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!
In This Guide
Best Selling Hedge Trimmers for 2021
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!
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!
back to menu ↑Which Hedge Trimmer is Best – Petrol, Electric or Cordless?
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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.
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Electric Hedge Cutters
Electric hedge cutters tend to be fairly cheap and lightweight, with most of them weighing in at around 2 to 7kg.
Electrical hedge cutters are ideal for smaller gardens and general gardening tasks.
The relative ease of use and affordability of electric trimmers makes them more popular for home users than a petrol or cordless variant.
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Cordless Hedge Cutters
Cordless hedge cutters are great for tending to the garden if you’ve got no access to an outside electrical socket and don’t want the hassle or costs related to maintaining a petrol trimmer.
They’re slightly heavier than corded trimmers but they’re about as powerful as their corded counterpart.
Battery life ranges from 20 to 60+ minutes on a single charge, as such, they’re suited more to small to medium sized gardens. You can invest in additional batteries but they aren’t cheap!
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Choosing The Right 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.
Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better though. You won’t impress anyone with a longer blade if you’re trimming tiny hedgerows!
For small hedgerows or the occasional shrub, we recommend 40cm blades or thereabouts. For larger jobs and hedges aim for 50cm+.
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Noise Considerations
It should come as no surprise that hedge trimmers are fairly noisy machines, when someone is out trimming the hedge the whole neighbourhood knows about it!
But if noise is a consideration when it comes to purchasing your trimmer and you don’t want to sour your relationship with your neighbours, then we recommend electric and cordless trimmers for those that need quieter cutters.
Petrol trimmers are by and large a good 20-30dB louder than electical trimmers, so if you’re cutting in close proximity to neighbours on a regular basis, then we might recommend a quieter model!
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Weight Factors
While it may seem trivial, considering most trimmers are less than 10kg, it pays to do your research and get a trimmer that is suitable for you.
Getting the perfect balance of weight, without sacrificing blade length, battery time or Wattage/CC is difficult!
Corded electrical trimmers are usually the lightest, followed by battey powered then petrol trimmers.
A couple of kg difference between trimmers doesn’t sound like much, but don’t over exert yourself as muscle fatigue can hamper your hedge trimmer endeavours and you won’t want to leave a job half finished because your wrist has cramped up.
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When Should I Trim My Hedge?
I’ve made the mistake before of cutting my hedge in the middle of winter, it took 2 years to get back to a decent state. So before hacking away at your pride and joy, take a few seconds to research and read about the ideal time to 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.
back to menu ↑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
back to menu ↑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
back to menu ↑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
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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.
Please feel free to leave us a message via Facebook if any of the prices are incorrect and we will update them.
Bosch AHS 50-20 LI-Ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Our favourite hedge cutter for 2021
Bosch Home and Garden 0600849F70 18 V Cutter That cuts Branches on First Sweep Through The Hedge, Green
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 [easyazon_link identifier=”B00EF56M6W” locale=”UK” tag=”patiomate-21″]extras batteries[/easyazon_link] 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 [easyazon_link identifier=”B0057XAD84″ locale=”UK” tag=”patiomate-21″ cart=”n”]AHS 54-20 LI with 36v battery and 540mm blade length[/easyazon_link] as an alternative. It has a longer battery life and larger blade.
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3 Best Petrol Hedge Trimmers
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McCulloch SuperLite 4528 Hedge Trimmer
Best petrol hedge cutter for 2021
McCulloch SuperLite 4528 Petrol Hedge Trimmer: Hedge Trimmer with 600 W Engine, 45 cm Blade Length, 28 mm Blade Spacing (Article Number:...
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Amazon.co.uk - Ideal for occasional use the SuperLite 4528 is a 21.7cc petrol powered hedge trimmer that has an power output of 0.6kW
- 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
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 [easyazon_link identifier=”B0038JQVVM” locale=”UK” tag=”patiomate-21″ cart=”n”]hearing protection[/easyazon_link]!
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 [easyazon_link identifier=”B071Z83Y6G” locale=”UK” tag=”patiomate-21″ cart=”n”]2 stroke oil & mixing bottle[/easyazon_link].
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BU-KO 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
BU-KO 52cc Long Reach Petrol Multi Functional Garden Tool Including: Strimmer, Hedge Trimmer, Pruner Chainsaw, Brush Cutter with 2.4mm Thick...
Amazon.co.uk - ✅ BU-KO - 52cc 5 in 1 Multi-Tool With 1 Extension Pole, Extends to 3.4m, Easy To Assemble, lightweight High Performance, Heavy Duty Powerful 3HP, Use 2 Stroke Oil, Mix 40/1 to keep the Engine Lubricated, Vertical Single-Cylinder; Power Supply: 2.2 Kw to 7500 rpm, CE & EMC Approved
- ✅ Attachments: New Design Strimmer Attachment with Strimmer Heads (Grass Trimmer Head with 4 Lines, 3 Tooth Brush Cutter Blade, 40 Tooth Brush Cutter Blade), Long Reach Chainsaw Attachment, Long Reach Hedge Trimmer Attachment and 1m Extension Pole
Trimmer Type : Petrol | Tank Volume : 1.2l
Weight : 6.9kg | Sound Power Level : 112 dB
We like value here at PatioMate and BU-KO 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!)
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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!)
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3 Best Electric Hedge Trimmers
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Black & Decker GT6060 600W 60cm Cutter
Most Popular Hedge Trimmer for 2021
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.
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Bosch AHS 70-34 700W 70cm Electric Hedge Cutter
Highest Rated Electric Hedge Trimmer (94% 4-Star+ Ratings)
Bosch AHS 70-34 Hedgecutter (blade cover, cardboard box, 700 W, 700 mm blade length, 34 mm tooth spacing)
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.
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Einhell GC-HH 9048 900W 48cm Extendable Pole Hedge Trimmer
Best Extendable Hedge Trimmer
Einhell GC-HH 9048 Electric Pole Hedge Trimmer
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+
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2 Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers
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DEWALT DCM563P1-GB 18V XR Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Heavy Duty with Extended Runtime
DEWALT DCM563P1-GB 18 V XR Hedge Trimmer, 1 x 5 Ah, Yellow
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 [easyazon_link identifier=”B00L8T5VJW” locale=”UK” tag=”patiomate-21″ cart=”n”]from around ~£70[/easyazon_link] 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.
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Flymo EasiCut 420 Cordless 18V Hedge Trimmer
Best Budget Cordless Trimmer
Flymo EasiCut Cordless 420 Battery Hedge Trimmer, 18 V, Cutting Blade 42 cm
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 your 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.
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Don’t Forget Safety
Hedge trimmers are dangerous. Make sure you’ve got [easyazon_link keywords=”safety gloves” locale=”UK” tag=”patiomate-21″]safety gloves[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link identifier=”B000Y1FAD2″ locale=”UK” tag=”patiomate-21″]goggles[/easyazon_link] before tending to the garden.
– PatioMate
Last update on 2021-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
