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

Best Sun Joe Electric Dethatchers (2026)

Sun Joe sells corded and cordless dethatcher scarifiers in several sizes. We compare six by motor, path width, bag size and depth positions.

James MillerBy James MillerLead Machine Editor6 machines comparedSpec-sheet verified
Best Sun Joe Electric Dethatchers

At a glance

Our top picks

Side by side

Spec comparison

MachineTypeMotorPathBagDepth
Sun Joe AJ805E 15 in 13 amp dethatcher, scarifier reelBest OverallSun Joe AJ805E 15 in 13 amp dethatcher, scarifier reelCorded 2-in-113 amp15 inIncludedn/a
Sun Joe AJ808E 15 amp 15 in corded dethatcher scarifierBest Strongest CordedSun Joe AJ808E 15 amp 15 in corded dethatcher scarifierCorded 2-in-115 amp15 in13.2 gallonn/a
Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 cordless dethatcher, 48V pairBest Cordless KitSun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 cordless dethatcher, 48V pairCordless 2-in-1n/a15 inn/a5 positions
Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15-CT cordless scarifier dethatcherBest Brushless CordlessSun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15-CT cordless scarifier dethatcherCordless 2-in-1Brushless15 inn/aScarifier -0.375 to 0.2 in
Sun Joe AJ801E 12 amp corded dethatcher, 8 gal bagBest Compact CordedSun Joe AJ801E 12 amp corded dethatcher, 8 gal bagCorded 2-in-112 amp12.6 in8 gallon5 positions
Sun Joe AJ798E 12 amp corded dethatcher scarifierBest Entry CordedSun Joe AJ798E 12 amp corded dethatcher scarifierCorded 2-in-112 amp12.6 in8 gallon5 positions

This maker has one of the longest lines of electric dethatchers, from compact corded machines to battery models, and the model numbers blur together. The choice comes down to width, power source and bag size.

This guide sorts the lineup by those factors and explains where the cheaper corded models are enough and where the larger or cordless ones earn their cost.

Before you buy

6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Sun Joe Electric Dethatcher

  1. 01

    Bag size and fabric

    Bag capacity decides how often you stop. The Sun Joe AJ808E carries 13.2 gallons and the Sun Joe AJ801E carries 8, and thick thatch fills any bag fast. Plan on emptying a bag several times on a quarter acre. Look for a zipper or latch that you can operate with the machine running.

  2. 02

    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 DTS15-CT is worth comparing against the Sun Joe AJ805E for how it feels to handle. Folding handles and a bag that detaches without tools help.

  3. 03

    Depth adjustment

    Depth control is what prevents scalping. The Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 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.

  4. 04

    Corded or cordless power

    Power source shapes the whole ownership. Corded models like the Sun Joe AJ805E run indefinitely but need a heavy-gauge outdoor cord, ideally 14 gauge or thicker, to avoid voltage drop. Cordless machines trade the cord for runtime, so match battery capacity to lawn size. The Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 is the cordless example here.

  5. 05

    Motor rating and circuit

    Corded motors are rated in amps and cordless ones in volts and battery capacity. The Sun Joe AJ805E lists 13 amp. 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

    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 Sun Joe AJ808E and the Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 both use replaceable tines, so a spare set is cheap insurance. Dull or bent parts tear grass instead of lifting thatch.

Detailed reviews

The 6 best sun joe electric dethatchers, explained

01
Sun Joe AJ805E 15 in 13 amp dethatcher, scarifier reel
15 in path13 amp motorScarifier reel
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Best for: Medium lawns that want a blade reel included.

Sun Joe's AJ805E gives a 13 amp motor, a 15 inch path and a scarifier blade reel with a collection bag. Sun Joe AJ805E 15 breaks down as type corded 2-in-1, motor 13 amp, path 15 in and reel scarifier blade reel included.

13 amp motor, 15 inch path and blade reel included define the appeal. Corded and mid power are the main cautions. Medium lawns that want a blade reel included is the buyer it has in mind. 15 inches of working width is shared with the Sun Joe AJ808E, so look at construction and extras instead.

Around the Sun Joe AJ805E 15 in 13 amp dethatcher, check the cord length and plug type of this Sun against where your outlets are, because a short cord forces an extension. With the Sun Joe AJ805E 15 in 13 amp dethatcher, dethatch with this Sun when the lawn is dry enough not to clump but the soil is not baked hard. Honestly, On the Sun Joe AJ805E 15 in 13 amp dethatcher, use a heavy-gauge outdoor extension cord with this Sun; a thin one drops voltage and heats up under motor load.

What works

  • 13 amp motor
  • 15 inch path
  • Blade reel included
  • Collection bag

Watch out for

  • Corded
  • Mid power

Spec sheet

Type
Corded 2-in-1
Motor
13 amp
Path
15 in
Reel
Scarifier blade reel included
Bag
Included
02
Sun Joe AJ808E 15 amp 15 in corded dethatcher scarifier
15 in path15 amp motor13.2 gal bag
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Best for: Owners who want the strongest corded Sun Joe.

The AJ808E is the 15 amp Sun Joe, cutting a 15 inch path with a 13.2 gallon bag. Sun Joe AJ808E 15 gives type corded 2-in-1, motor 15 amp, path 15 in and bag 13.2 gallon on its product page.

Heavier than 12 amp models and cord management are what you give up. 15 amp motor, 15 inch cutting width and 13.2 gallon removable bag make the case for it. Owners who want the strongest corded Sun Joe is where it fits best. The Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 ties it on working width at 15 inches, which leaves build and features as the real deciding factors.

As a rule, For the Sun Joe AJ808E 15 amp 15 in corded dethatcher scarifier, replace bent tines on this Sun promptly, because a bent tine shreds roots instead of lifting thatch. Owning the Sun Joe AJ808E 15 amp 15 in corded dethatcher scarifier means this: dethatch with this Sun when the lawn is dry enough not to clump but the soil is not baked hard. Given the Sun Joe AJ808E 15 amp 15 in corded dethatcher scarifier, mow short before bringing out this Sun; long grass wraps around the reel and bogs the motor.

What works

  • 15 amp motor
  • 15 inch cutting width
  • 13.2 gallon removable bag
  • Easy cleanup

Watch out for

  • Heavier than 12 amp models
  • Cord management

Spec sheet

Type
Corded 2-in-1
Motor
15 amp
Path
15 in
Bag
13.2 gallon
Use
Larger yards
03
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 means type cordless 2-in-1, power two 24V 4.0 Ah (48V), path 15 in and depth 5 positions, by the numbers.

Owners of other Sun Joe 24V tools is the use it was built around. Runtime is limited and charging time need weighing before you order. Dual 24V batteries make 48V, 15 inch path and five depths carry the pitch. 15 inches of working width is shared with the Sun Joe DTS15-CT, so look at construction and extras instead.

In practice, On the Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 cordless dethatcher, check which battery platform this Sun uses; sharing packs with other tools on the same platform is where the economics work. Worth noting, For the Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 cordless dethatcher, set this Sun to the shallowest depth first, because deep settings drain the battery much faster. Owning the Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 cordless dethatcher means this: 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
04
Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15-CT cordless scarifier dethatcher
15 in path24V brushless5 depths
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Best for: Tool-only buyers with batteries.

The DTS15-CT lists depths of -0.375 to 0.2 inch for scarifying and -0.18 to 0.4 inch for dethatching. Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15-CT cordless breaks down as type cordless 2-in-1, motor brushless, path 15 in and depth scarifier -0.375 to 0.2 in.

Tool-only buyers with batteries is the buyer it has in mind. Batteries not always included and runtime are the trade-offs to accept. Brushless motor, 15 inch path and five depths are the reasons to shortlist it. At 12.6 inches, the Sun Joe AJ801E is the yardstick, and its 15 inches covers more ground per pass.

Around the Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15-CT cordless scarifier dethatcher, store the battery of this Sun indoors at room temperature, never in a hot shed or a freezing garage. Put simply, With the Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15-CT cordless scarifier dethatcher, empty the bag of this Sun before you recharge so the next session starts with a clean machine. For context, On the Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15-CT cordless scarifier dethatcher, look at battery warranty terms for this Sun; the pack is the most expensive part to replace over the years.

What works

  • Brushless motor
  • 15 inch path
  • Five depths
  • Published depth ranges

Watch out for

  • Batteries not always included
  • Runtime

Spec sheet

Type
Cordless 2-in-1
Motor
Brushless
Path
15 in
Depth
Scarifier -0.375 to 0.2 in
Dethatcher
-0.18 to 0.4 in
05
Sun Joe AJ801E 12 amp corded dethatcher, 8 gal bag
12.6 in path12 amp motor8 gal bag
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Best for: Small lawns.

The AJ801E carries a 12 amp motor and an 8 gallon bag over a 12.6 inch path with five depths. Sun Joe AJ801E 12 comes to type corded 2-in-1, motor 12 amp, path 12.6 in and bag 8 gallon, spec for spec.

12 amp motor, 12.6 inch path and five depth positions make the case for it. Small bag fills fast and narrower path need weighing before you order. Small lawns is the use it was built around. 12.6 inches of working width is shared with the Sun Joe AJ798E, so look at construction and extras instead.

Realistically, With the Sun Joe AJ801E 12 amp corded dethatcher, look at the warranty period on this Sun, because the motor and belt are the parts that age first. Beyond that, On the Sun Joe AJ801E 12 amp corded dethatcher, use a heavy-gauge outdoor extension cord with this Sun; a thin one drops voltage and heats up under motor load. Overall, For the Sun Joe AJ801E 12 amp corded dethatcher, dethatch with this Sun when the lawn is dry enough not to clump but the soil is not baked hard.

What works

  • 12 amp motor
  • 12.6 inch path
  • Five depth positions
  • 8 gallon bag

Watch out for

  • Small bag fills fast
  • Narrower path

Spec sheet

Type
Corded 2-in-1
Motor
12 amp
Path
12.6 in
Bag
8 gallon
Depth
5 positions
06
Sun Joe AJ798E 12 amp corded dethatcher scarifier
12.6 in path12 amp motor8 gal bag
Check price on Amazon
Best for: Small, simple lawns.

The AJ798E is a 12 amp, 12.6 inch machine with an 8 gallon bag and five depth positions. Sun Joe AJ798E 12 means type corded 2-in-1, motor 12 amp, path 12.6 in and bag 8 gallon, by the numbers.

Small bag and narrower path are the main cautions. Small, simple lawns is the job it is aimed at. 12 amp motor, 12.6 inch path and five depths are the reasons to shortlist it. At 15 inches, the Sun Joe AJ805E is the yardstick, and its 12.6 inches means more passes to finish the same lawn.

Around the Sun Joe AJ798E 12 amp corded dethatcher scarifier, store this Sun dry with the reels removed if the lawn was wet, and check the drive belt and tines each spring. On balance, With the Sun Joe AJ798E 12 amp corded dethatcher scarifier, wipe off the vents and housing of this Sun after each session so grass dust does not cake into the motor cooling slots. In short, On the Sun Joe AJ798E 12 amp corded dethatcher scarifier, replace bent tines on this Sun promptly, because a bent tine shreds roots instead of lifting thatch.

What works

  • 12 amp motor
  • 12.6 inch path
  • Five depths
  • 8 gallon bag

Watch out for

  • Small bag
  • Narrower path

Spec sheet

Type
Corded 2-in-1
Motor
12 amp
Path
12.6 in
Bag
8 gallon
Depth
5 positions

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 Sun Joe AJ808E and Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15.

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 12.6 to 15 inches.

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 Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15.

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 Sun Joe AJ805E.

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 DTS15-CT against the others.

Methodology

How We Evaluated These Sun Joe Electric Dethatchers

Reel versatility

Machines that include both a tine reel and a blade reel scored higher. The Sun Joe AJ808E 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 Sun Joe AJ805E and the Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 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 DTS15-CT 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 Sun Joe 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
Medium lawns that want a blade reel includedSun Joe AJ805E13 amp motor.
Owners who want the strongest corded Sun JoeSun Joe AJ808E15 amp motor.
Owners of other Sun Joe 24V toolsSun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15Dual 24V batteries make 48V.
Tool-only buyers with batteriesSun Joe DTS15-CTBrushless motor.
Small lawnsSun Joe AJ801E12 amp motor.
Small, simple lawnsSun Joe AJ798E12 amp motor.

Quick read: the Sun Joe AJ805E is the all-rounder in this set, the Sun Joe AJ798E sits at the other end of the ranking, and the rows between them trade 15 amp motor against dual 24V batteries make 48V.

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 groupSun Joe AJ798E12.6 inch path; small bag.
Lower middleSun Joe AJ801E12.6 inch path; small bag fills fast.
Upper middleSun Joe AJ805E15 inch path; corded.
Higher in this groupSun Joe AJ808E15 inch cutting width; heavier than 12 amp models.
Premium in this groupSun Joe DTS15-CT15 inch path; batteries not always included.
Highest in this groupSun Joe 24V-X2-DTS1515 inch path; runtime is limited.

Pricing moves, so treat the order as a snapshot. The cheapest pick here, the Sun Joe AJ798E, and the highest, the Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15, can swap places after a sale.

Corded vs Cordless

Corded machines

Corded dethatchers run without a runtime limit and usually cost less, but you manage a heavy-gauge extension cord and plan your passes around it. In this guide: Sun Joe AJ805E, Sun Joe AJ808E, Sun Joe AJ801E and Sun Joe AJ798E.

Cordless machines

Cordless machines remove the cord and let you roam, but heavy thatch drains packs quickly, so battery capacity and a spare pack decide the experience. In this guide: Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 and Sun Joe DTS15-CT.

Corded suits lawns near an outlet; cordless suits owners who already have the battery platform.

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 thatchSun Joe AJ805E15 in path, 13 amp motor.
Open lawn with moderate to heavy thatchSun Joe AJ808E15 in path, 15 amp motor.
Open lawn with moderate to heavy thatchSun Joe 24V-X2-DTS1515 in path, dual 24V, 4.0 Ah.
Open lawn with moderate to heavy thatchSun Joe DTS15-CT15 in path, 24V brushless.
Small lawn or bed-heavy yard with light thatchSun Joe AJ801E12.6 in path, 12 amp motor.

For Brand Loyalists Specifically

Look for

Match path width to your lawn, check bag size and decide between corded and the dual-battery cordless models.

In this comparison

The Sun Joe AJ805E fits best on the strength of 13 amp motor. The Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 is the alternative when owners of other Sun Joe 24V tools.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

You want what the Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 offers: dual 24V batteries make 48V and 15 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 Sun Joe AJ798E gives you 12 amp motor, with the caveat of small bag.

Ownership

Maintenance schedule

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

TaskIntervalWhy it matters
Inspect tines and bladesEach seasonBent or dull parts tear grass instead of lifting thatch. Replace sets when worn.
Check drive beltEach seasonA glazed or cracked belt slips under load. Replace it before it snaps in the middle of a job.
Empty and shake the bagEach useDamp thatch molds in a closed bag. Let it dry before storing.
Clear the reelAfter each useClippings wrap the tine reel and overheat bearings. Unplug the machine and cut away debris with a stick or pliers.
Store dryOff seasonMoisture rusts carbon steel and corrodes connectors. Remove the bag, wipe down and hang or shelve the unit.

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 Sun Joe AJ808E is overkill for a thin layer.

Do electric dethatchers actually aerate?

Some listings, such as the Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15, 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.

When is the best time to dethatch?

Dethatch when the grass is actively growing, early fall for cool-season grass and late spring for warm-season grass. Soil should be moist but not soaked. Avoid dethatching during drought or dormancy.

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 Sun Joe AJ805E have no runtime limit.

Should I overseed after dethatching?

Yes, and it works best right after scarifying because seed contacts bare soil. Rake up loosened debris with the Sun Joe AJ805E's bag, spread seed and keep the area moist for a few weeks.

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.

Bottom line

The short version

Browse more sun joe 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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