Our leaf blower testing process starts well before the actual tests, when we rope off a swath of grass and dump the same amount of leaves inside the boundary for every model. To have a reliable pile before every fall for the newest models, we usually start collecting our leaves a year or more ahead of time. During a busy year, we use up about 2,500 pounds of leaves to find the best blowers.
During testing itself, we time how long each blower takes to clear the pile and examine how thoroughly each model removes leaves near the bottom of the pile, which can become embedded in the grass.
To see how well leaf blowers loosen debris, our technicians embed grasslike synthetic turf with sawdust and rice. We weigh the turf before and after to determine just how much the leaf blower was able to clear in a set amount of time.
To test the strength of a leaf blower’s airflow, we conduct what’s called a “ball rise” test. We direct the leaf blower’s air through a vertical tube and measure how high the air can lift two dimpled batting cage balls (the two balls together help create a stable height reading).
Our experts also assess handling, ease of use, and—for models that have it—the vacuuming function to see how well each model mulches down dried leaves. Finally, we factor in owner satisfaction and reliability by brand and type.
