The complete guide to outdoor power tools in 2026: chainsaws, mowers, trimmers, blowers, and pressure washers. Expert picks and buying advice for every yard size.
We buy and test our core review products; some buying-guide recommendations are research-backed and clearly labeled. As an Amazon Associate, ToolShed Tested earns from qualifying purchases. When you buy through our links we may earn a commission -- at no extra cost to you. Product links and article details last reviewed March 17, 2026. Full disclosure.
Read more:Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers 2026 | Best Riding Lawn Mowers 2026
Riding Mowers & Zero-Turn Mowers
For yards over 1/2 acre, a riding mower saves hours every week. Zero-turn mowers offer the fastest cut times and best maneuverability around obstacles. Electric riding mowers exist now — EGO and Ryobi both make capable models — but gas still dominates this category for lots over an acre.
Read more:Best Riding Lawn Mowers 2026
Robotic Mowers
The set-it-and-forget-it option. Robotic mowers have improved dramatically, with GPS navigation replacing buried boundary wires on newer models. They're best for flat, obstacle-light yards under 1/2 acre.
Chainsaws
Chainsaws are the outdoor tool where electric has made the most dramatic gains. A 56V or 80V battery chainsaw now handles everything a homeowner needs — limbing, bucking firewood, and taking down trees up to 14-16" diameter.
Battery Chainsaws
For homeowners, a battery chainsaw with a 16-18" bar handles nearly every residential tree task. No fuel mixing, no chain oiler priming, and dramatically safer startup.
Read more:Best Battery Chainsaws 2026 | Best Chainsaws 2026
Gas Chainsaws
For professional loggers, arborists, and landowners dealing with hardwood trees over 18" diameter, gas chainsaws still reign. Stihl and Husqvarna dominate this space with engines that run all day on a tank of fuel.
When gas still makes sense:
– Trees over 18" diameter regularly
– All-day cutting sessions (firewood processing)
– Remote locations without charging access
– Professional forestry and land clearing
Chainsaw Safety
Chainsaws cause some of the most severe power tool injuries. Mandatory safety gear:
- Chainsaw chaps or pants — Cut-resistant Kevlar fibers jam the chain
- Face shield or safety glasses — Flying chips and sawdust
- Hearing protection — Gas saws exceed 100 dB
- Cut-resistant gloves — Unlike rotating shop tools, chainsaw gloves are appropriate
- Steel-toe boots — A dropped chainsaw goes toward your feet
String Trimmers & Edgers
String trimmers clean up where your mower can't reach — along fences, around trees, next to garden beds. A good trimmer is the difference between a lawn that looks mowed and a lawn that looks manicured.
Battery String Trimmers
The sweet spot for homeowners is a 40V-56V trimmer with a 15-16" cutting swath. The EGO and DeWalt 60V models compete with gas trimmers on cutting power.
Read more:Best String Trimmers 2026
Attachment-Capable Trimmers
Some trimmers accept interchangeable attachments — edger, pole saw, hedge trimmer, cultivator — on a single powerhead. These are tremendous value if you need several tools but don't want to buy each separately.
Leaf Blowers
A leaf blower is the tool that makes fall cleanup tolerable instead of torturous. Also useful year-round for clearing grass clippings, shop debris, and driveway dirt.
Handheld Blowers
For most residential lots, a handheld cordless blower is sufficient. Look for at least 500 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air volume and 120+ MPH air speed.
Read more:Best Leaf Blowers 2026 | Best Cordless Leaf Blowers 2026 | Best Leaf Vacuum Mulchers 2026
Backpack Blowers
For large properties or professional landscapers, a backpack blower distributes weight across your shoulders and delivers 700+ CFM. Gas backpack blowers still outperform electric here, though EGO's commercial line is closing the gap.
Pressure Washers
Pressure washers clean driveways, decks, siding, patios, vehicles, and outdoor furniture. They're also one of the most satisfying tools to use — there's something deeply gratifying about watching grime blast away.
Electric Pressure Washers
For homeowner use, an electric pressure washer between 1,800-2,300 PSI handles every residential task. They're lighter, quieter, and require zero maintenance compared to gas models.
Read more:Best Electric Pressure Washers 2026 | Best Pressure Washers for Decks 2026 | Best Pressure Washers for Driveways 2026
Gas Pressure Washers
For heavy-duty cleaning — stripping paint, cleaning commercial equipment, or washing large surface areas — gas pressure washers deliver 3,000-4,000 PSI and higher flow rates.
Understanding PSI and GPM
PSI (pounds per square inch) measures how hard the water hits. Higher PSI strips tougher grime.
GPM (gallons per minute) measures flow volume. Higher GPM rinses faster.
Cleaning Units (CU) = PSI x GPM. This is the most useful comparison metric.
Read more:Best Gas Pressure Washers 2026 | Best Pressure Washers 2026 | Best for Driveways | Best for Decks
Snow Blowers
If you live where it snows more than a few times per season, a snow blower saves your back and your mornings.
Single-Stage Snow Blowers
For snowfalls up to 8" on paved surfaces. The auger contacts the ground, so they're not for gravel driveways. Electric single-stage models are excellent for decks, sidewalks, and short driveways.
Two-Stage Snow Blowers
For heavy snowfall regions, gravel driveways, and clearing widths over 24". Two-stage blowers use an auger to collect snow and an impeller to throw it. Gas two-stage models handle 12"+ snowfalls and throw snow 40+ feet.
Three-Stage Snow Blowers
For extreme snowfall areas. An additional accelerator between the auger and impeller breaks up packed, heavy snow. These are the most powerful consumer snow blowers available.
Read more:Best Electric Snow Blowers 2026 | Best Snow Blowers 2026
Hedge Trimmers
Battery Hedge Trimmers
A 22-24" blade handles most residential hedges. Look for dual-action blades (both blades move) for smoother cuts and less vibration.
Read more:Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers 2026
Extended-Reach Hedge Trimmers
For tall hedges, an articulating head on a pole saves you from working on a ladder. EGO and Ryobi both make solid models that reach 8-10 feet from ground level.
Pole Saws
A pole saw lets you prune branches 12-15 feet up without climbing a ladder. Essential for maintaining trees near your house, power lines, or walkways.
Read more:Best Cordless Pole Saws 2026
Log Splitters
If you heat with firewood or have trees that need processing, a log splitter turns an all-day chore into a couple of hours. Electric log splitters handle logs up to 20" for homeowner use. Gas hydraulic splitters tackle the big stuff.
Read more:Best Electric Log Splitters 2026
Tillers & Cultivators
For garden bed prep, a tiller breaks new ground while a cultivator maintains existing beds. Electric tillers are perfectly adequate for garden-sized plots.
Read more:Best Electric Tillers 2026
Wood Chippers
Turn branches and yard waste into mulch instead of hauling it to the dump. Electric chippers handle branches up to 1.5" diameter. Gas chippers take on 3"+ material.
Read more:Best Wood Chippers 2026
Leaf Vacuum Mulchers
Combine blowing, vacuuming, and mulching in one tool. Mulching ratios of 16:1 mean 16 bags of leaves compress to one bag of mulch.
Read more:Best Leaf Vacuum Mulchers 2026
Electric vs Gas: The 2026 Verdict
The electric-vs-gas question has a nuanced answer in 2026. Here's our honest assessment by category:
Electric Wins Clearly
Gas Still Has the Edge
The Tipping Point Is Here
For the average homeowner with a standard suburban lot, you can now go 100% electric for outdoor tools. The total cost of ownership is lower (no gas, no oil, no tune-ups), the convenience is higher (push-button start, lower noise), and the performance meets the demand.
If you're on acreage, do professional landscaping, or deal with heavy-duty tasks regularly, gas tools still earn their keep in specific categories. But even professionals are increasingly running mixed fleets.
EGO Power+
Best for: Homeowners who want premium electric outdoor tools without commitment to a workshop battery platform.
EGO's 56V ARC Lithium platform delivers the most power of any residential electric outdoor brand. Their mowers, chainsaws, and blowers consistently top review charts. Available at Lowe's and Home Depot.
Ryobi 40V
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners who want a complete ecosystem.
Ryobi's 40V outdoor line covers every tool category at aggressive prices. The ONE+ 40V batteries are separate from the 18V ONE+ workshop batteries, which is worth noting. Home Depot exclusive.
DeWalt 20V/60V
Best for: Contractors and serious DIYers already invested in DeWalt's battery platform.
DeWalt's outdoor tools use the same 20V MAX and 60V FLEXVOLT batteries as their workshop tools. If you already own DeWalt batteries, adding outdoor tools is seamless.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL
Best for: Trades professionals adding outdoor capability to their M18 kit.
Milwaukee's outdoor tools are fewer in number but premium in quality. Their M18 FUEL chainsaw and string trimmer compete with the best dedicated outdoor brands.
Stihl
Best for: Professionals who need the most reliable gas outdoor tools.
Stihl is the gold standard for professional chainsaws, string trimmers, and blowers. Their battery line (AP system) is growing but remains limited compared to EGO or Ryobi.
Husqvarna
Best for: Professionals and large property owners.
Husqvarna competes with Stihl across every gas category and has a mature battery platform (40V and 36V lines) plus the leading robotic mower lineup (Automower series).
Seasonal Maintenance Guide
Spring (March – May)
Lawn mower:
– Sharpen or replace mower blades
– Check tire pressure (riding mowers)
– Clean the deck underside
– For gas: change oil, replace spark plug, clean/replace air filter
– For electric: charge batteries fully, inspect blade bolts
String trimmer:
– Replace trimmer line spool
– Inspect guard and shaft for damage
– For gas: replace fuel line if cracked
Pressure washer:
– Reconnect garden hose and test
– Check pump oil (gas models)
– Inspect high-pressure hose for cracks
– Run water through system before first use to clear antifreeze
Spring 2026 buying guides:Best Cordless Mower for Small Yards 2026 | Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers 2026 | Best String Trimmers 2026 | Best Gas Pressure Washers 2026 | Best Pressure Washers 2026 | Best Outdoor Tool Bundles 2026
Summer (June – August)
All tools:
– Clean air filters monthly on gas equipment
– Keep batteries stored in shade (heat degrades lithium cells)
– Sharpen chainsaw chains after every 3-4 hours of cutting
– Grease mower spindles per manufacturer schedule
Fall (September – November)
Leaf blower:
– Clean intake screen
– Inspect impeller for cracks
– For gas: run with fuel stabilizer through the system
Chainsaw:
– Full chain sharpening or replacement
– Clean bar groove and oil port
– Inspect chain brake and bar nose sprocket
Snow blower (prep):
– For gas: change oil, replace spark plug, check shear pins
– For electric: fully charge batteries, test chute controls
– Replace worn scraper bar and skid shoes
Winter (December – February)
Gas equipment storage:
– Add fuel stabilizer to remaining gas
– Run each tool for 5 minutes to circulate stabilized fuel
– Store in a dry space above freezing
Electric equipment storage:
– Store batteries at 40-60% charge (not full, not empty)
– Keep batteries indoors — lithium cells are damaged below 32 degrees F
– Wipe tools clean and hang for airflow
Pressure washer winterization:
– Pump RV antifreeze through the system
– Disconnect all hoses and drain
– Store indoors or in heated garage
Supporting Articles & Guides
Lawn & Garden
Chainsaws & Tree Work
Blowers & Cleanup
Pressure Washers
Snow & Winter
Generators
Frequently Asked Questions
For homeowner tasks, yes. A top-tier 56V battery mower cuts as well as a gas push mower. A 40V+ battery chainsaw handles trees up to 14-16" diameter. Where gas still leads is in sustained all-day use and the heaviest-duty applications like commercial landscaping, professional tree work, and large-property snow removal.
EGO 56V is the strongest dedicated outdoor platform. If you already own DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Makita workshop batteries, consider their outdoor tools for battery sharing convenience. Ryobi 40V offers the best value with the widest selection at the lowest prices.
How long do electric mower batteries last per charge?
Most 56V mowers with a 5Ah battery run 45-60 minutes — enough for 1/4 to 1/3 acre with overlap passes. Larger batteries (7.5Ah or 10Ah) extend runtime to 60-90 minutes. Self-propelled mode reduces runtime by about 15-20%.
Battery sharing is the main argument for matching brands. If you buy an EGO mower, getting the EGO trimmer and blower makes financial sense because you already own the batteries. But don't force yourself into an inferior tool just for battery compatibility — batteries are not the most expensive component.
How do I winterize my pressure washer?
Disconnect the garden hose and wand. Pull the trigger to release pressure. Pour non-toxic RV antifreeze into the pump inlet and run the pump until antifreeze exits the wand. Coil hoses loosely and store everything indoors or in a heated space. Failing to winterize is the number one cause of pump failure.
Is a robotic mower worth it?
For the right yard, absolutely. Flat, relatively obstacle-free yards under 1/2 acre are ideal. Modern GPS-guided models (like Husqvarna Automower EPOS) don't require buried boundary wires. The tradeoff is a high upfront cost (check current retailer pricing) and the fact that your lawn will look "mowed" but never have that fresh-cut striped appearance.
What size chainsaw do I need?
Match bar length to tree diameter. A 16" bar handles trees up to 14" across. An 18" bar handles 16" trees. For occasional limbing and firewood, 14-16" is plenty. For regularly felling large trees, go 18-20" gas. The most common mistake is buying too much chainsaw for the actual work.
