We recommend garden shredders with CHOICE Expert Ratings of 80% and over.

This overall score is made up of performance (70%) and ease of use (30%).

The performance score is equally weighted between the results for: shredding freshly cut material up to 20mm in diameter, shredding dry material typically 20–40mm in diameter, and shredding leafy material.

The ease of use score is made up of: feeding in material (40%), whether blockages occur and the ease of clearing them (40%), and moving the shredder around (20%). Ease of accessing and adjusting the blades is noted but not scored.

We measure the shredder's noise, next to it in the user's position, and at 7.5 m distance.

The year we tested this model.

This shows which models are still available and those that are now discontinued.

Price is recommended retail or the price we paid. For cordless models, this includes the cost of the battery and charger.

Electric (corded) models need to be plugged in, while cordless (battery) models can be more portable. See our buying guide for more details.

The stated country of manufacture. Note that parts may have been sourced from various countries.

A plastic tool to help push the material down into the shredding blades or rollers.

A bag or bin to collect the shredded material - helps keep mess to a minimum.

Reversing the direction of the blades or rollers can help clear any jammed material. Some models have an automatic reverse that engages when the machine detects a blockage.