Best Overall
WORX 13-Amp Electric Leaf Mulcher
- This mulcher can tackle up to 53 gallons of leaves per minute.
This mulcher can tackle up to 53 gallons of leaves per minute.
- It’s a stationary machine, so you’ll need to gather leaves into piles before mulching.
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
- This versatile pick combines a leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher in one affordable machine.
This versatile pick combines a leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher in one affordable machine.
- It’s less powerful than other options on our list.
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
- This heavy-duty mulcher and chipper combo can handle branches and debris in addition to leaves.
This heavy-duty mulcher and chipper combo can handle branches and debris in addition to leaves.
- This machine is louder than other options at 104 decibels.
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
- Unlike most handheld cordless models, it comes with attachable wheels for easier use.
Unlike most handheld cordless models, it comes with attachable wheels for easier use.
- The battery and charging kit are sold separately.
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
- This three-in-one unit is designed to start easily without spending time yanking on the starter cord.
This three-in-one unit is designed to start easily without spending time yanking on the starter cord.
- In order to use the vacuum and mulch settings, you’ll need to attach the included Vacuum Kit.
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
- The funnel is the largest of all the stationary models we recommend at 21 inches.
The funnel is the largest of all the stationary models we recommend at 21 inches.
- Assembly requires a screwdriver.
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
- It’s the lightest option on our list, at just 8.5 pounds.
It’s the lightest option on our list, at just 8.5 pounds.
- You’ll need an extension cord to use the machine.
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
- This walk-behind model doesn’t require much strength or time to completely mulch yard debris in a large area.
This walk-behind model doesn’t require much strength or time to completely mulch yard debris in a large area.
- It has a smaller mulcher ratio than other options on our list, so it won’t minimize the volume of debris as effectively.
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
- This stationary model has included wheels for better maneuverability.
This stationary model has included wheels for better maneuverability.
- Its funnel and cutting diameter are on the smaller side.
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