Garden Power Tool Buying Guide
Whether you're maintaining a neat lawn, clearing dense undergrowth, or preparing flower beds, having the right garden power tools can make all the difference.
This buying guide will help you choose the best tools for the job, from lawnmowers to garden shredders. We’ll also break down key features to consider and help you decide between electric, cordless, or petrol-powered models.
Lawnmowers & Scarifiers
Choosing the right lawnmower depends heavily on the size and condition of your lawn. The larger your garden, the more powerful and wide-cutting the mower should be. For small to medium-sized lawns, an electric or cordless lawnmower may be sufficient. For larger areas or tougher grass, a petrol mower is often more efficient.
Guide To Choosing The Right Lawnmower Size:
- Under 250m²: Small rotary or hover mowers (corded or cordless)
- 250–500m²: Mid-size rotary mower, preferably with self-propulsion
- Over 500m²: Petrol-powered mower with a wide cutting deck (40cm+). Consider Ride-On Lawn mowers too.
- Consider Grass Bag Collector Size: 20-30L Suitable for small lawns but will require frequent emptying. For large gardens 50L+ is ideal.
Self-Propelled vs Hand-Propelled:
- Self-Propelled Mowers: These drive themselves forward, so you only need to steer. They're ideal for larger or sloped gardens, and help reduce fatigue, especially with heavier petrol mowers.
- Hand-Propelled Mowers: You push these manually. They're lighter, cheaper, and work well on smaller, flat lawns where manoeuvrability matters more than power.
Wheel Size and Why It Matters:
- Larger Rear Wheels: Help with manoeuvrability on uneven or sloped terrain and improve stability over rough grass.
- Smaller Wheels: Fine for flat lawns, and make the mower easier to turn and store in tight spaces.
Don’t forget scarifiers – these are essential for removing moss, thatch, and debris, which helps improve lawn health and water penetration. Electric scarifiers are great for domestic use and often come with adjustable raking heights for different lawn conditions.
Explore our range of lawnmowers and lawn rakers & scarifiers.
Grass Trimmers & Brush Cutters
Grass trimmers and brush cutters may look similar, but they serve different purposes. Grass trimmers are best for light work like edging and tidying lawn borders. They usually use a nylon line to cut grass. Brush cutters, on the other hand, use metal blades and are built to tackle thicker vegetation such as nettles, brambles, and even small saplings.
Consider these factors when choosing between cordless and corded trimmers:
- Corded: Great for small gardens with easy access to power. Lightweight and budget-friendly.
- Cordless (Battery-powered): Offers freedom to move and is quieter than petrol models. Ideal for medium gardens.
- Petrol: Best for large or rural gardens. Powerful and long-lasting but heavier and noisier.
If you have a mix of lawn edges and overgrown areas, look for models with interchangeable heads or combo tools that can switch between trimming and cutting functions.
Shop our collection of grass trimmers and brush cutters for the garden.
Hedge Trimmers, Pruning Saws & Chainsaws
Pruning saws and chainsaws are designed for cutting branches, trimming trees, and general wood cutting. Manual or electric garden trimmers are ideal for small branches, shrubs and hedges, while petrol chainsaws are suited for heavy-duty jobs like felling trees or cutting firewood.
When buying a chainsaw, consider the following:
- Bar length: A 12–16 inch bar is great for general home use. Larger bars are for heavy-duty tasks.
- Safety features: Look for chain brakes, anti-vibration handles, and kickback protection.
- Power type: Electric models are quiet and low maintenance. Petrol models are powerful but noisier.
If you're working at height, consider a pole saw or pruning saw with extendable handles. These are safer and more manageable for trimming higher branches without the need for ladders.
Browse our selection of hedge trimmers and pruning saws/chainsaws to keep you garden tidy with ease.
Garden Cultivators & Tillers
Garden tillers, also known as cultivators, are tools used to break up and aerate soil, making it easier to plant vegetables or flowers. They’re especially useful for preparing new beds or revitalising compacted soil.
There are two main types of tillers:
- Front-tine tillers: Lightweight and suitable for smaller gardens or previously tilled soil.
- Rear-tine tillers: More powerful and ideal for larger gardens or breaking tough, uncultivated ground.
Look for models with adjustable tilling widths and depths, and consider whether a petrol or electric model better suits your garden size and soil condition. For frequent use, a petrol-powered tiller will offer more durability and strength.
Shop garden cultivators and tillers at Appliance House.
Garden Shredders & Log Splitters
Garden shredders help reduce bulky garden waste into manageable mulch or compost. They’re ideal for cutting up hedge trimmings, branches, and plant material, making disposal easier or creating compostable material.
There are two main types of garden shredders:
- Impact shredders: Use spinning blades for fast shredding of light to medium waste. Loud but efficient for soft material and small branches.
- Quiet (roller) shredders: Crush branches slowly and quietly. Better for thicker branches and woody waste.
When buying a shredder, check the maximum branch diameter it can handle, and look for models with easy-feed hoppers, collection boxes, and safety cut-outs. Shredded material is perfect for mulch or speeding up composting.
Log Splitters:
For anyone with a wood-burning stove, fireplace, or outdoor fire pit, a log splitter is a practical tool that saves hours of manual chopping. Instead of using an axe, a log splitter applies hydraulic or electric force to split logs quickly and safely.
Key factors to consider when choosing a log splitter include:
- Tonnage: The higher the tonnage, the more force it applies. For softwood, 4–6 tons is usually enough. Hardwood or larger logs may require 7–10+ tons.
- Orientation:
- Horizontal log splitters: Compact and good for small to medium logs.
- Vertical log splitters: Designed for heavier or larger logs that are difficult to lift.
- Power Source:
- Electric: Quiet, low maintenance, ideal for domestic use.
- Petrol: More powerful and portable, suited for heavy-duty jobs or rural settings.
Safety is key with log splitters – always look for models with two-hand operation, solid safety guards, and automatic ram returns. With the right shredder and log splitter, garden waste and firewood preparation become quick, efficient, and much less labor-intensive.
Browse garden shredders and log splitters.
Leaf Blowers & Wet/Dry Vacuums
Leaf blowers are an efficient way to keep your garden tidy during the autumn months or after mowing and trimming. They quickly clear leaves, grass cuttings, and other debris from paths, patios, and lawns. Many modern leaf blowers also offer vacuum and mulching functions, making them even more versatile for year-round garden maintenance.
Types of Leaf Blowers:
- Blower Only: Basic models that blow leaves into piles for easy collection.
- Blower/Vacuum Combos: Switch between blowing and vacuuming, ideal for collecting and mulching leaves in one go.
- Corded Electric: Lightweight and ideal for small to medium gardens close to a power source.
- Cordless (Battery-Powered): Offers more freedom, ideal for medium to large gardens.
- Petrol: Most powerful option, suitable for large outdoor spaces or commercial use.
When choosing a leaf blower, consider the weight, airspeed (measured in km/h or mph), and collection bag size if you're opting for a vacuum model. Higher airspeeds mean more power to shift wet or stubborn debris.
Wet & Dry Vacuums:
Unlike standard household vacuums, wet & dry vacuums are built to handle tougher tasks, including cleaning sawdust, dirt, and liquid spills. These all-round vacuums are perfect for use in the home, garage, garden shed, or workshop. They’re particularly handy for DIY projects, car cleaning, and post-gardening clean-up.
Key Features to Look For:
- Dual Function: Can switch between wet and dry cleaning modes with appropriate filters or nozzles.
- Large Capacity: Bigger tanks mean fewer trips to empty. Look for 20L+ for workshop use.
- Blower Function: Some wet & dry vacuums double up as blowers, useful for outdoor clearing jobs.
- Durable Build: Look for models with robust wheels, strong handles, and sturdy construction to handle workshop or garage conditions.
Whether you're clearing autumn leaves or cleaning up after a DIY project, having both a leaf blower and a wet & dry vacuum in your tool collection can save time and effort. These tools offer excellent versatility and are well worth the investment for any busy homeowner or garden enthusiast.
Shop for Ash Vacuum Cleaners and Leaf Blowers.
Why Shop With Us?
Investing in the right garden power tools can save you time, effort, and money in the long run. Whether you're keeping your lawn tidy, clearing leaves, or managing soil and compost, there’s a tool designed to make the job easier waiting for you at Appliance House.
If you have any questions about our garden power tool collection please give us a call us on 0330 002 0229, we'd be happy to talk through the best options for you.
As well as providing an excellent, knowledgeable and friendly service, we also offer various deals on our garden power tools: