The best electric handheld blowers continue to outperform their gas-engined counterparts for less money. But both types take at least some of the grunt work out of sweeping and cleaning fallen leaves and other yard and driveway debris.

Many can also vacuum and shred what they pick up. And nearly all gas blowers we tested meet tougher new emissions requirements for sale in California.

But even electric blowers can annoy the neighbors, and gas blowers proved loud enough to require hearing protection. For this reason, a good number of localities now restrict their use.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Mainstream brands include Black & Decker, Craftsman (Sears), Homelite, Poulan, Toro, and Weed Eater. Pricier gas-blower brands include Echo, Husqvarna, John Deere, and Stihl. Despite advantages for electrics, however, gas blowers have their place and include more-powerful variations. Here are your choices:

Electric handheld blowers. Designed for one-handed use, these typically weigh just 7 pounds or less. Push-button starting, zero exhaust emissions, and the ability to vacuum and shred are other pluses. Mobility and range are limited by the power cord, however. Price: $30 to $100.

Gas-powered handheld blowers. The best approach the best electrics in performance, and all free you from a power cord. Manufacturers have also reduced exhaust emissions and quieted some models to meet local regulations. But their engines require pull-starting and tuneups, and are loud enough to warrant hearing protection. Most weigh 7 to 12 pounds. Models with two-stroke engines require mixing fuel and oil, and four-stroke models weigh the most. Price: $80 to $200.

Gas-powered backpack blowers. These more-powerful models weigh 16 to 25 pounds, but they shift that weight from your arms to your shoulders and back for easier carrying. Some lower-priced models use smaller impellers but still performed well in our tests. Like handheld versions, however, they're loud. They also cost more than handheld blowers and can’t vacuum or shred. Price: $200 to $450.

Gas-powered wheeled blowers. These offer enough oomph to quickly sweep sizable areas. All use large, four-stroke engines that require no fuel mixing. But wheeled blowers are large, heavy, and relatively hard to maneuver and push, especially uphill. They’re also loud and expensive, and can’t vacuum or shred. Price: $600 to $1,000 or more.

IMPORTANT FEATURES

An easy-to-use on-off switch adds convenience and safety, while multiple speeds on electric blowers and a variable throttle you can preset on gasoline-powered models let you maximize force for sweeping and minimize it around garden beds. A convenient choke eases starting on gas-powered units. Blowers with flatter nozzles tend to be better at sweeping leaf piles and other debris, while those with round nozzles often do better at loosening. A bottom-mounted air intake is less likely to pull at clothing. A control stalk attached to the blower tube of backpack models improves handling, while a comfortable auxiliary handle on the engine or motor housing on handheld blowers adds control. Other useful features on gas-powered models include a wide fuel fill and a translucent fuel tank. An adjustable air deflector on wheeled blowers lets you direct airflow forward or to the side.

HOW TO CHOOSE

For sheer power, you can’t go wrong with any of the backpack or wheeled blowers and several of the handheld models we tested. The best also proved easier to handle and control. And some are less noisy than others. Other shopping tips:

Consider what you’ll clear. If it’s mostly fallen leaves or grass clippings, choose a model judged very good or excellent in our sweeping tests. Handheld models that vacuum are also handy for cleaning between shrubs, though their small reduction ratios and bags are impractical for larger areas or leaf piles. For embedded leaf fragments and other tenacious debris, look for a machine that did well in our loosening tests.

Consider your strength. High performance and low weight at a relatively low price make electric blowers your first choice if arm fatigue or weak arm strength is a factor. Backpack blowers put their added weight on your back and provide more power at a much higher price. Wheeled blowers deliver the most air power, but they weigh 100 pounds or more.

Be safe and courteous. Along with ear protection, wear goggles and a dust mask when blowing or vacuuming. And avoid using these machines too early or late in the day (check local ordinances before buying).

Copyright © 2003-2007 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit www.ConsumerReports.org.