Today on PatioMate we’ll be talking to you about the best hedge trimmers available on the market.
In each review we’ll be covering purchase prices, best deals, running costs and the specifications for each trimmer, as well as the pros and cons for each product. We’ve also included a handy buying guide, to help you get to grips with the different types of trimmers available on the market
We’ll start with the best selling hedge trimmers and then move our way onto our top 10 picks!
Best Selling Hedge Trimmers for 2020
Last update on 2020-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
We’d love to hear from you if this guide has helped, so please leave us a comment, product review or a message on Facebook if you end up purchasing from this list!
Different Types of Hedge Trimmers | Buyers Guide
It can be a little overwhelming picking a new hedge trimmer as there are so many different types available, with different specifications, weights, battery lifespans etc…
Fear not, we’ve broken down the basics of the different types of hedge cutters available below. So whether you’re looking for one to do some occasional maintenance in the garden, or if you’re a commercial user that needs power and durability, we’re here to help!
Which Hedge Trimmer is Best – Petrol, Electric or Cordless?
Petrol Hedge Trimmers
Petrol hedge cutters are suitable for commercial users or for those of us that have larger gardens & hedges. They’re not restricted by proximity to an electrical socket and are more powerful than their electrical variants. They are heavier than electric cutters and will require more maintenance. On-going costs are also higher due to the exorbitant cost of petrol in the U.K.
- Powerful
- Doesn’t require access to electricity
- Requires regular maintenance
- Higher upfront cost
- More expensive to run than electrical trimmers
Electric Hedge Cutters
Electric hedge cutters tend to be fairly cheap and lightweight, with most of them weighing in at around 2 to 7kg. The relative ease of use and affordability of electric trimmers makes them more popular for home users than a petrol or cordless variant. They’re ideal for smaller gardens and general gardening tasks.
- Cheapest
- Powerful enough to deal with smaller gardens
- Lightweight
- You’ll need access to an electrical socket
- The incessant fear of cutting the electrical cord!
Cordless Hedge Cutters
Cordless hedge cutters are great for tending to the garden if you’ve got no access to an outside electrical socket. They’re fairly light and are about as powerful as the corded electrical trimmers. Battery life ranges from 20 to 60+ minutes on a single charge, as such, they’re suited more to small to medium sized gardens.
- Affordable
- No trouble with cords getting tangled
- More expensive than standard electrical cutters
- Battery life can sometimes be an issue and replacement batteries aren’t cheap
Blade Length
The blade length plays a large part in how quickly you’ll be able to cut through your hedge! The longer the blade is, the quicker you’ll be done, however, this adds extra weight to the trimmer and that means you’ll fatigue faster. You won’t impress the missus with a longer blade and she’ll be laughing at you for having to take a break if you catch our drift 😉
If you’ve got a small hedgerow or the occasional shrub you need to tend to, we recommend 40cm blades or thereabouts. For larger jobs, 50cm+ should do the trick.
Weight
While it may seem trivial, considering most trimmers are less than 10kg, it pays to do your research and get a trimmer that is as light as possible, without sacrificing blade length, battery time or Wattage/CC.
When Should I Trim My Hedge?
I’ve made the mistake before of cutting my hedge in the middle of winter, it’s taken 2 years to get back to a decent state. So before hacking away at your pride and joy, take a few seconds and read when you should cut your hedges!
Evergreens need two to three trims a year between May and September. Conifers need a cut before August and Deciduous hedges at the end of August.
The Royal Horticultural Society has this to say on the matter.
Timing of pruning should take into account the potential for nesting birds (see ‘Problems’ section below). However in general, these are the optimum timings for pruning hedges:
RHS
Formal hedges
Evergreen
Buxus sempervirens (box): Twice or three times during growing season
Ilex aquifolium (holly): Once in late summer
Ligustrum (privet): Twice or three times during growing season
Lonicera nitida: Twice or three times in growing season
Prunus laurocerasus: Prune twice during growing season
Conifers
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson cypress): Twice, in spring and summer
× Cuprocyparis leylandii (Leyland cypress): Twice or three times in growing season
Taxus baccata (yew): Twice, in summer and autumn
Thuja plicata: In spring and again in early autumn
Deciduous
Carpinus betulus (hornbeam): Once, in mid- to late summer
Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn): Twice, in summer and autumn
Fagus sylvatica (beech): Once, in late summer
Informal and flowering hedges
Evergreen
Berberis darwinii: Immediately after flowering
Cotoneaster lacteus: After fruiting
Escallonia: Immediately after flowering
Lavandula (lavender): Immediately after flowering
Pyracantha: Late summer
Deciduous
Berberis thunbergii: Immediately after flowering
Forsythia: After flowering, remove some older stems
Fuchsia magellanica: In spring, remove old stems
Rosa rugosa: In spring, remove thin twigs
Price Disclaimer
We’ve listed the latest price at the time of review and will endeavour to update this list as frequently as possible to keep prices in check.
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#1 Hedge Trimmer for 2020
🏆 Bosch AHS 50-20 LI-Ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Our favourite hedge cutter for 2020
Bosch AHS 50-20 LI Cordless Hedge Cutter with 18 V Lithium-Ion Battery, 500 mm Blade Length, 20 mm Tooth Opening
Free shipping
Amazon.co.uk - The cordless hedge trimmer AHS 50-20 LI - for mobile and speedy hedge cutting
- Sawing function: Special teeth on the front of the blade effortlessly cut through branches up to 25 mm in diameter
- Blade guard for cutting along walls and paths, Maximum sqm per battery charge: 200 sqm
- Power for All: One battery pack and one charger for the entire Home and Garden range of tools
- Items included: AHS 50-20 LI, 1 battery pack PBA 18 V 2.5 Ah W-B, AL 1830 CV charger, cardboard box
Trimmer Type : Cordless | Battery Size : 18v
Charging Time: 60 Minutes | Operating Time : 40 Minutes
Blade Length : 500mm | Tooth Opening : 20mm
Weight : 2.5kg | Sound Power Level : 91 dB
This hedge trimmer from Bosch is our absolute favourite and the positive reviews across the web only cement our stance. 95% of users have rated this product 4 stars or more.
The 18v battery can be fully charged in 60 minutes and has a run-time of 40 minutes. Perfect for small to medium sized gardens and this trimmer will tackle branches up to 25mm in diameter. Replacement or extras batteries are fairly inexpensive and are usually priced around or below £30.
What sets this trimmer apart from others in this price range is the added features.
The quick-cut technology ensures a perfect cut in one swift motion, preventing the need for revisiting the same area over and over, reducing fatigue and extended the blades life-span.
It also comes with an innovative anti-blocking system which causes the blade to reverse if a jam occurs and the Syneon chip controls energy consumption and power output based on the strength required for the task at hand, extending the battery life, so you can hopefully finish the entire garden in 1 charge!
For those of you with larger gardens, we recommend the AHS 54-20 LI with 36v battery and 540mm blade length as an alternative. It has a longer battery life and larger blade.
- Quiet Operation
- Softgrip Handle / Multi-position front handle / Transparent hand guard
- Quick charge (60 Minutes) / Good battery life
- Affordable!
- 40 minute battery life isn’t great for larger gardens.
3 Best Petrol Hedge Trimmers
back to menu ↑McCulloch SuperLite 4528 Hedge Trimmer
Best petrol hedge cutter for 2020
McCulloch SuperLite Hedge Cutters, Petrol-Driven
1 used from £131.83
Free shipping
Amazon.co.uk - Excellent cutting performance: The dual action blades are perfect for small and medium hedges and bushes – even in places without a power connection
- For improved safety and stability when working: Thanks to the ergonomic handle, the lightweight and ultra-quiet appliance rests easily in your hand
- Convenient gardening work: The Soft Start system and exceptionally efficient power pump reduce the start-up effort by up to 40 Percent
Trimmer Type : Petrol | Tank Volume : 0.3l
Blade Length : 450mm | Tooth Opening : 28mm
Weight : 4.7kg | Sound Power Level : 101 dB
The dual action McCulloch Superlite 4528 is our favourite petrol powered hedge cutter. With 89% of users giving this product 4 stars or higher.
It offers a relatively low noise solution compared to other petrol powered trimmers, although we still recommend purchasing hearing protection!
You’ll need 2-stroke oil as well as petrol to use this trimmer, this adds to the cost of running, but it’s well worth it for those that don’t have access to electrical sockets.
It has a 21.7cc 2-stroke engine with 0.8hp of power. It comes with a handy soft start pull cord, which reduces resistance up to 40%, making it much easier to start than traditional petrol-powered trimmers.
Also available with 2 stroke oil & mixing bottle.
- Dual Action Blades
- Soft Start Feature
- Budget Friendly
- Low Noise Engine
- Petrol & Oil Costs a Fair Amount
- 4.7kg Weight (Although this is still fairly light as petrol trimmers go)
AOSOME 52CC Petrol Multi Function 5 in 1 Garden Tool
Amazing value for a petrol multi function trimmer.
Attachments include: Hedge Trimmer, Strimmer, Brush Cutter, Pruner Chainsaw & Extension Pole
AOSOME 52CC 5 in 1 Professional Petrol Multi Function Garden Tool - Hedge Trimmer, Strimmer, Brush Cutter, Pruner Chainsaw &...
Amazon.co.uk - 52cc Petrol Multi Function 5 in 1 Garden Tool with Extension Pole
- Displacement: 52CC, 2-Stroke Engine, Vertical Single-Cylinder; Power Supply: 2.2 Kw to 7500 round/min
- Max Output: 2.2Kw @ 7500rpm, Fuel Tank Capacity: 1200ml
- Spare parts available for maintenance
- CE and EMC Approved Machine
Trimmer Type : Petrol | Tank Volume : 1.2l
Weight : 6.9kg | Sound Power Level : 112 dB
We like value here at PatioMate and AOSOME 52CC Petrol muti-purpose tool gives us access to a number of tools for an incredible price. Each package contains:
- 1 x 52cc Hedge Trimmer, Chainsaw, Brush Cutter, Grass Trimmer & Extionsion Pole
- 1 x Strimmer
- 1 x Bosch Spark Plug
- 1 x Safety Goggles, Gloves & Ear Defenders
- 1 x Belt & Shoulder Strap
- 1 x Fuel Mixing Bottle
- 1 x Funnel
- 1 x Toolkit & Manual.
Suitable for commercial or home users that have a need for tackling more than just the hedges.
Spare parts are easy to come by and the manufacturers have CE, EMC & GS approval on this product. It’s cheap and comes with everything you need to get started in the garden (and more!)
- 5 in 1 Features!
- Excellent Value for Money
- Suitable for Novice & Expert Gardeners
- Comes with Gloves, Ear Defenders, Belt/Shoulder Strap for Safety!
- Large Fuel Tank (1.2l)
- It’s loud
- Fairly heavy at 6.9kg (depending on attachment)
- Little bit fiddly to put together
Parker 26CC 24″ Petrol Hedge Trimmer
No Fuss 60cm Dual Blade Petrol Cutter
26CC 24" PETROL HEDGE TRIMMER COMPLETE WITH 60CM BLADES
Amazon.co.uk - Powerful & Lightweight 26cc Engine
- Two Stroke Engine
- 24" / 60CM Double Blades
- 180 Degree Rotatable Handle
- Includes Fuel Mixing Bottle and Tools
Trimmer Type : Petrol | Tank Volume : 0.6l
Weight : 8.5kg | Sound Power Level : 112 dB
This heavy duty trimmer will take care of larger gardens and hedges with ease. It comes with a toughened 24″ (60cm) dual-sided blade and a 2-stroke 26cc engine.
Great for gardens that have already gotten out of hand and need a complete overhaul. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive with 90% of users giving this item a 4 star+ rating.
Supplied with a toolkit, mixing bottle, CE/GS and EU-II approved.
Spare parts are easy to come by and the manufacturers have CE, EMC & GS approval on this product. It’s cheap and comes with everything you need to get started in the garden (and more!)
- Rotating Handle
- Heavy Duty Removal
- Comes with Hedge Trimmer, 60cm Dual Blade, Assembly Tool, Mixing Bottle & Manual
- Affordable
- It’s Heavy (8.5kg)
- It’s Loud! (Don’t forget your hearing protectors)
3 Best Electric Hedge Trimmers
back to menu ↑Black & Decker GT6060 600W 60cm Cutter
Most Popular Hedge Trimmer for 2020
Black & Decker GT6060 600W 60cm Hedgetrimmer/ 25mm Blade Gap/ Bale Handle Design/ Cable Management
Amazon.co.uk - Tackle all your garden landscaping activities with confidence using this powerful 600 W electric hedge trimmer from Black + Decker.
- The rugged, 1960 strokes per minute unit is equipped with an angled 60 cm blade, making it ideal for most medium-sized garden hedges.
- An inbuilt cable management and retention system alleviates the problem of invasive cables and helps reduce trip hazards when in use.
- The device is supplied with a soft sheath for safe storage purposes and its two-handed starting switch prevents accidental start-ups.
Trimmer Type : Electric | Power : 600W
Blade Length : 600mm | Tooth Opening : 25mm
Weight : 3.0kg | Sound Power Level : 94 dB
Electric trimmers are easier and lower maintenance than their petrol counterparts. They’re also substantially lighter, with the GT6060 weighing in at just 3kg!
This is one of the most popular hedge trimmers available – with 90%+ of users giving it a 4 star or higher rating (based on 429 reviews).
It’s easy to see why the Black & Decker is so popular, it’s affordable and can handle small to medium hedgerows with ease.
- Lightweight
- Easy to Use & Setup
- Comes with Cable Management & Bale Handle Design
- None at this Price!
Bosch AHS 70-34 700W 70cm Electric Hedge Cutter
Highest Rated Electric Hedge Trimmer (94% 4-Star+ Ratings)
Bosch AHS 70-34 Electric Hedge Cutter, 700 mm Blade Length, 34 mm Tooth Opening
Amazon.co.uk - 34 mm tooth spacing with sawing function enables cutting of branches that do not fit in between the teeth for a more thorough cut
- Ergonomic design for comfortable and easy hedgecutting without tiring arms
- Ergonomic handles with soft grip and see-through hand guard ensures a safe working position and effortless use
Trimmer Type : Electric | Power : 700W
Blade Length : 700mm | Tooth Opening : 35mm
Weight : 3.9kg | Sound Power Level : 76 dB
Bosch know their outdoor tools and this trimmer is no exception. Excellent value and perfect for larger gardens and hedges. With a massive 70cm blade and 35mm tooth opening, this cutter will have no troubles cutting back whatever you can throw at it.
With an ergonomic grip, its lightweight composure and high power will cut through your shrubs and hedges like a hot knife through butter.
It is very highly rated, with 94% of users leaving a 4-star+ review, based on 245 reviews.
- Lightweight
- Quiet
- Perfect for Larger Gardens
- Ergonomic Design & Tip Protection
- 2-Year Guarantee
- Potentially Expensive (Extension Lead + RCD Adaptor Adds £18.48 to the Overall Price)
Einhell GC-HH 9048 900W 48cm Extendable Pole Hedge Trimmer
Best Extendable Hedge Trimmer
Einhell GC-HH 9048 900 W Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer, 410 mm - Red
Amazon.co.uk - Tillable cutting head for ergonomic working
- Blade made of laser-cut and diamond ground steel
- Adjustable, extendable aluminium telescopic handle (50 cm)
- Shoulder strap with quick release, length of telescope bar is 2000 mm - 2500 mm
- Sturdy cutter guard for storage and transportation
Trimmer Type : Electric | Power : 900W
Blade Length : 480mm | Tooth Opening : 20mm
Weight : 5.1kg | Sound Power Level : 85 dB
This extendable pole hedge trimmer is a #1 best seller on Amazon. This is due to the low cost to high power ratio. Most high quality pole trimmers start in the £120 range.
It comes supplied with a 48cm laser-cut and diamond ground steel blade and a 50cm extendable handle for those hard to reach spots.
You can adjust the cutting angle to ensure perfect ergonomic posture, regardless of your cutting situation. The free shoulder strap comes with a quick-release and the cutter guard provide much needed protection while working.
85% of users have rated this product 4-stars+
- Relatively Light
- Great for Tall Hedges
- Ergonomic Design & Shoulder Strap
- Affordable
- No Storage Bag
2 Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers
back to menu ↑DEWALT DCM563P1-GB 18V XR Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Heavy Duty with Extended Runtime
DEWALT DCM563P1-GB 18V XR Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Free shipping
Amazon.co.uk - Compact and lightweight design
- 55 cm dual-action, laser-cut blades with 19 mm cutting gap
- Extended runtime
- Wrap around handle for additional security
- Industrial durability and impact resistance
Trimmer Type : Cordless | Battery Size : 18v
Charging Time: 90 Minutes | Operating Time : 75 Minutes
Blade Length : 558mm | Tooth Opening : 19mm
Weight : 3kg | Sound Power Level : 80.5 dB
This cordless hedge cutter from DeWALT isn’t cheap but it’s still worth every penny. It comes with 55cm dual-action laser-cut blades and a battery that lasts 75 minutes on a full charge.
5Ah Replacement or spare batteries can be found from around ~£70 that come with LED status and rapid charge features.
It is incredibly well rated, with 100% of users leaving a 5-star review based on 11 reviews.
Perfect for medium to larger hedges and commercial users.
- Quiet Operation
- Long Battery Life
- Lightweight
- Long Blade
- It’s not Cheap
- Larger Batteries are Expensive
Flymo EasiCut 420 Cordless 18V Hedge Trimmer
Best Budget Cordless Trimmer
Flymo EasiCut 420 Cordless Battery Hedge Trimmer 18 V - 42 cm, Orange
Amazon.co.uk - Two handed operation for safer hedge trimming
- Extended reach handles offer better cutting possibilities
- Transparent guard for more protection while cutting
Trimmer Type : Cordless | Battery Size : 18v
Charging Time: 180 Minutes | Operating Time : 60 Minutes
Blade Length : 420mm | Tooth Opening : 16mm
Weight : 3.1kg | Sound Power Level : 71.3 dB
If you’re looking for something that can tackle a small garden without breaking the budget. Then we highly recommend the Flymo EasiCut 420.
84% of users have left a 4-star or higher rating based on 167 customer reviews.
This small and lightweight cutter is perfect for smaller jobs outside. It does have a rather long charging time of 3 hours, but at nearly half the price of every other cordless trimmer on the market, you need to take the good with the bad.
- Very Light
- Decent Operating Time
- Good for Small Gardens
- Long Charging Time
- Battery Suffers from Memory Issues if not Correctly Maintained!
Don’t Forget!
Hedge trimmers are dangerous. Make sure you’ve got safety gloves and goggles before tending to the garden.
– PatioMate
Bosch hedge trimmers are the best. They have amazing quality and price. I will go with them.