Leaf blowers and blower/vacs have nearly replaced both the outdoor broom and the yard rake. They can even make fall leaf cleanup a less dreaded chore. All the blowers we tested adequately performed basic blowing tasks. Some models offer more capabilities, such as vacuuming and shredding. Blower/vacs may seem like simple tools, but there is no one-model-fits-all. Some models are heavier -- but also more powerful -- than others, and prices vary. Also, some models, such as gas-powered blowers, are noisier as well. To find the right model for you lawn care needs, consider the size and amount of leaves you will have to clear. Below are some models we've recently tested.

Black & Decker Cordless Blower NS118

The cordless Black & Decker NS 118 is well suited for small blowing jobs. It does not vacuum or shred debris. But it offers 120 mph of blowing power, which is sufficient for many quick hard-surface cleanup jobs. It is lightweight, entirely portable, non-polluting and relatively quiet. It does not have the power of a gas blower, but it's also not designed for heavy-duty clearing. The Black & Decker NS118 is a good choice if you just want to sweep off a driveway and deck or porch, or for a quick cleanup of leaves and debris form your property.

Black & Decker Cordless Blower NS118
Black & Decker Cordless Blower NS118

Black & Decker Leaf Hog BV4000

The Leaf Hog BV4000 blower/vac is a proven product from Black & Decker. The powerful blower also vacuums and shreds leaves and other small organic debris so that you can then dispose of the debris, compost it, or use it as mulch. The Leaf Hog blows at a truly powerful 230 mph. It's an electric model, so it is limited to the area of a 100-foot extension cord, but it is easy to use and sturdy. The Leaf Hog vacuums better than many other models and reduces debris considerably with its shredding capability. And you'll like how quickly and easily it converts from blower to vacuum. If you can clean up your yard with a 100-foot cord, the Leaf Hog is a great choice.

Craftsman 41AS360G799 Blower/Vac

The Craftsman 41AS360G799 represents the newest generation of powerful blower/vacs. This model uses a four-cycle gas engine, making it more environmentally friendly than two-cycle engines. With this model, you will not need to mix oil in the fuel. The engine starts fairly easily and the variable speed is a nice feature that lets you control the amount of air power that comes out of this unit. The Craftsman 41AS360G799 combines excellent air speed and air volume for plenty of blowing power. The vacuuming function is not quite as efficient, but it gets the job done. With this kind of power comes a heavier weight as well, so be sure you will be comfortable handling this 19-pound model on long cleanup tasks.

Echo ProLite PB-260L Backpack Blower

Consider the Echo ProLite PB-260L backpack blower if you have a large lawn that often needs to be cleared of fallen leaves and debris. The PB-260L gas blower is rated at 155 mph, which is not as strong as some gas models, but certainly respectable, especially when compared to cordless or electric units. Echo considers this to be a commercial unit, but at about 14 pounds and a price tag that's less expensive than most backpack models, the PB-260L is a good choice for the homeowner as well. Echo backs the 25.4 cc gas engine unit with a 5-year residential warranty. You'll find the ProLite PB-260L rides comfortably on your back while doing a good job of moving leaves and other debris. The engine starts easily and does not vibrate too much. Note that this unit does not vacuum.

Stihl BGE 60 Electric Blower

The BGE 60 from Stihl is a well-constructed electric blower backed by a reliable name in outdoor equipment. The BGE 60 combines good air velocity and air volume to create blowing power to easily move even wet leaves. The 9.6-amp motor is fairly quiet, but -- of course -- it requires an extension cord, which limits the use of this unit to the range of 100 feet from a power outlet. That power cord, however, means you get flip-of-a-switch operation. The Stihl BGE 60 performs very well as a blower and can be converted to a vacuum and shredder with the addition of the optional vacuum kit. Its adjustable tube length is a real plus for shorter people.