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Buying guide · 12 min read · Updated 2026-11-12

Best Cordless Electric Dethatchers (2026)

Cordless electric dethatchers compared by battery platform, motor, path width and included packs, so you can plan runtime around your lawn size.

James MillerBy James MillerLead Machine Editor5 machines comparedSpec-sheet verified
Best Cordless Electric Dethatchers

At a glance

Our top picks

Side by side

Spec comparison

Going cordless removes the extension cord and the outlet hunt, but it adds a new constraint: runtime. Thatch is dense, and a dethatcher drains a battery faster than a trimmer or blower.

This guide compares battery dethatchers by platform, motor and how many packs ship in the box, with attention to whether the tool is a kit or a bare tool for owners already invested in a system.

Before you buy

6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Cordless Electric Dethatcher

  1. 01

    Working width and passes

    Working width runs from 14 inches on the WORX WG855 to 15 inches on the WEN 20V Max cordless. A wider path means fewer passes, but it needs a stronger motor and a larger bag, and it is harder to steer around beds and trees. Under about a quarter acre, the narrower models are often the better handlers. Measure gate clearance, since the machine body can be wider than the path. Measure the lawn and note where the nearest outlet is before choosing between corded and cordless.

  2. 02

    Depth adjustment

    Depth control is what prevents scalping. The WEN 20V Max cordless offers adjustable depth positions, and published ranges run from a small raise above the soil to a few tenths of an inch below it. Start at the shallowest setting on every lawn, because a fixed deep setting shreds healthy roots. Rough, uneven lawns deserve more depth steps. Measure the lawn and note where the nearest outlet is before choosing between corded and cordless.

  3. 03

    Bag size and fabric

    Bag capacity decides how often you stop, and thick thatch fills any bag quickly. The WEN 20V Max cordless comes with a collection bag, but plan to empty it several times on a quarter acre. Look for a zipper or latch you can open easily. Walk the lawn first and pick up sticks, stones and toys, because hard objects bend tines.

  4. 04

    Tine and blade material

    Tine and blade material decide durability. Stainless or spring steel resists rust better than plain carbon steel, and bent tines should be replaced rather than reused. The Greenworks 40V kit and the Greenworks 48V both use replaceable tines, so a spare set is cheap insurance. Dull or bent parts tear grass instead of lifting thatch.

  5. 05

    Motor rating and circuit

    Corded motors are rated in amps and cordless ones in volts and battery capacity. The WEN 20V Max cordless lists 650 W brushless, 3000 RPM. Higher amperage holds rpm in dense thatch, but a 15 amp tool is already at the limit of a 15 amp household circuit, so it must not share the outlet with anything else. Compare rpm only between machines with the same reel type.

  6. 06

    Weight and handling

    Weight and handling matter when you lift the machine into a vehicle or roll it over soft ground. Most electric dethatchers fall between 20 and 35 pounds, so check the listing before buying. The Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 is worth comparing against the WEN 20V Max cordless for how it feels to handle. Folding handles and a bag that detaches without tools help.

Detailed reviews

The 5 best cordless electric dethatchers, explained

01
WEN 20V Max 15 in cordless dethatcher scarifier, 2 batteries
15 in path20V Max x2650W brushless
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Best for: Users in the WEN 20V ecosystem.

WEN's cordless uses a 650 W brushless motor at 3000 RPM and two 4.0 Ah batteries. WEN 20V Max 15 gives type cordless 2-in-1, motor 650 W brushless, 3000 RPM, path 15 in and battery two 4.0 Ah packs on its product page.

Runtime limits big lawns and battery cost on replacement are what you give up. Users in the WEN 20V ecosystem is the shopper who gets the most from it. 650 W brushless motor to 3000 RPM, 15 inch path and two 4.0 Ah batteries are the reasons to shortlist it. With the Greenworks 40V kit also at 15 inches on working width, capacity does not separate the two and build quality has to.

WEN 20V Max 15 in cordless dethatcher scarifier trades cord management for runtime planning, so charge between sessions and keep a spare pack if the lawn is large. 15 inch path is what puts the WEN 20V Max cordless in the best overall position. Around the WEN 20V Max 15 in cordless dethatcher scarifier, empty the bag of this WEN before you recharge so the next session starts with a clean machine.

What works

  • 650 W brushless motor to 3000 RPM
  • 15 inch path
  • Two 4.0 Ah batteries
  • Five depths

Watch out for

  • Runtime limits big lawns
  • Battery cost on replacement

Spec sheet

Type
Cordless 2-in-1
Motor
650 W brushless, 3000 RPM
Path
15 in
Battery
Two 4.0 Ah packs
Depth
5 positions
02
Greenworks 40V 15 in dethatcher scarifier, 5.0 Ah kit
15 in path40V brushless5.0 Ah battery
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Best for: Anyone starting in Greenworks 40V.

Greenworks bundles a 5.0 Ah battery and rapid charger with a 15 inch brushless machine and quick-swap reels. Greenworks 40V 15 in is listed with type cordless 2-in-1, power 40V brushless, path 15 in and battery 5.0 Ah with rapid charger.

One battery limits big jobs and heavy pack are the main cautions. Anyone starting in Greenworks 40V is where it fits best. 40V brushless motor, quick-swap tine reels and 5.0 Ah battery included are the reasons to shortlist it. The Greenworks 48V ties it on working width at 15 inches, which leaves build and features as the real deciding factors.

For the Greenworks 40V 15 in dethatcher scarifier, clear grass from around the reel shaft of this Greenworks after every session, since wrapped debris draws extra current and shortens runtime. Greenworks 40V kit lands the best complete kit slot mainly through quick-swap tine reels. Owning the Greenworks 40V 15 in dethatcher scarifier means this: set this Greenworks to the shallowest depth first, because deep settings drain the battery much faster.

What works

  • 40V brushless motor
  • Quick-swap tine reels
  • 5.0 Ah battery included
  • 15 inch path

Watch out for

  • One battery limits big jobs
  • Heavy pack

Spec sheet

Type
Cordless 2-in-1
Power
40V brushless
Path
15 in
Battery
5.0 Ah with rapid charger
Reels
Quick-swap
03
Greenworks 48V (2x24V) 15 in cordless scarifier dethatcher
15 in path48V (2x24V)3600 RPM
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Best for: Greenworks 24V tool owners.

Greenworks pairs two 24V batteries to hit 3600 RPM on a 15 inch path. Greenworks 48V (2x24V) 15 is listed with type cordless 2-in-1, power two 24V, 4.0 Ah, path 15 in and speed 3600 RPM.

Slow charging and runtime are the trade-offs to accept. 3600 RPM brushless, two 4.0 Ah batteries and 15 inch path are the reasons to shortlist it. Greenworks 24V tool owners is where it fits best. 15 inches of working width is shared with the Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15, so look at construction and extras instead.

For the Greenworks 48V (2x24V) 15 in cordless scarifier dethatcher, plan passes with this Greenworks in battery-sized chunks, doing the thickest thatch first while the pack is full. Two 4.0 Ah batteries is what puts the Greenworks 48V in the best dual-battery power position. Owning the Greenworks 48V (2x24V) 15 in cordless scarifier dethatcher means this: empty the bag of this Greenworks before you recharge so the next session starts with a clean machine.

What works

  • 3600 RPM brushless
  • Two 4.0 Ah batteries
  • 15 inch path
  • 65 W charger

Watch out for

  • Slow charging
  • Runtime

Spec sheet

Type
Cordless 2-in-1
Power
Two 24V, 4.0 Ah
Path
15 in
Speed
3600 RPM
Charger
65 W
04
Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 cordless dethatcher, 48V pair
15 in pathDual 24V, 4.0 Ah5 depths
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Best for: Owners of other Sun Joe 24V tools.

The DTS15 uses two 24V 4.0 Ah batteries for 48V across a 15 inch path. Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 cordless breaks down as type cordless 2-in-1, power two 24V 4.0 Ah (48V), path 15 in and depth 5 positions.

Dual 24V batteries make 48V, 15 inch path and five depths carry the pitch. Runtime is limited and charging time need weighing before you order. Owners of other Sun Joe 24V tools is the shopper who gets the most from it. At 14 inches, the WORX WG855 is the yardstick, and its 15 inches covers more ground per pass.

On the Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 cordless dethatcher, set this Sun to the shallowest depth first, because deep settings drain the battery much faster. Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 holds best 48v pair here because of 15 inch path. For the Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 cordless dethatcher, store the battery of this Sun indoors at room temperature, never in a hot shed or a freezing garage.

What works

  • Dual 24V batteries make 48V
  • 15 inch path
  • Five depths
  • Cordless

Watch out for

  • Runtime is limited
  • Charging time

Spec sheet

Type
Cordless 2-in-1
Power
Two 24V 4.0 Ah (48V)
Path
15 in
Depth
5 positions
Use
Small to mid lawns
05
WORX 40V 14 in cordless dethatcher WG855
14 in path40VPower Share
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Best for: Power Share owners.

The WG855 is a 40V, 14 inch Power Share machine with a brushless motor. WORX 40V 14 in reads type cordless 2-in-1, power 40V Power Share, path 14 in and motor brushless on paper.

Narrower path and battery cost are what you give up. Power Share owners is the buyer it has in mind. Brushless motor, 14 inch path and power Share compatible make the case for it. Next to the WEN 20V Max cordless (15 inches), its 14 inches means more passes to finish the same lawn.

Owning the WORX 40V 14 in cordless dethatcher WG855 means this: look at battery warranty terms for this WORX; the pack is the most expensive part to replace over the years. WORX WG855 holds best power share option here because of 14 inch path. Given the WORX 40V 14 in cordless dethatcher WG855, empty the bag of this WORX before you recharge so the next session starts with a clean machine.

What works

  • Brushless motor
  • 14 inch path
  • Power Share compatible
  • 2-in-1

Watch out for

  • Narrower path
  • Battery cost

Spec sheet

Type
Cordless 2-in-1
Power
40V Power Share
Path
14 in
Motor
Brushless
Use
Small to mid lawns

Spec sheet decoder

What the numbers on the box really mean

The specs manufacturers lead with, translated into what they tell you about real-world performance.

RPM

Reel speed in rotations per minute. It affects how aggressively the tines or blades work, though real work depends on torque.

Watch forCompare rpm only between the same reel type, such as the Greenworks 40V kit and Greenworks 48V.

Depth positions

Preset heights that set how deep tines or blades reach. More steps give finer control and fewer scalped patches.

Watch forCheck the range and steps on the Greenworks 48V.

Working width

The strip of lawn cleared per pass. Wider saves passes but demands a stronger motor and a bigger bag.

Watch forWidths here run 14 to 15 inches.

Bag capacity

Collection bag volume in gallons. Bigger bags mean fewer stops but a heavier machine when full.

Watch forLook at the bag on the Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 against the others.

Reel type

Spring tines lift surface thatch, blades slice into soil for scarifying. Most 2-in-1 machines swap between them.

Watch forConfirm both reels arrive with the WEN 20V Max cordless.

Methodology

How We Evaluated These Cordless Electric Dethatchers

Reel versatility

Machines that include both a tine reel and a blade reel scored higher. The Greenworks 40V kit was checked for the second reel and its swap method. Tool-free changes counted in its favor.

Collection and cleanup

Bag size and ease of emptying decide how smooth a job feels. We noted capacities where published and penalized unclear bag listings. Larger bags earned credit for thick thatch.

Value and ownership

Value was judged by tier within the retrieved listings and by what is included. Established brands earned credit for parts availability. Lesser-known brands were scored on stated warranty and owner feedback patterns.

Motor and power

We compared stated amps, volts and rpm across the lineup. The WEN 20V Max cordless and the Greenworks 48V were read side by side. Higher ratings counted only when the reel and width could use them.

Depth control

We looked at the number and range of depth positions. The Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 was compared against the others on how finely it adjusts. A single fixed depth scores low for scalping risk.

Decision guide

How to Choose the Right Cordless Electric Dethatchers

By Lawn Size and Thatch

Each row starts from a real situation and ends at a named pick from this guide, so you can find your own lawn in the table and read across to a machine and a reason.

SituationPickWhy
Users in the WEN 20V ecosystemWEN 20V Max cordless650 W brushless motor to 3000 RPM.
Anyone starting in Greenworks 40VGreenworks 40V kit40V brushless motor.
Greenworks 24V tool ownersGreenworks 48V3600 RPM brushless.
Owners of other Sun Joe 24V toolsSun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15Dual 24V batteries make 48V.
Power Share ownersWORX WG855Brushless motor.

Quick read: the WEN 20V Max cordless is the all-rounder in this set, the WORX WG855 sits at the other end of the ranking, and the rows between them trade 40V brushless motor against 3600 RPM brushless.

By Budget

Tiers are relative to the other picks in this guide, based on the listing price tier when we checked.

Price positionPickWhat you get
Lowest cost in this groupWEN 20V Max cordless15 inch path; runtime limits big lawns.
Lower middleGreenworks 40V kitQuick-swap tine reels; one battery limits big jobs.
Upper middleSun Joe 24V-X2-DTS1515 inch path; runtime is limited.
Higher in this groupGreenworks 48VTwo 4.0 Ah batteries; slow charging.
Highest in this groupWORX WG85514 inch path; narrower path.

Pricing moves, so treat the order as a snapshot. The cheapest pick here, the WEN 20V Max cordless, and the highest, the WORX WG855, can swap places after a sale.

Narrow vs Wide Path

Narrower path (14 inches or less)

A narrower path turns easily around beds and trees and uses a smaller bag and motor, at the cost of extra passes. In this guide: WORX WG855.

Wider path (15 inches or more)

A wider path finishes the lawn faster and usually carries a stronger motor and bigger bag, but it is harder to maneuver. In this guide: WEN 20V Max cordless, Greenworks 40V kit, Greenworks 48V and Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15.

Choose narrower for tight, bed-heavy yards and wider for open lawns.

By Lawn Shape

The same machine can be a great or a poor choice depending on the condition it faces, so match the situation first and the model second.

ConditionPickWhy
Open lawn with moderate to heavy thatchWEN 20V Max cordless15 in path, 20V Max x2.
Open lawn with moderate to heavy thatchGreenworks 40V kit15 in path, 40V brushless.
Open lawn with moderate to heavy thatchGreenworks 48V15 in path, 48V (2x24V).
Open lawn with moderate to heavy thatchSun Joe 24V-X2-DTS1515 in path, dual 24V, 4.0 Ah.
Small lawn or bed-heavy yard with light thatchWORX WG85514 in path, 40V.

For Battery Platform Owners Specifically

Look for

Match the platform to the batteries you own, check packs included, and plan one pack per few thousand square feet of thick thatch.

In this comparison

The WEN 20V Max cordless fits best on the strength of 650 W brushless motor to 3000 RPM. The Greenworks 48V is the alternative when greenworks 24V tool owners.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

You want what the WORX WG855 offers: brushless motor and 14 inch path. That matters when you will use it every season or on a larger area.

Save if

The lawn is modest or the job is occasional. The WEN 20V Max cordless gives you 650 W brushless motor to 3000 RPM, with the caveat of runtime limits big lawns.

Ownership

Maintenance schedule

The upkeep that decides whether this machine lasts two seasons or ten.

TaskIntervalWhy it matters
Check drive beltEach seasonA glazed or cracked belt slips under load. Replace it before it snaps in the middle of a job.
Store dryOff seasonMoisture rusts carbon steel and corrodes connectors. Remove the bag, wipe down and hang or shelve the unit.
Inspect tines and bladesEach seasonBent or dull parts tear grass instead of lifting thatch. Replace sets when worn.
Empty and shake the bagEach useDamp thatch molds in a closed bag. Let it dry before storing.
Cord or battery careOngoingInspect extension cords for cuts and use a heavy gauge. Store lithium packs partly charged away from freezing.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need to dethatch?

Cut a small plug and measure the spongy brown layer between grass and soil. If it is thicker than about half an inch, dethatching helps; thinner than that, leave it. A machine like the Greenworks 40V kit is overkill for a thin layer.

Do electric dethatchers actually aerate?

Some listings, such as the Greenworks 48V, are labeled dethatcher and aerator, but the blade reel only slices thin grooves in the surface. It does not remove soil cores. For true compaction relief, use a core aerator separately.

Is a cordless dethatcher strong enough?

For small to mid-size lawns, yes, if you have enough battery capacity. Heavy thatch drains packs quickly, so plan on a spare. Corded models such as the WEN 20V Max cordless have no runtime limit.

How long an extension cord can I use?

Use a heavy-gauge outdoor cord, 14 gauge or thicker for long runs, and keep it as short as practical. A thin cord drops voltage and makes the motor stall. Plug the machine into a circuit that is not shared with other heavy loads.

Should I overseed after dethatching?

Yes, and it works best right after scarifying because seed contacts bare soil. Rake up loosened debris with the WEN 20V Max cordless's bag, spread seed and keep the area moist for a few weeks.

Can I dethatch a wet lawn?

Avoid it. Wet soil clumps, bogs the reel and tears roots. Wait until the surface is dry but the soil is still slightly moist, and work in two perpendicular passes at the shallowest depth first.

Bottom line

The short version

Browse more cordless electric dethatcherson Amazon →
James Miller, Lead Machine Editor

About the author

James Miller

Lead Machine Editor, MachineFanatic

James Miller leads MachineFanatic's buying guides, turning spec sheets, manuals and owner feedback into clear verdicts on power tools, outdoor power equipment, shop machines and kitchen machines.

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