Every leaf blower gets a score from 0 to 100% built from five factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Blowers are grouped by style, handheld and backpack, and each group has its own scales.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price per CFM of airflow | 30% |
| Airflow | maximum airflow, CFM | 25% |
| Speed | maximum air speed, mph | 10% |
| Weight | the blower's weight as the maker states it | 15% |
| Warranty | warranty length | 20% |
Where the numbers come from
Airflow, air speed, engine or battery, weight, noise, warranty and the rest come from the maker’s product page, spec sheet or manual, or the maker’s own copy on its Amazon listing. When a blower has a boost or turbo mode, its boost figures are used. Prices are checked at Amazon and the maker’s own store, and the lowest is used. Battery blowers are priced as kits with batteries and charger.
The factors
Value is the current price divided by the airflow in CFM, on a log scale for each group, so going from $0.60 to $0.30 per CFM counts as much as going from $1.20 to $0.60.
| Group | Scores 0 | Full marks |
|---|---|---|
| Handheld | $0.80 per CFM | $0.25 per CFM |
| Backpack | $1.20 per CFM | $0.45 per CFM |
Airflow is the maximum airflow: for handhelds 400 CFM scores zero and 800 CFM full marks; for backpacks 450 CFM scores zero and 900 CFM full marks.
Speed is the maximum air speed: 110 mph scores zero and 180 mph full marks, in both groups.
Weight is the blower’s weight as the maker states it: for handhelds 12 lb scores zero and 5 lb full marks; for backpacks 28 lb scores zero and 15 lb full marks. Makers weigh blowers differently, some without the battery or fuel, so the product page says what each figure includes.
Warranty is the length of the consumer warranty on the blower: 1 year scores zero and 5 years full marks. Battery warranties are listed separately.
What isn’t scored
Blowing force, noise, runtime, battery size, engine size and cruise control are listed but not scored. Makers measure noise and force in different ways, and runtime depends on the battery you buy. Independent tests are listed where they exist, but there are too few to score.
Missing data
If a figure isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each group. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.