Sun Joe Dethatcher Review: My Honest Take

I live just outside of Columbus, Ohio. In spring, my yard fills with thick grass, hidden thatch, and moss that just won’t go away. Two years ago, I got tired of my lawn looking thin and patchy—even though I watered and fed it all the time. I needed a tool that could help bring it back to life, but I didn’t want to rip up the soil.

That’s when I found the Sun Joe Dethatcher. I wasn’t sure what to think at first. Now, two seasons later, I can say this: I wish I had tried it sooner.

Since I started using the Sun Joe, my grass is thicker, greener, and more even than ever. In this review, I’ll share what the tool does, how it worked for me, and a few things that caught me off guard.

If you’re on the fence—especially with a yard like mine in the Midwest—keep reading.

Quick Look: Sun Joe Dethatcher

• Name: Sun Joe AJ801E Electric Dethatcher and Scarifier
• Type: Corded electric dethatcher with scarifier setting
• Best For: Small to mid-sized yards with thick thatch or moss
• Price: Around $130 to $180 (varies by store and season)

This tool is great if your lawn gets thick in spring—like many in the Midwest or Northeast. It runs on power, not gas. So there’s no oil, no fuel, and no mess. Just plug it in and start.

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Why I Picked It

When I first looked for a dethatcher, I didn’t know what made one better than the next. But a few things about the Sun Joe stood out and made the choice clear.

Easy Depth Settings

The depth knob was a big help. I didn’t want to rip up the grass—just lift the thatch. With five levels, I could pick how deep it went. This helped a lot in spring when the soil is still soft in Ohio.

Comes With a Scarifier

Most tools like this just pull up dead grass. This one also comes with a scarifier. That helps roots grow and lets air get into the soil. It felt like getting two tools in one.

Light but Tough

It weighs about 27 pounds. That’s solid, but not too heavy. I could steer it with one hand if I had to. That made a big difference in my sloped backyard.

Folds for Storage

The handle folds down fast. That saved me space in the garage. If you have a small shed or storage area, this is a real plus.

No Gas Needed

I’ve had bad luck with gas engines in cold Ohio months. This tool runs on power only. No oil, no gas, no fuss. Just plug it in and go.

What Could Be Better

I like the Sun Joe Dethatcher, but it’s not perfect. A few things surprised me the first time I used it.

You’ll Need a Long Cord

This tool plugs in, so you need a long outdoor cord. I had to buy a 100-foot one to reach my whole yard. It worked, but the cord got in the way. If you’ve never used one, it takes time to get used to.

Pretty Loud for Electric

It’s quieter than gas tools, but still loud. I wear earplugs just to be safe. If your neighbors live close, use it during the day—not early in the morning.

Small Grass Bag

It has a bag to catch thatch, but it fills up fast. I had to stop and empty it a lot. In the end, I took the bag off and raked. Not a big problem, but it adds time.

Struggles on Bumpy Lawns

My yard isn’t flat. On bumps and dips, the tool didn’t work as well. I had to go over a few spots twice. If your lawn is rough, expect to do a bit more work.

My Personal Gardening Experience

The first time I used the Sun Joe Dethatcher was on a cool April morning. My lawn looked fine from far away—but up close, it was full of thick, matted grass and moss. I set the depth to the second-lowest level and made one slow pass. What came up shocked me. The bag filled fast, and I saw way more dead grass than I thought. That’s when I knew I should have done this years ago.

Another time, I used it after a heavy spring rain. The ground was soft, but the dethatcher didn’t rip things up. It gently pulled the thatch without harming the healthy grass. I liked that I could set the depth low and keep things light. I worked in small sections and stopped to empty the bag. That gave me time to enjoy being outside.

Last fall, I tried the scarifier setting to get ready for overseeding. I wasn’t sure what would happen, but it worked well. It made small cuts in the soil to help new seeds stay in place. It felt good to do something real for my lawn—without hiring a pro. After two weeks, I saw fresh grass in spots that had been bare for years.

If you live in Ohio—or anywhere with thick spring growth and patchy grass—you’ll likely see the same results I did. It’s not magic, but it works if you take your time and do it right.

Who Should Buy This?

If you have a yard in the Midwest or Northeast—where spring brings thick thatch, moss, and wet ground—this dethatcher could help a lot. It’s great if your grass is patchy and you want to fix it without tearing up the lawn.

This tool is a smart pick for:

• First-time homeowners who want a nice lawn but don’t want gas tools
  
• Weekend DIYers who like to care for their yard on their own
  
• People with small to mid-sized yards (about ¼ to ½ acre) who deal with moss or thick thatch each year
  
• Anyone in cooler, wet states like Ohio, Michigan, or Pennsylvania—where spring grass gets packed down
  
• Folks who like plug-in tools that are easy to use and store
  

It might not be for:

• People with big yards—unless you don’t mind stopping often to empty the bag
  
• Those with rough or bumpy lawns, since this tool works best on flat ground
  
• Anyone without a long extension cord (you’ll need at least 100 feet)
  
• Folks who want fast, pro-level results—you still need to go slow and steady
  

If you want a greener, thicker lawn and a tool that’s easy to run, this one is a good choice. It’s not for heavy-duty work, but for most homeowners dealing with spring lawn problems, it gets the job done—without gas or hassle.

Alternative Option to Sun Joe Dethatcher

Before I picked the Sun Joe, I tried a few other dethatchers. One that stood out was the Greenworks 13 Amp Dethatcher/Scarifier. It gave me a lot to think about.

If you’re stuck between the two, here’s a quick side-by-side:

Sun Joe vs Greenworks Dethatcher

Feature	Sun Joe AJ801E	Greenworks 13 Amp (DT13B00)
Power	12 Amp – good for small to mid yards	13 Amp – a bit stronger, better for moss
Cutting Width	13 inches – fine for tight spaces	14 inches – covers more ground per pass
Blade System	Has dethatcher and scarifier	Comes with both blades, easy to switch
Depth Setting	5-step knob – easy to use	Lever – quick and tool-free
Bag	Yes, but fills fast	No bag – you’ll need to rake
Weight	~27 lbs – light and easy to push	~28 lbs – feels a bit sturdier
Cord Handling	Basic – long cord needed	Same – watch out for tangles
Handle Feel	Standard grip	Padded grip – more comfy
Best Use	Light thatch, patchy spots, seeding	Thick moss, deeper cleaning
Storage	Folds small – fits tight spaces	Bulky – takes more room
Noise	Louder than you’d think	Quieter – better for early work

My Take After Trying Both

I used the Greenworks dethatcher at a friend’s place in Washington State. His yard was full of moss—and this tool pulled it up with ease. It felt smooth and quiet. But with no bag, cleanup took longer.

Back in Ohio, I stick with the Sun Joe. The small bag helps with quick jobs, and it works great on my flat lawn. If your yard is rough or mossy, go with Greenworks. But if you want a tool that’s simple and helps with cleanup, Sun Joe is a strong pick.

Final Thoughts

If your yard has thick thatch or moss in spring, the Sun Joe Dethatcher is a smart tool to try. It’s simple to use, kind to your lawn, and gets real results. Best of all, there’s no gas, no mess, and no need for pro tools.

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