Combining power, versatility & value: Which multi-tool is right for your garden
There always a back-breaking job to do in the garden – from lawn care, trimming hedges, dealing with overgrowth, pruning fruit trees, and taming wild corners – it’s enough to need more than one tool.
That’s where garden multi-tools come in: one powerhead, multiple attachments, less clutter in the shed, more adaptability. As we move into 2026, battery technology, lighter materials, and hybrid systems are raising the bar.
Here are the top 5 garden multi-tools to consider in the UK, along with a buying guide so you can pick what suits your garden and style.
What to Look for in a Garden Multi-Tool (UK Buyers Guide)
Before diving into models, here are key criteria to consider and help you choose:
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Power source (petrol vs battery vs electric corded) | Petrol still wins for raw power and long durations; battery gives quieter, cleaner, easier maintenance. Corded machines offer good value and allows you to get up and go without the need to charge batteries or deal with fuel. Choose based on garden size, noise restrictions, storage. |
| Attachment range & ease of swap-out | Hedge trimmer, strimmer / line trimmer, brush cutter, pole saw, pole hedge, etc. The quicker and more secure the swap, the less frustration. |
| Reach & extension options | Tall hedges, high branches, fences — extension poles or long reach heads are essential for many UK gardens. |
| Weight, handling & ergonomic features | You’ll often be holding aloft, bending, twisting. Features like shoulder harnesses, swivel heads, soft grips make a big difference. |
| Battery ecosystem / spares / warranty | If battery-powered, you may want to use batteries you already have. Also check blade availability and warranty. Petrol engines should comply with emission rules, and spares for fuel, lines, etc. |
The Top 5 Garden Multi-Tools for 2026
Here are five of the strongest contenders as of late 2025-early 2026, based on recent reviews, user feedback and new product launches. I’ve aimed to cover a range of budgets, power sources, and garden types.
| Tool | Why It’s Great | Considerations / Potential Downsides | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Stiga MT100e Cordless Multi-Tool Kit £189.00 – From Stiga or Mowers Online > | Lightweight cordless system with hedge trimmer, pole pruner, and extension pole. 20V battery delivers up to 70 mins trimming and 20 mins pruning. Ergonomic and easy to use. | • Battery run-time can feel short for bigger jobs • Struggles with very thick branches • Can feel top-heavy when extended |
 | BU-KO 52cc Long Reach Petrol Multi-Tool From £179.99 from Bu-Ko or Amazon | Powerful petrol engine handles heavy growth. Includes strimmer, brush cutter, hedge trimmer, pruner chainsaw and extensions (up to 3.4m reach). | • Heavier than battery models • Noisy and requires fuel mixing • Higher maintenance needs • Can be tiring during long sessions |
 | Einhell GE-LM 36/4in1 Li 36v Cordless Brushless High Reach Multi Tool £249.95 from Einhell or Tooled-Up | Efficient brushless motor. Works with Einhell’s Power X-Change battery ecosystem. Good all-rounder for medium gardens. | • Often sold without battery/charger (extra cost) • Less powerful than petrol on thick brush • Attachments may wear faster under heavy use |
 | Hyundai 52cc 5-in-1 Petrol Multi-Tool £199.99 – From Hyundai Power Products / Mowers-online | Strong petrol model with hedge trimmer, strimmer, pruner and brush cutter. Warranty included. Great for dense or overgrown plots. | • Noisy and heavy • Needs fuel mixing and regular servicing • Vibrations can cause fatigue on longer jobs |
 | STIHL KM 56 RC-E KombiEngine From £297.95 – at Mowers Online and Stihl | Premium petrol powerhead with wide range of modular attachments. Reliable, durable, and backed by strong dealer network. | • High upfront cost • Attachments often sold separately • Petrol means noise, weight, emissions • Overkill for smaller gardens |
Which One Should You Pick?
Here are some matching tips based on your garden size / usage:
| Your Garden Type / Use | Best Match |
|---|---|
| Small City Garden / Balcony / Frequent Light Tasks | Go battery-powered, lightweight, easy to store. The Stiga MT100e or a battery-multi-tool like the Einhell 4-in-1 will suit. You’ll appreciate quiet and low maintenance. |
| Medium Garden with Hedges, Bushes, Some Trees | Look for hybrid or strong battery tools with good reach, or a petrol multi-tool that handles both trimming & pruning. Hyunda i or the Bu-Ko may balance it. |
| Large or Overgrown Garden / Heavy Duty Work | Petrol tools dominate here. Power, durability, fuel autonomy matter. Tools like the Hyundai 52cc or STIHL’s KombiEngine systems will be the more reliable under long work hours. |
| Noise, Smell, Local Restrictions Important | Battery is the way forward. Also check for emission compliance and noise ratings on petrol models. Consider attachments like extension poles so you avoid ladders or risky overhead work. |
Predictions & Trends for 2026
- Battery tech will continue to improve: longer run-times, better power per kg, faster charging.
- More “ecosystem lines” (battery/charger shared across multiple tools) will become standard.
- Petrol tools may face more regulation (emissions, noise) especially in urban areas, so expect manufacturers to refine or reduce petrol ranges.
- Lightweight, ergonomic design (swivel heads, harnesses, anti-vibration) will be must-haves, not extras.
If I had to pick one overall top pick for most UK gardeners entering 2026, I’d lean toward Stiga MT100e for its balance: enough power, good battery life, lower hassle, strong build.
If your garden needs are tougher (large, overgrown, regular work), the BU-KO 52cc or Hyundai 52cc petrol multi-tools deliver more muscle.
Whatever you choose, consider the attachments and battery/power system as part of the cost — and don’t forget safety gear, storage, and regular maintenance.
If you have any questions, please do comment below and our experts will be happy to assist.
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