Buying one tool that trims and edges is one of the easier wins in lawn care: you spend less than on two machines, free up shed space, and carry one battery instead of juggling two. The trick is that "combo" covers everything from a flimsy bargain trimmer to a genuinely capable machine. Here's how to tell them apart before you buy.
What a combo actually is
A combo is a string trimmer (weed eater) whose head rotates so it can also edge. Held flat, the spinning line tidies grass around trees, fences, and beds. Rotate the head 90° and run the wheel along a path, and it cuts the crisp vertical line between lawn and pavement that makes a yard look finished. The best ones switch between the two in seconds.
Step 1: pick your power type
This is the decision that matters most.
- Battery (cordless). The right answer for most home lawns now. Light, quiet, no fumes, starts with a button. Look for brushless motors and at least 40V for real cutting power. Limited by battery run time, so for bigger jobs keep a spare battery charged.
- Corded electric. Cheapest and lightest, never needs charging — but you're tethered to an extension cord, which is fine for a small yard near an outlet and miserable for a large one.
- Gas. Still the choice for large properties and thick, woody weeds, where you need to run for hours. The trade-offs are weight, noise, fumes, and pull-start maintenance.
Step 2: what to look for
- Brushless motor — more power, longer run time, longer life than brushed.
- Straight vs curved shaft — straight shafts reach under shrubs and suit taller users and edging; curved shafts are lighter and nimble for small lawns.
- Line feed — bump-feed is reliable and cheap to maintain; automatic feed is convenient until it jams. Easy reloading matters more than the marketing.
- Easy edging conversion — a head that rotates and locks, ideally with a guide wheel, gives a straighter edge than balancing a trimmer on its side.
- Weight and balance — you'll feel this after ten minutes. Heavier isn't more capable; balance is.
- Cutting width and line diameter — wider cuts and thicker line (e.g. 2 mm+) handle tougher growth.
Match it to your lawn
- Small lawn / courtyard: a light 20–40V battery combo or a corded model. Don't overbuy.
- Medium suburban lawn: a 40V brushless battery combo is the sweet spot — enough power, light enough to enjoy.
- Large or overgrown property: 56–80V battery with spare packs, or gas if you're clearing thick, woody growth.
Don't ignore safety and upkeep
Wear eye protection and closed shoes — string trimmers fling debris hard. Choose a model with a guard and a comfortable grip or harness for longer sessions. For maintenance: keep spare line on hand, clear grass from the head after use, and on gas models, follow the fuel/air-filter routine. Battery tools are close to maintenance-free beyond cleaning.
Bottom line
For most gardeners, a 40V brushless battery combo with an easy-rotating edging head is the buy — capable, light, and low-fuss. Step up to higher voltage or gas only if you're genuinely working a large or overgrown lot.