The quality of a grass and hedge trimmer can be the difference in a great looking lawn. Consumer Reports tested 60 trimmers to see how well they handled all sorts of tasks, from whacking through tall grass and weeds to edging walkways and paths.

Three types of trimmers were tested; traditional gasoline powered, corded electric and battery powered.

"Gasoline trimmers have been popular for a long time because they're powerful, they can go anywhere and they run for a long time,” said Consumer Reports tester Peter Sawchuk.

Several gas trimmers performed well, including a Stihl for $190. This year, Consumer Reports found several battery powered trimmers did just as well as gas: Ego’s ST 1501 at $217 was top rated.

"This trimmer is well balanced, has a nice long reach and enough power to handle any situation and you don't have to worry about the hassle of mixing oil and gasoline," said Sawchuk.

The battery on the Ego model lasts about 25 minutes and takes about 40 minutes to recharge. 

However for smaller yards, a corded electric may be all you need.

"All corded electric units are limited to the length of the electric cord - but they are a good, cost effective alternative for smaller jobs. Look for one that has twin cutting strings. You'll get the job done faster," added Sawchuk.

Consumer Reports recommends the Stihl FSE 60 for about $150. It’s easy to use, trims clean with one pass and is aggressive with tall grass and weeds.

And with any type of string trimmer be sure to change the cutting string at the start of the season - old string can become brittle and break easily.

Consumer Reports says be sure to buy the right string size for your trimmer. A line that’s too thin will reduce cutting power; too thick, and you may slow down the engine or motor.