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The Best Whipper Snipper (2023 Buyer’s Guide)

Have weeds, edges or ground cover that need trimming properly? Need that specific tool to trim around a tree, flower beds or ornaments without damaging them? Then getting the best snipper is the only way to get the results you are looking for! 

Many consumers struggle to know what to look for when buying a new tool but rather than letting you struggle, we’ve got the advice and guidance you need as well as four great whipper snipper options for you to consider. Take a look now and buy with confidence.

Best Overall

STIHL 2-Stroke Petrol

STIHL 2-Stroke Petrol is our best overall option for consumers. We love this device because it is powerful, versatile and offers low emissions, even with petrol powering it.

The Best Whipper Snipper Reviews

Now you know what to look for in a good whipper snipper, take a look at our selection of recommendations to help you narrow down the field.

Image Name Features
Best Overall Best Overall STIHL 2-Stroke Petrol
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Best On A Budget Best On A Budget STIHL FSE Electric Grass Line Trimmer
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Makita 18V Cordless Line Trimmer Kit
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Milwaukee Fuel Line Trimmer
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How To Choose the Best Whipper Snipper Australia?

There are a wide range of different whipper snippers available to buy, from a battery-operated whipper snipper to a cordless or electric option, you are spoiled for choice. Find out the things you need to consider when buying yours.

Whipper Snipper Safety Features

Operating a tool safely should be at the top of your list of priorities, especially when it comes to whipper snippers. You should look for an option that has a safety guard to help reduce the amount of debris that is able to fly up. If your whipper snipper safety guard stops you from being able to see what you are doing then it is vital that you wear safety goggles to avoid eye damage (1).

Battery, Petrol or Electric Whipper Snipper?

Choosing how to power your whipper snipper will help you narrow down the options available, but it is worth taking the time to decide what is best first. An electric model will need to be plugged in, giving you less freedom to work wherever you need. A petrol model will require you to fill up when empty and a battery-operated version will need charging. There is no perfect power solution so decide which best suits your needs and preferences.

What is the difference between a line trimmer and a whipper snipper?

Corded or Cordless Whipper Snipper?

There are corded and cordless options available and deciding on the right one for your needs depends on how often you are going to use it, how far you need it to reach from a power socket and your available budget. Corded versions are often cheaper, allowing you to get a better machine for your money but cordless ones are the ultimate in flexibility and perfect when you want to use the machine in different locations.

What is a Fair Price for a Whipper Snipper?

Prices for whipper snippers vary according to the model you need and the number of features you are looking for. Cheaper models start at around $200 but you can invest over $1000 if you need a professional solution. Take the time to map out the features you need as well as the budget you have and use that as a guide to help you get the best solution for your wallet.

Man in a hat strimming his lawn

What Features Should I Look for in a Whipper Snipper?

When it comes to choosing the best whipper snipper, there are a number of important features that you should look for, including:

  • Whether the model comes with a safety guard – if not then it should be avoided.
  • If there is a blade to help keep the line correctly trimmed to help avoid accidents.
  • A shoulder strap is designed to help you take the weight of the tool across your body rather than just your arms.
  • A rotating head that gives you the ability to use it for both trimming and cutting.
  • An edging guide to help you achieve the neatest lines possible.
  • Handles that you can adjust for comfort

1. STIHL 2-Stroke Petrol (Best Overall)

Specifications

If the idea of a battery whipper snipper doesn’t do it for you when choosing a petrol version may be the best alternative and the STIHL 2-Stroke Petrol is our best overall option for consumers. We love this device because it is powerful, versatile and offers low emissions, even with petrol powering it.

Some of the key features include a loop handle to help you get into the most difficult areas, Easy2Start feature that uses a spring accumulator to reduce the force required to get it going and all your operational buttons right at your fingertips so that you can switch between tasks without having to stop and start.

It weighs 4.6kg, making it a sturdy and durable option and has a powerful motor that makes light work of even the most difficult tasks. If you need a whipper snipper that you can depend on and that will last then this is the perfect product.

2. STIHL FSE Electric Grass Line Trimmer (Best on a Budget)

Specifications

If you are looking for a lightweight whipper snipper that is kind to your bank balance then the STIHL FSE Electric Grass Line Trimmer is an excellent choice! It is powerful and yet easy to use, making trimming, edging and cutting grass as simple as possible.

The device comes with a loop handle to make it easy to use and as it is just 2.2kg, you don’t need a harness to help distribute the weight. With such a low weight, it makes it the best whipper snipper for ladies too, perfect for women that love to garden. That being said, using this for extended periods of time may cause some arm ache but if you plan to work in sections then you shouldn’t have any issues.

This machine is corded and so you will need access to a power outlet to be able to plug in and get the work done. There is a cable strain relief feature that stops you from being able to disconnect the wire by accident, keeping you working for as long as you need. It has a 500W motor that will power through most tasks too.

When you need to venture away from a power source, having a cordless whipper snipper makes perfect sense. The Marita 18V Cordless Line Trimmer Kit is a great choice that is budget-friendly and works hard for up to 45 minutes at a time. 

It weighs in at just 2.8kg, making it easy to use for prolonged periods of time and comes with an adjustable cutting head for ease of use. It’s comfortable to hold and is equipped with a shoulder belt for you to wear so that you aren’t left with any aches and pains (2) when you finish.

The battery that is supplied with the unit is a 3Ah battery with its own charger that you simply plug in and wait for the indicator light to show that it is ready to go. You can buy additional batteries too if you want to maximise the freedom to do as much as you need in one go.

When you need some serious power behind you then the Milwaukee Line Trimmer is a force to be reckoned with. It can reach full throttle in under a second and makes short work of even the thickest brush. It’s a weighty option, meaning that you will need to be comfortable holding onto 4.8kg of machine every time you need it.

It is powered with an M18 Redlithium-ion 9.0Ah battery that can provide you with a full hour of power before needing to be plugged in to charge. You can pick between low and high-speed settings depending on the job you are completing and enjoy the 406mm cutting swath that will help you to achieve maximum productivity.

It also comes with a metal bump knob that helps you to get the longest life from the machine as well as being able to hold more line, saving you the stop/start hassle that you’d get from other whipper snippers. All in all, it’s a great tool and perfect for anyone that needs a robust and professional solution.

The Verdict – Our Favourite Whipper Snipper Australia

Choosing a winner wasn’t easy, especially when you look at the four great options we’ve offered you. However, the STIHL 2-Stroke Petrol comes with all the features and versatility needed to support a wide range of customer needs. The Easy2Start feature along with the loop handle makes it the simplest to use and the finish it gives was impressive.

However, if you want a lighter weight, budget option then the STIHL Electric Grass Line Trimmer is also worth considering. This tool is corded and so it is great in gardens that are near power outlets. It worked well on trimming, clearing and cutting and the comfortable design made it easier to work for longer.

Whipper Snipper Frequently Asked Questions

Whipper snippers can be used for a range of jobs in the garden, including:

Edging lawns

Cutting down long grass

Trimming weeds

Reducing heavy brush

In theory, you can cut your entire lawn with a whipper snipper if you want to. However, doing so may end up with an untidy lawn as it is hard to cut grass all to the same level. Instead, use your whipper snipper to edge your lawns and cut back long grass that’s been left to grow taller than a mower can handle.

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