There’s nothing worse than finishing up with the lawnmower, standing back to admire your hard work, and being greeted by ugly patches of long grass around the edges. A grass trimmer or strimmer is the perfect solution to take care of these untidy grass clumps and well as for tackling unruly weeds.
There are loads of different options when it comes to choosing a new strimmer and not all models are created equal. To help you out I’ve reviewed dozens of strimmers myself and put together this article that covers the 10 best options to help focus your search. I also came back in 2023 to update it to the latest and greatest models. Once more I am back and updating the article to ensure you have the greatest Strimmers in 2024.
I’ve also included a handy buying guide and some FAQs to answer any questions you may have. Please have a read through and if you like the look of any of the options available then click “Price & Reviews” to head to Amazon. You can also buy many of these at Argos, Screwfix, or B&Q.
Top 5 Best Strimmers UK
- Top Choice – Ryobi OLT1832 18V ONE+ Cordless Grass Trimmer
- Runner Up – Black + Decker GL7033GB
- Best Petrol Strimmer – BU-KO 52cc 3 in 1 Multi Tool/Petrol Strimmer
- Best Electric Strimmer – WORX 20V Cordless Grass Trimmer
- Best Multi-Tool – Parker Brand 52cc Multi Function 5 in 1 Garden Tool
1. Top Choice – Ryobi OLT1832 18V ONE+ Cordless Grass Trimmer

Brand: RYOBI
Type: Cordless Battery Powered
Power: 18V
Cutting Width: 25 or 30cm
Weight: 2.3kg
Stealing the top spot we have this Ryobi grass trimmer. It’s a cordless, battery powered option so gives you plenty of freedom to roam. The strimmer works by a spool fed line so gives you room to adjust the cutting diameter.
The batteries are compatible with other Ryobi power tools so that’s really helpful if you have any of these. Without the battery in situ, this tool weighs 2.3kg so is very lightweight and it’s also pretty quiet to run.
It has a telescopic handle so anyone can use it and it’s powerful enough to tackle weeds as well as just grass. It has auto feed built-in so all you have to do is relieve a little pressure off the power trigger and the spool feeds out more line. This is perfect when the string splits and saves a lot of stopping and starting.
It’s an efficient little machine and can cover a wide area.
Important to note, that this trimmer is sold without a battery and charger. These need to be purchased separately so make sure you factor in this cost as well.
2. Runner Up – Black + Decker GL7033GB

Brand: Black + Decker
Type: Corded Electric
Power: 700watt
Cutting Width: 33cm
Weight: 3.2kg
Next up we have Black and Decker with this powerful little, plug-in string trimmer. With an automatic line feed system and a wheel edge guard, it’s perfect for cutting neat lawn edges and for strimming grass near flowerbeds.
It’s comfortable to hold and the adjustable handle gives you full control whilst you strim. The mid-mounted motor balances this strimmer well and it’s very lightweight.
It has a very powerful cutting head and can handle weeds with ease. It also has a telescopic handle so you can set it to the ideal height for you.
It’s ideal for small garden use as it comes with a 10-meter power cable. For large areas, you do need an extension cord. It’s not powerful enough to use as a brush cutter but it handles long grass well.
3. Best Petrol Strimmer – BU-KO 52cc 3 in 1 Multi Tool/Petrol Strimmer

Brand: BU-KO
Power: 52cc , 2stroke
Cutting Width: 25cm
Cutting Options: Line Trimmer & 2 Brushcutter
Pros
- Powerful 2 stroke engine
- Easy to assemble
- 3 cutting options
- 1 Year Warranty
Cons
- Weight
As you know I am an avid gardener who values efficient and reliable tools, I was happily surprised by the performance of this Petrol Strimmer. The nylon line grass trimmer is bump feed so if it breaks you just give it a tap to restore the cutting width. The brushcutter is a high carbon steel plate with 3 points for a powerful cut and it’s reversible to extend the cutting life. The steel wire is perfect for working on solid surfaces to remove moss or rust to give a shining finish to walkways and patios.. It comes with an adjustable harness so it’s easy to carry and ergonomic handles for full control. It comes with an assembly toolkit and some PPE equipment to keep you safe and also a 12-month warranty for peace of mind.
One of the standout features of the BU-KO petrol strimmer is its robust construction and powerful performance, making it an easy recommendation for homeowners and professionals. The durable design withstands rigorous use, while the 52cc petrol engine is enough to tackle even the most demanding tasks with relative ease.
The only drawback I see is weight and honestly, I can’t tell you the exact weight of the product, shipping weight is 11 kilograms, making it relatively heavy. If you are a ‘half full’ type of person like I am, you can enjoy say you get additional free-of-charge gym with this tool.
All in all, given the extremely positive performance of the product it’s still my top choice for Petrol Strimmer.
4. Best Electric Strimmer – WORX 20V Cordless Grass Trimmer

Brand: WORX
Type: Battery Powered Electric
Power: 20V
Cutting Width: 30cm
Weight: 2.4kg
This 20v max, battery-powered cordless strimmer gives you the freedom of a petrol model without all the upkeep. It has a 2Ah lithium-ion battery which packs a lot of punch.
Command feed gives you full control of the line feed and it’s as simple as pressing a button. The cutting head can be rotated by 90 degrees to get into hard to reach places. The loop handle can be adjusted to 7 different positions for more comfort as you work.
As with most cordless models, the lithium battery, although powerful, doesn’t last very long. This strimmer performs best when used for smaller gardens where a shorter run time doesn’t matter. For larger gardens, you may have to stop and re-charge them or buy a spare to increase your total battery life.
5. Best Multi-Tool – Parker Brand 52cc Multi-Function 5 in 1 Garden Tool

Brand: ParkerBrand
Type: Petrol
Power: 52cc
Cutting Width: 22cm
Weight: N/A
For a power tool that does more than just strim, this is a really great option. It’s a 4 in 1 brush cutter, string trimmer, chainsaw and hedge trimmer. It also comes with an 80cm extension pole to ensure you can get into all those hard to reach areas.
It’s a powerful little machine at 52cc and the trimmer has an edge guard to protect lawn ornaments and other plants. It comes with a shoulder strap for ease of use and a mixing bottle to measure your petrol and oil.
The whole product, with all the attachments, weighs in at 16kg but it’s lighter than this for just the strimmer part.
It’s really good value for money and can cover all your basic gardening needs. The chain has a tendency to lose tension as you work and it’s not going to be cutting down any large trees. But for branches, pruning and logs it’s very good. A hedge trimmer is a great option and the extension pole makes it easy to reach those annoying high up points.
The trimmer and brush cutter cope well with all the usual plant culprits like broom and thistles. It can be a bit of a pain to switch between different tool options but the money you save from buying all these individually more than makes up for it.
Things To Consider When Buying A Strimmer
What You Need It For
If you’re after an edging tool to get a really neat border after you mow then you need a strimmer with an edge wheel and plant guard. If it’s just for cutting grass it doesn’t really matter how powerful it is and any model will do.
If you need a strimmer to cut thick weeds or brush then you need something with a brushcutter blade. For very heavy duty jobs a petrol strimmer is a must.
Make sure you consider what needs to be done before you choose your new strimmer.
Petrol Vs Battery Vs Electric
Petrol strimmers are powerful, and tough and give you the freedom to roam. They are the best for tough weeds and thick unruly patches. They last well for large gardens. They are heavier, more expensive and difficult to use and they do require maintenance. They are also louder than electric ones and emit fumes.
Battery strimmers are much lighter and give you freedom like a petrol model. However, the batteries are not as powerful as petrol and only tend to last about 20-30 minutes before they need re-charged. They are also expensive to replace.
Electric strimmers are lightweight and affordable. They work well for general garden maintenance but won’t tackle tough weeds like a petrol strimmer. They are also limited by the cord length.
Line Vs Blade
The line fed strimmer is perfect for long grass and thinner patches of weeds. A metal blade will power through much tougher plant material. Plastic blades are good for in-between jobs. The perfect one for your garden depends on which type of plants need to be taken care of.
Power
The power of the motor in the strimmer determines how fast it spins and so how well it will cut through vegetation. Power is generally measured in cc for petrol engines, watts for electric ones and volts for batteries. For batteries, it’s also worth considering the amp hours as this dictates how long it will last.
Cutting Width
Cutting width is given in cm in the product descriptions and this tells us the length of cut the blade or string can do. A smaller cutting width will mean it takes a lot longer to cover a certain area. For string strimmers remember to consider that the string will snap on occasion so the cutting width may vary as you work.
Weight
How much the strimmer weighs is essential to consider as it’s you who’ll be carrying the thing around the garden. Make sure you choose one that you can manage. Petrol models tend to be a lot heavier but also tend to come with harnesses which makes them a lot easier to work with. I’ve reviewed more strimmer harnesses here.
F.A.Q.s
What’s the difference between a trimmer and a strimmer?
A strimmer and a grass trimmer are categorised as such by the manufacturers. In reality, strimmer is just “grass trimmer” shortened so these terms are interchangeable.
Are Strimmers with plastic blades any good?
Plastic blades are tougher and more durable compared to nylon line trimmers. However, plastic blades can still break when they contact with solid objects. Metal blades are the toughest and most durable option.
Are petrol Strimmers better than electric ones?
Petrol strimmers are more powerful and last longer than electric ones. They are bigger, heavier and require more upkeep so are not for everyone.
What fuel does a strimmer use?
A strimmer runs off a mix of semi-synthetic 2 stroke oil and unleaded petrol. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to get the mixing ratio correct.
What is the best heavy duty strimmer?
A petrol strimmer, like the Hyundai option, is very powerful and suitable for heavy duty garden work.
More Strimmers Reviewed
Flymo 9669523-01 Contour

Brand: Flymo
Type: Corded Electric
Power: 300watts
Cutting Width: 25cm
Weight: 3.28kg
Well known for making great lawnmowers, Flymo also makes grass trimmers that are perfect for a small lawn. With a 12 meter cable, you’ll get to those far corners without any hassle.
This trimmer has a twin, automatic line feed, an edging wheel and a plant guard so you get a perfect finish every time. It’s quiet to use so good for urban gardens and the soft grip handle makes it comfortable and simple to get the best grass trim after you mow.
It’s extremely affordable and very lightweight so is a perfect piece of kit to have tucked away in the garden shed. It’s not powerful enough to tackle thick weeds or fibrous plants so is best used as a trimmer to keep the long grass in check where the lawnmower can’t reach.
Makita DUR181Z 18V

Brand: Makita
Type: Battery Powered Electric
Power: 18V
Cutting Width: 26cm
Weight: 2.5kg
This is a great strimmer. It’s pretty powerful and has a good sized cutting width. It’s a bump and feed mechanism you can keep on making good headway without stopping. It’s a low noise design so great for residential areas.
The loop handle can be easily adjusted to suit your height and the battery is fixed high up so when you make your cutting swathe with it you’re not swinging a heavy battery as well. The head has 5 different positions it can be set to so you end up with the perfect cutting angle.
The trimmer itself is pretty good but buyers beware. This model does not come with the battery or charger! These need to be purchased separately. It’s really important to factor this into the costs before you buy this make.
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.
Hyundai HYBC5200X

Brand: Hyundai
Type: Petrol
Power: 52cc
Cutting Width: 25-40cm
Weight: 9kg
For large gardens with brambles and brush, this petrol garden strimmer with a brushcutter attachment will get the job done. It has a soft pull, an easy start to get it going and a line trimmer plus a steel brush cutter blade it’s the best strimmer for heavy duty work.
This high torque petrol model is not only powerful but it gets the job done with ease. A bump feed system means less stopping and starting and ergonomic handles plus a double shoulder strap balances this strimmer well.
You can take the shaft apart for easy storage or transport and the strimmer comes with a tool kit to help you do this.
The 3 year warranty gives you peace of mind.
One downside is, it’s a heavier option at 9kg but the harness makes it easier to manage.
Makita EX2650LHM 25.4cc Split Shaft Complete with Brush Cutter

Brand: Makita
Power: 25.4cc, 4 Stroke
Cutting Width: 42cm
Cutting Options: Line Trimmer & Brushcutter
Weight: 4.6kg
Pros
- Powerful 4 stroke engine
- No mixing oil Required
- Very versatile
- Extremely well built
Cons
- Assembly is tricky
- A little heavy
Due to the 4 stroke petrol engine, this strimmer produces fewer emissions so is environmentally friendly and more fuel-efficient compared to 2 stroke engines. It generates power through torque rather than increased RPMs. This makes this strimmer a powerful and efficient option.
The multi-positional engine means you can operate this strimmer at any angle which adds a lot of versatility. Despite it being a heavy duty, powerful option it only weighs 4.6kg so is easy to use. The split shaft design means this can be split into two pieces so it’s compact to store and transport. The handy carry bag also makes this a simple option.
It comes with a line trimmer head that is bump feed for ease of use. This plus the brushcutter blades means this strimmer can tackle anything from long grass to brambles. The only fuel it needs is unleaded petrol so no mixing of oil is required. This keeps it simple and saves accidental misfiling of the fuel tank with the wrong mix.
Designed for professional use, this petrol grass trimmer starts easily, works extremely well and comes with a toolkit containing all the necessary tools to get you going. A final bonus is you can buy all sorts of accessories to attach to this tool from a hedge trimmer to a cultivator, it’s a perfect all rounder.
Take Home
There’s a strimmer for every lawn out there and they all come with their own good points and bad points. I hope this review has helped answer all your questions and given you some more ideas to help you on your way to finding the perfect one for you. Happy strimming!
Related Reading
10 Best Strimmers For Long Grass UK 2024 (An Expert Buyer’s Guide)
10 Best Strimmers For Brambles UK 2024 (An Expert Buyer’s Guide)
10 Best Cordless Electric Strimmers UK 2024 (An Expert Buyer’s Guide)
10 Best Corded Electric Strimmers UK 2024 (An Expert Buyer’s Guide)
10 Best Budget Strimmers Under £50 UK 2024 (An Expert Buyer’s Guide)
Lawn Mower vs Strimmer: Which is Better?