Leaf Blowers
Leaf blower performance is described with two numbers: air volume (CFM) and air speed (MPH). Higher CFM moves more debris at once — useful for wet leaves and large piles — while MPH determines how well a blower dislodges stuck-on debris.
Cordless battery blowers have closed the gap with gas for most homeowner-sized yards and are dramatically quieter and lower-maintenance. Gas backpack blowers still lead for large properties or all-day commercial use where runtime and raw power matter more than noise or upkeep.
What to look for
CFM matters more than MPH for big jobs
A high-MPH, low-CFM blower is great for detail work like clearing gutters or patios, but struggles to clear large leaf piles quickly compared to a high-CFM model.
Battery runtime scales with the yard, not just the blower
Check manufacturer runtime at the specific speed setting you'll actually use — high-power mode drains a battery far faster than the advertised max runtime figure.
Check your local noise ordinance
Many municipalities restrict gas blower use by decibel level or time of day. Battery and corded electric models are usually quieter and less likely to run into local restrictions.