Electric hedge trimmer

Why We Chose It

Why is the BLACK+DECKER BEHT200 the best? Well, maybe it's the 18-inch dual-action blade that says, "I could vibrate your bones, but I won't." Or perhaps it's the 3.5-amp motor that laughs in the face of 3/4 inch branches, slicing through them like a hot knife through butter. It's lightweight, which means your arms won't feel like you've just bench-pressed a small elephant after a day of trimming. It's not that it's the pinnacle of human achievement; it's just that in this price range, it gets the job done without making a fuss. It trims, it doesn't vibrate like a jackhammer, and it doesn't require a gym membership to operate.

What It Does

• Trims bushes like a pro.
• Cuts branches up to 3/4 inch thick.
• Vibrates less than your phone on silent.
• Lightweight design won't kill your arms.

What It Doesn't Do

• Won't trim your neighbor's hedges.
• Doesn't work on steel beams.
• Won't make coffee while you trim.
• Not a substitute for a chainsaw.

Tech Specs

• 18-inch dual-action blade.
• 3.5-amp motor.
• Cuts up to 3/4 inch branches.
• Weighs only 2.041 kg.

Who It's For

Meet Gary, the suburban dad who believes in DIY everything, even when his hedge looks like it’s been attacked by a bear. Then there's Lisa, the eco-warrior who thinks gasoline-powered tools are evil incarnate and prefers whisper-quiet trimming sessions. Lastly, we have Tim, the lazy gardener who wants his hedges neat but refuses to break a sweat. He's thrilled to find a tool that does the heavy lifting without demanding a protein shake and a nap afterward.