The Best Dethatchers of 2024, According to Outdoor Experts

Greenworks tools and appliances have performed well in previous Lab tests, and we expect no less from this dethatcher. “Greenworks stands out in our tests for exceptional battery design,” DiClerico said. “Even if you have a lot of lawn to cover, say up to an acre, this 40-volt dethatcher should be able to power through the job on a single charge.” Plus, the battery itself is versatile and works across other Greenworks tools.

We also appreciate this model’s two-in-one design, which includes both a dethatcher and scarifier with quick-release attachments that are easy to switch in and out. Just keep in mind that the battery is sold separately.

A dethatcher, scarifier and aerator in one, this lawn care essential from VonHaus is key to a greener, healthier lawn. DiClerico especially loves that it can be used to aerate the lawn. "That’s another vital thing you can do to promote a healthy root system, protecting the lawn from pests and drought," he said. While the blade's width is a bit narrower than other picks on this list, its value is certainly hard to beat. It's also one of the lightest on this list and comes with a 30-liter collection box for all debris you collect.

This corded dethatcher features an 8-gallon catcher bag that makes sprucing up your yard a breeze. Unlike bagless dethatchers, you don’t have to pick up any thatch by hand since it all goes directly into the bag. It’s ideal for small to medium-sized lawns. According to the editors at Popular Mechanics, “The spring-loaded steel tines are designed to detach and remove thatch effectively, and can be quickly switched out with a scarifier attachment for cutting through roots to optimize future grass growth.”

DiClerico also points out that Sun Joe, and its cold-weather brand mate, Snow Joe, have performed well across all the outdoor power equipment categories that we test. “Based on our engineers’ review of its specs and design, we expect the same capable performance from this dethatcher,” he said.

Agri-Fab’s dethatcher sports an extra-large width perfect for anyone with a tractor or riding mower and a large lawn or plot of land. “The contraption is a little more advanced, but for the ‘ruralpolitan’ crowd who use a tractor to maintain acres upon acres of lawn, the Agri-Fab is a useful attachment that will help keep the grass looking great,” said DiClerico. Its pull-behind design should attach to most trailer hitches thanks to a universal fit, and the steel deck and 24 tines are designed to last several seasons.

Lightweight and nimble, this dethatcher comes with a padded fold-down handle that makes it as easy to store as it is comfortable to use. We like the built-in collection bag to gather up any dead grass, stems and roots. The home and outdoor gear experts at the GH Institute have tested a variety of tools from WORX, and the brand consistently stands out for its reliability, value and performance. Note, however, that it's not cordless and may require an extension cord depending on the size of your yard.