8 Best Gas Leaf Blower | Handheld, Backpack & Walk-Behind

If you’re interested in getting yourself a brand-new leaf blower, then you’ve come to the right place. I’ve got hands-on with some of the best leaf blowers that money can buy and pulled together a list of the eight best models worth considering.

Whether you’re a professional looking for a new work tool or just looking for the best leaf blower to use at home, my guide aims to give you the insight you need to make an informed purchase.

I’ve put them all to the test, so you don’t have to.

If you’ve not got time to read through the ins and outs of each leaf blower then I’ve put my top three recommendations for the best gas leaf blower below. Just click the link and head straight to the right section.

3 Best Gas Leaf Blowers

1. The best handheld leaf blower Husqvarna 125B Leaf Blower
2. The best backpack leaf blower Makita EB7660TH
3. The best heavy-duty leaf blower SuperHandy Leaf/Snow Blower

I’d strongly recommend reading the full review. That way, you can get the full picture of what each leaf blower offers, helping you make the best decision when it comes to buying a new one.

Let’s get into it.

Choosing A Leaf Blower

Gas leaf blowers are considered to be the best in the business. They’ve been used by professional landscapers for years and offer a brilliant solution for moving large amounts of dead leaves and other debris.

Depending on your needs and the amount of space you have to cover, there are other types of leaf blowers available. Corded leaf blowers are a good option if you have a smaller yard and don’t mind being restricted by the power cord. Another popular choice is battery-powered leaf blowers. They offer the flexibility of a gas leaf blower but tend to be less powerful.

However, we’re focusing purely on gas-powered leaf blowers, the biggest and most powerful type of blower.

Gas Vs. Electric Leaf Blower

These are the two most popular types of leaf blower. A gas leaf blower, as you might imagine, is powered using gas and typically uses a 2-stroke engine to run and generate power.

On the other hand, electric leaf blowers use electricity. This can come via a static cord or battery. While electric leaf blowers are not as powerful as their gas counterparts, they offer an excellent solution for domestic properties.

Where gas-powered leaf blowers require a tricky set-up, electric ones are much more straightforward. Gas leaf blowers require the operator to mix gas and oil at a ratio suitable for the small 2-stroke engine. On the other hand, an electric leaf blower needs a fully charged battery or access to a power socket.

In general, gas-powered leaf blowers are used by professional landscapers or those with a large amount of land that needs attention. Electric leaf blowers are usually associated with smaller domestic projects.

Backpack Gas Leaf Blower

A backpack leaf blower is a design that requires the user to wear a backpack while operating an output nozzle with their hand. The backpack contains the power source and mechanics, while the nozzle is purely used to direct air toward the target.

The best backpack leaf blowers provide an ergonomic solution for these very powerful and heavy machines. Traditional designs can be heavy and difficult to maneuver; by placing much of the weight on the user’s back, this weight is manageable.

It also allows for easier aim, resulting in better debris dispersion. The operator’s arms are free to control the air nozzle, making aiming and collecting leaves much more accessible than with handheld designs.

Handheld Gas Blower

A handheld gas leaf blower, on the other hand, is a smaller style of leaf blower that can be used with one hand.

It’s a much smaller design than that of a backpack blower, meaning they generally produce less power and are suited to use on smaller jobs across a smaller area.

The other major attraction of handheld leaf blowers is that they tend to be cheaper than the larger and more powerful backpack model. This makes them ideal for those who only use theirs occasionally.

Leaf Blower CFM

Most people won’t have heard of CFM as a measurement. It stands for ‘cubic feet per minute and explicitly measures the amount of air sucked in and pushed out by a leaf blower.

It’s a good way to measure the effectiveness of a leaf blower as it gives an understanding of how much debris you can move. This, in turn, provides a good idea of how long it will take to clear your affected area.

As a general rule of thumb, the higher the CFM, the more air the machine will blow. A leaf blower with a higher CFM will be able to move a much more significant amount of leaves and other debris.

Blower CFM Vs. MPH

The other main way to measure the power of a leaf blower is with miles per hour (MPH).

Whereas CFM measures the volume of air that passes through a leaf blower, MPH measures the speed at which it does.

It is helpful to know as MPH gives more of an idea of how powerful your leaf blower will be. The higher the MPH, the faster and more forcefully you will be able to move leaves away.

Naturally, the larger and more powerful gas leaf blowers will have higher ratings for both CFM and MPH.

Both ratings are heavily influenced by the leaf blower’s impeller. This is the part of the machine that uses a fan to suck air in and create airflow. High CFM and MPH ratings rely on quality impeller blades.

The ratings will be affected by the impeller’s blade angle, length, and speed of rotation. A higher angle creates a stronger airflow but requires more power to maintain.

Highest CFM Leaf Blower

A higher CFM usually relates to improved performance. If you have the option of going for a model with a higher CFM, it is generally advisable to do so. Despite downsides such as weight, noise, and cost, you will find notable performance improvements that make clearing leaves much easier.

The highest CFM models are most often gas-powered backpack models. Their 2-stroke motors allow the impeller blades to generate enough power to operate well and optimize airflow. Their backpack design is an ergonomic solution to their issues with being both heavy and bulky. 

Variable Speed

Having a variable speed function is a bonus for leaf blowers and a must-have if you want the easiest and most efficient model to use.

Being able to tone down the power at which your leaf blower operates is incredibly useful for clearing debris from delicate areas such as flowerbeds and patios.

Versatility is the key here, with variable speed control allowing for the appropriate amount of power to be used depending on the task at hand.

2 Stroke Vs. 4 Stroke

2-stroke and 4-stroke engines are built differently and serve different purposes. A 4-stroke engine is larger and more potent than a 2-stroke, but that does not always mean it is the best.

The ‘stroke’ of an engine refers to the speed at which the combustion process is completed, based on the amount of time it takes for the pistons in each to move up, down, and back into place.

There are several pros and cons associated with each:

• 4-strokes are more efficient as fuel is only used every 4 strokes
• 4-strokes are heavier than 2-strokes, often weighing up to 50% more
• 2-strokes generate more torque at higher RPM, 4-strokes generate more at lower RPM
• 4-strokes are much louder while 2-strokes make a distinct high pitch buzzing noise
• 2-stroke engines wear out faster but are easier and cheaper to fix
• 2-strokes require the user to pre-mix gas with oil

2 Stroke Leaf Blower

The vast majority of gas leaf blowers available on the market have 2-stoke engines. This is because they are cheap to make and easy to design. In fact, most gas-powered tools will be developed using a 2-stroke engine for the same reason.

Gas leaf blowers that use a 2-stroke engine will also be much lighter than those that use a 4-stroke one. This aids usability and maneuverability when in use.

One thing to bear in mind about using a 2-stoke engine is that you’ll have to premix the gas with 2-stroke oil. It’s straightforward to do but can be a pain as it requires more planning than just filling up a gas tank.

Another downside to using a 2-stroke leaf blower is the noise and pollution levels. The smaller engines have a distinct higher pitch that can be very loud when used at high revs. The oil and gas mixture is also bad for the environment as it burns off and is released into the atmosphere.

4 Stroke Leaf Blower

While much less common, 4-stroke leaf blowers are still available to buy. They are more straightforward to operate in that they effectively have two tanks, one for gas and one for oil. Much like with a car engine, a 4-stroke will mix the two internally.

4-strokes are much more efficient than 2-strokes. It is a huge bonus and makes them popular with a lot of people. The oil also doesn’t burn off as it does with a 2-stroke engine, meaning less noise and emissions are produced.

There are, of course, some downsides to 4-strokes. After all, the vast majority of gas-powered tools use 2-stroke engines. They are much bulkier and heavier, making them harder to use on smaller tools and harder for the manufacturers to work into their designs. They are also more expensive and harder to fix, thanks to their higher number of moving parts.

Despite many positives, the weight and cost are ultimately the downfalls of 4-stroke gas leaf blowers, so they are much harder to find.

Best Gas Leaf Blower Reviews

This next section includes the breakdowns and details of all the gas-powered leaf blowers that I tested.

Each one was put through its paces by myself and used to clear a large amount of loose debris in my backyard.

From the expensive high-powered machines to the cheaper and more cost-effective alternatives, each leaf blower was assessed based on its ease of use, power, price, and performance. So whether you’re blowing leaves off the driveway or clearing the branches from your hedge trimmer these power tools will fit the bill.

Husqvarna 28cc 2-Cycle Handheld Gas Blower

If you like the idea of a handheld leaf blower but want one with enough power to tackle even more extensive areas, then the Husqvarna 125B could be perfect for you.

It features a 27cc 2-stroke engine that produces 470cfm at 170mph. When I used it, the power was evident, particularly given its handheld design.

It also features variable speed control with cruise control, so if you don’t like having to hold a trigger or throttle down while you work, you can simply set it to the desired speed, and it will maintain it. This is particularly useful if you find your hands getting sore as you work.

Another feature I like was the auto-return switch. When turning the machine off, the switch automatically returns to the on position, making it quick to start up again. Intuitive controls on the 125B meant I found this blower particularly good to use.

Check Husqvarna 125B latest price.

Pros      

• Powerful for a handheld model
• Easy-to-use controls

Cons

• It tends to bog down at full throttle if not properly maintained

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Makita 75.6 cc MM4 Engine Tube 4-Stroke Backpack Blower

The next leaf blower to be featured on my list is another Makita. This time it’s their backpack-style one that comes with a 75.6cc engine that produces 704cfm and 206mph making it one of the most powerful on my list.

If you have a big yard that needs clearing or has some particularly heavy debris to get rid of, then this is one of the options you should be thinking about.

At 24.1 lbs, it’s a heavy machine, but when it sat on my back, it didn’t feel too bad. I was able to use it for well over an hour without any issues.

It was also very easy to get started the first time it was taken out of the box. Simply attach all of the tubes, fill the gas and oil chambers, pump the primer, choke it, and you’re good to go. Once you’ve got it started, it’s pretty loud, but that’s the price you have to pay for all of that power.

The shoulder straps are fully adjustable and come with padding while the back panel is fully ventilated for added comfort.

The air filter is easily accessible for simple maintenance, and the fuel levels are quick to monitor, thanks to the translucent tank.

All in all, this is a very effective machine. While not overly complicated, it offers power, builds quality in abundance, and should help clear any debris you have without too many issues.

Check Makita price on Amazon

Pros      

• Very powerful
• Suitable for professional use and larger outdoor spaces

Cons

• One of the heaviest leaf blowers on my list
• Very expensive

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Makita 24.5 cc MM4 4-Stroke Engine leaf Blower

Makita is a brand that is no stranger to the power tool world with plenty of quality options available for your home and garden. Their gas-powered leaf blower is a great machine made with quality materials and built well.

It instantly feels built to last when you pick it up and its 4-stroke engine feels stable, powerful, and reliable. While such a large engine is not suitable for all users, if you’re thinking of opting for a leaf blower with a 4-stroke engine, then the Makita is the way to go.

It packs 356cfm and produced 145mph, which means it’s not the most powerful leaf blower on my list but certainly one of the best built.

I like its comfortable design and easy access to the spark plug, as this makes maintenance easy. The translucent fuel tank is also a nice touch as it makes monitoring your gas level simple.

Considering the larger engine, it felt surprisingly light in my hand as I went about my yard work. At only 9.8 lbs, it has a good balance between workability and power.

The other thing that is instantly noticeable about Makita is how quiet it is. Even at full power, the engine seems to hum rather than roar. This a great feature if you don’t like the loudness of 2-stroke gas leaf blowers or don’t want to disturb any neighbors while doing your work in the yard.

Check Makita BHX2500CA price here

Pros      

• Light for a 4-stroke
• No need to mix fuel and oil
• Quiet

Cons

• Not as powerful as some of the 2-stoke models
• You will need to monitor the crankcase oil

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Craftsman 2-Cycle Handheld Gas-Powered Leaf Blower 

The Craftsmen B215 25cc is an excellent machine. The design is very well balanced in your hand while operating due to its compact design and light overall weight. The handle sits above a translucent tank which makes it very easy to tell when you are close to needing to fill up. I found this helped and gave me a heads up on when I needed to mix some more oil and gas.

At 25cc, this is one of the smaller leaf blower engines on the list, but it worked well. I found the performance was good during testing and felt like it was built to last.

The engine itself has a power of 430cfm and a speed of 200mph. This makes it a great choice for most lawn and yard care work. It has an easy start system made up of three steps; prime, choke, and pull. The extended nozzle it ships with certainly gave me a more precise area of focus with the variable speed throttle making it easy to adjust the power output depending on the amount of debris I needed to move.

The only noticeable downside to the Craftsmen was the amount of vibration I experienced while using it. Due to its lightweight design, there was very little to absorb the vibrations generated by the engine, particularly when running at high revs.

Check Craftsman latest price on Amazon

Pros      

• Lightweight and handheld – ideal for quick use over a small area
• Powerful for its size

Cons

• Very loud
• Vibrates a lot

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Ryobi 38cc 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Leaf Blower

Ryobi is a brand that may be familiar to you. They make a good range of yard tools that cover areas like mowers, weed whackers, and chainsaws. Their backpack leaf blower is another example of their great garden tools.

The leaf blower has a backpack design. This means the user wears it like a bag and has both hands free to operate the nozzle and move loose debris. Because the engine is housed on the user’s back, it means it can be heavier than those found in handheld models.

The Ryobi features a 38cc engine that produces 760cfm and 170mph. This means it is well-equipped to deal with large amounts of leaves and debris that need moving.

It includes variable speed with cruise control, comfortable straps to keep it secure, and a contoured back for comfort. The Ryobi was simple enough to use and felt powerful enough to move most debris you would expect to find in your yard. The variable speed worked well, and the throttle was very responsive.

The only downside that I noticed was that it is pretty heavy. Although you support it with your back, I was noticeably fatigued after an hour or so of blowing leaves. It may not be suitable for those looking for a lightweight machine.

Check Ryobi Backpack Blower price

Pros      

• Powerful enough for most jobs
• Good throttle response

Cons

• Heavy
• Expensive

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HUYOSEN 2-Cycle Engine 26CC Gas Leaf Blower

The Huyosen was a real surprise when I opened the box. I wasn’t expecting a gas leaf blower to be so small! But they say the best things come in small packages and Huyosen’s gas leaf blower turned out to be one of my favorites.

Designed to help clear smaller areas, this leaf blower is perfect for those who have smaller yards or a patio area that needs clearing.

Its 26cc engine produces 250cfm with 130mph airspeed. I found this to be perfect for clearing lighter debris such as fresh leaves or powder snow. It would, however, struggle with thicker and heavier stuff.

The non-slip handle felt secure while in use, the tank was easy to fill up, and the mixing can include made getting the correct gas/oil ratio easy.

There were some downsides other than the lack of power, however. It is not the most straightforward machine to get going. It ships with instructions that differ depending on whether or not the engine or cool or still warm. While after a few goes, it becomes clear, the first few times spent starting it up can be a bit tricky, particularly for someone with a smaller yard that may not be used to operating gas-powered tools.

All in all this is a perfectly good leaf blower available at a good price. If you’re looking to use one for clearing indoor areas like garages and workshops or smaller outdoor spaces, this could be a great option for you.

Check Huyosen price on Amazon.com

Pros      

• Available at a low cost
• Compact
• Perfect for indoors or smaller outdoor spaces

Cons

• Tricky to get started the first few times
• Not powerful enough to move significant debris

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Craftsman 27cc, 2-Cycle Mixed-Flow Gas Leaf Blower

The Craftsman B225 is an interestingly designed leaf blower. It has a bulbous design that maximizes airflow to create a huge 650cfm from its 27cc 2-stroke engine, despite only producing an airspeed of around 135mph.

It uses air amplifying technology to generate a larger airflow, making it great at clearing large amounts of loose debris from your yard or any other area.

At 11lbs, it’s one of the heavier handheld leaf blowers on my list but don’t let that put you off; it’s still very easy to use and light enough to hold for longer periods.

Thanks to its increased airflow, it also makes a great option for completing other tasks like blow-drying vehicles after a wash.

Despite the higher airflow levels, this leaf blower only produces an airspeed of 135mph. This is quite low when compared with many of the other gas-powered leaf blowers on my list and is noticeable when trying to move more substantial debris. For this reason, I would recommend looking at some of the backpack models that have a bit more power. 

Other than the lack of power needed for bigger jobs, the B225 is a great domestic leaf blower. I enjoyed the dual-bearing design, thought the ergonomic handle and trigger were easy to hold and use, and found the engine was easy to start pretty much every time I gave it a try.

Check Craftsman B225 price here on Amazon

Pros      

• High airflow
• Perfect for yards with lots of loose debris
• It can be used to dry your car after a clean

Cons

• Lacks the power of other leaf blowers

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SuperHandy Leaf Blower Wheeled Walk Behind

This thing is a beast. If you have a serious amount of leaves, heavy snow, or any other large amount of debris to get through, the SuperHandy blower is the machine for you.

Thanks to its three wheels, it’s plenty easy to move around. I was able to get it around my yard while working with no problems, and its 212cc engine started every time I tried it.

The blower itself produces 2000cfm and 200+mph, by far the most powerful on my list. It won’t even break a sweat when tackling most of the jobs the average yard needs a blower for.

This is a good option for anyone who sees large amounts of snowfall in the winter season as it is more than capable of moving snow as well as leaves and other heavy debris.

Out of the box, there is some assembly required. It took me about 15 minutes in total to get the SuperHandy ready to clear some leaves. While this isn’t ideal, it is to be expected for the size and power of the machine.

The only downside was that it’s hard to get into cramped areas due to its shape and size. When I tried to clear a path right up next to a building I found I needed a backpack or handheld leaf blower to finish the job properly. Not an issue if you don’t mind having multiple tools but something to bear in mind.https://theyardandgarden.com/best-leaf-shredder-mulchers

Check SuperHandy Blower price here

Pros      

• The most powerful leaf blower on my list
• Great at even getting wet and damp debris cleared
• Easy to move around despite its size

Cons

• Requires assembly
• Big, bulky, and heavy
• Cannot clear tight spaces

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Best Gas Leaf Blower For The Money

The all-important question is which is the best gas leaf blower for the money? Well, that depends on what you need your blower for and how big your yard is.

If you’ve got a small yard and are just looking for a reliable but versatile handheld leaf blower, then we would recommend the Husqvarna 125B. It strikes the perfect balance between portability and power, allowing you to clear debris with minimal effort.

If, however, you’ve got a much bigger space, then we would recommend a backpack-style leaf blower. The best of which has to be the Makita EB7660TH. It offers the reliability and quality you would expect from a brand like Makita with the power and precision of the best gas-powered leaf blowers. Its higher power output means tackling larger yards is simple.

Finally, if you need the biggest and most powerful blower money can buy, you’ll need the SuperHandy Leaf/Snow Blower. While not aimed at serving regular yards, if you have a big open space or need to move snow in the winter, this could be the best choice.

So put away your garden rake and power up with one of these outstanding gas leaf blowers today!