Family Encyclopedia >> Home & Garden

Thermal or electric blower? Selection criteria

Thermal or electric blower? Selection criteria

Being a device that we do not buy every day, choosing a blower is not an easy thing. Indeed, the models are becoming more and more abundant, as well as the configurations. This is valid whether it is for a thermal or electric blower. That is why we have prepared this little guide. It will show you the characteristics of each, as well as the selection criteria.

Characteristic of each blower

Thermal or electric blower? Selection criteria
Now you know that there are two types of leaf blowers:the thermal engine model and the with electric motor. These are the different types depending on the engine. But there are also two types depending on the configuration. There are thus hand-held blowers and backpack blowers. Below are the differences of each model.

Thermal blowers

Thermal or electric blower? Selection criteria
This model is powered by a gasoline engine. That said, it is completely mobile, is not attached to any rope. You can use it on both small and large areas. In other words, its advantage is based on its mobility, no constraints except perhaps running out of gas. Of course, that's the downside. Indeed, it can be very expensive over time since it must always be refueled. In addition, the autonomy depends on the capacity of its tank.

Electric blowers

Thermal or electric blower? Selection criteria
As the name suggests, an electric leaf blower works with an electric motor. Compared with the thermal blower, it is more environmentally friendly and more economical. In addition, it often has a fairly large boost in terms of power, and is also less noisy.

On the other hand, it is obvious that it requires a connection to a mains socket to be powered. This means that it can only intervene in a limited space. In this case, it is not possible if you plan to use it to maintain a large space, or the place is not supplied with electricity.

For information, models operating with a rechargeable lithium battery are now available but their power and autonomy are not at the level of the two main types.

Hand blowers

Thermal or electric blower? Selection criteria
Equipped with two handles, handheld blowers require both hands to operate. By the way, one is for lifting the blower body and the other is for driving the blower head. That is to say, you have to hold it at arm's length, which is still tiring although the device is quite light.

Backpack blowers

Thermal or electric blower? Selection criteria
The motor on these types of blowers has a harness to support it. This harness is equipped with a backrest and shoulder straps, which is why it is called a backpack blower. This makes them easier to use since only one hand is needed to do the job. And for this, they are also equipped with an ergonomic handle to direct the blower nozzle. It is at the level of storage that it poses a small problem, because it is a bit bulky.

Selection criteria

Thermal or electric blower? Selection criteria
With the previous details, you probably have a little idea of ​​what best corresponds to your needs. We must now go into the details of the blower.

The power of the blower

The power of the blower defines its performance. Thus, this is the first criterion to consider whether for a simple blower or for a device with suction. In this sense, be aware that a blower with less than 500 W must be excluded from the list since it is less efficient.

Single or multifunction blower

We are talking here about the features offered by the device. If you just want to get rid of the leaves, a simple leaf blower will do. But that does not prevent you from also choosing the model with suction and grinding mode. For the latter, the capacity of the grass catcher and the shredding ratio must also be taken into account.

Ease of use

Thermal or electric blower? Selection criteria
If you opt for a handheld blower, consider the comfort of grip, it that is, the layout of the handles. In the case of a backpack blower, check that the padding of the straps and the backrest are comfortable. In both cases, the anti-vibration system also contributes to improving the comfort of use of the device.

Sound rate

It should be noted that the acceptable sound level must be between 90 dB and 110 dB. For your health, it is important to check this instruction. It is good to know that the thermal leaf blower emits more noise than the electric one. Sometimes wearing ear protection is necessary.

Accessories provided

Thermal or electric blower? Selection criteria
Depending on the model, your blower may come with certain accessories. For the same model, these are different, so evaluate which ones will be most useful to you. Otherwise, take only the one that offers the most accessories. We can find the spare bag, the earmuff, the oil mixing tray or different blower heads.

In all, the choice of a blower depends mainly on the space to be maintained. Next come the preference parts. These represent the important details to choose, but you can find out more on the site souffleur-thermique.eu.