Electric hedge trimmers are ideal for smaller gardens with access to a main power supply. They are usually affordable, lightweight, powerful, easy to use and require minimal maintenance. However, an extension cord may be needed for more extensive gardens to reach the hedges you want to trim.
Many different types of electric hedge trimmers are available in the UK market. We will review what we consider the best to guide you in selecting the electric hedge trimmer most suited to your requirements.
Our TOP Hedge Trimmer Picks
Best Electric Hedge Trimmers
Listed below are what we believe to be the eight best electric hedge trimmers
- Bosch AHS 45-16 electric Hedge Cutter
- Flymo Easicut 500W 60cm Corded Hedge Trimmer
- VonHaus 550W Electric Hedge Trimmer
- Netta Hedge Trimmer
- Black & Decker Hedge Trimmer BEHTS501 600W Corded with Saw
- Ryobi 600W 60cm Corded Electric Hedge Trimmer
- VonHaus Pole Hedge Trimmer 600W with extendable 2.8m reach
- Wolf Creek HT50 500W ElectricHedge Trimmer Telescopic Long Reach Pole 1.85m Extendable
Bosch AHS 45-16 Electric Hedge Cutter
Features
- Power – 420W
- Blade Length – 45cm
- Blade Gap – 16mm
- Weight – 2.6kg
- Cable Length – 6m long
- Warranty – 2-3 years
We rate the Bosch AHS 45-16 as the best overall electric hedge trimmer in the UK. As with all Bosch products, the quality of this tool is excellent. Its powerful motor and sharp blades deliver the cutting performance you need to keep your hedges in perfect condition.
The Bosch AHS 45-16 is ideal for trimming small to medium-sized hedges. Combining a powerful 420 W high-performance motor and 45cm long diamond ground blades with a blade gap of 16mm ensures a powerful cutting performance with a precise cut and finish.
An ergonomic design with a soft grip handle lets you get a solid grip on the hedge trimmer in two places, allowing for effortless, well-balanced and safe trimming.
The AHS 45-16 weighs only 2.5 kg and is designed to ensure comfort in all working positions and minimise arm and back strain.
This bosch AHS 45-16 electric hedge trimmer has a 2-year warranty, extendable to 3 years if you register with “My Bosch.”
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Good build quality
- Sharp, long-lasting diamond ground blades
- 2-year extendable warranty
Cons
- Power cord is only 6m long
- Blade could be longer
Flymo Easicut 500W 60cm Corded Hedge Trimmer
Features
- Power – 500W
- Blade Length – 60cm
- Blade Gap – 22mm
- Weight – 4.1kg
- Cable Length – 10m
- Warranty – 1 year
The Flymo EasiCut 500 W is the largest model in the Flymo hedge trimmer range. It has a 60cm long diamond ground, double action cutting blade with a large cutting gap of 22mm, enabling it to deal efficiently with denser medium-sized gardens with slightly thicker branches.
A 270-degree wrap-around handle is designed for comfortable and balanced handling in multiple positions when trimming for long periods.
This hedge trimmer has an extendable reach handle that allows you to reach the tops of higher hedges without needing a ladder.
The EasiCut 610XT hedge trimmer has a tip protector that protects the blades from damage when trimming close to a wall. Another safety measure is that both switches must be pressed simultaneously for the product to work, thus preventing the unit from being started accidentally.
Pros:
- Extendable handles for higher reach
- Wide tooth gap
- Long 60cm cutting blade
- Blade tip protector
- Comfortable and balanced trimming
Cons:
- Is heavier than the average hedge trimmer
- Only one year’s warranty
VonHaus 550W Electric Hedge Trimmer
Features
- Power – 550W
- Blade Length – 60cm
- Blade Gap – 16mm
- Weight – 3.5kg
- Cable Length – 10m
- Warranty – 2 year
This VonHaus electric trimmer is powered by a powerful 550W motor that enables the 60cm steel cutting blades to oscillate at a rate of 1700rpm to deliver a clean, precise cut and finish and can easily cut through branches and twigs up to 16mm thick.
It is lightweight at only 3.2kg and is ergonomically designed with a soft grip handle making this hedge trimmer easy to use.
It has a 10m long cable with a two-stage safety trigger to prevent accidental operation and a hand protector shield for added safety.
It has a blade cover, cable holder for easy transport and storage, and a two-year manufacturer warranty.
Pros:
- Powerful 550W motor
- Easy to use
- One of the most affordable in the UK market
- Good value for money
- Two-year warranty
Cons:
- A black cable means it’s not very visible in the garden – orange would be a better colour
Netta Hedge Trimmer
Features
- Power – 550W
- Blade Length – 50cm
- Blade Gap – 16mm
- Weight – 2.2kg
- Cable Length – 6m
- Warranty – 1 year
The NETTA 550W corded hedge trimmer is perfect for trimming small to medium bushes. This hedge trimmer weighs just 2.2kg and is easy to use and move around your garden as needed.
This NETTA hedge trimmer is powered by a 550W motor and features a 50cm long diamond ground blade that can cut branches up to 16mm thick and delivers enough power to trim overgrown hedges in your garden.
A two-way safety power switch that requires both buttons to be depressed for the motor to run ensures a safe operation when using the hedge trimmer.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Two-way safety switch
- Powerful 550W motor
Cons:
- Only has a 6m cord
Black & Decker Hedge Trimmer BEHTS501 600W Corded with Saw
Features
- Power – 600W
- Blade Length – 60cm
- Blade Gap – 25mm
- Weight – 2.7kg
- Cable Length – 6m
- Warranty – 2 years
This lightweight hedge trimmer that weighs only 2.7 kg has a powerful 600W motor with 60cm long dual-action steel blades that can cut branches up to 25cm in diameter, making the Black & Decker BEHTS501 hedge trimmer perfect for larger hedges.
An innovative saw blade that can cut through 35 mm thick branches is attached to the front of the hedge trimmer.
This hedge trimmer’s compact, lightweight, ergonomic design with a secondary wrap-around aux handle allows for greater comfort and control when trimming at all angles and reduces potential fatigue from setting in.
Pros:
- Uses a wrap-around handle for improved comfort and control
- Weighs only 2.7kg
- 60cm blade with 25mm blade gap – great for larger hedges
- Powerful 600W motor
- Two-year warranty
Cons:
- 6m Cable could be longer.
Ryobi 600W 60cm Corded Electric Hedge Trimmer
Features
- Power – 600 W
- Blade Length – 60cm
- Blade Gap – 28mm
- Weight – 3.7kg
- Cable Length – 8m
- Warranty – 2 -3 years
The RHT616ORS hedge trimmer is perfect for maintaining and shaping medium to large hedges such as laurels, conifers and holly.
The Ryobi RHT616ORS incorporates a powerful 600W electric motor that powers a 60cm long laser cut and diamond ground blade. With its 28mm blade gap and built-in saw function, it will easily slice through branches of 28mm.
The rotating (5-position) rear handle and D-loop front trigger combine to make cutting comfortable at multiple angles. In addition, the innovative Hedge Sweep attachment easily removes clippings and clears away the debris as you cut.
Pros:
- Powerful motor
- Built-in saw function
- 28cm blade gap
- Rotating 5-position rear handle
- 2-3 year warranty
Cons:
- Cable could be longer
- Is a bit heavy if used for long periods
VonHaus Pole Hedge Trimmer 2- in-1 Extendable Telescopic Hedge Cutter 600W – Corded Electric
Features
- Power – 600W
- Blade Length – 45cm
- Blade Gap – 20mm
- Weight – 5.1kg
- Cable Length – 10m
- Warranty – 2 years
With the VonHaus extendable telescopic hedge cutter, you can use the 600W standard hedge trimmer with dual action 45cm long laser cut steel blades to cut through branches and twigs up to 20mm thick. It is suitable for lower hedges and up-close shaping.
By attaching the telescopic pole, you can reach heights from 2.2m to 2.7m, allowing you to access higher, more difficult-to-reach areas. In addition, with a six-angle adjustable head, you can cope with any cutting challenge, whether horizontal or vertical.
Safety features such as a 2-stage safety trigger to prevent accidental operation, a hand protector shield and a blade cover allows you to feel safe while cutting. At the same time, the support shoulder strap and harness distribute the trimmer’s weight more evenly for more comfort.
Pros:
- Telescopic pole adjustable to 2.7m
- Six-angle adjustable head
- Support shoulder strap and harness
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Blade could be longer
Wolf Creek HT50 500W Electric Hedge Trimmer Telescopic Long Reach Pole 1.85m Extendable
Features
- Power – 500W
- Blade Length – 46.6cm
- Blade Gap – 18mm
- Weight – 3.7kg
- Cable Length – 10m
- Warranty – 1 year
The Wolf Creek electric hedge trimmer makes trimming tall hedges much safer and more accessible due to the telescopic, extendable pole that can be locked in position up to a maximum length of 1.85m
The 46.6cm long cutting blades are driven by a high-performance 500W motor that supplies enough power and performance for all trimming needs, including branches and twigs up to 18mm in diameter.
The HT50 Pole hedge trimmer has a 150-degree articulating power head to shape and trim hedges easily.
The Wolf Creek HT 50 is lightweight at only 3.7kg with a shoulder harness providing a comfortable and controlled trimming experience.
The two-way safety switch provides extra safety by preventing the trigger from being pressed accidentally.
Pros:
- 1.85m telescopic pole
- 150-degree articulating head
- Lightweight pole hedge trimmer
- Two-way safety switch
Cons:
- Difficult to assemble
How To Buy the Best Electric Hedge Trimmer
Choosing the electric hedge trimmer to suit your needs is all about finding the right balance between the size, height, density and type of hedge you intend to trim and, because you could be cutting for long periods, your comfort and safety.
Standard or Pole Long-reach Electric Hedge Trimmers
A standard hedge trimmer will be perfect for most bushes with a height of 6ft or less; however, if you have taller hedges that are more challenging to reach, then a long-reach hedge trimmer will give you that extra reach without needing a ladder.
Electric Motor Power Rating
The more powerful the motor you have on your hedge trimmer, the more effective and easier it will be to cut your hedges.
It will also prevent your motor from burning out if, for example, you try to cut through a thick hedge with a small engine, you are putting that motor under stress. It can get quite hot and could eventually burn out.
The power rating of an electric hedge trimmer motor is measured in watts ranging from 400-700 watts. If you have a small garden that does not have dense bushes, then a lower power will suffice, however, a higher-powered motor is recommended for medium or more extensive gardens.
Cable Length
Choose a model with a cable that’s long enough to reach a household plug and leaves enough cable to trim your hedge comfortably. If this is not possible, an extension lead will be required.
Electric Hedge Trimmer Blade
Petrol hedge trimmer blades do the cutting and the bulk of the hard work, therefore, you must select a hedge trimmer with the trimmer blades best suited for the hedges you will be trimming.
There are two essential elements to consider when choosing the correct trimmer blade:
- The length of the blade
- The gap between the blades (teeth spacing)
Blade Length
It is preferable to use a longer blade as you can cut more in a single sweep and you will have more reach when dealing with taller shrubs and hedges. However, a factor that must be considered is that a longer blade will be heavier and more challenging to handle.
Blade Gap (Teeth Spacing)
The blade gap relates directly to the branch thickness. The wider the space between the blades, the thicker the branches it can cut.
An electrical hedge cutter with a powerful engine will make cutting through more challenging material easier. Most standard electric hedge trimmers come with a 15-20mm gap which is more than adequate to trim most hedges.
You will need a trimmer with a 30-35mm tooth gap if you have mature hedges with thicker branches.
It must be noted that electric trimmers are not designed to saw through thicker branches. Therefore, if you try to cut through thicker branches, the blades will get jammed and damaged.
The bigger heavy-duty petrol hedge trimmers will be a better option if you have thick branches to cut.
Blade Sharpness
Trimmers with laser cut or diamond ground blades are available that are sharper and will last longer.
Weight
You could spend a long time carrying your trimmer, so ensure your electric hedge trimmer is a comfortable weight.
Safety Features
The following safety features will ensure no untoward accidents occur while trimming hedges:
- Hand Guard – All blades on hedge trimmers have a hand guard that will prevent your hands from slipping onto the blade.
- Dual Safety Switch – There are two power switches generally on the front and back handles that must be pressed simultaneously and held before the power turns on. The blade automatically turns off if one of the switches is released.
- Auto Jamming System – The blades will either stop if they become jammed due to a blockage or the system will reverse the blade’s direction to dislodge the blockage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Petrol or Electric Hedge Trimmer?
Whether a petrol or electric hedge trimmer is the suitable unit for you will be dependent on what you will be trimming, the thickness of the hedge and the length of time you will continuously use the hedge trimmer.
Petrol and electric hedge trimmers both have their advantages and disadvantages:
Petrol Hedge Trimmer
Factors For:
- Generally more powerful
- More effective for challenging tasks
- Portable so can be used anywhere
- No leads to cut or extensions to purchase
Factors Against:
- Heavier than electric units
- Petrol engines are not environmentally friendly
- A more expensive option
- Noisier than electric hedge trimmers
Electric Hedge Trimmer
Factors For:
- More affordable purchase cost
- Lighter and easier to manoeuvre
- Easy to maintain
- Does not pollute the environment
Factors Against:
- Requires a power point
- Most cables are not long enough, extension cables are required
- Danger of cutting through the cord
How Long Does an Electric Hedge Trimmer Last?
Electric hedge trimmers may need an extension cord and a power outlet, but unlike a battery-powered hedge trimmer will run continuously for as long as you need them to.
Electric hedge trimmers are easy to clean and maintain, and if the blades are kept sharp and the motor is regularly serviced, the hedge trimmer should last you many years.
Are Corded or Cordless Hedge Trimmers Better?
There are plus sides to both corded and cordless hedge trimmers.
The corded variety is more powerful and will have a longer-lasting power supply. As a result, you won’t have to be concerned about any power fade, changing batteries or waiting while the battery recharges.
The downside of corded hedge trimmers is that they have to be close to a power outlet or you will require an extension, and there is always the danger of cutting through the cord.
Cordless (battery-powered) hedge trimmers are more portable and won’t need a power point or an extension cable. Once the battery is charged, you can start trimming.
Unfortunately, a battery has limited power, and you may experience a power fade as the battery charge lessens. As a result, you may have to recharge the battery before you have completed trimming your hedges.
You can solve this problem by purchasing a higher amp battery or having more than one battery to switch them out quickly. However, it must be noted that either of these two options will result in additional costs.
Whichever option you choose, be assured that both will make hedge trimming quicker and less tiring than cutting your hedge manually.
Can an Electric Hedge Cutter Cut Branches?
Hedge trimmers are designed for cutting thin, lightweight twigs and branches of a hedge or a bush.
The blade gap usually ranges from 15mm to 35mm and determines the thickness that a hedge trimmer blade can cut. For example, a hedge trimmer with a blade gap of 18mm can cut through twigs or branches up to 18mm in diameter.
Conclusion
Electric hedge trimmers are affordable, lightweight, powerful and easy to use. They are perfect for small to medium-sized gardens with access to a main power supply and require minimal maintenance.
After considering all the factors mentioned in this guide, we trust that you can choose the model that best suits your needs and requirements.
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Charl is a full-time writer with a range of passions and expertise in lawn mowers and other garden power tools. After many years in the corporate rat race, he decided to follow these passions. When not writing, Charl can be found in his garden, tending to or propagating plants, keeping the lawn near perfect, and enjoying the outdoors with his dogs. He is also fascinated by emerging technology and tries to squeeze in a round of golf as often as possible.
