Lawn trimmers and electric hedge trimmers: a complete guide to buying the right one.

Lawn trimmers and electric hedge trimmers: a complete guide to buying the right one.

If you're looking for electric trimmers (lawn trimmers/electric brush cutters) and electric hedge trimmers (shrub trimmers), the idea is simple: trim lawn edges , clear tall grass and hard-to-reach corners , and keep hedges and shrubs neatly trimmed — without paying for power you won't use and without choosing a weak model that "dies" on the first serious job.

This guide was written to answer the most common Google searches in Portugal:
“electric lawn trimmer”, “battery-powered trimmer”, “electric brushcutter”, “electric hedge trimmer”, “how to choose a hedge trimmer”, “distance between teeth”, “blade length” — and help the customer decide and buy with confidence.

1) Lawn trimmer vs. brushcutter vs. hedge trimmer: what each one does

Lawn trimmer

It is used for:

  • lawn edges (near walls, sidewalks, flowerbeds)

  • Finishing touches after mowing the lawn

  • Grass and light grass in small/medium areas.

Brushcutter (for heavier use)

When there is tall grass , areas outside the lawn, and denser vegetation, it often makes sense to opt for a more robust solution (brushcutter) or choose a trimmer with the right attachments. Husqvarna recommends considering the type of work: for tall grass/more demanding areas, a higher-performance trimmer with appropriate attachments or a brushcutter may be necessary.

Hedge trimmer

Designed for hedges and shrubs : cuts thin and medium branches, shapes and creates straight lines. For hedges, a tall (telescopic/articulated) model and correct technique may be useful — STIHL demonstrates cutting techniques and angles for top and vertical faces.

2) Corded or battery-powered electric light: which is better for the garden?

Wired (230V)

Advantages

  • constant power

  • generally lower cost

  • Ideal for patio/garden with a power outlet nearby.

Disadvantages

  • cable limits mobility

  • It needs proper extension and extra care.

The battery

Advantages

  • Total mobility (wireless)

  • usually more comfortable with frequent use

  • Good for areas with obstacles.

Disadvantages

  • Autonomy depends on the battery.

  • investment in battery/charger (if you don't have a platform)

Practical tip: if you're going to buy several garden tools, many brands have battery "platforms". This reduces the total cost and simplifies things (one battery for several machines).

3) How to choose an electric lawn trimmer (what really matters)

3.1 Type of work and frequency (first filter)

Before the numbers, answer this:

  • Is it just lawn finishing ?

  • Will it require tall, denser grass ?

  • Do you use it occasionally or every week?

Husqvarna suggests basing the choice on the type of user and type of work, and reminds users that in tall grass, a more capable tool (or brushcutter) might make sense.

3.2 Cutting width and ergonomics

  • Greater width = faster in open areas.

  • Smaller width = better control in corners and near flowerbeds.

Search for:

  • telescopic rod (posture aid)

  • adjustable auxiliary handle (control)

  • Tilting head (for finishing in difficult areas)

3.3 Cutting edge: diameter and compatibility (many people make mistakes here)

The cord isn't "all the same." The cord diameter varies depending on the model and power. Leroy Merlin indicates a typical range of 1.2 mm to 2.4 mm , depending on the trimmer.

How to decide

  • Lightweight grass and finishes: thinner yarn usually arrives

  • For denser, more resistant grass: thicker yarn helps (provided it's compatible).

It is also common to see coils with one or two outputs , and different fastening/fitting systems.

3.4 Cutting head and wire feed

Look for practical solutions:

  • Tap&Go (tap the ground and advance the wire)

  • Automatic advance (fewer interruptions)

  • Single coil replacement (saves time)

3.5 Safety and maintenance (not a detail)

Even in buying guides, Husqvarna emphasizes "Safety first" and the use of protective equipment when working with a trimmer/brushcutter, in addition to regular maintenance.

4) How to choose an electric hedge trimmer: blade, teeth and control

The classic mistake here is buying solely based on "blade length." It matters, but it's not everything.

4.1 Blade length (cm)

  • A longer blade covers more area per pass (good for long, straight hedges).

  • A shorter blade provides more control in small bushes and tight areas.

Husqvarna explains that, for straight sections, a single-sided hedge trimmer can have a longer blade without becoming too heavy and allows for cutting larger areas in a single pass.

4.2 Distance between teeth (mm) — the number that determines “what cuts”

This is the most important point regarding the type of branches:

  • 15–16 mm : maintenance of thinner hedges and new growth.

  • 20–26 mm : intermediate

  • 30–34 mm : thicker branches (still within reasonable limits for hedge trimmers)

Bosch provides clear examples of models with blade/tooth spacing ranging from 15 mm to 34 mm , depending on the range, and also lists typical blade lengths (45–70 cm) and power (e.g., 420–500 W in corded models).

4.3 Single-sided vs. double-sided blade

  • Double-edged (double blade) : very versatile for horizontal and vertical cutting; STIHL claims that the double blade is ideal for pruning and trimming both horizontally and vertically.

  • Single-sided : excellent for straight lines and productivity in large hedges (Husqvarna).

4.4 Tall hedges: the right technique and tools

STIHL describes techniques and angles for trimming tops and vertical faces and shows approaches for tall hedges (with blade adjusted/proper angle).

Practical tip

  • For tall hedges, a tall (telescopic/articulated) hedge trimmer can be safer than climbing ladders with the machine in hand.

5) Security and maintenance: what the customer needs to know (and Google loves)

5.1 Before cleaning/maintenance, disconnect correctly.

STIHL provides very clear instructions for each type of hedge trimmer:

  • electrical: unplug from the socket

  • the battery: remove the battery
    …to prevent you from accidentally turning it on during cleaning/maintenance.

5.2 Use PPE (and not just “when convenient”)

For cleaning and protection:

  • thick gloves

  • safety glasses
    STIHL explicitly recommends thick gloves and goggles when cleaning hedge trimmers, and lists these items as necessary materials.

Furthermore, STIHL emphasizes that you should wear thick work gloves when maintaining your hedge trimmer.

5.3 Because cleanliness is part of “performance”

STIHL explains that accumulated resin/sap/dirt impairs cutting performance and can even cause rust if stored without cleaning.

Simple routine (2–5 minutes)

  • remove debris (leaves, branches)

  • clean blade

  • Apply appropriate lubrication/protection.

  • Store dry and with blade protection.

6) Quick purchase checklists (Google purchase intent)

Checklist — Electric trimmer/brushcutter

  • Type of work: trimming vs. tall grass (may require a brush cutter)

  • Cutting width suitable for the space.

  • Compatible wire diameter (typically 1.2–2.4 mm)

  • Wire feeding system (Tap&Go / automatic)

  • Ergonomics (weight, handle, telescopic)

  • Safety and PPE

Checklist — Electric hedge trimmer

  • Blade length (e.g., 45–70 cm)

  • Distance between teeth (e.g., 15–34 mm)

  • One side vs. two sides (straight line/productivity vs. versatility)

  • High hedge? Consider a solution at height and appropriate technique.

  • Safe maintenance: Disconnect/remove battery + gloves and safety glasses

FAQ

What is the difference between a lawn trimmer and a brush cutter?
The trimmer is ideal for finishing work and light grass; for tall grass/more demanding areas, higher-performance equipment or a brushcutter may be necessary.

What does "distance between the teeth" mean in a hedge trimmer?
The spacing (in mm) helps indicate the thickness of branches the hedge trimmer can handle. There are models with 15–16 mm spacing for light maintenance and ranges that reach 30–34 mm for thicker branches.

What is the best blade length for large hedges?
For straight sections and larger hedges, a longer blade covers more area per pass; there are also single-sided hedge trimmers that allow for longer blades without becoming too heavy.

How can I safely clean my hedge trimmer?
Disconnect properly (power outlet/battery) and use thick gloves and safety glasses; STIHL describes these steps and explains why (resin/dirt impairs cutting).