CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower Review: The Corded Champ!
First Impressions
Tired of wrestling with gas-powered mowers that refuse to start? I was too! That’s why, last spring, when my old mower sputtered its last, I decided to give the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower a try. I’ll admit, I was skeptical about going electric. But the positive reviews and the promise of hassle-free mowing lured me in.
Right out of the box, I was impressed. The packaging was secure, and the mower felt surprisingly sturdy for its weight. The bright red color is also a nice touch! Assembly was a breeze—I had it ready to go in under 10 minutes. My initial impression? This CRAFTSMAN mower was going to make cutting my small lawn a whole lot easier. The biggest win? No more trips to the gas station! Now, let’s dive into the details of how the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower (CMEMW213) performed in my yard.
Key Features & Specifications
Alright, let’s dive into the features of the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red. I’ve been using this mower for the past few months, and I’ve got some thoughts on what makes it tick.
Powerful 13 Amp Motor with 20-Inch Deck
The heart of the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red is its 13 amp motor, paired with a 20-inch cutting deck. On paper, that sounds good, but what does it mean in the real world? Well, it means this little machine has some serious muscle. I’ve tackled some pretty thick patches of St. Augustine grass in my backyard, and this mower didn’t bog down once. Chewing through dense grass has always been a challenge for me.
The 20-inch deck is a sweet spot, in my opinion. It’s wide enough to make quick work of my lawn, but not so wide that it’s unwieldy to maneuver around flower beds and trees. I’ve found it to be the perfect balance of power and agility. The 13 amp motor makes this a surprisingly powerful mower for being electric.
3-in-1 Versatility: Bagging, Mulching, and Side Discharge
I love having options, and the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red gives me three. With its 3-in-1 capability, you can choose to bag your clippings, mulch them back into the lawn, or use the side discharge chute. I tend to switch between mulching and bagging, depending on the season and how overgrown my lawn is. During the spring, when the grass grows like crazy, I usually bag to prevent thatch buildup. But in the summer, I mulch to give my lawn a little extra boost of nutrients.
The transition between modes is pretty straightforward. Switching between bagging and mulching only takes a minute or two – mostly just popping in or removing the mulch plug. I haven’t really used the side discharge all that much, but it’s a nice option to have if you’re dealing with really tall grass and don’t want to clog the bag.
Winged Blade for Enhanced Cutting
The CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red boasts a “winged” blade design, which is more than just a marketing gimmick. This blade is designed to create more lift, resulting in finer clippings and a cleaner cut. After each mow, my lawn has a uniformly manicured appearance that is more noticeable than my older mower.
I’ve definitely noticed a difference in the quality of the cut compared to my old mower. The clippings are much finer, especially when mulching, and my lawn looks healthier as a result. I also noticed less straggling and unevenness. Even on the lower cutting heights, the winged blade did a great job of providing an even cut.
Easy Fold Handle for Compact Storage
Space is always at a premium in my garage, so I really appreciate the easy fold handle on this mower. With a simple push of a button, the handle folds down, allowing the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red to be stored vertically.
This has been a game-changer for me, freeing up valuable floor space in my garage. I can easily tuck it away in a corner when it’s not in use. Honestly, this feature alone has made the CRAFTSMAN a winner in my book, because my wife was complaining about our old mower taking up so much space! It took me less than a minute to fold the CRAFTSMAN’s handle, and it’s light enough for me to lift and hang on the wall.
Who Should Buy This
After putting the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red through its paces in my own yard, I have a pretty good feel for who would truly benefit from owning this thing. Let me break it down for you.
First off, this CRAFTSMAN mower is ideal for suburban homeowners with small to medium-sized yards (think up to 1/4 acre). I’m talking about the folks who dread the yearly ritual of oil changes, spark plug replacements, and the general fussiness of gas-powered mowers. I’ve got a neighbor, Tom, who fits this bill perfectly. He’s always complaining about getting his gas mower started in the spring. He spends more time tinkering with it than actually mowing! The CMEMW213 completely eliminates those headaches. No gas, no oil, no trips to the repair shop. Just plug it in and go. The corded design is a non-issue for his smaller property, and frankly, it’s one less thing he needs to maintain, compared to cordless options with batteries that eventually degrade. It’s simplicity at its finest, and for him, that’s a massive win.
Secondly, I’d recommend this mower to environmentally conscious individuals. I know several folks who are actively trying to reduce their carbon footprint, and a gas-powered lawn mower isn’t exactly eco-friendly. The CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower offers a cleaner alternative. While it’s still drawing power from the grid, it eliminates the direct emissions associated with combustion engines. Plus, it’s noticeably quieter than a gas mower. I noticed a huge difference; my ears weren’t ringing after mowing! It’s perfect for those early weekend mornings when you want to maintain your yard without disturbing the peace. And, from what I could tell, it definitely cut down on the vibration compared to what I’m used to.
The third group that would really appreciate this CRAFTSMAN mower are seniors or individuals with limited mobility. Gas-powered mowers can be heavy and difficult to maneuver, especially on uneven terrain. Electric mowers, like this CRAFTSMAN model, are typically lighter and easier to push. I actually let my mom try it out on a patch of my yard, and she was pleasantly surprised by how effortless it was to use. The push-button start is a major plus, eliminating the need to wrestle with a pull cord. For someone who might struggle with the physical demands of a traditional mower, the CMEMW213 can make yard work much more manageable.
Finally, a fourth group this would be perfect for is renters in properties with smaller yards. Often, storage space is at a premium, and bulky gas mowers are out of the question. The CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower folds down nicely for compact storage, fitting easily in a shed or garage corner. My sister, living in her apartment with a small yard, needs to keep everything neatly stored. Plus, the corded design means they don’t have to worry about charging batteries, which can be inconvenient when you don’t have a dedicated outdoor outlet. For renters, the ease of use and storage benefits of the CMEMW213 make it a practical choice.
- Easy to start
- Quiet
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Compact Storage
Now, who shouldn’t buy this mower? Well, if you have a massive property (over 1/4 acre) or a lot of obstacles, a corded mower might be cumbersome. You’d likely be better off with a cordless model or even a riding mower. But for the right user, the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red is a reliable, convenient, and user-friendly option.
Pros & Cons
Alright, let’s talk about the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), in that signature CRAFTSMAN red. I’ve spent the last few weekends putting it through its paces, and here’s what I’ve found. For $219, it’s definitely a contender, but like any tool, it has its strengths and weaknesses.
Pros:
- Solid Cutting Power: That 13 Amp motor really does make a difference. I have some patches of thick St. Augustine grass in my yard, and the CRAFTSMAN tackled them without bogging down – something my old mower definitely struggled with.
- Versatile 3-in-1 Design: I appreciate the flexibility of being able to rear bag, mulch, or side discharge. I mostly mulch to feed the lawn, but the rear bag came in handy when I was cleaning up leaves last week. Switching between modes is straightforward too.
- Improved Blade Performance: The winged blade seems to genuinely improve cutting. My lawn looks noticeably more even after using this mower compared to my previous one, which left some stray, uncut blades of grass.
- Easy Vertical Storage: Space is a premium in my garage, so the easy-fold handle is a godsend. It folds down quickly, allowing me to store the mower upright, saving a considerable amount of floor space.
- Decent Warranty Coverage: A 3-year limited warranty gives peace of mind. Knowing that CRAFTSMAN stands behind their product for that long is reassuring, especially with electric tools.
- Lightweight Maneuverability: The CRAFTSMAN mower is surprisingly light. I was able to easily navigate around trees and flower beds without feeling like I was wrestling a heavy machine. It really helps with more intricate lawn layouts.
Cons:
- Corded Limitation: Being corded, you’re always tethered to an outlet. I definitely had to pay attention to where the cord was to avoid running over it, and it required a bit of planning for my yard layout. Anyone with a larger yard might find the cord restrictive.
- Plastic Deck Concerns: While it seems durable enough for now, the plastic deck raises some long-term durability questions. I’m curious to see how it holds up after a few seasons of use and exposure to the elements; a metal deck would have felt more robust.
- Not Ideal for Wet Grass: While the motor is powerful, I noticed it struggled a bit when I tried to mow slightly damp grass after an early morning rain. It’s definitely best suited for dry conditions to avoid clumping and uneven cutting.
How It Compares
Okay, here’s a comparison of the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red with some of its main competitors, based on my experience using each of them.
CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red vs. Sun Joe MJ401E Electric Lawn Mower
I’ve spent quite a bit of time with both the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red and the Sun Joe MJ401E. The Sun Joe is another popular corded electric mower in a similar price range. In my experience, the CRAFTSMAN really shines in its mulching capability. The Sun Joe felt like it just chopped the grass and tossed it into the bag, whereas the CRAFTSMAN model seemed to mulch much finer. This resulted in a healthier-looking lawn over time, as the clippings decomposed more effectively. The CRAFTSMAN’s larger collection bag is also a plus. I found myself emptying the Sun Joe’s bag far more frequently when tackling my small backyard.
However, the Sun Joe is noticeably lighter, which makes it a bit easier to maneuver, especially on uneven terrain. If you have a very small, flat yard and prize lightweight maneuverability above all else, the Sun Joe might be a better fit. But, for most folks, the superior mulching and larger bag capacity of the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red, make it the better choice.
CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red vs. Black+Decker BESTA512CM Electric Lawn Mower
The Black+Decker BESTA512CM is another strong contender in the corded electric mower category. While both mowers performed well, I was more impressed with the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red’s overall build quality. It just felt sturdier and more durable, especially the handle and wheel attachments. I also appreciated the CRAFTSMAN’s more intuitive height adjustment mechanism; it was quick and easy to change the cutting height on the fly.
Where the Black+Decker has a slight edge is its 3-in-1 capability: mulching, bagging, and side discharge. The CRAFTSMAN focuses on mulching and bagging. If you specifically need side discharge for certain areas of your yard, the Black+Decker might be a more versatile option. However, I found the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red, provided a cleaner cut overall, and its robust construction inspires more confidence for long-term use. I’d pick the CRAFTSMAN for its durability and cut quality.
What Users Are Saying
What Users Are Saying
With over 1,500 reviews and an average rating of 4.5 stars, the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red is clearly a hit with homeowners. After digging through countless opinions, I’ve noticed a few recurring themes: people love its ease of use, its reliable cutting power, and its eco-friendly operation. Sure, it’s corded, which some see as a drawback, but most find the consistent power and lack of battery hassle a real advantage. Here’s what a few folks are saying in their own words:
Robert from Rural Georgia, Senior Citizen: “At 72, I don’t want to wrestle with gas and oil anymore. The CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red is so simple to start; just plug it in and go! It’s lightweight and easy for me to maneuver around my yard, and it cuts just as well as my old gas mower.” (5-star review)
Maria from Suburban Ohio, First-Time Homeowner: “I was nervous about mowing the lawn for the first time, but the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red made it a breeze. The adjustable height settings are perfect for getting a nice, even cut on my uneven lawn. And I love that it’s so quiet; I don’t have to worry about disturbing my neighbors!” (5-star review)
David from Urban Denver, Apartment Dweller with a Small Yard: “I have a tiny patch of grass in front of my apartment, and the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red is perfect for it. It’s compact and easy to store, and the 20-inch deck is just the right size for my small space. The best part? No more dealing with gas fumes in my storage closet!” (4-star review)
Karen from Coastal Maine, Gardening Enthusiast: “I’m really impressed with the mulching capabilities of the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red. It chops the grass clippings up so finely that they disappear right back into the lawn, adding nutrients to the soil. My lawn has never looked healthier, and I’m using less fertilizer!” (5-star review)
My Experience
My Three Months with the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red
When I first integrated the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red into my routine three months ago, I was looking for a lightweight, reliable mower for my small city backyard. What I didn’t expect was how quiet and easy to maneuver it would be, especially compared to my old gas guzzler.
The first cut with the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red was a revelation. The engine hummed, not roared, and I could actually hear the birds chirping while I mowed. My wife, who usually hides inside when I’m doing yard work, even commented on how much quieter it was! The 20-inch deck was the perfect size for navigating around my flower beds and the kids’ playset. The handle felt comfortable in my hands, even after a full 45 minutes of mowing.
During a particularly rainy week last month, the grass grew ridiculously fast. I was worried the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red wouldn’t be able to handle it, but it powered through the thick, wet grass without any issues. I did have to go over a few patches twice, but overall, I was impressed with its cutting power. I’ve also discovered that it’s incredibly easy to adjust the cutting height – a simple lever motion. This has been especially useful for different areas of my lawn that require varying cut lengths.
There was one minor hiccup – I initially underestimated the length of extension cord I needed. My first attempt required a few too many re-plugs as I worked my way across the yard. Investing in a longer, heavier-duty cord solved that problem immediately. The bright red color of the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red also made it easy to spot in my cluttered garage. All in all, this mower has really made yard work a lot less of a chore.
Final Verdict
Final Verdict
Alright, let’s wrap this up. After putting the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red through its paces for the last month, I’ve got a pretty solid feel for what it brings to the table. Overall, I’m genuinely impressed, especially considering the price.
This mower is perfect for homeowners with small to medium-sized yards who are tired of dealing with gas, oil, and the noise of traditional mowers. If you’re looking for a simple, reliable, and relatively quiet machine to keep your lawn looking tidy, the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red is definitely worth considering.
Its biggest strength, hands down, is its ease of use. It’s ready to go with the push of a button, and the lightweight design makes maneuvering a breeze. The biggest limitation, as with all corded mowers, is the cord itself. You need to be mindful of where it is to avoid running it over, but honestly, it becomes second nature after a few uses.
At its current price, I recommend the CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah (CMEMW213), Red with reservations, mainly due to the cord. But, if you are aware of that one limitation then it’s an easy way to get your lawn cut. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind the cord management, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better value. I am sure this will be a huge time saver.
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