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8 Best Leaf Mulchers of 2024 – Top Picks & Reviews

a leaf mulcher

man using Sun Joe SDJ616 Electric Leaf Mulcher

You’ve racked all the leaves up and gotten them into a nice, neat pile. Now what? You could spend hours bagging the leaves and tossing them into the trash, but this can take countless trash bags. Alternatively, you could use a leaf mulcher.

All leaf mulchers pretty much do the same thing – they mulch leaves. However, they have many different features. Some are better made than others. If you’re looking to turn all your leaves into mulch this season, you need to invest in a high-quality leaf mulcher that can keep up.

In this article, we’ll help you choose the best leaf mulcher for your yard and needs. We’ll review some of the best leaf mulchers on the market so that you can select the best of the best.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
WORX WG430 Bladeless Electric Leaf Mulcher WORX WG430 Bladeless Electric Leaf Mulcher
  • 13A motor
  • 53 gallons of leaves a minute
  • 13” cutting diameter
  • Best Value
    Second place
    TACKLIFE 3 in 1 Leaf Mulcher TACKLIFE 3 in 1 Leaf Mulcher
  • 5-speed knobs
  • Inexpensive
  • Only weighs 9 lb
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Landworks Leaf Mulcher Landworks Leaf Mulcher
  • It comes with a bag
  • Powerful motor
  • Can process many leaves at once
  • Sun Joe SDJ616 Electric Leaf Mulcher Sun Joe SDJ616 Electric Leaf Mulcher
  • Lightweight
  • Control dial
  • 13-amp motor
  • BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Mulcher BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Mulcher
  • 2-speed selection
  • 12-amp motor
  • Switching between modes easy
  • The 8 Best Leaf Mulchers

    1. WORX WG430 Bladeless Electric Leaf Mulcher – Best Overall

    WORX WG430 Bladeless Electric Leaf Mulcher

    We reviewed many different leaf mulchers on the market. However, the WORX WG430 Bladeless Electric Leaf Mulcher is by far the best option out there. It mulches leaves and deposits them directly into a bag. This makes cleaning up super easy, especially if you don’t have any particular plans with the leaves.

    The 13A motor can easily mulch up to 53 gallons of leaves in a single minute. This is just about as fast as you can probably get them in the mulcher. In other words, it can eat them up just as fast as you put them in. It mulches them up into tiny pieces, allowing them to fit in smaller bags. You won’t have to use tons of bags with this Worx leaf mulcher, and you can easily use the leaves in fertilizer or a composter.

    It has a 13” cutting diameter that tears through leaves easily and makes it very easy for you to put the leaves into the machine. The motor produces clean energy, so you don’t have to worry as much about breathing toxic fumes or fouling your air. You can also replace the line with no tools. For all these reasons, we believe this is the best leaf mulcher on the market this year.

    Pros
    • 13A motor
    • 53 gallons of leaves a minute
    • 13” cutting diameter
    • Clean air motor
    • Toolless line changes
    Cons
    • Light trimmer line

    2. TACKLIFE 3 in 1 Leaf Mulcher – Best Value

    TACKLIFE 3 in 1 Leaf Mulcher

    For all-around yard care, the TACKLIFE 3 in 1 Leaf Mulcher is the machine you need. As the name suggests, it can be used as a blower, vacuum, and mulcher. It has a 5-speed control knob for all the different jobs necessary. It can be used for a variety of different jobs for this reason. We liked the auxiliary handles, which allow you to efficiently and effectively. It makes it much easier to work for an extended period, which is essential considering how many tools this machine can be. It also has a comfortable grip handle.

    For these reasons, we consider it to be the best leaf mulcher for the money.

    Perhaps most importantly, it is incredibly cheap. When compared to other options on the market, it costs significantly less. However, it can only mulch a small number of leaves at a time, so it isn’t suitable for extensive yards.

    We liked that this mulcher only weighs just over 9 pounds. Because it is so lightweight, it is relatively easy for just about everyone to use. This machine is not dusty in the least, thanks to the sealing design. It is also wider in the bottom to encourage the leaves to settle as far down as possible.

    Pros
    • 5-speed knobs
    • Inexpensive
    • Only weighs 9 lb
    • Comfortable grip handle
    Cons
    • Only suitable for smaller yards

    3. Landworks Leaf Mulcher – Premium Choice

    Landworks Leaf Mulcher

    For those with huge yards or plenty of money to spend, you may want to consider the Landworks Leaf Mulcher. This is an extremely large mulcher. This means it can be used for vast amounts of leaves at a time. If you have a large yard, this is perfect for you. However, it is also costly. It isn’t for most homeowners for this reason.

    Its motor is potent as well, producing 1,800 watts. It can even mulch small branches and twigs, so you don’t have to worry about separating them from your leaves. It is electrical-powered, so it doesn’t produce any toxic fumes as well. It is also very eco-friendly and much quieter than other options. It is made of durable steel that is covered in a firm powder. This powder prevents unnecessary wear and tear and prevents rust and other problems.

    This model is also equipped with an overload protection system, which prevents all sorts of problems. It comes with an appropriate waste catch bag as well, which is made with PP fabric and coated to increase longevity.

    Pros
    • It comes with a bag
    • Powerful motor
    • Can process many leaves at once
    • Electrical-powered
    Cons
    • Expensive

    4. Sun Joe SDJ616 Electric Leaf Mulcher

    Sun Joe SDJ616 Electric Leaf Mulcher

    The Sun Joe SDJ616 Electric Leaf Mulcher is middle of the road in terms of price. It is equipped with a powerful 13-amp motor that can create up to 8,000 RPM. It has a very easy to use control dial and is very lightweight. The motor cooling system allows the machine to function almost dust-free. We also liked that a warranty covered it for 2 years. If anything happens during this time, you can contact customer service.

    Customers loved how lightweight this machine was. If you’re looking for something portable, this is the way to go. It can easily be stored away as well – a vital feature for homeowners. In all, it only weighs 13 pounds.

    It cannot handle sticks, however. They will need to be carefully sorted from the leaves. If you feed it sticks, it will break or get clogged. It also has an air filter that is very poorly designed. The motor is air-cooled, so this air filter is there to keep it clean. However, it becomes clogged very quickly. This will cause the motor to overheat and shut down.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Control dial
    • 13-amp motor
    Cons
    • Air filter becomes clogged easily
    • Cannot handle sticks

    5. BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Mulcher

    BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Mulcher

    Just like our budget pick, the BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Mulcher is designed to be a blower, vacuum, and mulcher. It is a bit more expensive than our budget picks and isn’t quite as high-quality. Because of this, we rated it substantially lower than many others on this list.

    It does have a 12-amp motor, which is very powerful. It can blow 230 MPH – plenty fast to move lots of leaves quickly. The vortex feature prevents it from clogging when mulching. It can turn 10 bags of leaves into 1 bag. We liked its 2-speed selection, which allows it to be used for flower beds and very matted leaves. You can switch it between modes very quickly without using any tools.

    Assembly is decent, but there are some situations where you may have to apply a bit of pressure. A rubber mallet is recommended because of this. Some parts do not fit together appropriately either, making using the mulcher difficult, if not impossible. This mulcher also has a problem with overheating when it is hot outside. If you live in a hot area, it is probably not for you.

    Pros
    • 2-speed selection
    • 12-amp motor
    • Switching between modes easy
    Cons
    • Difficult to assemble
    • Overheats easily
    • Parts don’t always fit correctly

    6. Flowtron LE-900 The Ultimate Mulcher

    Flowtron LE-900 The Ultimate Mulcher

    The Flowtron LE-900 The Ultimate Mulcher is a bit more expensive than many other options on the market. You aren’t getting much extra for the elevated price either. It is lightweight, weighing about 17 pounds in all. It also has to carry handles to make transporting it very easy. The motor has overload protection, which expands its lifespan by quite a bit. The adjustable pressure knobs allow you to position the hopper at a few different angles to make loading it easier. You can also turn it 180° for compact storage.

    An elastic bungee cord does an excellent job of keeping the leaf bag in place. With this machine, you can fit 11 bags of leaves into 1 bag. The funnel is 21-inches wide – plenty big enough to make loading easy.

    The assembly is pretty tricky. We recommend two people, as you will need to muscle some pieces into place. It is simple enough to put together, but some pieces just don’t want to go into the correct place. Once you have it popped together, though, it does stay together.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Elastic bungee cord keeps the bag in place well
    • Convenient handles
    Cons
    • Assembly is difficult
    • Pieces don’t always want to go together
    • Doesn’t do good with wet leaves

    7. Earthwise LM71313 Electric Leaf Mulcher

    Earthwise LM71313 Electric Leaf Mulcher

    With a 13-amp motor, the Earthwise LM71313 Electric Leaf Mulcher is pretty powerful. It does not run into any problems in the power department. The leaf mulcher also has a 19-inch funnel opening, so you can quickly fill it up. It can mulch 16 bags of leaves into 1 bag of leaves, so it is quite powerful in this regard as well. It has a 13-inch cutting diameter that doesn’t use any blades.

    You can control the mulching level with 3 mulching settings. The leaf mulcher comes with a secured bag through an elastic band with four different clips to ensure it doesn’t fall off. This unit also has wheels, so you can maneuver it around.

    You have to be very careful not to overload this machine with leaves. It becomes clogged quite quickly and will break the line when overloaded. It goes through a lot of string. It doesn’t use regular weed eater string. Instead, you have to reload it with a nylon blade. Users reported it to be a bit too noisy as well, so we don’t recommend it for residential areas.

    Pros
    • 13-inch cutting diameter
    • 16:1 mulching ratio
    Cons
    • It goes through a lot of string
    • Overloads quickly
    • Noisy

    8. SuperHandy Leaf Mulcher

    SuperHandy Leaf Mulcher

    The SuperHandy Leaf Mulcher is quite expensive, even when compared to other expensive leaf mulchers. It is quite large, though. It has a 15-amp motor that can produce 1,800 watts. This is more powerful than most other options on the list. It is also electric, so you don’t have to worry about fumes or noise nearly as much.

    It is made of steel that has been sprayed with a powder. This powder prevents it from rusting and helps it avoid wear-and-tear. It also includes 6-inch wheels, making transportation very easy.

    The main problem with this mulcher is that it isn’t made for heavy-duty work, but it is priced for heavy-duty work. You have to feed the leaves in slowly, not dump them in as fast as you can. It will clog very quickly, and it will break if you jam it repeatedly. It doesn’t work well with any moisture-rich leaves either. It is best for leaves that have been drying for a reasonably long time. If you deviate from dry leaves, you risk bogging it down.

    Pros
    • 15-amp motor
    • Made of steel
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Must feed leaves in slowly
    • It doesn’t work well with green leaves

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    Buyer’s Guide – Purchasing the Best Leaf Mulcher

    When purchasing a leaf mulcher, there are a few things you need to be aware of. While these leaf mulchers are very simple, they can come with many different features. The same option that is best for you depends on your needs and situation. Some people may need a very inexpensive, basic machine, while others might want an industrial-style model. It just depends on what you’re looking for.

    We’ll help you make those decisions in this section.

    Types of Leaf Mulchers

    There are two main types of leaf mulchers – electrical and gas. Both of these have their pros and cons. Which one you need depends mainly on your particular situation.

    Electrical leaf mulchers use a power cord. They do not produce many fumes, but you are restricted by the power cord. You can usually use an extension. However, the longer the extension, the less power will actually get to your leaf mulcher. You should check the user guide for specific advice when it comes to your leaf mulcher and extension cords.

    These models are usually much quieter as well. If you live in a residential area, this is absolutely something to keep in mind.

    Gas-powered leaf mulchers run off of gas. You are not restrained by a power cord, but you will need to purchase fuel and refuel the machine. These types of leaf mulchers also tend to be very noisy, especially when compared to electric leaf mulchers. These units are usually stronger, usually to the point where they can chop up small leaves. They are often just below a true wood-chipper.

    Compression Ratio

    The compression ratio is how condensed the leaf mulcher can actually get the leaves. This is related to how small it can chop them up, as smaller leaves take up less room generally. If you’re using a leaf mulcher to cut down on the number of bags you need, this is an essential feature. You should look carefully at the ratio when making your purchase.

    However, even those that are going to compost the leaves need to consider the compression ratio as well. Tiny leaf pieces will break down faster and more evenly.

    This is generally a good indicator of how “powerful” the machine is. If the ratio is higher, the machine is probably better all around.

    If the leaves are condensed into very small pieces, you may even be able to spread them around your yard as mulch.

    woman using Earthwise LM71313 Electric Leaf Mulcher

    Amount and Type of Material

    One of the most important things you need to consider is what type of material you want to chop up and how much of the material you need to process. Some mulchers can handle bags and bags of leaves and even small sticks. Others can only handle a small number of dry leaves at a time.

    If you have a small yard with only a few trees, you can probably get away with a unit that is smaller. However, if tons of leaves fall into your yard, you will need a bigger machine. As you might imagine, bigger machines are typically more expensive, so don’t purchase a bigger machine just because it is there. Consider what you actually need.

    Cost

    Leaf mulchers can cost anywhere from $50 to $300. It depends on the size of the mulcher, as well as the other features it comes with. Those that are more expensive are typically considered heavy-duty. They can handle more leaves and deal with larger loads. They also tend to be more durable.

    However, this isn’t always the case. We do not recommend choosing a machine just based on the cost. Instead, you should look at all the features and make an appropriate consideration based on that.

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    In Conclusion

    We reviewed many different leaf mulchers in this article. Our favorite was the WORX WG430 Bladeless Electric Leaf Mulcher. This little workhorse can handle a lot of leaves, but it isn’t as expensive as some of the other heavy-duty options.

    We also liked the TACKLIFE 3 in 1 Leaf Mulcher, especially if you are looking for power at a low cost. This little machine is very versatile and can perform many functions in your yard, including mulching small amounts of leaves.

    We hope this article helped you figure out what machine you need for your situation.

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