price for the quality and efficient product. The design is also pleasing and lightweight.
2. What is the best leaf vacuum?
The Toro 51621 UltraPlus is the best leaf vacuum in the market. Not only does it offer a reasonable price, but it also useful when cleaning yards.
3. What is the best leaf mulcher?
The WORX WG509 is the best leaf mulcher with a mulch ratio of 18:1. It means the end product is an excellent mulch that has a smaller capacity. It can efficiently handle a high quantity of leaves and debris seamlessly.
4. Do leaf vacuums work on wet leaves?
Yes. However, not all leaf vacuums can efficiently vacuum and mulch wet leaves. Ensure you check whether a leaf vacuum handles wet leaves before making any purchase.
5. Can you use a leaf vacuum on gravel?
Yes. Some leaf vacuums have a nozzle that makes it suitable to work efficiently on gravel without sucking the gravel. You can also use a lower wind speed when working on gravel to extract leaves and debris only.
Final Thoughts
It can seem a bit overwhelming to find the right leaf vacuum for you when you are spoilt for choice. You may want to mulch leaves debris for easy disposal or to compost and use as fertilizer. Either way, mulch is more natural to work with a couple of bags of leaves and debris. Finding the best leaf vacuum mulcher for you can be easy when you know what you want. The kind of leaf vacuum you buy will depend on your budget and size of lawn or compound.
More prominent compounds and dense tree areas require powerful leaf vacuum mulchers to clean effectively. The reviews on various brands above provide relevant information that will help you make a great decision. Don’t waste time browsing through hundreds of online pages looking for the best leaf vacuum mulcher. The right leaf vacuum will definitely make your life easier and help you maintain the curb appeal of your compound. Keep your grounds clean and pleasing without a hassle.