Whether you’re levelling soil or tidying up leaves, a garden rake is essential. But when it comes to choosing this simple tool, you might be surprised by how much choice is out there!
If you’re struggling to narrow down your search, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to take you on a tour of ten of the best garden rakes available online. And we’ll highlight everything you need to know before you make your selection.
So step this way to find your newest garden tool …
Quick Pick: The Best Garden Rake
The Best Garden Rake on UK Market 2023
1. Old Tjikko Leaf Rake for Garden
If you’re looking for a flexible rake, this one from Old Tjikko should make your shortlist. The fan-shaped head can be made narrower or wider. That makes it a great option if you need to be able to work in tight as well as open spaces.
The handle is telescopic too. Just twist it counter-clockwise to unlock and extend it to your chosen length. At its shortest, the rake is 86.5 centimetres long, so it takes up less room in storage. At its longest, it’s 160 centimetres. The versatility means it’s comfortable to use, no matter how tall you are.
The handle is made of stainless steel and the tines of galvanized steel. That means you won’t have to worry about any part of it rusting when you’re working on damp ground.
There’s a rubber grip so it’s easy on your hands. And it weighs just 740 grams, so it’s easy to manoeuvre.
Each tine is finished with a small ball-shaped head. That means it won’t damage grass as you pull it through. And you’re less likely to get leaves stuck on the ends.
We have, though, heard of a couple of quality control issues with this one. There have been some cases where the rubber grip hasn’t been properly secured. And others where the metal handle has bent during use.
These are, however, very much in the minority. Get a good one – as most people do – and it will give you excellent service.
Pros:
- Adjustable head for working in tight or open spaces
- Telescopic handle allows you to select a comfortable length for your height
- Stainless and galvanized steel construction looks good and is rust-resistant
Cons:
- We’ve heard of cases where the rubber grip has come loose …
- … and others where the metal handle has bent.
2. LMLMD Garden Rake
This leaf rake from LMLMD is another that has an adjustable handle. In this case, the handle comes in four separate sections, allowing you to choose how many to include. Select from a minimum length of 97 centimetres to a maximum of 164 centimetres.
The handle is made of stainless steel, so it’s light, strong and won’t rust. And the adjustable length makes it easy to store.
The head is bright green and is 48 centimetres wide. There are 25 solid tines, each with a flat end to prevent gouging the grass. They’re made of steel, and close enough together that you won’t find leaves getting trapped too often.
There’s a rubber grip at the end of the handle to help you keep a firm hold. It has been known to come loose though – some people have glued it in place to deal with that. But despite the handle being made of four sections, that’s nice and sturdy.
The rake comes with a one-year warranty for peace of mind. And you’ll also get a set of good quality gardening gloves thrown in.
Pros:
- Adjustable handle, with a minimum length of 97 centimetres and a maximum of 164 centimetres
- Lightweight yet strong
- Comes with a one-year warranty and a free set of gardening gloves
Cons:
- The rubber grip has been known to come loose from the handle
- It isn’t possible to adjust the width of the head.
3. Spear and Jackson Kew Gardens Expanding Leaf Rake
This leaf rake from Spear and Jackson forms part of the brand’s Kew Gardens collection. Both the handle and the rake head are adjustable, offering plenty of flexibility for gardening in all conditions.
The rake head is made of steel with zinc-coated tines, so it’s strong and will resist corrosion. It can be adjusted from a width of 18 to 57.5 centimetres. Open it out wide to cover more ground quickly, or narrow it down in tight spaces.
The handle can be adjusted from a length of 121.5 to 155 centimetres. That will provide enough options for gardeners of most heights.
It’s nice and light to handle too, weighing in at just 640 grams. And there’s a good quality rubber grip to make it a joy to use.
All this, and a contribution from every purchase goes towards supporting Kew’s work in conservation and plant science.
So is there anything not to like? Well, the telescopic action is rather stiff, so be prepared to put in some effort to adjust it. And the lightweight handle means it can snap if you’re too rough. Treat it with care, though, and it will perform very effectively.
Pros:
- Adjustable width rake head for working in open or confined spaces
- Telescopic handle can be extended from 121.5 to 155 centimetres
- Lightweight and comfortable to use
Cons:
- The telescopic action is rather stiff
- The lightweight handle is fairly slender, so may snap if subjected to too much force.
4. Old Tjikko Soil Rake for Garden
The second rake from Old Tjikko to make our list, this one is designed for use on soil.
The head is 33.5 centimetres wide and 8 centimetres from front to back. It’s made of heat-treated steel, so it’s very strong. And the 14 tines are coated in epoxy to keep the earth from sticking to them.
The handle here is 130 centimetres long, and it can’t be adjusted. It will suit shorter gardeners, and it’s also a good option for children learning the ropes. The soft feel handle is comfortable for use by those of any age.
It is, however, somewhat heavier than other rakes out there. This one weighs in at a little over a kilogram. And the rubber grip has a tendency to slide down the shaft. Secure it in place with some glue to solve the problem.
All in all, this is a well-made and sturdy rake. If you’re looking for a durable option for shorter or younger gardeners, it’s well worth considering. It is, however, significantly more expensive than many of the rakes on our list.
Pros:
- The 130-centimetre handle will suit shorter gardeners
- Strong head made of heat-treated steel
- Tines are coated in epoxy to help prevent soil sticking to them
Cons:
- Surprisingly heavy for a rake with a shorter handle
- The rubber grip can slide down the shaft – consider gluing it in place.
5. Rovtop Garden Rake (Our Top Pick)
Rovtop’s leaf rake offers lots of versatility. Both the length of the handle and the width of the head can be adjusted to suit your needs.
The length is changed using a simple twist mechanism. Rotate the two parts of the handle away from each other to unlock them. Then pull out the inner tube to the desired length. Twisting again will re-lock the handle in place. It can be set to any length between 78.7 and 160 centimetres.
The rake head is adjusted with a lever. The width can be set anywhere between 19 and 56 centimetres. It’s a great choice if you need to get into tight nooks and crannies.
There are 15 tines and each one is coated to resist rust. The polished finish makes it easy to clean, and it’s lightweight too. There’s a comfortable handle with contoured finger grips, so your hands won’t ache, even if you’re raking for long periods.
One thing to note is that the lever for adjusting the width of the head is relatively delicate. Don’t be too heavy handed, or you could damage it.
The tines are light and flexible, making it easy to rake up leaves from lawns without damaging the grass. But don’t try to use it on pebbles or other hard surfaces, as you’re likely to damage them.
Pros:
- Head can be adjusted from 19 to 56 centimetres wide
- Handle length adjustment from 78.7 to 160 centimetres
- Lightweight with a comfortable handle
Cons:
- Take care with the lever to adjust the head – it’s rather delicate
- Don’t use this on hard surfaces or you may damage the tines.
6. Draper 31069 Garden Rake
This leaf rake from Draper has a 55-centimetre-wide head and 23 tines. If you’ve got a large area to cover, it’s ideal. But note that there’s no way to adjust the width, so it won’t be the right choice if you want to rake in tighter corners.
The head in this case is made of plastic, rather than metal. That means it’s very light to handle, and you won’t have to worry about rust. It’s nicely flexible too, and you’ll be able to use it to rake leaves from paved surfaces without damaging the tines.
The downside is that it isn’t quite as strong as versions with steel heads.
The head is attached to a natural wood pole. There’s no grip, but the varnished finish really doesn’t require one. And you won’t have to worry about a rubber grip coming loose or getting damaged.
It’s 145 centimetres long and very light and easy to handle. It weighs just 540 grams, so you’ll be able to use it for ages without getting an aching arm. But note that you won’t be able to adjust the length. And that also means you’ll need a little more space for storage than telescopic options.
Pros:
- Wide head with 23 tines
- Plastic tines mean you can use this on hard or soft surfaces without damaging it
- Lightweight construction – weighs just over half a kilogram
Cons:
- The head isn’t quite as strong as metal versions
- There’s no way to adjust the length of the handle or the width of the head.
7. AB Tools Soil Rake for Garden
If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful rake that still gets the job done, check out this one from AB Tools. It’s the least expensive option on our list. You’ll need to spend about the same amount as two coffees in a posh café to get your hands on it.
The design couldn’t be simpler. There’s a long, straight, non-adjustable handle. Attached is a simple 12-tooth rake head, designed for raking soil rather than leaves.
The handle is made of tubular steel, powder coated to resist corrosion. It’s finished in a cheerful shade of green. There’s a black rubber grip at one end so it’s comfortable to hold and use.
The handle is fairly short, at 120 centimetres. It’s a good length for shorter gardeners. But if you’re tall and plan to use it for any length of time, you may prefer something longer. Bending too low as you work can easily leave you with an aching back.
The head is made of carbon steel, so it’s very strong. It won’t get chipped or dented if you run into sharp stones as you work.
This is a straightforward rake, without any bells or whistles. You won’t be able to adjust the handle or the head. But it gets the job done perfectly well for a very economical price.
Pros:
- Powder coated tubular steel handle ensures it will resist rust, even if used in damp conditions
- The carbon steel head is very strong
- Simple and inexpensive
Cons:
- You can’t adjust the width of the head
- The handle is rather short and can’t be adjusted either.
8. Bargains Galore Lawn Rake
This lawn rake from Bargains Galore is a very similar design to the one from AB Tools. It’s roughly the same price too.
At first glance, it’s difficult to tell the two rakes apart. This has the same green handle and rubber grip, and it too is formed in a single piece. It’s very slightly longer though – 130 centimetres as opposed to the 120 centimetres of the AB Tools model.
The handle has a diameter of 3 centimetres, and the head of the rake is 33 centimetres wide. It’s designed for raking soil rather than leaves, so it’s a simple bar with 12 tines.
The head is made of carbon steel, so it’s tough and resilient. If you need to rake stony flowerbeds, it will handle the job with ease. But don’t try to use it on paving or it will scratch the surface.
The handle is stable and sturdy too. And it benefits from a powder coating to keep it free from rust.
This rake is simplicity itself. There’s no way to adjust either the length of the handle or the width of the head. But it’s an honest, inexpensive piece of garden kit that does the job it was designed for very effectively.
Pros:
- The carbon steel head will cope with stony flowerbeds without suffering damage
- The tubular steel handle is powder-coated to resist rust
- Comfortable rubber grip
Cons:
- You won’t be able to adjust the length of the handle …
- … or the width of the grip.
9. Spear and Jackson Neverbend 3872HD Lawn Rake
If you’re looking for a strong leaf rake, the 3872HD from Spear and Jackson should be on your shortlist. It’s part of the brand’s Neverbend range, specifically designed to stand up to robust use without damage.
The fan-shaped head has 20 tines made of carbon steel. Each one wraps around rivets at the rear of the plate, keeping it firmly attached even under strain. If you’re looking for a rake for heavier jobs like scarifying the lawn, it’s a good option.
The handle is made of ash and it’s 122 centimetres long. It isn’t telescopic, so it doesn’t have the reach of some rakes.
And you won’t be able to adjust the width of the head either. That’s 48 centimetres across. It’s a decent size for covering open ground, but you won’t squeeze it into the tightest spaces.
It’s one of the heavier rakes out there, weighing 1.28 kilograms. But that does mean it’s very resilient. And while it’s also one of the pricier rakes on our list, its quality construction will give you many years of service.
Pros:
- Strong carbon steel head
- Each tine is wrapped around a rivet, keeping it in place even under the toughest conditions
- Smooth, high quality ash handle
Cons:
- Rather heavy
- You won’t be able to adjust the length of the handle or the width of the head.
10. Draper Tools 88795 Garden Rake
The 88795 from Draper Tools is designed for raking soil. It’s a simple and well-constructed rake at a fair price.
The head is 28 centimetres wide and has 12 long teeth. They’re made of carbon steel, so they’re very strong. You won’t have to worry about them bending or chipping, even if they encounter the odd stone as you work.
They’re also coated in epoxy. This means that mud and debris is less likely to stick to them, keeping them moving smoothly through the soil.
The handle is made of tubular steel, so that’s just as resilient. There’s a plastic grip at the end to make it easier on your hands. And there’s a hanging hole to help you store it in your garden shed.
Do remember, though, that this is designed for raking soil, not stones. It will cope with heavier use, but you may pay the price with bent tines or a bowed handle. But use it as intended, and this should provide you with many years of effective performance.
Pros:
- Epoxy coated tines help soil and debris slide off
- Carbon steel head, so it’s nice and strong
- Tubular steel handle with hanging hole for easy storage
Cons:
- Although strong, you may find yourself with a bent handle or tines if you use it for raking gravel
- The handle isn’t telescopic.
Buying guide
If you’ve read through all the reviews but aren’t sure which rake to choose, read on! Here are some questions to ask yourself before you part with your money.
On what surfaces will you be using your rake?
The first thing to know is what you’ll be using your rake for. If you’re going to be raking up leaves, you’ll need a rake with a fan-shaped head. That will scoop the leaves as you pull the tines through the grass.
If you want to level off soil, sand or gravel, choose a rake with a straight head. That will help give you a nice level surface. And the tines will provide grooves for planting seeds.
If you’re going to be raking over grass, a rake with a metal head will give good results. That’s particularly important for heavier jobs like scarifying. Make sure the tines are securely attached so they won’t bend or come off if they get caught in thatch.
But if you want to rake leaves from a hard surface like paving, consider a plastic rake. That is less likely to be damaged or to scratch your path or patio.
Wood, carbon fibre or metal handle?
Almost as important as the head of the rake is the handle. You can get options with handles made of wood, carbon fibre or metal – the latter is usually tubular steel.
Carbon fibre is strong but lightweight, but rakes with these kind of handles are usually more expensive. Wood is heavier, but it’s strong, looks great and won’t rust.
Metal options are usually pretty strong too, though that does depend on the gauge of the metal. If you choose a rake with a metal handle, make sure it’s been treated to resist corrosion.
Consider comfort
There are three main things to consider when assessing how comfortably you’ll be able to use your rake. The first is the weight, the second is the length of the handle, and the third is the grip.
Heavier rakes are a good option for tougher jobs like levelling off gravel. But they will require more energy to use them. That can be tiring, especially if you’re working for longer periods of time.
Getting a rake with a handle the right length for your height is important too. If it’s too long, you’ll find it unwieldy. Too short, and you’ll end up with an aching back.
If you’re not sure which is the right length for you, a rake with a telescopic handle could be a good bet. That will allow you to adjust it for a comfortable gardening experience.
Time to get raking!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to ten of the best garden rakes on the market right now. Whether you need to tidy up leaves or level your flower beds, there are some great options out there.
Our top pick is Rovtop’s leaf rake. Its telescopic handle and adjustable-width head offer maximum versatility. And its lightweight construction and ergonomic grip make it comfortable to use too.
But whichever rake is right for your purposes, we hope we’ve helped you narrow down your search. Happy shopping!
