Alex is not a lawn care natural. He had to learn things the hard way. But after stumbling through his first few seasons of lawn care, he learned a lot. Mostly - what not to do.
Alex has become one of the country's advocates of battery-powered lawn tools, quoted in the Washington Post among other highly visible publications. Alex started The Lawn Review with his friend Tyler - who you may see in some of the videos on this website - to help normal people like you understand how to take care of their lawn themselves with the best tools possible.
Alex has thousands of hours of experience using hundreds of different lawn tools and has found exactly what to look for in each type of tool. He speaks with deep experience not only about the boring technical specifications, but what the tool actually feels like when you are using it, what to look for before you make a purchase, and how the lawn tool measures up when you factor in price.
Ryobi RY40190 cordless electric lawn mower: Benefits
Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s check out the things that make this Ryobi cordless mower special.
The bag is a nice plus!
Brushless Ryobi Motor makes it super durable and efficient
The Brushless Ryobi Motor is going to allow for a few things. First, the brushless motor is going to cause less friction and heat inside of the engine. Instead of relying on friction to transfer electrons from the battery to the motor, brushless motors use magnets.
Less friction and less heat in this Ryobi 40V mower mean that the motor will last you much longer than other electric mowers. Brushless motors are also quieter – often included in Ryobi’s “Whisper” series.
Ryobi 40V battery fits a ton of other tools
The 40V Battery on the Ryobi RY40190 cordless 20 inch mower can be used with a TON of other Ryobi products.
Works on your trimmer, too!
I also own a Ryobi 40V blower as well as a their 3-in-1 trimmer and edger. I can pop the battery onto each of these tools. Heck yeah. This saves a ton of time and most importantly – precious wall outlet space in your garage.
The battery is great and can generally last for about 45 minutes or so – but may decrease when the self-propelled function is active. I have a smaller yard so can quickly mow, blow and trim in under 45 minutes. If I add on something like the occasional edging, then it usually requires a recharge.
Ryobi 20 in 40v Mower’s Self-propelled function
I know I have been on the record as a big critic of the self-propelled function. I don’t like it mainly because it can drain the battery more quickly than without and because I don’t mind pushing.
But not everyone shares this feeling. Definitely more elderly folks, people with larger yards, and smaller-framed people can benefit from a self-propelled function. It can tremendously offload a portion of the pushing.
Self-propelled mowers are also great for those of us with hills, a slanted yard, or lots of small holes or divots.
Also stores upright!
The self-propelled function on the Ryobi 20 inch 40 Volt brushless mower is front-wheel drive, pulling the mower over grass and uneven textures.
One complaint: The plastic deck
The only real complaint I have with this mower is that it has a plastic underbelly. Most heavy duty mowers have a metal deck that protects from extreme temperatures, rocks and sticks that could fly into the blades, and deterioration.
Didn’t even make the newer version metal.
I generally recommend looking for a mower that has a metal deck. These plastic decks are not going to snap in half or anything, I just always like knowing that the steel decks are more durable.
Ryobi 20 in. 40V mower cost and value
The price has a huge range from what I can tell on Amazon.
Anywhere from $450 to $600 seems like a decent deal – just verify that you are getting the tool only version if you already have the battery, and the battery + charger if you don’t.
Nice little height adjuster.
This price range is about average. I do think the Ryobi series makes some good products and I doubt you will have any regrets – we didn’t!
The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site.
As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.
What to look for in an electric lawn mower
When looking to purchase an electric lawn mower, you need to make sure you understand what things matter. You will get hit with a lot of technical specifications and marketing tactics. Totally forget them and focus on the things that impact you. Below are my recommendations:
Brand quality
Quality is going to be super important here. Everyone is in the electric mower game these days and there are a ton of junky mowers out there. Avoid anything from a weird brand on Amazon that takes 9 years to ship. It is probably being 3D printed in a Laotian bathroom. Go for brands that have consistent quality and focus on the details, not just flashy colors.
Metal where it matters.
Most electric mowers are plastic-y. Probably to reduce the weight of the mower so that the battery can get you further, but it feels cheap. Make sure to get metal where it matters – namely the deck. The deck is the part that covers the blades. Don’t get plastic here – a rock can rip through it.
Battery interoperability.
A ten dollar word used here, but really just make sure to buy a mower with a battery that is compatible with other electric tools. Ryobi has this, so does Dewalt, and so do some of the Greenworks products. This will save you garage clutter and plug space.
Self-propelled or not.
I actually don’t like the self-propelled feature as much as others.. It doesn’t help you that much and it can drain the battery some. Older people and those with hills seem to love them, though.
Cordless Kobalt Lawn Mowers are super popular – especially at Lowe’s.
But let’s be honest. They have way too many models – which can be extremely confusing.
Lucky for you, I actually sat and tried to figure out the differences between each one and what it means for you. Then I wrote down my five favorite and listed them below.
Yes, this took about 19 hours to do. But it’s worth it (I tell myself). Because I wish someone would have done this for me.
So let’s get to it:
5 Best Cordless Kobalt Lawn Mowers
Here we go: these are meticulously ranked mowers that hit on all of the best things to look for in an electric mower (see above).
5. Kobalt 40V Max Brushless 19-inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
The Kobalt 40V Max Brushless 19-inch cordless electric mower is perfect for small yards. Actually may be one of the better mowers for small yards. This is a mower that will last you for a long time, is extremely efficient, and easy to store.
Its not the size of the boat, its the motion of the ocean.
Here is what I like:
Brushless mower: Brushless mowers last much longer, are more durable, and much more efficient.
Can run for 30 minutes on a single 40V charge, which can cover ¼ acre.
A metal deck! This is so important but an absolute must for a mower
Seven different positions for cutting the grass.
A 5 year warranty.
A decent price (Can get the tool only for under $250).
Here is what I don’t like:
Not much to dislike about this mower unless you have a larger yard.
Not many buying options outside of Lowe’s.
All-around, this is one of the best mowers I have seen for a small yard. In fact, it has almost everything I would look for. My only gripe is that there aren’t a ton of places to buy this. If you are a Lowe’s loyalist or already have the Kobalt 40V battery – then this is a perfect purchase if you have a smaller yard.
This one is for sale at Lowe’s but I couldn’t find a better price anywhere else.
4. Kobalt 24-Volt Brushless 20-inch cordless electric lawn mower
The Kobalt 24-Volt Brushless 20-inch cordless lawn mower has 2 24V batteries, which really make it a 48V beast. This mower runs for 60 minutes on a single charge, has a slightly wider steel deck, and also comes with a little self-propelled function (not bad!).
Folds like a dang lawn chair
I ranked this one slightly higher for a few reasons:
Self-propelled is a nice plus if you use it
20 inch deck means it gets the job done quicker and is more versatile
Brushless – which is our favorite, longest-lasting, and most durable motor type for electric mowers
One-handed folding handle for great storage capabilities
Things that concern me:
The 24V batteries from Kobalt are not as common for their lawn tools
This mower is great! I don’t have hardly any complaints with it and it has just about everything you would want in a smaller-to-medium sized yard.
I do get nervous about the 24V batteries because this is one of the only mowers Kobalt offers that battery voltage. If you already have these batteries, then this is a great mower. If not, I’d probably try to find one in their 40V series.
This is also a decently high price for a mower of this size, but its also really high quality. My suggestion here is that you get what you pay for!
The 24-volt brushless mower from Kobalt is only for sale at Lowe’s as far as I can tell.
3. Kobalt Gen4 40V 20 inch self-propelled cordless electric lawn mower
The Kobalt Gen4 40V 20 inch cordless electric lawn mower is sweet. While it isn’t a part of the 40V MAX series, it still uses some of the legacy 40V batteries. If you have had a Kobalt tool in the past with a 40V battery, you are still good to use this mower.
Still looks cool to me!
Here are some of my favorite things:
20 inch deck is great for small to medium yards
3-in-1 mulching and bagging system gives you versatility (we prefer letting the grass clippings fall onto the grass and not the bag)
A brushless motor just like the rest of the cordless mowers from Kobalt
Self-propelled if you’re into that
A great price
Here are some things I don’t love:
Not a part of the 40V MAX series
Basically, this is one of the highest value mowers in the Kobalt series. Huge fans over here.
2. Kobalt 40V MAX Brushless 20-inch cordless electric lawn mower
A slightly newer, sexier version of the Gen4 model, the Kobalt 40V MAX Brushless 20-inch cordless electric mower is my personal top choice. This is exactly what I would look for in an electric mower, but taken to the MAX.
The newer, cooler version of the 40V mower.
Seriously, most people like self-propelled mowers so I am the weird one, but this one has all the things that fit my checklist. You may like self-propelled, but I think it drains too much battery and don’t mind pushing (I’m jacked).
The things I look for in an electric mower that this mower has:
The Steel Deck: durable, going to last you a long time
The 40V battery: this 40V MAX battery can be used with the huge line of Kobalt 40V MAX batteries
No self-propelled function: longer lasting battery
A high quality brand
Oh, and an insane price. Lowe’s is practically giving this thing away.
This puppy can mow up to ½ an acre. With a self-propelled function, it would probably get cut in half.
It also comes with a powerful 5 Ah battery and all the other bells and whistles that customize this mower to your grass style.
1. Kobalt 80V 21 inch Brushless mower 6 Ah and 5 Ah (Tool only and regular)
The Mac-daddy Kobalt 80V 21 inch brushless mower is the king of them all. By far the biggest and baddest, it has all the bells and whistles.
The last thing you see before I steal your girl.
The Kobalt 80V 21 inch brushless mower series comes in both a 6 Ah and 5 Ah power battery set – which is why it looks like there are 10 of the same mower on any of the websites. They also come in tool-only or regular. Tool only is the version without the battery, assuming you already own them – this is a much better price.
If you are looking for serious power, the 6 Ah set is going to take you the furthest.
Here’s what I love about the 80V series and why I ranked it number one:
The 80V batteries give you an hour of run-time
The 21 inch deck is the largest in class and also the standard for most gas mowers, so it can easily replace your gas mower
Self propelled with speed control. Whew. That is serious business
It can adjust its motor depending on grass conditions, great for those with mixed-grass yards (heathens)
A little dashboard on the handle that shows you remaining battery life
A dang 5 year warranty.
The Kobalt 80V MAX brushless self-propelled mower is quite literally a beast.
Despite the 80V series being ranked #1, I actually like the #2 choice – the Kobalt 40V MAX 20 inch mower. It is just as durable, covers almost as much ground, is less expensive, and is a part of the 40V MAX series, which is what most of the new Kobalt products are working with.
Grab it at Lowe’s or Amazon – however I think Lowe’s currently has a lower price!
*We do not have an affiliate program with Lowe’s
Why we review lawn tools
The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site.
How we spend our time now.
As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.
What to look for in an electric lawn mower
When looking to purchase an electric lawn mower, you need to make sure you understand what things matter. You will get hit with a lot of technical specifications and marketing tactics. Totally forget them and focus on the things that impact you. Below are my recommendations:
Brand quality
Quality is going to be super important here. Everyone is in the electric mower game these days and there are a ton of junky mowers out there. Avoid anything from a weird brand on Amazon that takes 9 years to ship. It is probably being 3D printed in a Laotian bathroom. Go for brands that have consistent quality and focus on the details, not just flashy colors.
Metal where it matters.
Most electric mowers are plastic-y. Probably to reduce the weight of the mower so that the battery can get you further, but it feels cheap. Make sure to get metal where it matters – namely the deck. The deck is the part that covers the blades. Don’t get plastic here – a rock can rip through it.
Battery interoperability.
A ten dollar word used here, but really just make sure to buy a mower with a battery that is compatible with other electric tools. Ryobi has this, so does Dewalt, and so do some of the Greenworks products. This will save you garage clutter and plug space.
Self-propelled or not.
I actually don’t like the self-propelled feature. It doesn’t help you that much and it drains battery – I would pass here. This is a marketing gimmick in my opinion.
Electric lawn mowers are new to the residential lawn care scene and have a lot of buzz. I think electric mowers in many cases are the better option for homeowners than gas mowers – and I have used and tested DOZENS.
But they also cast a lot of doubt. No way they can be as strong as gas mowers? Or do as good of a job?
Well….let’s sort this out once and for all. Here is your definitive guide to purchasing an electric mower.
When looking to purchase an electric lawn mower, you need to make sure you understand what things matter. You will get hit with a lot of technical specifications and marketing tactics. Totally forget them and focus on the things that impact you. Below are my recommendations:
Best electric mower brands
Quality is going to be super important here. Everyone is in the electric mower game these days and there are a ton of junky mowers out there. Avoid anything from a weird brand on Amazon that takes 9 years to ship. It is probably being 3D printed in a Laotian bathroom. Go for brands that have consistent quality and focus on the details, not just flashy colors.
One of our favorites from Ryobi (yes, we took this picture)!
Here are some of my favorite brands:
Greenworks: Greenworks electric mowers have awesome quality. While they aren’t as popular as some of the other brands, they have some of the absolute highest quality and power of ANY lawn tool company – gas or electric. We compiled a list of the best Greenworks mowers for you.
Ryobi: Ryobi electric mowers are also great. While they tend to be “lighter duty”, they are often inexpensive and have batteries that can be used with over 1,000 other Ryobi tools – which is a huge win for storage and wall space. We put together the 7 best Ryobi mowers here.
EGO: Another relatively new entrant to the market, EGO has blown up. They are super popular at Lowe’s and thus super popular in half of your neighbors’ garages. We have a YouTube review of the EGO 56V mower that you can check out here.
Get a metal cutting deck on your electric mower
Most electric mowers are plastic-y. Probably to reduce the weight of the mower so that the battery can get you further, but it can also feel fragile.
We at The Lawn Review always recommend a metal deck when possible. Decks are the area that cover the blades where the engine sits. Having a metal deck allows for protection against flying rocks, sticks, and other things that could rip up your mower if they get caught under there.
Greenworks 80V has an awesome metal deck.
While we recommend a metal deck, this may not always be possible for those with smaller mowers. If you have a tiny yard and a small electric mower with a plastic deck, just be sure to clear out your yard before you get started.
Batteries are critical on electric mowers
A ten dollar word used here, but really just make sure to buy a mower with a battery that is compatible with other electric tools. Ryobi has this, so does Dewalt, and so do some of the Greenworks products. This will save you garage clutter and plug space.
One thing I love about my Ryobi blower is that I can quickly pop off their 40V mower and put it on my trimmer and my edger. This saves me a lot of time and only takes up one plug on the wall.
Dealt has an extensive 20V line.
Worst case scenario: you have 4 different tools with 4 different batteries. Where do you charge them all? Where do you store them all? This requires some sort of stand and then an extension cord and a whole mess. Just simplify your life.
Stick with one brand and one battery type and move across the product line.
Self-propelled electric mowers use batteries faster
I used to be a major hater of the self-propelled function. But that was plainly ignorant.
While I still don’t personally love or have a need for a self-propelled mower, there are plenty of people that do. For example, elderly folks, those with arthritis, and those with hilly or slanted yards can majorly benefit from this.
You are going to drain battery at a faster rate. Think about it – the mower is doing the walking! Not you! So it is going to burn through some juice in the battery. If you can help it move along, you can add a few minutes on, but overall you will lose a good chunk (30-40%) of battery by having this feature going. Sadly, this may result in having to stop to charge the batteries. Yikes!
You will pay more for self-propelled mowers. Flat out. This feature adds $100-$150 to the cost of a mower. Self-propelled functionality creates a few more bells and whistles needed on the mower that tack on quite a bit of cost.
Frequently asked questions about electric lawn mowers
Had to include a section here for FAQs. I get a text from at least two people each day with one of these questions, so thought I would start compiling them for your benefit!
Are electric mowers powerful enough?
For the majority of homeowners, absolutely yes.
If you are a commercial mower or you have 2+ acres, I would probably stick with gas – for now. Electric mower technology is accelerating rapidly and some of the big dogs are coming out with some insane new battery-powered zero-turn mowers.
How long will an electric mower last?
Electric mowers should last 5-7 years – just as long as gas-powered mowers but with less maintenance.
What is a brushless electric lawn mower?
A brushless motor on an electric mower uses magnets instead of friction to power the motor. This technology makes for a quieter, cooler, more durable motor.
This one is brushless!
Are brushless lawn mowers better?
Yes, they are much better technology that greatly extends the life of your motor.
How big of an electric lawn mower do I need?
The size of the electric mower should be fit to your yard. For most yards under 1/4 acre, under 20 inches is fine. For 1/4 – 1 acre – consider a 22 inch or wider mower.
Is it worth getting a battery-powered lawn mower?
This is a loaded question, but I’ll do my best. If you are the type of person who loves getting their hands dirty and doing oil changes, filter changes, spark plug replacements, and all that (and trust me there are plenty of you!), then you may want to stick with a gas push mower.
If you like a nice-looking yard, but would rather move on to the next project, then an electric mower is perfect for you. Quiet, easy to maintain, no hassle, and no emissions. Plus – almost always easier to store.
Do electric lawn mowers need oil?
Nope!
Are electric mowers powerful?
Yep! Most electric push mowers are equally as powerful as their gas counterparts.
Another one of our favorite from EGO.
Which is better – gas or electric lawn mower?
My common rule of thumb for the average consumer: electric is better for smaller yards and gas is better for bigger yards.
My reasoning for this is mostly related to charge times related to electric mowers. You may have to stop and charge batteries multiple times with an electric mower, but not for a gas mower.
Are electric mowers lighter than gas mowers?
Yep! Basically no exceptions here.
How long does a battery last on a battery powered mower?
You can expect most batteries to last 45 minutes to an hour. Some features may decrease battery life, like self-propelled functions.
Why we review lawn tools
The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site.
We take testing to extreme measures.
As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.
The Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Backpack Chemical Sprayer is a great tool for making weed spraying significantly faster and easier. Weeds are the Achilles heel in every man’s lawn. It doesn’t matter how much you dethatch, aerate or seed, you’re still getting that pesky crabgrass or dandelions showing up like a rock in your shoe.
Backpack, jetpack, whatever. This thing rocks.
The best way to put an end to the weed madness (we’re talking plants here, guys) is to regularly treat your lawn with an herbicide. To do this, you’re going to need a reliable sprayer so that you’re not coming into direct contact with the chemicals. Better yet – a pumpless, cordless, backpack sprayer by one of our favorite manufacturers in the market – Ryobi.
Bottom line: I love this Ryobi backpack sprayer. The battery sprayer is comfortable, way better than a pump sprayer, and super easy to flip the battery to one of my other tools afterwards. Oh yeah – and it is a great price over at Home Depot.
Want to skip ahead? Click any of the links below to see for yourself.
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Battery Backpack Sprayer: Features and benefits
Alright, enough of the boring stuff. On to the benefits of the Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Backpack Sprayer. Sprayer? I just met her.
Ryobi’s backpack sprayer is not manual and requires no pumping
1980 called, they want their manual, boring backpacker sprayer back. But seriously, why in this day in age are we settling for a hand-operated power system for our lawn equipment when electricity was invented by George Washington over 1000 years ago?
Legitimately pretty comfortable.
My absolute favorite feature of the Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Backpack Sprayer is the fact that you don’t have to pump every couple sprays. Look, I consider myself to be relatively in-shape, but my right shoulder always ends up sore after a day of spraying weeds with a manual sprayer. Finally, technology has once again come to save the day. Ryobi – my weakling shoulder thanks you.
RYOBI 18V lithium ONE+ battery AND Charger that come with your sprayer
One of the best features of the Ryobi Backpack Sprayer is the versatility of the battery — it works with all Ryobi ONE+ products. Whether its your Ryobi brushless mower, hedge trimmer, drill, or auger, you can switch out batteries between all of them – as long as it’s an 18V wattage.
18V battery can be used in a ton of Ryobi ONE+ products.
No more waiting until the battery has recharged to start back up again, just pop that fully charged battery in from your drill and you’re good as gold. This has been the biggest pain point for me and my tools – the fact that each electric tool has a different battery with a different charger. Ryobi has created an ecosystem of tools through their ONE+ batteries that removes this problem. You can literally have one battery for over 200 different Ryobi tools. I’m nerding out here, but this is a long time coming.
Oh, also, the 18V ONE+ battery lasts for ELEVEN tank fill-ups. Unless you have a square mile of crabgrass to kill, this should be plenty of battery life to cover the average size lawn, and then some.
Ryobi Cordless 4 Gallon Sprayer Tank is huge for the backpack sprayer
The Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Backpack Sprayer comes with a 4 gallon, translucent tank that allows you to easily check how much product you have left in the tank, rather than taking it off your back and opening up the top and checking yourself. Might seem trivial, but you’re adding stress to your back each time you have you to take it off and put it back on. Ease-of-use is the name of the game here, folks.
4. Gallons. More than enough.
Inside the tank, you’ll find a filter assembly that, when pouring in your additional product, removes all debris. One of the biggest pain-points I’ve had in the past with pressurized sprayers is debris entering the tank and clogging up the hose. With the intuitive filter addition, the interior of the tank and hose assembly is quarantined from debris that can cause headache down the line.
Variable Pressure dial on the Ryobi ONE+ 18V Chemical backpack sprayer
Once pressurized, depressing the spray button activates the pump. Release it, and the pump stops. The activation button can be locked “on” to give your thumb a rest. I’ve won many thumb wars in my day, but after spraying for a couple hours with my old sprayer, my thumb would be cramping. This feature allows my thumb to take a rest, prop its feet up, and let the battery do the work.
Twist and shout.
Also, no more pumping and dealing with various amounts of pressure. The pressure control knob is easily adjustable to allow spray to easily reach areas 10 ft. away or more if needed for cleaning solutions on house siding or reduced to low pressure for plants at your feet if using a liquid fertilizer. The versatility of the control knob opens up the door to all sorts of uses, allowing it to be customizable to fit your needs.
Nozzle use is a breeze on the Ryobi backpack sprayer
The sprayer comes with two tips; one that has a cone pattern and the other with a fan pattern. The latter, when the power was on full, spayed an area 10 feet away.
For me, the adjustable cone nozzle was best for use in the yard. When spraying bushes with insecticide or herbicide, I twist that nozzle to maximum open setting and spray away. When treating smaller areas like cracks in pavement or standalone weeds in my beds, and to conserve my chemicals, I would tighten up the nozzle for maximum accuracy.
Super easy to use and has multiple spray patterns.
The fan nozzle is great for use when you’re looking for a uniform spread across a surface. This nozzle was perfect for killing the grass for my entire front yard last fall, or the ancillary applications I touched on earlier, like mildew treatment on your outdoor siding or deck.
Honestly, I think you could get away with about every possible application with just the adjustable nozzle, but the fan nozzle has its benefits.
Value and where to buy the Ryobi backpack sprayer
In the pressure sprayer game, you get what you pay for. Because of the added benefits of battery-powered and automatic pump assembly, you’re going to be paying a premium of $160 to $180 depending on the retailer. Guys, it’s worth it. Your shoulder will thank you.
Official review: Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Backpack Chemical Sprayer
The Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Backpack Chemical Sprayer is one of our favorites on the market for pressurized sprayers. Ryobi has elevated the level of technology in this space and left other manufacturers in the dust. If you’re looking to for a versatile, electric, backpack sprayer to make your outdoor tasks simpler, the Ryobi ONE+ 18V is the chemical sprayer for you.
Why we review lawn tools
The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site.
We have unusual testing methods.
As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.
Why to use a backpack sprayer
Pressure sprayers are perfect tools for applying chemicals to your lawn and garden. From fertilizer, to herbicides & fungicides, to insecticides, a pressure sprayer is the piece of equipment you need for year-round landscaping needs.
BUT WAIT… there’s more. Putting aside all the uses that the Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Backpack Sprayer has in your lawn and garden; it also has several other uses that will save you time and money. Stepping off the lawn for a minute, below are some ancillary uses for this sprayer that you might not have considered:
Sanitizing and Cleaning: In this day in age, health is at the utmost concern for lots of homebuyers. If you’re applying a large amount of disinfectant for any application, try using a pressurized backpack sprayer to save yourself some time and money.
Mildew Removal: Every 3 years like clockwork, I start to see mildew and algae creeping in on my deck and house siding. Instead of hiring a company to come and take care of it for me, I use my Ryobi Cordless Backpack Sprayer to apply outdoor cleaner to hard-to-reach places, and ensure I’ve covered the entire surface area to get my surfaces looking like new again. You do NOT want to let mildew build up. The longer it builds up, the harder it is to get rid of.
Deicing: Skip the rock salt this year and apply a deicing liquid to your driveway and front steps. The experts say that liquid deicer tends to stick to hard surfaces better than salt. With a pressurized sprayer, you can quickly ensure that you are creating the safest conditions possible when that winter storm warning hits.
Always remember to thoroughly clean out the jug after using it for the various purposes listed above. The LAST thing you want is to accidentally kill patches of your yard because you didn’t clean out a prior product from the jug properly. These chemicals are potent, and just a small amount could do damage if used improperly
The best PowerSmart lawn mower is the 80V battery-powered mower they recently began selling. It has a wide deck, a high powered brushless motor, and is extremely affordable.
Thoughts?
PowerSmart makes legit stuff. If you own any of their tools, you know that it is genuinely well-manufactured and built to last even PowerSmart it isn’t a household name.
Their lawn mowers are no exception. These things are plastered all over Amazon because they sell well. They have some push mowers in the game that absolutely rock.
The Best PowerSmart lawn mowers and why I’m surprised
While I normally would list these out and rank them, I am actually going to rank them by category. Here are the categories I am going to use.
Best electric PowerSmart mower
Best PowerSmart mower for small yards
Best PowerSmart mower for larger yards
So let’s get started!
Best Electric PowerSmart mower: PowerSmart 80V 21 inch cordless mower
PowerSmart is brand new to the electric mower game. But that can be a good thing. They have been sitting back watching other people try unsuccessfully and developed a pretty slick product.
40 + 40 = 80V
The PowerSmart Electric Lawn Mower, 80V 6A battery, 21 inch cordless mower is pretty slick. Not only is it one of the more aesthetically pleasing electric mowers, but it also comes with some dang good features.
Here’s what I like about it:
80V battery for some serious run-time
21 inch deck is small enough for a small yard but big enough for a medium yard
Steel deck instead of cheap, fragile plastic
Breaks down like a dang lawn chair
Has a bag (if you’re into that)
It cannot be overstated the importance of having a metal, durable deck on your electric mowers. They are super important for durability and being able to use this thing year after year.
It also comes with a two-year warranty, which is great since it is one of their first electric products.
Another thing to love about this mower is the brushless motor. Brushless motors rely on magnets instead of friction to transfer electricity and power your motor. They are significantly quieter, more efficient, and longer lasting.
Best PowerSmart mower for small yards: PowerSmart Gas Lawn Mower 21 inch 3-in-1 with 144CC 4-stroke engine
This PowerSmart mower is perfect for smaller yards. 21 inches is a great size to handle small to medium sized yards. The simplicity of this mower gives me confidence that it will last me a long time.
Simple. Beautiful. Reminds me of my TB160.
It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, making this PowerSmart mower one of the best starter mowers for new homeowners. This mower has power, durability, and straight-forward operation that is great for smaller yards.
Here is what I like about this PowerSmart mower:
Easy-start pull string (that actually works for me)
21 inch steel cutting deck for durability
5 positions for cutting height (I use the highest)
Comes mostly assembled so it’s great for morons like me
This mower is very similar to the Troy-Bilt TB160, which was my first mower. Basically, it has all you need to get started for a relatively small-yard, without the complex features that weigh it down, burn up more gas, and cost you money.
Best PowerSmart mower for larger yards: PowerSmart Self Propelled Lawn Mower 22 inch 3-in-1 lawn mower gas powered with 200cc
Wow. Couldn’t they have named it something easier, like “Doug”? What a mouthful.
Bigger. Badder. Cooler.
Anyways this mower DOES have the bells and whistles. While it is only one inch wider than the one I recommended for smaller yards, it has a self-propelled function that will take a huge load off of your hands.
So with a slightly larger deck and self-propelled feature (which drives the wheels forward for you), you can move through an acre without too much stress on the forearms and back.
This thing also has a 200cc 4-stroke engine, meaning it ain’t playing around.
Here’s what I like:
Self-propelled
22 inch steel deck (widest PowerSmart)
Mostly assembled on arrival
Still pretty simple and straightforward
Yep – while it does have the self-propelled function, it doesn’t go overboard with lights, fog machines, or beverage coolers. It just gets the job done.
Which I appreciate.
You can grab it for not too much more money than the smaller gas-powered mower, making it a dang steal. I suggest considering Amazon as a good place to purchase this mower, as it doesn’t require much assembly and can be shipped straight to your lawn.
Our recommendation: The 21 inch electric PowerSmart mower
It comes in at a great size, won’t break on you, and is an amazing price. It also comes basically fully assembled and can be shipped straight to your door from Amazon.
I haven’t seen this one available anywhere besides Amazon – but there may be some local places to grab it as well.
Why we review lawn tools
The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site.
We have crazy testing methods.
As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.
About PowerSmart
PowerSmart is a brand of heavier lawn and commercial machinery. The reason you may not have heard of them before is that their scope is relatively small. PowerSmart really focuses all of their attention and effort on snow blowers, snow throwers, pressure washers, and woodchippers. Notice a similarity? These tools all focus on taking in an item and then powerfully launching them into another galaxy.
Now imagine that on a mower (your mind cannot fathom).
The snow blower = pure power.
PowerSmart has field-leading expertise in this area and makes some solid products. While you may not have a shed full of PowerSmart equipment, you will surely come across some of their products over time.
What to look for in a push mower
When looking to purchase a lawn mower, you need to make sure you understand what things matter. You will get hit with a lot of technical specifications and marketing tactics. Totally forget them and focus on the things that impact you. Below are my recommendations:
Brand quality
Quality is going to be super important here. Everyone is in the lawn mower game these days and there are a ton of junky mowers out there. Avoid anything from a weird brand on Amazon that takes 9 years to ship. It is probably being 3D printed in a Laotian bathroom. Go for brands that have consistent quality and focus on the details, not just flashy colors.
Metal where it matters.
Many mowers, especially electric mowers, are plastic-y. Probably to reduce the weight of the mower so that the battery can get you further, but it feels cheap. Make sure to get metal where it matters – namely the deck. The deck is the part that covers the blades. Don’t get plastic here – a rock can rip through it.
Gas vs. electric.
The battle of the universe is happening in the lawn mower space. Tiger Woods vs Jack Nichols. The new, flashy electric mowers are getting a lot of attention – and for good reason. This comes down to personal preference. Do you want a ‘69 Mustang or a ‘22 Tesla?
Just pulls it right back in. And pulls me right back in.
Now that I have experienced a retractable pressure washer, I kind of want a retractable everything. Retractable toothbrush. Retractable refrigerator. Just imagine the possibilities here.
Let’s check out how the Giraffe Tools Grandfalls Pressure Washer stacks up!
Giraffe Tools Grandfalls Pressure Washer: Features and Benefits
So now that we know what we are looking for, we need to see how this one stacks up. Trying not to spoil it, but I think you can put 2 and 2 together to see that this thing is already checking boxes. Nevertheless, read on!
Functionality of the Grandfalls pressure washer: Soap Dispenser and Nozzle types
Here is where I am a total noob. I don’t often use a soap dispenser because for most applications, I am trying to murder whatever piece of dirt is in front of me. I know many, many people use their pressure washers infused with soap to clean off their cars, but I am simply a violent individual.
That being said, this did come with a cool soap bottle that can be added on for when I do go to anger management and finally reconcile with other applications for pressure washers.
One cool thing about the Grandfalls Pressure Washer is that it comes with a bunch of different nozzles. I tested out each one and could think of a few uses for each. They also come with a cool tactical-style holder that slides on the nozzle.
I can neither confirm nor deny how many times I said “Say hello to my little friend” while holding the sprayer.
Retractable hose pressure washer nozzles: A bit more
The nozzles range from 0 to 60 degrees, giving you a ton of options. As I was displaying the pressure washer to my wife, she was giving me countless chores she would like completed.
The windows. The driveway. The patio. The back deck. Sadly, I could complete all of these with the Grandfalls Pressure Washer. And now I am mad at them for not giving me an excuse to get out of chores.
The nozzles pop on and off of this cool holder on the wand.
Power of the Grandfalls Pressure Washer
I have to say, I was most surprised by the power. I have used and reviewed plenty of electric pressure washers. I was floored by this one. It was MUCH more powerful than I expected.
My hose has pretty weak water pressure, so I didn’t expect much from this motor because it does not have much to work with.
But wow – the 0 degree nozzle on this one was blowing a stream that would have made Bulbosaur jealous. See picture below where I took the 0 degree nozzle to a portion of my brick walkway. I don’t even have to tell you where I used it- just see for yourself.
The Giraffe Tools Grandfalls Pressure Washer delivers up to 2200 PSI – wow.
Obvs. the bottom right is what I sprayed. Na doi.
Usability
The retractable reel function
Now this is the sweet part. While I got this set up inside my garage, it actually reaches around to the furthest corner of my back deck. 100 feet. I will not let my neighbors know as they could actually use it without a problem.
I love how easy this was to use. When I first started nervously pulling the hose out as far as it could go, my concern was that getting it back in the mount would be a mess.
As you can see below, the retractable system pulls it from side to side to make sure the hose is retracting back smoothly and efficiently. It looks almost like a typewriter when you are putting it back in, slowly moving to the side.
This was awesome for me because it neatly arranged the hose in a perfectly organized way.
The trigger
No complaints here. This has a nice squeeze trigger functionality that is super easy to use. It isn’t too tense and is comfortable to hold in place – no need to constantly fight against it and wrestle it to squeeze it all the way.
It comes with a nice safety lock that prevents it from being pulled while unraveling and prevents my kids from getting into it and pressure washing their eyes out.
Say hello to my little friend!
I know the Giraffe Tools Grandfalls Pressure Washer comes with a nice little holder for the sprayer, but I couldn’t help myself. I had to have it rest on the bike rack for ultimate aesthetics.
I couldn’t resist!
Pros and Cons of the Giraffe Tools Grandfalls Pressure Washer
Let’s take a quick dive into the pros and cons of purchasing this pressure washer.
Pros:
Probably the coolest pressure washer on the market
Not super loud
Incredibly easy to use and store
Multiple functions from light washes to absolute dirt destruction
Cons:
Tough to install – need to have it hang on something very sturdy
Didn’t have an easily apparent place to put the electric cord
Set up instructions difficult to understand, but pretty intuitive to figure out
The final ruling: Giraffe Tools Grandfalls Pressure Washer
Okay here it is. This is by far the coolest pressure washer you will ever use. Not too loud, not too expensive, extremely versatile and even more transportable. I don’t think you will come across a better all-in-one pressure washer – especially electric.
Just turn that orange knob and you’re ready to go.
We have reviewed plenty of pressure washers, and 100% honestly and truthfully – this is our favorite. It is a genius idea and will surely be a huge hit as more and more people learn about it.
The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site.
As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.
About Giraffe Tools
To be fair, I had never heard of Giraffe Tools before. But a few years ago, I had never heard of Tesla either (I am what many would consider a moron).
But after doing some digging, they have basically mastered the art of retractable tools. They have products like air hoses, regular hoses, pressure washers, and more – all retractable.
Y’all we are in the 21st century. Why do we still settle for messy piles of kinked hoses? You deserve better.
Giraffe Tools was kind enough to send us this retractable pressure washer to be put under the microscope by yours truly. Let me tell you – I liked what I saw and think you will, too.
What to look for in a pressure washer
Some common considerations for those looking for a pressure washer include the following:
Ability to add soap to the hose instead of schlepping around a bucket with soap
Multiple nozzle types for whichever job you need
Length of pole and hose (if cleaning exterior of house, not having one of these could limit how high you can reach)
Storage capability and maintenance requirements
PSI level for either commercial or residential use
The Scott’s Edgeguard Broadcast Spreader is proof that you can’t get those pearly whites without a toothbrush, you can’t get that perfect ‘doo without a hairbrush, and you can’t get that beautiful lush green yard without a broadcast spreader. In all disciplines, there’s a product, and equally as important, there’s a tool that applies the product.
When it comes to applying seed, fertilizer, pre-emergent, etc., the broadcast spreader is the cog that makes the wheel turn. It doesn’t get the love it deserves – always the bridesmaid and never the bride. Today, we’re going to be talking about the MacDaddy of them all – the Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Spreader.
This is the piece of equipment that you need before laying down any of the Scott’s products that bring your lawn to the next level. Why do we recommend this specific spreader? Have no fear, I’ll break it down for you below:
Breaking down the Scott’s EdgeGuard Broadcast Spreader
Let’s get started with our breakdown of this broadcast spreader
Scott’s EdgeGuard Technology
In my opinion, the most useful feature on this broadcast spreader is right in the name. The tool comes with Scott’s patented EdgeGuard technology which is designed to keep product where it belongs and away from landscaping, driveways, and sidewalks. This allows you to have the accuracy of a drop spreader, but with the reach and coverage of a broadcast spreader. The best of both worlds!
Look at the Edgeguard as a knight in shining armor, protecting your beds from receiving unwanted fescue seeds (far and away the best type of grass, IMHO) from your beautiful flower beds. The flap that controls your spreading circumference is able to be slid back and forth depending on your need. Seeding right next to a bed? Move that sucker to the halfway position, and you won’t see any seed thrown to the right-hand side of the spreader. In the middle of your yard? Open that sucker up and let the seed spray!
The undercarriage
Rate Setting on the Scott’s EdgeGuard Broadcast Spreader
Possibly my favorite feature on this piece of equipment is the intuitive rate setting knob.
The Scotts Edgeguard has 14 setting levels for how much you want to disburse and exactly where you want to throw it. This prevents burning or overseeding your lawn. The best thing about it is, when you buy a Scotts product, whether that be fertilizer, seed, or pre emergent, it tells you exactly what setting to use on your broadcast spreader. I know in my case; I always tend to lean on the side of overseeding.
Setting the rate!
This feature, paired with the setting recommendation on the Scott’s products, completely removes the guesswork from the process – saving time AND money.
Scott’s Broadcast Spreader Yard Size
In the broadcast spread game, let’s face it: size matters. The Edgeguard certainly doesn’t struggle with that. This thing holds enough product to cover 15,000 square feet. Unless you live at the Biltmore, that’s plenty of capacity for more than 99.9% of residual properties.
This is where it shoots out.
Nothing worse when spreading seed than running out of product mid-yard and forgetting exactly where you left off after refilling. It’s also very compact, making it easy to store in your garage or crawlspace during the off-season.
Scott’s EdgeGuard Broadcast Spreader Cost
You might be asking – a tool this useful, that saves me THIS much time and money, must cost a fortune. Well brother, you are in luck. The Scott’s Edgeguard Broadcast Spreader comes out at a measly $64 on Amazon. Additionally, this product literally pays for itself in less than a year.
This could be you!
With how expensive seed and fertilizer have gotten over the past decade, this product allows you to throw down exactly as much as you need for your yard, removing the issue of lost product in beds and ancillary areas.
Final recommendation: Scott’s EdgeGuard Spreader
To my point in the introduction, if you’re going to go through the trouble of applying product to your lawn, whether that be seed, fertilizer, pre-emergent, herbicide, etc., a broadcast spreader is vital to the process. It the cog that makes the wheel go around.
If you’re in the market for a spreader, the Scotts Edgeguard Broadcast Spreader is going to be the best bang for your buck, and has some incredible features and benefits that simplify the process and take the guess work out of the game.
The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site.
As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.
Why to fertilize your lawn using a broadcast spreader
Before we dive into the specifics of the Scotts Edgeguard Broadcast Spreader, I want to back up and explain what a spreader is and what makes it crucial for the development of a lush, green lawn. Why do you need a spreader? Honestly, it’s all about timesaving and efficiency. Getting an even coating of fertilizer or seed over your lawn by hand is nearly impossible. Of course, you can do it by hand, but it will take MUCH longer, and you will likely end up applying product unevenly.
This is the way.
There are two main types of spreaders, and I’ll explain the difference in applications below:
Drop Spreader
Drop spreaders are slightly more accurate than broadcast spreaders, as they distribute even rows of fertilizer precisely where you want it (similarly to a lawn mower, if you don’t go over a specific area under the spreader, it will not receive product). These are best used for smaller lawns, usually those under 5,000 square feet. Drop spreaders cover a smaller surface area of lawn per pass compared to broadcast spreaders, which means it’ll take a bit more time to fertilize your lawn.
Broadcast Spreader
Broadcast spreaders distribute fertilizer in a fan-like pattern in all directions and cover a wider area per pass than drop spreaders. The rate you walk and the spreader’s hole size (In Scott’s Edgeguard’s case, the rate setting knob) impact how much product is distributed. Broadcast spreaders distribute less product toward the edge of its broadcast range.
Some broadcast spreaders, the Scott’s Edgeguard in particular, have a side-shield feature that allows you to block off half of the spreader, which is particularly helpful for applying product around the perimeter of your lawn and avoiding driveways, sidewalks, and garden beds
Not a tough choice!
With a broadcast spreader like the Scott’s Edgeguard, you’re able to cover more lawn in a less amount of time. And with the Edgeguard technology that I’ll explain below, it has the benefits of both drop spreader and broadcast spreader.
Having a Greenworks pressure washer on hand will allow you to do jobs that would take hours of work and elbow grease to complete. With a pressure washer, you can finally wash hard-to-reach areas or tackle an entire wide surface like your front patio. I’ve used a few Greenworks pressure washers and love the
Pollen season in the Southeast is intense – namely cars, windows, surfaces, and outdoor patio equipment. You can do the rain dance all you want, but actually getting the stuff clean is going to require a pressure washer.
Let’s hop right into it – here are the best Greenworks pressure washers.
1. Greenworks 3000 PSI electric pressure washer
The Greenworks 3000 PSI pressure washer is the best electric pressure washer I’ve used. I bought this pressure washer online and used it on my driveway, patio pavers, and back deck. I was super impressed by the power this had and loved that it had big bulky wheels that made it easier to move around.
Pretty cool looking.
A brushless electric motor is also included in this model. This means it is more efficient than standard motors and increases torque. The motor is also backed by a 10-year warranty, as Greenworks believes the motor is so durable that it can withstand your demand.
An all-purpose pressure washer, the Greenworks PRO 3000: with just a single nozzle change, it can wash your car and clean your siding.
This is the most powerful pressure washer offered by Greenworks, making it our top choice. You get the benefits of a gas-powered pressure washer without the hassle.
2. Greenworks 2000 PSI 1.2 gallon GPM electric pressure washer
Lightweight and practical with 2000 PSI, this model has the power to take care of any household cleaning task. It is also an affordable addition to any spring cleaning kit.
Universal motors are designed to last for an extended period of time, protecting your investment in electric pressure washers. Furthermore, the whole device is waterproof (which makes sense). In addition, the Greenworks warranty covers your purchase for three years.
Barely looks like a tool.
Greenwork offers a variety of nozzles for this pressure washer. You can customize your pressure washer accordingly.
This one is also pretty powerful, although slightly lower PSI than the one above. It is smaller, making it slightly easier to store.
What we love
Decent pressure
Light and easy to store
5 hose nozzles
Cons
Bad history with valves and leakage
This one is so lightweight and mobile that it should be illegal. But its not. Its dirt cheap on Amazon (less than $200 last time I checked).
3. Greenworks 1500 PSI 1.2 GPM electric pressure washer
Pressure washers like this one from green works are perfect for quick projects. One of its best features is its handheld design.
You can take this bad boy basically anywhere and hook it up to a hose. It is super light and mobile, but probably not going to be great for blasting away spray paint or anything.
It gets shipped to your house in an envelope.
It can be carried around like a stereo and won’t require any maintenance at all. If I lived in a townhome or condo and had some occasional outdoor cleaning to do, this would be the go-to pressure washer.
Pros
Compact and portable.
Nozzles with a quick connection.
Weightless.
Exceptionally low price.
Cons
● Lower pressure
● There are only two nozzles, with a 25 and 40 degree angle option.
This thing cracks me up. It’s like my first WalkMan – except it shoots out water at insanely high speeds. Technology, man.
It comes in at less than $100, which is mind boggling. I’ve seen some pretty insane sales on this too on Amazon , so give it a look before pulling the trigger (pun intended).
With the GPW1703 1700 PSI electric pressure washer from Greenworks, you can tackle smaller cleaning jobs with ease. It makes cleaning easy and efficient by allowing you to pull it along like a suitcase at the airport.
Among the Greenworks pressure washers, this is the lightest. It is designed to fit easily into a vehicle and be transported when needed. With its lightweight design and two wheels, it can be moved independently.
I could totally see myself running through the airport with this thing.
I think it also likes to party.
This is great for when you are outside, get slightly out of reach, and can quickly pull the handle and keep working.
Pros
● Lightweight.
● Affordable.
● Moving is easy.
Cons
● Lower PSI (but not too bad).
● Only three nozzles are available.
This Greenworks pressure washer has mid-range power, but the mobility of a champion. I like the wheels because it keeps the thing easy to move around for minor adjustments.
The Greenworks 2000 PSI 13A 1.2GPM pressure washer (with hose reel) can clean everything. From your fence, housing outings, boat, garage, patio, house, and many others – you are getting this powerful and durable product from the company for a very reasonable rate, and you are getting it from Amazon for a very low price.
This one has pretty good pressure and comes in at a decent price. Nothing
You can travel a good distance from your power source with a 35 feet power cord and a 25-foot hose. In addition, it is vertically and horizontally stable while operating.
Low profile but also futuristic.
I like that this comes with a pretty long extension cord, saving you some money and garage space.
Pros
● Compact and easy to store.
● 1-year warranty.
Cons
● Pressure went down after a few months of use (but you have the warranty!)
This one is nice! It is definitely basic, but still backs a good punch. Not much to say here other than it is the most standard version of their pressure washer. Probably like a Honda Civic of pressure washers.
6. Greenworks 2000 PSI corded electric pressure washer
The Greenworks 2000 PSI GPW2001 is small, sweet, and compact. The frame is designed to make it portable – plus it comes with a nice hose reel. The hose reel is definitely convenient, but can also be frustrating.
Generally, when I try to pull the hose out of the hose reel, it will tip the machine over until I get enough slack out.
My advice is to unwind the hose reel a little bit until you get about 10 feet out, then you can start pulling without knocking the machine over.
Boats n’ hose.
Included in the purchase are 35 feet of power cord and 20 feet of HP hose. A soap sprayer and four nozzles will also be included.
The machine is durable, performs well, and is comfortable to use. It connects to nozzles easily and its spray fun is very convenient. It is affordable and offers great performance.
Pros
Long hose and power cable.
Lightweight.
Moving is easy.
No extra bucket is needed for detergent.
1-year warranty.
Cons
Hose reel can cause it to topple over
This one looks cool but is slightly less cool to use, simply because the hose reel at the TOP of the pressure washer can cause it to topple over.
You really can’t go wrong with a Greenworks pressure washer. Make sure you are matching the size of the job you are completing with the PSI in a pressure washer you will need.
Frankly, none of these pressure washers are going to be commercial-grade. They will do incredibly well with cleaning off a fence, patio, car, RV, windows, or really any surface. If you’re looking to blast away a few years of dirt off your driveway – I’d go with a gas one.
I like Greenworks because of their warranty and because they typically have super high quality products.
Why we review lawn tools
The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site.
We get weird when we test things.
As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.
Greenworks makes some of the best battery-powered and electric lawn tools on the planet. A few reasons why I am extremely bullish on this brand taking over the market:
Quality
Greenworks has some of the highest quality battery-powered tools on the market. I attribute this mostly to their focus. Whereas some other brands (cough cough *Ryobi*) make a million products, Greenworks is focused on high quality tools. Although they have a smaller selection, the engineering and lasting life on each of these are worth it.
Power
Greenworks products are generally high power. They also have some really nice lawn mowers that can easily replace any gas-powered push mower as well.
Looks
Greenworks products have the best looks of all battery-powered tools, hands-down. Most of their products are all-black, with a darker neon green accent. Much less gimmicky and plastic.
What to look for in a pressure washer
You gotta know what to look for on these bad boys! Each one looks basically the same, but has subtle differences that completely change its capabilities.
Nozzles
When choosing a pressure washer, you should pay attention to the nozzles included in the package. Two types of spray nozzles are available, adjustable spray nozzles that can be controlled and quick-connect nozzles with predefined spray patterns.
The predefined spray patterns typically come in different angles, allowing for you to quickly switch between a broad, lower pressure spray or a narrow, higher pressure stream.
Soap tank
Additionally, you may want to consider a cleaning system-equipped pressure washer. These units feature a tank for storing cleaning solutions. A bucket or a standalone sprayer will need to be used instead of this tank to apply the cleaning solution.
I recommend a soap tank for cars and windows.
Wheels
Despite these seemingly minor features, they can have a big impact, especially with larger units. No sense in lugging around one of these in your yard and tripping all over the place.
Hose
There’s a big difference between how easy or difficult it is to use a pressure washer based on the kind of hose that comes with it. Stiff, rigid hoses make it extremely difficult to have any maneuverability without messing up the job or knocking over the base.
The metal in here means something!
Portability
Even if this has the drawback of making the unit less powerful, a portable, smaller pressure washer will be a better choice if you have to move around or carry the unit with you. I own a pressure washer that is mounted to the wall, which is nice but NOT portable.
Both gas and electric pressure washers are available, although electric ones like Greenworks are often preferred for homeowners.
A favorite Greenworks 3000 PSI pressure washer.
The maintenance and cost of gas pressure washers are greater, including things like air filter changes, spark plugs, and more. However, electric washers simply have a power source and a button.
I like buttons.
Why Greenworks pressure washers?
Pressure washers from Greenworks are recommended for several reasons. Greenworks just puts out solid stuff in all of their tools. We are confident that when we need it to work it is going to work with minimum care, compared to gas-powered models.
No pull-cord, no gas, no insanely loud noises. Greenworks is the low-maintenance pressure washer king.
We get so many questions about battery powered lawn tools, but most are all about one thing: the battery.
The different lawn tool brands that make battery powered equipment are growing every day – but the questions about their batteries continue to grow with them.
Today, we’ve put together a guide of frequently asked questions to serve as a resource for anyone interested.
Ryobi Battery Guide: Common Ryobi Battery questions
The Ryobi 40V battery life is dependent on a few things but will be most dependent on the type of tool. Battery life is going to get run down by the power output required of the tool. A lawn mower is likely going to eat through more battery than a cordless drill. So here is a quick guide
Ryobi 40V mower run time: 45 minutes
Ryobi 40V blower run time: 60 minutes
Ryobi 40V trimmer run time: 90 minutes
These will vary greatly – for example if you have a particularly thick mowing job, this number could drop from 45 to 30 minutes. Likewise, if you are using self-propelled features you may see a similar drop.
How to remove the Ryobi 40V battery from the blower?
Easy! Simply press down on the gray tab, grab the top of the battery, and slide out. I have a GIF below that shows how you put it in.
See how I slide it in there?
Remember to hold down the gray tab the entire time you are removing it and you should have no problem sliding it out.
How long does it take to charge a Ryobi 40V battery?
I’ve experienced Ryobi 40V battery recharge times varying from a little over an hour up to 3 hours. While the battery life is displayed in ¼ increments, it’s hard to tell if you have one left whether you are at 1% or 30% battery remaining.
The 40V 4Ah Ryobi battery.
Do Ryobi batteries fit Greenworks tools? Are Ryobi and Greenworks batteries interchangeable?
C’mon now – you didn’t think these corporations would make it this easy! No! They are not. You would have to either buy a battery for the other tool, or if you already have a battery, buy the tool-only version (which comes without a battery).
Are all Ryobi 18V batteries the same?
If they are a part of Ryobi’s 18V One + (which I think they all are), then the battery will fit in all tools that use that battery. Part of the wonderful design of this series of batteries.
Can you leave Ryobi 18V or Ryobi 40V batteries on the charger?
This is not recommended as it can shorten the span on your battery life. Without getting too technical, I would say take it off the charger once it is fully charged.
Yes, all EGO 56V batteries work across all of their 56V tools. This is a huge benefit to EGO products. You may see different Ah (amp-hours), all with the same 56V. Each one of these 56V batteries will work across all tools.
The battery has a nice indicator light!
Can EGO 56V batteries stay on the charger?
Generally with Lithium-Ion batteries, leaving them on the charger is not recommended. While it will not cause them to explode, it could result in reduced battery life to leave the batteries on the charger well past when they have reached their full charge.
How long does the EGO 56V battery last?
This totally depends on the number of Amp-hours of the battery. Higher Amp-hours means longer run time. Similarly, the more exhaustive and power-dependent the tool, the less time it will run. For example, a mower will require more power to operate than a string trimmer.
Do all EGO products use the same battery?
They are all compatible with 56V batteries and can technically all take the same battery, however EGO makes levels of Amp-hours with their batteries.
Nice looking battery TBH.
How long does it take to charge EGO 56V battery?
EGO put together a great guide below, but with a standard charger, it looks like this:
2.5 Ah EGO battery takes 50 minutes to charge
5 Ah EGO battery takes 100 minutes to charge
7.5 EGO battery Ah takes 145 minutes to charge
10.0 EGO battery Ah takes 190 minutes to charge
Better than I could do!
Are Greenworks and EGO batteries interchangeable?
Sadly, no – they use different voltages.
Greenworks Battery Guide: Common Greenworks battery questions
This varies wildly by the type of job, but for a power drill can last several days whereas a Dewalt leaf blower can last about 45 minutes.
Where you would slide the battery for their blower.
Are Dewalt 20V batteries interchangeable?
Yes, all Dewalt 20V batteries work with all Dewalt 20V products.
Are Dewalt 20V and 20V MAX batteries interchangeable?
While it seems confusing, the answer is yes. The MAX notates a more efficient battery system, meaning you will get more juice for the squeeze.
Is it okay to leave a Dewalt 20V battery on the charger?
Actually, yes. Dewalt chargers have a “maintenance mode” that allows them to remain on the charger until you’re ready to get to work.
Summary of findings
While all of these innovators in the battery-powered lawn tool space, rest assured that most batteries are the same. While voltage and Amp-hours can be confusing, a general rule of thumb is that most last for about 45 minutes for lawn tools.
Why we review lawn tools
The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site.
We go to extreme lengths.
As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.
The Mulch sale at Home Depot is the best time of year to go pick up some bagged mulch. They have massive racks of mulch all over the place in their garden facility, plus an entire parking lot out front with pallets full of mulch.
When is Home Depot’s Mulch Sale in 2024? 5 for $10?
The Vigoro Mulch Sale usually happens on Easter Sunday weekend. I think we will get another sale on or around Easter from Home Depot in 2024, which is March 31st, 2024. This is one of the best times to grab Mulch – the Spring.
In its most basic form, mulch is just anything you spread over the top of soil. It can be organic or synthetic matter, both can serve the same and different purposes. Some of the main reasons for applying is to spruce up the landscape, retain soil moisture, maintain and improve soil health and reduce weeds. There’s not much better than a freshly mulched landscape in my opinion.
As mentioned earlier it can be organic or synthetic, though most people tend to go the organic route. Organic material usually comes in the form of shredded hardwood of some sort along with some manure, compost blend, and grass clippings. Inorganic can be rubber, plastic or some other weird thing the scientists have come up with this year.
For the purposes of this article, I’m not going to go over every possible mulch composition but will stick to the heavy hitters found at most Home Depot’s around the country.
Home Depot Mulch Buying Guide
Home Depot really only has a few specific brands of Mulch. Vigoro and EarthGro are darn near universal at Home Depot, so I will start with those, but my store carries Garden Logic so I will cover that, too.
Vigoro Mulch reputation
Vigoro mulch is a do-it-all mulch that does its job. Basically, Vigoro comes in all different colors and even has a rubber form.
But let’s start with their shredded mulch. Most of you are here because you are buying a shredded mulch because that’s what normal people do.
Shredded mulch that comes in a bag is inexpensive and primarily serves to cover soil and prevent weed growth.
When it comes to picking a color, do what matches your home the best.
EarthGro Mulch reputation
EarthGro is a Scotts product, which means they mean business in the lawn care game.
I personally use EarthGro’s brown shredded mulch for my backyard and the black shredded mulch for my front yard (because I like to party).
I chose EarthGro because I trust Scotts quality, the mulch is local (they pull it from in-state mulch providers), and because it was almost the same price as Vigoro.
Garden Logic is a newer brand of mulch that I haven’t seen at Home Depot until now. They have different mulch blends depending on the type of wood.
They don’t seem to offer colored mulch at my Home Depot, but they do have all natural materials and you can select the type of mulch you want by the tree.
If you are a gardening nerd, this is probably something you love.
I am a cheapo who just wants it to look okay, so I go with EarthGro :).
Vigoro 2 cu. Ft. Bagger Premium Brown, Black, and Red Wood Mulch at Home Depot
Vigoro mulch describes themselves as a 100% premium wood mulch. A benefit to this mulch is that it comes with a 12-month color guarantee, so you can rest assured that your lawn will continue to have its curb appeal for a year.
You can get this mulch in red, black or brown.
One benefit to Vigoro mulch is that it comes in 2 cu. Ft bags, making it the larger of the two between Vigoro and EarthGro.
Vigoro Premium Red Mulch
I typically see red mulch in commercial properties like outside of restaurants, shopping centers, parks, or alongside roads. For this reason, I don’t like to use red at my house.
For some people, red makes a lot of sense.
Not my cup of tea.
Vigoro Premium Black Mulch
I like black mulch because it ties the front of a house together very well. It generally more closely matches the soil, and can add a contrast to any garden bed. For me, this makes our shrubbery and flowers at the front of our house and by our mailbox pop.
Gets the job done.
Vigoro Premium Brown Mulch
Brown mulch is also great for houses that have non-brick color. For example, a light blue or white wood-paneled house can look really good with brown mulch.
I use brown mulch in my backyard because it fits in well with our deck coloring.
A bag that makes you wanna slap it.
Vigoro premium mulch cost
At its base price, Vigoro mulch is about $3.67 per bag, or $1.33 per cubic foot.
Mulch does go on sale at Home Depot during a certain time of year, which I will get to later.
EarthGro Brown, Black and Red mulch at Home Depot
Again, I use Earthgro at home because they are locally made, albeit a little bit more expensive than Vigoro.
One thing I like about Earthgro and their black and brown mulch is that they don’t have any construction debris, the bags never seem to break, and they also come with a 12-month color advantage.
Earthgro Brown Mulch
Earthgro’s brown mulch is definitely a deep shade of brown. The shredded mulch offering they have fits in well to my backyard, as about a third of our backyard is just mulch.
Since I have a brownish-reddish deck color, the brown compliments the color. The black mulch would contrast too sharply.
I buy between 30-40 of these bags each year to spread in my backyard and it always seems to do well despite my crazy dog’s efforts to trample around in it.
What we use in our backyard.
Earthgro black mulch
The black mulch works great in my front yard because we have a lighter colored brick house. We also have a rolled brick walkway that leads to our front door. Because of this brick combination, I wanted a mulch that would contrast deeply with the lighter pink color of the brick.
Black mulch does a great job of contrasting our bushes and flowers with the rest of the house, making them stand out to passers by.
We re-mulch our front yard every 18 months or so with Earthgro, so I think their 12 month color advantage can take you further than you imagine.
Classic contrastic mulch.
EarthGro red mulch
I don’t have much experience with Earthgro’s red mulch, namely because I try to avoid red mulch in residential properties.
A lot of folks use red mulch around their home and love it. I am just not one of those people and don’t live in one of those climates.
Red is great for commercial spaces.
Earthgro mulch cost at Home Depot
Earthgro bags cost the same as Vigoro bags, at about $3.67 per bag. Earthgro does only come in a 1.5ft bag, so the price per cubic foot goes up to $2.44 per cubic foot.
Vigoro Bagged Recycled Rubber Mulch
Vigoro also offers recycled rubber mulch in two colors: brown and red.
Now I know what you’re thinking, rubber mulch? But it does have its benefits.
Unlike traditional wooden products, Vigoro rubber mulch does not decay and can actually reduce the risk of allergies as well.
Rubber mulch goes great in places like playgrounds, swingsets, or other outdoor play places for kids, too.
My favorite part, you don’t have to mulch annually.
Rubber mulch comes in smaller bag, is much more expensive, but only requires one initial upfront investment to cover you for 12 years.
Vigoro rubber mulch cost at Home Depot
Vigoro rubber mulch comes in 0.8 cubic ft bags, costing $6.97 per bag. This comes to just over $8.71 per bag. Wow. It seems like a big investment, but you actually can save money over the course of a few years by not having to replace mulch annually.
Not bad!
Garden Logic and Gardener’s Pride Mulch at Home Depot
Garden Logic and Gardener’s Pride appear to be the same brand, but I have never seen them before so its hard to say.
They have the same design on the package, but different names depending on the type of mulch.
Nevertheless, they have some good stuff – and it’s cheap!
Let’s review.
Garden Logic Pine Bark mini nuggets
Garden Logic’s Pine Bark mini nuggets are great for smaller areas, like a little garden bed. They tend to be lighter and more airy. These also work well for indoor plants and outdoor potted plants.
Because they are light and airy, they don’t do as great of a job with weed control or locking in moisture, but tend to rot much less.
These are very aesthetically pleasing, but in larger beds can wash out pretty quickly because of their size.
2 cubic foot bags of these are selling for about $3.47 or $1.75 per foot.
Great for small spaces.
Garden Logic or Gardener’s Pride Hardwood Mulch
The Garden Logic Hardwood mulch is a typical shredded mulch blend, identical to what you would find in a Vigoro or EarthGro bag of mulch.
This is your standard bag of mulch that contains a mixture of wood and usually some sort of dye to give it a rich, brown color.
This will spread easily and is great for larger yards or garden beds.
At $3.67 per 2 cubic foot bag, it is pound-for-pound identical to Vigoro mulch.
Standard classic.
Garden Logic or Gardener’s Pride Cypress Mulch Blend
Cypress blends are interesting to me because I don’t see them around where I live. But they do have a lot of benefits, namely their natural tendencies.
Cypress blends are pure shredded cypress wood and typically come without any coloring added. They can appear bland in some contexts.
If you’ve ever gone through a nature trail or any outdoor path, these are typically covered in this type of mulch. It is much cheaper and gets the job done, though without the deep coloring.
At $2.97 per 2 cubic foot bag, these will only cost about $1.49 per cubic foot – making them one of the most affordable mulches on the market.
