Affordable electric string trimmers are often flimsy. Here's a look at a few solid contenders that will keep your yard looking clean.

You get what you pay for, the old saying goes. And that's doubly true when it comes to electric string trimmers. Inexpensive models are clogging store shelves, luring shoppers with the prospect of a backyard tool for about the price of a few double-mocha lattes. (You can find the cheapest electric trimmers for as little as about 20 bucks.) But these "bargain" trimmers are, more often than not, no bargain. Flimsy and feeble, the lowest-quality tools often look like children's playthings -- and cut grass and weeds about as well as something you'd pick up at your neighborhood Toys R Us.

Like with any tool, it pays to invest just a little more, so look for a solid, feature-packed electric string trimmer. For just a few dollars more, you can move up from a cheap, almost disposable model to a brand-name unit that's going to make life in the backyard a whole lot easier.

Consumer Guide has assembled a roundup of some of the most intriguing new electric string trimmers, all of which have the power, durability and well-thought-out features it takes to get the job done -- and not fall apart a few minutes after you get them out of the box.

Worx WG102 4.5-amp String Trimmer

The new Worx line of backyard tools features the same focus on ergonomics that made such a splash with its power tools. And the Worx WG102 electric string trimmer is a solid, entry-level example of a trimmer with an impressive number of user- and body-friendly features, all for around $59. The handle is adjustable, and the telescoping shaft can be set to accommodate users of just about any height. The design also makes it a snap to tilt the cutting head up to 90 degrees, letting you reach tough-to-access areas without straining. It's also versatile, transforming into a walk-behind rolling edger in a few simple moves. The only real downsides to this model are the 4.5-amp motor, which delivers only an okay amount of power, and the fairly run-of-the-mill spool-replacement system.

Worx WG102 4.5-amp String Trimmer
Worx WG102 4.5-amp String Trimmer

Worx WG103 6-amp String Trimmer

For just about 10 dollars more than its 4.5-amp sibling, the Worx WG103 6-amp electric string trimmer offers a considerable upgrade in power and performance. The motor provides more than enough juice to tackle most trimming tasks, and the 15-inch width lets you cut a wider-than-most swath -- and cut down on the time it takes to finish the job. Like all Worx tools, the WG103 trimmer features a design that lets you adjust just about every aspect of the unit to fit each user's height, posture or preferences. It also turns into a wheeled edger by turning the handle and adjusting the trimming head. The WG103 comes with a 20-inch pigtail cord, which makes it easier to attach the trimmer to an extension cord. This impressive model earned Consumer Guide's Best Buy designation.

Troy-Bilt TB45E 4.5-amp String Trimmer

The 4.5-amp motor on the Troy-Bilt TB45E string trimmer only provides a middle-of-the-road amount of power, but this medium-duty model is worth considering for the value it delivers for the price (around $43). It's a 2-in-1 unit, and can be easily turned into a walk-behind edger for manicuring edges along sidewalks or driveways. One drawback: The guide wheel isn't as large or sturdy as some other trimmer-edger combinations on the market. The design isn't as ergonomic as some competing models, but it does feature an adjustable D-handle. The Troy-Bilt TB45E also comes with an impressive 15-inch cutting width, which counts for a lot, especially if you've got a large area to trim.

Troy-Bilt TB50CS 4.7-amp Top-Mount Motor String Trimmer

Just like a gas-powered unit, the Troy-Bilt TB50CS 4.7-amp string trimmer keeps its power source on the top of the tool. It improves the balance, moving most of the trimmer's 6.6-pound weight to the top and leaving less down by the trimming head, so it's easier to maneuver. Keeping the motor near the top of the trimmer also makes it less likely to suck up dust and debris, thereby increasing the motor's life. The 4.7-amp motor is powerful enough for light to medium trimming. This unit features a generous 15-inch cutting width, and employs a bump-and-tap line-release feature. It's designed to use a not-too-impressive .065-inch line, which is among the thinnest available.

Stihl FSE 60 String Trimmer

At around $110, the Stihl FSE 60 string trimmer is the most expensive of this bunch, but it's also among the most well-built. This model takes advantage of Stihl's decades of top-drawer, pro-level design experience. The fact that the 5.5-amp motor is top-mounted, for instance, provides a balanced feel that's similar to a gas-powered tool. At 9 pounds, it's a little heavier than most electric trimmers, though. The most outstanding feature here is the EasySpool cutting head, which lets you replace line by simply feeding new line through some eyelets and turning a knob to tighten it. Like most electric trimmers, the FSE 60 is fairly quiet, producing a noise level that's roughly equivalent to a dishwasher.