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The best electric handheld blowers continue to outperform their gas-engined counterparts for less money. But both types take at least some of the grunt work out of sweeping and cleaning fallen leaves and other yard and driveway debris.
Many can also vacuum and shred what they pick up. And nearly all gas blowers we tested meet tougher new emissions requirements for sale in California.
But even electric blowers can annoy the neighbors, and gas blowers proved loud enough to require hearing protection. For this reason, a good number of localities now restrict their use.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Mainstream brands include Black & Decker, Craftsman (Sears), Homelite, Poulan, Toro, and Weed Eater. Pricier gas-blower brands include Echo, Husqvarna, John Deere, and Stihl. Despite advantages for electrics, however, gas blowers have their place and include more-powerful variations. Here are your choices: