Petrol vs battery strimmers

Side by side

The table gives the general differences. Individual models vary a lot, so use it to narrow the choice and then compare specific machines.

See our cordless strimmer picks →

Power and cutting

A good petrol strimmer has plenty of torque and can drive thick line or a blade through nettles and long, wet grass. Battery strimmers range from light 18 V models meant for edges to 36 V, 40 V and 56 V machines that handle much tougher work. If you mainly trim lawn edges and around beds, any decent battery strimmer is enough. If you clear rough ground regularly, look at higher voltage battery models or a petrol machine.

Brushless motors on better battery strimmers make the most of the battery and keep speed up under load. Our explainer on brushless and brushed motors covers what that means in practice.

Run time and batteries

Run time is the main limit of a battery strimmer. A larger battery, measured in watt hours, runs longer. If you already own batteries from the same brand, a bare tool can be good value, and a second battery means you can keep going while one charges. Our guide to battery voltage and watt hours explains how to compare packs.

A petrol strimmer runs for as long as you have fuel. That suits big gardens, allotments and anyone working far from a socket.

Maintenance and storage

Battery strimmers need very little looking after: clear grass from the head, check the line and store the battery somewhere cool and dry. Petrol strimmers need more care. Two stroke engines run on a petrol and oil mix in the ratio the maker specifies, and fuel left in the tank over winter can gum up the carburettor. Spark plugs and air filters also need checking, and many owners have them serviced every year or two.

Storage is simpler with a battery tool too. There is no fuel to drain and no fumes in the shed.

Note:Petrol is highly flammable. Refuel outdoors with the engine cold and store fuel only in an approved container, away from heat sources.

Noise, comfort and neighbours

Battery strimmers are noticeably quieter, which matters in terraced streets and on early weekend mornings. They are usually lighter and vibrate less, so they are easier to use for longer. Petrol strimmers are loud enough that ear protection is a must, and vibration can be tiring over a long session. A harness helps with heavier machines of either type.

Which should you buy?

For a typical UK garden with lawn edges, a few borders and the odd patch of long grass, buy a battery strimmer. If you already own batteries for a mower, stay on that platform. For large rough areas, paddocks or regular clearance work, a petrol strimmer or a powerful battery brush cutter is the better tool. Our comparison of strimmers and brush cutters helps if you are unsure which category you need.

Frequently asked questions

Are battery strimmers as powerful as petrol? High voltage battery strimmers come close for most garden work. For heavy clearance a petrol machine still has the edge on power and run time.

Do battery strimmers need servicing? Very little. Keep the head clean, replace line and store the battery as the maker recommends.

Which is cheaper to run? Battery models avoid fuel, oil and engine servicing, so running costs are usually lower, though batteries eventually need replacing.

Can I use a battery strimmer in the rain? It is best to avoid it. Most makers advise against using battery tools in wet conditions, and wet grass cuts poorly anyway.