Investing in a gas leaf blower is the best way to get rid of large piles of leaves and debris in your yard. These are powerful, strong, and reliable. But with many options on the market, how can you choose?
We’ve researched for you, saving you time and stress. After hours of investigating real customer reviews, expert advice, and products, we compiled a list of the seven best gas leaf blowers on the current market.
Are you looking for something to wear on your back? Something versatile? No matter your requirements, we have made it easy for you to find your mind-blowing (and leaf-blowing) match.
- High power specs
- Great investment & reliable warranty
- 65-ounce tank for great workflow
- Load-reducing harness
- Powerful speed & flow
- Customizable settings
- Robust motor with max power
- Made to prevent fatigue
- Easy starter cord
- Intake design leads to less clogging
- 8.6 pounds lightweight
- Secure seals increase durability
- Easy to start up
- Variable speed throttle
- Extended nozzle for full coverage cleaning
- High speeds up to 230mph
- Comfy soft grip handle
- Doubles as a mulcher
- Powerful 25cc engine
- Ergonomic & lightweight design
- Variable speed throttle
Product Reviews
I’ve researched and compiled a list of the seven best gas leaf blowers. My analysis considered expert advice, customer reviews, and key features, including power, engine type, fuel capacity, and construction.
Read through this accessible and carefully curated list to find a gas leaf blower that will clean up your yard in no time.
Schröder Industrial Backpack Leaf Blower
Best Overall
Wearing a leaf blower on your back is much easier and comfortable for long stretches of leaf blowing.
The weight of this 19.5-pound Schröder leaf blower is evenly distributed across your back for maximum comfort, whether you’re leaf-blowing for an hour or the entire day.
What We Like
High Power Specs
Wait until you hear these numbers. They will provide maximum power.
This leaf blower runs at 230 MPH with a CFM of 920. 920!
That’s super strong. You’ll get through your to-do list super quickly. This is a great option if you are looking for a power tool you can take to work.
Great Investment & Reliable Warranty
One thing that’s unanimous across happy customers is the price. It’s not cheap by any means, but compared to other high-end gas leaf blowers, it’s an affordable price.
But it’s more powerful than many of the competitors! Combine that with the five-year warranty, and this is a great investment.
65-Ounce Tank for Great Workflow
This has a huge fuel capacity. At 65 ounces, the tank holds a lot of fuel to provide you with uninterrupted workflow, which is ideal when working across large areas.
Comfortable To Wear
Customers love wearing this one because it has padded back support and padded shoulder straps. Compared to some other backpack leaf blowers available, you’ll feel less exhausted at the end of a long shift.
What We Don't Like
It’s Very Loud
Ear protection is definitely required with this gas leaf blower. The decibel rating isn’t specified, but customers pointed out how loud it is. So stay safe and cover those ears.
Difficult To Start
Customers found this power tool quite tricky to start, especially in cold weather. Some even reached out to customer support for better directions on how to start it. If you want something more user-friendly, you might want to double-think this one.
Product Specs
| Type | Backpack |
| Extra Features | None |
| Power | 230 MPH, 920 CFM |
| Engine Type | Two-stroke |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 ounces |
Our Ratings
Poulan Pro PR48BT Gas Leaf Blower
Most User-Friendly Blower
We’re all familiar with the pain of buying a new gadget and being stressed out by all the bells and whistles.
This Poulan Pro gas leaf blower is very user-friendly. Once it arrives, unpack it, set it up, and enjoy using it without any stress.
It’s comfy, easy to use, and very powerful.
What We Like
Load-Reducing Harness
Overall, this is a very comfortable backpack leaf blower to wear. Not only is it lightweight — 22 pounds — but it’s built with a load-reducing harness. This ensures it fits the user well but also takes the strain off you. That way, you can go longer without getting tired, no matter how often you hit the gym.
Powerful Speed and Flow
Fully equipped at 200 miles per hour with 475 CFM, this is a powerful beast of a blower. Get the jobs at hand done quickly with this guy!
Choose Your Settings
Thanks to the variable speed throttle, you can change up your speed if you want something a bit slower. Once you’ve chosen your preferred speed, you can pop on cruise control and enjoy the steady airspeed.
Tackle Stubborn Debris
With its powerful speed and flow, this is a great option for heavy leaves, wet leaves, and other stubborn debris around your yard.
What We Don't Like
Trouble Starting
Many customers disliked the starting up of this machine. It takes a while. In fact, you sometimes have to pull the cord six times to prime the machine. Overall, it’s not the simplest to get up and running.
Noisy and Annoying Sounds
This unit is noisy, so beware and grab ear protection. It also makes strange noises like pinging and whining, which can be distracting.
Product Specs
| Type | Backpack |
| Extra Features | None |
| Power | 200 MPH, 475 CFM |
| Engine Type | Two-stroke |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49.3 ounces |
Our Ratings
Husqvarna Handheld Leaf Blower/Vacuum
Most Versatile
Sometimes you need more than just a leaf blower. In that case, you might fall in love with this vacuum mulcher blower combo.
Suck up the leaves and mulch them at a 16:1 ratio. This saves space in the bag, allowing you to pull up the maximum amount of leaves before emptying the bag.
Overall, this is a beast of a machine that can handle a ton of intense yard work.
What We Like
Robust Motor With Max Power
This is a super-powerful machine with the ability to do amazing work. It has 1.1 horsepower, a power speed of 8,000 RPM, and 170 MPH speed at 425 CFM. This is what makes it so good at blowing, vacuuming, and mulching.
Made To Prevent Fatigue
You shouldn’t get too tired at all when using this blower. It’s only 9.6 pounds, so it’s nice and lightweight. This makes it easy to transport for long periods of time.
Besides that, the fan housing sits so the air stream is in line with the handle. This takes the weight off your wrist so you can finish your jobs at the end of the day with no joint pain.
Easy Starter Cord
As if vacuuming and mulching weren’t enough, this has a few other cool features. Firstly, it starts very easily with little effort. The resistance in the starter cord is less than 40 percent compared to other machines. You can also enjoy the air purge button that removes air from the carburetor and fuel tank to make starting a lot easier.
Comfortable User Controls
This machine features a soft-grip handle with easy-to-reach controls, giving you maximum comfort while doing your chores.
What We Don't Like
Prone To Clogging
The metal mulcher isn’t the most intense on the market. Therefore, it can clog quite easily, especially if you’ve collected twigs or acorns.
Tube Problems
One of the main complaints about this vacuum is the tube. Some customers found it had a loose connection point and wobbled around too much. Whereas others found it was too tight, making it super tricky to remove when needed.
Product Specs
| Type | Handheld |
| Extra Features | Vacuuming and mulching |
| Power | 170 MPH, 425 CFM |
| Engine Type | Two-stroke |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.91 ounces |
Echo 2-Stroke Cycle Handheld Leaf Blower
Best Heavy Duty Blower
If you want something a bit more heavy-duty to use for work or large jobs around the home — then check out the Echo handheld leaf blower.
This beast of a machine runs at 170 MPH and 453 CFM. These specs may sound like less, but professionals love how powerful it is and how much time they save by using it.
It also comes with a five-year warranty to give you peace of mind when investing in this machine.
What We Like
Intake Design Lead To Less Clogging
Clogging can be an issue with leaf blowers, especially if you take in large amounts of bigger debris. But this machine has a double-grid intake design to help reduce clogging, which protects your machine.
8.6 Pounds Heavy
Weighing only 8.6 pounds, this is a super lightweight option, especially for something so powerful. This will help minimize user fatigue when using for long periods.
Secure Seals for a Durable Machine
This may seem like a random thing to call out but hear us out. It’s important.
Firstly, the air filter design keeps a super tight seal. This protects the engine and keeps it super clean. Secondly, this uses posi-loc pipes for secure seals so parts don’t break off while you’re working.
More Comfortable To Hold
This unit has been designed with users in mind. It features a unique S-pipe design and curved blower tube so that you experience less wrist discomfort.
What We Don't Like
Hard To Start
Many customers stated that they found the machine hard to start. The recoil start can be a bit of a challenge to get going at times.
Small Tank — 18.6 Ounces
The 18.6-ounce tank is quite small. I recommend looking at something at least 20 ounces usually, which is why you need to remember that this is on the smaller side.
Product Specs
| Type | Handheld |
| Extra Features | None |
| Power | 170 MPH, 453 CFM |
| Engine Type | Two-stroke |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.6 ounces |
Our Ratings
Craftsman B215 Handheld Gas Leaf Blower
Best Handheld Gas Leaf Blower
If you’re in the market for a handheld gas leaf blower, don’t look past the Craftsman B215.
It only weighs 11 pounds, so it’s nice and lightweight, making it easy to carry around for long periods of time.
Besides that, it still has great power. It operates at 180 MPH and 430 CFM so you can blow a lot of leaves in less time.
What We Like
Easy To Start Up
Many people struggle to start up gas leaf blowers. It can be tricky, painful, and take a while.
This one starts easily. Follow the three simple steps: prime, choke, and pull. That’s it on!
Variable Speed Throttle
It’s always nice when a company pays attention to the little details that will make the machine easier for customers to use. This unit has a variable speed throttle, so you can change the speed easily depending on the task at hand.
Know When To Refuel
You might love the translucent tank feature. No more guessing when it’s empty. Simply look through to see when it’s time to refuel.
Extended Nozzle for Full Coverage Cleaning
The nozzle on this is already long, but it comes with an extra nozzle to make jobs even easier. It comes with an integrated scraper, too, so you can lift stubborn debris and leaves. It also makes it easy to get into hard-to-reach places.
What We Don't Like
Not Comfy To Hold
While this is lightweight and won’t cause user fatigue, it’s uncomfortable to hold. Some users found the weight was not well distributed. Plus, it only has one handle, which isn’t very ergonomic or practical.
Pickin’ up Bad Vibrations
This machine vibrates a lot. This can lead to finger-numbing and tingling. It’s not very comfy.
You can reduce the frustration of this by wearing leather gloves, but it’s worth keeping it in mind anyway.
Product Specs
| Type | Handheld |
| Extra Features | None |
| Power | 180 MPH, 430 CFM |
| Engine Type | Two-stroke |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | Not specified |
Our Ratings
Poulan Pro PPBV25 Leaf Blower
Best Lightweight Gas Leaf Blower
You don’t want something so heavy it’ll weigh you down. Leaf blowing is hard work, so a lightweight option makes it easier for you.
This Poulan Pro cordless gas leaf blower only weighs 4.9 pounds, making it one of the lightest gas leaf blower options available.
Despite its more compact design, it’s still a reliable option.
What We Like
High Specs up to 230MPH
Despite its petite weight, this still packs a bunch. It has an airflow ability of up to 230mph and 450cfm. Clean up grass, leaves, and debris all year round with this nifty tool.
Comfy, Soft-Grip Handle
It might seem like a small detail, but having a soft-grip handle makes a massive difference, especially if using for a couple of hours. Your hand won’t tire as quickly with this design.
You’re in Control
Don’t let the leaf blower control you. You control it. This one has an easy start-up system that is spring-assisted. Once it’s running, you can choose the air volume and the air speed. This gives you more versatility over various jobs.
Doubles as a Mulcher
For the price, I’m super impressed by all this device has to offer. Not only does it blow leaves, but it can suck them up and mulch them down to a 16:1 ratio.
What We Don't Like
Some Trouble Starting When Warm
A few customers found this device didn’t like starting up when it was warm or hot. If you live in a humid or warm climate, you may have trouble getting this unit up and running.
No Shoulder Straps
This unit is light, so it’s not a major issue that it doesn’t have shoulder straps. But they would definitely help! Shoulder straps allow you to balance and maneuver your leaf blower better, so we do miss them on this device.
Product Specs
| Type | Handheld |
| Extra Features | Vacuum and mulcher |
| Power | 230 MPH, 450 CFM |
| Engine Type | Two-cycle |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | Not specified |
Our Ratings
Black+Decker 25cc Gas Leaf Blower
Best Budget Blower
Our research tells us that investing money in a decent gas leaf blower is always a good idea.
But not everybody has the budget to spend hundreds of dollars on a high-end machine. In that case, check out this great option from Black+Decker.
This pick costs less than half of the average gas leaf blower. You’re saving money, but you’ll still get a super clean yard.
What We Like
Powerful Capable Engine
This comes with a powerful 25cc two-stroke engine. This delivers insane performance with a high airspeed. Therefore, you can use this leaf blower for leaves but also removing snow and dust from various surfaces.
Ergonomic and Lightweight Design
When it comes to a handheld leaf blower, ergonomics and weight are super important. This only weighs 11.75 pounds, so it’s not too heavy.
To prevent the weight from being a problem, this unit includes compact tubes to reduce fatigue and maximize flexibility. You can even use this one-handed.
Quick-Start Engine
The engine on this machine is specifically designed to reduce stress from turning it on. With a quick-start technology, it would be easier to pull and therefore start the machine.
Variable Speed Throttle
Choose your speed depending on the task at hand. This runs up to 180 miles per hour, but you don’t always need to utilize that much force. Instead, customize your unit’s power.
What We Don't Like
Instructions Are Difficult To Understand
The instructions aren’t well-written, and the symbols on the machine are difficult to understand. They don’t always match up to the pictures on the instructions.
Product Specs
| Type | Handheld |
| Extra Features | Blower |
| Power | 180 MPH, 400 CFM |
| Engine Type | Two-stroke |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 ounce |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Type | Extra Features | Power | Engine Type | Tank Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schröder Industrial Backpack Leaf Blower | Overall | Backpack | None | 230 MPH, 920 CFM | Two-stroke | 65 oz |
| Poulan Pro PR48BT Gas Leaf Blower | User-Friendly Blower | Backpack | None | 200 MPH, 475 CFM | Two-stroke | 49.3 oz |
| Husqvarna Handheld Leaf Blower/Vacuum | Versatile | Handheld | Vacuuming & mulching | 170 MPH, 425 CFM | Two-stroke | 16.91 oz |
| Echo 2-Stroke Cycle Handheld Leaf Blower | Heavy Duty Blower | Handheld | None | 170 MPH, 453 CFM | Two-stroke | 18.6 oz |
| Craftsman B215 Handheld Gas Leaf Blower | Handheld Gas Leaf Blower | Handheld | None | 180 MPH, 430 CFM | Two-stroke | N/A |
| Poulan Pro PPBV25 Leaf Blower | Lightweight Gas Leaf Blower | Handheld | Vacuum and mulcher | 230 MPH, 450 CFM | Two-stroke | N/A |
| Black+Decker Leaf Blower | Budget Blower | Handheld | Blower | 180 MPH, 400 CFM | Two-stroke | 14 oz |
Types of Gas Leaf Blowers
When shopping for gas leaf blowers, you’ll find two types: handheld and backpack. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each.
Handheld Leaf Blower
Handheld gas leaf blowers either go over your shoulder via a strap or you just hold them. They are typically lighter, but for long periods, they can become uncomfortable. Because these are smaller and they won’t run for as long as backpack blowers, we recommend these for small and medium-sized yards.
Pros
- They are lightweight, typically weighing between eight and 15 pounds.
- Wear them over your shoulder to bear some of the weight.
- Ideal for small and medium-sized yards.
Cons
- Not as comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
- Gas tank won’t last as long, so it’s not ideal for large yards.
You can wear backpack leaf blowers on your back and control the nozzle with your hands. It’s easier to operate since the weight is distributed behind you, and your hands can work the nozzle. They are super powerful machines but tend to be loud, so wear ear protection.
Pros
- Great for large yards since they can get jobs done quickly.
- Gas tank will last quite long, about 1-3 hours.
- Evenly distributed and comfortable weight.
Cons
- Noisy, so you may need to wear ear protection.
- More expensive, going up to three times the price of a handheld option.
Top Tip
If you have a small yard, there’s no need to invest in a backpack leaf blower. A handheld one will work just fine and save you money.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a gas leaf blower, it’s important to consider these important details to help you find the best one.
Type
Firstly, decide between a handheld or backpack option. Once you’ve made this decision, you’ll cut out unnecessary options, which will make your decision easier.
The bottom line is to choose a backpack for large yards and a handheld for small and medium yards.
Extra Features
You can find gas leaf blowers that double up as a leaf vacuum and mulcher. This breaks down the leaves into tiny pieces so you can bag them up more easily. These combo options may be slightly more expensive, but if you have a large yard with many trees, you’ll greatly benefit.
Air Speed
The airspeed is measured in miles per hour (MPH). The higher this is, the faster the air comes out of the nozzle.
This can blow leaves with more force. I recommend choosing a leaf blower that’s at least 100 MPH fast.
Air Flow
Airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). This measures how much air comes out of the nozzle.
This is important because it determines how quickly the machine will perform and how much it can move with one gust of wind. I recommend looking for a CFM of at least 400.
Engine Type
You’ll find both two-stroke and four-stroke engines on gas leaf blowers. These differ slightly, so it’s important to note.
A two-stroke engine requires the exact mixing of oil and fuel since the engine doesn’t have a built-in oiling mechanism. While this is an extra step, two-stroke engines are super powerful and durable.
A four-stroke engine requires less maintenance since it has a built-in oiler. You can add the oil and fuel separately without worrying about mixing it and the exact measurements. It’s not as powerful an engine, but it is more efficient. And quieter!
Fuel Tank Capacity
The larger the fuel tank capacity, the more fuel it holds. What does that mean? Uninterrupted workflow.
If you have a super small tank, you’ll need to stop and refuel more often. I recommend looking for a fuel tank of around 40 ounces. Anything lower than 20 ounces may become frustrating.
Budget
Last but not least, stick to your budget. Gas leaf blowers range from about $90 all the way to $600. Some are even more expensive!
Because of the wide price range, you can find a lot of great options at a lot of reasonable prices depending on your budget.
Tips for Using a Gas Leaf Blower
Before you turn on your gas leaf blower, it’s essential to research how to use your specific model. This includes watching videos, reading blogs, and reading your instruction manual.
Besides that, we do have some great general tips to keep in mind:
- Wear hearing protection: Check the decibel rating of your machine, and if it’s higher than 80-85, purchase hearing protection. Earplugs and muffs are the sweet combo to protect your ears.
- Choose leather: Leather gloves can limit hand and finger numbness and tingling from the machine’s vibration.
- Protect your eyes: Eye protection is also essential. Leaf blowers can kick up dirt, rocks, dust, and other debris.
- Mask up: If you shred dry leaves or empty the bag, a dust respirator is important.
- Scan the ground: Remove big objects, like large twigs, mulch, or rocks between, using the vacuum on your leaf blower. Otherwise, you could damage the machine’s impeller.
- Wait for a dry day: It’s easier to blow dry leaves than wet leaves, so wait for the sun to dry leaves out after the rain.
- Avoid wind: Avoid leaf blowing on a windy day if possible. This can ruin the hard work you do.
- Cool down: Let the machine cool for 15 minutes before topping it up with fuel. A hot engine can heat the oil and cause dangerous gas vapors.
Gas Leaf Blower FAQs
Which Is Better — A Gas or Electric Leaf Blower?
Both have their pros and cons and should ultimately be used for different things.
Gas leaf blowers are more powerful and better for larger areas with more leaf coverage and build-up.
Electric leaf blowers, however, are still powerful, but they are also quieter and more eco-friendly.
How Long Do Gas Leaf Blowers Last?
Check with the specific manufacturer of your leaf blower. Many have five-year warranties. The general rule of thumb is that a leaf blower should last around 1,000 hours.
What Is a Good CFM for a Leaf Blower?
At least 400. Most are between 400 and 800.
Do Leaf Blowers Use Regular Gas?
Four-stroke engines use regular gas, but many people use 89-octane gas. Two-stroke engines require regular gas mixed in with specific two-stroke oil.
Are Electric Leaf Blowers Quieter Than Gas?
Electric leaf blowers are quieter than gas models, but not by much. Leaf blowers are loud and can cause a noise nuisance in many communities.
How Much Gas Do Leaf Blowers Use?
It’s tricky to determine because it depends on their size, how frequently they are used, and the length of the task.
