Best Leaf Blower Cordless

Corded Electric Blower Review

Sun Joe SBJ597E Corded Electric Leaf Blower Review: Specs, Pros & Cons

⚡ Overview: A 3.9 lb Plug-In Blower for Small Jobs

The Sun Joe SBJ597E Corded Electric Leaf Blower is a compact blower that has been a budget favorite for years. It has a 6-amp motor, a single-speed on/off switch and a two-piece snap-lock tube, and Sun Joe rates it at up to 155 MPH and 260 CFM. It weighs 3.9 lb and comes in several colors, with the blue version sold as the SBJ597E-SJB.

Because this site is about cordless blowers, here’s the key point up front: the SBJ597E is a corded tool. It has no battery and no runtime limit, but it needs an outdoor-rated extension cord that you buy separately, and you stay tied to an outlet. The manual says it’s designed for light debris and leaves on hard surfaces, which fits how most owners use it: patios, decks, porches, garages and walkways.

This review covers the specs, the extension cord rules, how to use it, maintenance, troubleshooting, and how it compares with cordless and other corded options. I haven’t tested it myself. It’s built from Sun Joe’s operator’s manual, independent tests from Reviewed and Bob Vila, retailer listings and owner feedback.

Check Current Price on Amazon ➔
Check the listing for the exact color, the seller, and what’s included

Yes, if you want a cheap, light blower for patios, decks, garages and small yards, and you don’t mind a cord. It weighs 3.9 lb, has no battery to charge, and reviewers like it as a budget pick. It has only one speed, it’s loud, and Reviewed says it won’t clear a big lot or lift stuck wet leaves. Choose a cordless blower like the DEWALT DCBL722B or the EGO LB5302 if you want freedom from the cord, or a stronger corded model if you have heavy leaf loads.

• Best for: renters and homeowners with a patio, deck, garage, porch or small yard who want a light, low-cost blower with no battery
• Standout strength: a 3.9 lb tool with unlimited runtime, simple snap-lock assembly, and a long record as a best-value pick
• Biggest weakness: a single speed setting, a loud motor, and a cord that limits your reach and needs a heavy-duty extension cord you buy separately
• Skip it if: you have a large yard, heavy or wet leaves, or want to work without a cord

Score basis: raised by the low weight, the simple design, unlimited runtime, a 2-year warranty and consistently strong value ratings; lowered by the single speed, the noise, the cord limits, modest power on wet leaves, and specs that vary between listings. It’s an editorial judgment, not a lab score, and it isn’t based on hands-on testing.

Availability note. Sun Joe sells the SBJ597E in several colors, and the blue version is the SBJ597E-SJB. Retailer pages list it as in production, and marketplace listings show it across red, gray, green, black and blue. Prices varied widely in the listings I found, from the low tens of dollars to more than fifty, and I can’t confirm when each was posted. Open-box and refurbished units also appear, usually with an -RM suffix. I couldn’t open Amazon, so check the color, the seller, and whether the listing is new.

In the box

Electric blower

6-amp motor and handle

Rear and front blower tubes

Snap-lock, no tools

Manual

With a registration card

You supply

Outdoor extension cord

16 AWG up to 50 ft, 14 AWG to 100 ft

Eye and ear protection

Called for in the manual

Optional wall bracket

SJWB, sold separately

📊 Full Specifications

Core specs

Figures that vary by source or region

These are the numbers where sources disagree or leave something out. I show each one instead of picking a winner.

💨 Power and Airflow: What 155 MPH and 260 CFM Really Mean

CFM and MPH sell blowers, but blowing force in newtons says more about how one handles a heavy pile, and nobody has published a force figure for the SBJ597E. Sun Joe rates it at up to 155 MPH, with 260 CFM on its listings. For context, 6 amps at 120 volts is about 720 watts of electrical input at the rated current, which is my arithmetic and not a Sun Joe figure. It’s a small motor, which is why this blower is aimed at small jobs.

What the independent tests say

Reviewed named it its best-value pick. Its test summary says that it won’t clear a one-acre lot in 10 minutes or dislodge wet, stuck-on leaves, but it’s a great small blower for precise cleanup at a low price. The same write-up lists the pros as fast, precise clearing, light weight and low cost, and the cons as noise and having only one air speed. Bob Vila’s testers scored it 4.3 for ease of use, 4 for performance, 4 for noise and 4.5 for value, and found it great on grass clippings and light leaves on sidewalks, garden areas and garages but not great on wet leaves or leaves in tall grass.

One speed, so technique does the work

There’s no variable speed or turbo, only on and off. The manual’s answer to a stream that’s too strong is simple: lift the nozzle higher, or blow from farther away. It says to hold the blower at about 45 degrees and sweep side to side with the nozzle 2 to 4 inches above the ground, advancing slowly with the pile in front of you.

Hard surfaces, not grass

The manual says the blower is designed to clear light debris and leaves from hard surfaces, not grassed areas. Bob Vila’s testers did find it worked well on dry leaves and clippings on hard surfaces and on mowed grass. Both can be true: it’s a hard-surface tool that copes on short lawn when the leaves are dry and light.

How it compares on paper

At 260 CFM, the SBJ597E sits well below cordless blowers like the DEWALT DCBL722B at 450 CFM and the EGO LB5302 at 530 CFM, and far below the EGO LB7654 at 765 CFM. It does carry a higher MPH rating than the DEWALT’s 125 MPH, but MPH alone doesn’t tell you how much a blower pushes. If you’re comparing options, the current Amazon listing shows what’s bundled.

🔑 Setup and Use: Assembly, Switch and Technique

This is a summary of the steps in Sun Joe’s operator’s manual. Read the full manual before first use.

1. Check the carton. It should hold the blower, the rear tube, the front tube and the manual. If anything is missing or damaged, don’t return it to the store. Call Sun Joe’s customer service line.
2. Snap the tube together. Line up the grooves on the front tube with the grooves on the rear blower outlet and push until it snaps in place. The release button holds it.
3. Fit the tube to the housing. Push it onto the motor housing, press the locking button, and slide the tube until the button sets into the hole. Do this before you connect to power.
4. Prepare your power. Use an outdoor-rated extension cord of the right gauge, keep it behind you and away from the work area, and secure it with the cord retainer at the back of the blower so it can’t pull out.
5. Plug the female end of the cord into the receptacle at the back of the unit, then slide the switch to the on position (I) to start.
6. Hold the blower at about 45 degrees and sweep from side to side with the nozzle 2 to 4 inches above the ground. Advance slowly, and lift the nozzle if the air is too strong.
7. To stop, slide the switch to the off position (0). The motor keeps spinning for about 5 seconds, so let it stop before you set the blower down, then unplug it.

Two details worth knowing: the manual says not to carry the blower with your finger on the switch, and not to connect the power until assembly is finished. It also lists a universal wall bracket (SJWB) as a way to store it.

🔌 Cord, Power, and What You’re Buying Into

The cord is the real cost of a corded blower. With no battery to buy or charge, the SBJ597E gives you unlimited runtime, but you need an outdoor-rated extension cord, and the wrong one can cause power loss or overheating. Sun Joe’s manual is specific about the rules:

Corded vs. cordless in plain terms

The trade-off is range and convenience against runtime and price. With a cordless blower, you can walk anywhere, but the battery sets how long you work and adds to the cost. With the SBJ597E, you can run it all afternoon if you have an outlet, but your reach is limited by the cord, and the manual caps that at 100 ft. Bob Vila’s testers noted the corded power source means limited range, and Reviewed’s cordless pick, the EGO LB7654, had the longest runtime of the cordless blowers it tested at around 30 minutes. If your jobs are small and near the house, the cord is a minor inconvenience. If you work across a big yard, it’s a constant one.

To see what you’d pay today, check the Amazon listing and add the cost of a suitable extension cord if you don’t own one.

🛠️ Maintenance, Storage, and Troubleshooting

Sun Joe’s manual keeps upkeep simple because there’s no battery or fuel. The table is my plain-language summary, so check the manual for exact wording.

Troubleshooting

⚖️ Weight, Noise, Safety, and Use by Job

Weight and handling

At 3.9 lb, this is one of the lighter blowers you can buy, and reviewers consistently call out its low weight and compact shape. Reviewed says it fits in a shoebox once the tube is off. It’s a one-handed tool in everyday use, though the manual says to hold it firmly. Gardeningetc lists easy storage because it comes apart, and the SJWB wall bracket is available if you want to hang it.

Noise

The manual lists no decibel figure. Some listings state 66 or 67 dB, but Reviewed says the SBJ597E is on the loud side and recommends ear protection, and an owner says it’s not as loud as the big gas ones but not something to run very early or late. The manual warns that long use without hearing protection can cause hearing loss. Check your local noise rules.

Safety rules in the manual

• Keep bystanders, children and pets at least 16 ft (5 m) away, and never point the nozzle at people, pets or windows
• Wear safety glasses with side shields, hearing protection, long pants and sturdy shoes, plus a dust mask in dusty work
• Use an outdoor-rated extension cord of the right gauge, and never an ordinary-duty indoor cord
• Never use the blower in rain, damp places or standing water, or touch the plug with wet hands
• Don’t use it to pick up or blow flammable liquids, and don’t use it near them
• Check the area first and remove rocks, glass, nails, wire and string that could be thrown
• Take extra care on stairs, keep a firm footing and don’t overreach
• Never run the unit without the blower tubes properly installed
• Unplug the blower before servicing, cleaning or changing anything

What the numbers suggest, by job

These are reasoned from the specs, the manual and the independent tests, not from my own testing.

• Patios, decks, porches and walkways: the sweet spot. Sun Joe pitches it for exactly these jobs.
• Garages and workshops: good for dust, sawdust and clippings on a hard floor, as long as you have an outlet nearby.
• Grass clippings and light dry leaves: Bob Vila’s testers found it handled these well on hard surfaces and mowed grass.
• Wet leaves and leaves in tall grass: not a match. Both Reviewed and Bob Vila say so.
• Large lawns and heavy leaf drops: not a match either. Look at a cordless blower like the EGO LB7654, or a stronger corded model.
• Light snow: Sun Joe’s store lists it, and one retailer description says it can handle light snow. I can’t confirm that from the manual.

⚔️ How the Sun Joe SBJ597E Compares

I could compare airflow ratings, but not measured force, because I found no independent force test for the SBJ597E. These are manufacturer or retailer ratings from different sources, so treat the table as a rough guide, not a like-for-like contest.

Airflow ratings (CFM), manufacturer claims

If your jobs are small and close to an outlet, the SBJ597E is the cheapest way to get a capable blower. If you want freedom from the cord, step up to a cordless model like the DEWALT DCBL722B or the EGO LB5302. For heavy leaf drops, see our EGO LB7654 review or the Milwaukee M18 FUEL page.

⭐ Owner Feedback, Pros and Cons

I read owner reviews on retailer pages and marketplace mirrors, plus independent tests from Reviewed, Bob Vila, Gardeningetc and Hometalk. Marketplace mirrors of the Amazon listing show about 4.6 out of 5 from more than 32,000 reviews across the color variants, Walmart shows 4.6 from 2,396 reviews for the black version, and Best Buy shows 4.8 from 65 reviews for the blue one. Review counts on shared listings can combine variants, so treat them as a rough guide. It’s an informal sample, so treat what follows as patterns I saw, not a survey. Owners praise the low weight, how easy it is to use, the power for the price, and how fast it clears a porch, walkway or garage. The common criticisms are noise, the single speed, having to supply a heavy-duty extension cord, and weak results on wet leaves. A few buyers report receiving a unit that looked used, or a unit that seemed to overheat, which are individual cases and not a pattern. I found no formal durability data, although the 2-year warranty and years on the market are good signs.

The points below are my analysis of the specs and sources above:

🎯 Who Should Buy It

❓ Sun Joe SBJ597E FAQ

Is the Sun Joe SBJ597E worth buying?

It’s worth it for small, hard-surface cleanup near an outlet. It weighs 3.9 lb, costs little, and reviewers like it as a best-value pick. It has one speed, it’s loud, and it’s not for large yards or wet leaves.

How powerful is the Sun Joe SBJ597E?

Sun Joe rates it at up to 155 MPH and 260 CFM from a 6-amp motor. Sun Joe doesn’t publish blowing force, and I found no independent measurement. Reviewed and Bob Vila found it good for light, dry debris and weak on wet leaves.

Does it come with an extension cord?

No. The manual’s carton list covers the blower, two tubes and the manual. Plan to buy an outdoor-rated extension cord. One roundup says a 100-foot cord is included, which doesn’t match the manual.

What extension cord do I need?

An outdoor-rated, polarized cord. The manual says 16 AWG or heavier up to 50 ft, 14 AWG from 50 to 100 ft, and never a cord longer than 100 ft. An undersized cord can cause power loss and overheating.

Does it have variable speed?

No. It has one on/off switch and a single speed. To tame the airflow, hold the nozzle higher or blow from farther away, as the manual suggests.

How loud is it?

The manual lists no decibel figure. Some listings say 66 or 67 dB, but Reviewed calls it loud and recommends ear protection. Check your local noise rules.

How much does it weigh?

3.9 lb (1.75 kg) according to Sun Joe’s manual. The 4.8 lb figure on Sun Joe’s store is the shipping weight with packaging.

Can it handle wet leaves?

Not well. Reviewed says it won’t dislodge wet, stuck-on leaves, and Bob Vila’s testers found it weaker on wet leaves and leaves in tall grass.

Can I use it on grass?

The manual says it’s designed for light debris and leaves on hard surfaces, not for clearing grassed areas. Bob Vila’s testers found it worked on dry leaves and clippings on mowed grass.

Is it good for a large yard?

Probably not. The motor is small, there’s only one speed, and the cord limits your reach to the length of a cord that the manual caps at 100 ft. A cordless blower with more airflow is a better match.

Can I use it in the rain?

No. The manual says not to use it in rain or damp places, and recommends GFCI protection on the outlet. Keep the plug and cord dry.

How do I assemble it?

Snap the front tube onto the rear outlet until the release button holds it, then fit the tube to the housing and slide it until the locking button sets in the hole. No tools are needed.

What’s the difference between the SBJ597E and the SBJ597E-SJB?

They’re the same blower in different colors. The SBJ597E-SJB is the blue version. Some marketplace pages tag it as a leaf vacuum, but it has no vacuum function.

What warranty does it have?

Sun Joe lists a 2-year warranty for household use. The manual says commercial use is prohibited and voids the warranty. Check the seller before you order.

Is there a cordless alternative on this site?

Yes. See our DEWALT DCBL722B and EGO LB5302 reviews for cordless blowers with more airflow, and the EGO LB7654 for big yards.

🏆 Final Verdict: Is the Sun Joe SBJ597E Worth It?

The Sun Joe SBJ597E is a simple, light, inexpensive blower that does what it promises on small jobs. It’s easy to assemble, it never runs out of battery, and independent reviewers keep naming it a best-value pick. What holds it back is the single speed, the noise, the cord, and modest power on wet leaves and big areas.

If you clear a patio, deck, garage or small yard near an outlet, it fits well. If you want freedom from the cord, or you have a large property, look at a cordless blower instead. Before you order, confirm the color and model, buy an outdoor-rated extension cord of the right gauge, and check the seller. If it fits how you work, you can check the latest price, what’s included, and what other buyers say on Amazon.

📸 Sun Joe SBJ597E Photos and Charts

Click to see full view

📚 More Blower Reviews

DEWALT DCBL722B 20V MAX XR Blower: Specs, Pros & Cons
A light brushless cordless handheld for DEWALT 20V MAX owners.

EGO LB5302 56V 530 CFM Leaf Blower: Specs, Pros & Cons
A boxed cordless kit with a battery and charger, and measured force.

EGO LB7654 56V Cordless Leaf Blower: Specs, Pros & Cons
A 765 CFM cordless handheld for big yards and wet leaves.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 450 CFM Blower: Specs, Pros & Cons
A compact cordless blower for Milwaukee M18 owners.

✅ Before You Buy: Quick Checklist

A few details vary by seller, so it’s worth a minute on the listing to confirm:

• The model and color: SBJ597E, or SBJ597E-SJB for the blue version
• New or refurbished: refurbished units carry an -RM suffix
• Your extension cord: outdoor-rated, polarized, 16 AWG up to 50 ft or 14 AWG to 100 ft
• Your outlet: GFCI-protected if possible, and within a 100 ft cord of your work area
• The seller: a seller you trust, so the 2-year warranty stays intact
• Protective gear and local rules: eye and ear protection, and your town’s noise limits

See all six on the Amazon listing ➔

How this review was made: This is a research-based review. It draws on Sun Joe’s operator’s manual and product pages, independent tests from Reviewed and Bob Vila, roundups from Gardeningetc and Hometalk, retailer listings, and owner reviews on Walmart, Best Buy and marketplace pages. I haven’t tested this blower myself. Where sources disagree, I show both numbers, and I update the page when specs, prices or availability change.

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