Top Electric Hedge Trimmers for Under $80 - Black & Decker, Earthwise, McCulloch, WORX

When I decided to write my first hub, I never in a million years thought I would be writing one about hedge trimmer??? Really? However, after spending a whole day reading through reviews and looking at them at various stores, I thought it would be great if there was a nice, easy, review and ranking for others to use...maybe save people some time and effort! ...so here I am!! First off, I have to say that there is a HUGE difference in quality between the various makes and models out there, but with very little rhyme or reason (most brands have great ones and crappy ones.)

I limited myself to electric models as I do not use these often enough to want to keep up on the oil and gas mixing and other maintenance of the gas powered ones. In addition, my experience with cordless tools (battery powered) is that is it is a tool that needs lots of torque, gets used for long periods of time and that you don't want to be really heavy, you are much better off getting corded than battery powered. Not to mention that they are cheaper.

The list below is compiled based on EXTENSIVE research both by using many of them in person, reading tons of reviews, going to stores and grilling the employees about them (especially about the returns and problems) and from talking to friends and neighbors. Not a surprise that Amazon.com has the flat out best prices on most of these. With no further ado, here is the list

The 24in Hedge Hog by Black and Decker is clearly the champion of the trimmers for the price. A fantastic overall mix of quality, power, length of trimming bar and maneuverability. Originally priced much higher there has been consistent downward pressure on the price and at just under $70 delivered, this is a fantastic deal!!! Overall ratings are a very strong with only a few complaints, mainly dealing with expectations for cutting larger branches. In my experience you do not want to tackle anything over 1/2 inch in width. Just get out the garden shears or bow saw (got mine for $2.97 at Wal Mart) for those. This is hands down my #1 recommendation for a sub $100 Do-It-Yourself trimmer. There are cheaper ones out there, but my advice is to spend the extra $20 and get this model.

This is another great little hedge trimmer. I am a big fan of those thaty have a 20 inch or longer cutting bar as I find it much easier to not only trim larger sections but also that my cuts are more even AND that I can get to those harder to reach places without climbing INTO the bush.

The Earthwise is a great answer if you are looking for the bargain level, bottom priced model but want something that may actually last a few years as many of those trimmers in this range tend to be almost disposable. The Earthwise is a great trimmer, though not as tough as the Hedge Hog above, I think it is a great trimmer for someone that wants to save a little more money and maybe wont use this as much.

Coming in at #3 on my list is the little brother of our #1.  The 18 inch Black and Decker is a great choice for someone that wants a smaller, lighter and cheaper trimmer.  Though not as powerful or durable as #1 or #2 on my list, this is still a great choice.  I actually got this one for my mother and she really likes it.  Awesome little trimmer especially for being under $40.  If you do not need a big trimmer or maybe only use them a couple of times a year you can not go wrong with this model!

Another great trimmer at a great price.  The WORX fits right in between the Hedge Hog and the Earthwise as far as durability and power, as well as right in the middle for cost.  Very well designed trimmer that has enough power to really get the job done. A little shorter cutting bar, so this may be a better choice for someone looking for a smaller/lighter trimmer.  Once again I think that the Black and Decker Hedge Hog is the best of the bunch, but this is a good back up choice if you don't mind the smaller size.