How We Test Hedge Trimmers

Our reviews are designed to show what a trimmer is actually like to use. This page explains the method we use as reviews are published. Testing is in progress, and this page will be updated with full results.

Our tests

What we measureHow
WeightWeighed on a digital scale with the battery fitted
Blade length and cutting capacityMeasured; tested with branches of known diameter
Cut timeTimed on a fixed section of the same hedge
Battery runtimeRun on the same hedge type from a full charge
Charge timeTimed from empty to full on the supplied charger
NoiseMeasured at a fixed distance with a handheld sound meter
Vibration and fatigueRated after ten minutes of continuous use (a subjective score)
Cut qualityPhotographed up close and scored
Safety featuresChecked against the manual: two-handed switch, blade brake, guards

How we get products

We buy or hire products ourselves wherever possible. If a product is loaned by a brand, we will say so on the review. We never buy, use and return a product to Amazon for the sake of a review.

Independence

Brands do not see or approve our reviews. We earn commission from some links, which does not change our recommendations: see our affiliate disclosure.

Corrections

If you spot an error, please contact us and we will correct it.