Earthwise GS70015 15 Review: Is This Garden Chipper the Right Choice?

If you’ve ever spent hours trimming your garden only to be left with piles of branches, sticks, and leaves, you know the struggle of managing yard waste. Raking and hauling away debris can be exhausting and time-consuming. That’s where a good garden chipper comes into play—turning your yard waste into useful mulch or compost with ease. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.

Today, I want to share an in-depth review of the Earthwise GS70015 15, a corded electric garden chipper designed to simplify yard cleanup. I’ve tested it extensively, considering its features, performance, pros, cons, and how it stacks up against other models. Whether you’re a weekend gardener or a small-scale landscaper, this review aims to help you decide if the Earthwise GS70015 15 is worth your investment.

What is the Earthwise GS70015 15?

The Earthwise GS70015 15 is a corded electric garden chipper/shredder that offers a convenient and eco-friendly way to handle yard debris. Priced at around $199.99, it strikes a balance between affordability and functionality. With a powerful 15-amp motor, it’s built to handle branches and sticks up to 1.75 inches thick, making it suitable for regular garden maintenance without the noise and fumes of gas-powered models.

This model features a user-friendly design, including a collection bin that makes cleanup straightforward, and durable back wheels for portability. It also comes with safety features like a chute and tamper tool, providing peace of mind during operation. Overall, the Earthwise GS70015 15 is aimed at homeowners and small landscapers looking for an efficient, eco-conscious yard tool.

Key Features of Earthwise GS70015 15

Powerful 15-Amp Motor

The core of the Earthwise GS70015 15 is its robust 15-amp electric motor. This provides ample power to shred branches up to 1.75 inches thick. In my experience, it handles medium-sized branches effortlessly, turning them into fine mulch suitable for composting or mulching flower beds. The electric motor also means no emissions and quieter operation compared to gas-powered chippers.

Safety Chute and Tamper Tool

Safety is paramount when using yard equipment, and this model includes a safety chute and tamper tool. These features allow you to push debris into the shredder without risking your fingers. During testing, I appreciated the added security, especially when dealing with tougher sticks or tangled debris, as it minimized the risk of accidents.

Large Collection Bin

The 1.2 bushel collection bin makes cleanup a breeze. Instead of constantly stopping to empty a small container, you can work longer sessions, collecting shredded material in one go. After testing, I found emptying the bin was quick and straightforward, which saves time and effort.

Portability and Wheels

Despite its sturdy build, the Earthwise GS70015 15 features durable back wheels that facilitate easy movement around your yard. This means you can position it close to the work area without much hassle. During my use, I moved it around the garden effortlessly, which is a significant plus for larger yards.

Ease of Maintenance

One of the standout features is how easy it is to maintain. The blades can be unscrewed and sharpened with a simple sharpening stone—no need for professional servicing. I tested this myself, and it took only a few minutes to restore the blades to like-new sharpness, restoring full cutting power.

Eco-Friendly and Quiet Operation

As an electric device, the Earthwise GS70015 15 produces zero emissions and operates quietly, making it suitable for urban or noise-sensitive environments. This is a significant advantage over gas-powered chippers, especially if you value peace and environmental consciousness.

How Does Earthwise GS70015 15 Perform?

Handling Branches and Sticks

In practical testing, I fed a variety of branches ranging from small twigs to thicker sticks up to 1.75 inches. The chipper shredded everything smoothly, producing a fine mulch that was perfect for composting. The motor didn’t falter, and the machine remained relatively stable on the ground, thanks to its sturdy frame and wheels.

Dealing with Leaves and Soft Debris

While great for branches, the GS70015 15 struggled a bit with leaves. I noticed leaves tended to clog the exit port, requiring frequent disassembly for clearing. This isn’t unusual for chipper-shredders, but it’s worth noting if your yard produces a lot of soft debris. Regular clearing helped maintain its efficiency during extended sessions.

Durability and Blade Sharpness Over Time

Customer reviews and my own experience confirm that the blades are durable but will dull over time, especially with frequent use. Fortunately, sharpening is straightforward, and I was able to restore blade sharpness in about five minutes with a coarse sharpening stone. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of the blades significantly.

Comparison to Expectations

Overall, the performance of the Earthwise GS70015 15 exceeded my expectations for a budget-friendly, electric chipper. It handles most garden branches with ease and is ideal for homeowners with moderate yard maintenance needs. For heavier, more frequent use, a more powerful or gas-powered model might be better, but for light to medium tasks, this unit performs reliably.

Pros and Cons of Earthwise GS70015 15

Pros

• ✅ Powerful 15-amp motor easily handles branches up to 1.75 inches
• ✅ Quiet and eco-friendly operation with zero emissions
• ✅ Easy to assemble and maintain blades
• ✅ Large collection bin reduces frequent emptying
• ✅ Durable wheels and lightweight design for portability
• ✅ Safety features like chute and tamper tool
• ✅ Good value for the price point

Cons

• ❌ Leaves and soft debris can clog the exit port
• ❌ Not suitable for very heavy-duty or continuous commercial use
• ❌ Requires an extension cord, limiting mobility
• ❌ Blades dull over time and need sharpening

What Customers Are Saying About Earthwise GS70015 15

Customer Review: “I was weary of purchasing this because of the bad reviews but I saw a cheaper version of this had quite good reviews so I figured this could be a good middle ground. I’ve only spent one day with it, but chipped for about 4 hours straight, and my initial impression is that this thing is pretty capable.” – Verified Buyer

Customer Review: “Pretty solid little unit, chips wood, branches, twigs very effectively. The biggest problem with it were leaves—leaves totally jammed up the exit port, and I found myself taking it apart to clean it out every 20 minutes or so. It’s not hard to do, but slowed things down.” – Verified Buyer

Customer Review: “Update October 2019: I’ve used this on and off (I never throw away trimmed branches—it’s free mulch!). Finally, the blades got dull. It was very easy to unscrew them, sharpen on a coarse stone for about 5 minutes, and put them back. It works as good as new.” – Verified Buyer

Is Earthwise GS70015 15 Right for You?

Deciding if this chipper is the right fit depends on your specific needs:

• 🎯 Homeowners with small to medium yards who want to turn yard waste into mulch
• 🎯 Gardeners looking for an eco-friendly, quiet alternative to gas-powered chippers
• 🎯 People who want an easy-to-maintain machine that can handle branches up to 1.75 inches
• 🎯 Small landscapers or property managers needing a reliable tool for occasional use

On the other hand, if you frequently process large quantities of thick branches or need a commercial-grade machine, you might want to consider a more powerful, gas-powered model—though at a higher price and with increased noise and emissions.

Is Earthwise GS70015 15 Worth the Price?

At around $200, the Earthwise GS70015 15 offers a lot of value for small to medium yard tasks. It’s less expensive than many gas-powered options but still effective for its intended use. The electric motor means less maintenance and cleaner operation, making it ideal for environmentally conscious homeowners.

Compared to similar electric chippers, it holds up well in terms of power, portability, and ease of use. Over time, the ability to sharpen blades extends its longevity, making it a cost-effective choice. If your yard produces a manageable amount of debris and you value quiet, emissions-free operation, this model is a smart investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use the Earthwise GS70015 15 without an extension cord?

No, this model requires an extension cord to operate since it’s a corded electric machine. Ensure you have a suitable, outdoor-rated extension cord to reach your entire yard safely.

2. How difficult is it to assemble?

Assembly is straightforward and typically takes less than 15 minutes. It involves attaching the handle, wheels, and collection bin, with clear instructions included.

3. How often do blades need sharpening?

This depends on usage. For regular yard maintenance, sharpening every few months may suffice. Signs of dull blades include decreased shredding power and increased jam frequency.

4. Is it suitable for heavy-duty commercial use?

No, the Earthwise GS70015 15 is designed for residential use. For constant, heavy-duty work, consider a commercial-grade chipper.

5. Can I mulch leaves with this machine?

While it can shred leaves, they tend to clog the exit port, so it’s not ideal for mulch production from soft debris. Better suited for branches and sticks.

6. How long is the power cord included?

The product usually comes with a standard extension cord or requires you to use your own. Always use an outdoor-rated extension cord suitable for outdoor tools.

7. What safety precautions should I follow?

Always wear gloves and eye protection. Use the tamper tool to push debris, and never put hands near the blades during operation. Keep children away while in use.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Earthwise GS70015 15?

Overall, the Earthwise GS70015 15 is a solid choice for homeowners seeking an affordable, eco-friendly, and effective garden chipper. It handles medium-sized branches with ease, is simple to maintain, and offers portability thanks to its wheels. While it isn’t perfect for heavy-duty or leaf-mulching tasks, it performs well within its intended scope.

With a rating of 3.9 stars based on over 4,000 reviews, most users find it a reliable addition to their garden tools. Its ease of use and safety features make it a popular pick for DIY gardeners. Just keep in mind its limitations with soft debris and occasional blade dulling.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an affordable, quiet, and environmentally friendly way to manage yard waste, the Earthwise GS70015 15 is worth considering. It offers good power, portability, and ease of maintenance, making yard cleanup less of a chore. However, if your garden produces a lot of soft leaves or thick branches regularly, you might want to explore higher-capacity or gas-powered options.

Ready to turn your yard waste into mulch effortlessly? Check the latest price and get started with the Earthwise GS70015 15 today!