In small yards, a spade or weed eater will do an adequate job of edging your lawn, but if you need to go more than a few yards, using one of these starts to become hard work, and it’s difficult to maintain a consistent appearance. The solution is a walk-behind lawn edger, a machine specifically designed to do one job and do it well.

But which lawn edger should you choose? There are electric and gas-powered models, each with its own unique features. It’s a question to ponder, for sure.

Sorting through the available information and providing well-researched buying advice is exactly what BestReviews is here for. We looked at a wide range of walk-behind lawn edgers so we could help you choose the right model for your yard. Our recommendations highlight the performance and price options, and in the following guide we look at the elements you’ll want to consider in more detail.

As is often the case with power garden tools, you have a choice of corded electric or gas machinery. At the time of writing there were no cordless walk-behind edgers on the market.

Corded electric: These edgers tend to be the budget option. They’re small, light, and easy to use, everything that many urban gardeners need. Almost all have 12-amp motors. Their only real limitation is the extension cord, which can’t be any longer than 100 feet. You can try daisy-chaining cords, but almost invariably the resistance in the cables saps power to the extent there isn’t enough left to run the machine properly.

Gas: If you want to go farther, or you’re frustrated with dragging a cord around the yard, you need a gas-powered lawn edger. Most are four-stroke, which are usually quieter, more fuel efficient, and more durable than two-stroke models (though the latter are often cheaper). In terms of performance, they vary from 79cc engines that are all most people need, to 140cc and larger, suited to park maintenance and contractor use.

Number: Most electric walk-behind lawn edgers have three wheels. These are lightweight machines, and controlling one isn’t challenging. Mid-range gas-powered machines may also have three wheels, but larger models are heavier and often have four, which gives them greater stability.

Material: Wheels on cheaper machines are usually made of hard plastic. Rubber alternatives run more smoothly and should be more durable.

Adjustments: A few walk-behind edgers have a “curb hopping” facility. The wheels can be adjusted for height so they can trim edges when the lawn is above the level of the pathway.

Blades are either two or three pronged, sometimes with teeth designed to cut through the turf efficiently, but often they just have a smooth, sharp edge.

Cut: Lawn edgers are often rated by blade size, but depth of cut and the variation available are more important. On electric models this is set on the unit. On gas models there’s often a handlebar-mounted lever, giving you the option of adjusting it on the fly.

Angle: Electric machines all cut vertically, but a few of the larger gas-powered walk-behind lawn edgers have a pivoting head and are capable of cutting angles. On some this is just 15°, but others can cut all the way to horizontal.

Guard: A blade guard protects the user from any stones that might be picked up. Gas machines often have rubber mudguards as well to stop cut grass and dirt being thrown all over the place.

It’s worth thinking about the handle ergonomics.

Electric edgers usually have a shaft that’s shared with other tools in the range – typically weed eaters. While not unpleasant, it’s not the most natural hold (though it may be adjustable for reach).

Gas machines tend to have a loop, much like a lawn mower, or handlebars. It’s a matter of personal taste, but many find the latter more comfortable.

Cord lock: Look for this on electric models. It stops you from pulling out the extension.

Noise: Electric models are considerably quieter than gas, which may make a difference depending on your local zoning regulations.

Warranty: Check the warranty. It’s common for these machines to be covered for one year, but some manufacturers offer up to three years.

Inexpensive: The cheapest walk-behind lawn edgers we found are corded electric models that cost around $70 to $90. These are perfectly good tools for use in modest-size yards.

Mid-range: With no cordless walk-behind lawn edgers available, if you want freedom of movement you need gas. There are several very good machines available for the average yard in the $150 to $250 range.

Expensive: Landscaping professionals or owners of really extensive lawned areas may want to invest in a larger gas-powered machine. These can cost anywhere from $300 to over $600, but you do get immense capability.

• Check the location of utility lines first. Before edging, make sure you know where any utilities run. It’s unlikely they are at a depth that will cause a problem, but you can’t be too careful, especially if you’re re-landscaping near the house.
• Check the edger and area. Make sure the blade is clean and sharp, the wheels are running smoothly, and your intended path is free of obstacles. Your lawn should be dry, but not so parched that you’ll kick up a lot of dust.
• Work slowly and patiently. Try to keep moving forward. Chopping backward and forward will leave a jagged edge.
• Stay as close to hardscaping as you can. Too far in and you can leave an unsightly gap that’s difficult to repair.
• Edge your lawn regularly. After establishing an edge for the first time, edge your lawn regularly. Many professional contractors do it every time they mow.

We stand by the products in our matrix, but we found a few more that might interest you. The Truper Tru Tough Rotary Lawn Edger puts an unusual twist on “walk-behind” edgers. It’s cheap, light, and very simple, but there’s one drawback: the power is supplied by you! By contrast, the Craftsman 140cc Gas-Powered Edger is designed for almost effortless work over large areas, yet it’s compact enough for use in tight spaces. There’s a reliable, easy-start 140cc motor and four wheels for balance and maneuverability. Finally, we have the McLane 101-4.75GT-7 Gas-Powered Lawn Edger which features a Briggs & Stratton motor renowned for its power and reliability. The cutter head runs on ball bearings for long-term precision, and depth control is fast and simple via a lever on the handlebars.

Q. Do walk-behind lawn edgers need much maintenance?
A. Not a great deal. With electric models, it’s really just a question of a quick clean after use (which is much easier to do before any dirt gets dried on), and periodically checking that fixtures haven’t worked loose. With gas models, you’ll also need to look at the spark plug and fuel and oil filters and clean or change them occasionally, but you don’t have to do anything particularly onerous.

Q. Are there any safety precautions when using these tools?
A. When working outdoors it’s always a good idea to wear sturdy footwear. Many people also like to wear gloves. While lawn edgers have shielding to stop debris being thrown at you, dirt or small stones might escape, so it’s recommended that you wear long pants rather than shorts. Always unplug or turn off the motor if you’re going to work on the blade, to clear a buildup of soil or grass, for example.

Q. Does my gas lawn edger require a CARB- or EPA-compliant motor?
A. All gas motors on garden tools sold in the US should be EPA compliant. California Air Resources Board (CARB) is a stricter standard that has been adopted by an increasing number of states, but it’s not a national standard at the time of writing. However, if you have environmental concerns, a CARB-compliant motor is the cleaner option.