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Milwaukee Fuel vs Non-Fuel: A Quick Comparison

Before we dive deep into the Milwaukee fuel vs Non-fuel tools comparison details. Let me tell you what does FUEL mean?

F.U.E.L is abbreviated for Find Ultimate Energy Levels.

Milwaukee is a well-known name for producing reliable cordless tools that last longer. They have expanded their line of products significantly over the last years.

Milwaukee has fuel & non-fuel (regular) tools almost in every tool category for example you will find an M18 fuel impact driver as well as an M18 impact driver (non-fuel).

So both these M18 fuels & the M18 non-fuel impact drivers will have the same functionality but there is a significant difference in their performance & efficiency.

Milwaukee fuel tools use the advanced technology of The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack, and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware and Software—that deliver optimal efficiency and power.

The POWERSTATE™ brushless motor offers four times more power than conventional brush motors of the same rating while still being more compact and long-lasting.

FUEL TOOLS ARE POWERED WITH
POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motors (4X Power)
REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack
REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware
REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Software

Milwaukee claims that its REDLITHIUM batteries provide 40% more run time, 20% more power and 50% more recharges than conventional Lithium-Ion batteries.

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Here is a quick comparison of Milwaukee fuel vs non-fuel tools.

Milwaukee Fuel ToolsMilwaukee Non-Fuel Tools
Brushless MotorMay or may not have a brushless Motor
REDLITHIUM BatteryConventional Lithium-Ion battery
REDLINK PLUS AI technologyNo REDLINK PLUS AI technology
Minimum best operating Temperature (-4°F/-20°C)Minimum best operating Temperature (32°F/0°C)
More PowerLess Power for the same battery
More TorqueLess torque for the same battery
40 ~ 45 % more expensiveCheap
Milwaukee Fuel vs Non-Fuel Tools Main Differences

Which One Should You Buy?

There is no doubt that Milwaukee fuel tools are far more efficient than Milwaukee non-fuel tools, but they are generally about 40 ~ 45 % more expensive than the non-fuel (regular/standard) tool of the same application.

If you are doing a DIY project or want to have it around the house, You should go for the Milwaukee Non-fuel tool. It will get the job done for you.

BUT! if you are a professional working on high-demand projects and looking for an extra boost in power, it is worth paying for an additional 40 ~ 45 % more price for the Milwaukee Fuel tool.

List of Milwaukee Fuel and Non-fuel Tools

Here’s a list of a few fuel & non-fuel tools Milwaukee has in its product line. You can check out the prices & features they can offer.

NON FUEL
MILWAUKEE M18 Brushless 1/2 in. Hammer Drill
FUEL
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2 inch. Hammer Drill
NON FUEL
Milwaukee 2680-20 M18 4 1/2 Inch Grinder
FUEL
Milwaukee 2980-20 M18 FUEL 4-1/2 in. Grinder
NON FUEL
Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 Hackzall Reciprocating Saw
FUEL
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw
Product Title
Product Title
MILWAUKEE M18 Brushless 1/2 in. Hammer Drill
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2 inch. Hammer Drill
Milwaukee 2680-20 M18 4 1/2 Inch Grinder
Milwaukee 2980-20 M18 FUEL 4-1/2 in. Grinder
Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 Hackzall Reciprocating Saw
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw
Product Type
Product Type
Non-fuel
Fuel
Non-Fuel
Fuel
Non-fuel
Fuel
Product Weight
Product Weight
3 pounds
4.5 pounds
1 pound
4.5 pounds
4.1 pounds
6.8 pounds
Estimate Price* (Tool)
Estimate Price* (Tool)
$85-95
$95-105
$75-85
$160-170
$90-100
$140-150
Est. Run Time (3AH Battery)
Est. Run Time (3AH Battery)
~58 Mins (Nominal 50W Load, , 200W Burst)
~1h 23 Mins (Nominal 50W Load, , 200W Burst)
~21 Mins (Nominal 150W Load, , 400W Burst)
~28 Mins (Nominal 150W Load, , 400W Burst)
~29 Mins (Nominal 100W Load, , 300W Burst)
~42 Mins (Nominal 100W Load, , 300W Burst)

*Prices at the time of publishing this article.

Want to know How to Charge Milwaukee M18 Battery Without Charger? Check it out here.