BLACK+DECKER STC1840EPC vs STC1820
Two 18V PowerConnect grass trimmers from the same range, both sold in the UK with a battery and charger. The STC1840EPC cuts wider with a bigger battery; the STC1820 feeds line automatically.
In short:Both are 18V PowerConnect cordless grass trimmers with E-Drive gearing, a power or speed control and a guide-wheel edging mode. The STC1840EPC cuts 30 cm, uses push-button PowerCommand EasyFeed and comes with a 4.0 Ah battery (up to 75 minutes per charge, per BLACK+DECKER). The STC1820 (UK code STC1820PC-GB) cuts 28 cm, feeds line automatically, weighs about 2.6 kg and is also sold with a battery and charger. Choose the STC1840EPC for bigger lawns.
The BLACK+DECKER STC1840EPC and STC1820 share the same 18V PowerConnect battery system, E-Drive gearing and guide-wheel edging. The differences are cutting width, how the line is fed, and the battery in the box.
At a glance
| BLACK+DECKER STC1840EPC | BLACK+DECKER STC1820 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 18V PowerConnect, E-Drive | 18V PowerConnect, E-Drive |
| Cutting width | 30 cm | 28 cm |
| Speed (listing) | 7,200 rpm | 5,500 rpm |
| Line feed | PowerCommand EasyFeed (button) | Automatic (AFS) |
| Edging | Tool-free switch, guide wheel | Flip-to-edge head, guide wheel |
| Supplied (UK listings) | 4.0 Ah battery + charger | 18V battery + charger (capacity not stated) |
| Runtime | Up to 75 min (maker) | Not stated |
| Weight | 2.25 kg (Amazon item weight) | About 2.6 kg (listing) |
| Speed control | Variable speed | Power-select switch |
Cutting width and power
The STC1840EPC’s 30 cm cut covers a little more ground per pass than the STC1820’s 28 cm — useful on a medium lawn. Both use E-Drive gearing for torque in longer or wet grass, and both let you dial power down to stretch the battery: variable speed on the STC1840EPC, a power-select switch on the STC1820.
Line feed
This is the most noticeable everyday difference. The STC1820 feeds line automatically as it wears, so you never think about it. The STC1840EPC uses PowerCommand EasyFeed: press a button to release more line, which gives you control and avoids feeding line you don’t need. Both beat tapping the head on the ground.
Batteries
The STC1840EPC kit’s 4.0 Ah battery is the bigger draw: BLACK+DECKER quotes up to 75 minutes per charge. The STC1820PC-GB listing includes a battery and charger without stating the capacity. Note that the STC1840EPC listing we found on Amazon.co.uk is the -QW continental version from a third-party seller, so check the charger plug.
Edging and weight
Both switch from trimming to edging without tools and run along the lawn edge on a guide wheel. Weights are close — 2.25 kg for the STC1840EPC (Amazon item weight) and about 2.6 kg for the STC1820 (listing) — so neither is a burden.
What neither can do
Neither takes a blade, so brambles, saplings and woody growth are out of reach — see brush cutter vs strimmer.
Which should you buy?
For a medium lawn, or if you want the longest runtime from one charge, the STC1840EPC with its 30 cm cut and 4.0 Ah battery is the better buy. For a small garden where you’d rather never think about line feed, the STC1820 does the job. Other options are in the best cordless brush cutters.
Full specifications
| BLACK+DECKER STC1840EPC | BLACK+DECKER STC1820 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Cordless | Cordless |
| Engine / power | 18V PowerConnect | 18V PowerConnect |
| Power | 18V PowerConnect | — |
| Cutting width | 30 cm | 28 cm |
| Speed | 7,200 rpm (listing) | 5,500 rpm (listing) |
| Runtime | Up to 75 min (maker) | — |
| Line feed | PowerCommand EasyFeed (button) | Automatic (AFS) |
| Supplied | 4.0 Ah battery + charger | — |
| Type | — | Cordless line trimmer |
| Power system | — | 18V PowerConnect, E-Drive gearing |
| Weight | — | About 2.6 kg |
| Edging | — | Flip-to-edge head with guide wheel |
| Supplied (UK listing) | — | 18V battery and charger |
| Best for | Homeowners who want an affordable, complete 18V lawn trimmer with no extras to buy. | Small to medium lawns and light edging for homeowners who want a simple, no-fuss cordless trimmer |
| Our rating | 7.5 / 10 | 7.2 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
BLACK+DECKER STC1840EPC
- + Complete kit — battery and charger included
- + Above-average 30 cm cut for 18V
- + Tool-free switch to edging, with guide wheel
- − Grass only — not for brush
- − Amazon.co.uk listing is the continental (-QW) version
- − Below pro brands on durability
BLACK+DECKER STC1820
- + Light, at about 2.6 kg, with a telescopic shaft and adjustable second handle
- + Flip-to-edge head with a guide wheel for clean lawn edges
- + Automatic line feed, so no bumping the head
- + Power-select switch to stretch runtime on light work
- + PowerConnect battery fits other BLACK+DECKER 18V tools
- − Line only, no metal blade option, so it cannot tackle brush or saplings
- − 28 cm cut is modest next to the 30 cm STC1840EPC
- − BLACK+DECKER doesn't put a runtime figure on the UK listing
- − Battery size in the kit isn't stated on the listing
Frequently asked questions
What's the main difference between the STC1840EPC and STC1820?
The STC1840EPC cuts a slightly wider 30 cm swath and comes with a 4.0 Ah battery; BLACK+DECKER quotes up to 75 minutes per charge. The STC1820 cuts 28 cm and feeds its line automatically, where the STC1840EPC uses a button to release line. Both switch to edging with a guide wheel.
Do they come with a battery?
On the Amazon.co.uk listings we found, yes: the STC1840EPC with a 4.0 Ah battery and charger, and the STC1820PC-GB with an 18V battery and charger (capacity not stated). Bare versions exist elsewhere, so check the product code.
Can either cut brambles?
No. Both are line-only PowerConnect trimmers with no blade option. For brambles or woody growth you need a brush cutter that takes a blade.