How to Choose the Right Grass Trimmer (UK Buying Guide)

The simple guide to cleaner edges, tidier borders and a better-looking lawn

Let’s be honest, no matter how good your lawn mower is, it can’t do everything. There’s always that bit:

• Along the fence
• Around flower beds
• Tight corners
• Edges that just won’t behave

That’s where a grass trimmer comes in. If you’ve ever wondered “Do I actually need one?” or “Which one should I choose?”, you’re in the right place.

What Is a Grass Trimmer Actually Used For?

Think of a grass trimmer as the finishing tool for your lawn. While your mower handles the bulk of the job, a trimmer helps you:

• Tidy edges along paths and patios
• Cut grass your mower can’t reach
• Trim around trees, fences and borders
• Keep your lawn looking sharp and well-defined

It’s the difference between: “That looks alright” and “That looks perfect.”

Cordless vs Electric Grass Trimmers

This is usually the first decision people make.

Cordless Grass Trimmers

These are by far the most popular choice now. Why?

• No cables to worry about
• Easy to move around the garden
• Lightweight and simple to use
• Low maintenance

Models like the LT G30 cordless grass trimmer or the slightly smaller 20V 25cm Cordless Grass Trimmer LT C25 give you the freedom to move without being tied to a plug socket. 

Perfect for most UK gardens.

Corded Electric Grass Trimmers

Still a solid option, especially for smaller gardens. Best for:

• Very compact spaces
• Gardens with easy access to power
• Occasional use

They’re typically:

• Lightweight
• Affordable
• Reliable

If you’re looking for a reliable electric option, the The 350W Electric Grass Trimmer (ET U25) is a standout choice. It was recently featured in Yours Magazine and awarded a “Best Buy”, recognised for its balance of performance, value and ease of use.

What makes it popular is how straightforward it is. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and ideal for trimming edges and maintaining smaller lawns without overcomplicating things. It’s a great reminder that you don’t always need the most powerful tool, sometimes you just need something that gets the job done simply and well.

(Just keep an eye on that cable… we’ve all been there.)

Cutting Width: What Size Do You Need?

Cutting width determines how much grass you trim in one pass.

Here’s a quick guide:

Smaller cutting widths:

• More control
• Better for tight spaces

Larger cutting widths:

• Faster trimming
• Better for bigger areas

If your garden has lots of edges and obstacles, don’t go too big, control matters more than speed.

Line Feed Systems

Grass trimmers use nylon line instead of blades.There are a few types of line feed systems:

1. Bump Feed - Tap the head on the ground to release more line.
2. Automatic Feed - Line feeds automatically as needed.
3. Manual Feed - You pull the line out yourself.

For most users, automatic or bump feed systems are the easiest and most convenient. Less faff. More trimming.

Battery vs Corded: What’s Better?

This is similar to the mower debate and both options have their pros and cons. 

Battery (Cordless)

• More flexible
• Easier to use
• No cables
• Ideal for most gardens

Corded

• Unlimited runtime
• No charging required
• Best for small areas

For most people in the UK today, cordless wins on convenience.

Edging Features: The Game Changer

This is where a good trimmer really shines.

Many models include an edging function, allowing you to:

• Rotate the head
• Create clean, vertical lawn edges
• Get that “striped lawn” finished look

If you care about how your lawn looks, this feature is well worth having. Another great feature to look out for is a plant guard, especially during spring and summer when the last thing you want is to accidentally trim your flowerbeds.

Which Grass Trimmer Do You Need?

Let’s break it down simply.

Small Gardens (under 300m²)

If you’ve got a compact garden,  go for something lightweight and easy to store such as the LT C25 grass trimmer and LT G30 cordless trimmer which are perfect for:

• Quick tidy-ups
• Edging lawns
• Tight spaces

Medium Gardens

For more space and more trimming, step up slightly in power and cutting width a good option would be our Cordless 30cm Grass Trimmer, the LT C30. It gives you:

• More coverage
• Better efficiency
• Still easy to handle

Need Something More Powerful? Meet the 2-in-1 Brush Cutter & Grass Trimmer

For most gardens, a standard grass trimmer will do everything you need. But if your garden is a bit more demanding — thicker grass, overgrown areas, or tougher vegetation — it’s worth stepping up to something more powerful.

This is where a 2-in-1 Cordless Tool like the LT C38 Brush Cutter & Grass Trimmer really comes into its own. Unlike a standard trimmer, the LT C38 is designed to handle both everyday edging and heavier-duty cutting. It gives you the flexibility to switch between:

• A traditional grass trimmer head for edges and borders
• A brush cutter blade for thicker grass and tougher areas

This makes it ideal for:

• Larger gardens with mixed terrain
• Overgrown patches that a standard trimmer would struggle with
• Cutting back rougher grass or weeds
• Users who want one tool that can do a bit of everything

It’s essentially the next step up, offering more power and versatility without needing multiple tools. While a lightweight trimmer like the LT C25 or LT G30 is perfect for regular maintenance, the LT C38 is built for when the job gets a bit more demanding.

If your garden isn’t always perfectly maintained, or you’re dealing with thicker growth during peak season, having that extra capability can make a big difference.

Where Does the LT C38 Fit?

If we break it down simply:

• Small gardens → Lightweight cordless trimmer (LT C25 / LT G30)
• Medium gardens → Wider cordless trimmer (LT C30)
• Larger / tougher gardens → 2-in-1 brush cutter (LT C38)

It’s all about matching the tool to the job.

When Should You Choose a Brush Cutter?

You don’t always need a brush cutter, but it’s worth considering if:

• Your grass gets long between cuts
• You have rough or uneven areas
• You’re clearing patches rather than just maintaining
• You want one tool that can handle both light and heavy work

For those situations, a standard trimmer can feel underpowered, whereas a 2-in-1 model gives you that extra confidence to tackle anything.

Storage: Don’t Forget This Bit

Grass trimmers are one of the easiest tools to store. Most models:

• Hang neatly on a wall
• Fit easily in sheds or garages
• Take up very little floor space

If you’ve read our guide on garden tool storage ideas for small sheds, you’ll know vertical storage is your best friend here.

Do You Need a Grass Trimmer?

Short answer? Yes, if you want your lawn to actually look finished. Even the best mower can’t:

• Cut right up to edges
• Handle awkward spaces
• Create clean borders

A grass trimmer fills that gap perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right grass trimmer isn’t complicated. It comes down to:

• Your garden size
• How often you trim
• Whether or not you want cordless convenience

For most UK gardens, a lightweight cordless trimmer will do everything you need. But if you’re working with a smaller space or want something simple and budget-friendly, a corded option like the Yours Magazine Best Buy ET U25 is still a brilliant choice. Pair it with the right mower, and you’ll go from “That’ll do” to “That looks spot on.”

Check out some of our other helpful buying guides:

• Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Lawn Mower in the UK
• Best Lawn Mower for Small Gardens