I remember those Saturday mornings vividly. The ritual began with a trip to the shed, wrestling a heavy, greasy gas mower out into the daylight. Then came the frustrating dance of priming the engine, checking the oil, and yanking a stubborn pull-cord until my shoulder ached. The roar of the engine would shatter the neighborhood’s peace, and the fumes would leave me smelling like a gas station for hours. It felt like a chore, a noisy, dirty, and often frustrating battle just to achieve a tidy lawn. This constant struggle is what sends countless homeowners, myself included, on a quest for something better—a solution that delivers a beautiful cut without the headaches. We’re searching for power without pollution, convenience without compromise, and a quiet hum instead of a deafening roar. The question is, can a battery-powered mower truly replace the raw power we’ve come to expect from gas?
- More Power - 80V MAX battery system deliver gas-like performance
- Built for Last - all steel deck equipped with brushless motor for years of use
- Run Time - up to 40 minutes of run time per charge, using 80V MAX 6.0AH battery
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 the health and beauty of your personal green space. For many, it represents a significant step away from the costly, noisy, and high-maintenance world of gas-powered equipment. The primary benefit is liberation: from fuel runs, oil changes, spark plug replacements, and the noxious fumes that hang in the air long after the job is done. A quality cordless mower offers a clean, quiet, and powerful alternative that transforms lawn care from a dreaded task into an enjoyable, almost therapeutic activity. It’s about taking back your weekend with a tool that starts instantly and works efficiently, leaving you with more time to actually enjoy your yard.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a small to medium-sized lawn (typically up to half an acre) who values convenience, low maintenance, and a quieter operating experience. This includes new homeowners who are intimidated by gas engines, environmentally conscious individuals seeking to reduce their carbon footprint, and anyone living in a community with noise restrictions. However, a battery-powered push mower might not be the best fit for those with extremely large properties (over an acre) or lawns with very steep, challenging hills. In those cases, a self-propelled model or even a riding mower might be a more practical investment to reduce physical strain.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Consider the cutting width (deck size) and the overall footprint of the mower. A wider deck, like the 21-inch deck on this PowerSmart model, means fewer passes to cover your lawn, saving you time. Also, think about storage. Many modern cordless mowers feature collapsible handles for compact, vertical storage, a huge benefit for those with limited garage or shed space.
- Capacity/Performance: This is where voltage (V) and battery capacity (Ah) come into play. Higher voltage, like 80V, generally translates to more power for tackling thick or overgrown grass. Amp-hours (Ah) dictate runtime. A 4.0Ah or 6.0Ah battery is a great starting point for lawns up to a quarter-acre, ensuring you can finish the job on a single charge. Also, look for brushless motors, which are more efficient, durable, and quieter than their brushed counterparts.
- Materials & Durability: The mower deck is the foundation of the machine. Steel decks are the gold standard for durability and longevity, capable of withstanding bumps and impacts far better than plastic or poly decks. While slightly heavier, a steel deck provides a stable and consistent cut and is a clear indicator of a well-built machine designed to last for years.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The beauty of cordless electric mowers is their simplicity. Look for features like a single-lever height adjustment, which allows you to change the cutting height of all four wheels simultaneously. A simple push-button start is non-negotiable. Long-term care is minimal—just keep the battery charged, the underside of the deck clean, and the blade sharpened annually.
Keeping these factors in mind, the PowerSmart 21″ Brushless Push Lawn Mower stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the PowerSmart 21″ Brushless Push 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:
Our Complete Guide to the Best Cordless Electric Lawn Mowers
- 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 a New Era of Lawn Care
Opening the box for the PowerSmart 21″ Brushless Push Lawn Mower felt like a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. Gone was the familiar scent of machine oil and gasoline. Instead, we were greeted with a neatly packed, modern piece of equipment. Assembly was astonishingly simple. One user, a single mom, noted she “barely had to read the manual,” and our experience mirrored hers precisely. It was a matter of unfolding the handle, tightening two locking levers, and sliding the charged battery into its compartment. The entire process took less than five minutes, a stark contrast to the often-fiddly setup of gas mowers. The first thing we noticed was the build quality. The 21-inch deck is solid steel, giving the mower a reassuring heft and a sense of durability that plastic-bodied competitors lack. At 55 pounds, it feels substantial and planted, not flimsy. The red and black color scheme is sharp and modern, and the overall design is clean and intuitive. It’s clear from the moment you put your hands on it that this isn’t a toy; it’s a serious tool built for performance.
Key Benefits
- Robust 80V power system delivers gas-like cutting performance
- Durable 21-inch all-steel deck built for longevity
- Incredibly simple, tool-free assembly and push-button start
- Versatile 3-in-1 functionality (mulch, bag, discharge)
Potential Drawbacks
- Push-only model may be challenging for very steep hills
- Runtime with the included 4.0Ah battery might be limited for larger yards
Deep Dive: Putting the PowerSmart Mower to the Test
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. The real test of a lawn mower is how it performs out on the turf, faced with the real-world challenges of thick patches, damp morning grass, and the relentless march of the weeds. We put the PowerSmart 21″ Brushless Push Lawn Mower through its paces on a quarter-acre suburban lawn with a mix of sun-drenched fescue and shady, thicker St. Augustine grass. Here’s our in-depth breakdown of its performance.
The Heart of the Machine: 80V Power and Brushless Efficiency
The headline feature here is the 80V MAX battery system, and let me be clear: it is a game-changer. This is where battery mowers finally shed the reputation of being weak or underpowered. Firing it up is a quiet affair—a simple press of a button and pull of the safety bar, and the brushless motor whirs to life. There’s no smoke, no violent shaking, just a confident, low hum. We immediately targeted the thickest part of the lawn, an area that often bogs down lesser mowers. The PowerSmart didn’t hesitate. The brushless motor intelligently adjusts its power output, spinning the blade faster to chew through the dense patches without stalling. The power feels consistent and unrelenting, closely mimicking the experience of a small gas engine.
We were able to test this on grass that, like one user reported, had gotten “quite long” after a week of rain. The 21-inch steel blade created a powerful vortex under the deck, lifting the grass blades for a clean, even cut. We never once felt the need to make a second pass over an area. This level of power is what gives you the confidence to switch from gas. It’s not just about being able to cut perfect, dry grass; it’s about having the muscle to handle the lawn when it’s less than perfect. The efficiency of the brushless motor is the other half of the story. By eliminating friction-inducing brushes, the motor transfers more power directly from the battery to the cutting blade, maximizing both performance and runtime while also promising a much longer, maintenance-free lifespan for the motor itself.
Built to Last: The 21-Inch Steel Deck and Overall Design
In the world of walk-behind mowers, the deck is the chassis. It dictates durability, stability, and cutting quality. The decision by PowerSmart to use a robust, all-steel deck is a major selling point. As we maneuvered the mower around flower beds and over uneven patches of ground, the 55-pound weight and solid deck kept it firmly planted. There was no rattling or flexing that you often get with plastic decks, which can lead to an uneven cut. This solid foundation ensures the blade maintains a consistent height, resulting in a beautifully uniform finish across the entire lawn.
The ergonomics are also well-thought-out. The handle is comfortable to grip, and the single-lever height adjustment is brilliantly simple. With one hand, we could cycle through the five cutting positions, ranging from a low 1.6 inches to a high 4 inches, allowing for quick adaptation to different parts of the lawn or changing seasons. Maneuverability is excellent for a push mower. The large rear wheels help it glide over bumps and dips in the terrain smoothly. While it lacks a self-propel feature, we found it remarkably easy to push on level ground and slight inclines, a sentiment echoed by users who call it “easy to push and fast.” For a standard suburban lot, the absence of a complex and heavy self-propel system is actually a benefit, making the mower lighter, simpler, and more reliable.
True Versatility: 3-in-1 Functionality and Battery Performance
A great mower should adapt to your lawn’s needs, and the PowerSmart 21″ Brushless Push Lawn Mower excels with its 3-in-1 system. We tested all three modes. The mulching function was superb; the included mulch plug was easy to install, and the mower finely chopped clippings, returning valuable nutrients to the soil with no visible clumps left behind. For bagging, the large grass collection bag attached and detached effortlessly, and its design promoted excellent airflow, ensuring it filled up completely before needing to be emptied. Finally, the side discharge option worked as expected, cleanly ejecting grass in situations where bagging or mulching isn’t ideal, like tackling severely overgrown areas.
Now, let’s talk about the battery. The product comes with an 80V 4.0Ah battery and a rapid charger. In our testing on a moderately thick, dry lawn, we achieved approximately 35 minutes of continuous runtime, enough to comfortably mow a quarter-acre lot with power to spare. It’s important to note the manufacturer’s claim of “up to 40 minutes” is based on a larger 6.0Ah battery, but the included 4.0Ah battery is still very capable. One user’s claim of a 2-hour runtime is exceptionally optimistic and likely involves ideal, light-duty conditions or the use of multiple batteries. What we can confirm, however, is the “fast charging” aspect. The included rapid charger brought our depleted 4.0Ah battery back to 100% in just under an hour, which is fantastic. This means if you do have a larger yard, you can take a short break while the battery recharges and get back to work quickly. For those who want the convenience of battery power without the worry of runtime, investing in a second battery could be a worthwhile upgrade.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user feedback strongly aligns with our own testing experience, highlighting a widespread appreciation for the mower’s power and simplicity. One enthusiastic owner declared it “Better than a gas mower!” and praised its impressive battery life and fast charging. This user also pointed out a significant but often overlooked benefit: health. They noted, “Since I switched to a battery mower, cutting grass has not affected my allergies or sinuses,” a powerful testament to the clean, emission-free operation.
Another review, from a self-described single mom, underscores the mower’s accessibility and user-friendly design. She found yard work “intimidating” but reported that the PowerSmart 21″ Brushless Push Lawn Mower was “super easy to put together and operate,” making the task “kind of fun.” This feedback is crucial because it shows the product successfully breaks down barriers for those who may not be comfortable with traditional, complex lawn equipment. The overwhelming sentiment is that this mower delivers on its promise of powerful, hassle-free lawn care.
How Does the PowerSmart Mower Compare to the Alternatives?
While the PowerSmart 80V mower is a formidable machine, the cordless outdoor equipment market is full of strong contenders. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular alternatives, each catering to slightly different needs.
1. Greenworks 48V 20″ Brushless Mower + String Trimmer + Blower Kit
- Powerful Mower: This Greenworks combo kit features a mower with dual 24-Volt batteries, a 20-inch steel deck, and a push hand design. The 3-in-1 system allows for mulching, rear bagging, and side...
- Efficient String Trimmer: The kit includes a string trimmer with a 12-inch cutting path, equipped with a brushed motor. It uses a 0.065" cutting line and features an auto-feed system for convenience....
- High-Performance Blower: The blower in this combo kit has a brushed motor, capable of delivering 320 CFM airflow and speeds up to 90 MPH. It offers up to 20 minutes of runtime and is ultra-lightweight...
The Greenworks kit represents incredible value for someone looking to build out a complete cordless yard care system. For a comparable price, you not only get a capable 20-inch mower but also a string trimmer and a leaf blower that all run on the same 48V (2x24V) battery platform. The tradeoff is in raw power and deck size. The PowerSmart’s 80V system and 21-inch steel deck offer superior cutting muscle for tougher grass. However, if your lawn is smaller and you need all three tools, the Greenworks bundle is an incredibly compelling all-in-one solution.
2. LawnMaster CLMF4819A 19-inch Brushless Cordless Mower
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Tackle your yard with 3,400 RPM of power and no gas or oil to maintain
- CORDLESS FREEDOM: Powered by a 2 X 24V MAX* 4.0Ah lithium-ion batteries for up to 40 minutes of runtime while bag collects 15-gallons of grass clippings
- iPOWER TECHNOLOGY DISPLAY: Save energy and gain efficiencies while mowing your lawn with this intelligent and automatic power management system. Display indicates the cutting mode and battery level.
The LawnMaster is a direct competitor that focuses on a more compact and lightweight design. With its 19-inch deck and 48V power system, it’s geared towards smaller yards, townhome lots, or users who prioritize the absolute lightest weight and easiest maneuverability. While it won’t match the sheer power or the wide cutting path of the 21-inch, 80V PowerSmart, it’s an excellent choice for those with less demanding lawns or limited storage space. Think of it as a nimble and efficient option for maintaining smaller green spaces.
3. LawnMaster 16″ 13 Amp Dethatcher and Scarifier
- 2-IN-1 FUNCTION: Dethatch your lawn to remove thick thatch and allow your lawn to get more nutrients and sunlight. Scarify to cut grooves that improve water and air movement through the soil
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: The 13 Amp motor, gets up to 3700RPM. This gives adequate power to dethatch or scarify some of the toughest lawns
- 16” WIDE PATH: Equipped with 16“ dethatcher/scarifier attachments to tackle the job faster
This LawnMaster product is not a mower, but rather a specialized lawn health tool. A dethatcher (or scarifier) is designed to remove the layer of dead grass and roots (thatch) that builds up over time, which can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the soil. This is not an alternative for cutting grass, but a complementary tool for the serious lawn care enthusiast. Someone might choose this *in addition* to a mower like the PowerSmart to achieve a truly professional-grade, healthy lawn. It’s for the user who wants to go beyond simple mowing and actively improve their turf’s vitality.
Our Final Verdict: Is the PowerSmart 21″ Brushless Push Lawn Mower Worth It?
After extensive testing and analysis, our answer is a resounding yes. The PowerSmart 21″ Brushless Push Lawn Mower is a superb machine that confidently bridges the gap between gas power and electric convenience. Its 80V brushless system delivers the raw cutting force needed for thick, demanding lawns, while the all-steel deck provides the durability to last for years. It strips away all the negatives of gas-powered mowing—the noise, the fumes, the maintenance, the pull-cords—and replaces them with the simple, clean, and quiet efficiency of a push-button start.
We recommend it wholeheartedly to any homeowner with a lawn up to half an acre who is ready to ditch their gas guzzler. It’s particularly perfect for those who value simplicity and robust performance without the need for a self-propelled system. It proves that you no longer have to compromise on power to enjoy the benefits of battery technology. This is a real, capable mower that makes lawn care a genuinely enjoyable task.
If you’ve decided the PowerSmart 21″ Brushless Push Lawn Mower is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API