Homeowners with trees in their garden know how much of a hassle the lawn-caring chore is to keep your property spotless. When leaves fall, “How to get rid of them?” is the very first thing to come to your mind.
With the best leaf shredders, you will not have to worry about carrying all the small & bulky branches or limbs around for disposal.
Here are the best leaf shredders you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall: Sun Joe CJ602E 15-Amp Electric Wood Chipper/Shredder
- Best For Compost: WORX WG430 Foldable Bladeless Electric Leaf Mulcher
- Best For Pine Straws: Flowtron LE-900 The Ultimate Mulcher Electric Leaf Shredder
- Most Versatile: GreatCircleUSA Gas-Powered Multi-Function Wood Chipper Shredder
- Budget-Friendly Option: Earthquake Tazz K42 Chipper Shredder
- Best For Wet Leaves: Powerhorse 1104S233 Chipper/Shredder
Top 6 Best Leaf Shredders | ||
---|---|---|
Best Overall | Sun Joe CJ602E 15-Amp Electric Wood Chipper/Shredder | |
Best For Compost | WORX WG430 Foldable Bladeless Electric Leaf Mulcher | |
Best For Pine Straws | Flowtron LE-900 The Ultimate Mulcher Electric Leaf Shredder | |
Most Versatile | GreatCircleUSA Gas-Powered Multi-Function Wood Chipper Shredder | |
Budget-Friendly Option | Earthquake Tazz K42 Chipper Shredder | |
Best For Wet Leaves | Powerhorse 1104S233 Chipper/Shredder |
Best Overall: Sun Joe CJ602E 15-Amp Electric Wood Chipper/Shredder
Effectively chip and shred branches up to 1.5-in thick
ETL approved
Easy to assemble, transport, use, and store
Eco-friendly & powerful
Virtually maintenance-free
Small opening
Offering both chopping and shredding options is always a great thing when searching for the best lead shredder, and the Sun Joe CJ602E 15-Amp Electric Wood Chipper/Shredder does just that.
For an electric tool like this wood chipper/shredder, a decent amount of amperage to power operation is important. The CJ602E features a 15-amp motor which can do pretty well in shredding leaves and chipping decent-sized sticks down to more manageable units for disposal.
When you look at the reduction ratio, the magic of this 15-amp motor shines much brighter. Even though not much different than Sun Joe’s previous lineup, the reduction rating of 17:1 saves much on working time and plastic bags.
The only issue is the narrow opening make it struggle with wet leaves.
Sun Joe CJ602E 15-Amp Electric Wood Chipper/Shredder Specifications | |
Motor | 15 amp motor |
Weight (lbs) | 26.2 |
Cutting Diameter (max) | 1.5 inches |
Reduction Ratio | 1/17 |
Assembled Dimensions (inches) | 19.7 x 17.3 x 37.8 |
Hopper Dimensions (inches) | 2 x 5 |
Warranty | Full 2-year warranty |
Highlight Features | Powerful 15 amp motor Compact design with 6-inch wheels Safety hopper with locking knob |
Those possessing a small garden with only a few trees can get by with the Sun Joe CJ602E 15-Amp Electric Wood Chipper/Shredder without having to spend much on plastic bags.
Best For Compost: WORX WG430 Foldable Bladeless Electric Leaf Mulcher
Seamless to fold down for compact storage when not in use
No tools required for assembly
Easy to clean
Super storable
Perfect source of fertilizer
Not great for brushes, sticks, and branches
The WORX WG430 Foldable Bladeless Electric Leaf Mulcher allows for huge savings in time spent.
With a 24-in trimming line, this electric leaf shredder works roughly like a grass trimmer cutting down leaves in a heartbeat. And when these lines run out, you can replace them with standard ones.
Though this powerful shredder with an astounding 8500 RPM can quickly and efficiently mulch up to 53 gallons of leaves for turning into compost, it cannot be effective with brushes, sticks, and branches.
WORX WG430 Foldable Bladeless Electric Leaf Mulcher Specifications | |
Motor | 13 amp motor |
Weight (lbs) | 20 |
Cutting Diameter (max) | 13 inches |
Reduction Ratio | 1/11 |
Assembled Dimensions (inches) | 22.6 x 22.6 x 13.2 |
Hopper Dimensions (inches) | N/A |
Warranty | Full 3-year warranty |
Highlight Features | Flex-a-line bladeless system Tool-free Quick assembly and disassembly Clean air motor cooling system An easy start-stop system 24 replacement lines and one universal bag holder |
WORX WG430 Foldable Bladeless Electric Leaf Mulcher helps turn your garden debris into manageable nutrient-rich mulches and do our part to reuse, reduce, and recycle in no time at all.
Best For Pine Straws: Flowtron LE-900 The Ultimate Mulcher Electric Leaf Shredder
Small & lightweight
Easy to operate and use
Straightforward assembly right out of the box
Built to last for many years to come
Not as compact for easy storage as other products
Lightweight but heavy-duty, the Flowtron LE-900 The Ultimate Mulcher Electric Leaf Shredder greatly reduces the annual amount of chores going into autumn clean-up.
The only thing that critics pay attention to is the fact that this rugged machine features a high-density polyethylene housing and funnel.
What it lacks is the ease of dragging your machine around your lawn, fortunately, it compensates with excellent quality and consistent leaf-mulching results.
Aside from the two-step process, it also comes with up to 36 replacement cutting lines for optimal mulching & shredding power. That way, it reduces the number of leaf bags from 11 to 1.
Flowtron LE-900 The Ultimate Mulcher Electric Leaf Shredder Specifications | |
Motor | 5.9 amp motor |
Weight (lbs) | 17 |
Cutting Diameter (max) | 21 inches |
Reduction Ratio | 1/30 |
Assembled Dimensions (inches) | 23 x 19.5 x 19.5 in |
Hopper Dimensions (inches) | N/A |
Warranty | Limited 1-year warranty |
Highlight Features | Compost breakdown On/off switch Lightweight and portable Air intake and removable air filter 36 heavy-duty double cutting lines |
Flowtron LE-900 The Ultimate Mulcher Electric Leaf Shredder effortlessly reduces dry or wet small twigs, pine straws, acorns, into smaller pieces to work as nutrient-rich compost right in your veggie gardens or flowerbeds.
Most Versatile: GreatCircleUSA Gas-Powered Multi-Function Wood Chipper Shredder
CARB Certified
Serve you for years to come
Labor-saving
Powerful machine
Easy leaf loading
Completely neat whole operation
Potential damage in transit
The GreatCircleUSA Gas-Powered Multi-Function Wood Chipper Shredder is an excellent device having only a plethora of features you need to transform your garden into a showplace and nothing you don’t.
This beast of a shredder & chipper comes with separate modes for chipping thin & hefty limbs & branches and for sucking up & mulching leaves as well as for shredding them. It really shines when you have a large garden with a lot of trees.
What users are not happy with the GreatCircleUSA Gas-Powered Multi-Function Wood Chipper Shredder? It is the damages they had in transit.
GreatCircleUSA Gas-Powered Multi-Function Wood Chipper Shredder Specifications | |
Engine DISP | 212cc |
Type | Horizontal 4-Stroke Single Cylinder OHV Gas Engine |
Engine Rating | 7HP |
Hammers/ Knives | 4 Y-Hammers |
Fuel Type/Capacity | 2.8 liter |
Weight (lbs) | 132.3 |
Max Diameter of Chipper Cone / Reduction Ratio | 3 inches &1/15 |
Assembled Dimensions (inches) | 30 x 24.1 x 41.6 |
Hopper Dimensions (inches) | N/A |
Warranty | Full 3-year warranty |
Highlight Features | Auto-feed 3-in-1 unit Versatile lubrication options 4 Y-hammers 2 steel chipping blades and a side Chute for 3" MAX branch/limb CHIPPING & w/ universal vacuum kit |
With a 3-in-1 machine like the GreatCircleUSA Gas-Powered Multi-Function Wood Chipper Shredder, you can clear dead leaves and tree debris out of your garden without any sweat and strain.
Budget-Friendly Option: Earthquake Tazz K42 Chipper Shredder
Good value for your money
Tested to and surpassed ANSI B71.6 safety standards
Rugged and tough construction
Powerful and purpose-built
Loud
Next on our list of the best leaf shredders is this popular chipper/shredder unit by Earthquake that does not come at a hefty price tag like any other professional models.
However, the most important factor is the heavy-duty Briggs & Stratton Engine helping it pulverize lawn debris more efficiently and even turn the biggest jobs into light works.
As the Earthquake Tazz K42 Chipper Shredder is gas-powered, this noisy machine can disturb your neighbors.
Earthquake Tazz K42 Chipper Shredder Specifications | |
Engine DISP | 205cc |
Type | 4-stroke |
Engine Rating | 9.0 ft-lb gross torque |
Hammers/ Knives | 2 J-Hammers, 2 Tri-Hammers, 2 Knives |
Fuel Type/Capacity | 2.8 liter |
Weight (lbs) | 129 |
Max Diameter of Chipper Cone / Reduction Ratio | N/A &1/20 |
Assembled Dimensions (inches) | 29.9 x 24.5 x 51 |
Hopper Dimensions (inches) | 16.75 x 13.25 |
Warranty | Chipper Shredder 5 Year, Engine 2 Year |
Highlight Features | Unique air gate and largest-in-class rotor Rugged easy-to-use debris bag featuring the Bottom-Out zipper and a quick Dock-and-Lock bag connector |
Earthquake Tazz K42 Chipper Shredder gives you incredibly impressive performance without costing you a tremendous amount of money.
Best For Wet Leaves: Powerhorse 1104S233 Chipper/Shredder
Easy to maneuver regardless of its weight
Roll well over any mixed terrain
Effortless to load onto a vehicle for transport
Make short work of limbs up to 4 inches across
A bit complex assembly
Lastly, we would like to recommend this chipper/shredder by Powerhorse which is among the most effective cutting devices out there.
Due to ten shredding blades, ten hammers, and two hardened chipping knives, it delivers enough power to easily shred limbs, branches, and twigs up to 4 inches thick.
Despite the complex assembly, the performance of the onboard 420cc gas engine is well worth your time and effort.
Powerhorse 1104S233 Chipper/Shredder Specifications | |
Engine DISP | 420cc |
Type | OHV 4-stroke, electric start |
Engine Rating | N/A |
Hammers/ Knives | 2 hardened chipping knives 10 hammers and 10 shredding blades |
Fuel Type/Capacity | 1.72 gal. |
Weight (lbs) | 275 |
Max Diameter of Chipper Cone / Reduction Ratio | 4 inches & 1/20 |
Assembled Dimensions (inches) | 36 1/2 x 28 1/2 x 56 |
Hopper Dimensions (inches) | N/A |
Warranty | Chipper Shredder 5 Year Engine 2 Year |
Highlight Features | Durable 420cc gas engine with cast iron sleeve and low oil shutdown for additional engine protection, 13in. Pneumatic tires Well-balanced low center of gravity and built-in handle |
Powerhorse 1104S233 Chipper/Shredder is the greatest way to turn wet leaves into ground cover for your gardens in a hurry with minimal effort.
How To Choose The Best Leaf Shredder?
Types Of Leaf Shredders
An engine’s size has an impact on the amount of power that this tool will deliver, as well as how impressively it performs.
Electric motors are often available in smaller designs, thus being popular among home consumers. And gas-powered chippers which often come in a much bigger size can deal with heavy-duty jobs.
- Electric leaf shredder
- Budget-friendlier
- Less maintenance (replacing spark plugs or changing oil) and no costly tune-ups required compared to any gas-powered models
- Deliver less power, thus especially ideal for smaller shredding jobs
- More limited mobility because of the need tying to a power source
- Gas leaf shredder
- Deliver more power than any electric-powered units
- Able to deal with way larger tree loads and wood
- More mobile as not plugged into an outlet
- Electric leaf shredder
Reduction Rate
How much a leaf shredder reduces your lawn debris size is among the most essential factors to consider when choosing the best one for you. The smaller the ratio, the less manageable it is to tackle and prepare for mulching or disposal.
Which Brands Make The Best Leaf Shredder?
WORX
With 15 years’ experience in the garden & lawn equipment and outdoor power tools, WORX has been putting their complete effort and confidence in the quality and workmanship to please both do-it-yourselfers and professionals.
GreatCircleUSA
Being an authorized dealer of Fuelworks, Hydroworks, Reelworks, Kitchener, Goodyear, Lubeworks, and Terkrite Brands, GreatCircleUSA is popularly known today as the global leader in the outdoor product market. All of their products feature a rugged design and first-class construction for a long-lasting performance.
Sun Joe
Together with its sister brand – Snow Joe, Sun Joe has been offering various electric and cordless outdoor products for both snow-covered locations and warmer destinations where homeowners can have their traditional gardens for 15 past years.
In regards to Sun Joe’s leaf shredders, they are often electric models instead of gas ones. Though they don’t pack a punch of features like many of the larger, heavier-duty gas leaf shredders on the market, they are a perfect choice for gardeners with a way smaller yard and those on a tight budget.
FAQs
What is a garden shredder used for?
Clean up fallen branches, bushes, leaves, limbs, and other debris
Revive your garden
Turn small branches, limbs, and twigs into smaller fine wood chips for the nutrient-richest mulch possible
Speed up the decomposition process
Is it OK to put mulch in a vegetable garden?
Adding a thick mulch layer over the soil is the best way to control weeds in your vegetable garden.
Are wood chips good for soil?
A generous layer of woodchips can benefit your soil in many ways. Not only does it elevate the nutrient level in your soil but it also suppresses weeds and provides your plants with enough moisture retention.
What is the difference between a chipper and a shredder?
A wood/tree chipper is often used for reducing large pieces of wood including tree trunks or limbs into more manageable woodchips. These portable machines can be mounted on wheels perfect for towing behind a transport vehicle like van or truck.
And the vertical strings attached to a central drum are the only difference between a shredder and a weed whacker.
Conclusion
Though there are a ton of good wood chipper models available, not all can help you deal with all of the work once the leaves begin to fall. Some run on quiet operation but deliver less power while others are durable yet noisy.
That’s when our compiled list of the best leaf shredders which clearly examines each model’s features really shines.