The best brush cutters for small gardens
A small garden doesn't need a big machine. Light, affordable and easy to store beats powerful-but-heavy here. These are the best picks for compact plots.
In short:Small gardens need light, easy machines rather than power. Cordless picks are the Worx WG163E (2 kg kit, wheeled edger mode), Gardena EasyTrim 25 (1.7 kg without battery, edging wheel), Black+Decker STC1820 (2.6 kg kit, flip-to-edge head) and Makita UR100D (12V, about 2 kg, two batteries in the UR100DSME kit). The corded Bosch EasyGrassCut 23 (280 W, 2 kg) is the budget option near a socket, and the corded Bosch AFS 23-37 (950 W, 3-tooth blade) handles nettles and light scrub.
Our picks, ranked
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Light and simple wins
On a small garden, the priorities flip: light weight, low price and easy storage matter more than power. A big petrol machine is heavier, louder and more hassle than you need. Most small plots need a light trimmer with a good edging mode.
Our picks
- Worx WG163E — 2 kg kit with battery; converts to a wheeled edger and trims under furniture with its 90° head.
- Gardena EasyTrim 25/18V P4A — 1.7 kg without battery, edging wheel, telescopic shaft; shares POWER FOR ALL batteries with Bosch.
- Black+Decker STC1820PC-GB — 2.6 kg kit, 28 cm cut and a flip-to-edge head with a guide wheel.
- Bosch EasyGrassCut 23 — corded 280 W, 2 kg, automatic line feed; the budget choice near a socket.
- Makita UR100D — 12V, about 2 kg, 260 mm cut; the kit includes two batteries and a bag.
- Bosch AFS 23-37 — corded 950 W with a 3-tooth blade, for nettles and light scrub in the corners.
What to look for
A telescopic shaft and adjustable handle so you stand upright; automatic line feed so you don’t keep stopping; an edging mode with a wheel for neat borders; and a size that hangs on a shed wall. If you already own garden tools on a battery platform, buy the bare version and save.
Buy the lightest tool that covers your growth
You’ll actually enjoy using it. For more lawn trimmers see the best grass trimmers; for edging, the best trimmers for edging; unsure, our buying guide.
Our picks at a glance
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Weight | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worx WG163E | Cordless | 20V PowerShare | 2 kg (Amazon item weight) | 7.6 / 10 |
| Gardena EasyTrim 25/18V P4A | Cordless | 18V P4A | 1.7 kg without battery | 7.1 / 10 |
| BLACK+DECKER STC1820 | Cordless | 18V PowerConnect | About 2.6 kg | 7.2 / 10 |
| Bosch EasyGrassCut 23 | Corded | Corded 280W | 2 kg (Amazon.co.uk item weight) | 7 / 10 |
| Makita UR100D | Cordless | 12V max CXT | About 1.9–2.1 kg (Makita) | 7.4 / 10 |
| Bosch AFS 23-37 | Corded | Corded 950W · Blade | 5.3 kg (listing) | 8 / 10 |
Weights are as stated by the maker, UK retailers or Amazon, so some include a battery or cutting gear and others don't — see each review for details.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best type of trimmer for a small garden?
A light cordless or corded grass trimmer — cheap, quiet and easy to handle. Petrol is usually overkill.
Corded or cordless for a small plot?
Corded is cheapest and never runs out if you're near a socket, like the 2 kg Bosch EasyGrassCut 23. Cordless frees you from the cable; the Worx WG163E and Black+Decker STC1820 come with batteries.
Do I need a blade for a small garden?
Only for nettles, brambles or woody corners. For a normal lawn, a line head is all you need; the corded Bosch AFS 23-37 adds a 3-tooth blade if you do.