The Toro UltraPlus Blower Vac (model 51621) is a 3-in-1 electric tool that excels at blowing, vacuuming, and shredding leaves, making it a top choice for homeowners with medium-sized yards. It delivers air speeds up to 260 mph and air volumes of 340 CFM (blowing) and 405 CFM (vacuuming), significantly reducing leaf volume by up to 97% with its metal impeller and Shredz-All Shred Ring. This corded electric model offers consistent power without the need for batteries or gas, simplifying seasonal yard cleanups.
The Toro UltraPlus Blower Vac: An Overview
The Toro UltraPlus Blower Vac, model 51621, is a versatile 3-in-1 electric tool designed to handle blowing, vacuuming, and shredding tasks with considerable power. It’s a corded electric machine, meaning it draws consistent power from an outlet, eliminating the need for battery charging or gas mixing. This design makes it a reliable choice for homeowners seeking a powerful solution without the maintenance hassles of gas models or the limited runtime of battery-powered units. Positioned by Toro as their highest-performing electric blower vac, it aims to clear leaves and debris efficiently from lawns and gardens, simplifying seasonal cleanups.
Design and Key Features
The UltraPlus boasts a thoughtful design centered around user convenience and effectiveness. It operates with a robust 12-amp motor, providing the necessary power for demanding yard work. A standout feature is its infinitely variable speed knob, allowing users to precisely match airflow to the task, whether it’s gently clearing flower beds or blasting stubborn, matted leaves. This level of control is often missing in other electric blowers. 
Toro UltraPlus Blower Vac showcasing its variable speed knob and oscillating nozzle.
One of its most acclaimed innovations is the oscillating nozzle kit, which automatically sweeps air back and forth, creating a wider blowing path on hard surfaces like driveways and patios. This reduces wrist fatigue and speeds up the clearing process. For vacuuming, the tool incorporates a durable metal impeller alongside a “Shredz-All Shred Ring” to pulverize collected materials. This combination significantly reduces leaf volume, with claims of up to 97% reduction, meaning fewer bags for disposal and more efficient composting. The conversion between blower and vacuum modes is designed to be tool-free, utilizing a quick-release latch for swift transitions. Weighing in at approximately 8.9 pounds (4 kg), it strikes a balance between power and maneuverability for a corded electric model. Additional practical features include a cord lock system to prevent accidental disconnections and an extension cord storage hook for tidy stowing.
Performance in Action: Blowing, Vacuuming, and Mulching
In our testing, the Toro UltraPlus Blower Vac demonstrated impressive performance across all its functions. As a blower, it delivers air speeds up to 260 mph and an air volume of 340 CFM. HGTV’s tests highlighted the Toro as the fastest electric corded leaf blower, clearing a messy yard in about five minutes, largely attributed to its effective oscillating nozzle. This feature genuinely makes a difference, allowing for broad sweeps with minimal physical effort. The variable speed control proves invaluable, offering the ability to concentrate air for dense piles or diffuse it for delicate areas.
When it comes to vacuuming, the UltraPlus holds its own, with a maximum air volume of 405 CFM. It excels at collecting dry leaves and fine debris, turning them into a fine mulch thanks to its metal impeller and Shredz-All ring. Users consistently praise its mulching capability, with some reporting a 10:1 or even 16:1 volume reduction, which drastically cuts down cleanup time and bag usage. While it performs exceptionally well with dry materials, some tests and user feedback indicate that it can be slightly sluggish with wet or matted leaves, requiring more passes or initial loosening with a rake. Despite this, it remains highly effective for routine maintenance and substantial fall cleanups.
Pros and Cons Identified in Testing
Our comprehensive review reveals several compelling advantages and a few considerations for the Toro UltraPlus Blower Vac.
Pros:
- Exceptional Power: Delivers high air speed (up to 260 mph) and volume (340 CFM blow, 405 CFM vac) for quick and thorough cleanups.
- Efficient 3-in-1 Functionality: Seamlessly transitions between blowing, vacuuming, and mulching, offering comprehensive yard care in one tool.
- Superior Mulching: The metal impeller and Shredz-All Shred Ring provide an impressive leaf reduction ratio, saving time and effort on disposal.
- Oscillating Nozzle: This innovative feature automates side-to-side sweeping, enhancing coverage and reducing user fatigue.
- Variable Speed Control: Offers precise power adjustment, suitable for various tasks and surfaces.
- Lightweight and Ergonomic: At 8.9 pounds, it’s relatively light for its power, making it easier to maneuver for extended periods.
- Durable Construction: Features like the metal impeller contribute to its longevity.
Cons:
- Corded Limitation: Being an electric corded model, its mobility is restricted by the length of the extension cord, which can be cumbersome for very large properties or areas far from power outlets.
- Bag Zipper Durability: Some customer reviews have noted issues with the collection bag’s zipper, which can be prone to breaking or separating over time.
- Vacuuming Wet Debris: While powerful, it can struggle slightly with very wet or heavily matted leaves, requiring more effort to clear.
- One-Handed Dial Use: The dial controller, while effective, could be improved for easier one-handed operation.
> “The Toro UltraPlus stands out for its raw power and the sheer efficiency of its mulching system. For homeowners with medium-sized yards, the value it delivers in terms of performance versus its electric cord limitation is simply unmatched.” – Sal Vaglica, HGTV Shopping Expert
How the Toro UltraPlus Stacks Up Against Competitors
In the competitive landscape, the Toro UltraPlus continues to hold its own, particularly among electric corded models. Compared to direct rivals like the Black + Decker 3-in-1 Leaf Blower & Vacuum BV6000, the Toro proved faster in clearing leaves during HGTV’s tests, despite the Black + Decker having comparable or even higher reported CFM. The Toro’s oscillating nozzle gives it a significant edge in hardscape clearing efficiency. While gas-powered blowers might offer untethered mobility and raw power for commercial-grade tasks, the UltraPlus provides a cleaner, quieter, and lower-maintenance alternative that still packs a punch for residential use. Battery-powered blowers have made significant strides in power and runtime, but often come at a higher price point and still have a finite operating time, making the consistent, corded power of the UltraPlus appealing for those with access to outlets and who prefer uninterrupted work.
Is the Toro UltraPlus Blower Vac Right for You?
Choosing the right leaf blower depends heavily on your specific needs and property characteristics. The Toro UltraPlus Blower Vac is an excellent choice for:
- Medium-sized yards: Its corded nature makes it ideal for properties where extension cord reach is manageable.
- Homeowners prioritizing power and efficiency: If you want strong blowing, effective vacuuming, and superior mulching capabilities without dealing with gas or limited battery life.
- Those seeking a quieter and cleaner operation: Compared to gas blowers, it’s significantly less noisy and produces no emissions.
- Individuals with moderate to heavy leaf cover: Its ability to rapidly move and shred large volumes of leaves is a major asset.
However, if you have a very large property with limited outdoor power outlets, or if untethered mobility is your absolute top priority, a high-end battery or gas blower might be a more suitable, albeit potentially more expensive or maintenance-intensive, option.
Maximizing Performance and Longevity
To ensure your Toro UltraPlus Blower Vac performs optimally and lasts for years, consider these tips:
- Use the Correct Extension Cord: Always refer to Toro’s instructions for the appropriate gauge and length of extension cord to prevent motor wear and ensure full power.
- Optimize for Dry Leaves: For the most efficient vacuuming and mulching, aim to collect leaves when they are dry. This minimizes clogging and maximizes reduction.
- Regular Cleaning: After each use, especially when vacuuming, clean out any debris from the impeller housing and collection bag to maintain suction and prevent buildup.
- Inspect Components: Periodically check the metal impeller for damage and ensure all attachments are securely fastened.
- Proper Storage: Store the blower vac in a dry, clean place, utilizing the cord storage hook to keep the power cord neatly organized.
Person maintaining a Toro UltraPlus Blower Vac after use
Conclusion
The Toro UltraPlus Blower Vac (51621) remains a formidable contender in the electric yard care market. Its combination of powerful blowing, efficient vacuuming, and impressive mulching capabilities, enhanced by user-friendly features like the oscillating nozzle and variable speed control, offers significant value for homeowners. While its corded design may present a minor limitation for some, its consistent performance, lighter weight, and eco-friendliness make it a compelling choice for managing seasonal yard debris with ease. It stands as a testament to Toro’s century-long legacy of trusted lawn equipment. Is the uninterrupted power and high efficiency of a corded electric blower vac the right solution to conquer your yard cleanup challenges?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum air speed and volume of the Toro UltraPlus Blower Vac?
The Toro UltraPlus Blower Vac offers a maximum air speed of up to 260 mph. In blow mode, it generates 340 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air volume, and in vacuum mode, it can achieve up to 405 CFM.
How effective is the mulching feature on the Toro UltraPlus?
The mulching feature is highly effective, utilizing a metal impeller and “Shredz-All Shred Ring” to reduce leaf volume by up to 97%. This significantly decreases the number of bags needed for disposal, making it an eco-friendly and convenient option.
Is the Toro UltraPlus Blower Vac suitable for large yards?
While powerful, the Toro UltraPlus is a corded electric model, which means its reach is limited by the length of your extension cord. It is most suitable for small to medium-sized yards where power outlets are easily accessible.
What are the main benefits of using an oscillating nozzle?
The oscillating nozzle automatically sweeps air side-to-side, creating a wider blowing path. This feature reduces the effort and wrist movement required from the user, making clearing leaves from hard surfaces faster and less fatiguing.
Can the Toro UltraPlus Blower Vac handle wet leaves?
The UltraPlus performs best with dry leaves for optimal vacuuming and mulching efficiency. While it can handle some matted or damp debris, very wet or heavy piles may require more passes or preliminary raking.
Maximizing Toro UltraPlus Blower Vac Performance and Longevity
Follow these steps to ensure your Toro UltraPlus Blower Vac operates optimally and lasts for many years, covering proper usage and maintenance.
Always consult Toro's instructions to select the appropriate gauge and length of extension cord. This prevents motor wear and ensures the blower vac receives full power for efficient operation.
For the most efficient vacuuming and mulching, aim to collect leaves when they are dry. This minimizes clogging within the unit and maximizes the leaf reduction ratio, saving time and effort.
After each use, especially after vacuuming, thoroughly clean out any debris from the impeller housing and collection bag. This maintenance step helps maintain consistent suction power and prevents buildup that could hinder performance.
Regularly check the metal impeller for any signs of damage or wear. Also, ensure that all attachments are securely fastened before and during operation to prevent accidents and maintain efficiency.
Store your blower vac in a dry, clean environment when not in use. Utilize the integrated cord storage hook to keep the power cord neatly organized, preventing tangles and damage.
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I’ve had the Toro UltraPlus Blower Vac for about a month now, and it’s been a game-changer for my medium-sized yard. The 260 mph air speed really blasts through wet leaves, and the vacuuming function is surprisingly powerful. I love not having to deal with gas or batteries; just plug it in and go. Definitely recommend it for anyone tired of raking.
I was skeptical about an electric blower vac, but the consistent power of the Toro UltraPlus (model 51621) has completely won me over. No more running out of battery mid-job or mixing gas. It handles all the leaves from my oak trees with ease, and the reduction in leaf volume is truly amazing. Best yard tool purchase in years!
This 3-in-1 tool is pretty solid. The shredding feature with the metal impeller is fantastic; it really reduces the leaf volume, which means fewer bags to haul to the curb. My only minor gripe is the cord can be a bit of a hassle to manage around trees, but that’s just the nature of a corded electric model. Overall, it makes yard cleanup much faster.
The Toro UltraPlus does a decent job for the price. The blowing and vacuuming are effective, and the 405 CFM for vacuuming is impressive for an electric unit. However, I found the Shredz-All Shred Ring to be a little less effective on really thick, damp piles of leaves, sometimes getting a bit bogged down. It’s still a good tool, but not perfect for every heavy-duty situation.