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Looking after your backyard doesn’t need to be difficult when you have the right tools for the job. A beautiful and well-trimmed backyard is desirable to everyone. In order to achieve this, you’ll need to use the best corded electric string trimmers.
Are you looking for the best string trimmer line available online? Still wondering which is better, gas or electric trimmers? Well, here are 8 of the best corded weed wacker to convince you that electric trimmers are better.
8 Best Corded Electric String Trimmers
There are exceptions, of course, like the Husqvarna 4 stroke trimmer. However, for being environmentally friendly and for ease-of-use, corded weed eaters are a good choice when tackling those backyard chores.
If you don’t have time to read the full article, here are our 3 favorite picks:
These are the top 8 best electric string trimmers with a corded power source. These string trimmer models are easy to handle, have a good grip and create neat edges in your landscaping. Scroll down to find the best string trimmer for you.
1. Black & Decker GH900 String Trimmer
The Most Popular Corded Electric String Trimmer
| Shaft Length | 36.4 inches |
| Cutting Swath | 14 inches |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs |
Black+Decker is the go-to brand for string trimmers and the Black+Decker GH900 is their star model. This ergonomic design is lightweight but delivers high performance.
The Black+Decker GH900 electric weed wacker has a dual function as both a trimmer and an edger. All that is required for switching between trimmer and edger modes are manually rotating the head.
The trimmer is great for thick patches of grass since it has a Power Drive Transmission that prevents the blades from getting stuck. The edger works accurately for flower beds and lawn edges.
The Black+Decker GH900 has an AFS (automatic feed system) which makes it run more smoothly. The spool moves with you as you work so that there is no need for bumping.
2. Sun Joe SB601E Sharper Blade Stringless Electric Trimmer & Edger
The Newest String Trimmer Technology
| Shaft Length | 8.3 – 21.6 inches |
| Cutting Swath | 11.5 inch |
| Weight | 5.6 lbs |
Technically, the Sun Joe SB601E is not a ‘string’ trimmer but it functions the same and has good performance so it could not be missing from the top 10 best corded electric weed eater list.
The Sun Joe SB601E uses super sharp blades instead of monofilament string for edging and trimming. This way, you get the same job done without having to replace the string making this product more durable.
The design is very user-friendly. It is lightweight with an extendable shaft so that it feels comfortable when you are working the garden. Switching between trimmer mode and edger mode is easy. Simply rotate the head by 180° and you are good to go.
3. Craftsman CMESTA900 13” Electric Powered String Trimmer
Budget Alternative to Bigger Brands
| Shaft Length | 36.6 inches |
| Cutting Swath | 13 inch |
| Weight | 6.7 lbs |
This corded electric string trimmer by Craftsman is a simple and sturdy design. It features a comfortable handle with a 13-inch cutting swath.
The string is an extremely thin 0.065 inches which give clean sharp edges. The spool also has an automatic feeding system meaning that the spool will release itself as soon as it is finished.
This corded weed eater is slightly heavier than the other string trimmer models on this list but it is still more lightweight than a gas-powered string trimmer.
Reviewers of the Craftsman CMESTA900 report it to be of good quality with a similar performance to more established brands like Black+Decker.
4. Toro 51480 Corded 14” Electric Trimmer & Edger
Best Electric String Trimmer with Wide Cutting Swath
| Shaft Length | 48 inches |
| Cutting Swath | 14 inch |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs |
The Toro brand name suggests a powerful gardening tool and the Toro 51480 makes your trimming and edging job go faster. It has an extra wide 14-inch cutting swath so that you cover a larger area.
The extendable shaft is made from rust-free aluminum for a durable design. The shaft extends to about 48 inches and you can use the adjustable handle for a firmer grip on the string trimmer. This extra handle comes in handy since the design is on the heavier side.
Different to the other corded weed eater reviews we’ve covered that require a manual rotation of the head to switch between trimming mode and edger mode, the Toro 51480 has an electric push button. All you need to do to switch between trimming and edging is press a button.
5. Greenworks 13” 4-Amp Corded String Trimmer
Best Environmentally Friendly Option
| Shaft Length | 39 inches |
| Cutting Swath | 13 inch |
| Weight | 7 lbs |
Greenworks is an interesting brand because they focus on delivering zero carbon footprint products. They provide high-quality gardening tools which they back up with their promise of a 4-year warranty.
The Greenworks has two main string trimmer models with the 13-inch cutting swatch model being the more lightweight version. It weighs 7 pounds and has an extra handle for tighter control of the string trimmer.
The extendable shaft itself rotates so that you have more flexibility in your movements while trimming and edging. Also, do not worry about the distance between your power source because the design features a cord lock that prevents unplugging.
Another interesting feature is that this model uses a dual line for the 0.065-inch line. The line has an automatic feeding system.
6. Greenworks 18” 10-Amp Corded String Trimmer
Most Powerful Electric String Trimmer
| Shaft Length | 31.5 inches |
| Cutting Swath | 18 inch |
| Weight | 13 lbs |
The more powerful alternative to the Greenworks 4-amp 13 inch string trimmer is their 18 inch 10-amp string trimmer. This design has the widest cutting swath by far making this a natural choice for more extensive gardening jobs.
This is also the heaviest string trimmer on our top electric string trimmer list. To compensate for the extra weight, Greenworks provides a cushioned grip and extra handle.
The most unique and useful feature of this Greenworks design is that you can attach different heads from different brands. This means that the functions of this strong string trimmer are not limited to what is offered by Greenworks themselves. Consider it a multi functional staple gardening tool.
7. Craftsman CMESTE920 Electric String Trimmer
Best Control over Line Feed
| Shaft Length | 37 inches |
| Cutting Swath | 14 inch |
| Weight | 7 lbs |
Many electric string trimmers have an automatic feeding system but this string trimmer design by Craftsman gives you more control over the line feed. The line feed is controlled by a push button so you can adjust as you work.
For an electric string trimmer, this model has a powerful motor that is strong enough for rough patches of grass. It has a 6.5 amp motor which is about 2 more amps than the average electric string trimmer.
This is also a value for money electric string trimmer choice. The package comes with the first spool already in place plus 2 additional 0.065-inch single line spools.
Like the other Craftsman string trimmer model, this design also has a dual function as an edge. The edger is wheeled with a guidance point for straight lines.
8. Black+Decker ST8600 13” 5-Amp String Trimmer
Best Corded Trimmer with a Thinner Cutting Swath
| Shaft Length | 37 inches |
| Cutting Swath | 14 inch |
| Weight | 7 lbs |
Black+Decker dominates the market in string trimmers so it is not surprising the brand is featured on our list more than once. The Black+Decker ST8600 is a good alternative to the GH900 model when you are looking for a thinner cutting swath.
This model also has a PowerDrive transmission which means that it can tackle tough grass without being bogged down.
There is a cord retention system which prevents the string trimmer from disconnecting from its power source. Like the top pick for electric string trimmers, this Black+Decker model has an automatic feeding system for the line spool.
Corded Electric String Trimmer Buying Guide
Never used a string trimmer before? This is what you need to know about these handy gardening tools.
When to Use a String Trimmer
A string trimmer is the companion tool to your lawnmower. A lawnmower is good for covering large patches of grass but it does not finish the job.
You need a string trimmer for the edges of a lawn and for sprigs of grass that your lawnmower cannot get such as around uneven garden elements. String trimmers are also good for overgrown lawns that would bog down a lawnmower.
Different Types of String Trimmer
There are four types of string trimmers. Electric string trimmers, however, are more multifunctional with most being both a trimmer and an edger.
Electric String Trimmer
A lightweight and easy to maneuver string trimmer. This type of string trimmer is completely silent and does not release any fumes which make it the most environmentally friendly option.
Brush Cutter
This type of string trimmer is the in-between of an electric string trimmer and fuel-powered string trimmer. It has a thicker line and strong blades for handling weeds and thick overgrowth.
Fuel-Powered String Trimmer
This is the more powerful type of string trimmer. A fuel-powered string trimmer works well for overgrown lawns, thick weeds, and large gardens.
Walk-Behind String Trimmer
This type of string trimmer looks like a smaller version of a lawnmower. It has wheels and a long u-shaped handle, just like a lawnmower.
If you need a really big cutting swath then this is the type of string trimmer to choose. Use a walk-behind string trimmer for the thickest weeds and overgrowth.
Electric String Trimmer vs Fuel-Powered String Trimmer
A string trimmer running on fuel is the most powerful type of string trimmer but it is also noisier and releases fumes. Like with a lawnmower, you should wear ear protection when using this gardening tool.
There are two types of fuel-powered string trimmers; string trimmers with a two-stroke engine and string trimmers with a four-stroke engine. Two-stroke engine string trimmers are more affordable but also more polluting.
One of the reasons to choose an electric string trimmer over a fuel-powered string trimmer is to forego the fumes. Electric string trimmers are more environmentally friendly.
Another reason why electric string trimmers are a better option is that they are easier to maintain. With fuel-powered string trimmers, you need to make sure that the gasoline stays fresh while in storage and you will also need to make oil changes.
Corded Electric String Trimmers vs Cordless Electric String Trimmers
Other sub-types of electric string trimmers are corded electric string trimmers and cordless electric string trimmers.
The corded electric weed eater is connected to the power source, usually an outdoor home outlet, via a cord. These are the more affordable type of string trimmer.
When purchasing a string trimmer, think about the distance you need to cover in your garden. Check the length of the string trimmer cord in the production description to make sure it is long enough to reach the furthest corner of your garden. Otherwise, you will need to use an extension cord.
Cordless string trimmers run on a battery, usually lithium-ion batteries. It depends on the model how long the battery lasts so check the product description for the battery life.
Also, check the product description for whether the package comes with a battery charger. A string trimmer with rechargeable batteries is more economical and better for the environment.
Stand-Alone Tool vs Powered Base
Looking for a more versatile gardening tool than a simple string trimmer? Consider a string trimmer that has a powered base. A powered base means that you can attach different heads to the string trimmer shaft. This way you can use the same tool for different tasks like trenching, edging or a brush cutter.
Straight Shaft vs Curved Shaft
There are two types of shafts on string trimmers, a long straight shaft, and a shorter curved shaft. The longer straight shaft is better for tall gardeners. It requires less bending so it is kinder on your back.
The shorter curved shaft gives better control over the string trimmer. This is useful for more precise work but also for shorter people.
Many electric string trimmers have an extendable shaft so you can adjust the length to the specific task. Go to the hardware store to try out different lengths and both straight shafts and curved shafts to get a better feel before purchasing.
