I remember the Sunday morning ritual all too well. The pull-cord struggle with my old gas mower, the sputtering engine, the fumes, and the sheer weight of the beast as I wrestled it across my lawn. It felt less like yard maintenance and more like a weekly battle. I was tired of the oil changes, the stale gas issues, and the noise that announced my lawn care chores to the entire neighborhood. This experience is what sends so many of us on a quest for something better—something quieter, lighter, and free from the hassles of combustion engines. The dream is a machine that starts with the push of a button, glides effortlessly across the grass, and tucks away neatly when the job is done. This isn’t just about cutting grass; it’s about reclaiming a part of our weekend from frustrating, heavy-duty labor.
- 13 Amp Motor with 20 inches Deck - Power through tall grass
- 3-in-1 Capacity - Rear Bagging, Mulching and Side Discharge
- Winged Blade - Improved Cutting Performance
What to Consider Before Buying a Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
A Walk-Behind Lawn Mower is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for maintaining a healthy, beautiful lawn, which in turn enhances your home’s curb appeal and creates a more enjoyable outdoor space. The right mower transforms a dreaded chore into a satisfying task. It offers the precision and control needed for smaller, more intricate yards that larger riding mowers can’t handle. The main benefits lie in their simplicity, affordability, and effectiveness for the typical suburban lawn, providing a clean, even cut without the massive footprint or cost of their larger counterparts.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a small to medium-sized yard, typically up to half an acre, who values ease of use and storage. This includes first-time homeowners, seniors looking for a lightweight option, or anyone tired of the maintenance demands of gas-powered equipment. However, a corded electric mower like this might not be suitable for those with very large properties where a cord would be impractical, or for users who have numerous obstacles like trees, sheds, and flower beds that make managing a cord a significant challenge. For those individuals, a cordless battery-powered mower or a gas-powered self-propelled model might be a better investment.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Consider the cutting width, or “deck size.” A 20-inch deck, like the one on this CRAFTSMAN model, is a sweet spot for efficiency in small to medium yards without being too cumbersome to maneuver. Also, think about storage. Models with folding handles that allow for vertical storage are a game-changer for those with limited garage or shed space.
- Capacity/Performance: For corded mowers, motor power is measured in amps. A 13-Amp motor is quite robust and indicates the ability to tackle thicker, taller grass without bogging down. Also, look for “3-in-1” capability, which means the mower can mulch (finely chop clippings and return them to the lawn), bag clippings for disposal, or discharge them from the side.
- Materials & Durability: Mower decks are typically made of either steel or high-impact plastic. Steel is heavier and more durable against impacts but can rust. Plastic decks are much lighter, making the mower easier to push, and are completely rust-proof, but they can be more susceptible to cracking or damage from hitting rocks, as we’ll discuss later.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Electric mowers, by their nature, are incredibly low-maintenance. There’s no gas, oil, or spark plugs to worry about. Key ease-of-use features include single-lever height adjustment, ergonomic handles, and a lightweight design for easy pushing and carrying.
Keeping these factors in mind, the CRAFTSMAN 20-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the CRAFTSMAN 20-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Effortless Power for ½ Acre Yards- Experience gas-like performance without the hassle—35 minutes of continuous runtime from a single 4.0Ah battery (full charge in 2 hours). Perfect for small to...
- POWERED BY A RELIABLE B&S ENGINE: Equipped with a powerful 140cc B&S engine, known for its smooth start-up, consistent performance, and long-term durability—ideal for tough mowing jobs.
- Powerful & Easy-Start Gas Engine: Get going quickly with the reliable 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine on this gas lawn mower. Features a convenient primer button for simplified cold starts, delivering...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Red Powerhouse
When the CRAFTSMAN 20-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower arrived, the first thing we noticed was the manageable size of the box. True to the feedback from many users, the assembly process was astonishingly simple. One user noted it took “15 minutes from unpacking to mowing,” and our experience was even faster. It primarily involves unfolding the handle and locking it into place with a few plastic knobs. No tools, no fuss. Pulling it from the box, the weight—or lack thereof—is the second major surprise. At just under 21 pounds, it feels more like a large toy than a serious piece of yard equipment, a stark contrast to the 60-pound gas mowers we’re used to. The bright red plastic deck is vibrant and gives the mower a modern look. It feels sturdy enough for its intended purpose, though it immediately raises questions about long-term durability against rocks and roots. The controls are simple: a safety button and a bail bar to engage the motor. It presents itself as a straightforward, no-nonsense machine designed for one thing: cutting grass with minimal effort.
What We Like
- Surprisingly powerful 13-Amp motor that chews through tall grass
- Extremely lightweight design makes it effortless to push and maneuver
- Incredibly fast and simple tool-free assembly
- Versatile 3-in-1 functionality (mulch, bag, side discharge)
- Compact vertical storage capability thanks to the folding handle
Drawbacks
- Significant concerns about the durability of plastic wheels and components
- Bail bar/handle can be uncomfortable to hold for extended periods
- Cord management requires constant attention during mowing
Performance Deep Dive: Putting the CRAFTSMAN to the Test
A lightweight build and easy setup are great, but the real measure of a lawn mower is how it performs when the blades meet the grass. We put the CRAFTSMAN 20-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower through its paces on various lawn conditions, from well-maintained turf to overgrown patches, to see if its performance matches its promise. We focused on its raw cutting power, its day-to-day usability and ergonomics, its 3-in-1 versatility, and the critical question of its long-term durability.
Unleashing the 13-Amp Motor: Deceptive Cutting Power
The heart of this machine is its 13-Amp corded motor, and frankly, it’s a beast. We were initially skeptical that such a lightweight, plastic-bodied mower could deliver serious cutting power, but we were proven wrong. On our first pass, we tackled a section of lawn that had been intentionally neglected, with grass reaching 6-8 inches in some spots. The CRAFTSMAN didn’t flinch. The motor spun up to speed instantly, and the winged blade sliced through the tall grass without any noticeable bogging down. This aligns perfectly with user experiences, like one who mowed a lawn untouched since the previous September and found “the power was excellent” and it “cut the grass without bogging down.” The 20-inch cutting deck allows you to cover a respectable amount of ground with each pass, making quick work of small-to-medium yards.
The winged blade design is a key feature here. It creates a powerful updraft that lifts the grass blades just before cutting, resulting in a cleaner, more uniform finish. It also significantly aids in bagging, pulling clippings up and into the collection bag with impressive efficiency. However, to get this level of performance, your power source is critical. As one user wisely pointed out, you must use a heavy-duty extension cord, preferably 12-gauge for lengths up to 100 feet. Using an undersized, old cord will starve the motor of amperage, leading to poor performance and potential overheating. With the proper cord, this mower’s cutting capability rivals that of many entry-level gas mowers, all without the noise and fumes.
Ergonomics and Usability: A Champion of Lightness with a Few Quirks
This is where the CRAFTSMAN 20-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower truly shines, and also where its most notable flaw appears. The sub-21-pound weight is a genuine game-changer. Pushing this mower feels like vacuuming a carpet. It glides effortlessly, and maneuvering around obstacles is a breeze. For seniors, individuals with limited strength, or anyone with a hilly or uneven yard, this single feature can make the difference between a dreaded chore and a manageable task. We found ourselves easily lifting it with one hand using the integrated carry handle to navigate stairs or store it on a high shelf—something unthinkable with a gas mower.
However, the primary point of physical contact—the handle and bail bar system—is a source of frustration for some. The thin metal bail bar that you must hold down to keep the motor running can dig into your hands over the course of mowing a full yard. We noticed this discomfort after about 15 minutes, and multiple users have confirmed this, with one stating it “will dig into your hands” and recommending gloves. Another user went so far as to rig a bungee cord system to hold it down, which we would not recommend for safety reasons. It’s a design oversight in an otherwise user-friendly machine. The other “quirk” is inherent to all corded mowers: the cord itself. You quickly learn the “cord dance”—mowing away from the outlet, flipping the cord out of your path at the end of each row. For a simple, rectangular lawn, it’s a minor inconvenience. For yards filled with trees and garden beds, it can become a tangled nuisance.
Versatility and Convenience: From Mulching to Vertical Storage
The 3-in-1 capability—bagging, mulching, and side-discharging—adds significant value. For most of our testing, we used the rear bagging option. The bag is easy to attach and detach, and as mentioned, the mower does a good job of filling it completely thanks to the blade’s lift. Some users noted the bag “doesn’t catch all the cuttings,” and we did observe a few stray clippings left behind, but it performed reasonably well overall. The side discharge chute is simple to clip on and works effectively, spreading the clippings evenly to the side.
The mulching function, however, revealed a design flaw that one particularly insightful user pointed out. Unlike many competitors, this model does not include a “mulch plug”—a dedicated insert that completely blocks the rear discharge opening to create a sealed chamber for optimal mulching. Instead, you simply close the rear flap. We found that this allows some grass to blow back at your feet and can result in clumps of mulch being dropped, rather than a fine, even distribution. It’s a puzzling omission for a mower that advertises its mulching capability. On a high note, the storage feature is fantastic. The “Easy Fold Handle” system collapses in seconds, allowing the mower to be stored vertically. It takes up a tiny footprint in a garage or shed, leaning against a wall and staying completely out of the way, a major benefit for those with limited space.
Build Quality and Durability: The Plastic Predicament
This is the most polarizing aspect of the CRAFTSMAN 20-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower. The extensive use of plastic keeps the mower incredibly light and affordable, but it comes at the cost of long-term durability. While the main deck felt reasonably solid during our testing, the wheels are a significant and widely reported point of failure. We read numerous accounts of wheels breaking or falling off, sometimes “right out of the box.” One user called the wheel design “WEAK,” while another reported a wheel falling off after just five uses, calling the mower an “abomination of the Craftsman brand.”
While our test unit did not experience a wheel failure, the plastic hubs and simple axle caps do not inspire confidence for long-term use, especially on rough terrain. This seems to be the primary trade-off: you get a powerful, lightweight mower at a great price, but you may be rolling the dice on build quality. Furthermore, there are isolated but concerning reports of the motor smoking or failing prematurely, with one user’s mower lasting less than two years with light use. This is compounded by what they described as a difficult warranty process, casting doubt on the advertised 3-Year Limited Warranty. Potential buyers should be aware that this is not a machine built to last a decade; it’s a high-performance, lightweight tool with a potentially limited lifespan.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our hands-on testing, we delved deeper into user feedback to see how our experience compared to the broader market, and the sentiment is quite consistent. The positive reviews almost universally praise two key aspects: its surprising power and its incredible light weight. One happy customer noted, “You won’t believe how light this thing is until you get it. Cuts great, zero maintenance, great price.” Another first-time mower owner called it a “perfect first experience” due to its easy assembly and use. These comments validate our findings that for pure performance and ease of handling, the mower is a standout.
On the other hand, the negative feedback is just as consistent and focuses squarely on build quality. The most frequent and serious complaint revolves around the wheels. One user stated bluntly, “This mower has WEAK wheel designs,” after one fell off right out of the box. Another documented a wheel breaking mid-mow. Beyond the wheels, the uncomfortable bail bar is a common gripe. The most damning critiques come from users who experienced catastrophic motor failure in under two years, coupled with frustrating customer service experiences, suggesting the product’s longevity is a significant gamble.
Competitors to the CRAFTSMAN 20-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower
While the CRAFTSMAN offers a compelling mix of power and low weight, it’s crucial to see how it stacks up against other options in the lawn care market. Depending on your priorities—be it cordless freedom, specialized lawn treatment, or an all-in-one package—one of these alternatives might be a better fit.
1. LawnMaster CLM2413A 13-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower 24V Max
The LawnMaster CLM2413A represents the primary alternative to a corded mower: a battery-powered, cordless model. Its biggest advantage is complete freedom from the cord, allowing you to mow anywhere without restriction. However, this freedom comes with trade-offs. The 13-inch deck is significantly smaller than the CRAFTSMAN’s 20-inch deck, meaning you’ll need to make many more passes to cover the same area. Its 24V power system is also less potent than the CRAFTSMAN’s 13-Amp corded motor, making it better suited for smaller, well-maintained lawns rather than tackling thick, overgrown patches. This is the ideal choice for someone with a very small yard or multiple disconnected patches of grass where a cord would be impossible to manage.
2. Greenworks DT13B00 14-Inch Corded Dethatcher
It’s important to understand that this Greenworks machine is not a lawn mower. It’s a dethatcher, a specialized tool designed to remove the layer of dead grass and debris (thatch) from your lawn to improve its health. While it shares the corded power source and a similar form factor to the CRAFTSMAN, its function is entirely different. You would use a dethatcher once or twice a year to scarify the lawn, promoting better air, water, and nutrient penetration to the soil. This isn’t an alternative for weekly grass cutting; it’s a complementary tool for the serious lawn care enthusiast who wants to go beyond basic mowing to achieve a truly lush, healthy turf.
3. Greenworks 5-Piece Garden Tool Set with 3 Batteries
This Greenworks set is all about value and building a complete cordless ecosystem. It includes a 20-inch cordless push mower, a string trimmer, a leaf blower, a chainsaw, and a hedge trimmer, all powered by the same 48V (2x24V) battery system. The mower itself is a direct competitor to the CRAFTSMAN in size, but cordless. While it may not have the non-stop power of a 13-Amp corded model, it offers cord-free convenience. The real appeal here is for the new homeowner or someone looking to replace all their yard tools at once. You get a complete, matching set for a single price, which is often more economical than buying each tool separately. This is the best choice for someone who values the convenience of a single battery platform over the specialized, raw power of a single corded tool.
Final Verdict: A Powerful Performer with a Critical Flaw
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the CRAFTSMAN 20-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower is clear: it is a potent, incredibly lightweight, and budget-friendly mower that delivers exceptional cutting performance. Its 13-Amp motor slices through tough grass with an authority that belies its featherlight frame, and its ease of assembly and storage make it a joy to handle. For small to medium-sized yards, it has the power to get the job done quickly and effectively.
However, this performance comes with a significant caveat: questionable durability. The overwhelming user feedback and our own assessment of its all-plastic construction, particularly the flimsy wheel design, make it difficult to recommend for anyone seeking a long-term, buy-it-for-life tool. It’s a mower that excels in the short term but may not withstand the test of time. We recommend it for homeowners who prioritize low weight, raw power, and an affordable price above all else, and are willing to accept the risk of potential component failures down the line. It’s a high-reward, high-risk proposition in the world of lawn care.
If you’ve decided the CRAFTSMAN 20-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower is the right fit for your needs and budget, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API