As Derby’s largest independent supplier of leaf blowers and vacuums, we stock only the highest quality equipment for domestic and commercial use, including leading brands such as Stihl and Husqvarna.

As well as selling, we also service and repair all types of leaf blowers and vacuums (and other garden and grounds equipment) at our specialist workshop - whether you’ve bought from us or not.

Unlike other big retailers, we take the time to get to know your requirements and direct you towards what you actually need, rather than what you think you want. Ensuring you buy right first time.

Want to talk things through? Simply get in touch.

How to choose the right leaf blower or vacuum

Keeping your garden clear of fallen leaves or debris can feel like a full time job sometimes - and the backache from raking leaves only adds to the chore. Luckily, a leaf blower or leaf vacuum can make light work of one of autumn’s most arduous tasks.

But how do you know if you need a leaf blower or a vacuum? Or what features to look for? We’re here to take the guesswork out of it. Whether you’ve done your research or not, the best way to find out which leaf blower or vacuum is right for you is to get in touch.

In the meantime, here’s some key things to consider when choosing a new leaf blower or vacuum:

Leaf blower vs leaf vacuum: which is best for you?

While both leaf blowers and vacuums do a similar job in cleaning up fallen leaves and debris, you may benefit more from one than the other. 

When to use a leaf blower:

  • When you want to clean things up quickly. Leaf blowers are more powerful than vacuums, so you can tidy your garden in minutes.
  • To clean up damp leaves and debris. Whether it’s a pile of damp leaves or freshly cut grass, a leaf blower’s high air pressure flow can usually handle harder tasks (but it’s best to check with the manufacturer). 
  • To clear off leaves in wide, open spaces.

When to use a leaf vacuum: 

  • When you want to clean small, narrow spaces like gutters or alleys. Vacuum nozzles are powerful enough to collect almost every leaf, except a few missed and scattered leaves.
  • To tidy delicate areas like flower beds or around fragile plants. Leaf vacuums aren’t as powerful as leaf blowers and use less powerful air suction, so you can clear your garden better with less of a risk of damaging your flowers.
  • When you don’t want to collect the leaves manually. For convenience, leaf vacuums have a collection bag, so you can dispose of your leaves in one swift move. 
  • To break down debris into mulch. Most vacuums will shred debris into mulch, which you can put on your flowerbeds or compost heap.

What kind of power source do you need?

Get your power right, and you’re halfway there to figuring out which leaf blower or vacuum is right for you. These break down into two types: petrol and electric.

Petrol leaf blowers and vacuums: If you’ve got a large lawn or garden to clear, a petrol blower or vacuum might make the job easier as it’s more powerful than electric models. With no power cord, you can get the job done freely without any restrictions. Also many models will shred the debris, so you can compost or dispose of it more easily. But it’s worth bearing in mind that they’re usually heavier and noisier than their electric counterparts. 


Electric leaf blowers and vacuums: Handheld electric models are typically best suited for domestic use in small areas near the house. Much quieter than petrol, they’re ideal for residential areas. While they typically offer less power than petrol, they’re usually lighter to handle and cost less to run (and buy).

Cords or no cords?

When it comes to electric leaf blowers and vacuums, you’ve got two options: battery (cordless) and mains (corded). 

Cordless electric leaf blowers and vacuums provide more freedom since there’s no cable trailing behind you, but they’ll lose charge quite quickly, especially against wet foliage. If you’re clearing large areas, you might want to consider buying a spare battery or a ‘fast-charge unit’ (only available for certain models) so you can finish the job if your blower or vacuum runs out of charge halfway through. 

As you’d guess, corded electric leaf blowers and vacuums require a nearby power socket. While they’ll never run out of charge mid-clearing, they’re not recommended if you need unrestricted movement or you’re working in a remote area. It’s worth noting the cable can be a health and safety risk as it can get in the way, so you’ll need to take extra care.

As for petrol leaf blowers and vacuums, they’re all cordless.

Can you use a leaf blower as a vacuum?

It depends on the model. While many feature just one function (blower or vacuum), some models are both leaf blowers and vacuums in one - giving you the best of both worlds. If it features both, it’s relatively simple to convert your blower into a vacuum, which usually involves switching attachments or setting it to vacuum mode.

Can I use a leaf blower or vacuum on wet leaves?

Generally, a leaf blower is better suited for the job because it’s more powerful than a vacuum. As wet leaves are heavier and more difficult to shift, it means your leaf blower has to work harder, so you’ll want a tool with more power behind it.

Most leaf blowers can handle damp leaves, but if they’re soaked through it’s better to leave them to dry a little. However if the weather’s showing no signs of letting up, it’s probably better to rake them into a pile before disposing of them. 

Still unsure which is best for you? Simply get in touch.

Need help choosing?

Whether you’re still unsure or want to know more, check out our FAQs or get in touch. Alternatively, pop into our showroom and speak with our experienced team.