There really is a special kind of misery that comes from eating ice cream on a warm summer day, only to have a wasp start attacking your hand. Or, you’re setting up the perfect little outdoor table full of cold drinks and your garden is actually looking stunning, only to spend the whole afternoon flinching every time something black and yellow buzzes past your ear.

Wasps have a real talent for ruining a lovely afternoon. Fortunately, trapping them has become significantly easier than most people think. There is no shortage of products that actually work without all the chemicals or bravery needed when you don’t want to get stung. If you prefer to go the DIY route first, we've got a great guide to homemade wasp traps. But if you'd rather just buy something that works right now, here are the best options available.

A note before you buy: Placement matters as much as the trap itself. All of these should be hung at least 20 feet away from where you're sitting, as the goal is to draw wasps toward the trap and away from you, not hang it over the potato salad. Hang them at eye level or slightly above, in areas that seem to draw a lot of wasps, and replace or refresh the bait about every two weeks.

The heat that can come with the month of July can undo all of your hard gardening work from the spring. You water everything, it looks spectacular, and then the sun comes in and bakes everything. By the next morning, the soil is crumbly and dry, looking neglected, and your plants are no better off than when they started. The problem isn’t lack of effort, that’s for sure; it’s the method you’re using.

Most surface watering, no matter how good your intentions are, never gets deep enough to give your trees and shrubs what they actually need. If you’ve been pondering why your trees look stressed despite you regularly watering them in the summer, the answer probably isn’t what you’re not doing, but where the water is going (and where it isn’t). If you’re looking for a broader look at getting the most out of watering your garden, check out our guide to watering the garden before you continue reading.

Why Shallow Watering Is Quietly Sabotaging Your Trees

When you’re going about your tree watering routine, two things happen when it lands on the surface: some of it evaporates right away, and the rest encourages the roots to grow upward toward the moisture rather than down into the earth. After a period of time, that will create a shallow, surface-level root system that will be highly vulnerable to drought, heat stress, and wind. The tree may look well-established from the outside, but inside, the roots are camping just below the surface and are way too dependent on their next watering from you.

Deep roots, however, make trees super resilient to whatever Mother Nature throws at them. When roots grow downward (about 1-2 feet into the soil) they have access to moisture reserves that surface heat can’t reach. It also helps them stay anchored when it’s really windy and will help sustain them through droughts without the need for constant watering from you. Essentially, the goal of summer watering isn’t to just keep the tree alive – you’re training it to look after itself.

The Tool That Changes How You Water

The Corona Tools LG 3710 RootIRRIGATOR (available on Amazon) is a 46-inch deep-watering probe designed to do exactly one thing: get water directly to your roots, bypassing the surface entirely. It’s super easy to use, as you can connect it to any standard garden hose, insert the probe into the soil near the plant's base, and water flows straight down to where roots actually live.

It has 3 depth markers at 12, 18, and 24 inches that take the guesswork out of how deep you're irrigating. For watering newly planted trees, 12 inches is usually enough, while established trees need watering at the 18- to 24-inch mark where feeder roots are most active.

There is a detachable 3-inch brass shut-off valve that gives you exact control over the flow rate, so you can slow it right down and let water absorb gradually rather than rushing through compacted soil. Plus, the ComfortGEL grip makes this considerably easier to use than it might sound. That means no blisters, no tired hands, even in hard or rocky soil.

What It Works On and How to Use It

The RootIRRIGATOR is most valuable for:

Trees: Both newly planted and long-established. New trees need deep watering every few days during their first summer, while established trees benefit most from a slow, deep session once a week during heat waves rather than a bunch of shallow sprinkles.

Shrubs: Especially the large, deep-rooted varieties like hydrangeas, roses, and viburnum that tend to struggle when only the surface stays moist.

Compacted or clay soil: Where surface water tends to run off before it can penetrate, the probe delivers water directly past that super hard layer to where the soil is easier to penetrate.

The technique is quite simple: Insert the probe about 6 to 8 inches from the trunk. It’s a common mistake to insert the probe at the base of the tree, but feeder roots actually extend outward, not straight down.

Slowly open the valve and allow water to flow for 30 seconds to 1 minute per insertion point. Move the probe around to about 2 or 3 different positions around the drip line of the tree (this is the outer edge of the canopy where root uptake is most active) for the most coverage. If you’re working on clay soil, insert and remove the probe slowly to avoid compressing the surrounding soil.

A Bonus Use Most People Miss

The RootIRRIGATOR pulls double duty as it also works as a delivery tool for fertilizer. Liquid fertilizers can be applied directly through the probe to the root zone, where uptake is much more efficient than simple surface application.

It’s especially useful for trees that are showing signs of iron deficiency or for giving newly planted ones a boost in their first season. It may seem like a small detail, but it makes an already useful tool even more versatile.

If you've been watering your trees constantly and wondering why they still look like they're dying in July, this is probably the missing puzzle piece you’ve been looking for.

There are several things that can be unreliable in summer: tents, whether it will rain at your picnic, and allergies. One thing that is always a given? Mosquitos. It’s like they sense when you’ve laid the table, lit the candles, and invited over your friends for a perfect evening. Right on cue, those pesky mosquitoes show up uninvited and proceed to feast on everyone’s ankles.

Fortunately, there are some products that actually work well, and none of them are citronella candles. Knowing which tool to reach for in moments of annoyance when the mosquitoes start biting, plus knowing where and how to use them, makes all the difference. For a broader overview before you buy, check out our guide to 9 natural ways to get rid of mosquitoes.

Here are 7 products worth adding to your arsenal this summer.

Weeding is one of those gardening jobs that you hate, but alas, it must be done. You’ll hate it even more if you’ve been doing it bent down with a cheap trowel, frantically pulling before your back gives out. However, you’ll be relieved to hear there are tools specifically designed to make this miserable takes much less loathsome. With the right tool, you can make weeding faster, more bearable, and in some cases (I’m looking at you pyromaniacs) genuinely enjoyable.

Whether you’re dealing with those annoying dandelions that are cute but take over your entire lawn, weeds that creep through the cracks of your patio, or a summer bed that got away from you while you were on vacation, there’s a tool on this list to help you get the job done.

We’ve rounded up the best you can order online right now, from the satisfyingly old-fashioned to the honestly quite unhinged (in the best way, of course). If you want a broader overview, check out our guide to the best weeding tools before you add anything to your cart.

If your knees and back protest with exhaustion ever time you so much as think about weeding, this is the tool for you. Despite being invented in 1913, it’s still one of the most effective weed removers on the market.

Grampa's Weeder uses a four-claw lever design to grip weeds by the root (which is exactly what you want). You just place it over the weed, step on the footpad, lean on the handle, and out it comes, root and all. No bending, no kneeling, and certainly no chemicals. It works best on softer soil (especially after rain), and it's particularly satisfying on dandelions. Over 100 years later, it still gets rave reviews, which really makes you think of the old adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Sometimes you need a bit more precision, especially if you’re working in flower beds and don’t want to destroy your other plants. This Fiskars hand weeder has a cast-aluminum angled head, which gives you real leverage in tough soil, while the ergonomic SoftGrip handle is designed to reduce wrist and hand fatigue. This is great because it means you can actually keep going without your hand cramping up twenty minutes in. It’s rust-resistant, built to last, and has a hang hole for storage so you'll never lose it in the shed again (as long as it’s organized).

The Hori Hori is the Swiss Army knife of garden tools, and this seriously leans into that identity. It has 10 different functions all packed into a single stainless steel blade: flat edge, serrated edge, depth ruler, shovel, bottle opener, and multiple wrench sizes. For weeding specifically, the dual-edge blade lets you slice through roots cleanly, and the full-tang handle (injected directly into the blade) means it won't bend or break even in that super tough soil. It comes with a thick leather sheath you can clip to your belt, which is either very practical or very cool depending on your gardening personality. Probably both?

The weeds that grow between pavers and driveway cracks sure do win the award for most annoying, especially since no normal tool can reach them. But let me introduce you to the Japanese-made crack weeder from Nisaku. The corrugated stainless steel blade is specifically shaped to fit into tight crevices and get out weeds at the root. The craziest part is that it’s not some giant tool; it's small enough to fit in your pocket. Made by master blade craftsmen using authentic Tomita steel (the same manufacturer that's been making garden tools since 1960). It's one of those tools you didn't know you needed until you've used it once, and then you wonder how you ever lived without it.

Yes, this is technically setting weeds on fire, which is super cool if you like that sort of thing. And yes, it works brilliantly. The Flame King propane torch puts out 340,000 BTU, which, in less scientific terms, is enough to heat weeds to the point of cell destruction, killing them without chemicals and without any pulling. It's especially effective on driveways, gravel paths, and patio gaps, and the ten-foot hose means you're not dragging a propane tank around your whole garden.

A few important caveats though: use it in the early morning or evening when conditions are calm, keep water nearby, and don't use it during dry spells or anywhere near dry mulch or grass. Used sensibly, it's one of the most satisfying weeding experiences available. Used carelessly, it's a different kind of problem entirely.

This Long-Handled Hoe Weeder is made in the USA with a powder-coated steel frame and 60-inch ash handle. On top of that, this is one of the best-reviewed stirrup hoes on the market. The blade oscillates 20 degrees in both directions so it cuts on the push and the pull, meaning you can quickly work on large weedy beds without needing to bend over once.

The CobraHead Long Handled Weeder is a cult-favorite single-tine weeder that many gardeners swear by. The curved forged steel blade acts like a steel fingernail, getting under weeds and popping them out root-first with crazy accurate precision, and the 54-inch hardwood handle means you stay upright the whole time (always a win for your back).

Investing in one of the best pizza ovens is a great way to make the most of your outdoor space, whether you're hosting friends or simply want restaurant-quality pizza at home. Better still, pizza ovens aren't just for pizza. Many can also be used to roast vegetables, cook meat and fish, bake bread, and even whip up desserts, making them a versatile addition to your patio ideas that will raise your cooking game.

Before you buy, you'll want to think about your budget, the type of fuel you'd prefer to use, and how much cooking space you need. Just like the best grills, pizza ovens come in gas, wood-fired, electric, and multi-fuel models, each with its own advantages.

To help you choose the right one, our team has tested bestselling pizza ovens from leading brands including Ooni, Gozney, and Solo Stove. We assessed each model for ease of use, heat-up time, cooking performance, build quality, and value for money, making plenty of pizzas (and trying a few other dishes along the way) to find the best options for every budget and cooking style.

The Quick List

The Best Pizza Ovens: Expert Reviews

There's no shortage of choices when it comes to pizza ovens; electric, countertop ovens are super easy to use and will fit nicely in your kitchen while some higher-end gas and wood-powered ones can cook your pizza in as little as 60 seconds. To help narrow down the options, we've tested the best pizza ovens on the market, assessing everything from ease of use and heat-up times to cooking performance and value for money.

The Best Pizza Oven Overall

The Pi Prime pizza oven from Solo Stove is the latest in their wide range of high-quality outdoor furniture. It combines a lot of great features with an affordable price tag, making it easy to rate it as the "Best Overall" pizza oven for most people.

Design: The circular design of the Pi Prime keeps the overall size of the oven relatively small, which means it can fit almost anywhere in your backyard. It's even small and light enough to make it portable, so you can have pizza night at a friend's house or even at the campground. It's not quite as small and light as the Ooni Karu, but it's quite manageable. The best part is there's hardly any setup involved. Simply insert the stones and connect your propane tank, and you're ready to go.

The stainless steel construction makes it durable, so you can leave it outside without having to worry about it getting damaged. If you don't have a covered porch or other weather-proof place to store it long-term, I'd recommend picking up the cover for it, but it will still last even without it.

I do wish there were a built-in temperature gauge, but it's not the end of the world.

Performance: I was most impressed by how quickly the Pi Prime heated up. Every other oven I've tested took at least 25-30 minutes to be ready to cook, but the Pi Prime was ready for pies in about 15 minutes. And once preheated, nearly every pizza was fully cooked in about 90 seconds.

Luckily, we didn't have to sacrifice quality to get that speed. Every pizza I cooked, from plain cheese to tomato-basil, was exceptional. The thin crust on the bottom was nice and crisp, and the edges had that light, airy texture you get from restaurant-quality pizza.

Value: My favorite thing about the Pi Prime is that you get all of this - a great design, fast cook time, and excellent flavor – all at a very affordable price.

Reviewed by Jason Cockerham

Buy it if

✅ You want to cook pizza fast: The Pi Prime can be preheated in about 15 minutes. And once it's ready, you can crank out hot, fresh, delicious pizza in about 90 seconds. That's the quickest prep-to-serve time of any pizza oven we've tested.
✅ You want to cook on a budget: Solo Stove is known for its high-quality yet affordable fire pits. Now, you can get the same great quality in a pizza oven that won't break the bank.
✅ You want great taste without a lot of work: The best part of the Pi Prime is how easy and hassle-free it is to use. Using propane means there's no wood or ash to deal with, and the whole thing can be set up in minutes.

Don't buy it if

❌ You don't like guesswork: There's no built-in temperature gauge on the Pi Prime, and while the flame adjustment knob has a recommended setting indicated on it, you'll still need a separate thermometer to know for sure.
❌ You're looking for that authentic, wood-fired flavor: The base version of Pi Prime runs only on propane. So if you really want a more classic wood-fired flavor, you'll have to pay more to upgrade.

The Best Indoor Pizza Oven

Cuisinart is no stranger to kitchen appliances, so it makes sense they would make a solid, kitchen-ready pizza oven. The Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven is compact, so it fits well on the kitchen counter, and it's incredibly easy to use.

Design: Cuisinart's design language here is pretty smart in that it's quite inconspicuous. It doesn't stand out too much and honestly looks like any other large toaster oven might. That means it fits quite comfortably into any aesthetic and the silver, black, and red colors can match pretty much any decor.

With a simple dial for setting the temperature and a basic timer on the side, there's not much to think about when it's meal time. And the big front window and oven light let you watch the pizza cook in all its glory. They've even included some suggested temperature settings right on the window for you.

Best of all, they include all the accessories you need, and aside from the pizza stone, they're all dishwasher safe, so cleaning up is a cinch.

Performance: I was impressed with the results of the pizza oven, particularly considering it's not gas or wood-fired. I noticed it does tend to cook a little hotter on one side than the other (not uncommon for pizza ovens), so I recommend turning it halfway through cooking.

The crusts fluffed up nicely, and the pepperonis had those nice crispy edges. Deep-dish pizza cooked just as well, but just be aware the deep-dish pan is quite heavy when full, so you'll need two hands.

Value: The price isn't too unreasonable because you're really getting a completely uncomplicated pizza oven. The convenience and simplicity of it alone make it a great option for your first pizza oven.

Reviewed by Jason Cockerham

Buy it if

✅ You want a hassle-free pizza oven: The Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven is incredibly easy to use. It's essentially a big toaster oven so you set the temperature, slide in the pizza, and you're ready to go. There's no fuel or anything to worry about.
✅ You have limited space: Not everyone has a great outdoor space to set up a pizza oven which makes this pizza oven a great choice. It sits comfortably on the kitchen counter so you can cook in any weather, and it's compact so you'll still have plenty of room for everything else.
✅ You want a great value: It's hard to argue with what you're getting here. It's easy to use, compact, and well priced.

Don't buy it if

❌ You prefer a quiet kitchen: While it's not disruptively loud, you'll certainly notice this pizza oven while it's on. So if you plan on having a lot of guests over or you just don't like lots of chaos in the kitchen, you might look elsewhere.
❌ You don't have a lot of prep time: This pizza oven can take as long as 30 minutes to be preheat, and potentially another 15-20 minutes to actually cook, so you'll need to plan ahead.

The Best Compact Pizza Oven

The Gozney Arc is a stylish pizza oven from one of the top names in the business. They've brought their extensive experience of building commercial pizza ovens into your backyard with a compact, premium-designed pizza oven that can cook delicious pizza in as little as 60 seconds.

Design: The Gozney Arc looks similar to what you might find in a professional pizza kitchen, and for good reason: it's heavily inspired by Gozney's own commercial-grade pizza ovens. Unlike the professional-grade ovens, however, there's very little setup or installation required for the Arc. Once it's out of the box, there are a few small pieces to slot in place, and that's it. The unique dome shape allows the flame to 'arc' up and across the entire roof of the oven, which cooks every pizza quickly and evenly.

The Arc is also the most premium-looking oven we tested. It looks stunning in the backyard and will be certain to turn some heads at your next pizza night. It's easy to tell how well crafted the Arc is, and that quality design language extends to Gozney's accessories as well. The serving peel, turning peel, pizza rocker, and cutter our tester received were all high quality as well.

Performance: I was quite impressed that Gozney's claim of being able to cook a pizza in 60 seconds held true. Once it was fully preheated to the desired temperature, the pizza was fully cooked in just one minute. The big downside here is that to reach that peak temperature of 950°F, the oven had to preheat for a full hour. But the results were well worth it as the pizza was cooked perfectly every time with a thin, crispy bottom crust and a delicious, airy edge.

The design of the Arc allows for much more than just pizza to be cooked in it, and I also had great success with cooking a steak, veggies, and homemade tortillas for tacos.

Value: The Gozney Arc is expensive, but for someone look to spend a little extra for a top-tier pizza experience, it's worth the investment.

Reviewed by Jason Cockerham

Buy it if

✅ You want to cook pizza fast: Thanks to the unique design of the Arc, you can have hot fresh pizza ready to serve in as little as 60 seconds. You'll need to stay close so you can turn it when needed, but it's all part of the fun.
✅ You want to class up your backyard decor: There's no denying the slick design of the Gozney Arc. It looks unlike anything else on this list and will be sure to turn heads at your next backyard gathering.
✅ You want a cleaner cooking experience: The Gozney Arc is powered by propane or natural gas which means there's hardly any mess to worry about. There's no ash to deal with and it's much easier to regulate the temperature without trying to figure out how many logs or pellets to add.

Don't buy it if

❌ You don't have much time to prep: While the Arc's design helps it cook quickly and evenly, the downside is that it can take up to an hour to fully preheat, depending on the temperature you need. If you don't often have that kind of time before dinner, the Arc may not be for you.
❌ You're on a budget: The premium design and cooking experience of the Arc doesn't come cheap. While this is the least expensive Gozney pizza oven currently available, it's still one of the more expensive we've tested.

The Best Electric Pizza Oven

The Volt 2 is the successor to Ooni's first electric-powered pizza oven, the Volt 12. As you'd expect, the quality is just as impressive as the rest of the brand's lineup.

Design: The Ooni Volt 2 takes inspiration from Ooni's other pizza ovens with its trapezoid-like shape. It differs from the others in that it has no chimney (thanks to electricity) and no long legs to stand on. Despite packing in all the electrical components, the Volt 2 has a noticeably smaller footprint than its predecessor while retaining the same cooking capacity. It also retains heat incredibly well and is safe enough to use indoors.

Even with its sturdy build, it's also the simplest Ooni to use. The entire thing is operated with just three dials and is perfect for anyone just starting out on their pizza-making journey. The controls are granular enough that you can even adjust the balance between the top and bottom heating elements while your pizzas are cooking.

Performance: Our tester, Dan, could not say enough great things about the quality of the pizza cooked in the Ooni Volt. He was impressed with how well the electrically powered oven was able to match the quality of other wood- and gas-fired ovens he's tested.

Aside from a classic cheese pizza, he tested cold meats like prosciutto, salami, serrano ham, pepperoni and, of course, plenty of veggies. Everything he tested cooked perfectly evenly without needing any adjustments to the oven during the process – certainly not something that can be said for every pizza oven.

Value: The Volt 2 remains one of the most expensive pizza ovens we've ever tested. Even premium gas-powered ovens like the Gozney Arc cost less, and Ooni's own wood-fired pizza ovens can produce exceptional pizza for hundreds of dollars less.

That being said, it's hard to argue with the combination of convenience and quality offered by the Ooni Volt 2. Sure, it's expensive, but it's also one of the easiest ways to make incredibly good pizza at home.

Reviewed by Dan Fauzi

Buy it if

✅ For stone-baked flavor without the hassle: The Ooni Volt 2 cooks delicious, restaurant-quality pizza at the turn of a dial, with no external fuel required.

✅ You want to make pizza indoors year-round: Designed for indoor use, the Volt 2 lets you enjoy restaurant-quality pizza whatever the weather.

✅ You want good pizza, fast: The Volt 2 heats up quickly and, with Pizza Intelligence™ presets and responsive controls, can cook authentic pizza in as little as 90 seconds once it's up to temperature.

Don't buy it if

❌ You want something portable: The Ooni Volt 2 needs to be plugged into a power outlet, making it far less portable than gas or wood-fired pizza ovens.

❌ You want an outdoor-only pizza oven: The Volt 2 is designed for indoor use, so if you're after a traditional outdoor pizza oven experience, a gas or wood-fired model will be a better fit.

❌ You're looking to save money: The Ooni Volt 2 is one of the most expensive pizza ovens we've tested. While its convenience helps justify the price, there are excellent gas and wood-fired alternatives available for much less.

The Best Premium Pizza Oven

The Breeo Live-Fire Pizza Oven will elevate your pizza night in almost every way possible. From the incredible quality and durability of the oven itself to the wonderfully delicious pizza you get every time, it's hard to go wrong with it. It's not hard to see how much care, thoughtfulness, and intention go into Breeo's products, so you know you're getting what you pay for.

Design: The simple, modern design of the Breeo Live-Fire Pizza Oven (and accompanying fire pit) will add plenty of elegance and beauty to any backyard. The stainless-steel construction means it not only cooks well, but it can also withstand the elements and retain its clean, industrial look for years to come.

The thicker pizza stones help retain more heat, so there's less reheat time between pizzas, and the temperature gauge on the side means you've got everything you need to start cooking great pizza (you'll still need a pizza peel, of course).

Performance: The great build quality extends beyond just the looks of the pizza oven. Every pizza we cooked in it came out hot, fresh, and delicious. The open window at the bottom gave us easy access to the fire below, making it easy (and fun) to adjust the temperature of the fire as needed.

The design of the oven contributed to every pizza being cooked quickly and evenly, without too much charring on the bottom, even after almost an entire half of the pizza toppings were spilled on it.

Value: There's no getting around how expensive the Breeo Live-Fire Pizza Oven is. Especially as you can't even use it without a Breeo fire pit, which is also a tad pricey.

That being said, you certainly get quite a lot for the price. The Breeo pizza oven will last for years to come and give you delicious pizza consistently, every time you use it. Plus, the live-fire cooking experience is truly enjoyable.

Reviewed by Jason Cockerham

Buy it if

✅ You already own the fire pit: The Breeo Live-Fire Pizza Oven is only compatible with the brand's existing fire pit.
✅ You don't want to deal with any setup: It comes fully assembled in the box. Just slide in the pizza stones, set it on top of your fire pit, and that's it.
✅ You want unbeatable craftsmanship: Every Breeo pizza oven (and fire pit) is handmade in the USA, and it shows. You can clearly see the exceptional craftsmanship and durability in every inch of the pizza oven.
✅ You want an authentic, wood-fired cooking experience: Cooking in the Breeo Live-Fire Pizza Oven is a truly enjoyable experience. It takes some work to get the fire going and manage the temperature, but that's all part of the experience.

Don't buy it if

❌ You want something more compact: The Breeo Live-Fire Pizza Oven is quite large and the stainless steel makes it heavy too. It's not something you'll want to move around a lot, especially since the compatible fire pits are heavy as well.
❌ You don't want to spend a lot: The pizza oven by itself is already quite expensive, but to make matters worse, it only works with a Breeo fire pit, which are also quite expensive.
❌ You want something easier to use: There's a fair amount of work involved in using the Breeo pizza oven. You need to build the fire, and continually maintain or adjust it as needed throughout the cook.

The Most Versatile Pizza Oven

The Ooni Karu 12 is one of our tried-and-tested favourites, offering the flexibility to cook with wood, charcoal or gas. It's one of the most versatile ovens we've tested, although the optional gas burner is sold separately.

Design: The Karu 12 is compact, lightweight and easy to assemble, taking just a matter of minutes to get up and running. It weighs only 12kg, making it easy to move around the garden or pack up for trips away, and the folding legs and removable chimney make it even more portable. Like the old Fyra model, you can either buy a bespoke portable table for your Ooni to live on or place it on an existing outdoor surface.

Performance: In terms of ease of use, the Karu 12 is as straightforward as it gets. Keep an eye on your pizza as it cooks and rotate it every 20 seconds or so for a perfectly cooked crust and bubbly mozzarella. We found the wood-fired mode delivers plenty of authentic flavour, but our gas-cooked pizzas were easier to control and therefore more evenly cooked, making the optional gas attachment a worthwhile investment. Once up to temperature, the Karu 12 can cook pizzas in as little as 60 seconds.

Value: The Karu is one of our favourite pizza ovens, but its higher price tag means it's a little disappointing that the gas attachment doesn't come included. The Woody has just pipped it to second place on our list because of price comparison (despite this getting a slightly higher score) – it costs the same amount as the full Woody kit before you shell out for the peel, thermometer, gas attachment and cover. That said, if you value the flexibility of switching between traditional wood-fired cooking and the convenience of gas, the Karu 12 remains an excellent investment.

Reviewed by Millie Fender

Buy it if

✅ You want the flexibility of multiple fuel types: The Karu 12 can cook with wood, charcoal or gas (with the optional gas burner), so you can choose between authentic flavour and fuss-free convenience.

✅ You want a portable pizza oven: Weighing just 12kg with folding legs and a removable chimney, the Karu 12 is easy to transport and store.

✅ You love authentic wood-fired cooking: The Karu 12 delivers delicious smoky flavour when cooking with wood, while still giving you the option to switch to gas for easier temperature control.

Don't buy it if

❌ You don't want to buy extra accessories: To get the most from the Karu 12, you'll need to budget for extras like a pizza peel, infrared thermometer and, if you want gas cooking, the optional gas burner.

❌ You're on a tight budget: By the time you've added the gas attachment and essential accessories, there are better-value pizza ovens available.

❌ You want the easiest pizza-making experience: While the Karu 12 is straightforward to use, wood-fired cooking takes more practice than a dedicated gas or electric oven, and you'll need to manage the fire as you cook.

We think the Ooni Koda 16 is the ultimate gas pizza oven, serving up 16in sharing pizzas that are perfect for feeding a crowd in just 60 seconds.

Our reviewer was impressed by how sleek and modern the design of the Koda was, and she had no problem connecting the hose and regulator to the gas cylinder. She found the L-shaped flame took a little getting used to, but once she'd perfected the technique of rotating the pizza every 20 seconds for an even cook, the results were well worth it. That said, you will need to buy a pizza peel separately, as Ooni doesn't include one in the box, and it's essential for getting your pizza in and out of the oven, as well as rotating it once it's in to cook. This is the same with most other ovens though, so it's likely you'll have that expense whatever oven you buy.

Once tried and tested, we loved the Ooni Koda 16's performance, our only other gripe being the lack of in-built thermometer which makes it hard to guage when the oven has reached the optimum temperature for pizza cooking. Again, you can buy this separately, but we would have liked to see one included in the build which is why this oven didn't quite achieve full marks. However, it still makes a great investment for your outdoor kitchen in our book.

Gardeningetc rating 4.5/5 stars – read our full Ooni Koda 16 pizza oven review

The Best Gas-Powered Pizza Oven

The Ooni Koda 16 is the ultimate gas pizza oven, serving up 16-inch sharing pizzas that are perfect for feeding a crowd in as little as 60 seconds. Its extra-large cooking surface and sleek, modern design make it a standout choice for outdoor entertaining.

Design: Our reviewer was impressed by how sleek and modern the Koda 16 looked, and she had no problem connecting the hose and regulator to the gas cylinder. Assembly couldn't be simpler – just unfold the legs, insert the pizza stone, and it's ready to use. That said, you will need to buy a pizza peel separately, as Ooni doesn't include one in the box, and it's essential for launching, turning and removing your pizzas. An infrared thermometer is also a worthwhile extra, as there's no built-in temperature gauge.

Performance: The L-shaped flame took a little getting used to, but once she'd perfected the technique of rotating the pizza every 20 seconds for an even cook, the results were well worth it. We loved the Koda 16's performance, producing beautifully crisp pizzas with evenly cooked toppings in around 60 to 90 seconds. Its generous 16-inch cooking surface also makes it ideal for larger pizzas and feeding a crowd.

Value: The lack of a built-in thermometer meant the Koda 16 just missed out on full marks, but it remains one of the best gas pizza ovens we've tested. While you'll need to budget for a few essential accessories, it's a worthwhile investment if you regularly entertain or want consistently excellent pizza with minimal fuss.

Reviewed by Laura Crombie

Buy it if

✅ You regularly cook for a crowd: The generous 16-inch cooking surface is perfect for making large sharing pizzas and feeding family and friends.

✅ You want a gas pizza oven that's easy to use: The Koda 16 is quick to set up, heats up in around 20 minutes, and cooks pizzas in as little as 60 seconds.

✅ You love entertaining outdoors: With its sleek design, spacious cooking area, and consistently excellent results, the Koda 16 is a fantastic centerpiece for an outdoor kitchen.

Don't buy it if

❌ You want a lightweight, portable pizza oven: Te Koda 16 is one of Ooni's larger models and is better suited to staying in one place.

❌ You don't want to buy extra accessories: You'll need a pizza peel to get started, and an infrared thermometer is highly recommended as there's no built-in temperature gauge.

❌ You're on a budget: The Koda 16 is a premium gas pizza oven, and there are smaller or multi-fuel models available for less if you don't need the extra cooking space.

The Best Portable Pizza Oven

The Gozney Roccbox is a compact, portable pizza oven that delivers outstanding results and premium build quality. While it can cook with both wood and gas, we found it performed best using the included gas burner.

Design: The Roccbox seriously wowed us from the moment we took it out of the box. We tested the green version, although it's also available with a grey silicone jacket. The silicone exterior stays warm rather than hot during cooking, making it safer to touch than many rival pizza ovens. Despite its sturdy build, it's compact enough to transport and store with ease.

Performance: We found the wood-fired fuel box a little small and it took around 40 minutes to reach cooking temperature. Switching to gas transformed the experience, with the oven heating up much more reliably and producing beautifully cooked pizzas in just over a minute. The Roccbox consistently delivered crisp bases and evenly cooked toppings, making it one of the easiest portable pizza ovens to use.

Value: While the Gozney Roccbox sits at the premium end of the market, it includes a gas burner as standard, which is often sold separately with competing multi-fuel pizza ovens. If you value build quality, portability and consistently excellent results, it's well worth the investment.

Buy it if

✅ You want a premium portable pizza oven: The Roccbox is compact, durable and easy to transport, making it ideal for gardens, camping trips and cooking on the go.

✅ You prefer cooking with gas: The included gas burner makes the Roccbox quick to heat up, easy to control and capable of cooking pizzas in just over a minute.

✅ You value premium build quality: From its silicone outer jacket to its sturdy construction, the Roccbox feels exceptionally well made and built to last.

Don't buy it if

Don't buy it if

❌ You want the best wood-fired experience: The wood-fired fuel box is quite small and takes noticeably longer to heat up than when using gas.

❌ You're on a budget: The Roccbox is one of the pricier portable pizza ovens, even if the included gas burner helps justify the cost.

❌ You want to cook large pizzas: The Roccbox is designed for pizzas up to 12 inches, so it isn't the best choice for feeding larger groups.

How to Choose the Best Pizza Oven for You

If you're considering a pizza oven, there's a few things you'll want to keep in mind during you're search for the best one for you:

What Size Pizza Oven Do I Need?

Most pizza ovens we tested will cook about the same size pizza (12-14 inches), which suits most families. If you entertain a lot, then size up to 16 inches with the Ooni Koda 16 or Gozney Arc XL.

Don't forget, you can also cook a great deal more than pizza in a pizza oven, so if you want to be able to cook a wider range of dishes, you may want to go for a bigger pizza oven size.

Bear in mind that the physical size of the pizza ovens themselves varies quite widely. The first thing you'll need to find is a place for your oven to live. Some indoor ones will fit well on a kitchen counter, while others will need a dedicated spot outside. It's a good idea to find a good place for it first, so then you'll have an idea of how big an oven you can get.

Which Fuel Type is Best for Pizza Ovens?

The fuel source is critical to your decision. Some pizza purists would say there is no other way to cook it than in a wood-fired oven, and the authentic smoky taste imparted to the crust is one reason why.

Cooking with wood and wood pellets provides a fun experience, and wood can also reach higher temperatures than gas. You can try out different types of wood to experiment with the flavors a bit.

While gas may bring your oven to temperature faster, you get a more ferocious flame with wood or charcoal. That said, reaching this temperature and tending to the fire is one major reason many choose gas. Wood takes time and effort to manage – you need to constantly top up the fuel between pizzas – but you simply turn on the gas, much like an indoor oven, and let it do the rest.

When it comes to running costs, wood pellets are generally the most affordable fuel option, followed by propane gas. Cooking with hardwood logs or lump charcoal can cost more, especially as logs burn relatively quickly and need topping up more often, while pellets and lump charcoal tend to provide a steadier burn.

Upfront prices vary too, but rather than focusing solely on fuel costs, we recommend choosing the pizza oven that best suits your cooking style. If you value convenience, a gas or electric model may be worth the extra expense, while wood-fired ovens offer a more traditional cooking experience. Can't choose? Select a multi-fuel option like the Ooni Karu or Gozney Roccbox above for flexibility.

How Much Should You Spend on a Pizza Oven?

As you've seen from our list here, the prices for pizza ovens vary quite a lot so knowing your budget is one of, if not the first, step in your buying process. While the lowest end of the spectrum starts at around $150, our recommendations start at closer to $300–$350.

Look out for what is included with the pizza oven. All will include the stone and oven but you will always have to buy fuel separately, so factor this in. Often multi-fuel ovens require you to buy the gas attachment on top of the cost of the oven, too.

Some pizza ovens come as a kit including a peel and thermometer. These aren't essential but it is much harder to get the right temperature without a thermometer and very, very hard to put a pizza in an oven without a peel, so see where they are included. Finally, a cover is a nice extra. It will mean you can protect your oven outdoors over summer.

For our part, we found that every oven we tested cooked good pizza (certainly better than most fast-food pizza shops) with the differences being mainly in the time it took from start to finish and the versatility of the oven.

What Build Quality Should You Look For?

When buying a pizza oven you want something that is built to last. Look for an oven with a thick stone floor, at least 3/4 inch thick. While you can pick up a generic pizza oven for a reasonable price at your local DIY store, you’re better off investing a little more money (or a lot, depending on your budget) on a brand that specialises in them.

Brands like these will have spent a lot of time and money on developing the look and design of their pizza ovens, so not only will they look great, but they’ll have been built with quality materials that ensure years of use.

Should You Go for a Built-in or Portable Pizza Oven?

Nearly all of the pizza ovens on our list are portable to some degree. Many are small enough to set up on a table (or other heat-proof surface) and then put away at the end of summer. These are not space hungry (although you will want room to store in a shed or garage), and they can be taken camping or to a friend's house if you want a pizza party elsewhere.

A built-in pizza oven is a much bigger commitment. For one, you need a large enough space – safely away from fencing or trees – to build your pizza oven in. You also need to be pretty sure you are going to give it plenty of use. That said, many will double as an outdoor fireplace, so a trattoria-style brick pizza oven could be a wonderful focal point in your outdoor dining area.

How to Clean a Pizza Oven

One of the best things about pizza ovens is that there is typically very little cleaning or maintenance involved, but there's still some, depending on the type of oven you purchase. For the most part, you'll need to brush or gently wash down the stone(s) along with the peel, and that's about it. Just be careful to never use soap on the pizza stones, as that can cause them to crack and break. Warm water and/or a steel brush are all you need.

For fire-burning ovens, you'll need to clean out any ash left every so often, and for the gas ones, just make sure you have enough propane for your next cook. That's essentially it.

How We Tested These Pizza Ovens

Trust us: it isn't hard to find willing pizza oven testers on our team. Every pizza oven in this guide was tested in a real home backyard over the course of several weeks. Our reviewers assembled each oven themselves, timed how long it took to heat up, and cooked multiple pizzas to assess how easy it was to achieve an evenly cooked crust, bubbling cheese, and crisp base.

For multi-fuel ovens, we tested every available fuel type to compare heat-up times, ease of use, and cooking performance. Where appropriate, we also experimented with cooking foods beyond pizza, including vegetables, meat, and baked dishes, to see how versatile each oven really was.

As well as judging the quality of the finished pizza, we looked at how straightforward each oven was to set up, operate, and clean. Some models were as simple as plugging them in and turning a dial, while others required more hands-on fire management and temperature control. Neither approach is necessarily better – it simply depends on the type of cooking experience you're looking for.

Because these ovens are designed for home cooks rather than professional pizzaiolos, our testing team includes reviewers with a range of experience levels, from complete beginners to seasoned outdoor cooks. This helps us judge how approachable each model is straight out of the box.

Finally, wherever possible, we continue using the products long after the review has been published. That allows us to assess long-term durability and update our recommendations if our experience changes over time.

The Expert Testers

Maintaining your yard will be easier than ever with one of the best string trimmers. Designed to trim the long grass and weeds at the edge of your patio, fence, or sidewalks, these handy tools provide an easy way to tidy your yard without worrying about back pain or chemical damage.

There are three main types of string trimmers: gas-powered, corded electric, and battery-powered. While gas-powered models are the most powerful, they are also the most expensive. Battery-powered models offer you the freedom to trim without a nearby power socket, although they have a limited runtime. Meanwhile, corded electric models often strike a good balance between power and expense, although they’re best kept for small or medium-sized yards.

Armed with the right string trimmer you’re all set for a tidy yard. Just remember that it’s best to leave the larger patches of grass to the best gas lawn mowers or the best electric lawn mowers, which our team of experts have also reviewed.

The Quick List

Below, we’ve provided an overview of the important details you need to know about each product immediately so you can buy quickly if you're in a hurry. If something catches your eye, use the links to delve deeper into the analysis provided for each product further down the page.

The Best String Trimmers We Recommend in 2026

Gardening Know How is on a mission to review everything we feature in our buyer's guides. Still, while we work hard to make this a reality, some of our guides still feature rankings based on our team's considerable expertise and research.

While we haven't been able to test all of the units in this guide in person, we've honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best features to help you make the right decision for your garden, all for the best price.

The Best String Trimmer Overall

Buy It If...

✅ You’re cutting mainly grass and soft weeds: With a 20V battery and a 12-inch cut, the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 is best at trimming and edging small and medium-sized lawns with grass and soft weeds.
✅ You want to go cordless: You won’t have to worry about finding a power source close to the door or tripping over the power cord, as this battery-powered can be moved freely around your yard.
✅ You’re looking for convenience: The LSTE525 is lightweight and easy to use. The adaptable design has two speeds and heights, making it good for various tasks.

Don't Buy It If...

❌ You have a large lawn: The LSTE525 is best suited to small and medium-sized yard work due to its limited runtime and smaller cutting width.
❌ You don’t like time restraints: It took our expert, Pete, four hours to fully charge the 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery. If you’re busy tending to yard tasks and your battery runs out, you’ll have a significant wait before you can resume activities.
❌ You want to cut thick weeds: A heavy-duty line is ideal for cutting through thick weeds. However, the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 doesn’t offer this feature, meaning you’ll have to get another tool for thick weed maintenance.

The Bottom Line

🔎 The BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 easily ranks as the best string timer overall, with its intuitive yet powerful cordless design. It has two heights, speed settings, and an auxiliary handle, making it a versatile tool for trimming and edging small to medium-sized lawns ★★★★

In our thorough testing, the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 consistently came out on top. It's powerful at cutting grass and soft weeds while being user-friendly.

Design: One of our trusted garden experts, Pete Wise, tested the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525. He found it lightweight, intuitive, and easy to store and maintain. With two speeds and two orientations, it's easy to adapt to the task at hand. The auxiliary handle and edging wheel are also useful when cutting grass horizontally.

Despite the cordless design, Pete found the 18V lithium-ion battery took four hours to charge. He also pointed out a couple of design limitations. Firstly, it doesn't have a heavy-duty line (HDL) to cut thick weeds, so it's best for trimming grass and soft weeds only. In addition, a larger 18V BLACK+DECKER battery can be purchased separately (it's included if you're in the US).

Performance: Weighing just 8.8 lbs, the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525's compact cutting head made it easy to reach hard-to-reach parts of the yard. The handle and trigger were soft, if a little rubbery.

Pete cut 5 x 5 meters in just a few minutes, even though the 12-inch cutting width isn't ideal (other models have 16+ inches). There was no excessive noise, similar to traffic noise, and it cut most weeds pretty easily unless they were thick, but it worked best on large areas of long grass. The trimmer's guard kept it looking neat.

The Best String Trimmer on a Budget

Buy It If...

✅ You’re on a budget: The BLACK+DECKER GH3000 can be added to your tool shed for less than $100, a very attractive price for a good set of basic features.
✅ You want an adaptable tool: The GH3000 is good at various tasks, including trimming horizontally or vertically, as it has an adjustable auxiliary handle and an adjustable shaft for trimming and edging.
✅ You have tough weeds to cut: The model has a standard trimming line for cutting grass, but if you’re dealing with tougher weeds, you can easily switch to the HDL to get a more powerful cut.

Don't Buy It If...

❌ You have a large yard: The GH300 has a 10-metre electrical cord, so you won’t be able to reach the far corners in a large yard.
❌ You’re looking for the best of the best: Aside from an HDL line, this BLACK+DECKER string trimmer has basic features. If you’re trying to get the best, you may want to pay a little extra for a more premium product.
❌ You’re worried about tripping over the cord: Although the cord is bright orange, accidents still happen. Make sure that the cord is kept well out of your path, and if you’re still concerned, buy a cordless string trimmer.

The Bottom Line

🔎 The BLACK+DECKER GH3000 costs less than $100. It’s well-made and comes with all the basic features, including an adjustable telescopic pole and a heavy-duty line for cutting through tougher weeds and vines ★★★★

If you're looking for a string trimmer that's affordable, check out the BLACK+DECKER GH3000. It can handle a medium-sized lawn for just $99 and has two trimming lines: a regular line and a heavy-duty line for tougher tasks.

Design: Our expert, Pete Wise, tested the GH3000. As with any corded product, you'll need a power source nearby since the powerful 700-watt motor runs on electricity. The bright orange power cable helps prevent accidents, but since it has just a 10-metre cord and a 14-inch cutting path, it's good for smaller lawns.

A simple clasp mechanism lets our expert trim high and low using the telescoping shaft's angle and length.

Performance: Setting up the string trimmer took Pete about 15-30 minutes. After that, he cut a patch of weeds, using the guard to guide him. Pete found that the standard spool and line work great for regular lawn trimming. The HDL cap came in handy when he wanted to cut weeds (four HDL line attachments are included, but you might need extras because they wear out fast).

It rotates at 7,000 RPM, so it's pretty powerful, even though there's just one speed. Ultimately, he had trimmed a neat, tidy edge around his yard and used the HDL attachments to trim weeds around a patch of daisies. He found the tool quiet, recording 89 dB, the same as a blender.

The Best Gas-Powered String Trimmer

Buy It If...

✅ You want a professional-grade string trimmer: This is one of the very few string trimmers that our experts consider to be professional grade, so it’s more than capable of handling any home task.
✅ You don’t want to run out of battery: Unlike battery-powered models, the Troy-Bilt TB25CB Curved Shaft String Trimmer is powered by gas. As long as you have the correct gas supply, you can keep using the tool until you have finished the task.
✅ You want to cut thick weeds and vines: With a powerful 25 cc, 2-cycle engine, this string trimmer is cut out for heavy-duty tasks, even when it concerns heather and vines.

Don't Buy It If...

❌ You don’t like noise: The Troy-Bilt TB25CB can get quite noisy during use. You may need a good pair of noise-canceling headphones or earplugs.
❌ You’re only trimming grass: If you only need a simple tool to cut through long grass or trim the edges of your lawn, it’ll cost you less to get a quieter, less powerful electric string trimmer.
❌ You don’t like the smell of gas: When using any gas-powered string trimmer, you can expect some exhaust fumes. However, the odor quickly dissipates when the machine is powered off.

The Bottom Line

🔎 The Troy-Bilt TB25CB Curved Shaft String Trimmer is a powerful gas-powered string trimmer that easily slices through long grass, vines, weeds, and heather. With a 16-inch cut, a curved shaft, and a 25cc, 2-cycle engine, it’s a steal for under $150 ★★★★

Generally, gas-powered string trimmers are more powerful than electric or battery-powered string trimmers. While Troy-Bilt's TB25CB curved shaft string trimmer is a bit loud, its professional-grade system handled every challenge we threw at it.

Design: It's lightweight, has a curved shaft that reaches tight spaces, and has a powerful 25cc, 2-cycle engine in a small case at the top. Our expert, Mike Larson, tested the Troy-Bilt TB25CB. I liked the ergonomic handles and minimal vibrations. It weighs just 13 pounds, so it's super light.

With a generous 16-inch cutting path and dual line bump head, you don't have to worry about batteries or cords, so you can focus on what you're doing. Mike says the engine needs a mix of oil and gas to prepare.

Performance: Besides trimming grass, heather, weeds, and vines on chain link fences, Mike found the string trimmer good. If he had to pick one downfall, it would be the noise level. A noise-blocking headset can't fix anything, and he could smell gas burning, as you would expect with a gas-powered tool. Once the engine was turned off, the odor quickly dissipated.

The trimmer needs maintenance, mostly cleaning it with a hose, preparing the right gas, and storing it upright to prevent fuel leaks.

The Best String Trimmer for Limited Storage Space

Buy It If...

✅ You have limited storage space: The ENHULK 58V 16” String Trimmer easily fits into a small shed, as the shaft folds in half.
✅ You want something lightweight: This string trimmer weighs just under 10 lbs, making it incredibly easy to move around your yard and a breeze to store on a top shelf.
✅ You want a variety of trimming speeds: This model has three different speed settings, including the standard mode, a turbo mode to target thicker weeds, and an eco mode for light grass. The latter helps conserve energy.

Don't Buy It If...

❌ You’re on a budget: Costing over $250, the ENHULK 58V 16” String Trimmer is expensive for a battery-powered string trimmer, although the 58V battery is fairly generous.
❌ You want to trim for more than 45 minutes: The battery lasts around 45 minutes when placed on the eco speed setting, which means that if you have a job that takes longer than this, you’ll have to twiddle your thumbs while it recharges.
❌ You are short: The shaft is over 5.5 feet long, so it might be difficult to hold and handle if you're short. For optimum comfort, look for a product with a shorter shaft.

The Bottom Line

🔎 The ENHULK 58V 16” String Trimmer has a foldable shaft, so when you're done trimming, you can fold it in half and tuck it out of sight. With three different speed settings and a weight of just 9.8 lbs, it’s very easy to use too ★★★★

In addition to being lightweight, the ENHULK 58V 16" String Trimmer also features a foldable shaft, which makes it perfect for tight storage spaces. Weighing just under 10 lbs, it also features three speeds.

Design: Our gardening expert, Alex Temblador, tested the ENHULK 58V 16" String Trimmer in her half-acre yard. The battery was surprising. However, the most impressive feature is the foldable shaft, which makes storage super easy. Besides locking the shaft into place with a screw lever and attaching the handle, it came pretty much assembled.

Overall, she found the design pretty simple. The 58V battery fits neatly on the back of the trimmer. There's a trigger and safety lever, so it's pretty family-friendly. Switching between eco, high, and turbo modes with the control panel is easy. You might have difficulty handling it if you're short because it's over 5.5 feet long.

Performance: The ENHULK 58V string trimmer was easy to use, cutting through thick grass and weeds. Because it's so lightweight, it's easy on her arms. The turbo mode helped her cut through thick vines without getting louder than 72 dB. On thin grass, the eco mode worked well.

It lasted about 30 to 40 minutes at a time, which isn't that great. Even though the double string line was sturdy, Alex found that the handle moved a little when she trimmed it, which can be annoying if you're new to using these things. The tool requires little maintenance for beginners besides cleaning the grass and adding extra string.

The Best String Trimmer for Cutting Width

Buy It If...

✅ You want a model that’s easy to set up. Our reviewer had the DeWALT 60V MAX set up in no time. The simple cordless model has only a few different parts, including the shaft, attachments, handle, guard, and battery.
✅ You have no time to waste: The string trimmer is quick to set up and doesn’t need to be plugged into an electric socket. Switching between the brush cutter and string trimmer attachments takes seconds.
✅ You don’t want to be held back by a cord: Many corded models restrict how far you can reach into the yard, so if you have a bigger yard, this model will help you reach harder-to-reach corners.

Don't Buy It If...

❌ You don’t want the hassle of charging batteries: If you plan a long yard maintenance day, you must factor in breaks to charge the battery.
❌ You need to cut a brush over an inch thick: Our expert found this product worked best on a brush under an inch in width. Anything over 1.25 inches was too thick for the brush cutter attachment.
❌ You want the attachments to feel secure: During testing, we found that the brush cutter attachment spun in the shaft when attempting heavy-duty tasks.

The Bottom Line

🔎 The DeWALT 60V MAX 17in Brushless Attachment Capable String Trimmer Kit and Brush Cutter Attachment is just the tool for heavy-duty yard tasks, with a brush cutter attachment that can slice through brush that's under an inch in width. As a cordless electric model, it’s also suitable for edging larger yards ★★★★

There's nothing better than the DeWALT 60V MAX 17in Brushless Attachment String Trimmer Kit and Brush Cutter Attachment for heavy-duty use. It's powerful enough to cut through a brush over an inch thick but still lighter than most gas string trimmers.

Design: Using the string trimmer on her half-acre property, Dallas-based garden expert Alex Temblador was impressed with its lightweight. Even though it's heavy for an electric model, it's lighter than most gas-powered models, so it's easy to carry. An eight-inch brush cutter blade and a bump head make it easy to work with thick vegetation. It has a 60V battery that lasts for a long time.

Performance: She found the product easy to assemble and could switch between the string trimmer and brush cutter attachments in just a few seconds. However, the brush cutter attachment has a bit of an issue. It spun into a different position a few times when she tried to cut a branch over one inch thick, which could be a safety hazard.

She found the string trimmer attachment worked well when cutting through thick weeds, tall grass and small vines, even if it threw pebbles around at full throttle. It wasn't powerful enough to cut small growths at the bottom of trees. The brush cutter attachment was more powerful and cut small trees up to 1.25 inches in diameter, shrubs, and thick vines with thorns.

The Best String Trimmer for Battery Life

Buy It If...

✅ You don't like cords: While gas-powered string trimmers may be more powerful, the cord can restrict how far you can move around your yard. With the Sun Joe 24V-ST14, you’re free from any cord limitations.
✅ You want plenty of battery life: This string trimmer lasted an impressive one hour and 26 minutes without a break.
✅ You want flexible trimming techniques: The model has an adjustable telescopic pole and a head, which allows you to attack grass and weeds from several different angles.

Don't Buy It If...

❌ You want to trim brush and tall weeds: This model doesn't have a heavy-duty line; it only has 250 watts of power, so it’s not cut out for trimming tall weeds or thicker brush.
❌ You’re on a budget: Many comparable models can be found for under $100, whereas the Sun Joe 24V-ST14 will set you back by nearly $159.
❌ You don’t like fiddly accessories: Because the wheels and flower guard limit how low to the ground you can get, you may need to remove them. The Sun Joe 24V-ST14 can also be a bit fiddly to put together.

The Bottom Line

🔎 The Sun Joe 24V-ST14 Cordless String Trimmer runs nonstop for an hour and 26 minutes, making it a brilliant addition to your toolshed to attack long grass and soft weeds at the far end of your yard. While it’s not as powerful as some corded models, it’s useful for light yard work and comes with an adjustable pole and head ★★★★

Jonathan Knoder, one of our gardening experts, found the Sun Joe 24V-ST14 Cordless String Trimmer to be the best string trimmer for battery life.

Design: Our expert, Jonathan, was happy to find the telescopic pole and rotating head. These features allow you to change the weight distribution and length of the pole. The wheel edger is also great for large yards since you can roll it along sidewalks, and it only weighs 9 lbs.

To start the machine, you have to press a safety button.

Performance: Other customers said they had trouble attaching the handle during set-up. The wheels prevented him from getting low enough to the grass when he tried to edge the yard, so he had to remove them, along with the metal flower guard, which was also getting in the way.

Once they were removed, he had more precision and control. He just pressed a tab to rotate the head and picked the angle he wanted, which was useful for trimming between two things. The motor isn't as powerful as a corded trimmer so that it couldn't cut through thicker weeds or brush.

The best part about this is the 24V lithium-ion battery, which you can check during use. It took an hour and 46 minutes to charge, and it ran for an impressive hour and 26 minutes at full speed, which is way more than some of the other battery-powered string trimmers we tested.

Read more: Sun Joe 24V-ST14 Cordless String Trimmer review

How to Choose the Best String Trimmer for You

If you have decided that a string trimmer is for you, it is time to figure out how to choose a string trimmer that is the perfect one to match your needs. Knowing whether you want a corded or battery-powered string trimmer is important.

If you have a large yard, we recommend a battery-powered weed eater, as it gives you complete freedom of movement while getting the job done. Battery-powered weed eaters can cost more, so if your yard is smaller or full of tough weeds, we recommend a corded machine to get the job done.

Size is another factor to consider when buying a new electric string trimmer. If you have a lot of weeds to remove and a lot of ground to cover, a string trimmer with a large head is ideal – the larger the head, the more time you have to spend on other tasks.

The speed of the head is also important, the higher the RPM (revolutions per minute) the faster the head spins, giving a more powerful cut. Some faster models may be limited by the thickness and strength of their plastic cords. However, if necessary, you can often change the cord to a thicker one. Some models will also let you remove the cord and add a bladed cutter, which can tackle thick brush rather than regular weeds, but this is often for professional use.

If you have your heart set on a corded model, we always recommend going for the longest cable possible. You can opt for a shorter cable, but it would be wise to buy an extension cord in case you need the extra range. With battery models, you may need a larger battery if you have a big yard to tend to – you can also buy extra batteries and swap them out as you cut.

String Trimmer FAQs

These 24 different cool subscriptions from Cratejoy offer something for everyone on your list this year. Subscription boxes are the gifts that keep on giving. On this list, you’ll find everything from seeds and houseplants to craft baking projects that change by month throughout the year. 

Here at Gardening Know How we want to keep you in the know. If you make a purchase through one of the links below, we may collect commission or other compensation at no extra cost to you. All prices are accurate as of the publishing date of this article.

FLOWERS & PLANTS

For the serious plant lovers on your gift list this year, check out these subscription gifts for gardeners. They include fresh cut flowers to cut the gloom of winter, seeds to get ready for spring, and specialty plants. 

HOME & COOKING

Gardeners love home and kitchen too, so try these unique subscription box ideas for cooking, baking, and seasonal decorations. 

REST & RELAXATION

This list of gift boxes includes soaps, scents, and everything necessary to relax and unwind all year long. These are perfect for those people on your list who need to decompress. 

ARTS & CRAFTS

Your crafty friends and family will appreciate these project-based subscription boxes. They include embroidery kits, nature sketching, and options for both beginners and seasoned crafters. 

KIDS & CRITTERS

For kids and for the pet-lovers on your list, these boxes will thrill. 

See More Gift Guides

Do last minute gift decisions present a conundrum for you? Nobody wants one of those during the holidays! So, here’s a great, big list of the very coolest last-minute gifts for everyone we care about. Okay, maybe we’re a little biased, but everyone loves garden-related gifts, whether they need a brand new challenge, or believe themselves to be experienced pros like some of the (amateur) gardeners in my family. So, don’t panic.

Here at Gardening Know How we want to keep you in the know. If you make a purchase through one of the links below, we may collect commission or other compensation at no extra cost to you. All prices are accurate as of the publishing date of this article.

FOR INDOOR GARDENERS

FOR OUTDOOR GARDENERS

FOR KIDS

FOR ANIMAL LOVERS

FOR FASHION LOVERS

Hopefully, a quick scan through these 25 simple-to-order items will help you get your shopping finished up easily and early so you can kick back and thoroughly enjoy all the good holiday vibes this year. Stay healthy, happy and light.

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As the holiday season rolls into town, we all start making lists of potential gifts for friends and family and wondering how to do up Christmas presents right without breaking the bank. If you have plant lovers on your list, we’re ready to help with a special selection of 16 small gifts for gardeners that don’t cost too much. 

With a wide-ranging selection – from an elegant wine-bottle bird feeder to a cool cotton hammock for outdoor relaxing in the garden – these are unique and delightful gardening gift ideas that cost under $50 each, with half of them less than $25. 

Here at Gardening Know How we want to keep you in the know. If you make a purchase through one of the links below, we may collect commission or other compensation at no extra cost to you. All prices are accurate as of the publishing date of this article.

GIFTS UNDER $50

GIFTS UNDER $25

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Are you looking to shop small this holiday season? This might be just the list for you. Uncommon Goods, an online shop promoting creative goods from artists and craftspeople, boasts a one of a kind seed saving kit, beautiful swimming koi sculptures, useful kitchen garden shears, and much more. All their products are creative gifts that impart a love of life and nature's bounty. We at Gardening Know How recognize the value of supporting small businesses and bringing a whole lot of joy to the holiday season in a sustainable retail cycle. 

Here at Gardening Know How we want to keep you in the know. If you make a purchase through one of the links below, we may collect commission or other compensation at no extra cost to you. All prices are accurate as of the publishing date of this article.

FOR THE INDOOR GARDEN LOVER

OUTDOOR GARDEN GIFTS

FOR THE NATURE LOVER

GETTING CRAFTY

FOR COOKS

SEND THE LOVE - SELF CARE

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Got a gardener on your gift list this season but not yet sure what to buy? That’s easy! As a gardener myself and lover of all things plants, I highly recommend sending a monthly garden gift box from Cratejoy, specifically My Garden Box.

My Garden Box Subscription Gifts for Gardeners

When I received my first box, I quickly became a fan. The plants are packaged really well - even the box itself is nice! Depending on the monthly theme, you can receive anywhere from 1-3 plants, plus everything else needed to complete your garden project – soil, quality containers, fertilizer (if necessary) and illustrated instructions that also include plant care tips and fun facts. You might even get an extra little surprise, too.

Even better, it doesn’t matter if you’re a new or experienced gardener. Anyone can enjoy My Garden Box subscriptions. In fact, my 3-year-old grandson has helped with many of these projects. And I’m always just as excited to dig into each box as he is! Let me take you on a tour of 10 of my favorite deliveries My Garden Box has sent me over the years.

Top 10 Delivery Box Gifts from My Garden Box

One of the things I love most is that every garden box you get is different. One month you might get tropicals, the next some succulents, and then maybe something for the garden. You never know until you open it. While I cannot remember each and every specific named box, here’s 10 of the best delivery gifts I’ve received with My Garden Box subscription:

1. DIY Terrarium

This was the first box I got years ago and the one that started it all. It contained a cute little glass terrarium that I added a chicken to just for fun. Complete with everything necessary, this terrarium kit had two plants, soil, lightweight rocks, moss and a mister for easy watering. It even had a fun surprise: some paints and a rock for added color.

2. Elkhorn/Staghorn Fern

I absolutely loved this box! I hadn’t yet tried my hand at growing this type of plant, but with its detailed care instructions I had no problem. The box included a cute shallow square pot and fertilizer spritzer. My elkhorn fern continues to thrive, and I certainly can see where the plant gets its name. It looks more and more like antlers the bigger it grows.

3. Bonsai Tree Box

This was my first try at a bonsai. It was really easy to do and included small pruning scissors, moss, sand and nice stones to decorate the already ornate pot. The plant was even appropriately named “Nana” as my grandson helped put this one together. 

4. Water plants

I loved the cute clear jars that came with this fun box. Consisting of three different sizes, each uses the clay ball pebbles as growing medium with water. I thought this one made a great teaching tool for kids, since you’re actually able to watch the roots grow. The plants included with this box were papyrus, Juncus “Spiralis” and Japanese sedge. The latter two I’ve since replanted outdoors but reused the containers for other plants.

5. Kokedama

Another first for me was the kokedama box. Complete with all the tools necessary (twine, moss, dirt, ceramic dish) to create these interesting kokedama moss balls, what was really cool about the box was the fact that it used different plants than what you would ordinarily imagine for kokedama - hosta, curly juncus and astilbe. They were definitely thinking outside the box on this one. 

6. Schefflera Box

I wish I could remember the name for this specific box, but the healthy looking schefflera plant was unforgettable, as was the cutest galvanized metal watering can container it came with. My plant has since outgrown that little pot but continues to thrive in its new location. And the watering can was given new life as a trinket holder in the greenhouse for items like plant labels, scissors, etc.

7. Message in a Bottle

OMG, another box I loved! The unique container for this one was actually a clear bottle that had been cut in half, lengthwise. It also included a couple snake plants, different types, and like all the other boxes, everything you needed to complete the project. Mine are still thriving in their bottle.

8. Begonia Paint by Nature

I remember this gift box came with a beautiful container made to resemble bark, or even a tree. The little Rex begonia was absolutely stunning and grew quickly. This box also had a fun surprise included: a small canvas with a begonia image and paints.

9. Garden Zen Box

Many of my garden boxes have included various succulents over the years, from hens and chicks to haworthia and sedum. The Garden Zen box, however, was probably one of my personal favorites (it’s so hard to choose when you love them all). This box came with air plants, small stones, sand, a shallow wooden container and a little wooden rake to create waves in the sand. I definitely found my Zen!

10. Trio of Treats Box

This was the box I received this past October. It had a cute 3-in-1 teal pot with labels that resemble hard candy. Each plant, of which there were three, was different and included the classic spider plant, Cryptanthus ‘Earth Star” and Tradescantia “Oyster Plant.”

So there you have it. Some of the best delivery gifts for gardeners can be found with monthly subscription plant boxes like My Garden Box. I certainly fell in love with mine!

Here at Gardening Know How we want to keep you in the know. If you make a purchase through one of the links below, we may collect commission or other compensation at no extra cost to you. All prices are accurate as of the publishing date of this article.

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