If you have a yard with trees, leaf mulchers are one of those tools that may not be absolutely essential but can really save you a lot of time and hassle over the years. Each year when your trees drop their leaves, you have a big job ahead of you raking and bagging those leaves. If you have to dispose of them at the landfill or county composting, this can be a huge hassle as well, depending on how many bags you have to dispose of. If you compost, you need a huge compost pile to process all of those leaves! Leaf mulchers make all of these jobs easier. They turn huge piles into manageable sizes, decreasing the overall size from as many as 10 bags to only one bag of leaf mulch. Mulchers also make the leaves more ready for composting by increasing the surface area and decreasing the overall size of each piece, making it easier for beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms to digest them and turn the into black gold that you can add to your garden. Vacuum mulchers also make it possible for you to clean your yard up without even having to rake. They combine leaf blowers and vacuums and mulchers in one, so you can get the job done with just one tool.
This article contains our top 10 picks for leaf mulchers in 2017 We have included standard mulchers as well as blower/vacuum/mulcher combination tools, and even a few heavy duty chipper/mulchers for big jobs that include clippings from shrubbery or tree branches. If you do not see a mulcher you love in the list below, click here to browse all available options.
1. Best Compact Mulcher: WORX 13 Amp Electric Leaf Mulcher with 11:1 Mulch Ratio and Fold-down Compact Design
This compact leaf mulcher from Worx has a fold down design for easy transport and storage. It includes a 13 Amp motor that is capable of mulching 53 gallons of leaves per minute, so you will have your yard cleaned up in no time.It deposits directly into a bag (not included) and is able to achieve a high leaf to mulch ratio of 11:1. You do not need any tools to assemble or disassemble this unit, and it is very compact to store. The start-stop system is easy to work, and it has a clean air motor cooling system as well. It also comes with 24 cutting lines included and a three year warranty.
Price: $119.69 with free shipping
Buy the WORX 13 Amp Electric Leaf Mulcher with 11:1 Mulch Ratio and Fold-down Compact Design here.
Watch a review video here.
Pros:
- 11:1 leaf to mulch ratio
- Easy start and shut off
- Lightweight and easy to store
Cons:
- May require extension cord
- Does not come with bag
- Reviewers found it very noisy
Find more WORX 13 Amp Electric Leaf Mulcher with 11:1 Mulch Ratio and Fold-down Compact Design information and reviews here.
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2. Most Efficient Mulcher: Yard Force YF8000 13 Amp Leaf Shredder
The Yard Force leaf shredder is a powerful machine that can reduce your yard waste by a 12:1 ratio. It has a 13 Amp motor that spins at 8,000 RPM to mulch both wet and dry leaves quickly and effectively. You can use either paper or plastic bags with this mulcher thanks to the bungee cord bag clamp on the base. This shredder is designed for very compact storage- you can remove the legs and store the motor inside of the funnel. You do not need any tools to set it up and start mulching.
Price: $129.99 with free shipping
Buy the Yard Force YF8000 13 Amp Leaf Shredder here.
Watch a review video here.
Pros:
- Very compact storage
- 12:1 leaf to mulch ratio
- You can use plastic or paper bags
Cons:
- Not good for anything thicker than a leaf
- String cutters must be replaced periodically
- Reviewers said it wore out relatively fast
Find more Yard Force YF8000 13 Amp Leaf Shredder information and reviews here.
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3. Best Dust Free Mulcher: Sun Joe SDJ616 Shredder Joe 13-Amp 16:1 Reduction Electric Leaf Mulcher/Shredder
This mulcher from SunJoe is perfect for small to mid sized yards with a 13 amp motor, 8,000 RPM and large capacity. This mulcher has the ability to reduce yard waste by up to a 16:1 ratio of leaves to mulch. this mulcher comes highly reviewed and has easy, adjustable controls so that you can start using it right away. You can attach it to any leaf or mulch bag for easy disposal. This mulcher also has a special dust reducing motor cooling system, and it is super lightweight and compacts to a small size for storage. The top funnel has a large 19 inch opening, and uses a heavy duty trimmer line with a 12 inch cutting diameter to process up to 55 gallons of leaves per minute, about the sie of a large trash can.
Price: $104.39 with free shipping
Buy the Sun Joe SDJ616 Shredder Joe 13-Amp 16:1 Reduction Electric Leaf Mulcher/Shredder here.
Watch a product features video here.
Pros:
- Produces much less dust than other mulchers
- 16:1 leaf to mulch ratio
- Processes 55 gallons per minute of leaves
Cons:
- Some reviewers had issues with assembly
- Heavier than some other models
- Does not come with bags
Find more Sun Joe SDJ616 Shredder Joe 13-Amp 16:1 Reduction Electric Leaf Mulcher/Shredder information and reviews here.
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4. Best Bargain Mulcher: GudCraft Leaf Mulcher Leaf-Eater Electric Leaf Shredder
If you want a good mulcher for less cost, the GudCraft Leaf Mulcher will get the job done. This mulcher sets up quickly and easily in less than one minute and does not require any special tools top operate. GudCraft advertises a 30:1 reduction in size from leaf to mulch, turning up to eight bags of leaves into one easy to dispose of bag. This mulcher is very lightweight at only 17 lbs and comes with a one year warranty.
Price: $96.80 with free shipping with Amazon Prime
Buy th GudCraft Leaf Mulcher Leaf-Eater Electric Leaf Shredder here.
Watch a review video here.
Pros:
- 17 lbs, very light weight
- Easy to move with wheeled frame
- Very inexpensive
Cons:
- Not as powerful as other mulchers
- Made in China
- Not a lot of reviews
Find more GudCraft Leaf Mulcher Leaf-Eater Electric Leaf Shredder information and reviews here.
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5. Best Direct-To-Compost Mulcher: Flowtron LE-900 The Ultimate Mulcher Electric Leaf Shredder
The Flowtron leaf shredder is an excellent and popular shredder that has only the features you need and nothing you don’t. You can use the Flowtron with the included stand and mulch right on top of your compost pile, or you place it directly on top of a trash can. This shredder weighs only 17 lbs and is very easy to operate. It also includes a removable air filter to reduce dust. this is a rugged machine with high density polyethelene funnel and housing, and has the capacity to reduce 11 bags of leaves to just one. The Flowtron uses patented double cutting line design for more reliable and effective mulching. You can easily adjust the level of mulching between fine needles, leaves and grass/thatch to ensure maximum efficiency for whatever you need to mulch.
Price: $169.99 with free shipping
Buy the Flowtron LE-900 The Ultimate Mulcher Electric Leaf Shredder here.
Watch a demo video here.
Pros:
- Small and light weight
- Can shred directly onto your compost pile or on top of trash can
- One year warranty
Cons:
- Not as compact as others
- Wire cutters must be replaced more often because there are two
- Some reviewers had issues with the switches
Find more Flowtron LE-900 The Ultimate Mulcher Electric Leaf Shredder information and reviews here.
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6. Best Inexpensive Vaccuum Mulcher: Black & Decker BV6000 High Performance Blower/Vac/Mulcher
Black and Decker is a leading brand in outdoor tools, and this inexpensive blower/vacuum/mulcher is a handy tool to have around your yard. It has a 12 amp motor that operates as either a vaccuum or a blower, and can also mulch your leaves at the same time. This means that you can fit an entire small yard of leaves into the attached vacuum bag without even having to rake! The blower is 250mph and has two speed settings to choose from. The vacuum is easy to switch to with just one button, and the mulcher can reduce leaves by a 16:1 ratio. It also comes with a two year manufacturer’s warranty.
Price: $79.99 with free shipping
Shop Buy the Black & Decker BV6000 High Performance Blower/Vac/Mulcher here.
Watch a demo video here
Pros:
- High quality and inexpensive
- Reduces leaves to mulch by a 16:1 ratio
- Vacuum, blower, mulcher all in one
Cons:
- Electric cord may get in the way
- Not as powerful as stationary motors
- May get heavy as you vacuum leaves
Find more Buy the Black & Decker BV6000 High Performance Blower/Vac/Mulcher information and reviews here.
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7. Worx Trivac Blower & Mulcher with Leaf Pro – Lightweight and Easy to Use
The Worx Trivac is a powerful vacuum/blower/mulcher combination tool that makes it easy to mulch leaves directly into your trash can. The Trivac comes with a long vacuum tube and an adapter bag that attaches to the top of your trash can so that you do not have to transport the leaves after they are mulched. This is an electric model so there is no need to purchase gas or make gas and oil mixtures to power it. The vacuum is powerful enough to suck up leaves and grass as well as small sticks and loose dirt. You can also use this model with a portable bag that is easy to carry along with you as you work in the yard.
Price: $164.47 with free shipping
Buy the Worx Trivac Blower & Mulcher with Leaf Pro – Lightweight and Easy to Use here.
Watch a review video here.
Pros:
- Easy to use, light weight
- Powerful electric motor
- Vacuum into trash can or carry bag
Cons:
- Not as powerful as other models
- No warranty
- Relatively expensive
Find more Worx Trivac Blower & Mulcher with Leaf Pro – Lightweight and Easy to Use information and reviews here.
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8. WORX TriVac WG500 12 amp All-in-One Electric Blower/Mulcher/Vacuum
Here is a powerful yet inexpensive blower/vacuum/mulcher from Worx. The carry on bag has a shoulder strap to make it very easy for you to walk around the yard and mulch leaves as you go. The tube is angled for easy access under bushes, tables, and storm drains. This blower has a compact and lightweight design and can be operated single handed in both blowing and vacuuming modes. It even has an ergonomic design with soft grip handles that can accommodate people of all heights and reach length. With over 700 positive reviews, this is a good machine to have in your tool shed!
Price: $77.83 with free shipping
Buy the WORX TriVac WG500 12 amp All-in-One Electric Blower/Mulcher/Vacuum here.
Watch a review video here.
Pros:
- Very inexpensive
- Over 700 positive reviews
- Ergonomically designed for people of all heights
Cons:
- Very loud
- Bag may fill up quickly in large yards
- Cannot mulch directly into trash can
Find more WORX TriVac WG500 12 amp All-in-One Electric Blower/Mulcher/Vacuum information and reviews here.
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9. Best Heavy Duty Mulcher: Patriot Products CSV-3100B 10 HP Briggs & Stratton Gas-Powered Wood Chipper/Leaf Shredder
This mulcher from Patriot Products is a super powerful machine that can handle way more than a standard leaf mulcher. This machine can turn anything up to three inches in diameter into fine mulch, so if you have trees or shrubs to prune this is a perfect machine for you. The chipper is powered by a 10 horse power Briggs engine, and the chipper has a unique design to maximize efficiency and speed. To shred leaves, this shredder uses a swinging Y-hammer system that beats plastic shredding wire in speed and power. It can chip branches as well as shred them depending on your mulch needs. This mulcher also has a side discharge tube so you can work in the same place all day without having to move the chipper around. It is recommended by the Handyman Club of America, and is compliant in all 50 states.
Price: $1,449 with free shipping
Buy the Patriot Products CSV-3100B 10 HP Briggs & Stratton Gas-Powered Wood Chipper/Leaf Shredder here.
Watch a manufacturer’s video here.
Pros:
- Very powerful, can chip and shred leaves and branches up to 3 inches in diameter
- Side discharge lets you stay in one spot all day without moving shredder
- Unique design for maximum efficiency and power
Cons:
- Not as portable as other options
- Relatively expensive
- Very loud
Find more Patriot Products CSV-3100B 10 HP Briggs & Stratton Gas-Powered Wood Chipper/Leaf Shredder information and reviews here.
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10. Earthquake 9060300 Chipper Shredder – 205cc 4-Cycle Briggs Engine, 2 Year Warranty
Finally, here is a super powerful chipper/shredder from Earthquake that is not as expensive as professional models but can still handle big jobs. This chipper can handle branches up to three inches in diameter with heavy duty chipping knives and hammers, so you can convert not only leaves but brush and tree branches into usable mulch for your garden bed or compost pile. This super efficient system converts with a 20:1 ratio of branches/leaves to mulch. It comes with a two bushel bag to make transportation easy and reduce dust as you work. This mulcher is powered y a heavy duty Briggs and Stratton Engine, and it has wheels to easily transport to any spot in your yard.
Price: $789.17 with free shipping
Buy the Earthquake 9060300 Chipper Shredder – 205cc 4-Cycle Briggs Engine, 2 Year Warranty here.
Watch a review video here.
Pros:
- One year warranty
- Very powerful motor can chip branches up to 3 inches in diameter
- Relatively inexpensive for how powerful it is
Cons:
- Expensive compared with just leaf mulchers
- Very loud
- Heavy at 107 lbs
Find more Earthquake 9060300 Chipper Shredder – 205cc 4-Cycle Briggs Engine, 2 Year Warranty information and reviews here.
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