Power blowers: more punch for plug-ins.(leaf blowers)(Product/service evaluation)

The best handheld electric blowers have long beaten their gasoline-fueled competitors with comparable power and less weight and noise. This year's electrics are an even better value.

Three new Toro corded electric blower-vacs outperformed our highest-scoring handheld gas model at about half the price. The top-scoring Ultra Blower Vac includes a metal impeller that should stand up to vacuumed twigs better than the typical nylon version. Yet at $70, it costs $15 less than the model it replaced.

Need the greater range of a gas blower? Manufacturers are cutting costs on larger backpack models by using the smaller impellers from their handheld machines. And nearly all gas blowers we tested meet this year's tougher emissions requirements for sale in California. (See our Ratings for specifics.)

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