Pets · Head-to-head
Brome Squirrel Buster Plus vs Duncraft Squirrel Blocker
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The Squirrel Buster Plus pairs a weight-adjustable shroud with chew-proof exposed parts and the biggest seed capacity among the hanging tubes here. The Squirrel Blocker does the job for less with a fixed grid and no springs to set, as long as your birds cling.
Brome Squirrel Buster Plus
Buy itA large weight-activated tube feeder whose shroud closes the ports when a squirrel climbs on.
- Brome says a squirrel's weight forces the shroud down over the ports, and a weight-adjustable spring sets how much load it tolerates.
- It holds 3 quarts (5.1 lb) of seed, the largest capacity Brome lists, and includes the Cardinal Ring System for perching birds.
- Brome says all parts exposed to squirrels are chew proof and the feeder comes apart by hand for cleaning.
- It sits in the premium tier, well above a caged tube.
- Brome's own disclaimer says it will not deter grackles, starlings, juvenile red, Douglas or flying squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons or bears.
- Brome tells buyers to bring it in at night to stop nocturnal visitors.
Duncraft Squirrel Blocker
Buy itA stainless mesh tube inside an outer grid that keeps squirrel paws and noses away from the seed.
- There are no springs or moving parts: the outer grid holds squirrels away from the inner mesh.
- Duncraft lists black oil sunflower, shelled peanuts, sunflower hearts, suet nuggets and dried mealworms as fill options.
- It fills from the top through a squirrel lock and comes with a steel hanger and a one-year guarantee.
- It holds 1.5 lb of sunflower seed, under a third of the Brome Plus.
- Birds cling to the mesh rather than perch, and Duncraft lists finches and chickadees as the species.
- It is a Duncraft exclusive, so you buy it from one retailer.
Side by side
The 8 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Our pick | Duncraft Squirrel Blocker | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Anyone losing seed to gray squirrels who wants cardinals and finches at the same feeder. | Yards that mainly feed finches, chickadees and other clinging birds and want a no-adjustment squirrel stop. |
| Price tier | $$$ · premium | $$ · mid-range |
| How it stops squirrels | Weight-activated shroud | Fixed outer grid |
| Seed capacity (maker stated) | 5.1 lb (3 quarts) | 1.5 lb sunflower |
| Size (maker stated) | 6.5 x 6.5 x 23.8 in; 28 in to hanger | 5.25 in dia x 16.4 in |
| Main materials | Metal, plastic, resin | Stainless steel mesh, metal grid |
| Mount | Hanging | Hanging |
| Birds it suits | Perching and clinging birds | Clinging birds |
| Adjustment needed | Spring tension | None |
| Maker support | Lifetime Care | One-year guarantee |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus if
anyone losing seed to gray squirrels who wants cardinals and finches at the same feeder.
Know before buying: it sits in the premium tier, well above a caged tube.
Pick the Duncraft Squirrel Blocker if
yards that mainly feed finches, chickadees and other clinging birds and want a no-adjustment squirrel stop.
Know before buying: it holds 1.5 lb of sunflower seed, under a third of the Brome Plus.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus - A large weight-activated tube feeder whose shroud closes the ports when a squirrel climbs on. Choose the Duncraft Squirrel Blocker instead if yards that mainly feed finches, chickadees and other clinging birds and want a no-adjustment squirrel stop.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).