It's tempting to dust off old cliches and call the latest innovation in hedge trimming a "cutting edge" invention, but that's exactly what the Garden Groom Max electric hedge trimmer is: innovative. Unlike traditional tools, the Garden Groom Max trims with a concealed blade that's enclosed in a round, 12-inch head -- kind of like an electric razor. Then it collects the trimmings in a volume collection bag, a major perk for anyone who dreads cleaning up after a hedge trimming session.

The lightweight (9.1 pounds) unit's flat-bottom design makes it a breeze to maneuver over the tops and sides of hedges. Speaking of breezes, the angle of the rotary blade creates a draft to suck the clippings into the unit. The plastic collection unit seemed small at first, but because the Garden Groom Max electric hedge trimmer reduces clippings at a ratio of 10 to 1, we were surprised at how much it held.

Already a hit in England, the trimmer not only features an eye-catching design, but several bells and whistles that cement it as a step forward in tool technology. Chief among them is its focus on safety, from the way the blade makes it nearly impossible to accidentally cut the cord to the handle that requires two-handed operation before the motor engages. The Garden Groom Max electric hedge trimmer earns Consumer Guide's Best Buy designation.


Pros: Innovative design, safety features
Cons: None