A string trimmer that doubles as an edger sounds like a no-brainer, but the market is full of models that fail at one mode or the other. The pivot mechanism, line feed system, and power delivery are what separate a tool you reach for weekly from one you wrestle with every time you use it.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. I’ve spent years analyzing outdoor power equipment specs, comparing voltage platforms, and studying owner feedback to identify which features actually predict long-term reliability versus which are just marketing gloss.
This guide cuts through the noise to help you find the right electric string trimmer and edger for your specific yard size, grass type, and tolerance for compromise on runtime versus raw torque.
How To Choose The Best Electric String Trimmer And Edger
An electric string trimmer and edger solves two jobs with one tool, but only if the conversion mechanism is quick and the edging mode actually provides ground contact guidance. The key is balancing power, battery compatibility, and the physical ergonomics of the pivot.
Power Source: Corded Vs. Battery
Corded models offer unlimited runtime and consistent 120V power, ideal for small to medium properties with easy extension cord access. Battery-powered units give you freedom of movement but lock you into a voltage platform — 20V is adequate for light trimming, while 60V delivers gas-like torque for thick brush and deep edging.
Line Feed Mechanism
Bump-feed heads require you to tap the trimmer on the ground to release line, which is reliable once you learn the rhythm. Auto-feed systems push line when the button is pressed or the spool senses slack, but can malfunction if the line melts or tangles. Manual-feed models are the simplest and most repair-friendly, but require you to stop and pull line by hand.
Cutting Path And Line Thickness
A wider cutting path (13 to 15 inches) reduces the number of passes needed. Thicker line — .080 inches versus .065 inches — handles thicker weeds without snapping, but requires a more powerful motor to spin it at effective speed. Dual-line heads cut faster and balance better than single-line models.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenworks 60V Combo Kit | Premium | Large yards, thick weeds | .080″ dual-line bump feed | Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 | Mid-Range | Medium yards, St. Augustine grass | 3.0Ah battery, 12″ cut | Amazon |
| WORX WG119 | Corded | Budget, unlimited runtime | 15″ cut, 7500 RPM | Amazon |
| CRAFTSMAN Combo Kit | Value | Small yards, first-time buyers | 13″ cut, 2.0Ah battery | Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER LCC222 | Budget | Light trimming, dry debris | 10″ cut, 1.5Ah batteries | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Greenworks 60V Cordless Yard Tool Combo Kit
The Greenworks 60V kit brings gas-equivalent torque without the fumes, noise, or pull-start hassle. The 13-inch dual-line trimmer uses .080-inch line that chews through thick weeds and overgrown grass that would stall a 20V model. The blower pushes 540 CFM at 140 MPH with a turbo mode for clumped wet leaves, making this a true two-tool system rather than a trimmer with a weak add-on.
The 4.0Ah battery provides enough runtime for a medium-to-large yard in a single session — owners report 40 minutes of continuous trimming before the first bar drops on the indicator. The bump-feed spool is heavy-duty and reliable, avoiding the line-welding issues common on cheaper auto-feed heads. At 22 pounds total weight for the kit, the trimmer head and battery do add heft; smaller users may find it fatiguing without a shoulder strap.
Greenworks backs this with a 4-year warranty on both the tool and the battery, which is significantly longer than the industry standard. The 60V platform also supports a hedge trimmer, chainsaw, and other yard tools, letting you expand your system later with the same battery pack.
What works
- Genuine gas-level torque on a 60V platform
- 540 CFM blower with turbo mode outperforms most cordless blowers
- 4-year tool and battery warranty is best in class
What doesn’t
- Trimmer and battery are heavy; smaller users may want a strap
- Only one battery included — backup recommended for very large properties
- Occasional unit arrives with defects, though warranty covers replacements
2. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX LSTE523
The BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 is the most refined 20V trimmer-edger on the market, thanks to its PowerDrive Transmission that spikes torque at the string head. The 12-inch cutting width is narrower than some competitors, but the 2-speed control lets you dial in high power for thick St. Augustine grass or switch to low power to extend the 3.0Ah battery to cover roughly 4,000 square feet per charge. The EasyFeed system advances line with a button push, completely eliminating the bump-feed learning curve.
The tool converts to edger mode by rotating the shaft and locking the wheel guide — a single motion that takes under three seconds once you’ve done it a couple times. Owners who came from gas trimmers report that the reduced power is offset by the weight savings and instant start. The adjustable handle and telescoping shaft accommodate users from about 5’2″ to 6’2″ without forcing an awkward grip.
Battery charging is slow at 400mA — expect 4 to 6 hours for a full recharge. Buying a second 3.0Ah or 4.0Ah battery from the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX system solves this and keeps your other tools alive. The .065-inch line is thinner than the Greenworks .080-inch line, so thick woody weeds may require more passes or the high-speed setting.
What works
- PowerDrive transmission delivers surprising torque for a 20V unit
- EasyFeed button eliminates bump-feed frustration
- Lightweight at 6.3 pounds — comfortable for extended sessions
What doesn’t
- Slow charger requires 4-6 hours for full battery
- .065″ line snaps faster on concrete or thick brush than .080″
- 12″ cutting path means more passes than 13″ or 15″ models
3. WORX 15” Electric String Trimmer & Lawn Edger WG119
The WORX WG119 is a corded trimmer that trades battery convenience for unlimited runtime and consistent 120V power at a very accessible price point. The 15-inch cutting width is the widest in this guide, and the 7500 RPM motor spins through overgrown yards without the voltage sag you get as a battery drains. The rotating shaft converts from trimming to edging in seconds via a twist-lock collar, and the 90-degree pivoting head helps you reach sloped areas and under decks without contorting your body.
At 6 pounds, it’s one of the lightest full-size trimmers available, and the telescoping shaft adjusts from about 39 to 46 inches to fit tall and short users alike. The dual-line auto-feed system works well when you press the button on the handle, but some owners report the line disintegrates rapidly when used on concrete or asphalt edging. The included Flower Guard is a nice touch for protecting landscape plants, though it adds a small amount of bulk around the head.
The biggest constraint is the cord. You’ll need a 14-gauge or thicker extension cord rated for outdoor use, and you’ll be tethered to an outlet — not ideal for properties over a quarter acre. The auto-feed mechanism has a reputation for jamming if you use non-WORX replacement spools, so stick with the manufacturer’s line to avoid frustration.
What works
- Unlimited runtime with no battery degradation over time
- 15″ cutting path reduces trimming time significantly
- Lightweight and adjustable for a wide range of user heights
What doesn’t
- Requires a heavy-duty extension cord; limited mobility
- Auto-feed system prone to jamming with third-party line
- Line wears quickly on hard surfaces like concrete driveways
4. CRAFTSMAN V20 Weed Wacker and Leaf Blower Combo Kit
The CRAFTSMAN V20 combo gives you both a 13-inch string trimmer-edger and a 90 MPH/340 CFM leaf blower in one box, making it a strong entry point for homeowners starting their cordless yard tool collection. The trimmer features a telescoping pole that twists to convert from trimming to edging, and automatic line advance keeps the .065-inch string feeding without bumping. The blower has dual-speed control, letting you conserve battery for sweeping or max out power for wet leaves.
The included 2.0Ah battery is adequate for small yards — owners report 20 to 25 minutes of continuous trimming or blowing. That’s enough for a postage-stamp lawn or a driveway sweep, but if you have a quarter-acre lot, you’ll want a second battery. CRAFTSMAN’s V20 platform is shared across dozens of tools, so expanding your system later is straightforward.
The trimmer is very light and easy to maneuver, and the conversion to edger mode is intuitive. The blower, while handy, doesn’t match the power of dedicated 60V or gas blowers — it’s best for dry leaves on pavement rather than heavy wet debris in deep grass. The 3-year limited warranty provides decent peace of mind for a kit at this price point.
What works
- Two useful tools in one kit at a very accessible price
- Lightweight trimmer is easy to handle for extended use
- Automatic line advance works reliably with included spool
What doesn’t
- 2.0Ah battery provides only 20-25 minutes of runtime
- Blower lacks power for wet leaves or heavy debris
- Charger is slow; second battery recommended for larger yards
5. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX LCC222 Combo Kit
The BLACK+DECKER LCC222 is a trimmer-edger-sweeper combo that prioritizes affordability and lightweight design over cutting performance. The 10-inch cutting path is the narrowest in this guide, meaning more passes to cover the same area, but the trimmer itself weighs only 4.5 pounds — light enough to use one-handed for quick edging along driveways. The AFS (Automatic Feed Spool) system delivers fresh line with a button push, and the edger conversion uses a wheeled guide for clean borders.
You get two 1.5Ah batteries in the box, which is smart for a 20V system — you can use one while the other charges. Each battery lasts about 20 to 30 minutes of trimming, enough for a small city lot. The blower is the weakest part of the kit at 130 MPH; it moves dry grass clippings and light dust well but struggles with wet leaves or damp debris. The 8-hour charger is excruciatingly slow, so plan to charge overnight or buy a faster charger separately.
This is a good toolset for renters, apartment dwellers with tiny yards, or anyone who wants a backup trimmer for quick touch-ups. It shares the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX battery platform, so if you already own a drill or saw from this family, the batteries are cross-compatible. For heavy trimming or large properties, stepping up to a model with a wider cut and higher torque is a better long-term investment.
What works
- Extremely lightweight — usable one-handed for light edging
- Two batteries included for extended runtime
- Shares the common BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX battery platform
What doesn’t
- 10″ cutting path requires many passes for larger yards
- Blower is too weak for wet leaves or heavy debris
- 8-hour charger is slow; an upgrade is almost necessary
Hardware & Specs Guide
Cutting Path Width
The diameter of the circle the spinning string covers. A 15-inch path reduces passes by 25% compared to a 12-inch path, but requires more motor torque to maintain string speed in thick grass. Wider paths are better for open lawns; narrower paths offer precision around flower beds.
Line Diameter
Measured in inches — .065″ is standard for light grass trimming, while .080″ or .095″ handles thick weeds and woody growth. Thicker line requires a more powerful motor and a spool designed for the larger gauge. Using .080″ line on a trimmer rated for .065″ can overload the motor.
FAQ
What is the difference between trimming and edging mode on these tools?
Why does my auto-feed trimmer keep jamming or not feeding line?
Can I use a higher amp-hour battery to get longer runtime?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the electric string trimmer and edger winner is the BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 because it offers the best balance of torque, battery runtime, and EasyFeed reliability at a mid-range price. If you need gas-level power for thick weeds and a high-performance blower, grab the Greenworks 60V Combo Kit. And for those on a tight budget who don’t mind an extension cord, nothing beats the WORX WG119 for sheer cutting width and unlimited runtime.