Gas vs Electric String Trimmers: Which Are Better?

To start we would like to clear up any misunderstandings about –  What is the difference between a trimmer and a weed eater? The answer is Weed Eater is a brand name that has been adopted by many to refer to trimmers, a bit like calling a vacuum a Hoover even when it is not the Hoover brand. They can also be referred to as – weed wacker, weed whip and strimmers, in fact, all sorts of names have been given to them.

The two main types of string trimmers are gas string trimmers and electric string trimmers (and a few electric sub-types). There are advantages and disadvantages to both with some of these features compensated for by finding the best string trimmer line.

You might find that the best corded electric trimmers for your backyard are more environmentally friendly than a gas trimmer. However, when you need more power for larger jobs or professional use you might want to check out the Husqvarna 4 stroke trimmer, instead.

Which Is Better Gas or Electric?

It’s a good idea to look at the specific differences between gas vs electric string trimmer trimmers to really understand which kind of trimmer works best for your backyard.

To help you further compare electric vs gas trimmer, we have put together a guide that will ultimately help you decide is the best to tackle all of those backyard chores you need to do.

Which Has the Most Power

Gas versions are more powerful than the electric models. Being fuel-powered, the engine is more capable of powering through weeds and thickly overgrown lawns.

Though some electric models do have decent power, none of them can match the strength of one that has an engine. If you need to trim rocky lawns, a landscape with different levels or large commercial areas, then one with a fuel-powered engine is the better choice for you.

Best For Covering Large vs Small Areas

When considering electric vs gas weed eater you need to consider some differences. How much power you need is closely related to how suitable the model is for small or large areas. You don’t need that much power for an average-sized backyard lawn but you do for the larger yard or a commercial space like a golf course or resort hotel. 

Corded trimmers are great for the average backyard. They may have less power than gas version but they have plenty of power for a small area.

A corded weed eater is more affordable, makes less noise and is more environmentally friendly than one running on fossil fuels. This makes them the best gardening tool option for personal use.

Cordless trimmers or cordless weed eater may not be well suited for covering large areas as the battery on this type of tool has a limited amount of run time so you would probably need a backup battery on hand to ensure you can complete the task, so always check the specs on battery life when purchasing this option.

Which Trimmer is the Easiest to Use?

The ease of use depends on the model but you can make a few generalizations on the user-friendliness of the different types.

A gas trimmer requires the most maintenance so it is the least user-friendly. It requires oil changes, refueling, and general engine maintenance to keep working properly.

A corded weed eater is the most user-friendly because it is a plug-and-go system. However, the cord does limit your movement and area size which might make it more difficult to use for certain backyards.

Cordless electric trimmers also require little maintenance besides replacing and recharging the battery. Plus, as they are cordless it is easier to maneuver them around uneven lawns and rocky patches with no restrictions from the cord.

Another factor to consider for the ease of use is how safe it is. With a fuel run trimmer consider the release of fumes and the use of flammable fuel.

A cordless is the safest to use because you have the least chance of electrical problems. You also don’t have the risk of damaging the cord, like their corded counterparts.

Most Environmentally Friendly Trimmer

A gas-powered trimmer is obviously not environmentally friendly since it uses fossil fuels as its source of power. These machines are noisy as well, so there is also the factor of noise pollution.

Arguably, corded weed eaters are the most environmentally friendly type of trimmer. This is especially true if you are using an outlet that is fed by a renewable energy source like wind energy or thermal energy.

Since cordless models do not produce any fumes, they are also more environmentally friendly than a gas trimmer. However, it is difficult to dispose of batteries in an environmentally conscious way. Use rechargeable batteries whenever you can for a more environmentally friendly upgrade.

Conclusion of Gas vs Electric String Trimmers

There is no straightforward answer to the debate of gas vs electric weed wacker on which type is the best. It really depends on whether you are using this as a gardening tool for personal use or are looking for a commercial-grade option that you can use for a small business or heavy-duty use.

Think about the area that you need to cover and the type of vegetation. Gas trimmers may be the best choice for professionals but electric and cordless trimmers also have a lot of advantages to consider for work in the backyard.

Whether you are comparing electric weed eater vs gas, cordless vs gas trimmer or gas vs electric weed wacker we hope this article has helped explain not only about what they are called but also the pros and cons of each of them.