Corded electric strimmers are a great option for smaller gardens. They are lightweight, easy to use, and powerful enough to tackle long grass and some weeds. They are also the cheapest option to buy.
You never have to worry about carrying that heavy battery around or stress about where you put the charger cable, the plugin strimmer is ready to go straight away whenever you need it.
To help you find the best electric strimmer for your garden I’ve reviewed dozens of electric trimmers myself and narrowed down the best corded electric choices. Updated this article in 2023 after further tests to bring you the latest and greatest choices. I’ve laid them out so their specifications are easy to compare so that you can quickly see which model is best for you.
I have updated the article for 2024 to provide you with the newest and the greatest and honestly, I am happy that the majority of the context is still valid since my last update.
Have a read-through and check out the buying guide I’ve included to help give you some pointers. If you like the look of any of the products click the Price & Reviews button to check current prices on Amazon. You can also buy many of these at Argos, Screwfix, or B&Q.
To start you off, we have the five very best options out there, and leading the way is the top choice.
Top 5 Best Corded Electric Strimmers
- Top Choice – Black + Decker GL9035GB Electric Strimmer
- Runner Up – Makita UR3000 240 V Electric Trimmer
- Best Trimmer & Brushcutter – Ryobi RBC1226I Electric 2-in-1 Brush Cutter
- Best Trimmer For Edges – Einhell GC-ET 4530 Set, Electric Lawn Trimmer
- Best Budget Option – Bosch Corded EasyGrassCut 23
1. Top Choice – Black + Decker GL9035GB Electric Strimmer
Brand: Black and Decker
Power: 900Watts
Cutting Width: 35cm
Cutting Head: Automatic Single Line Feed
Weight: 3.2kg
Pros
- Auto feed spool
- Lightweight & Adjustable handle for comfort
- Good length of power cable
- Great price
Cons
- If you don’t “BUMP” to feed more before long you have to re-feed from the coil manually
In the top spot, today is this powerful little strimmer by Black + Decker. With a 900-watt motor and auto-feed spool, you can get on with strimming without any hassle. It has a pretty large cutting diameter of 35cm and an edger wheel so you’ll end up with beautiful strain lawn edges without any hassle.
With an adjustable second handle, you have fine control of the strimmer’s movements as you make your way through the long grass. It’s really simple to operate and at only 3.2kg it is very lightweight.
The strimmer can be used with an extension cable of up to 30 meters (it must be 1.5 mm2 HO5VV-F as the manufacturer recommends).
It’s a reliable garden tool with a powerful motor and the low price makes this strimmer an all-round good buy.
2. Runner Up – Makita UR3000 240 V Electric Trimmer
Brand: Makita
Power: 450Watts
Cutting Width: 30cm
Cutting Head: Line Trimmer
Weight: 2.6kg
Pros
- Good for long grass
- Adjustable comfort handle
- Good safety features
Cons
- A little cumbersome to use
This small yet mighty strimmer can handle long grass due to the twin line head. It’s a bump feed system so quick to replenish the line on the go. The cutting head can move 180 degrees of rotation to allow excellent edges.
It comes with a safety guard and a lock-off lever so you can’t accidentally start it up. The 10 meter cable will handle small lawns and a 30cm cutting diameter will have the job done in no time.
It has a rigid aluminium telescopic pole which is both durable and easy to adjust to the correct height for you. The second loop handle is also fully adjustable for added comfort when in use.
3. Best Trimmer & Brushcutter – Ryobi RBC1226I Electric 2-in-1 Brush Cutter
Brand: Ryobi
Power: 1200Watts
Cutting Width: 26-38cm
Cutting Head: Line Trimmer and Brushcutter
Weight: 6kg
Pros
- Heavy duty
- Can handle thick weeds
- Powerful motor
Cons
- Quite loud, earwear recommended
If it’s a more heavy-duty job you have in mind, this strimmer by Ryobi is a good option. The powerful, 1200 watt motor is more than capable of handling thick weeds up to 13mm when the 26cm brushcutter blade is installed.
For a lighter, grass trimming job the 38cm line trimmer is perfect. It’s a bump feed system so you simply tap the cutting head to dispense more line when needed.
The user manual states that it is safe to use with an extension cable as long as it’s a safe option to use outdoors and it comes marked with “H05 RNF” or “H05 VV-F”. This can help by greatly extending the cutting area available.
This is a powerful strimmer and it’s important to consider safety first. The manufacturers have fitted the cutting head with a safety guard and it’s important to always use this strimmer parallel to the ground and wear appropriate PPE when using it.
4. Best Trimmer For Edges – Einhell GC-ET 4530 Set, Electric Lawn Trimmer
Brand: Einhell
Power: 450Watts
Cutting Width: 30cm
Cutting Head: Twin Line Trimmer
Weight: 2.6kg
Pros
- Comes with flower guard
- Feeds automatically
- Decent power
Cons
- No safety on switch
For beautiful neat lawn edges, you need a strimmer that’s designed for the job. This lawn trimmer by Einhell is great for trimming after mowing. The 30cm, twin line cutting head gives enough momentum to power through untidy edges.
The motorhead can be rotated by 180 degrees which allows it to easily get around corners or any obstacles. It has an edging wheel that helps guide it along straight lines. It also comes with a flower guard to protect your flowerbeds and vegetable patches from the cutting line.
The line feed is fully automatic so this saves a lot of hassle and it has cable strain relief built-in to protect the power cord. You can set the telescopic handle to your desired height and this feature helps make it compact for storage as well.
5. Best Budget Option – Bosch Corded EasyGrassCut 23
Brand: Bosch
Power: 280Watts
Cutting Width: 23cm
Cutting Head: Line Trimmer
Weight: 2kg
Pros
- Great price
- Works perfectly for lawn edging
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not so good for heavy duty edging
- Doesn’t feed out well
If the price is your top consideration then it doesn’t get much cheaper than this Bosch EasyGrassCut. It’s lightweight, compact, and extremely easy to use. The 23cm line can get into tight corners.
An auxiliary handle gives this a comfortable grip and can be adjusted to suit you. The strimmer also has a trigger to control the release of the cutting line so you don’t have to stop to adjust this.
This strimmer is designed with a good quality finish and is well balanced to hold.
There are a few bad reviews out there stating that this strimmer isn’t worth it. Personally, I feel if you consider that it’s one of the cheapest options out there at around a quarter the cost of most models and is only 280 watts in power you need to use it for what it’s designed for.
This is a grass trimmer for neatening edges after you mow. It won’t handle very long grass or weeds but it will get into tight spaces that your lawnmower won’t manage. It’s an affordable option if you’re on a tight budget but if you’re looking for a heavy-duty, powerful, machine consider some of the other options on this list.
Electric Grass Strimmer Buying Guide
Power
The power of the motor indicates how well the strimmer will handle long grass and weeds. A less powerful motor will struggle to cut through fibrous plants and will just push them over, meaning they are likely to tangle in the cutting head. For after-mowing trimming and edging, a less powerful strimmer will be just fine. For thick grass and weeds, you need a model with more power.
Cutting Width
It’s important to consider the size of your garden or the area needing to be trimmed before you choose a new strimmer. If you have a large area needing to be done then make sure you get a model with an adequate cutting width otherwise it’ll take ages to finish the job.
Line Trimmer Vs Plastic Blades
Line trimmers are very popular and generally do a very good job of cutting grass. They are prone to breaking and tougher plants will cause the string to snap. An auto feed or bump feed system will help you to overcome this issue as you can dispense more lines as you strim.
Plastic blades are tougher and more durable than the string trimmers. They can cut through tougher weeds like nettles a lot easier. The issue with them is that they do break if they accidentally hit a solid object and you have to stop work to change them. They can end up taking longer overall to get the job done.
Cord Length
The standard cord length for most corded grass strimmers is 10m. Some can be a short as 5 meters so it’s worth having a look into before you buy. You can often add in an extension cable to get to those hard to reach areas but always check with the user manual first to ensure your cable is safe to use with your corded grass trimmer.
Weight
The weight of an electric strimmer, although far less than a petrol strimmer is still worth considering. They are the most lightweight option out there as you don’t need to carry a heavy lithium ion battery like the cordless models. Make sure that the strimmer you choose is a weight that you can handle easily. If it’s too heavy you’re going to struggle to use it and larger areas will be out of the question.
Edging
Neat edges are one of the main reasons most people buy a strimmer or grass trimmer. The best grass edging trimmers have adaptations to allow them to do this efficiently. An edging wheel is an excellent guide for straight edges and a flower guard will help protect flowerbeds and vegetable patches. It’s also helpful if the cutting head is designed with a hinge joint to allow it to work well around corners.
Price
Probably the most important consideration when buying any new piece of equipment has to be the price. The new strimmer has to fit into your budget otherwise it’s not a great option for you. Corded electric strimmers are the cheapest strimmers out there and I’ve included some great budget options here if money is tight.
F.A.Q.s
What’s better, a corded or cordless grass trimmer?
A cordless strimmer can be a great option if you have a larger garden. They are easier to use and more eco friendly than petrol grass trimmers. The downside is their runtime isn’t very long. A corded electric strimmer is powerful enough for grass trimming and you can work away without worrying about battery life.
Which strimmer is best for my garden?
As a general rule, a small garden with trimming and edging needing to be done, a corded electric model will do just fine. For a medium sized garden or if you don’t have a power supply nearby, a cordless electric will do you well. For large gardens or heavy duty work, you really need a petrol model to give you enough power to tackle those weeds.
Is a straight shaft or curved shaft trimmer better?
A strimmer with a curved shaft tends to be shorter, lighter, and easier to use for general trimming work. The downside is they can be a bit too short for tall people to use and the curved end can get in the way if you’re trying to trim under benches or low branches.
What’s the difference between a trimmer and a strimmer?
The term strimmer is actually just a shortened version of grass trimmer. The terms are interchangeable but some manufacturers will classify their products as one of the other just to make things confusing.
What is the difference between a strimmer and a brush cutter?
A strimmer is designed to tackle soft grass and small weeds. The cutting head is plastic blades or nylon string. A brushcutter is a metal blade that comes with some strimmer models. It’s a lot more powerful and can cut through tough weeds. The best electric brushcutters are still not as powerful as the best petrol ones but they can handle weeds and long grass.
More Electric Strimmers Reviewed
Flymo Contour 500E Electric Grass Trimmer
Brand: Flymo
Power: 500Watts
Cutting Width: 25cm
Cutting Head: Automatic Double Line Feed
Weight: 3kg
This is another great budget option if you’re looking for a trimmer and edging tool. It has a twin line with an automatic feed which makes this strimmer a very effective one.
The telescopic shaft and soft-grip handles make this one very comfortable to use and it’s built with a large edging wheel to give you a controlled and neat finish.
This strimmer is very easy to use, it’s quiet and it’s very versatile for navigating around obstacles. It can get around and under garden furniture with ease and the flower guard will protect your vegetables.
It’s lightweight, affordable, and quiet to use so is perfect to use in an urban setting.
Bosch ART 24 Electric Grass Trimmer
Brand: Bosch
Power: 400Watt
Cutting Width: 24cm
Cutting Head: Automatic Twin Line
Weight: 2.6kg
For smaller garden jobs this Bosch Art trimmer is a great option. The auto feed twin line keeps this strimmer working effectively without stopping and starting. The cutting head rotates by 90 degrees to switch from trimming to edging mode with just the click of a button.
It’s only 2.6kg in weight and the ergonomic handles help make this a really comfortable garden strimmer to use. For ease of use, it also has an adjustable shaft so the height can be easily adjusted to fit you.
It’s lightweight, powerful, and won’t break the bank. Perfect for small lawns.
Black and Decker BESTA530-GB Corded Strimmer
Brand: Black + Decker
Power: 550Watts
Cutting Width: 30cm
Cutting Head: Automatic Line Feed System
Weight: 3.15kg
Finally, we have this small grass trimmer by Black + Decker for you. For a smaller electric model, it’s powerful enough with a 550watt motor. 30cm cutting swathe will tackle rough patches with ease and the auto line feed will keep you hard at work.
It can easily switch between trim and edge mode and has a handy guide wheel to help you achieve straight neat edges. The telescopic pole will give you a comfortable grip no matter how tall you are.
It’s compact, lightweight, and affordable and is a great choice for small gardens.
eSkde ESBC2 Electric Strimmer and Brush Cutter
Brand: eSkde
Power: 900Watts
Cutting Width: 23-36cm
Cutting Head: Line Trimmer & Brushcutter
Weight: 6kg
For a strimmer with a bit more oomph, this model by eSkde with a line trimmer and brushcutter blades does just that. The 900-watt motor can power the 23cm, 3 tooth brushcutter blade for thick weeds or brambles and the bump feed, nylon line for long grass and weeds.
This model is a bit heavier at 6 kg but it comes with a shoulder strap so is actually very easy to use. It comes with a 10-meter power cable so suited to a smaller garden.
This strimmer is easy to use and straightforward to assemble. It comes with a 12-month warranty for peace of mind.
BLUE RIDGE Electric Grass Trimmer
Brand: Blue Ridge
Power: 600Watts
Cutting Width: 32cm
Cutting Head: Automatic Line Feed
Weight: 2.8kg
If you’re looking for a garden tool that does both trimming and edging then consider this one by Blue Ridge. It’s comfortable to use due to the telescopic shaft and an auxiliary, adjustable handle.
The line feed system is completely automatic to save you time and hassle and this model comes with a spare spool which is a nice feature.
The shaft has a twist handle that allows you to quickly and easily transform it from edging mode to trimming mode in no time at all. The cutting head also has a flower guard to protect your garden plants from falling victim to this strimmer.
It’s pretty powerful and comes with a 2 year warranty so this strimmer will do you well. The power cord isn’t very long though so it’s better used on smaller lawns.
Take-Home
Corded electric strimmers are lightweight, easy to use, and inexpensive. There are plenty of options out there and I hope this article has helped narrow down these and given you a clearer idea of what you need for your lawn. We all love neat and tidy gardens and I hope you find the perfect strimmer to help you achieve just that. Happy strimming!
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