We’ve recommended Echo’s products for decades. The PE-225 is a well-priced stick edger with enough power to cut through topsoil and typical cool-season grasses, like Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescue. The 21.2-cubic centimeter (cc) engine that powers this machine takes a professional-grade 50:1 gas-oil mix, and its spring-assist mechanism makes starting this edger as easy as possible.

For southern grass species (such as Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine), clay soil, or soil with small stones, check out the Echo PE-2620, which has a larger 25.4-cc engine. It's a bit more expensive, but the additional power is better suited to heavy-duty use.

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Edging, especially at full depth, takes lots of torque. This model, from Worx, features a powerful motor—the same kind of current that a mid-duty circular saw draws. It has more than just power going for it, though. Its depth adjustment is simple and tool-free: Flip the latch on the side open, and move the wheel and mounting bracket to the desired depth. Then, flip the lever shut.

Another feature we find intriguing is the machine’s cut line indicator, a drop-down fin that rides in the trench you’re cutting, steadying the machine and resulting in fewer miscues and uneven lines.

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Greenworks' latest pro-grade cordless electric edger comes equipped with an 80-volt brushless motor and a variable-speed trigger so you get maximum torque, but only when you need it. It features a brushless motor for maximum efficiency and claims to edge up to 80 minutes per charge.

Combined with the ergonomic wraparound handle, the 10.1-pound weight of this edger is comfortable to transport and operate and makes it a great choice for those who don’t feel like lugging around a heavy tool. (Keep in mind that the battery adds a couple pounds on top of that.)

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We’ve tested a variety of Earthquake machines over the years, and they deliver on the brand’s promise of no-frills power. While we haven’t tested it, after reviewing its specifications, the brand's lawn edger looks to uphold the brand's reputation for sturdy, but affordable machinery.

Engage the blade only when you’re ready to cut by using this edger’s clutch mechanism. It also has an engine appropriate for this class of equipment, a multi-angle cutter head, and an uncommon (though robust) debris catcher made from short chain links.If your taste in outdoor power equipment tends to be old-school simplicity, give this edger some serious consideration.

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While it isn't quite as robust as the more powerful 80V Greenworks we also recommend, this 48-volt version should still be plenty useful for the average homeowner. Its dual 24-volt batteries provide an impressive bit of power—and an advertised 45 minutes of runtime.

The cushioned grip and wraparound auxiliary handle provide a solid and safe grasp, and the variable speed trigger affords precise control at all times. The 8-inch blade allows for the standard 2.5 inches of cut depth, and the built-in guide wheel makes it easy to generate clean, straight edges along curbs, driveways, and sidewalks.

Both batteries are also compatible with a wide variety of 24-volt Greenworks power tools and, along with the edger itself, are covered by a three-year limited warranty.

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If you don’t have especially long lawn edges to maintain, and aren’t intimidated by a little physical effort, consider this manual tool from Garden Weasel. Its sturdy metal blade can dig up to 3 inches, and affords you extra precision, since you can set it up perfectly before each cut.

We really appreciated the 90-degree lip that keeps your edge at a consistent depth, and even in my slightly muddy soil, the built-in channels allowed us to yank it back out without much effort.

The alloy construction and wide push plate let us use our own bodyweight to easily penetrate the ground, as well as any roots that may be in the way (seriously, this thing has a solid feel to it). I especially appreciated the rubber handle, which only added to the comfortable, user-friendly operation.

We also found that, at a slight 2 pounds, it is light enough to carry and store without much effort. And, given the Garden Weasel is a little over 3 feet, we could perform all our testing without bending over. (As opposed to using a trowel or garden knife, which require you to get on your hands and knees.) The Garden Weasel’s lifetime warranty also has you covered if any issues arise.

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