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 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, which is Ace Hardware*
Best Stihl “Backpack” Blower – Stihl BR 800-C-E
If a national poll were taken among commercial landscapers to name the Best STIHL Blower – The BR 800-C-E 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 800-C-E 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 912 CFM (cubic feet per minute)
Designed to be the best commercial backpack blower on the market – the BR 800 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
- 239 MPH
- 912 CFM air volume at the nozzle
- 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 800-C-E Magnum is the most popular Stihl commercial backpack blower.
Video: The “BR 800-C-E Magnum” – Best 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 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 Blower and Mulcher Combo – STIHL 86 C-E
For those tired of yanking the pull cord on their leaf-blowing equipment, Discover the Stihl SH86-C-E backpack blower with the “Easy-2-Start” Purge Pump Primer, which allows you to prime the carburetor without flooding the engine.
SPECS:
- Lightweight: Only 12 lbs
- Has Blower or Vacuum/Mulching Option
- Large Easy-Open Shredder Collection Bag Included
- Harness Strap Included
- 2 – Stroke 27CC Engine
- Extra-large 57.5 oz. Fuel Tank Capacity
- Sound Rating – 70 Decibel
- “Easy-2-Start” Electric Start System – Push the button to Prime Carb
- Max. Air Velocity – 170 MPH
- Max Air Volume at Nozzle – 444 CFM
- Anti-vibration system
- Adjustable Harness
STIHL – SH86 C-E – Backpack Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher
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
STIHL BG 86 – Handheld Gas Blower
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
STIHL – BG 50 – Handheld Lightweight Gas Blower
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 (Above)
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 an air volume of 235 CFM, this blower is certainly no slouch.
At a considerable cost saving over the BGA 56 model, the BGA 45 battery 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
STIHL – BGA 45 – Handheld Battery Blower
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.
STIHL – BGE 71 – Handheld “Corded” Electric Blower
“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.
STIHL – BGE 61 – Handheld Electric Blower
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Leaf Blowers:
What Is The Best Type of STIHL Blower?
STIHL blowers are manufactured today – in every configuration you could hope for. From the base model – Electric (corded) leaf blower to the modern-day Battery-powered blower, and finally, professional-grade Backpack and Handheld Gas-powered blower models.
These are the Best STIHL 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.
Q: Which is Better a STIHL Backpack or Handheld Blower?
A: Whenever you’re looking at backpack blower reviews, you’ll notice that Backpack blowers, once 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 – many homeowners prefer the much more affordable and lightweight “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 backpack blowers. With better value and more choices, the handheld blower is still homeowners’ #1 choice leaf blower.
Q: Which are Better – Gas or Battery-Powered STIHL Blowers?
A: There are pros and cons of using Gas vs. Battery-powered lawn equipment. Gas equipment is louder (some neighbors may even say obnoxious), but more powerful. Battery-powered blowers are much quieter, but not as powerful.
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*.
* For Comparison, a Normal conversation is Rated by the 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 Stihl Blower Should I Buy?
A: Generally speaking, the Stihl Electric Blower is the least expensive 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 (Corded) 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 most homeowners is the STIHL Battery-powered 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 Model 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 800-C-E which blows away other blowers with an incredible 239 MPH wind speed, and 912 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air volume. It will also set you back around $700.
The “Best” Handheld gas-powered Stihl blower – is the BG 86, which cranks out a whopping 445 CFM air volume, and sells for under $300.
The “Best” Battery-Powered blower is the Battery-Powered Leaf Blower the BGA 57. With a run time of up to 30 minutes (AK 30 battery) it delivers 365 CFM and sells for under $200.
Are STIHL leaf blowers Good?
Stihl Equipment along with Husqvarna are considered by professionals as the top 2 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. Follow the links in this article to get the current best pricing.
Who Makes 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 and 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
- NCOA (National Council on Aging) – How Decibels Affect Hearing Health
- 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
