We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping Gardening Reviews Lawn Care Reviews The 9 Best Leaf Mulchers of 2024 Shred your autumn chores away with these leaf mulchers. By Rachel Ahrnsen Rachel Ahrnsen Rachel Ahrnsen has been contributing to Better Homes & Gardens since 2023. She is a freelance writer covering travel, personal finance, and lifestyle content. She is a Master Gardener and her passion for travel has led her to visit over 30 countries. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Published on February 28, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line What to Know Before Shopping Your Questions, Answered Who We Are Better Homes & Gardens / Kristin Kempa A leaf mulcher is a machine that uses blades or cutting lines to shred leaves into tiny pieces, creating a nutrient-dense mulch that can be used for your lawn, garden, or compost pile. Rebecca Finneran, a gardening expert with Michigan State University Extension, says that leaf mulch is a great resource. “Often, gardeners are looking for a way to dispose of fallen leaves in an environmentally friendly way,” Finneran says. “Leaf mulch is commonly used in gardens to deter weed seeds from germinating, conserve moisture and to provide an insulating layer for protecting roots of plants and bulbs. Leaf mulch can be composted first and then applied in a partially degraded form, or it can be ground up and applied fresh to the garden.” Leaf mulchers can shred huge amounts of leaves, and some can even mulch sticks, acorns, and other yard debris. A mulcher also makes it easier to dispose of leaves, as you can pack eight to 30 times more leaves into a single bag by turning them into mulch. “It’s important to look at the size of your yard and consider who will operate the equipment and their needs and preferences,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute. “Both handheld and stationary equipment do a great job on a lot of leaves and give you mulch for flower beds.” What We Researched Type: There are multiple types of leaf mulchers, including stationary, handheld, and walk-behind models. The best type for your yard will depend on your storage space, yard size, and the features you want.Power Source: Many of our top picks are electric, but we also included gas-powered models for those who need extra power to shred larger debris.Mulching Ratio: We favored models with high mulching ratios, ranging from 8:1 to 30:1. Our Top Picks Best Overall: WORX 13-Amp Electric Leaf Mulcher at Amazon ($168) Jump to Review Best Budget: Portland 3-In-1 Electric Blower Vacuum Mulcher at Amazon ($70) Jump to Review Best Splurge: Great CircleUSA Heavy Duty Wood Chipper Shredder at Amazon ($580) Jump to Review Best Cordless: Ryobi Cordless Leaf Vacuum/Mulcher at Amazon ($174) Jump to Review Best Gas-Powered: Husqvarna 2-Cycle Gas Leaf Blower at Amazon ($249) Jump to Review Best for Wet Leaves: Flowtron Leaf-Eater Mulcher/Shredder at Amazon ($180) Jump to Review Best with Blower: Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vac at Walmart ($118) Jump to Review Best Walk-Behind: Craftsman 24-In. 163cc Chipper Shredder Vacuum at Lowe's ($799) Jump to Review Best Stationary: Earthwise 13 Amp Leaf Mulcher at Amazon ($150) Jump to Review Best Overall WORX 13-Amp Electric Leaf Mulcher Amazon View On Amazon $168 View On Walmart $208 View On Lowe's $180 Why You Should Get It This mulcher can tackle up to 53 gallons of leaves per minute. Keep in Mind It’s a stationary machine, so you’ll need to gather leaves into piles before mulching. Turn autumn leaves into a rich fertilizer with our choice for the overall best leaf mulcher, the Worx 13 Amp Electric Leaf Mulcher. This leaf mulcher is our pick for a great all-around mulcher that is sturdy, easy to use, and can handle a lot of leaves. A 13-amp motor mulches up to 53 gallons of leaves per minute, with a mulching ratio of 11:1. This means that the Worx can turn 11 bags of leaves into one bag of mulch. The stationary setup allows the mulcher to shred leaves directly into either plastic or paper bags that you can attach to the included bag support ring. Just keep in mind, you’ll need an extra tool—whether it’s a leaf rake, leaf blower, or leaf vacuum—to collect the leaves from around your yard and bring them to the mulcher. Unlike many other mulchers, which use metal blades, the Worx model uses a cutting line system that is easy to replace, ensuring you’ll always be mulching at peak efficiency. If safety is a top priority for you, the cutting lines are less dangerous than sharp metal blades. This mulcher also has a clean air motor cooling system to prevent it from overheating. At 20 pounds, the mulcher is heavy enough to stay in place while working but light enough to move it around your yard if necessary. Assembling the Worx mulcher is simple and doesn’t require any tools, and it also comes apart and nests into itself for compact storage. Product Details: Type: Stationary | Power Source: Corded electric | Weight: 20 pounds | Decibels: Not listed | Mulching Ratio: 11:1 Key Terms to Know Mulching Ratio: The volume of debris reduced by the mulcher. For example, a mulcher with a 10:1 mulch ratio will reduce 10 bags of leaves into one bag of mulch.CFM: For leaf mulchers that double as leaf blowers, the CFM, or cubic feet per minute, measures the volume of air it can move. A higher CFM results in a more powerful leaf blower. We recommend choosing leaf blowers with a CFM of 200 to 400.RPM: Gas powered models use RPM, which stands for revolutions per minute, to measure strength. The higher the RPM, the faster the engine spins, making it more powerful. Most gas-powered lawn equipment engines perform at a maximum 3600 RPM, though there are more powerful options available. Best Budget Portland 3-In-1 Electric Blower Vacuum Mulcher Amazon View On Amazon $70 View On Harborfreight.com Why You Should Get It This versatile pick combines a leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher in one affordable machine. Keep in Mind It’s less powerful than other options on our list. The Portland three-in-one leaf mulcher is the best leaf mulcher for those on a budget. It includes a leaf blower and vacuum as well as a mulcher, so you get a lot of functionality in one machine. With this tool you can create leaf piles using the blower function, then effortlessly flip a switch to vacuum up the leaves. The vacuum mode mulches leaves as it captures them, and the mulch feeds directly into the attached collection bag. This leaf mulcher has a 12:1 mulch ratio and two speed settings. Keep in mind, the blower’s maximum CFM is 375, which is lower than other leaf blower model on our list. This leaf mulcher is lightweight at only 10 pounds, which is especially important since it's a handheld model designed to be used while you carry it. The device comes with multiple accessories, including a blower tube, mulcher tubes, concentrator nozzle and collection bag. Product Details: Type: Handheld | Power Source: Corded electric | Weight: 10 pounds | Decibels: 84 to 97 dB | Mulching Ratio: 12:1 Best Splurge Great CircleUSA Heavy Duty Wood Chipper Shredder Amazon View On Amazon $580 View On Walmart $450 View On Sears.com $779 Why You Should Get It This heavy-duty mulcher and chipper combo can handle branches and debris in addition to leaves. Keep in Mind This machine is louder than other options at 104 decibels. This chipper-and-mulcher combo from GreatCircle is the best leaf mulcher to splurge on if you want a powerful machine that can tackle big jobs. The powerful cutting blades can both chip wood and mulch leaves. The user places leaves and small debris, such as twigs, into the top hopper, and there’s a separate side chute for branches up to 3 inches in diameter. This tool has a heavy duty engine with a maximum speed of 3600 RPM, similar to a gas-powered lawn mower. In addition to leaves and branches, this machine can also mulch brush and corn stalks. However, you should not use it to shred pine cones, fresh greens, palm fronds, petrified wood, or vines, as they’re more likely to jam the machine. At 104 decibels, this machine is louder than most mulchers on our list, and you may want to consider using ear protection. It’s fairly easy to assemble out of the box, but assembly does require access to a basic toolbox to put everything together. To increase usability, you may want to purchase a separate leaf vacuum that can be attached to the side chute. Product Details: Type: Stationary | Power Source: Gas | Weight: 124.7 pounds | Decibels: 104 dB | Mulching Ratio: 15:1 Best Cordless Ryobi Cordless Leaf Vacuum/Mulcher Amazon View On Amazon $174 View On Walmart $140 View On Home Depot $243 Why You Should Get It Unlike most handheld cordless models, it comes with attachable wheels for easier use. Keep in Mind The battery and charging kit are sold separately. The Ryobi Vac Attack Cordless Leaf Vacuum is the best leaf mulcher for those who want a cordless option that can go everywhere. It’s powered by a 40-volt battery that supports both its vacuum and mulcher capabilities. The durable metal impeller and mulching system has an impressive 16:1 mulching ratio. The device includes a variable speed dial to adjust the vacuum speed, allowing you to decrease suction while working around delicate plants or increase power to capture stubborn debris. It comes with a collection bag to collect the mulch as you go, but it may be helpful to periodically empty the bag as you work, as the mulching bag holds a large volume of mulch and can become heavy. Though this vacuum and mulcher system is handheld, it’s on the heavier side at over 13 pounds. To help handle the weight, the device includes small, adjustable wheels attached near the vacuum intake so you can push it around your yard as if it’s an outdoor version of an upright vacuum. The two-in-one device is backed by a five-year warranty. Keep in mind that the battery and charging set is sold separately. Product Details: Type: Handheld | Power Source: Battery | Weight: 13.72 pounds | Decibels: Not listed | Mulching Ratio: 16:1 Best Gas-Powered Husqvarna 2-Cycle Gas Leaf Blower Amazon View On Amazon $249 View On Walmart $199 View On Lowe's $249 Why You Should Get It This three-in-one unit is designed to start easily without spending time yanking on the starter cord. Keep in Mind In order to use the vacuum and mulch settings, you’ll need to attach the included Vacuum Kit. This multifunctional three-in-one unit from Husqvarna is the best gas leaf mulcher. In addition to a high 16:1 mulching ratio, the device is lightweight at 9.6 pounds. It’s carefully designed so the blower tube is in line with the handle, which minimizes rotational force to lessen strain on your wrists, arms, shoulders, and back during use. As an added bonus, the engine and starter have been designed to start easily. The Husqvarna has an air purge function that removes air from the carburetor and fuel system, reducing resistance in the starter cord by up to 40%. To use as a mulcher, attach the vacuum kit, and turn it to its vacuum setting. The internal mulching blades will start shredding as you vacuum. In addition to its mulching capabilities, this machine is also an excellent leaf blower. With its maximum power speed of 8,000 RPM, the highest of the gas-powered models on our list, the blower can produce wind speeds up to 170 miles per hour. The blowing tube is adjustable, allowing you to change its length for different jobs around the yard. This three-in-one device is backed by a two-year limited warranty. Product Details: Type: Handheld | Power Source: Gas | Weight: 9.6 pounds | Decibels: 94 dB to 112 dB | Mulching Ratio: 16:1 Best for Wet Leaves Flowtron Leaf-Eater Mulcher/Shredder Amazon View On Amazon $180 View On Wayfair $180 View On Home Depot $185 Why You Should Get It The funnel is the largest of all the stationary models we recommend at 21 inches. Keep in Mind Assembly requires a screwdriver. The best leaf mulcher that uses electric power is the Flowtron Leaf-Eater. While it’s not handheld, the standing mulcher has carrying handles so you can quickly move it around the yard. The funnel and housing are made with durable polyethylene, and the shredder sits on strong steel legs. The powerful universal motor is able to handle yard waste other than leaves, including grass, thatch, and pine needles. The Leaf-Eater also advertises its ability to handle wet leaves, making this machine a great choice for anyone who needs a versatile mulcher that can shred a variety of materials. The Flowtron’s cutting line system offers several shredding options, from a coarse 8:1 mulching ratio setting to a fine 30:1 setting. To use, feed double handfuls of material into the large 21-inch-diameter funnel. The Leaf-Eater's adjustable knobs allow positioning of the hopper to any angle for easier loading. This mulcher also comes with an elastic cord to hold leaf bags in place. The manufacturer notes that this machine can also be used directly on top of a trash container. Assembly is simple and only requires a #2 Phillips-head screwdriver. The durable construction reduces the need for most maintenance, but there’s a removable motor intake filter that you should remove and clean periodically to ensure optimal performance. This machine comes with a one-year warranty. Product Details: Type: Stationary | Power Source: Corded electric | Weight: 17 pounds | Decibels: Not listed | Mulching Ratio: Up to 30:1 Best with Blower Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vac Walmart View On Walmart $118 View On Lowe's $100 View On Home Depot $98 Why You Should Get It It’s the lightest option on our list, at just 8.5 pounds. Keep in Mind You’ll need an extension cord to use the machine. This three-in-one unit is the best leaf mulcher with a blower because it’s amazingly lightweight, easy to operate, and doesn’t make much noise at just 68 decibels. At a little over 8 pounds, the lightweight Toro 51619 is extremely portable and easy to use, but you’ll need an extension cord to use it throughout your yard. When used as a leaf blower, it has an air flow capacity of 350 CFM to 405 CFM in vacuum mode, which is stronger than the minimum recommended 200 CFM. The Toro has variable speed settings that give you better control so you don’t blast away mulch or fragile plants while working. To convert the machine from a blower into a vacuum and mulcher, release the bottom latch on the underside of the device, and insert the vacuum attachment. The device then shreds the leaves into mulch as you vacuum. Toro includes a collection bag, vacuum tube, bottom-zip bag, power insert, concentrator nozzle and cord storage hook with this unit. The machine comes with a two-year full-coverage warranty. Product Details: Type: Handheld | Power Source: Corded electric | Weight: 8.5 pounds | Decibels: 68 dB | Mulching Ratio: Up to 88% Best Walk-Behind Craftsman 24-In. 163cc Chipper Shredder Vacuum Lowe's View On Lowe's $799 Why You Should Get It This walk-behind model doesn’t require much strength or time to completely mulch yard debris in a large area. Keep in Mind It has a smaller mulcher ratio than other options on our list, so it won’t minimize the volume of debris as effectively. If you have a large property, you may want to consider using a walk-behind leaf mulcher, sometimes called a lawn vacuum. This device looks like a lawn mower but acts as a high-powered outdoor vacuum cleaner. The Craftsman Lawn Vacuum is our choice for the best walk-behind leaf mulcher. The Craftsman is significantly more affordable than other walk-behind mulchers, but it can handle leaves, twigs, small branches, and acorns just the same. The mulcher sucks up leaves and debris as you push it and then mulches it into the included collection bag. The lawn vacuum takes away the extra step of gathering all the yard debris needed for stationary mulchers but can handle larger debris and bigger areas than a handheld mulcher. This mulcher is designed for cleaning lawns as well as walkways, patios, and driveways. Keep in mind, its 8:1 mulching ratio is smaller than our other top picks, so you may need multiple bags for large jobs. It has a handy 7-foot tube with an attachable 3-foot extension to clean under shrubs and other narrow spots. The nozzle also has a height adjustment lever so you can adjust the machine to your property’s terrain. In addition, it comes with a 2-bushel collection bag that collects the mulch and allows you to cover a lot of ground before having to replace the bag. The strong gas-powered engine ensures this mulcher can handle tough yard jobs. The manufacturer provides a two-year limited warranty to help protect your investment. Product Details: Type: Walk-behind | Power Source: Gas | Weight: Not listed | Decibels: Not listed | Mulching Ratio: 8:1 Best Stationary Earthwise 13 Amp Leaf Mulcher Amazon View On Amazon $150 View On Walmart $195 View On Lowe's $226 Why You Should Get It This stationary model has included wheels for better maneuverability. Keep in Mind Its funnel and cutting diameter are on the smaller side. The Earthwise 13 Amp Leaf Mulcher is our choice for the best stationary leaf mulcher. This mulcher stands out from the competition due to its maneuverability, as it has included wheels to smoothly move it throughout the yard or in and out of storage. The powerful electric 13-amp motor performs as well as gas-powered mulchers. The machine can shred up to 55 gallons of leaves per minute per minute with a 16:1 mulching ratio. It has a 19-inch funnel opening and 13-inch bladeless cutting diameter, which while smaller than other stationary models, is still large enough to load and shred most leaf piles. Keep in mind, cutting lines will wear faster than traditional metal blades, so you’ll need to replace them occasionally to keep cutting efficiently. The leaf mulcher has a sliding control lever with three mulching settings and an included elastic band with clips so you can attach a collection bag to the mulcher. For added ease of use, the height of this leaf mulcher can be adjusted from 46.4 inches to 48.4 inches. Product Details: Type: Stationary | Power Source: Corded electric | Weight: 21.8 pounds | Decibels: Not listed | Mulching Ratio: 16:1 The Bottom Line The best leaf mulcher overall is the Worx 13 Amp Electric Leaf Mulcher, a sturdy stationary model that can quickly shred a yard full of leaves with its safe and efficient cutting line system. If you’re searching for a more budget-friendly option, the Portland 3-in-1 Electric Blower Vacuum Mulcher provides great value and can help you tackle multiple outdoor jobs. What to Know About Leaf Mulchers Before Shopping Type There are three types of leaf mulchers covered in this list: handheld, stationary, and walk-behind. When trying to choose between them, Kiser advises, “What is best always comes back to the size of the property, the job at hand, and the operator. A smaller yard perhaps can use smaller, hand-held equipment. A bigger yard with a lot of trees may produce a lot of leaves and need more powerful equipment.” Handheld: Many handheld mulchers are three-in-one models like the Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vac that also vacuum and blow leaves. Great for small yards and gardens, their flexibility will allow you to remove leaves around plants and under bushes. However, they should only be used for leaves and cannot mulch larger debris. Stationary: Stationary mulchers like the Earthwise 13 Amp Leaf Mulcher are best for handling large volumes of leaves. They typically include a funnel to pour leaves into and have a system in place to easily attach a collection bag. These are more powerful mulchers than handheld options, and are capable of mulching small sticks and twigs. Walk-Behind: Walk-behind mulchers, sometimes referred to as “lawn vacuums,” are large vacuum/mulcher combination machines that are perfect for large properties that you want to clear quickly without a lot of effort. Lawn vacuums, like the Craftsman Lawn Vacuum model on our list, are similar in size and appearance to a push lawn mower and can handle a variety of yard debris, including acorns and small sticks. Mulching Ratio The mulching ratio, also called the reduction ratio or compression ratio, is an easy way to measure your mulcher’s power. The higher the mulching ratio, the smaller the debris is chopped. For example, a mulcher with a 10:1 mulch ratio will shred 10 bags worth of leaves into one bag of mulch. Though some mulchers on this list have an up to 30:1 ratio, anything 8:1 or above should be adequate for a typical yard clean up. If you plan on using your mulch in a compost pile or for gardening, a higher ratio that creates smaller leaf shreds is ideal, as the mulch will break down faster. Power Source Many leaf mulchers now operate using batteries or electrical cords, but there are some gas options available, too. Battery: Leaf mulchers powered by batteries are often handheld models that double as a leaf blower or vacuum. Battery-powered mulchers are helpful as you can take the mulcher to any spot in your yard without being restricted by a power cord. However, they may not run as long on a single charge as gas-powered models. You’ll also need to Corded Electric: Corded mulchers are popular on stationary models. While you’ll be able to run the device for as long as you need, you’ll have to stay near an outlet to operate the mulcher, or run an extension cord. Corded handheld models will run the risk of tripping on wires, but they will last for the entire duration of the chore. Gas: Gas-powered mulchers are the most powerful of the three, and the power typically lasts the entire duration of the task. The strength of these engines are measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). The higher the RPM, the more powerful the engine. Most lawn equipment, including lawn mowers, run at a maximum 3600 RPM, which should be powerful enough for most mulching tasks. Size and Weight The size and weight of the mulcher is most important for hand-held mulchers, and most are 10 pounds or less. When you’re going to be carrying it all across your property, a lightweight mulcher will help you get the job done without tiring you out. When considering the weight of a handheld mulcher, you’ll also want to keep in mind the added weight of the debris in the attached collection bag, which will vary depending on the amount of leaves you have to mulch. Stationary mulchers tend to weigh around 20 pounds, unless they also have a wood chipping function, in which case they’re over 100 pounds. Walk-behind mulchers are the heaviest options, but since you push them instead of carrying them, their weight is less of a concern. Included Accessories Many mulchers have accessories included to make fall clean up as easy as possible. Common leaf mulcher accessories include: Collection bag: A bag you can attach to handheld mulchers to collect the mulch as you go. Some collection bags include shoulder straps to help distribute the weight of the mulch. Replacement cutting lines: Some mulchers use cutting lines instead of blades to shred leaves. Many models include several replacement lines, as they wear out more quickly than blades. Blower/vacuum tubes: Many handheld mulchers are three-in-one options that come with attached tubes that will blow and/or vacuum leaves. Some stationary and walk-behind models also include vacuum tubes. Safety No matter which leaf mulcher you choose, safety should be top priority. “It’s always important to review the safety recommendations from the manufacturer and follow them to the letter,” Kiser advises. “It’s also key to wear safety gear such as safety glasses or gloves, as well as work clothes and heavy shoes that protect your feet.” Features like oversized power switches, sturdy bases, and cord retainers are all important to keep in mind while shopping for a leaf mulcher. Your Questions, Answered Do leaf mulchers work on wet leaves? Some mulchers, such as the Flowtron LE900 Leaf-Eater, advertise their ability to shred wet leaves. However, many mulchers, especially those that use blades, will struggle with wet leaves. Wet leaves can stick in the blades and clog your mulcher, and they can also cause rust. Check your mulcher’s manual to see if it can handle wet leaves. If not, let wet leaves dry out on the lawn before using the mulcher. What is the lifespan of a leaf mulcher? Leaf mulchers should last a minimum of five years, with many lasting longer than 10 years. Keep in mind, the lifespan of leaf mulchers vary depending on how heavily you use it, maintenance upkeep, and the type of device. Are leaf mulchers worth it? If you’re an avid gardener, a leaf mulcher might be worth it so you can make your own nutrient-rich leaf mulch. Finneran says mulching your leaves is beneficial because it “cuts the leaves into tiny pieces that are less likely to blow away during the winter months and will degrade at a faster rate with time and rainfall, adding beneficial nutrients slowly to the planting beds.” Leaf mulchers are also a great alternative to raking leaves and can save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you have a bigger lawn. Who We Are Rachel Ahrnsen is a Better Homes and Gardens writer and master gardener who spent hours researching the best leaf mulchers on the market. She also has experience using mulchers, chippers, and leaf blowers in her past work as a garden caretaker. She also consulted Rebecca Finneran, a gardening expert at Michigan State University Extension and Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit