BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 17-Inch Hedge Trimmer Review: The Lightweight Powerhouse for Perfect Hedges

There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from a perfectly manicured yard, a crisp line of hedges defining your property’s edge. But I remember the “before” times all too well. It was a Saturday afternoon, the sun was beating down, and I was armed with a pair of rusty manual hedge shears, battling a row of boxwoods that had decided to wage a silent, leafy rebellion against order. Every snip sent a jolt up my arms. My hands blistered, my back ached, and after two hours, I had managed to mangle a mere five-foot section. The rest of the hedge line loomed like an unconquerable green monster. It was hot, exhausting, and deeply demoralizing. This is the moment every homeowner faces: the realization that some jobs require more than just elbow grease; they require the right tool. An overgrown hedge doesn’t just look messy; it can obstruct walkways, scratch vehicles, and become a haven for pests. The transition from a frustrating chore to a quick, satisfying task is what we’re all searching for.

What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Hedge Trimmer

An electric hedge trimmer is more than just a garden tool; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your time and saving your body from the strain of manual landscaping. For homeowners with small to medium-sized yards, these tools transform a dreaded, day-long project into a manageable, even enjoyable, task. The primary benefit is efficiency. What takes hours with manual shears can be accomplished in minutes, delivering cleaner cuts that are healthier for the plants and a more uniform, professional-looking finish. They reduce physical fatigue, making yard work accessible to more people, regardless of their strength or stamina. When you need to shape bushes, maintain privacy hedges, or cut back unruly shrubs, a good hedge trimmer is indispensable.

The ideal customer for a corded electric model like the BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 17-Inch Hedge Trimmer is someone with easily accessible outdoor outlets who values lightweight design and consistent, uninterrupted power. This includes new homeowners building their first tool collection, retirees seeking less strenuous gardening tools, or anyone tired of the hassle and expense of batteries and fuel. However, this type of product might not be suitable for those with very large properties far from a power source, or for professionals who need the unrestricted mobility of a gas-powered or high-capacity cordless model. If you need to trim very high hedges without a ladder, a pole hedge trimmer would be a more appropriate alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Blade Length & Design: The blade length determines how much you can trim in a single pass. A 17-inch blade, like the one on this model, is perfect for small to medium hedges, offering great maneuverability for shaping and detail work. A dual-action blade, where both blades move, is critical as it produces significantly less vibration than a single-action blade, leading to more comfort and cleaner cuts.
• Power & Cutting Capacity: For corded trimmers, power is measured in amps. A 3.2 amp motor is ample for most residential needs. Pay close attention to the cutting capacity—the maximum branch thickness the trimmer can handle. A 5/8-inch capacity is standard for this class and is sufficient for trimming new growth and most common shrubs like boxwoods, privet, and yew.
• Weight & Ergonomics: This is arguably one of the most important factors. A lightweight trimmer, under 5 pounds, dramatically reduces arm and back fatigue, allowing you to work longer and more safely. Look for features like a full-length trigger and a comfortable T-handle or wrap-around handle, which provide better control for both vertical and horizontal cuts.
• Safety & Convenience Features: Corded tools come with a unique challenge: managing the cord. A built-in cord retention system is a non-negotiable feature that prevents frustrating and dangerous accidental unplugging. Also, consider the ease of assembly. Most electric trimmers should be nearly ready to use right out of the box, with minimal setup required beyond attaching a safety guard.

Considering these factors will ensure you select a tool that not only gets the job done but makes the process as painless as possible.

While the BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 17-Inch Hedge Trimmer is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, including those designed for reaching tall hedges, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Simplicity and Purpose-Built Design

Unboxing the BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 17-Inch Hedge Trimmer is a refreshingly straightforward experience. There are no complex parts or intimidating manuals. Inside the box, we found the main trimmer unit, a plastic blade cover, and the clear plastic handguard. Assembly was minimal and took us less than two minutes; it involved simply securing the handguard with a single pre-installed screw. The first thing that struck us was its weight, or rather, the lack of it. At just 3.9 pounds, it feels incredibly light and balanced in the hands. This isn’t a tool that feels “cheap,” but rather one that feels intentionally designed for ease of use. The black and orange housing is classic BLACK+DECKER, and the full-length trigger and T-handle feel secure and comfortable. Compared to heavier, bulkier gas or battery models we’ve tested, the BEHT150 feels like a precision instrument rather than a blunt force tool. It’s clear from the outset that this trimmer is built for accessibility and reducing user fatigue, a promise we were eager to put to the test. You can see its full specifications and compact design here.

Deep Dive: Performance and Real-World Application

A tool can look good on paper, but its true value is revealed in the yard, amidst the branches and leaves. We spent several hours putting the BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 17-Inch Hedge Trimmer through its paces on a variety of common residential landscaping—from overgrown privet hedges to delicate boxwood shaping and even some rogue vines. Our in-depth testing focused on the key aspects that matter most to the average homeowner: handling and ergonomics, raw cutting power, and the overall user experience from setup to cleanup.

Featherlight Champion: Ergonomics and User Comfort

The single most celebrated feature of this trimmer, both in our tests and echoed countless times by other users, is its astonishingly low weight. At 3.9 pounds, it feels less like a power tool and more like an extension of your arm. This is not just a minor convenience; it’s a game-changer. We were able to work for over an hour without any significant arm fatigue, a feat that would be unthinkable with a heavier gas-powered model. This sentiment was confirmed by one user in her late 60s who found it “lightweight and easy to use,” allowing her to maintain her entire yard without strain. The built-in T-handle provides a stable and comfortable grip for your guide hand, allowing for precise, controlled sweeps. The full-length trigger means you don’t have to contort your hand to maintain power, further reducing strain. We found this design particularly effective for shaping bushes, where you often need to change angles and grips. As another user noted, “The light weight allows me to work with one hand if I need to,” a testament to its superb balance and maneuverability. This ease of handling makes it an ideal choice for beginners, older gardeners, or anyone who has previously struggled with heavier equipment. The incredibly manageable weight of the BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 truly sets it apart in its class.

The Cut: Power and Blade Performance

For a tool so light, the BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 17-Inch Hedge Trimmer packs a surprising punch. The 3.2-amp motor, combined with the 17-inch dual-action hardened steel blade, made quick work of our landscaping tasks. The dual-action design is critical here; by having both blades reciprocate, vibration is dramatically reduced compared to cheaper single-action models. This results in less user fatigue and, more importantly, a cleaner, healthier cut for the plant, preventing the “shredded” look that can invite disease. We tested it on boxwoods, where it sliced through the dense foliage smoothly and evenly. One user was “amazed at what a good job it did,” noting it trimmed not only her boxwoods but also taller, thick-stemmed euonymus. The trimmer confidently handled new growth and branches up to about a half-inch thick. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations. The stated 5/8-inch cutting capacity should be seen as a maximum for softer wood. We found, as did another user, that it can struggle or tear at very hard, woody branches closer to that 5/8-inch limit. It’s not designed for heavy-duty clearing of old, thick growth. For its intended purpose—maintaining and shaping hedges and shrubs—its performance is exceptional. The 3800 cutting strokes per minute (SPM) ensure a rapid, clean finish on leafy surfaces.

Corded Reliability and Safety Features

In an age dominated by cordless tools, opting for a corded model might seem like a step back, but it has distinct advantages. With the BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 17-Inch Hedge Trimmer, you get consistent, fade-free power for as long as you need to work. There are no batteries to charge or forget, no worries about a battery dying halfway through a job. As one user aptly put it, “I hate recharging my tools and dislike even more, having to get a bunch of batteries for back ups.” The key to a positive corded experience is cord management, and this is where the BEHT150 shines. It features a simple but brilliant cord retention hook built into the handle. You loop your extension cord through this hook before plugging it in, which prevents the connection from pulling apart as you move around the yard. During our extensive testing, it never once came unplugged accidentally. This is a crucial safety and convenience feature that many budget models overlook. The tool is essentially ready to use out of the box, with the only assembly being the clear safety guard that shields your hand from debris—a process that took us less than a minute. This combination of endless power and thoughtful design makes it a reliable workhorse you can count on season after season, and you can check the latest price and availability for this dependable tool.

What Other Users Are Saying

The overwhelming consensus among users mirrors our own findings: the BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 17-Inch Hedge Trimmer is a fantastic value that delivers performance far beyond its modest price point. Many, like one first-time homeowner, were initially skeptical, expecting a cheap-feeling tool but were “extremely surprised” by its quality and effectiveness. A recurring theme is the sheer relief and time saved compared to manual trimming. One reviewer who spent an entire afternoon trimming a single boxwood by hand was able to tackle all of her hedges in a fraction of the time with the BEHT150. Its lightweight nature is a constant point of praise, with one user calling it a “yard work game changer” for a busy single mom.

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect, which provides a realistic picture of the tool’s capabilities. A few users have noted that the motor can get hot during prolonged, continuous use (over 30 minutes). One user experienced a failure after the tool got very hot and jammed on a 1/4-inch branch. This highlights an important limitation: while powerful for its size, it is a residential-grade tool not intended for heavy, non-stop commercial use. It’s best suited for typical yard work with occasional breaks. This feedback reinforces our assessment that it excels at maintenance but may not be the right choice for aggressively clearing severely overgrown, woody areas. Despite these isolated issues, the vast majority of feedback celebrates it as an affordable, effective, and surprisingly durable tool.

Competitors: How Does It Stack Up Against Alternatives?

The BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 17-Inch Hedge Trimmer occupies a specific niche—lightweight, corded, and budget-friendly. While it excels in this role, different jobs may call for different tools. Here’s how it compares to three popular alternatives.

1. Greenworks 40V 20″ Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer

The Greenworks model represents a completely different category of hedge trimmer. As a cordless pole hedge trimmer, its primary advantage is reach and mobility. If your landscaping includes tall hedges or shrubs that would otherwise require a ladder, the Greenworks is a far safer and more efficient choice. It offers the freedom of battery power, eliminating the hassle of a cord. However, this comes at a significantly higher price point and with added weight and complexity. For users who only have standard-height bushes and prefer the simplicity and lower cost of a corded tool, the BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 17-Inch Hedge Trimmer remains the more practical and economical option.

2. Elecshion Cordless Hedge Trimmer with 2 Batteries and Charger

The Elecshion trimmer is a compact, 2-in-1 tool designed for precision and small-scale tasks. It functions as both a miniature hedge trimmer and a grass shear, making it ideal for shaping small decorative shrubs, trimming around flower beds, and detailed touch-up work. Its handheld, cordless design provides ultimate maneuverability for intricate jobs. However, with its small blade and lower power, it is not suitable for trimming an entire hedge line of any significant size. It’s a specialist tool for detailing, whereas the BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 is the generalist workhorse for the main trimming job. The two tools could even be complementary in a gardener’s arsenal.

3. PHALANX 7.2V Cordless Grass Shears

Similar to the Elecshion, the PHALANX 7.2V model is another 2-in-1 cordless tool focused on portability and precision. It’s designed for light-duty shearing and edging, perfect for tasks where a full-size trimmer would be cumbersome and overkill. The turnable handle is a nice ergonomic feature for detailed work. If your primary need is light shaping of topiaries, maintaining clean grass lines along a walkway, or trimming small potted plants, the PHALANX is an excellent choice. But for the core task of maintaining a 50-foot row of privet hedges, it simply lacks the blade length and power of the BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 17-Inch Hedge Trimmer.

The Final Verdict: Is the BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 Worth It?

After extensive testing and poring over real-world user feedback, our conclusion is clear: the BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 17-Inch Hedge Trimmer is an outstanding tool for its intended audience and an incredible value. Its greatest strengths lie in its exceptionally lightweight and ergonomic design, which makes the strenuous chore of hedge trimming accessible and far less fatiguing for everyone. The dual-action blade delivers clean, efficient cuts on common shrubs, while the reliable corded power and clever cord retention system ensure you can finish the job without interruption. It is not a commercial-grade land-clearing tool, and it has its limits with thick, hardwood branches.

We wholeheartedly recommend this trimmer to any homeowner with small-to-medium sized hedges and shrubs who values simplicity, reliability, and comfort above all else. If you’ve been struggling with manual shears or are put off by the weight and cost of high-end models, this is the perfect solution to achieve a beautifully manicured yard with minimal effort and investment. For its price, the performance and ease of use are simply unmatched. Ready to transform your yard work? You can get the BLACK+DECKER BEHT150 17-Inch Hedge Trimmer and make overgrown hedges a thing of the past.