In Search of the Best Concrete Vibrator on the Market Today
Whether you’re working on a full-scale construction job, or creating a small wall in the yard, a professional compact finish without air bubbles and distortions is a high priority when laying concrete.
Thankfully, one of the best tools to achieve that end result is a concrete vibrator. However, there’s a lot of models available, and knowing which one to opt for can be confusing.
To help you we have selected 5 top-rated concrete vibrators across a range of price points and functions. Some will cover the needs of industrial projects, others are perfect for the home user.
For our findings at a glance, just head to the table below. For a full review of each of our picks plus a dedicated concrete vibrator buyer’s guide, keep on reading.
Top 5 Best concrete vibrators
NAME |
IMAGE |
DETAILS |
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|---|---|---|---|
EDITORS CHOICE: DEWALT DCE531B Pencil Vibrator |
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Shaft: 4ft 14,000VPM [Battery & Charger Sold Separately] |
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Makita XRV01T Lithium-Ion Concrete Vibrator |
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58-1/2" long 13,000VPM Full Kit |
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BEST BUDGET: Seeutek 1HP Hand Held Concrete Vibrator |
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Shaft: 4.9ft 13,000VPM 750W, Corded |
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BIZOEPRO Hand Held Electric Concrete Vibrator |
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Shaft: 14ft 16,000VPM 1100W, Corded |
|
ZHENLI Concrete Vibrator |
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Shaft: 16ft 12,000VPM 800W, Corded |
Concrete Vibrator Reviews
To test the 5 models selected for this review roundup, we have used a combination of hands-on use, a study of online customer reviews and feedback, plus an in-depth analysis of how each product fares against others on the market.
The following selection brings together what we believe to be some of the best concrete vibrators available in 2020.
1. EDITORS CHOICE: DEWALT DCE531B 20V MAX Pencil Vibrator
Our top pick concrete vibrator for 2020 is the DCE531B from the ever-reliable DEWALT.
This 4-foot long flexible pencil vibrator is extremely easy to use, making it great for the home user to do any concrete-based renovations to a home or garden.
That being said, the impressive 14,000 vibrations per minute maximum output means it will satisfy the majority of contractors looking for a lightweight, handheld vibrating solution.
The diameter of the Dewalt comes in at 1-1/8” an appropriate thickness for maximum consolidation of power.
The generous length of the shaft also offers a long reach, again adding to the universal appeal of this particular model.
The mobility that comes from the fact this unit is battery-powered is another plus point.
However, from a budget perspective, it is important to understand that the battery and charger are sold separately.
These additional items increase the purchase price considerably, meaning this kit is not designed for those conducting a one-off concrete job.
That being said, the accuracy and control that can be achieved using the DEWALT DCE531B cannot be ignored. The pressure-sensitive vibration ability (the harder you press the faster the shaft will vibrate), means true professional results are made possible.
In our opinion, if you want the best finish, buying a premium product such as this is more than worth it.
Bottom Line
Overall the DEWALT DCE531B 20V MAX Pencil Vibrator is our top pick for 2020 for very good reason.
Balancing high-quality features with a lightweight, easy-to-use operation literally anyone can pick this up and take their concrete finishes to a whole new level.
It does come at a cost however, with the additional items (battery & charger) hiking up the overall purchase price.
2. Makita XRV01T Lithium-Ion Cordless Concrete Vibrator Kit
The Makita XRV01T is the offering from this reliable, well known company that closely matches the Dewalt above in terms of specifications.
This too is a lightweight, battery-powered concrete vibrator that provides the kind of performance that will make both home users or contractors happy.
It has a slightly reduced revolution per minute number when compared to the Dewalt, (coming in at 13,000 VPM).
Similarly, the 4-foot pencil shaft is slightly thinner than our top pick. That being said the 1” thickness does still provide an effective vibration application, with adequate depth and efficiency.
Up to 41-minute run-time can be achieved using the supplied 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah battery. This figure is under load too.
To ensure that no harm can come to the unit, Makita has installed what’s called a Star Protection Computer Controls system.
In laymen’s terms, this is a circuit breaker designed to protect the tool from overloading, over-discharging, and over-heating.
Another nice feature is the dual-directional operation. With a twist of the unit, you can easily choose to hold the tool in either horizontal or vertical positions, depending on the job in hand.
Compared to the Dewalt, the Makita XRV01T does represent good value for money. The kit purchase price includes the following:
- 18V LXT 4′ Concrete Vibrator (XRV01Z)
- (2) 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah Battery (BL1850B)
- 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Rapid Optimum Charger (DC18RC)
- Tool Case
Bottom Line
The Makita XRV01T kit is good value for money, and those looking for an all one solution to provide quality results will be pleased.
However, the power levels and overall finish that can be achieved are inferior to our top pick from Dewalt.
If your budget can stretch further, you are better placed buying the DEWALT DCE531B instead.
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3. BEST BUDGET: Seeutek 1HP Hand Held Concrete Vibrator
For those looking for a low budget solution to their concrete vibrating needs, this hand held unit may well fit the bill.
Offering 13000 vibrations per minute, this can actually be compared to the much higher priced Makita in terms of speed.
The thickness of the shaft is good here too, coming in at 1-3/8 inches. The length of the vibrator is actually the longest in our top 5 measurings 4.9 feet.
The unit has an inbuilt 1HP motor (750W). However, the power source here is the mains rather than the battery.
The fact the unit is corded does reduce the level of application. If you don’t have access to the grid, you will not be able to use it.
The vibrator features a handy, lock-on button to reduce fatigue over long periods of use.
The manufacturers also include a 100% money-back guarantee. If you are not happy you can return the item and receive a refund no questions asked.
A policy such as this speaks volumes for the confidence the brand has in its product.
Bottom Line
This 1 HP Concrete Vibrator is our number one budget pick for good reason. Not only does it obviously deliver on price point, but users will also achieve great results with this vibrator.
Ideal for construction, patching and other repair jobs as long as you do not mind the lack of battery power, you will be hard pushed to find a better concrete vibrator for the money.
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4. BIZOEPRO Hand Held Electric Concrete Vibrator
The BizoPro concrete vibrator has some of the highest specifications of all the units in our top 5 review round-up.
This is a vibrator solely for professional contractor use on large building projects.
First off is that very impressive revolution per minute rate of 1,600.
However, the poker length of 4.6 meters (yes that is meters) makes for considerable penetration. A level required on full-scale construction.
Power levels are what you would expect from a pro-use vibrator. The motor offers 1100W of grunt and is fully mains operated.
As the manufacturers clearly state, this concrete vibrator is designed for Construction, Patching and Other Repair Jobs.
The poker has a diameter of 1.5 inches. Again, adding to the superior amount of vibration achieved with the BizoPro.
The unit also comes with a 6-month warranty, providing peace of mind for anyone that intended to use the vibrator in a professional capacity on a daily basis.
Bottom Line
The BIZOEPRO Hand Held Electric Concrete Vibrator is specifically designed for high-level construction jobs and the specifications reflect that.
However, if you are a home user the power here would be overkill.
It’s a good unit for what it sets out to do, but price and specs are not suited to all by any means.
5. ZHENLI Concrete Vibrator
This concrete vibrator from ZHENLI is another unit designed for larger construction jobs.
It is much heavier than other vibrators in our top 5 weighs in at 34.5lbs. However, the specifications overall make for an impressive tool.
The diameter of the head is 2.05 inches making it the thickest offering reviewed here. The long penetration also makes it suitable for professional use.
The price tag also very much reflects the intended target market. Yet when you consider that the unit is designed to be used for up to 24hrs continuous use, you have in mind the kind of jobs the Zhenli can handle.
In fact, the manufacturers make it clear; used for Commercial use for projects such as bridge Construction, Port, Tunnel, Road, and Airport use. The scale of the work the unit is designed for is far beyond that of other selections.
A specific market indeed.
Bottom Line
The ZHENLI Concrete Vibrator is designed for high level commercial use and that is not bad thing.
If you require hardcore vibrating specification for your construction company, this is a unit worth considering.
Concrete Vibrator Buyer’s guide
Do I really need a concrete vibrator?
No matter your skillset, when concrete is poured thousands of air bubbles get caught up in the mix. That is just a physics way.
The problem with concrete and trapped air is that the finished structure is substantially weakened.
That’s why the concrete vibrator is so important, for any type of concrete project. Using a vibrator helps compact the mix and removes the trapped air.
The concrete is shaken in order for the air bubbles to escape.
So the answer is yes, if you are pouring concrete you should also be using a concrete vibrator.
- Related Content: Essential tips when using a concrete vibrator
What to look for when buying a concrete vibrator
If after reading the concrete vibrator reviews above you remain undecided on what to buy, you wish to conduct further research.
For this, we advise that you consider the following factors in order to purchase the best tool for your specific needs.
Size of concrete vibrator
The size that you choose is very much dependant on the type of work you will be doing.
If you are a contractor working regularly on large construction jobs, you will need a larger, more powerful concrete vibrator.
The last 2 concrete vibrators reviewed above would be helpful here. At the very least you will need a unit with a long hose, (10ft and above for large commercial work) in order to penetrate the depth of the concrete being poured.
On the other end of the spectrum, a unit appropriate for home DIY use would only need a host and shaft length of 3 or 4ft.
Battery Powered or Corded
This issue is also related to the size of the vibrator and its intended use. It is unrealistic to think that the demands of a large construction job would suit a battery-powered vibrator.
Where the unit may need to run for over 24hrs continuously having the ability to connect to the grid or a generator is necessary.
However, someone using a smaller vibrator in the yard at home would normally appreciate the convenience of a battery-powered model.
Hand-held or backpack
Again, size and intended use is a factor. A handheld vibrator is common for DIY home use and smaller construction job.
On larger commercial-scale concrete projects a backpack or stand-alone fixed vibrator (normally used for external vibration) will be appropriate.
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Revolutions Per Minute
The RPMs or Vibrations per minute of these tools vary widely. A good, battery-powered unit such as our top pick from Dewalt provides a reasonable 14,000 VPM’s. This level is adequate for smaller-scale projects.
A tool used on the construction site may well need much higher VPM’s however.
Build Quality & durability
Whether you are working on-site or at home, the more durable the vibrator the better. Build quality and manufacturer reputation are factors here in that you get what you pay for.
A high-quality unit from Dewalt will generally be more robustly designed than a non-branded unit bought from China on Alibaba.com
For this customer feedback and professional reviews such as we aim to provide on Outdoor Chief are what you should turn to.
Do your research and ensure that the unit you buy has a proven track record.
Budget
Finally, there is the issue of cost. The price of concrete vibrators varies widely based on all the issues we have mentioned above.
Have your budget in mind and ensure it is realistic alongside the needs that you have.
Essentially, you should aim to purchase the best, most appropriate concrete vibrator you can afford.