Today we feature the Best STIHL Leaf Blower you can buy in 2023, as few manufacturers can match the performance of STIHL brand equipment.
These yard machines are easily considered one of the most popular lawn tools you can buy, and whether you own a large country estate or average-sized property, the 2023 STIHL Leaf Blower lineup includes the model right for you.
STIHL equipment, including the industry-leading STIHL chainsaw, is also widely recognized as the world’s best and most diverse maker of leaf blower products.
From the STIHL power equipment mainstay – Gas-powered Backpack blower to the hyper-popular STIHL Battery-powered leaf blower – Stihl remains the proven choice for the best lawn equipment.
The following Stihl blower reviews compare Stihl blowers for every application, including; the STIHL cordless leaf blower, the STIHL leaf blower vacuum mulcher, and the ever-popular STIHL backpack blower.
Best STIHL Leaf Blower (Reviews for 2023)
Click any link below and see competitive prices from the #1 online retail outlet for Stihl Leaf Blowers: Ace Hardware*
Best Stihl “Backpack” Blower – Stihl BR 600
If a national poll were taken among commercial landscapers to name, the Best STIHL Blower – The BR 600 Stihl “Magnum” Backpack Blower would probably take first place every time.
Assuming you need a sizeable gas-powered leaf blower to tackle your property or business. The STIHL BR 600 Blower is consistently rated as the best Stihl backpack blower they or anyone else manufactures worldwide.
This professional-grade leaf blower cranks out 238 mph air velocity, with an astounding air volume at the nozzle of 677 CFM.
Designed to be the best commercial backpack blower on the market – the BR 600 leaf blower is equally appreciated by commercial landscapers and homeowners with medium to larger-sized properties.
SPECS:
- Weight 21.6 lbs – comfortable for most homeowners and contractors alike.
- Reduced emission technology
- Sound Rating – 75 decibel
- Throttle trigger lock and built-in momentary stop switch
- Anti-vibration system
- Adjustable Harness
- It holds just under ½ gallon of fuel (47 oz.)
- Powerful 64.8 CC engine displacement
- The BR 600 Magnum is the most popular Stihl commercial backpack blower.
Video: The “BR 600 Magnum” Backpack Blower For Commercial Contractors:
“Best Value” Backpack Leaf Blower – Stihl BR 200
Our pick for the “Best Value” Stihl Backpack Blower is the very popular BR 200 model. This Stihl leaf blower is the perfect size for the homeowner with a small, medium, or an even larger property, and at only 12.6 lbs, it is one of the lightest weight Stihl backpack blowers you can carry.
SPECS:
- Lightweight – 12.6 lbs
- 2 – Stroke 27.2 CC engine
- Multi-function Control Handle
- Sound Rating – 70 Decibel
- 35 oz. fuel tank storage
- Max. Air Velocity – 150 MPH
- Air Volume at Nozzle – 400 CFM
- Anti-Vibration System
- Adjustable Harness
Best Backpack Blower “W/ Electric Start” – Stihl BR 450 – C-EF
For all those who are tired of yanking the pull cord on their leaf-blowing equipment – Discover the Stihl BR 450 C-EF backpack blower with “Electric Start.” No more idling while walking between site locations – no more pulling the ripcord- Push the button on the throttle control – and start blowing.
SPECS:
- Weight 25.4 lbs
- 2 – Stroke 63.CC Engine
- Extra-large 57.5 oz. Fuel Tank Capacity
- Sound Rating – 75 Decibel
- “Easy-2-Start” Electric Start System – Push the button on the throttle
- Max. Air Velocity – 186 MPH
- Max Air Volume at Nozzle – 642 CFM
- Anti-vibration system
- Adjustable Harness
Best “Gas-Powered Handheld” Blower – Stihl BG 86
The infamous Stihl BG 86 Gas-Powered Leaf Blower may be the best blower by weight in the world – The Stihl BG 86 is the Handheld blower all others are measured by and is the most powerful handheld blower manufactured by Stihl.
This tried-and-true gas blower of the Stihl product lineup – pushes out an astounding 191 MPH airspeed and 444 CFM of air volume at the nozzle – easily competing with some of the best Backpack blower models.
SPECS:
- Two-Stroke 27.2 CC Engine (most powerful handheld gas blower)
- Weight – 9.7 lbs
- Fuel Capacity – 14.9 oz
- Sound Rating – 70 decibel
- Max. Air Velocity – 191 mph
- Air Volume at Nozzle – 444 (CFM)
- Throttle trigger lock – momentary stop switch
- Soft Grip Handle
Best “Lightweight” Gas-Powered Leaf Blower – Stihl BG 50
For those looking for the outstanding power and features of the Stihl BG 86 leaf blower but need something a little more lightweight – check out the Stihl BG 50 blower.
At only 7.9 lbs, the BG 50 is 2 lbs. lighter than the BG 86 but still cranks out 159 mph airspeed and a very respectable; 412 CFM air volume at the nozzle.
And at an average of $80 less than the more powerful BG 86 model – the very capable Stihl BG 50 is a real bargain!
SPECS:
- Two-Stroke 27.2 CC Engine (most powerful handheld gas blower)
- Weight – 7.9 lbs
- Fuel Capacity – 14.9 oz
- Sound Rating – 70 decibel
- Max. Air Velocity – 159 mph
- Air Volume at Nozzle – 412 (CFM)
- Throttle trigger lock – momentary stop switch
- Soft Grip Handle
Best Gas-Powered “Blower Mulcher Vacuum” – Stihl SH 56 C-E
With Blower/Vacuum/Mulch/Bag capability and Stihl’s most popular gas-powered 27.2 cc engine for handheld blowers – The SH 86 C-E is the Premium Stihl blower to own. In addition – this Stihl blower includes an “Electric Start.”
While the SH 86 C-E vacuum/mulcher/blower is considered “Professional Grade,” this model would also be a welcome addition to any homeowner’s lawn equipment.
SPECS:
- Two-Stroke 27.2 CC Engine (most powerful handheld gas blower)
- “Easy-2-Start” – Electric Start Push-Button System
- Weight – 12.3 lbs
- Bagging Capacity – 1.5 Cubic Feet (1.2 bushels)
- Fuel Capacity – 14.9 oz
- Sound Rating – 70 decibel
- Max. Air Velocity – 170 mph
- Air Volume at Nozzle – 444 (CFM)
- Throttle trigger lock – momentary stop switch
- Soft Grip Handle
*Note: If you are looking for a Stihl blower/mulcher/vacuum with a little less power – but more affordability – Be sure to check out the Stihl SH 56 C-E.
Best Battery-Powered Stihl Blower – Stihl BGA 45
Delivering all the leaf-blowing power most homeowners need – the Stihl BG 45 battery-powered blower is also one of the quietest – most affordable leaf blowers on the market. Delivering a max. Airspeed of 98 mph and air volume of 235 CFM, this blower is certainly no slouch.
At a considerable cost saving over the BGA 56 model, the BGA 45 leaf blower is worth taking a look at.
VIDEO: Stihl BGA-45 Blower:
SPECS:
- AK 10 Lithium-Ion Battery (Run time 10-15 minutes)
- Battery indicator light
- Stihl EC technology – Brushless Motor (Lasts 2-3 times longer than Non-Brushless typical blower motor).
- Light Weight – 4.4 lbs
- Sound Rating – 60 decibel
- Max. Air Velocity – 98 mph
- Air Volume at Nozzle – 235 (CFM)
- Soft Grip Handle
- Run time – 10-15 minutes
- Built-in hanging slot
Best “Electric” Leaf Blower – Stihl BGE 71
For anyone with a small to medium size yard – and looking to save money, the Stihl BGE 71 electric (corded) leaf blower could be a perfect choice. The surprisingly powerful 120-volt blower is armed with a max. Airspeed of 148 mph and 285 CFM air volume at the nozzle.
SPECS:
- Two-Speed “High or Low” Noise control
- Multi-Function Soft Grip Handle
- Quieter Sound Rating 64 decibels
- Cable Strain Relief Protector
- 148 MPH maximum airspeed
- 285 CFM Air Volume at Nozzle
- Stihl “Brushless Motor” – Lasts 2-3 times longer than a Non-Brushless typical blower motor.
“Best Value Electric” Leaf Blower – Stihl BGE 61
Similar to the BGE 71 model feature above, the main difference is that Stihl BGE 61 offers a single adjustable speed trigger vs. the Two-speed variable noise level control. If you’re ok with a single speed, the BGE 61 offers an average cost-savings of $20 U.S. Dollars.
SPECS:
- Adjustable Speed – Multi-Functional Handle
- Soft Grip Handle – Reduced Vibration
- Quiet Sound Rating – 64 decibels
- Cable Strain Relief Protector
- 148 MPH maximum airspeed
- 285 CFM Air Volume at the Nozzle
- Stihl “Brushless Motor” – Lasts 2-3 times longer than a Non-Brushless typical blower motor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Leaf Blowers:
Three (3) Different Types of STIHL Leaf Blowers:
Leaf blowers are manufactured today in about every configuration you could hope for. From the base model – Electric (corded) leaf blower to the modern-day Battery-powered blower, and finally, the professional-grade Backpack and Handheld Gas-powered blower models.
Today there are blowers to meet everyone’s needs, Big or Small.
1) Gas-powered blowers typically have the most power and the most extended run times, anywhere from 60-90 minutes on a gas tank.
2). Battery-powered blowers are available in many power options and, depending on battery size, run between 20-30 minutes on average for a single charge. No spark plug, Gas, or Tune-ups required.
3) The Electric-powered (corded) leaf blower has endless run-time, although it also offers more restrictions in its distance of use.
Backpack Leaf Blower vs. Handheld Leaf Blower
Whenever you’re looking at backpack blower reviews, you’ll notice that Backpack blowers, once commonly used only by landscape contractors, are now considered a favorite amongst many homeowners with medium to large properties.
Offering less wear and tear on the user, larger gas tanks, the highest rated (CFM) – cubic feet minute air volume, and an easy tube-mounted throttle – The Backpack Blower truly is – the most powerful and ultimately best blower for large properties.
For Commercial landscapers – and due to the large volume of properties they maintain, a backpack blower is not only the clear favorite but, in most cases, is the “only” type of blower they use.
On the other hand – most homeowners prefer the more affordable “handheld blower” as their leaf blower of choice.
Besides offering greater cost-savings, Stihl “Handheld” Blowers (electric, gas-powered, and battery-powered) offer many more models and price variations than most backpack blowers.
With better value and more choices, the handheld blower is still homeowners’ #1 choice leaf blower.
Gas-Powered vs. Battery-Powered Stihl Blowers
There are pros and cons of using Gas vs. Battery-powered lawn equipment. Gas equipment is louder (some neighbors may even say obnoxious), whereas battery-powered products are generally much quieter.
The average gas-powered leaf blower has an operating noise level of 72 decibels. The average battery-powered leaf blower is rated at only 64 decibels*.
* By Comparison – Normal conversation is Rated by CDC.GOV at 60 decibels.
Gas-powered blowers are more powerful and run longer, but require fuel, spark plugs, oil, occasional tune-ups, and deliver gas exhaust fumes to the environment.
Battery-powered blowers are less powerful, have a more limited run-time, require virtually no maintenance, and do not provide harmful fumes.
Electric Leaf Blowers
Let’s not forget the “plug-in” leaf blower version – the somewhat forgotten Electric leaf blower. While limited by the length of your extension cord and power outlet, electric blowers create as much or more power than their battery-powered counterparts.
Which Blower To Buy?
Generally speaking, a Stihl Electric Blower is the least expensive best, priced Stihl blower you can buy.
If you have a small lawn, you don’t want to deal with the maintenance and fumes of a gas blower, or you don’t want the more expensive battery-powered leaf blower – the electric leaf blower could be the perfect choice for you.
But don’t forget – you will be dragging an extension cord around the yard as you mow.
Our first choice for homeowners today is the Battery-powered leaf blower. If your budget allows, the battery-power-plug-in-and-go design is the most user-friendly leaf blower on the market.
Stihl battery-powered blowers offer Quieter operation, No fumes, and No cords. Win, win, and win.
Lastly, If you have a very large property (or multiple properties), Gas-powered blowers – both handheld and backpack versions cannot be beaten – and we concede are the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) STIHL Leaf Blowers:
What is the Best STIHL blower?
The term “Best” is relative to the User. Best in Power, in our opinion, is the Backpack Gas-Powered models we feature above, such as the STIHL Backpack Leaf Blower – Model BR 600 – which blows away other blowers with an incredible 675 CFM (cubic feet per minute) air volume.
The “Best” Handheld gas-powered Stihl blower – is considered the BG 86, which cranks out a whopping 445 CFM air volume.
The “Best” Battery-Powered blower is the Battery-Powered Leaf Blower – would be the BGA 56
With a run time of up to 30 minutes (AK 30 battery) – and still delivers 350 CFM.
Are STIHL leaf blowers Good?
Stihl equipment is considered one of the best, most reliable lawn equipment brands in the world.
The STIHL leaf blower line is no exception – delivering outstanding performance, a wide choice of blower types and prices, a 2-year limited warranty, and over 9,000 Stihl service dealers in the United States.
Do STIHL leaf blowers ever Go on sale?
Yes! Ace Hardware (click our product links above to go to Ace Hardware .com) regularly offers sale promotions for Stihl lawn equipment.
Which is a better blower, STIHL or Husqvarna?
There is always a healthy “Debate” on the best blower; Stihl or Husqvarna. These lawn equipment companies make strong-performing – and quality leaf blower products.
So many factors need to be considered, such as Performance (CFM), Sound (Decibel rating), Weight, and price of the Type (Backpack, Handheld Gas, Battery-Powered) blower you’re interested in buying.
In the end, at least in our opinion, it comes down to a “Chevy vs. a Ford” truck-type decision.
It’s just a personal preference between these two outstanding brands. The choice is Yours.
How To Mix Oil and Gas for Leaf Blowers:
All two-stroke engines require a proper mix ratio of Oil and Gasoline to operate efficiently and protect the engine. Most two-stroke engine manufacturers specify a mix ratio of 50:1. Which is 50 parts gas to 1 part oil. For this simple mix ration, you need a suitable gas can with a fresh gallon of gasoline and a 2.6 oz. Bottle of two-cycle engine oil:
Video from STIHL – How To Mix Oil and Gas:
Conclusion
Stihl leads the leaf blower market in quality and dependability, and for anyone who has used Stihl equipment – there is no other product they would rather own. With an unmatched heritage in outdoor gear, noted by Wikipedia, Stihl has been producing outdoor lawn equipment for nearly 100 years.
In that timeframe, Stihl has positioned itself as the leader and innovator of the best lawn equipment – which includes their outstanding line-up of the best leaf blowers on the market.
Whether you’re looking to improve the reliability and performance of lawn equipment or are just interested in upgrading your current Stihl equipment to newer equipment, we think Stihl lawn equipment should be one of the first brands to consider.
*Best Home Gear is an Affiliate of Ace Hardware and can earn a commission for products ordered from the above links.
Additional References & Reading:
- Stihl Equipment Features and Technology and Main Features – Stihl.Com
- Best Electric Trimmer Blower Combo – Besthomegear.com
- Stihl vs. Husqvarna Chainsaws – TheBalancesmb.com
- Leaf Blower Safety Tips -Stihl.Com
- Typical Leaf Blower Sound Comparison (60-70 DB) – Decibel Level Chart – EHS.Yale.EDU
