Ryobi OLT1832 vs Black+Decker STC1820: bare ONE+ or complete kit?
Two light 18V lawn trimmers. The Ryobi is a bare ONE+ tool with an adjustable cut; the Black+Decker a complete kit with battery and charger.
In short:The Ryobi OLT1832 is an 18V ONE+ grass trimmer sold without battery or charger, with an adjustable 25 or 30 cm cut, an auto-feed spool, a four-position head with EasyEdge and a telescopic shaft, at about 2.3 kg. The Black+Decker STC1820PC-GB is an 18V PowerConnect trimmer sold with battery and charger, with a 28 cm cut, a listed 5,500 rpm, E-Drive gearing, automatic line feed and a flip-to-edge head with guide wheel, at about 2.6 kg. Both are line-only.
The Ryobi OLT1832 and Black+Decker STC1820 are light 18V lawn trimmers with automatic line feed and edging modes. The big difference is what’s in the box.
At a glance
| Ryobi OLT1832 | Black+Decker STC1820PC-GB | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 18V ONE+ | 18V PowerConnect |
| Cut | 25 or 30 cm | 28 cm |
| Line feed | Auto-feed | Automatic (AFS) |
| Edging | Four-position head, EasyEdge | Flip-to-edge head, guide wheel |
| Shaft | Telescopic | — |
| Weight | About 2.3 kg | About 2.6 kg |
| Supplied | Bare tool | Battery + charger |
| Rating | 7.3 / 10 | 7.2 / 10 |
Features
The Ryobi lets you choose a 25 or 30 cm cut and adjust the head to four positions; its telescopic shaft fits different heights. The Black+Decker’s E-Drive gearing and power-select switch let you trade speed for runtime, and its guide wheel makes neat edges easy.
Which should you buy?
On ONE+ batteries, the OLT1832. Starting from scratch, the STC1820PC-GB kit is the simpler buy. Brand view: Black+Decker vs Ryobi.
Full specifications
| Ryobi OLT1832 | BLACK+DECKER STC1820 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Cordless | Cordless |
| Engine / power | 18V ONE+ | 18V PowerConnect |
| Type | Cordless line trimmer, bare tool | Cordless line trimmer |
| Power | 18V ONE+ battery platform | — |
| Cutting width | 25 or 30 cm (adjustable) | 28 cm |
| Line feed | Auto feed | Automatic (AFS) |
| Head | 4 positions, EasyEdge | — |
| Shaft | Telescopic | — |
| Cutting medium | Line only, no blade compatibility | — |
| Weight | About 2.3 kg without battery (listing) | About 2.6 kg |
| Battery system | Ryobi ONE+ (battery and charger sold separately) | — |
| Power system | — | 18V PowerConnect, E-Drive gearing |
| Speed | — | 5,500 rpm (listing) |
| Edging | — | Flip-to-edge head with guide wheel |
| Supplied (UK listing) | — | 18V battery and charger |
| Best for | Existing Ryobi ONE+ owners who want a light trimmer for lawn edges and small gardens | Small to medium lawns and light edging for homeowners who want a simple, no-fuss cordless trimmer |
| Our rating | 7.3 / 10 | 7.2 / 10 |
Strengths and drawbacks
Ryobi OLT1832
- + Very affordable if you already own ONE+ batteries and a charger
- + Light — about 2.3 kg without battery (listing)
- + Cutting width adjusts between 25 and 30 cm
- + Auto-feed spool and four-position head with EasyEdge
- + Shares its battery platform with dozens of other Ryobi ONE+ tools
- + Telescopic shaft
- − Sold as a bare tool, so battery and charger cost extra if you're starting from scratch
- − Line only — there's no option to fit a metal blade for tougher growth
- − Cutting width and motor power are modest next to mid-range corded or petrol trimmers
- − Runtime depends entirely on which ONE+ battery you pair it with
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
Which comes with a battery?
The Black+Decker STC1820PC-GB, sold with battery and charger in the UK. The Ryobi OLT1832 is a bare tool for ONE+ owners.
Which is better for edging?
Both edge well: the Black+Decker's head flips to edge on a guide wheel; the Ryobi's four-position head has EasyEdge.
Can either take a blade?
No — both are line trimmers for lawns and edges.