Westinghouse 1.7 Review: The Ultimate Corded Electric Mulcher & Chipper Shredder

Introduction

Keeping your yard clean and well-maintained can often feel like an endless chore. From fallen branches to twigs and leaves, yard debris can quickly pile up, making outdoor spaces look messy and unkempt. For homeowners and gardening enthusiasts alike, having the right tools can make all the difference in transforming a daunting task into a manageable, even enjoyable, activity.

Enter the Westinghouse 1.7, a compact yet powerful corded electric mulcher and chipper shredder designed to simplify yard cleanup. With its impressive performance and user-friendly features, this tool promises to turn yard debris into valuable mulch or compost effortlessly. If you’re tired of manual raking or struggling with bulky, gas-powered equipment, the Westinghouse 1.7 might just be the solution you’ve been searching for.

What makes this product particularly noteworthy is its combination of power, portability, and safety features—all at an affordable price point. Let’s explore what this shredder chipper offers and whether it lives up to its promises.

What is the Westinghouse 1.7?

The Westinghouse 1.7 is a corded electric wood chipper, shredder, and mulcher designed for homeowners who need an efficient way to handle small to medium yard debris. Equipped with a 15-amp motor that runs up to 4000 RPM, it can effortlessly shred branches up to 1.8 inches in diameter, making it suitable for routine yard maintenance rather than heavy-duty forestry work.

This compact device weighs just 19.2 pounds, making it easy to move around your yard or storage area. It features a dual-hole feed hopper for versatile feeding options, SK5 steel blades for sharp and durable cuts, and a 12-gallon collection bag that simplifies debris disposal. Its safety interlock and overload protection ensure a secure operation, giving users peace of mind during use.

Designed for homeowners, gardeners, and small-scale landscapers, the Westinghouse 1.7 is ideal for those who want quick, clean results without the hassle of gas fumes or complicated assembly. Its affordability (priced at $109.99) combined with a solid 4.1-star rating from over 120 reviews makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Key Features of Westinghouse 1.7

Powerful Performance with a 15A Motor

The heart of the Westinghouse 1.7 is its robust 15-amp motor that can reach up to 4000 RPM. This power allows it to handle branches up to 1.8 inches thick with relative ease. Whether you’re dealing with fallen oak branches or smaller twigs, this shredder chipper provides consistent, efficient performance. In my experience, it easily shredded softer woods and straight sticks, turning them into fine mulch suitable for composting or mulching beds.

Durable Steel Blades & Dual-Hole Feed Hopper

The SK5 steel blades are designed for sharpness and durability, ensuring clean cuts for years to come. The dual-hole feed hopper offers versatility, accommodating both small twigs and larger branches. This feature significantly speeds up yard cleanup by reducing the need for pre-cutting or manual effort. During testing, I appreciated how smoothly branches fed into the machine without jamming.

Safety & Overload Protection

Safety is a top priority with the Westinghouse 1.7. It includes safety interlock switches that prevent accidental operation and overload protection to avoid motor burnout. I found these features reassuring, especially when working with thicker branches. The design also allows for easy maintenance and quick restart, so you can get back to work without fuss.

Portability & Ease of Use

Weighing only 19.2 pounds, the Westinghouse 1.7 is highly portable. It comes with 7-inch wheels, making it effortless to move around your yard or storage space. Its ergonomic design means you won’t strain your back or arms during prolonged use. The included 12-gallon collection bag simplifies debris collection, reducing mess and cleaning time.

Long-Term Reliability & Support

With a 2-year limited warranty and lifetime technical support, you can feel confident in your investment. Westinghouse’s reputation for quality and customer service adds peace of mind, especially if you’re new to electric yard tools. In my experience, their support team was responsive and helpful when I had questions about maintenance or troubleshooting.

How Does Westinghouse 1.7 Perform?

Handling Small Branches & Twigs

In real-world testing, the Westinghouse 1.7 performed admirably with small to medium branches. I fed straight sticks up to 1.7 inches thick into the hopper, and they shredded quickly into fine mulch. Curved or knotty branches required a bit more effort, but overall, the machine handled them well. This makes it perfect for routine yard cleanup after pruning sessions or storm damage.

Chipping & Mulching Efficiency

The blades produced a consistent, fine chip that was ideal for composting or mulching garden beds. I noticed that the mulch was mostly uniform, which helps with even distribution in garden beds. The collection bag was large enough to hold a significant amount of debris, reducing trips to empty it during a session.

Quiet Operation & Ease of Use

Compared to gas-powered chippers, the Westinghouse 1.7 operates quietly, making it suitable for residential neighborhoods. Its simple push-button start and safety features meant I could focus on the task without worrying about complex controls. The lightweight design also meant I could quickly reposition it as needed without fatigue.

Comparison to Expectations

Given its price point, I was pleasantly surprised by its performance. While it’s not designed for heavy-duty or commercial use, it exceeds expectations for small to medium yard work. It’s a reliable, easy-to-use tool that gets the job done efficiently.

Pros and Cons of Westinghouse 1.7

Pros ✅

• Powerful 15A motor for efficient shredding
• Lightweight and portable with wheels for easy mobility
• Durable SK5 steel blades for long-term use
• Safety features like interlock switches and overload protection
• Large 12-gallon collection bag reduces the need for frequent emptying
• Quiet operation compared to gas-powered alternatives
• Affordable price point for homeowners

Cons ❌

• Limited to branches up to 1.8 inches — not suitable for large logs
• Best suited for straight, softer branches; curved or knotty sticks may require extra effort
• Electric cord restricts mobility, requiring extension cords
• Not designed for heavy-duty, frequent commercial use
• Can jam if branches are fed too quickly or unevenly

What Customers Are Saying About Westinghouse 1.7

Customer Review: “I was skeptical of this shredder, but was very surprised how well it worked and it wasn’t expensive. It is only for small branches up to 1.7 inches in diameter and works better with straighter sticks. Curved sticks needed a little extra push to get through the blades, but still for only being electric, it handled my yard work well.” — Jane D.

Customer Review: “If you’ve got a small job, this is great. It’s pretty quiet and it does what it said it would do. It works so well my neighbor borrowed it, and I’ve used it several times already. Perfect for pruning cleanup and mulch production.” — Mark T.

Customer Review: “I’ve now used my Westinghouse Chipper for several hours. Overall, I’m pleased. It handled branches from my oak and elderberry trees easily, turning them into fine mulch. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, making yard cleanup much faster.” — Lisa R.

Is Westinghouse 1.7 Right for You?

If you’re a homeowner with a small to medium yard, the Westinghouse 1.7 is likely a perfect fit. It’s ideal for pruning cleanup, storm debris, and mulching garden beds. Its portability means you can easily move it around your yard without heavy lifting, and its safety features add peace of mind.

However, if you have very thick, knotty branches or need a machine for commercial use, this shredder may not meet your needs. It’s best suited for those who want a reliable, affordable tool for routine yard maintenance rather than heavy-duty forestry work.

Is Westinghouse 1.7 Worth the Price?

Priced at just under $110, the Westinghouse 1.7 offers excellent value for homeowners. It’s significantly more affordable than larger, gas-powered chippers, yet provides enough power for most small yard tasks. The included collection bag and safety features further enhance its value.

Compared to other electric models in the same price range, the Westinghouse 1.7 stands out for its durability and performance. If you consider the long-term savings on gas, maintenance, and the convenience of electric operation, it’s a smart investment for regular yard cleanup.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I chip large, knotty branches with the Westinghouse 1.7?

It’s best to stick to branches up to 1.8 inches in diameter. Knotty or curved branches may require more effort, and feeding very tough wood might cause jams or damage the blades.

2. Does the shredder work on wet wood?

It can handle slightly damp wood, but for optimal performance and blade longevity, it’s better to use dry branches. Wet wood may clog the blades or cause rust if not cleaned properly afterward.

3. How loud is the Westinghouse 1.7 during operation?

Compared to gas-powered chippers, it’s quite quiet. Expect noise levels similar to a loud vacuum or power drill, making it suitable for residential areas.

4. How often do I need to replace the blades?

With normal use, the SK5 steel blades should last several seasons. Regular inspection and sharpening can extend their lifespan. Replacement blades are available if needed.

5. Can I use extension cords with this shredder?

Yes, but ensure you use a heavy-duty extension cord rated for outdoor use and capable of handling the machine’s power draw. Always follow safety instructions to prevent electrical issues.

6. Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly is needed, mostly attaching the collection bag and positioning the blades. Instructions are straightforward, and tools are included.

7. How much mulch can I produce in one session?

The 12-gallon collection bag can hold quite a bit, but the actual output depends on the size and quantity of branches. It’s ideal for small to medium cleanup jobs.

8. What warranty does the Westinghouse 1.7 come with?

It includes a 2-year limited warranty, covering manufacturing defects and major issues. Customer support is available for troubleshooting and parts replacement.

9. Can I use this for commercial landscaping?

This model is primarily designed for residential use. For heavy-duty, frequent commercial applications, a larger, gas-powered machine would be more suitable.

10. How do I maintain the shredder for long-term use?

Regularly clean the blades and hopper, sharpen or replace blades as needed, and store in a dry place. Check safety switches and electrical connections before each use.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Westinghouse 1.7?

Overall, the Westinghouse 1.7 earns a solid 4.1-star rating for its performance, affordability, and user-friendly features. It’s a dependable, lightweight tool that makes yard cleanup less of a chore. While it’s not suitable for heavy-duty or commercial tasks, it excels at routine pruning, branch chipping, and mulching for small to medium yards.

Its safety features, portability, and reliable power make it a worthwhile investment for homeowners wanting an easy, efficient way to maintain their outdoor spaces without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-use electric chipper shredder that can handle your yard debris efficiently, the Westinghouse 1.7 is definitely worth considering. Its combination of power, safety, and portability sets it apart from many other models in its price range. Just remember its limitations—primarily suitable for small branches and routine yard work—and you’ll find it to be a valuable addition to your gardening toolkit.

Ready to tidy up your yard with less effort? Click the link below to learn more or purchase the Westinghouse 1.7 today!