Reviews

A collection of all of our reviews.

Top 8 Best Patio Heaters in 2022

Love spending time outdoors in your backyard and can’t wait for it to be warm enough to sit outside at night? A good patio heater will allow you to enjoy fresh air in your backyard and keep you warm and toasty all year round. You may have seen these appliances in restaurants and enjoyed the cozy warmth wrapping around your whole body, making your evening much more enjoyable. Today we’re giving you a list of our top 8 best patio heaters in 2022 to make every night outside in your backyard special and extra cozy.

What to Consider When Buying a Patio Heater?

There are numerous different sizes, power supplies, and designs for patio heaters, so you need to consider several things if you want to buy the best patio heater for your needs. 

Power Source

electric heater

Nowadays, there are three primary power sources for patio heaters:

  • Electric – Electric patio heaters are very popular since they are straightforward to use, don’t require much maintenance, can be mounted to a wall or patio, and can also be used indoors if they are portable. However, they are not as energy efficient as gas heaters, so you might end up spending quite a lot on electricity.
  • Propane Gas – This is the most popular patio heater option because of its energy efficiency and low carbon emission. Propane patio heaters also heat up quickly to provide hot air around the area in just a few seconds.
  • Natural Gas – Natural gas is a bit greener option than propane. If you are very eco-friendly, this is your best option. However, remember you’ll need a natural gas conversion kit to connect to your house’s natural gas supply.

Heat Output

All gas heating appliances’ heat output is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Unit). The higher BTU, the more heat you will get. You’ll find patio heaters BTUs ranging from 10,000 to 48,000 BTUs. If the weather is not very cold and you need to heat a small area, 10,000 – 12,000 BTU heater might be enough, but for larger areas and patios, go for over 30,000 BTUs.

Electric patio heaters emit infrared light energy and warm up your clothes and skin instead of the air around you. Their heat output is measured in Watts. If you want to heat a larger area with an electric heater, go for 1500W or more, while a small room or table area can be a heater with 500W – 1000W of power.

Style

best patio heaters
upright heater

You’ll find various styles of patio heaters currently in the market. Some people love the mushroom-type gas heaters, while others find them ugly and love the pyramid-shaped ones. Electric patio heaters can be wall or ceiling-mounted. If efficiency or heat output is not an issue, you’ll be able to find a heater that perfectly fits your backyard or patio exterior and theme.

Best Patio Heater Reviews in 2022

Oscillating Ceramic Outdoor Heater with Adjustable Thermostat


Let’s start with the best small patio heater on our list for people who only need an occasional source of heat while sitting on the porch. This oscillating ceramic heater is perfect for indoor and outdoor use because of its portability and space-saving design. 

The rotating design allows it to cover a 120-degree area around the heater. This electric heater has a low (750W) and a high (1500W) heat setting and an additional fan-only mode to use as a fan. For safety, there is tip-over and overheat protection.

We love that you can easily bring it outside or inside depending on your needs, but keep in mind that the electrical cord is relatively short, just 70 inches, so you’ll need to position your lounging near an outlet.

This is definitely not a heater for large areas but is a perfect budget option to keep a small room warm or to keep a couple of people toasty while lounging on the porch.

Key Features:

  • Rotating heater covers 120 degrees area
  • It can be used indoor and outdoor
  • Portable
  • Space-saving
  • Safety features
  • Over-heat and tip-over protection
  • Budget-friendly

Weaknesses:

  • Short cord
  • Not suited for larger areas

Kracie electric outdoor patio heater


The Kracie electric heater is a great option to keep your patio warm. The adjustable height and 1500W power are enough to heat a small patio or a room. Compared to other electric heaters Kracie heater heats up very quickly. You can also change the inclination angle by 45 degrees to divert the heat more efficiently.

The stainless steel base makes the heater very stable. Along with overheat protection, tip-over protection shuts off the power if somebody accidentally tips the heater.

We love that there is a long power cord to better position your heater in larger areas like the patio, backyard, or garage. The only disadvantage of this heater is that the heating element is not very wide, so you need to strategically place and direct it to precisely the spot you’ll be staying in.

Key Features:

  • Powerful
  • Adjustable height
  • 45 degrees inclination angle
  • 3-meter cord
  • Stable base
  • Over-heat and tip-over protection
  • Cheap

Weaknesses:

  • Heater elements could be wider to cover more space

IQ Heat Portable Outside Heater with Stand – 1500W


IQ Heat 1500W heater is the best electric patio heater on our list. If you don’t mind spending a bit more on a quality product that will last you many cold seasons, this is your best bet. 

IQ Heat heater is very versatile, it comes with a tripod to position it anywhere on the ground, or you can mount it on a wall or patio frame to provide heating from above. If you’re using it on a tripod, it does take a bit more space because of the three legs but is very stable and hard to tip over. Even if somebody manages to tip it over, there’s an automatic shut-off along with overheat protection. The longevity and reliability are reinforced by a 2-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. 

The remote-controlled heater has three heat settings to find that perfect temperature no matter what the weather is. If needed, you can use the heater indoors too, but we feel it’s a bit large to use unless it’s a big indoor area. IQ heater is very quiet and won’t disturb anyone even during nighttime. 

Key Features:

  • Very quiet
  • Over-heat and tip-over protection
  • Stable tripod
  • It can be wall-mounted
  • Three heat settings
  • Remote controlled
  • 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects

Weaknesses:

  • A bit expensive

Hampton Bay 38,200 BTU Bronze Propane Gas Patio Heater


Propane gas heaters are very powerful and energy-efficient; that’s why you usually see them in restaurants’ outside areas all the time. The Hampton Bay 38,200 BTU patio heater is a bit expensive but very well built with unique features that other heaters lack.

This bronze propane gas heater is easy to set up and stands stable on the surface because of its weighted base. If needed, there are wheels on the bottom for easy relocation. Also, you’ll have a head vinyl cover included to protect the heater against dust and moisture, prolonging its lifespan. 

Despite having a bit lower BTU output than other similar mushroom-type propane heaters, the Hampton Bay heater features an adjustable reflector cap that allows diverting heat exactly where needed. 

Even though the heater has a very sturdy build and weighted base to protect against tipping, there is additional tip-over and flame failure protection to shut off the gas in case somebody manages to tip it over, or there’s a flame interruption.

Key Features:

  • Sturdy build
  • 38,200 BTU
  • Adjustable reflectors
  • Wheels to move around
  • Weighted base and anti-tilt design
  • Flame failure cut-off
  • Includes head vinyl cover

Weaknesses:

  • Expensive
  • Not as powerful as other similar heaters

Hampton Bay 48000 Btu Stainless Steel Patio Heater


If you’re looking for sheer power, then the Hampton Bay 48000 BTU heater is the best patio heater on this list for you. This stainless steel heater is an excellent option if you need to provide a lot of heat in a patio or backyard during cold evenings.

The easy to assemble stainless steel construction stands solid on any surface, but make sure to plan where you’ll keep the heater since it doesn’t have moving wheels. Additionally, the heater is in plain stainless steel color that might look off-putting for some.

All in all, this is a simple but very powerful patio heater to heat large areas if you don’t mind the plain looks.

Key Features:

  • Great quality
  • Very powerful 48,000 BTUs
  • Easy to assemble and use

Weaknesses:

  • Plain silver look
  • No wheels to move it

Avenlur Pyramid Patio Propane Heater


This pyramid heater is an option that provides heat, is stylish, and stands as a beautiful fixture in your outside area. The 48,000 BTU heat output is enough to heat medium to large outdoor spaces while also providing a mesmerizing flame show.

The 90-inch tall pyramid heater is perfect for heating a lounging area or an outdoor dance floor on the patio. Because of its design, this heater provides heat in a 360 degrees circle and has a sturdy base to protect against tipping in case someone bumps into it. The wheels at the base will allow you to easily relocate the heater if needed.

The high-quality solid construction with quartz glass flame tube makes this heater not only exceptionally looking but also long-lasting. However, good quality and beautiful design come at a much higher price compared to other propane heaters.

Key Features:

  • Pyramid style
  • Great exterior addition
  • Safety shut-off valve
  • 48,000 BTU heat output
  • 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects

Weaknesses:

  • Expensive

Amazon Basics Outdoor Patio Heater with Wheels, Propane 46,000 BTU


This Amazon private label patio heater is a powerful propane gas heater that looks pretty good, has everything you would want from a standard heater, and won’t leave your pockets empty.

The 46,000 BTU heat output is enough to keep a party of 4-6 people warm on your patio or backyard. If you want to provide heat for more people, you’ll most likely need more than one heater.

The heater is made from rugged steel, aluminum, and sturdy plastic. You can even choose from seven different colors. While the looks are a plus, the build itself is a bit flimsy and not very solid. However, it is straightforward to install and comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

Amazon Basics patio heater is for sure the best propane gas patio heater if you are on a budget. The flimsiness of the build is a bit annoying, but the high BTU heat output, design, and low price redeem it to be a worthy purchase.

Key Features:

  • 46,000 BUT
  • Great price
  • Multiple colors
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Base with wheels
  • Amazon basics 1-year limited warranty

Weaknesses:

  • Build not very solid

JIYU 1500W Patio Hanging Electric Heater


If you are tight on space and looking for something unobtrusive? JIYU 1500W heater is one of the best electric patio heaters that you can hang over your table or lounging area. This suspended electric heater is perfect for porches that need a little warmth during chilly evenings.

JIYU heater has three heat levels (600W, 1000W, 1500W) and heats up in just three seconds. You can easily switch between the levels or turn on/off the heater with remote control. It also comes with a 24h auto shut-off if you forget that it is on.

This heater can be used as a light source so that you won’t need extra light fixtures. It’s straightforward to set up; just unpack, and you can attach the harness to a hook on the ceiling. We would advise hanging it as low as possible. If you have a very tall porch ceiling, you might not get enough warmth from the heater. Finally, one minor inconvenience is the 70-inch cord, so when installing, keep in mind to have an outlet nearby.

Key Features:

  • Great for porches
  • Heats up in 3 seconds
  • 3 heat settings: 600W, 1000W, 1500W
  • Easy remote control
  • 24h auto shut-off
  • LED lights to provide warm light
  • Can be a source of light
  • Easy to set up

Weaknesses:

  • The power cord is quite short
  • Not enough heat on tall porches/ceiling

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to put a patio heater on my deck?

Yes, all free-standing patio heaters will have a heat source at the top or middle of the construction, so the bottom and base of the heater won’t get hot. This allows the heater to be placed on flammable decks like wood. 

Is it safe to place a patio heater under a porch?

Yes, putting a patio heater under a porch is safe as long as you have enough ceiling clearance and air ventilation. All mushroom-type heaters have shields to reflect heat downwards, thus reducing the heat going upwards, but just to be safe, always have at least 20-inch clearance to the ceiling. If your patio is enclosed with no ventilation, it’s advised not to use gas heaters to avoid poisoning in case of a gas leak.

Electric heaters should have some clearance as well, but in general, they provide way less heat and no direct flame. They can also be used in enclosed porches or indoors since they don’t have a poisoning risk or open flame.

Which patio heater is better, electric or propane gas?

It depends on your needs. If you want to provide more heat to a larger area, go for a powerful propane gas heater that can output 35,000+ BTUs. Propane gas heaters usually provide more heat to a larger area and are cheaper long-term because of cheap fuel. 

Electric heaters require way less maintenance and are easier to set up and a bit safer since you don’t need to deal with open flame. They can also be used indoors. However, they can run up your electricity bill quite quickly if used often and for long periods.

Top 9 Best Charcoal Starters in 2021

Many of us delight in the opportunity to fire up the old charcoal grill and display our long practiced meat grilling skills. We take enormous pride and comfort in the process and the tasty outcome. Before we can start sizzling steaks on the grill, we need to get those coals to just the right temperature and shade of grey. We have many options for how to get the coals glowing, but some are clearly safer and more efficient than others. Starting your charcoal effectively and evenly allows you to control and time your heat and, in turn, properly plan your cooking, grilling, or smoking. These days there’s no need to douse charcoal with liquid fuel and risk seasoning your food with petroleum aroma; let’s just stick to salt and pepper on our food. Learn how to effortlessly and effectively get your charcoal going with these top 9 best charcoal starters in 2021.

What is a charcoal starter, and why do I need one?

charcoal fire

A charcoal starter is a device or a consumable that allows you to effectively heat the charcoal until it is ash grey white and ready for your charcoal grill or chiminea. You might ask why would I need one if I can take a ball of rolled-up paper, cover it with charcoal, and light it up? But be honest with yourself, how many times has your paper or tiny kindling fizzled out under the charcoal, forcing you to begin again and pushing back your dinner schedule by another 1/2 hour? Or the charcoal lit up unevenly, and your grill temperature kept on changing every 5 minutes, making it hard to time your cooking? Save time and hassle by picking one of our best charcoal starters and move onto what you do best – grill!

Different types of charcoal starters

Charcoal starter on a grill
old charcoal starter

There are several types of charcoal starters you can get your hands on; they are very different in how they operate, but in the end, how much they cost or how fast they can light up the charcoal are the main differences. 

Chimney charcoal starters

charcoal chimney

Chimney charcoal starters are probably the most popular way to effectively and evenly light up your charcoal. A basic chimney starter construction consists of an upper compartment for your coal, a bottom compartment for a fire source, and a handle to transport or pour out hot coal. These starters are popular because they are easy to use, budget-friendly, and heat the coal evenly. It will take around 20 minutes in a chimney starter to have your coals ready for cooking.

Electric charcoal starters

A new trend among beginning and seasoned grillers are electric charcoal starters. They usually have a heating element or a very hot air fan to heat the coals. The most significant advantage of electric coal starters is that some of them can heat your coals in just a few minutes; however, they require an electric outlet and are a bit pricier.

Propane gas charcoal starters

You may have used a standard torch to light up a fire or grill yourself at one time or another. These are very portable and relatively cheap, but they are not as efficient in heating coals and require you to manually hold and point the torch towards the coals until they get hot.

Consumable charcoal starters

These starters are usually made from wood chips, paraffin wax, paper, or a mix of all of them. There are a lot of eco-friendly options that are made with nontoxic products and are very portable. However, they are not as reliable in quickly and evenly heating the charcoal.

Best Charcoal Starter Reviews

Weber 7447 Compact Rapidfire Chimney Starter


Weber Grilling equipment is one of the most popular BBQ equipment brands worldwide, so you know you’re on the right track with the Weber 7447 chimney charcoal starter. It’s made from stainless steel and features a heat protection plate to protect the handle from getting too hot, which also increases the sturdiness of the whole chimney.

The Compact Rapidfire chimney can fit around 40 briquettes, making it a perfect size for small to medium grills. The Weber 7447 Compact Rapidfire innovative grate inside the chimney lets you heat your coals in about 15 minutes. A cool-to-touch handle protects from burning your hand; however, always wear a heat-resistant glove or oven mitt to be safe.

This Weber grill is the best chimney starter on our list for a small grill or if you’re on a budget.

Key Features:

  • Well recognized brand
  • Fits around 40 briquettes
  • Compact
  • It gets coals hot in 15 minutes
  • Cool to touch handle
  • Sturdy construction
  • Budget price

Weaknesses:

  • It might be small for larger grills

Oklahoma Joe’s 9848125R04 Half-Time Charcoal Starter XL


If you have a huge grill that needs a lot of charcoal, you might be interested in Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal Starter XL. This large chimney starter can fit up to 100 briquettes at a time, and as the company boasts, the charcoal lights up twice as fast compared to competition chimneys. We’re not entirely sold on this statement, but the coal heats up at least a bit more quickly due to many air intake holes in the chimney.

We love the two handles on this chimney. The main heat-resistant handle (improved design, nonplastic) with a heat protection plate allows lifting the chimney safely. Since the XL chimney is large and becomes heavy when full of charcoal, an extra handle will enable you to use two hands and control the pouring of hot charcoal.

While the main handle is solid and sturdy, we did feel the second one was a bit flimsy, so you might want to tighten the bolts yourself.

Despite having a bit higher price point, Oklahoma Joe’s XL is the best large chimney starter on our list if you have a large grill and want to avoid lighting 2 or 3 batches of coal.

Key Features:

  • Extra-large capacity of 100 charcoal briquettes
  • Stainless steel construction
  • Improved heat resistant handle and shield
  • Extra handle for controlled dumping of the coal

Weaknesses:

  • Construction is a bit flimsy
  • A bit expensive

BBQ Dragon Chimney of Insanity Charcoal Starter


BBQ Dragon Chimney is an innovative chimney charcoal starter with a 90-degree elbow inside to fit their grill fan and supercharge the heating process. This allows the charcoal to heat up in just 3 minutes. All you need to do is grab a couple of crumpled balls of paper, stuff them into the elbow, and light them up. Now turn on the fan, stick it into the elbow, fasten the fan onto the grill and leave it running for 3-4 minutes. (fan not included)

The thick galvanized steel construction feels really solid and easy to handle. As with all chimney starters, you have a heat protection shield and a heat-resistant nylon handle.

Be informed that the chimney itself is sold separately and is quite expensive compared to other chimney starters. Without the fan, you won’t be able to utilize the unique design elbow tube. The chimney and fan combination is quite expensive but allows you to heat the charcoal in just 3 minutes and makes it the best luxury charcoal starter on our list.

Key Features:

  • Innovative design
  • Lights up charcoal in 3 minutes
  • Thick gauge galvanized steel
  • Thick heat shield and heat resistant nylon handle

Weaknesses:

  • Quite small
  • Expensive
  • Have to buy the chimney starter and the fan

MIGI WOLF Electric Charcoal Fire Starter


Hot airstream charcoal lighters are probably the most popular charcoal starter currently on the market. They blow hot air of up to 1100°F to light up the charcoal in around 60 seconds. By heating 2-3 spots of the charcoal pile, you’ll have your coal ready for grilling in just 3-5 minutes. This is the fastest charcoal starter on our list.

This electric charcoal starter doesn’t use any flame or gas, so it’s much safer for you or your party-goers. The long heating fan stick allows you to safely hold it without burning your hand.

The only disadvantage of the looftlighter is that it’s pretty expensive, and like with most electric lighters, you’ll need an electric socket nearby to use it.

Key Features:

  • Heats up to 1100°F
  • Very powerful 
  • An extended heat stick protects the hand from getting hot
  • No gas or flame used
  • Can heat targeted charcoal in 60 seconds

Weaknesses:

  • It needs to plug into an electric socket
  • Expensive

BISON AIRLIGHTER 520 Cordless Fire Starter


Love camping and need a portable option or just don’t have an electric socket? The Bison Airlighter 520 is a cordless charcoal starter perfect for on-the-go grilling where there’s no easy access to electricity or space is tight.

The refillable butane tank powers a small flame to light up the coal first, and then you can switch to the fan to quickly heat the coals.

The fan is a bit weak but enough to get your coals going in 3-5 minutes. The small size and no need for electricity make it one of the best portable charcoal starters in 2021.

Key Features:

  • Cordless
  • Portable
  • Convenient and versatile
  • 15 minutes of burn time
  • Refillable butane tank

Weaknesses:

  • The fan is a bit weak

GGC Electric Charcoal Fire Starter


This GGC electric charcoal starter is an excellent option if you’re on a budget but still want to light up your coals in less than 5 minutes. With this fire starter, you can safely light up your charcoal using nothing but hot air. Just plug it into the socket, aim it at the charcoal until it gets red and move onto the other side of the charcoal pile. In about 5 minutes, the charcoal should be ready for grilling.

The build and fan might not be as strong as other top brands, but GGC electric charcoal starter is pretty cheap, making it a great budget option.

Key Features:

  • No gas or flame used
  • Budget price
  • Heats coals in several minutes

Weaknesses:

  • It needs to be plugged into an electric socket
  • Not very powerful 

Stanbroil 600W Electric Charcoal Starter


Here we have a Stanbroil 600W electric charcoal starter that uses a heating element instead of a fan. It’s a great passive way to heat your charcoal without the need to stand next to your grill. Just stick the heating element into a pile of charcoal and plug it in. In about 8-10 minutes, your charcoal will be started.

The 600W powerful heating element can cover a large amount of charcoal at the same time, so you don’t need to relocate it during the process. It may not be the most conventional charcoal starter, but it requires little to no attention. This is the type of charcoal starter that I use and I find it very effective and has lasted me for at least five years without any sign of failure.

Key Features:

  • 600W heating element
  • Large heating element
  • Easy to use
  • Cheap

Weaknesses:

  • It needs to plug into an electric socket

Naked Flame Fire Starters Natural Fast Lighting Charcoal Starters 

These wood wool fire starters are dipped in food-grade wax, making them 100% natural with no unpleasant odor. Just grab a couple of rolls, stick them in different sides of your charcoal pile and light them up. The perfect option for camping and traveling when space is really tight.

Key Features:

  • 100% natural
  • Easy to light up
  • 8-10 minutes burn time

Weaknesses:

  • A bit expensive

Weber Lighter Cubes


This is another consumable charcoal starter, this time from our famous grill master Weber. These lighter cubes are very easy to light up even if they are wet or during conditions. You don’t need any paper or kindling, just a touch of fire. 

All it takes is 1-2 Weber lighter cubes in a pile of charcoal and 15-20 minutes of burn time to get the coals hot.

Key Features:

  • Lights up fast
  • Lights up even wet
  • Burns for 15-20 minutes

Weaknesses:

  • Messy packaging
  • It has some lighter fluid smell

Frequently Asked Questions

How to use the chimney charcoal starter?

Using a chimney starter is quite simple. The first step is to fill the top container with charcoal of your choice. Make sure to fill it up with as much coal as you’re going to use, so all coals light up at the same time. Now roll up some paper, paraffin wax, lighter cubes, or small kindling on your grill grates and light it up. Put the chimney starter with coals on top and let it burn. 

The air intake holes at the bottom part of the chimney starter will get the fire going upwards straight to the coals. You can leave the chimney burning for around 20minutes; by that time, your coals should be ash grey white and ready for grilling. Grab a heat-resistant glove or oven mitten and pour out the hot charcoal into your grill.

How to use an electric charcoal starter?

An electric charcoal starter is even easier to use. You’ll usually find two types of electric charcoals – heat guns that blow hot air onto the coals or starters that use a heating element that you need to bury into charcoal.

Using a heat gun is pretty easy; just plug in your starter, push the button, and aim into the coal. When a few pieces of coal start sparking and are red hot, continue with the next charcoal and repeat until all the coals in your grill are turning ash grey white and are red hot.

If you have a heating element coal starter bury the element into the coals, plug it in and leave for a good 8-12 minutes. You can check-in between if some coals are not getting any heat and rearrange them with a poker. Be sure to follow the directions, these starters can melt in the charcoal if left for too long.

Top 7 Best Propane Gas Grills in 2021

Are you tired of taming flame on your wood-burning fire pit or waiting for your coals to get hot in a charcoal grill? Consider getting a propane gas grill that will let you start grilling in 5-10 minutes. If you are a beginner or just lazy like we are, you’ll love the convenient and quick heat control whether you’re searing a steak or BBQing tasty ribs. To save you the hassle of researching which propane gas grills are the best, we have compiled a list of the Top 7 Best Propane Gas Grills in 2021 with detailed and compact information about top-performing grills in various categories.

What to Consider When Buying a Gas Grill?

Before jumping in and buying the first recommended gas grill, take some time and think about what kind of gas grill best fits your needs. Here are a couple of points you should take into consideration.

Price

weber grill

As always, your budget is one of the most significant factors when looking for a gas grill. If you’re looking for a budget option, be ready to sacrifice quality, durability, and special features. However, you don’t need to spend $10,000 (yes, there are grills for $10,000 or more) on a grill to get high-quality. Our list contains propane gas grills with the best price-to-quality ratio, so you don’t spend a single dollar for something you don’t need.

Size

Reflect on your previous grilling experience. How many people do you usually need to feed? Is it just your family of 4 or large parties? Large gas grills are pretty chunky and take a lot of storage space, so if you’re going to fire up the grill only occasionally for a few burgers, go for a compact two-burner gas grill or even a tiny portable tabletop grill.

For bigger households or events, get a four-burner grill or at minimum three burner one to avoid cooking your food in multiple batches and making a part of your guests wait while others already munch on your delicious burgers.

Features

best propane grill
grilling meat

Warmer rack, rotisserie forks, a side burner for side dishes or sauces, safety gadgets, LED lights for night cooking, fuel conversion, and many other various features can be found on a propane gas grill. Just remember, the more special features a gas grill has, the higher your total price will be. 

In our opinion, a good gas grill should have a good igniter, high-quality grill grates, a warmer rack, and maybe a side table. Anything extra is optional and should be picked depending on your needs.

Best Propane Gas Grill Reviews in 2021

Coleman Portable Propane Grill for Camping & Tailgating


The Coleman portable propane grill is excellent for camping trips or tailgating events for 2-4 people. The 28.81 x 18.31 x 10.63 inches size will fit in any car trunk and will be easy to store during the cold season.

The high-quality cast iron grill construction and stationary legs provide stability and extra sturdiness to the whole build. The grill grates are enameled cast iron which is dishwasher safe but can be easily cleaned with some hot soapy water. However, avoid using metal utensils, or you’ll scratch and damage the non-stick surface.

We love that this Coleman grill is very easy to maintain. The grates can be washed with soap without any strenuous scrubbing, and the bottom of the grill has a water pan to catch all of the nasty grease drippings.

This small 225 sq. in. grill has two burners; however, they are divided into an inner and outer ring instead of separate heat zones.

All in all, the Coleman Portable propane gas grill is not the most powerful gas grill you can get but is the best portable gas grill for camping, tailgating, or tabletop cooking for a small family.

Key Features:

  • 225 sq. in. cooking surface
  • Two burners
  • 11,000 BTU power
  • Water pan to catch grease
  • Solid build
  • Very portable can be used tabletop
  • Easy to clean

Weaknesses:

  • It cannot be adapted to natural gas line
  • Just one heat zone
  • Expensive for a small grill

Cuisinart CGG-750 Portable, Venture Gas Grill


Look at this beauty! If you’re a sucker for beautiful builds and aesthetics, the Cuisinart CGG-750 portable grill is one of the most beautiful portable propane gas grills on our list. It’s perfect for trips to the beach, park, or short BBQ sessions in your backyard.

The Cuisinart CGG-750 has an innovative stacking design with a bottom with space for a 1-pound propane gas cylinder, the middle part containing the grill itself, and the top cover with an integrated cutting board. Everything stacks up nicely, and you can carry it like a small picnic basket.

The small 154 sq. in. cooking surface is best suited for two people. 9,000 BTU power is also a bit weak and won’t give you scorching heat to properly sear a steak. 

The most significant advantages of this small grill are its beautiful aesthetic build, looks, and portability to take it almost anywhere. This is a perfect option for an occasional tableside grilling in your beautiful backyard, park, or beach.

Key Features:

  • 154 sq. in. cooking surface
  • 9,000 BTU burner
  • Integrated cutting board
  • Portable and lightweight
  • Efficient stackable design
  • Beautiful looks

Weaknesses:

  • Small cooking surface
  • The grilling grate is more like a grill pan
  • Shallow drip pan
  • Weak BTU power

Char-Broil 463673519 Performance Series Propane Gas Grill


Let’s leave portable grills and move on to grills for your backyard. The Char-Broil 463673519 is a two burner and 24,000 BTU powered propane gas grill which is excellent for 2-4 person households. 

This model ignites very easily with a battery-powered ignition by a button push. Two burners allow you to have different heat zones on the 300 sq. in. primary cooking surface. There is also an additional warming rack (100 sq. in.) to place already cooked protein or veggies. If you don’t have a table nearby, you’ll love the two folding side tables to place any dishes or barbecue equipment while grilling.

The Char-Broil 463673519 propane gas grill is very easy to maintain. Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates are non-stick and easy to clean after use. A removable grease pan is convenient to take out and clean up. When grilling and cleaning are done, you can unfold the side tables and conveniently store the grill even in small storage spaces. 4 caster wheels allow you to easily transport the grill no matter if it’s on your brick patio or thoroughly groomed lawn.

This is one of the best compact gas grills on our list for small households that don’t have a lot of space in their backyard or patio.

Key Features:

  • 300 sq. in. primary cooking surface
  • 24,000 BTU power
  • Two burners
  • The thermometer on the lid
  • Compact design
  • Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
  • Electronic ignition
  • Two side tables
  • Easy to move wheels with lock ability

Weaknesses:

  • Less at the front of the grill than in the back
  • Requires quite a bit of assembly

Huntington 30040HNT Liquid Propane Gas Grill


The Huntington 30040HNT propane gas grill is one of the best mid-sized gas grills if you’re on a budget but still want to enjoy all the perks of proper grilling. Huntington products are made in North America and actively compete with overseas brands by offering customers lower price points while maintaining high quality.

The Huntington 30040HNT propane gas grill has a cast aluminum box that helps retain more heat and is less prone to rusting, increasing the grill’s longevity. The whole body is made from North American steel, which should be very sturdy; however, the steel is relatively thin, so the build does feel a bit flimsy when assembled.

As mentioned above, it’s a mid-sized gas grill with 430 sq. in. of primary cooking surface and 130 sq. in. space on the warming rack. You’ll have no trouble feeding 3-5 people, but a bigger party will have to wait in line.

The Huntington 30040HNT is a fantastic option on a budget for occasional grillers. It may not be the most powerful grill and a bit flimsy, but the quality of materials is quite good. It delivers everything you would want from a propane gas grill without costing a fortune.

Key Features:

  • 430 sq. in. primary cooking surface
  • 30,000 BTU power
  • Two burners
  • Porcelain-coated grates
  • Two side tables
  • Affordable

Weaknesses:

  • Flimsy build quality

Weber 61016001 Genesis II E-335 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill


If you’re a regular reader, you know that the Weber company name pops up in almost every article about grilling. They’ve been producing consumer-boasted grilling equipment since the invention of the kettle grill in 1952. The Weber Genesis II E-335 is no exception. The superb build quality, power, and numerous accessories take us to the professional grillers league.

The GS4 high-performance system is backed up by a 39,000 BTU power main burner and 12,000 BTU side burner for sauces or side dishes. Additionally, there’s a 9,000 BTU sear station explicitly made to add fantastic sear and grill marks on your meats.

A large 513 sq. in. cooking surface grates are made from 7mm solid stainless steel rods and will fit up to 20 burgers. The grill has three burners, so you can multitask on three separate heat zones and rest your food on a warming rack.

Genesis II E-335 is a very versatile and convenient grill. You’ll have quite an ample storage space under the grill for your disposables or cleaning equipment. Tables on the sides give you enough space for prepping or keeping dishes and drinks.

The whole build of the grill and accessories are protected by a 10-year warranty making it the best large propane gas grill in 2021 on our list. You’ll have to spend a bit more, but it is a long-term investment that should serve you a decade.

Key Features:

  • 513 sq. in. primary cooking surface
  • 39,000 BTU power main burner, 12,000 BTU side burner, and 9,000 BTU sear station
  • Solid stainless steel grates
  • Interactive 3D assembly instructions
  • Storage space under the grill
  • Sear station
  • Side burner
  • 10-year warranty on all parts

Weaknesses:

  • Expensive

Char-Broil 463377319 Performance 4-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill


The Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner gas grill is an excellent option for large households or party caterers who are on a budget but still want to entertain a large group of people. 

The 425 sq. in. primary cooking surface is large enough to cater 10 to 15 people at a time while also cooking up a sauce or side dish on the side burner. The cooking grates are made from porcelain-coated cast-iron, which helps retain heat and is easy to clean. Having four burners allows you to divide the grill into multiple heat zones to cook multiple dishes simultaneously. 

The grill construction is made from gauge steel with stainless steel finish on other parts. We felt that the steel is a bit thin, making the grill flimsy if moved around, but you probably shouldn’t expect superb quality for a budget price. The Char-Broil 463377319 is our pick for the best large propane gas grill on a budget.

Key Features:

  • 425 sq. in. primary cooking surface
  • The temperature gauge on the lid
  • Side burner
  • Side table
  • Warming rack
  • Four burners
  • Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
  • Budget price

Weaknesses:

  • Thin gauge steel construction is a bit flimsy

Blackstone 36 Inch Cooking 4 Burner Flat Top Gas Grill


If you can’t live without pancakes, eggs, and bacon, consider getting a flat-top gas grill in your backyard. Imagine waking up early in the morning and firing up a tasty diner-style breakfast on your own flat top!

The Blackstone 36-inch flat top grill has four burners and a 720 sq. in. cooking surface to create various heat zones for multiple dishes at a time, even for a large party. Want to have a large barbecue party? No problem, this grill can handle up to 30 burgers at a time, and the flat top will allow you to get that crunchy sear by using burger grease, which would usually be lost on a regular grill. Additionally, you have less hassle when cooking bacon or small veggies, and cleaning is much easier since you have only one surface to clean.

This flat-top grill has 4x 15,000 BTU burners and a thick rolled steel surface for fantastic heat retention to sear your steaks and burgers properly.

Because of the thick steel surface and wide-spread legs, the whole grill feels very solid on the ground and stays in place with the help of lockable caster wheels. This flat top is not the best to take camping since it is pretty bulky and weighs 120 pounds.

All in all, Blackstone 36-Inch flat top grill is one of the best flat-top grills currently on the market and a fantastic budget option for large catering events and parties.

Key Features:

  • 720 sq. in. cooking surface
  • 15,000 BTU power
  • Four burners
  • Budget price
  • Thick rolled steel surface
  • Easy to clean

Weaknesses:

  • Heavy
  • Not as powerful as other large grills

Gas Grill Maintenance Checklist

Preheat before grilling

You should always cook on a hot grill. When a grill is preheated, you’ll have indirect heat cooking your food (when the lid is closed, of course). If the grill is just turned on and you slap a burger on cold grates, it most likely will get stuck, and only the bottom will be cooking by direct heat for the next 5 minutes.

Clean your cooking grates

Before and after every use, you should clean your grilling grates or flat top to avoid burnt charcoal on your next meal or even food poisoning. Use necessary grilling tools like grill brushes or just soapy water, depending on your cooking surface material.

Empty the grease drip pan

Avoid nasty smells by occasionally removing and cleaning your grease drip pan. We like to clean it every other grilling, but the more often you clean it, the better.

Use a grill cover

If you want your grill to last long, you need to get a grill cover. Rain, wind, sun, leaves, and other debris will have a toll on your grill very quickly despite it being rust-resistant. A cheap water-resistant cover will keep your grill clean and moisture-free.

Top 7 Best Manual Pole Saws and Pruners for Landscaping in 2021

With the spring coming, young trees and bushes start growing at a much faster pace and require trimming before they get out of control. When you have tall bushes and trees to trim, your only choices are to buy a tall orchard ladder or a pole pruner. Don’t risk your neck trying to balance on a tall ladder and prune at the same time. One bad fall can really mess you up. Top quality pole pruners and saws can really make the job surprisingly easy and safe. They are lightweight, easy to handle, much longer than electric ones, and of course, there’s no risk of falling off the ladder because you won’t need one! We did extensive research to give you our list of the top 7 best manual pole saws and pruners for landscaping in 2021. 

Continue reading to learn about different types of pole saws and pruners and what to consider to select the best option for your needs.

Types of manual pole saws and pruners

Pruner and Saw combination

We really like the pruner and saw combination because it provides versatility and easier tree trimming. The saw on the pole can deal even with large and thick branches depending on the blade length, while the pruner can precisely and, most importantly, cleanly cut thin tree branches.  The only downside is that having both on the pole all of the time can make trimming in tight spaces more difficult.

Traditional rope pruners

Traditional rope pruners are the ones that use a rope outside the pole to prune branches. The cutting mechanism is very simple; when you move the rope downwards, the blade moves up to the hook and cuts anything in its way. The rope can be pulled from the end, middle, or top part of the pole. Rope pruners are nice because you can hold the pole in almost any position and always reach the rope. The only downside is that sometimes branches will get twisted in the rope.

Ropeless (handle) pruners

pole pruner
handle pruner

Ropeless or handle pole pruners have a handle at the end of the pole, which is connected to the blade with a rope, string, cable, or mechanism inside the pole. Using the handle to control the cutting mechanism is easier, and you don’t have a rope getting in the way, but it forces you to always hold the pole by the handle.

What to consider when buying a pole saw and pruner?

Tree branch thickness

If your backyard or garden is full of trees with thin branches, then a pruner will be sufficient. For medium-sized trees, a combination of a saw and pruner works best. That way, you can quickly and cleanly cut thin branches while sawing off the thicker ones. 

For larger trees with thick branches, you’ll need a saw with a longer blade. This will reduce the time and effort required to cut a thick branch.

Pole length

It may seem obvious, but some people forget to check how tall their trees are before buying a pole saw. You don’t want to defeat the purpose of having a pole saw by needing to use it on a ladder. Be sure to understand how long of a pole you need before you buy.

Material

These days most saws and pruners from reputable brands will be made from a high-quality material like fiberglass or a combination of fiberglass & aluminum. They are incredibly lightweight and not that expensive anymore. Don’t settle for any weaker or cheaper materials. 

Best Manual Pole Saws and Pruner Reviews in 2021

Corona TP 6870 MAX RazorTOOTH DualCOMPOUND Action 14-ft. Tree Pruner


The Corona TP 6870 Max pole saw, and pruner is one of the sharpest pole saws you can get without spending a fortune. With up to 6 teeth per inch, the razor tooth 13-inch saw blade cuts quicker, cleaner, and with less effort. Impulse hardened blade also adds improved durability even when constantly used on thick and wet trees.

The dual-compound tree pruner has a durable fiberglass pole with an adjustable 7′ to 14′ length. We are surprised by the chain-drive action pulley system and very sharp zinc alloy pruning head that cuts through branches (up to 1¼-inch) like a hot knife through butter. The TP 6870 Max pole weighs just over 3 pounds and has a comfortable 24-inch foam handle to firmly and comfortably hold while sawing. 

We would love the pole to be a 4′ – 6′ longer for the price it’s being sold, but the pruner and saw blade sharpness and quality are undeniable and makes it the best manual pole saw and pruner on our list.

Key Features:

  • Reaches up to 14-feet
  • Comfortable foam grip
  • Rope pull system
  • 13-inch saw blade
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Pruner cutting capacity: 1¼ inches

Weaknesses:

  • Quite expensive
  • Not very long

Fiskars 14 Foot Power-Lever Extendable Tree Pruner

Anyone who has ever done any landscaping or gardening work has used one or another Fiskars tool and knows that they are durable, sturdy, and easy to handle. Fiskars’ 14-foot extendable tree pruner and pole saw is no exception and even comes with a lifetime warranty.

The pole extends up to 14-foot and has a quick release lock that allows for a rapid and safe extension or contraction. At the top of the pole, you’ll have a long 15-inch WoodZig saw blade to cut even thick branches. In contrast, smaller branches are easier to cut with the fully hardened and precision ground, steel pruning blade. 

The only drawback is the almost 6 pounds weight of the pole, which might be too heavy for some people, especially if you need to do a lot of pruning. Other than that, Fiskars 93016059J is the best quality manual pole saw and pruner for landscaping if you’re on a budget.

Key Features:

  • High-quality solid build
  • 15-inch saw blade
  • Pruner cutting capacity: 1½ inches
  • Budget price
  • 14-foot fiberglass pole
  • Quick-release lock
  • Lifetime warranty

Weaknesses:

  • Not as light as competition

Jameson LS-6PKG-6 LS-Series Landscaper Pole Saw Kit with 3 Poles

If you have different height trees in your backyard, Jameson LS-6PKG-6 saw kit is a fantastic product for both professionals and beginners. The three-pole system allows you to use the pole with 6, 12, and even 18 feet lengths. The easy assembly and disassembly allow for a quick length change to switch between different trees. 

The top of the pole is equipped with a sharp 16-inch Barracuda Tri-cut saw blade to cut thick branches. When using both extensions, the pole weighs 8 pounds which is quite heavy for a manual pole saw; however, when sawing with long poles, the gravity force from extra weight gives you additional sawing power.

At first, we were uncomfortable with the thicker pole, but when you use the pole with both extensions, the thickness makes the pole less wiggly and makes it easier to control.

Key Features:

  • Three pole system for various heights
  • Up to 18-feet reach
  • 16-inch Barracuda Tri-cut saw blade
  • Sturdy for a long pole

Weaknesses:

  • No pruner blade for small branches
  • The three piece handle makes it a bit more cumbersome to carry around and a bit harder to extend.

Milliard 6-16 Foot Extendable Tree Pruner/Pole Saw 


Make branch trimming and cutting a breeze with the Milliard 6 to 16 feet extendable tree pruner pole. Milliard products have high-quality standards, decent pricing, and friendly customer support as an added bonus.

We like that the pole has an adjustable length. You can make it any length from 6 to 16 feet. We did notice that you need to use extra force to tighten the length locking mechanism properly. 

The head of the pole is equipped with a 14-inch saw blade, with every tooth having three sharp sides. You have a sharp pruner head with a double pulley system for effortless and clean cuts for thin branches.

Made from fiberglass, it’s very easy to maneuver, even for weaker landscapers. Finally, the adjustable length versatility makes the Milliard extendable pole saw and pruner one of the best options for beginners.

Key Features:

  • Double pulley system
  • Firm but lightweight fiberglass pole
  • Foam handle for comfort
  • Up to 16-feet reach
  • 14-inch carbon steel saw blade
  • Pruner cutting capacity: 1¼ inches
  • Adjustable rope handle for easy grip

Weaknesses:

  • The pole length locking mechanism could be tighter.

Talitare 10-foot Pruning Pole Saw 


Don’t have tall trees and need a budget pole saw for the occasional trimming once or twice a year? The Talitare 10-foot pole saw is the best budget pole saw on our list for the infrequent landscaper.

The Talitare pole saw is assembled from 5 pieces so that you can adjust the pole from 4 to 10-foot length. The head of the pole has a long and sharp saw blade (2 blades included) with a hook to help you stay on track when sawing.

This pole saw pruner doesn’t feel as sturdy or high-quality as competition, but you can’t ask for more with this budget price. A lightweight and easy-to-handle pole saw for simple landscaping chores.

Key Features:

  • Adjustable 4 – 10 foot length
  • Lightweight
  • Great budget price
  • Stainless steel rods

Weaknesses:

  • Rusts quicker than expected
  • Build not very sturdy

Jameson FG-6PKG-7 FG-Series Manual Pole Saw and Tree Pruner


If you’re looking for a heavy-duty pole pruner and saw Jameson FG-6PKG-7 is your best bet. This set includes two 6′ poles for a maximum of 12′ feet reach, a saw blade head, and a pruner head. 

The fiberglass pole is very sturdy and lightweight; however, the Jameson FG series poles are a touch thicker than most. With the added heavy-duty interchangeable heads, the pole weighs 10 pounds and might be too heavy for some users.

As expected, Jameson prides in their extra sharp 16-inch Barracuda Tri-cut saw blade and the double pulley pruner system for easy sawing and cutting. 

If you don’t mind the higher price tag and are ready to invest in a long-lasting pole saw and pruner, the FG-6PKG-7 is the best pole saw and pruner for more frequent use that will last you years.

Key Features:

  • 16-inch Barracuda Tri-Cut saw blade
  • Up to 12-foot reach
  • Sturdy and stiff fiberglass pole
  • Double pulley system
  • Interchangeable pruner and saw blade heads

Weaknesses:

  • Quite heavy
  • Expensive

Corona TP 3206 SwivelCUT Long Reach Pruner

Have vines, small trees, and bushes that need occasional trimming? Do back problems prevent bending or working close to the ground? Corona TP 3206 is a fantastic long-reach pruner to avoid constant bending and straining.

We love the engineering of this 62-inch lightweight pole. The pruning mechanism can work in two ways. The first one is to use the handle at the bottom and pull it towards you. It allows it to reach higher branches or vines but takes a bit of practice to master. The second method is to pull the sliding grip in the middle of the pole, which works well when cutting nearby. 

Finally, it’s essential to appreciate the 360 degrees swivel head that allows you to cut from any angle and reach into tight spaces. This is definitely, one of the best small pole pruners for people with back problems.

Key Features:

  • PowerGlide comfortable grip
  • 360 degrees swivel head
  • Pruner cutting capacity: 1¼ inches
  • Ergonomic design

Weaknesses:

  • Short pole

How Do I Use a Manual Pole Pruner?

Using a pole pruner is pretty straightforward. You have to select the branch you want to cut and position it between the blade and the hook, then pull on the string or press the handle to engage the cutting mechanism. Just remember, most pole pruners can handle up to 1 to 1.5-inch thick branches. If you force it too much and try to cut thicker branches, the blade is likely to get stuck. Also, be sure to never twist the blade while cutting or the blade might bend or the mechanism might break. Always cut the branch close to where it joins the larger branch to avoid dead little stubs. As with any tall tool, be sure to never use a pole of any kind near electrical wires. Many people get electrocuted every year by allowing their pole to touch the power wires.

How Do I Use a Manual Pole Saw?

Using a manual pole saw is pretty straightforward as well. You need to move the pole using an up and down stroke motion. Don’t use any force when moving upwards because you are lifting the pole and fighting saw and branch friction simultaneously. On the way down, use more force; the combination of pole weight, gravity, and your pull will create a powerful stroke. As with any tall tool, be sure to never use a pole of any kind near electrical wires. Many people get electrocuted every year by allowing their pole to touch the power wires.

Top 7 Best Handheld Electric Saws for Landscaping in 2021

Every homeowner has at least one small hand saw in their garage for simple DIY projects or regular tree and landscape maintenance. A simple tree pruning saw might be enough to cut a few small branches, a plastic pipe, or some 2×4’s, but if you have a large backyard or are going to work on more significant DIY projects, it’s going to be a long and strenuous workout. These days we have access to many different handheld electric saws that can save you countless hours of time and energy. Today we’re going to show you the top 7 best handheld electric saws for landscaping in 2021 to help you create the most beautiful backyard in the neighborhood without breaking a sweat.

Types of handheld electric saws

You can find a plethora of different types of handheld electric saws, but the most popular are these four types:

Chainsaw 

saw chain

A chainsaw has a set of sharp linked teeth located on a chain that runs at high speed around a steel panel. These iconic saws used by lumbermen and emergency services are designed to cut even the largest trees quickly. Electric chainsaws are not as powerful as their gas powered counterpart, but they can offer a quick, convenient, and easy way to trim or cut smaller trees.

Reciprocating saw

These saws are very popular because of their versatility, ease of use, heavy-duty, and maneuverability. With many different blade choices, they can cut not only wood but metal, tiles, plastic, etc. Reciprocating saws work by pushing and pulling the blade in short but rapid strokes. These saws are not the most precise and you will find it difficult to make straight cuts, but if you are looking to rip through some wood in a hurry, this might be the saw for you. We often use a reciprocating saw to help cut out old stumps. It is easier and more precise than an axe and doesn’t dull like a chainsaw. Always be careful if sawing into the ground, these saws will cut right through wire and pipe also. You can use them for small DIY projects, tree pruning, hardscaping, or even demolition.

Jigsaw

Similar to a reciprocating saw, Jigsaws have a blade that quickly moves in and out of the saw. The main two differences between a reciprocating saw and a jigsaw are a downward pointing blade and a much narrower blade that allows making non-straight cuts. This makes the jigsaw a perfect tool for detailing but not as useful for landscaping. If you want to cut out a curvy pattern in plywood, a jigsaw would be the perfect choice.

Circular saw

As the name suggests, these saws have a disc-shaped blade. They can be used freehand, with a parallel guide fence, or mounted on a sawmill. Professionals and amateurs often use this type of saw for their construction projects. This type of saw can create a very precise and straight cut into wood or plywood, so it’s often used during house construction, renovation, building a patio, fences, etc. A circular saw, with its flat, circular blade and flat deck, is meant to cut square lumber such as two by fours or plywood and is not well suited for tree branches or pruning.

What to consider before buying an electric handheld saw?

What are you going to cut?

Best electric chainsaw
Andrewa, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Different landscaping tasks may require different types of saws. Reciprocating saw will be sufficient for most small backyard chores, quick DIY projects, or landscaping tasks. If your backyard is full of large and thick trees that need to be cut, you might be better off with a chainsaw since a reciprocating saw will take way longer, and the blade is just not long enough to cut through a thicker tree.

Safety features

You need to be extremely careful when using power tools like saws. Besides wearing personal protective equipment and properly handling your tools, look for extra safety features like anti-slip handles, splash protection, overheat protection, or auto shut off if the blade gets stuck.

Ergonomics

Most electric saws used for landscaping look very similar, but when you pick them in your hands, you might have a totally different experience. To reduce strain on your hands and back, make sure the saw has ergonomic grips. Handles that are too thick may result in a lesser grip and less control of the blade. 

If you’re working in tight spaces, make sure the saw is compact and maneuverable enough to reach those small cuts.

Battery or Corded

Some electricity-powered saws are on a cord plugged into a socket, while others use lithium-ion batteries. Corded saws usually have more power, but you’ll have to drag the cord behind. If you need to go high up a tree or go further away from the house in your large backyard, a battery-powered saw is way more convenient even if you have to sacrifice some power. Being a landscape professional, I like to have both corded and battery power tools. Battery power is great if you always have the battery charged up and ready to go, but if you only use the tool occasionally, you can’t beat a corded tool that is ready to go at all times.

Power

Most battery-powered saws will have an 18V or 20V power which is plenty for simple softscaping or hardscaping tasks. A 12V saw will be lighter and great for smaller cuts but might struggle with larger trees or thicker material. We usually advise going for an 18V or 20V saw, which is able to do both smaller and larger cuts. 

Corded saws have their power measured in Amps. 10-12 Amp power will have no trouble with trees in your backyard, simple woodcuts, or thin plastic, metal, and concrete cuts. If your project involves thicker trees and tougher material, go for a 15 Amp power saw. The more amps the saw draws, the more power it will have.

Best Handheld Electric Saw Reviews

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit with extra 4Ah battery


Black & Decker is a well-known American power tools manufacturer known for its high-quality tools for professionals and everyday amateur users. Black & Decker 20V cordless reciprocating saw is the best handheld electric saw for landscaping on our list in 2021 because of portability, power, high quality, and reasonable price.

Their 20V MAX PowerConnect battery provides enough power to cut through wood, plastic, fiberglass, nails, and more if you have a proper blade. Their PowerConnect technology allows swapping the battery with any other MAX PowerConnect tool battery. The only weakness is that the battery lasts 30-60 minutes of sawing and takes 2-3 hours to charge. For more significant DIY projects or larger landscaping tasks, we advise getting an extra battery.

We love that this saw is compact, ergonomic, and lightweight. Weighing just 12 pounds makes it very maneuverable, especially when working in tight spaces, in or around trees. Nonslip handles and pivoting blade shoe adds extra precision and versatility for non-straight cuts.

Key Features:

  • 20V Max (18V nominal) power lithium-ion battery
  • Up to 3,000 SPM
  • Outstanding control and safety with power brake
  • Different speed settings
  • Pivoting blade shoe
  • Compact and maneuverable
  • Lightweight
  • 2-year warranty

Weaknesses:

  • Quite expensive with the extra battery

GALAX PRO Reciprocating Saw


Galax Pro company mainly targets occasional DIYers and amateur landscapers. Their products are very budget-friendly, but as expected, are of lower quality. If you just need a lightweight saw for casual yard work or a simple woodworking project, Galax Pro is the best budget reciprocating saw kit on our list. 

Along with the cordless reciprocating saw, you’ll get three wood blades, two metal blades, a 20V battery, and a fast charger.

The saw has an ergonomic design with soft rubber handles that fit nicely in your hand and allow for a tight grip, which you will need since the saw does produce quite a bit of vibration.

Despite the lower build quality and a weak battery, Galax Pro reciprocating saw has a 2-year warranty, is a very cheap, lightweight, and powerful saw for almost any sawing needs inside and outside the house.

Key Features:

  • 20V power
  • 3000 SPM
  • 2 Ah battery with fast charge
  • Ergonomic design
  • No tools required to change the blade
  • Light and portable
  • Cheap

Weaknesses:

  • Produces a lot of vibration
  • Not great battery

Snowtaros 4-Inch Mini Chainsaw

If your backyard is full of trees or bushes and you constantly need to trim twigs, branches, and tree limbs, Snowtaros mini chainsaw is a fantastic portable alternative to large and bulky chainsaws.

This budget electric chainsaw weighs just 700g allowing it to be used with just one hand. A comfortable anti-slip handle allows for a good grip and doesn’t require much strength; therefore, everyone can use this chainsaw.

A powerful 24V battery will cut through tree branches and twigs for 1.5 hours before needing a recharge. This mini chainsaw has an anti-splash guard for a cleaner operation, while the overheat protection and safety switch provides extra safety.

Yes, this mini chainsaw won’t be able to saw through large and thick trees but is perfect for backyards full of smaller trees or bushes. Keep in mind, you are purchasing a very economical saw, do expect it to cut like a saw of twice the price.

Key Features:

  • 24V power
  • Portable
  • Extremely lightweight – just 700g
  • Overheat protection
  • Anti-splash guard
  • 1.5h battery life

Weaknesses:

  • It can be used only on wood

Milwaukee Electric Tool 2520-21XC M12 Hackzall Saw Kit


The Milwaukee M12 Hackzall saw kit is a great reciprocating saw kit from a respectable power tools manufacturer. The high-quality light, portable and maneuverable M12 reciprocating saw is perfect for light landscaping jobs and should last you a long time.

We love the saw’s portability, which allows us to use it with one hand while on a ladder or a tree. There’s also a neat LED light to work in dark spaces or nighttime. The whole saw weighs just 4 pounds, so if you can hold an electric screwdriver, you’ll be very comfortable with M12.

The 3000 strokes per minute speed is powered by 12V power and a 4ah battery. It is nice to have a larger battery that charges in just 45 minutes, but the 12V power is a bit of a disappointment. When used on tough wet stumps, metal, or concrete, you can’t put too much strain, or else overload protection will kick in and shut down the motor. You’ll have to go slower and take time with harder materials.

If you don’t need to do a lot of cuts on solid materials, then the Milwaukee M12 reciprocating saw is one of the best and most portable handheld electric saws on our list.

Key Features:

  • 3000 SPM
  • 12V power 4ah battery
  • Battery charges in 45min
  • Sturdy, high-quality build
  • Compact size
  • Overload protection
  • Well balanced weight
  • LED light
  • Lightweight

Weaknesses:

  • Expensive
  • Much slower on tougher material

DEWALT DWE305 12 Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw


Yes, cordless power tools are amazing because they are much more portable and easier to maneuver, but If you’re constantly working in your garage or landscaping, you’ll get tired of recharging the batteries or buying new ones when they die. 

Dewalt DWE305 is a powerful 12 Amp corded reciprocating saw that will work at 100% power every time. 2,900 SPM allows for fast cuts through soft materials like wood, plastic, or drywall. If needed, you can adjust the speed setting for harder material to avoid overheating.

DWE305 is a very ergonomic saw because of the 4-position blade clamp. It allows you to cut different angles without the risk of holding the saw weirdly and messing up the cut or even hurting yourself.

If having a cord isn’t a deal-breaker, Dewalt DWE305 is the best corded electric saw for landscaping on our list. Nothing fancy, just powerful, high-quality product, ergonomic, and easy-to-use power tool.

Key Features:

  • 12 Amp power
  • 2,900 SPM
  • Solid build
  • Ten blades set included
  • Four-position blade clamp

Weaknesses:

  • Limited movement because of cord

WORX WG323 20V PowerShare 10″ Cordless 2-In-1 Electric Pole Saw & Chainsaw

We have another small chainsaw for all your tree pruning and cutting chores. Forget your ladder with the 2-in1 WG323 electric pole saw and chainsaw. 

Easy to attach and detach pole requires no extra tools and can be assembled in seconds. The 20V power spins the chain at 12.5 ft/s speed. The chainsaw is powerful, but the 2.0 ah battery included in the kit is a bit weak and dies quickly; for larger landscaping projects, make sure to get a backup battery.

When assembled, you’ll be able to reach dead branches up to 12 feet in height. When detached, you can use it as a fully functioning medium-sized chainsaw to cut wood, tree branches, or even small-medium tree logs. The chainsaw has an auto-chain tension and auto lubrication, so you don’t even need to touch the chain to do maintenance.

The fully assembled pole saw weighs almost 11 pounds and requires a bit of practice to balance and cut at the same time. We love that this combination eliminates the need for a ladder if you want to do some light and quick tree trimming. Yes, the battery is relatively weak and doesn’t last long but having two power tools for a budget price makes the WG323 one of the best electric pruning saws for beginners.

Key Features:

  • 20V power
  • Great price
  • 12′ reach
  • Auto chain tension and lubrication
  • Lightweight
  • Cheap

Weaknesses:

  • Weak two ah battery
  • Requires some practice to use the long pole

WORX WX550L Axis Convertible Jigsaw To Reciprocating Saw

Here is another excellent power tool from WORX. The jigsaw to reciprocating saw is a combination for casual landscapers and DIY enthusiasts. Worx WX550L is a convertible jigsaw-to-reciprocating saw that allows you to trim dead branches, cut a PVC pipe, and cut weird shapes in wood or drywall, all within a few minutes with the same tool.

The 20V power is powerful enough to go through tougher materials like metal pipes, fiberglass, or tiles. The 1.5 ah battery is a bit disappointing since it won’t last long. We advise getting a more powerful 4.0 ah battery and using the original as a backup.

If you’re doing landscaping and want to start with light and simple DIY projects, WX550L will give you two power tools for the price of one. 

Key Features:

  • Instantly switch from jigsaw to reciprocating saw
  • 20V power
  • Lightweight – 4.6 pounds
  • Orbital cutting
  • Integrated dust blower
  • Cheap

Weaknesses:

  • Weakish 1.5 ah battery

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cut other materials besides wood with an electric saw?

It depends on the saw and blade used. Most saws will cut through softer metals, tiles, or even concrete if fitted with a proper blade. The only exception would be chainsaws. A regular household chainsaw may cut through an occasional old nail in the wood, but it won’t do good on harder metals which will ruin the chain.

Do I need to lubricate the electric saw blade?

The majority of the best electric saws will be lubricated during manufacturing, and you don’t need to do any lubrication yourself. To precisely know if your saw needs additional lubrication, always read the user manual provided. If lubrication is required, you’ll find the type of lubricant needed in the manual and how to apply it. In general, reciprocating saws will not need lubrication, but chainsaws will.

What is the orbital setting on my jigsaw?

The orbital setting changes the jigsaw straight cut into an elliptical movement, increasing the cut speed and introducing extra vibration and tear-out when cutting. It’s a very handy setting if you want the fastest cut and don’t care if it looks good. For more precise cuts, use the lowest setting or 0 and avoid additional vibration or tear-out.

Top 7 Best Charcoal Grills in 2021

So you want to be a bit more serious about grilling, and a regular wood-burning fire pit with a grill is not enough anymore? It’s time to move on to charcoal grills. They can provide very high heat for that perfect sear, smoky flavor, and charcoal grills don’t cost a fortune compared to gas grills. Even if you’re on a budget, you can enjoy grilling burgers, steaks, and even slow cook ribs and smoke various meats with some practice. Check out our top 7 best charcoal grills in 2021 to find the best option for you.

What to Consider Before Buying a Charcoal Grill?

Size 

a full grill

As always, size is determined depending on your needs. If you’re a frequent host of BBQ parties, then you’ll need a big charcoal grill with a large grilling area. For 8-10 or more people, go for 400 square inches or more of cooking area. If it’s just your small household, then even 250 square inches of cooking area should be enough.

Additionally, remember that large grills take up more space and are harder to transport. If you plan to take the grill camping or to a park, get a more portable, smaller one that can fit in your car.

Material

You’ll find that grills can be made from gauge steel, ceramics, aluminum steel, and other material; honestly, there are no bad options. Different materials will differ in price or how hot they can get. For beginners, we suggest going for gauge steel or aluminum as they are budget-friendly and high-quality too. 

Accessories and Features

Best charcoal grills
charcoal grill

These days there are various accessories and features on charcoal grills like smokers, double or even triple grilling grates, thermostats, work stations, charcoal igniters, etc. However, the must-have features on the charcoal grill are vents and adjustable grill grate height.

Vents allow you to control the airflow to the grill, thus controlling the heat. Having vents will allow you to properly sear a steak on high heat, roast a juicy chicken, or slow cook mouthwatering ribs.

Finally, the adjustable-height grill grate is very handy for beginner grillers to control their cooking heat. If you’re not experienced with charcoal, it’s unavoidable you’ll either have a too high temperature or a too low one. Charcoal heat takes time to adjust; it’s not gas where you can just turn a knob; that’s why an adjustable grate is excellent to quickly lift the grate off of high heat or lower it if the charcoal is dying down.

Best Charcoal Grill Reviews in 2021

Weber 14402001 Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill


Weber grills are one of the most popular grills not only in the US but all around the world. This Weber Original Kettle charcoal grill is perfect not only for beginners but for seasoned grillers who are looking for a portable but high-quality charcoal grill.

The large 363 square inch grilling area will allow cooking 12-13 burgers if you use the whole surface. That should be more than enough space for 4-6 people if you are grilling protein and side dishes.

The Weber Original Kettle grill is famous for its build design. The plated steel grate has a hinged area that you can open while grilling and add more charcoal without lifting the whole grate. The damper at the top of the lid and thermostat allows controlling heat without opening the grill. Finally, the ash bucket at the bottom makes cleaning effortless and very quick. 

You also have a lid hanger on the side, but it’s not very convenient and sometimes doesn’t hold the lid properly; this is probably the only minor weakness of the grill. 

Other than that, the Weber Original Kettle Charcoal grill is the best charcoal grill for beginners because of its versatility and ease of use.

Key features:

  • 363 square inch cooking surface
  • Plated steel hinged grate
  • Versatile and easy to operate
  • Rust-resistant bowl
  • Comfortable ash catcher
  • Easy assembly

Weaknesses:

  • The lid hook is not very convenient

Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill


Did we mention that Weber makes excellent grills? We did, and that’s why we have another Weber grill on our list. This time it’s a deluxe version of the above-mentioned Weber Kettle Premium grill. 

So what is the difference between the two? The deluxe version of the grill has the same 363 square inch cooking surface, same easy-to-clean ash catcher and is made from the same high-quality, long-lasting materials. 

The deluxe part kicks in when we start talking about accessories. This charcoal grill is like a spaceship for grillers. First of all, they added a charcoal ignition system so that you wouldn’t need any additional charcoal starters. With one push of a button, you’ll start igniting your charcoal, no more black fingers or paper ash flying around. There’s also a container to keep your charcoal in one place. Secondly, they upgraded the poor lid hook that didn’t work correctly and added a work table to place food, dishes, or your favorite grilling drink. Finally, there’s an LCD timer for those who aren’t good with keeping track of time or who constantly find themselves chatting away from the grill.

In the end, the grill became a grill cart and took more space while the price increased drastically too. However, all of the extra accessories and features make grill prep, cleaning, and actual grilling so much easier it’s a no-brainer best small charcoal grill for your money.

Key features:

  • 363 square inch cooking surface
  • Easy to use ash catcher
  • Rust-resistant bowl
  • LCD cook timer and thermostat
  • Charcoal ignition system
  • Charcoal storage container
  • Worktable
  • Proper hooks for tools

Weaknesses:

  • Expensive

Sun Chief Heavy Duty 613 Square Inches Charcoal Grill


If you’re not looking to spend a lot on a grill but still want one with a large grilling area, Sun Chief Heavy Duty charcoal grill cart is one of the best large budget charcoal grills on our list. You’ll have a cooking surface of 415 square inches perfect for 6-10 people with an additional 198 square inch warming rack. The grill frame also has four vents and a temperature gauge for excellent airflow control without opening the lid. 

When you’re done grilling, an ash dump pan allows for a quick and easy clean, and the folding wooden shelves make it a touch easier to store. The name of the grill states it’s heavy-duty, but we didn’t see any reinforced parts or thicker framing compared to other grills. However, the build is solid and definitely worth the price (an excellent price!).

Key features:

  • 415 square inches grilling surface
  • Solid build
  • 198 square inches warming rack
  • Four vents
  • Foldable wooden shelves
  • Easy to clean ash dump pan
  • Temperature gauge
  • Inexpensive for the size

Weaknesses:

  • Grate opening to add extra charcoal in a weird position

Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker


If you’re looking for an introduction to smoking without spending an extra buck, Royal Gourmet CC1830F is an excellent cheap charcoal grill and smoker combination. The main grill grate has 438 square inches, a warming rack of 179 square inches, and a smoker of 183 square inches for a total of 800 square inches of combined cooking surface. 

The grill exterior features a simple metal shelf for extra prep or seasoning space, while the additional warming rack will allow keeping already cooked food resting without getting cold. We love that the main grilling grate height can be adjusted. Combined with a thermostat and air vents, it makes heat control easy even for beginners. 

This grill-smoker is excellent for grilling enthusiasts who want to get started with smoking. The build is not very airtight, so controlling heat is more challenging, but it’s a great learning option without spending too much. We noticed that quite a few people had the smoker paint flake; this happens if you don’t cure the grill properly, make sure to follow the instructions, and you won’t have any flaking.

Key features:

  • 800 square inches of combined cooking surface
  • Offset smoker
  • Front shelf for extra workspace
  • Grill grate porcelain coated
  • Warming rack
  • Adjustable grate height
  • Air vent and thermostat
  • Inexpensive

Weaknesses:

  • Paint flakes if not cured
  • Build a bit flimsy

Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro


Char-Griller is another well-known charcoal grill brand in the USA. They are famous for their versatile grill and smoker combinations while being decently priced. 

This great-looking charcoal grill and bbq smoker is perfect for seasoned grillers that also want to smoke from time to time without spending $1500+ on a premium smoker.

E1224 grill and smoker has a 580 square inch main grilling grate and 250 square inches side firebox for a total of 830 square inches of cooking surface. This will allow you to grill for a party of 8+ people or smoke a couple of decent briskets.

The vents at the top and the firebox, along with adjustable grate height and thermostat, allow for easy heat control even for beginners. One weakness we saw is that the vents are not very airtight, making it a bit harder to control heat, especially when smoking and trying to keep a low temperature.

Key features:

  • 830 square inch total cooking area
  • Sturdy heavy gauge build
  • Side smoker
  • Front and side shelves
  • Air vents and thermostat
  • Decent sized smoker
  • Adjustable grill grate
  • Easy dump ash pan

Weaknesses:

  • The firebox is not very airtight

Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill


A list of the best charcoal grills wouldn’t be complete without a Kamado-style egg-shaped grill. The Char-Griller Akorn grill is the best option for a couple or single griller. It has only a 153 square inch grilling surface meaning you’ll be able to cook a couple of burgers and some veggies at a time.

The Akorn Kamado egg-shaped grill is built from an extremely sturdy 22 gauge steel. It has triple wall insulation to hold heat exceptionally well, making it a perfect option not only for grilling but smoking too. Top and bottom dampers with a temperature gauge on top allow for easy heat observation and adjustment.

The grill is just 25 inches tall and 21 inches wide, so you can take it to a park or camping without taking too much space in your trunk.

Overall, a great charcoal grill and smoker for a single person or a couple for an occasional grilling or smoking.

Key features:

  • 153 square inch grilling surface
  • Holds heat very well
  • Extremely sturdy 22 gauge steel body
  • Dual damper and temperature gauge for precise heat control
  • Portable
  • Easy to clean ash damper
  • Cheap for a Kamado style grill

Weaknesses:

  • Small cooking surface

PK Grills PK360 Outdoor Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combination


Finishing off the best charcoal grill list with a bang is a premium charcoal grill and smoker PK360 from PK Grills. This triple-walled cast aluminum grill is exceptionally sturdy and is rustproof; no more crying over flaking paint!

The cast aluminum construction and the patented four vent system allow for precise heat control, making it a great smoker for beginners and experienced smokers.

You’ll find a glass-fiber reinforced polyester shelf on each side of the grill to rest your tools, season, or place already cooked food. The shelves are highly heat resistant and super sturdy.

Yes, it’s not a big grill, but the build quality, sturdiness, heat retention, and control make it an exceptional product that will last you years. The only downfall for us is the thin legs that aren’t very stable on soft landscaping material and a steep price point. 

If money is not a problem, then the PK360 is definitely the best luxury charcoal grill on our list that money can buy.

Key features:

  • 360 square inch cooking area
  • Cast aluminum construction
  • Great heat control
  • High-quality thermometer
  • Rustproof
  • Two heat resistant side shelves
  • Four vents
  • Ash vent for an easy cleanup

Weaknesses:

  • Expensive
  • Legs are not very stable on a soft surface

Tips for Beginner Grillers

Set aside some time to light the charcoal

Unlike gas, charcoal takes quite a bit of time to heat up. If you don’t want to keep your guests hungry, make sure to add 15-20 minutes just for heating the charcoal. You want to have all the charcoal in a gray ash color. If your charcoal is not heated evenly, you’ll have a hard time controlling the heat since different pieces of charcoal will start reaching their optimal grilling temperature at different times.

Separate your grill into several heat zones

We know some of you want to split the hot charcoal evenly throughout the grill. That’s a rookie mistake. You want to have 2-3 different heat zones on the grill if it’s big enough. This will allow you to set aside cooked food to a lower temperature area if it’s burning and, in general, cook different types of dishes if they require different cooking temperatures. 

Put your food on a hot grill.

Like using a pan, make sure your grill is hot before putting your food on the grates. When you have ash white charcoal, close the lid and let the grill heat for 5 minutes. You want your food to sizzle when you throw it onto the grate to get that beautiful sear and keep all the juice inside, whether it’s protein or veggies.

Use vents

Learn to use your vents! You can’t imagine how big of a difference good airflow control makes. If your grill is not hot enough, open up the vents to get more air to burn the charcoal. If you want to lower the temperature, close all the vents and see how the temperature starts to drop slowly. In time you’ll use the vents not only to increase or decrease the temperature, but you’ll also use them to master different cooking techniques like searing, roasting, and smoking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to properly start a charcoal grill?

You’ll need a charcoal starter to heat your charcoal. Whether using an electric charcoal starter or a chimney starter, the most important thing is to heat the charcoal properly. You want your charcoal to be fully ash gray in color. This will allow for an even burn and even heat.

We don’t advise using a lighter fluid unless it’s made from biofuels or alcohol. Otherwise, you’ll end up with an unwanted taste and smell in your food.

How to heat control in a charcoal grill?

You need to learn how to use vents on your charcoal grill. For more heat, open up the vents; for less, close them. We advise getting a grill with adjustable grate height for a quick-cooking temperature change if you’re a beginner.

How do I safely put out a charcoal grill?

The easiest and safest way to put out a charcoal grill is to suffocate the fire. Close down the grill lid and shut all the vents. This does smother the fire, but it will take a good 12 hours or more for the ash to cool down. Another way is to spray some water on the coal for a quick smothering. If you’re going to use water to put out a charcoal grill, make sure to use small amounts of water to cool the ember slowly, a large dose of water might create a huge ash ball coming to you or even make the ember jump out of the grill.

10 Best Barbecue Tools and Accessories in 2021

Grilling season is almost here, and everyone is anxious to whip out their charcoal or gas grills and get down to sizzling! If you want to grill amazing food with ease and keep your grill clean and well maintained, you need some extra barbecue tools and accessories. We’ve compiled a great list of the 10 best barbecue tools and accessories in 2021 to make grilling safer and hassle-free.

Which Barbecue Tools are Essential?

These grilling tools should be in every self-respecting grillers arsenal:

Grilling tongs 

grilling tongs

It’s pretty straightforward – you’re not going to use your hands to flip steaks or rearrange red hot charcoal. Every griller needs to have at least one pair of tongs to operate the grill. 

Spatula

grilling spatula

Spatulas are essential because they can pick a burger or fish without breaking it, it can be used to press on burgers or steaks to get a perfectly even sear. Finally, it’s much easier to scoop loose veggies with a spatula and tongs combo.

Meat thermometer

For the best results when cooking meats, a thermometer is a must. Even the most experienced grillers use a meat thermometer to know when their protein is at the perfect temperature. 

Charcoal starter

We know many people don’t use a charcoal starter, and they’re missing out big time. A charcoal starter saves you a lot of time and allows you to heat charcoal uniformly every time. For a more comprehensive selection, check out our Top 9 Best Charcoal Starters article.

Heat resistant gloves

bbq gloves

It’s obvious you’re going to be dealing with heat, your hands especially, so make sure to protect them with heat-resistant gloves. These gloves will protect you from open flame, oil splashes, or hot metal surfaces. Having your hands protected from the heat also provides more functionality and flexibility around the grill since you can touch and move more hot things.

Apron

bbq apron

Splashing oil and food drippings on your fancy clothes is never a pleasing incident. Get an apron to protect your clothes and look like the boss of the grill.

Grilling grate cleaning brush

After grilling or between numerous dishes, you should always clean up your grate. This will make your grate last way longer, and you’ll avoid tasting burnt food the next time you grill.

Nice to have accessories:

Grill basket

Grilling baskets aren’t that popular or well-known, but they’re a fantastic tool if you like barbecuing veggies. You can dump a load of chopped veggies into the basket and cook them inside without any worry that they’ll fall into the grill. Alternatively, you can keep already cooked food in the basket. The meat or veggie juices will drip through the small gaps and won’t let the food soak.

Basting brush

Sauce up your chicken, ribs, or any other protein you like with a silicone basting brush.

Ash bucket

After all the charcoal burns and cools, it’s handy to have an ash bucket when cleaning your grill. 

10 Best Barbecue Tools and Accessories in 2021 to make grilling hassle-free

professional bbq cook

Best Grilling Tongs: OXO Good Grips 16-Inch Stainless Steel Locking Tongs


OXO Good Grips is well known for its high-quality and budget-friendly kitchen tools. The 16-inch stainless steel tongs are a perfect option for both beginner and expert grillers. The sturdy build features a rust-resistant stainless steel body, while the silicone handles provide a strong grip even when wet.

The locking mechanism provides easy storage in a kitchen drawer or hooked up on any kitchen or grill hooks. Cleaning is super easy as well; the whole construction is dishwasher safe.

OXO tongs are inexpensive, sturdy, easy to use, and clean – a must for every griller.

Best Grilling Spatula: Weber 6673 Original Wide Spatula


If you ever cook fish or burgers, you must have a spatula along with your tongs. Weber 6673 wide spatula will let you flip even the biggest fish fillets without breaking them or pressing burgers to get a fantastic sear.

The ergonomic silicone strip on the handle allows for a solid grip. The spatula’s head has an angled neck allowing you to reach food near the edges of the grill without burning your hands.

This wide spatula is quite heavy because of its thicker body and feels very nice when operating. Weber even offers a 2-year limited warranty, which further assures the product quality.

Best Meat Thermometer: Saferell Instant Read Meat Thermometer for Cooking


The Saferell meat thermometer allows you to get meat temperature in just 2-3 seconds after sticking in the probe. The 4.6-inch probe is long enough, so you don’t get burnt from the grill or oil splashes.

Despite being very accurate and quick to show temperatures, Saferell thermometer’s most significant advantage is its IP67 waterproof rating. It’s not afraid of rain, splashes, or other liquids coming into contact. If it gets dirty or wet, wipe it down with soapy water, no dishwasher.

The large LED screen lets you correctly see the temperatures day or night, inside or outside. Safarell thermometer can flip between Celsius or Fahrenheit degrees and also allows you to set timers for desired temperatures.

Best Charcoal Starter: Weber 7447 Compact Rapidfire Chimney Starter


We all know how time-consuming and messy heating charcoal without a good starter can get. Weber Compact Rapidfire chimney charcoal starter is a very versatile and high-quality product. It’s small enough to take on a camping trip but can hold up to 40 charcoal briquettes for a medium grill. 

Just fill the chimney with your favorite charcoal, light up a few balls of newspaper or thin kindlings on the grill, pop the Weber chimney starter on top and leave it burning for good 15-20 minutes.

The stainless steel sturdy construction, cool-to-touch handle, heat protection plate, and budget price make it an easy purchase that will heat your charcoal faster, evenly and won’t require you to stand near the grill adjusting the coals.

Best Heat Resistant Gloves: GEEKHOM Grilling Gloves


Heat-resistant gloves are a must if you want to avoid burning your fingers or palm when handling hot grill lid, chimney starter, grates, and in general, anything that can get hot. GEEKHOM grilling gloves are made from BPA-free silicone and can handle temperatures from -104℉ to 446℉.

These chemical-free premium silicone gloves have a textured surface for better grip and cotton lining inside for comfort and sweat absorption. We love that they are gloves instead of mittens; this provides more flexibility and better grip on smaller parts.

Best Apron: FixGrub Chef Apron


FixGrub Chef Apron is a robust 100% cotton apron made for heavy use near the grill. It’s designed to protect your clothes from splashes, stains, and dirty hand marks. After use, just pop it into the dishwasher, and it’ll be ready for another BBQ party!

This apron is not only good-looking but also very versatile. You have an adjustable neck strap and long sleeves to fit any size BBQ professional. Additionally, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find a pocket for your smartphone, a convenient bottle opener, and a small hand towel included with the apron.

Best Grill Brush: GRILLART Grill Brush and Scraper


A grill brush is one of the most important barbecue tools to keep your grill and grates clean. GRILLART grill brush is an excellent high-quality grill brush to quickly scrub the grates and be ready for the next grilling.

This grill brush has way more bristles (the company claims three times more) than the competition making your cleaning easier and faster. We appreciate the angled surface of the brush and bristles that allow you to clean tight corners of the grill. GRILLART brush is soft enough to use on even delicate surfaces like porcelain.

Stainless steel construction with a wired woven design is exceptionally sturdy and can endure very harsh scrubbing, while a non-slip handle allows for a good grip.

Best Grill Basket: Grillaholics Heavy Duty Grill Basket


We discovered how good grill baskets are just a few years ago. Before, we had to meticulously stick them on a skewer if we wanted to grill smaller cut veggies like onion, carrots, bell pepper, etc. This took a lot of time and effort. With a Grillaholics grill basket, you can just dump all your cut and seasoned veggies straight into it and cook right on top of the grates. Want to cook mini sausages or shrimp? No problem, just use the basket and don’t risk them falling through the grill grates.

Another excellent use for a grilling basket is to rest cooked food in it. For some items like seared steak or veggies, you don’t want them sitting in their juice and getting soggy. A grill basket will allow all of the juice to run off through the thin holes.

All in all, the grilling basket is still a very underrated or just unknown grill accessory in 2021 that can replace skewers on most occasions and make your life way easier.

Best Basting Brush: Yalumo Silicone Basting Brush 


If you ever tried making barbecue ribs or chicken wings, you know you need a baster to spread that tasty sauce. Yalumo silicon basting brush is made from food-grade silicone and can stand up to 446℉ temperature. A long handle allows brushing the food without burning your hands, even on an open-flame grill.

Remember that you should always oil your cleaned grilling grates before putting food on to avoid it sticking. A basting brush like Yalumo is perfect for this task.

Best Ash Bucket: Plow & Hearth Double Bottom Metal Fireplace Ash Bucket


Another rarely mentioned barbecue accessory is a good ash bucket. No one really talks about cleaning the ash from the grill, but everyone knows they need to do it. Plow & Hearth double bottom ash bucket is a high-quality double-bottomed bucket with 3-gallon capacity and stylish black matte color.

The bucket has a tight powder-coated lid allowing you to keep it outside without worrying that the wind will blow out the ash all over your backyard. 

Plow & Hearth ash bucket is one of the best ash buckets that can keep even hot ash inside because of its double bottom. Cleaning the ash is a critical barbecue process to keep your grill neat and tidy.

Basic BBQ Tips

Clean the grill first

No one wants last week burnt chicken bits on a precious dry-aged rib-eye steak. Before every grilling, make sure to check if your grilling grates are clean and ready for the next session. If they’re not, use your grill brush and clean up. Nasty grates with old food charcoal not only will ruin your next meal but may even give you food poisoning.

Preheat the grill

When your charcoal is hot and ready, don’t start cooking food yet. Close your grill and leave it for 10-20 minutes and allow it to get hot. You want to put food in a hot grill and on hot grates to hear that sizzling sound. Preheating lets the food be cooked by direct heat from the grill and the grates instead of the indirect heat from the charcoal.

Close down the lid

Having your grill lid open exposes the fire to a lot of oxygen; this, in turn, makes the flame even bigger. If you want a quick sear on your burger or seafood, an open lid works fine, but for any thicker cuts, put the lid down to suffocate the flame but keep the same high temperature.

Have different heat zones

Flare-ups or too hot charcoal can catch anyone by surprise. For this reason, it’s advised to always have several heat zones on your grill. When you have your hot charcoal, don’t spread it evenly in the grill. Have a central hot zone where all the cooking will be done and a slightly colder zone. If your main zone flares up or just gets way too hot, you’ll have a place to move your food to a less hot area.

Monitor your meat heat

Before cooking, we all fantasize about how we’re going to bite into that perfectly cooked juicy steak or chicken breast; to achieve that fantasy every time, you need to use a thermometer. Eye-balling and timing might get you the result you want, but it varies from different grill heat, protein temperature, charcoal type, or even weather. 

Be safe; use your tools.

Many people think they’re smarter or more experienced while dealing with fire and sooner or later get burnt. Always wear heat-resistant gloves when handling charcoal starters, hot grill grates, or lids. Furthermore, use tongs, spatulas, brushes, and thermometers to deal with your food instead of your hands to stay safe and more efficient.

Top 7 Best Lawn Sprinklers for Your Backyard in 2021.

Properly watering your lawn when it is first getting established is probably one of the most important things to help you grow a healthy and beautiful lawn. Stop standing outside like a dud for half an hour every second day watering your lawn with a garden hose and get a lawn sprinkler. Sprinklers are very useful for ensuring that you get even and consistent coverage when watering. Today we’ll be going over the different types of lawn sprinklers and how to pick the best one for your landscape. We’ve also reviewed some of the most popular lawn sprinklers in the market and compiled our list of the top 7 best lawn sprinklers for your backyard in 2021.

Types of Lawn Sprinklers

Oscillating sprinklers

best backyard sprinkler
sprinkler

Oscillating sprinklers are one of the most popular sprinklers that are super easy to use and set up. Oscillating means that the sprinkler moves from one side to another or back and forth, spraying water in a set area that mimics how rain falls. Oscillating sprinklers are pretty good at covering a large area, considering they are stationary.

Rotary sprinklers

rotary sprinkler

A sprinkler with a rotating head with several sprinkler tips attached to it is called a rotary or rotating sprinkler. When the sprinkler receives pressure from turned on the water, it starts spinning the head and the arms pushing the water in all directions around itself. They are great at covering large circle-shaped areas. The higher pressure your hose can provide, the larger area it will cover.

Misting sprinklers

water mist

Misting sprinklers deliver water in a mist-like pattern and are perfect for greenhouses with seedlings or small or raised garden beds with flowers or delicate plants in general. The most significant disadvantages of misting sprinklers are evaporation and spray drift. If you live in an area with high winds or very hot days, the amount of water delivered from misting sprinklers will be much lower than more powerful water stream sprinklers.

Sprinkler hoses

Sprinkler hoses are garden hoses with many holes in them. A sprinkler hose can be used as a sprinkler if you point the holes upwards or as a soaker if they face the ground. Sprinkler hoses are great for watering garden beds or just seeded grass areas. They are great for occasional seasonal watering tasks as you can manually set them up in any pattern but don’t look very appealing on your landscape.

Fixed Pop-up sprinklers

A fixed spray pop-up sprinkler provides a constant circular fan-like flow of water for your garden and lawn. The most significant advantage is that when the watering is done, they automatically retract into the ground out of sight and don’t require any physical labor. Your grass and garden can be watered even when you’re on holiday. However, they do require some time and labor to install initially into your landscape.

Raised sprinklers

Raised fixed sprinklers are almost identical to pop-up sprinklers, but instead of popping up at a set time, they stay raised all the time. They are great to set up in smaller gardens close to your house, making them less visible but still providing water over plants and flowers to your grass.

Traveling sprinklers

The traveling sprinkler, as you can guess from the name, is one that can travel. These sprinklers are pretty new to the market but gaining popularity fast. A traveling sprinkler is moved by the water pressure and guided by the hose in a pattern that you can set up yourself. They have a rotating head on top to reach a larger area, but there are models with stationary spray heads too.

These sprinklers are great for larger landscapes that don’t have automatic or in-ground irrigation systems installed.

Impact sprinklers

Everyone knows the clacking sound some sprinklers make when they operate. These are the impact sprinklers, and the sound is created when a small paddle on the sprinkler hits the constant stream of water. Impact sprinklers can provide a lot more water at the same time compared to oscillating sprinklers. They can be adjusted at how far or wide the water stream will go.

What to Consider When Buying a Lawn Sprinkler

Lawn size

If you have a small backyard, you might be ok with just a simple oscillating sprinkler that you can relocate in a few spots to cover the whole area or install a couple of stationary raised fix-spray sprinklers.

If you have a large backyard with a lawn that needs constant watering, you something that doesn’t require a lot of manual labor like pop-up sprinklers, traveling sprinklers, or an impact sprinkler that can shoot the water stream very far. 

Materials and Construction

Most lawn sprinklers will either be made from plastic or some kind of metal. Plastic sprinklers will be cheaper than metal ones, but their construction will be weaker and won’t last as long. Metal sprinklers are more expensive and heavier but will last much longer because of their sturdy construction.

We would advise going for a metal construction sprinkler if you’ll be using it with high water pressure. Impact, traveling, or rotary sprinklers should have a sturdy build and construction to withstand constant water pressure.

Top 7 Best Lawn Sprinkler Reviews in 2021

Melnor 65074-AMZ XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler


We’re starting our list with Melnor 65074-AMZ XT Turbo, the best oscillating sprinkler on our list for a budget price. It can cover up to 4,500 sq. ft. area and has adjustable spray width and length. This allows to set up the sprinkler in a position where one side can spray water far away while the other can water only a thin bed of flowers.

Melnor gets a lot of praise for their budget pricing while still having sturdy plastic construction to last way longer than other plastic sprinklers. The only weakness of the sprinkler is that the oscillation sometimes gets stuck, and you may need to wiggle it a little.

Key features:

  • Covers up to 4,500 sq. ft. area
  • 20 precision nozzles
  • High-quality build
  • Comfortable stream adjustment
  • The durable Infinity turbo motor
  • Nice exterior
  • Budget price

Weaknesses:

  • Sometimes the oscillation stops

Dramm 15075 ColorStorm Spinning Sprinkler


Dramm 15075 is a relatively heavy but sturdy spinning sprinkler that can cover up 38 ft. in diameter with a thin spinning water stream similar to a mist. It is perfect for low water pressure systems like wells as it only needs the PSI to be above 20. 

It is a very simple sprinkler with no adjustments. On the one hand, all you need to do is connect the fittings and let the water run, but on the other hand, you can’t adjust the radius or water stream. The only workaround would be to play with your water pressure, increasing or decreasing how far the water mist will go.

The downside of the Dramm sprinkler is that many parts are made from brass and might contain some lead making the sprinkler not a suitable option for organic lawn growing or organic edibles.

Key features:

  • Water stream goes up to 38 feet in diameter
  • Heavy-duty sturdy build
  • Powder-coated and rust-free
  • Very simple and easy to use
  • Great for low-pressure water systems

Weaknesses:

  • Brass parts are not fit for organic grass or plants
  • No adjustments

GrowGreen Sprinkler, Rotating Lawn Sprinkler


The GrowGreen sprinkler is made from ABS plastic and rust-proof polymer. The build does feel very sturdy and has connections on both sides for multiple sprinkler systems. 

The rotating heads spin at 360 degrees radius while the three hands shoot out water up to 32.8 ft. distance and can cover up to 3,600 sq. ft. area, making it great for smaller lawns or backyards.

We were impressed that the plastic construction feels pretty solid and should be more durable than your regular plastic sprinkler. The only weakness we saw was the plastic connection which didn’t feel as it tightened properly and did leak a bit on higher pressure. Other than that, it’s a cheap but high-quality rotating sprinkler designed for small lawns.

Key features:

  • 360 degrees rotation
  • 32.8 ft. spray distance
  • Covers up to 3,600 sq. ft. area
  • Lightweight
  • Great for small lawns
  • Low price
  • Can connect multiple sprinklers

Weaknesses:

  • Low-quality connection

GARDENA ZoomMaxx Oscillating Sprinkler


Garden ZoomMaxx is a modern oscillating sprinkler designed for small lawns as it covers up to a 2,300 sq. ft. area. It has a stable base, so even high pressure won’t flip over the sprinkler. This oscillating sprinkler’s most significant selling point is that you have a lot of water stream customization freedom, making it perfect for weirdly shaped areas. You can adjust the width and the length of the water spray and even control the flow rate to avoid hitting an overhead hanging roof.

The sprinkler does cover quite a small area; however, if your lawn and garden have complex compositions with regions that don’t need watering, a few ZoomMaxx oscillating sprinklers could be set up to only water the area you want.

Key features:

  • Covers up to 2,300 sq. ft. area
  • Lightweight sprinkler
  • Stable base
  • Easy to adjust the width and length of water spray
  • Variable flor rate
  • Compact
  • Perfect for irregular lawns or gardens

Weaknesses:

  • It covers only a small area
  • Expensive

Kadaon 360 Degree Garden Sprinkler


If you’re looking for a cheap option, Kadaon 360 sprinkler is the best budget lawn sprinkler on our list that is super lightweight and easy to set up. All you need to do is connect the sprinkler with your hose and stick it into the grass in the area you want to be watered. It covers only a 3,000 sq. ft. area, but you can connect multiple sprinklers for more extensive coverage. The flow rate of the sprinkler is not very strong, so it takes a bit of time to water an area. However, when you connect multiple Kadoan sprinklers, they don’t lose pressure and evenly saturate the whole area.

The build is plastic and doesn’t feel very durable but comes at a bargain price for people on a budget.

Key features:

  • Covers up to 3,000 sq. ft area
  • Easy to set up
  • Very cheap

Weaknesses:

  • Not very durable
  • Small area coverage

Melnor 65067-AMZ Pulsating Sprinkler


This is another excellent product from lawn and watering products supplier Melnor. The 65067-AMZ Pulsating Sprinkler can shoot water streams up to 85 ft. in length, which is ideal for large landscapes. You can easily adjust the spray distance, coverage radius, and water diffusion. If needed, you can take out the radius adjustment pin, and the sprinkler will turn in circles covering 360 degrees area.

We love that the spray head and the base are made from metal, making it much heavier. Impact sprinklers operate at a higher water pressure to shoot out water further away. A heavier base allows the sprinkler to be much more stable. The only disadvantage of the build is that the head sometimes gets stuck at one side of the cycle and doesn’t get back. Increasing the water pressure seemed to fix the issues. 

Other than that, it’s the best impact sprinkler on our list suitable for a large lawn and won’t leave your pockets empty.

Key features:

  • Covers up to 5,600 sq. ft area
  • Shoots water up to 85′
  • It can be adjusted to cover 360 degrees radius
  • Durable metal sprinkler head
  • Sturdy metal base for stability
  • Easy to adjust distance, radius, and diffusion
  • Seven-year limited warranty
  • Budget price

Weaknesses:

  • Sometimes gets stuck at one end of the rotation cycle.

Orbit 58322 Traveling Sprinkler


Last on our list is Orbit 58322 traveling sprinkler. This is the best traveling sprinkler on our list and most likely on the market overall. Orbit tractor-shaped sprinkler is guided by the hose and pushed by water pressure. You can set up the hose in a pattern you want the sprinkler to go and position the little ramp at a point you want the sprinkler to stop. This allows you to turn on your sprinkler and leave as it will stop when it finishes its route. 

Orbit traveling sprinkler has a very sturdy and durable cast-iron construction. It will be hard to knock over with a ball or by pets, but it is quite hard to carry around. However, unlike any plastic sprinklers, Orbit is a wise investment that might serve you for decades.

If you have a large lawn, this sprinkler is great because you can create any path you like by laying your hose where the sprinkler needs to go. You can also adjust the spray diameter and traveling speed for various water output needs. 

Key features:

  • Can cover up to 13,500 sq. ft. along a 200 ft. hose
  • Three speeds
  • Extremely durable cast-iron construction
  • 15-50 ft. adjustable spray coverage diameter
  • Great for large lawns
  • Can leave unattended

Weaknesses:

  • Quite bulky and heavy

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to water my lawn?

If you live in a very dry area where grass would usually not grow, then we advise watering your lawn 2-3 times a week to get 1-1½ inches of water into your lawn per week. It’s better to heavily water a couple of times instead of daily to allow the water to get deep into the soil. If you live in an area where grass grows naturally, you won’t need to water once your lawn is established and continued, frequent watering may even be harmful to your lawn’s root developement.

When is the best time of the day to water my lawn?

It is best to water your lawn early in the morning as it reduces water evaporation allowing you to water your lawn faster and use less water. You could also water early evening when it’s warm as long as there is enough time for the plants and soil to soak up the water.

 

 best garden hose article link

interlink with best garden hoses article

Top 7 Best Small Wood Chippers for Your Landscape in 2021

A big part of landscape maintenance is collecting and disposing of debris left after cleaning up your trees from dead branches, trimming down, or removing unwanted bushes and shrubs. If you’ve been throwing away all of that debris or paying someone to collect it, you should consider getting a small wood chipper to save money and improve your softscape by returning all of the debris in the form of mulch back into the soil. A wood chipper shredder is one of the best tools to deal with unwanted branches, twigs, shrubs, and leaves. Today we’ll go over different types of wood chippers, how to pick the best one, and will provide our picks for the top 7 best small wood chippers for your landscape in 2021.

Types of Wood Chippers

Gas

Wood chippers and shredders running on gas are most used in both residential and professional landscaping. They provide much more power than electric wood chippers as their power ranges from 4-10 horsepower. More power means that the shredder can work faster while also tackling thicker and harder landscape debris. The disadvantages of gas-powered wood chippers are louder noise, heavier weight, and more maintenance.

Electric

Small electric wood chippers are great for landscapes with smaller trees as they have a hard time handling tree branches larger than 2 inches, but they are much lighter, easier to transport, and most importantly, produce way less noise and no smoke. They are an excellent option for eco-friendly gardeners looking to build a sustainable landscape. The most significant disadvantages of the electric wood chippers and shredders are that they require a nearby outlet and shred slower than gas chippers.

PTO

Power Take-Off (PTO) wood chippers and shredders are connected to a tractor’s PTO shaft, which allows it to power the wood chipper. Because of the higher power a tractor can generate, PTO wood chippers are much more powerful than gas or electric chippers. Even though you can find smaller PTO wood chippers, they will still be quite bulky, loud, and, most importantly, require a tractor to power them. PTO wood shredders come at a higher price tag, so most casual gardeners and landscapers will use small gas or electric wood chippers, which are not as powerful but are cheaper and easier to use. If you are serious about landscaping or own a vast landscape with many trees, then it might be wise to own a PTO wood chipper as a long-term investment.

What to Consider When Buying a Small Wood Chipper?

Feed Capacity

The feed capacity is one of the most important considerations to take before buying a small wood chipper. It determines the size of branches you can feed into the chipper. Most small gas and electric wood chippers can handle 2-5 inch thickness branches. If your main goal is to clean up small 1-3 inch diameter branches and use larger ones for your fire pit, then almost all small wood chippers will do great. If you have plenty of thicker branches, you need to look for a higher-capacity chipper designed for professional use.

Power type

If you’re doing casual landscape cleaning a couple of times a year, a small electric wood chipper will be plenty. Electric-powered shredders are much quieter than gas ones, so you can use them in highly populated neighborhoods without disturbing anyone. They are also low maintenance and lighter, but you’re tied to an electrical cord and can’t use it in an area without a power source. Gas-powered wood chippers are also a touch more powerful and will complete your yard cleanup a bit faster.

Reduction Rate

best wood chippers
wood chips

The reduction rate is pretty straightforward; it means how much the chipper will reduce original debris volume. Most small wood chippers’ reduction rate will be from 8:1 to 20:1, meaning they can shred branches, twig, or leaves to 4-10% of their original volume. A smaller reduction rate shredder will require less power, while a higher reduction rate chipper needs to be more powerful to spin the blades faster. 

If you’re going to use mulch for your landscape, think how big you want the pieces to be, this might be a good indication of what reduction ratio to go for.

Blades

In general, it’s better to go for a wood chipper with more blades. If there are fewer blades, the individual blade is used more often, will dull faster, and require sharpening. If there are more blades, then the wear of the blades splits more evenly, allowing the blades to be sharp for longer.

Additional Features

A simple but convenient additional feature to look for is a mulch or debris bag that you can attach to the chipper. It collects everything that goes through the chipper and allows for easy disposal or scattering of the mulch. You can also find chippers with multiple feeding chutes, a bigger one for branches and twigs, and a smaller one for leaves and other soft debris. Finally, some chippers will have vacuum attachments which are handy to collect small debris and keep the grass clean.

Top 7 Best Small Wood Chipper Reviews in 2021

Sun Joe CJ603E Electric Silent Wood Chipper/Shredder


Sun Joe CJ603E is a very silent electric wood chipper that is great for everyday gardening needs. This model has 15 Amp power and has a reduction ratio of 21:1, meaning you’ll have very fine mulch for your flower garden bed or compost box. 

CJ603E capacity is up to 1.73 inch thick branches and twigs. It can’t handle thick branches, but the ones that fit are shredded with ease. This small electric wood shredder weighs just 38.6 lbs. And can be moved around on the 7-inch wheels. Very portable as long as you have enough extension cord length.

All in all, Sun Joe CJ603E is the best small wood chipper for regular homeowners who want to regularly clean up small branches, twigs, or leaves and reuse them as mulch. 

Key features:

  • Power: 15 Amp
  • Capacity: up to 1.73 inch
  • Reduction rate: 21:1
  • Weight: 38.6 lbs.
  • Very compact 
  • 7-inch wheels for portability
  • Tamper included

Weaknesses:

  • It needs a power outlet

SuperHandy Wood Chipper Shredder Electric


SuperHandy electric wood shredder is the best small, lightweight wood chipper on our list, with a weight of only 24.5 lbs. The impenetrable wheels allow for easy storage and maneuverability over grass, soil, and other uneven surfaces. A hopper on top allows you to collect and dump leaves into the shredder conveniently. If needed, a tamper is included for a quick and safe push.

The two cutting blades behind a rust-proof polypropylene housing can shred backyard debris into 17 times smaller pieces for easy disposal, composting, or mulching.

We love the compact and lightweight design that allows for easy maneuvering around the landscape if your electrical cord allows it. Despite the only disadvantage of small capacity, the SuperHandy wood chipper is a fantastic option for regular backyard cleanup.

Key features:

  • Power: 15 Amp
  • Capacity: up to 1.57 inch 
  • Reduction rate: 17:1
  • Weight: 24.5
  • Very lightweight
  • Rust-proof polypropylene housing
  • Compact to store
  • Tamper included
  • Durable housing

Weaknesses:

  • Can shred only thin branches 

Earthwise GS70015 15-Amp Garden Corded Electric Chipper


Earthwise is our best small electric wood chipper if you want to clean up your landscape fast and efficiently. Its reduction ratio of 10:1 cuts branches into larger chunks than other chippers but allows the shredding process to be completed much quicker.

The big chute on top of the chipper with the tamper allows you to dump many dead plants, leaves, and twigs and push them into the blades quickly and effortlessly.

We love the sturdy collection bin instead of the bag. It allows for an easier pour. You can even store your mulch in the bin to dry out.

All in all, this small wood chipper is designed for people who want to clean up their backyards fast and don’t really care about the size of mulch that comes out.

Key features:

  • Power: 15 Amp
  • Capacity: up to 1.75 inch
  • Reduction rate: 10:1
  • Weight: 31 lbs.
  • Big chute
  • Durable build
  • Tamper included
  • Sturdy collection bin
  • Wheels for portability

Weaknesses:

  • Expensive for an electric wood chipper

SuperHandy Leaf Mulcher Shredder Electric


Are you tired of having truckloads of fallen leaves every week during autumn? SuperHandy leaf mulcher and shredder is designed to mulch leaves and small branches with a powerful but silent 15 Amp motor.

This small wood chipper can handle twigs and smaller branches of only up to 0.5 inches thick but deals with them quickly, and with no noise, so you can do your chores early morning or late at night. You’ll also receive a large 50-gallon tear and water-resistant bag for mulch collection. 

This small leaf and wood mulcher has two 8 inch wheels for easy transportation and relocation. The build itself also feels very sturdy as its frame is made from steel. 

SuperHandy Leaf Mulcher’s disadvantages are small branch shredding capacity and higher price point. However, the fantastic leaf mulching efficiency and build quality make it a wise investment, especially for gardeners tired of dealing with mountains of leaves every year.

Key features:

  • Power: 15 Amp
  • Capacity: up to 0.5 inch
  • Weight:
  • Sturdy steel frame
  • Durable 8-inch wheels
  • Water-resistant debris bag

Weaknesses:

  • Expensive

Landworks Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher Super Heavy Duty


If you’re on a budget but still want a larger and more powerful gas-powered wood chipper, Landworks shredder might be your best option. This model is powered by a 7hp 212cc 4 stroke engine to mulch branches up to 3-inch thickness through the side hopper. The top hopper is designed for small twigs, leaves, and trimmings of up to 0.5-inch thickness.

This small gas wood chipper is designed for residential backyards with many dead or fallen branches or trimmings that weaker electric shredders can’t handle. If needed, you can buy extra attachments like a vacuum insert for an extra tidy backyard and a big discharge bag attachment. Although, it would have been nice if the model already came with the bag attachment.

Landworks wood chipper might not be the most powerful gas shredder but is the best small gas-powered wood chipper if you’re on a budget.

Key features:

  • Power: 7hp 212cc
  • Capacity: top hopper 0.5 inch, side 3 inch
  • Reduction rate: 15:1
  • Weight: 130 lbs.
  • Small but powerful
  • Two wheels for easy relocation

Weaknesses:

  • No collection bin or bag

EFCUT C30 Mini Wood Chipper Shredder Mulcher


EFCUT C30 is probably the best small gas wood chipper on our list that money can buy. Yes, it is expensive, but it’s amazingly built, lightweight for a gas shredder, and is powerful enough to handle most tree debris on your landscape.

Inside the shredder, you’ll find a unique cutting system of 2 steel cutting blades and four cutting hammers that go through leaves, twigs, trimmings, and branches like a knife through butter. You also have a handy check window to see if anything is stuck between the blades.

The 7hp 212cc 4 stroke engine allows it to tackle branches up to 3 inches and reduce their volume 15 times. We were surprised to see how stable the shredder is when feeding branches larger than 3 inches. There was no jumping or unusual wiggling, only a slight deceleration of shredding speed, but that is expected when trying to shred thick branches.

If you don’t mind spending more for a long-term investment, EFCUT C30 is the best small wood shredder on our list for larger backyard cleanups.

Key features:

  • Power: 7hp 212cc
  • Capacity: up to 3 inch
  • Reduction rate: 15:1
  • Weight: 90 lbs.
  • 10-inch airless wheels

Weaknesses:

  • Expensive

Patriot CSV-3100B Briggs & Stratton Gas-Powered Wood Chipper/Leaf Shredder


We have Patriot CSV-3100B, our pick for the most powerful small wood chipper to finish off our list. The chipping cone at the side can handle up to 3 inch thick branches because of the small but powerful 10hp engine that can create up to 14.6 lb-ft. torque. Anything smaller than 3 inches in diameter will be crushed, shredded, and cut into small pieces reducing the original volume up to 20 times.

It’s nice to see that Patriot took small details like engine noise into account and added a muffler to reduce some of the noise. There is also a convenient oil indicator to remind you if oil levels drop. 

This small, powerful shredder weighs 140 lbs. but it isn’t that hard to maneuver because of the low center of gravity and comfortable large wheels.

Key features:

  • Power: 10hp
  • Capacity: up to 3 inches
  • Reduction rate: 20:1
  • Weight: 140 lbs.
  • Easy to maneuver

Weaknesses:

  • Heavy

Top 8 Best Pruning Shears for Your Garden in 2021

Professional gardeners, landscapers, or anyone who owns at least a few plants or a tree should have a pair of quality pruning shears among their landscaping tools. When you need to cut some vines, thin branches, or handle something as delicate as flowers pruning shears is your best option since they are very maneuverable, ergonomic, and easily fit in your pocket. Today, we will talk about different types of pruning shears and how to pick the best one for you. We’ll also give our recommendations for the top 8 best pruning shears for your garden in 2021. 

Types of Pruning Shears

hydraulic shears

There are so many pruning shears designed for almost every landscaping and gardening task. But which one is the best? It always depends on your needs, but without specializing too deep, we’ll look at the most popular ones, which should cover all your basic softscaping needs.

Bypass

bypass pruner

Bypass pruners are probably the most common type and should be your first pruner if you don’t have a pair yet. As the name suggests, Bypass pruning shears will have a blade that will bypass the other blade providing an extremely clean and precise cut if the blade is sharp enough. Pruning small live branches, vines, flowers, or fruit and veggie harvesting is a breeze with a pair of bypass pruners.

Anvil

These pruners are called anvil shears because when the blade goes down, it pinches anything in the way against the anvil and crushes instead of cutting. Anvil pruning shears are great to use on already dead plants and things you don’t care about the integrity of the stem afterward. They are most popular for their speed at cleaning up small dead branches, rose bushes, and unnecessary vines. 

Ratchet

Ratchet pruning shears are the heavy lifters in the realm of pruning shears. They are pruners with a mechanism that allows cutting in stages. The extra leverage allows to cut through thicker and more rigid materials and handling larger branches and roots. Ratchet pruners are very popular among people who have weak wrists or injured hands. 

What to Consider When Buying Pruning Shears?

assorted tools

With so many different pruning shears on the market, it might be a little challenging to pick the best one because, honestly, everyone needs a different type of pruner. Here are a couple of points you should consider to choose the best pruner for your personal landscaping tasks.

Blade Quality

Most pruning shears will either have a high carbon steel blade or stainless steel one. None of them are better or worse, so it depends on how you use your pruners or what you’re going to cut or trim. Carbon steel is a bit tougher metal and should last a bit longer since it’s more resistant to scratches and scrapes but does rust faster, so you need to keep it away from moisture.

Pruners with stainless steel blades also rust, but they rust way slower. Most stainless steel blades are not as tough as high carbon ones but are a bit cheaper. Great for light pruning tasks that don’t require a lot of force.

Ergonomics

The grip handle is a very important piece of a pruner. If you use your pruner constantly, you want to have a comfortable and, most importantly, tight grip on your pruner. A soft rubber material or coating will deteriorate over time, but comfortable pruning and tight grip are worth the extra amount you’ll spend over simple hard plastic grips. 

Blade Style

tools on the wall

As we’ve already covered the two main styles of pruning shears, all you need to do is figure out what landscaping task you need the pruner for. If your backyard or garden has been abandoned and has a bunch of dead branches, bushes, roots, or vines, go for the anvil pruner for a quick cleanup. 

If you’re looking to trim and cut down live plants, need precision cuts, or just a pruner for general garden maintenance, bypass pruner is a go-to for casual and beginner gardeners.

Cutting Mechanism

You’ll have either a ratchet or spring mechanism on your pruners. If you want extra power and pressure on your pruner, pick a ratchet anvil pruner. They are designed to cut thicker branches, roots, and even plastic. It is also an excellent option for people with arthritis or weak hands in general. 

Spring pruners are the most common ones and probably the cheapest ones. When going for a spring-loaded pruner, remember spring mechanism is a bit more delicate and is easier to damage. If possible, go for a pruner that has its spring covered to protect from things getting into the spring.

Safety features

One of the most critical safety features for pruning shears is the locking mechanism. Non-spring pruners could get by without it, but spring pruners will always have blades open if you release the handles. The locking mechanism in spring pruners allows the blades to be closed when you’re not using them. This feature usually adds extra cost to the pruner but will save you from cutting yourself with extra sharp blades.

Top 8 Best Pruning Shear Reviews in 2021

Fiskars 379451-1002 SoftGrip Pruner


Fiskar landscaping tools are among the best in the market, so it’s not hard to guess that we’ll have Fiskars pruning shears on top of our list. These bypass shears have razor-sharp blades with an anti-rust coating that provides low friction extremely precise cuts even when dealing with saps. 

You’ll have no trouble cutting live plants of up to ⅝ inch thickness without damaging the stems. The high-quality build is solid and gives a comfortable and tight grip because of the soft handles. We appreciate the bright orange color, which allows you to quickly find your shears if you leave or drop them in the grass.

All in all, Fiskars 379451-1002 bypass pruner is one of the best pruning shears on our list for beginners or people on a budget. 

Key features:

  • Cut capacity: ⅝ inch
  • Anti-rust coated blade
  • Precision ground razor-sharp blade
  • Soft grip handles
  • Excellent price to quality ratio

Weaknesses:

  • No locking mechanism
  • Spring is open to debris

Mueller Soft Grip Garden Pruning Shears


Mueller hardened titanium blade pruning shears are amazingly sturdy and feel very durable. It seems to be built very well with no flimsiness or loose screws. The hardened titanium blades are extra sharp and can cut through branches of up to 1.2-inch thickness. The locking mechanism will allow you to lock the blades and carry the shears without fear of cutting yourself.

We find the padded handles very comfortable and enjoy a tight grip even if they are wet or dirty, but we doubt their durability in the long term. 

Excellent build, sharp blades, and comfortable grip make Mueller Garden Pruning Shears one of the best bypass pruners on our list.

Key features:

  • Cut capacity: 1.2 inch
  • Extra durability with hardened titanium blades
  • Very sturdy
  • Protected spring
  • Comfortable grip
  • Locking mechanism
  • Cheap

Weaknesses:

  • Padded handles might not last too long

Corona BP 3180D Forged Classic Bypass Pruner


Corona is a landscaping tools company from the USA that makes high-quality, affordable tools for your garden. We’ve already given praise to their hand pruning saw, and now Corona BP 3180D is one of the best bypass pruners on this list too. 

The heat-treated forged steel alloy construction doesn’t have the best looks but is very solid and designed for heavy use in your backyard or even professional landscaping projects. It even has a sap groove that protects the blades from sticking when dealing with heavy sap vegetation.

It is nice that the blades open wide enough to handle larger branches; however, we felt that the shears struggled quite a bit cutting 1-inch thickness branches. You should also take into consideration that this bypass pruner is a bit heavier than the competition.

Key features:

  • Heat-treated forged steel alloy
  • Locking mechanism
  • Sap groove
  • Non-slip grips

Weaknesses:

  • Quite heavy
  • Couldn’t deal with 1 inch thick branches as advertised

Fiskars Micro-Tip Pruner Non-Stick Blades


Looking for something very precise for fine cuts when pruning delicate flowers, herbs, or leaves? The Fiskars micro-tip pruner is basically a very sharp and sturdy scissors for your landscape. 

The fully hardened, precision-ground stainless steel blades provide a clean cut without damaging the plant’s stem. You’ll also have a handy lock mechanism to keep the blades closed. It’s also nice to have a non-stick coating that reduces friction and protects from buildup. 

If you’re very meticulous and love shaping and cherishing plants, flowers, and bushes to the smallest detail, Fiskars micro-tip pruner snips are the best snips on our list for micro gardening tasks.

Key features:

  • Perfect for small plant shaping 
  • Precision-ground stainless steel
  • Very sharp blades
  • Lock mechanism
  • Non-stick coating to reduce friction and buildup

Weaknesses:

  • Can’t handle thicker plants

Fiskars Power-Lever Anvil Pruner


Another Fiskars pruner? Yes, this time, it’s an anvil pruner for dead greenery cleanup. The Power-lever anvil pruner from Fiskars offers excellent quality, durability at an extremely low price, so it’s a no-brainer why it takes a spot as one of the best anvil pruners on our list.

The power leverage technology allows for up to 2x more cutting power as the Fiskars four-point pivot design maximizes leverage. Combine that with sharp precision ground blades and low friction rust-resistant coating to get a pair of anvil shears that can cut up to ⅝ inch thickness dead branches with ease. 

Cushioned handles allow for a steady and slip-resistant grip even when you need to use a lot of force. The only disadvantage we’ve spotted in Fiskars build is that the locking mechanism is tough to engage. 

Key features:

  • Cut capacity: ⅝ inch 
  • A perfect tool to quickly clean up dead plants
  • Precision-ground extra sharp blade
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Power leverage technology
  • Cushioned grip
  • Locking mechanism

Weaknesses:

  • Locking mechanism hard to engage

Gardenite Power Drive Ratchet Anvil Hand Pruning Shears


Suffer from arthritis or just don’t have enough power for those ½ inch branches? This Power Drive ratchet anvil pruner is great for people who have weaker hands but still want to deal with more formidable hedges and thicker live branches. The ratchet mechanism is great for improving the cutting power without using much force. Pruning with this ratchet anvil pruner will take more time, but you won’t put a strain on your arms.

The Gardenite ratchet anvil pruning shears have a comfortable handle with a non-slip grip and locking mechanism to carry and store the shears safely. We did experience that the ratchet function and the whole build are a bit flimsy, but for the budget price it’s being sold, you can’t complain too much.

Key features:

  • Effortless cutting with ratchet mechanism
  • Hardened steel blades
  • Ergonomic design
  • Lock mechanism
  • Budget price
  • Great for beginners or casual landscapers

Weaknesses:

  • Ratchet function a bit flimsy
  • The build could be sturdier

The Gardener’s Friend Pruners, Ratchet Pruning Shears

Last but not least on our list is Gardener’s Friend ratchet anvil pruning shears. These premium shears come at a pretty high price tag but do offer excellent quality and durability.

A sharp blade allows cutting through even thicker branches, twigs, or roots without using much force. The ratchet mechanism makes it a perfect gardening tool for elders or people with injured hands. The only flaw of this tool is that the blade locking mechanism is slightly hard to engage or disengage.

If you don’t mind spending extra for quality and durability, the Gardener’s Friend anvil ratchet pruning shears is the best anvil pruner on our list in terms of durability and build quality.

Key features:

  • Great for people with weak hands
  • Very sturdy
  • Can handle delicate and tough cuts
  • Sharp blade

Weaknesses:

  • Lock difficult to engage

Felco F-2 068780 Classic Manual Hand Pruner, F 2, Red


For my money, the Felco brand of pruner is the absolute best on the market. I have been using them for many years of landscape construction and maintenance and have found them to be consistently the best. I have tried countless other varieties and none of them have held a sharp edge and held up longer than the Felco brand.

Key features:

  • Very strong and durable blades
  • The ability to buy replacement blades
  • Trouble free coiled spring
  • Comfortable handle
  • Light weight
  • These will cut whatever you have to strength to cut.

Weakness:

  • As with any pruner, the blades can be bent if twisted sideways while in a large branch

best hand pruning saws