Just like the UR3000 this has variably adjustable height of shaft for all people. And like the ART 30 when compared directly, the handle changed position easily too. I have to say given the freedom of the battery I now much prefer this over any corded strimmer – plus, if the work is significantly tougher than just grass, they’ve made cordless brush cutters now too. Weighing 5.3kg it is heavier than a lot of other strimmers, but for the extra weight, you get the peace of mind that high-level build quality gives you, and it is still very light compared to petrol models. The extra weight isn’t really a problem anyway as this Bosch electric garden strimmer comes with its own adjustable shoulder harness. Between the harness and the adjustable handle, it’s easy to find the right setup for you to have a comfortable trimming session. The Bosch AFS is all about cutting power. Fitted with a meaty 950-watt electric motor that is capable of producing power equal to that of a 1.3 horsepower petrol motor. This is a phenomenal performance for an electric strimmer and will see you carving your way through your overgrown, jungle-like garden lawn like a knife through butter. Unlike petrol strimmers of similar power, the Bosch strimmer doesn’t vibrate and it runs much quieter. The Makita UR3000 is a multi-tasking tool, and like a lot of the best strimmers, it can be used as an edger by simply rotating the head around 180 degrees. In this mode, it performs as well as when used upright, and it is easy to balance the end of the strimmer and get a nice, neat cut. Although it’s not equipped with a huge number of safety features, overall the Flymo Contour XT is still well designed. The handle is ergonomic, and it’s easy to keep the tool steady thanks to the secondary handle. It’s simple to switch between functions, and all parts are durable. The safety switch on the handle means you’ll need to constantly push down to activate the strimmer; if you trip and let go, the strimmer will stop running which is a good feature to have.

This Bosch strimmer comes with two different cutting blades- an extra-strong cutting line spool that is probably the most heavy-duty strimmer wire I’ve seen come with a product and a triple-toothed, metal brush cutter blade for combating the heaviest undergrowth. Switching between them is very easy, just the removal of a screw, and there is no need to remove the guard to do so. The cutting line has a large cutting diameter of 37cm to really speed up your gardening sessions, and the three-tooth, brush cutter blade’s diameter is 23cm. At 2.8kg, its weight is comparable to the Makita, but like its competitor, this strimmer is also well balanced and you really don’t notice the small weight difference between this product and most other electric strimmers. Noise and vibration are about what you’d expect too, no better or worse than the vast majority of products in this category. Flymo’s Counter XL strimmer is an extremely popular product here in the UK, and you don’t have to search very far to find praise from its many customers. If you’re after a new corded grass trimmer, there are a few things to bear in mind to make sure you’re getting the best one. The information below should give you a good idea of what to look out for. These tend to be more powerful than battery powered strimmers and there’s no battery to run down. They can be used for an unlimited amount of time, better suited to heavy duty tasks than battery powered models.

My Top Recommended Corded Electric Strimmers

Both corded and battery powered strimmers are suitable for domestic use. Petrol models are generally used in professional environments, although they can be used at home too. There are pros and cons to each type of strimmers. Mains-Powered Strimmers Unlike some other low-cost strimmers, this Flymo has a dual nylon cutting line system that auto feeds to save time, and also has a decent 25cm cutting width. This dual-line doesn’t seem to give the Flymo any advantage in cutting prowess when compared to single feed models though. Even after giving your overgrown lawn the good news with the latest Flymo or Bosch lawnmower, there’s still going to be those rough and weed-ridden edges to take care of, and if you have a smaller, or average-sized garden, an electric strimmer can be just the thing to sort that out and leave your lawn looking as polished as a bowling green. I’ve taken a short video so you can see the power involved too. I’d have to say, I was surprised by the results – it’s only something you can truly appreciate when testing multiple strimmers against each other: Testing my best electric strimmers in the UK – Flymo Contour electric strimmer, Bosch Electric Grass Trimmer ART 30, and the Makita DUR181Z electric grass strimmer The downside to a mains powered strimmer is that you will be limited by cord length. The maximum cord length you’ll find is around 10 m, so you’ll need an extension cable if you’ve got an awkward shaped garden or a very large lawn.

Just like most Flymo products, the first thing you notice about this one, apart from the trademark, bright orange color scheme, of course, is the sleek, modern design that stretches from the handle all the way to the tip of the cutting head. The subtle curves really do make this an eye-pleasing strimmer, and is a virtual work of art when you compare it to products like the classic-looking, yet slightly boring, Bosch strimmers.

Specification: Warranty: yes (2 years) , Motor power: 950 W , Cutting speed: 7000 rpm. , Cutting Diameter: 37 cm , Weight: 5.7 kg There are two cutting mechanisms to choose from; cutting blades or cutting line. Choose a line strimmer for cutting light vegetation and working around obstacles or 90° corners. Protective clothing such as ear defenders, sturdy boots and protective glasses should always be worn. Corded models, although not as noisy as petrol models, can still be very loud. Also, tempting though it might be, strimming whilst wearing open-toed shoes is an absolute no-no – need I say more! Makita UR3000 Electric Trimmer (best heavy duty electric strimmer plus build quality and reliability)

You should also avoid loose-fitting clothes that may get caught in the strimmer, and you should wear gloves to protect your hands. It may take a little trial and error at first to work out where the cutting line is, but it shouldn’t take you too long to master using your new strimmer. The Flymo Contour XT Electric Grass Trimmer and Edger offers great value for money and has a very user-friendly design – whether you’ve had a lot of different strimmers in the past, or this is your first venture, it’s simple to use and delivers good results.

The build quality and finish of this power tool are what you would expect from a Makita product, and that is excellent. The plastic used is of the highest quality and feels extremely solid, and I couldn’t;t find a single part or component that didn’t feel like it was fitted perfectly. The shaft is made of aluminium and this is also a nice feature, as that particular material is well known to be rustproof.