PowerSmart 21-Inch Push Mower Review: The Budget-Friendly Workhorse Put to the Test

There’s a familiar feeling that creeps in on a Saturday morning. You peer through the window, coffee in hand, and see it: the lawn. It’s no longer a pristine carpet of green but a burgeoning jungle, each blade of grass seemingly an inch taller than it was yesterday. The immediate thought is the chore ahead, the sweat, the noise, and the time. For many of us, the solution isn’t a high-end, feature-packed riding mower or a complex, professional-grade machine. We just need a reliable tool that will cut the grass cleanly and efficiently, start without a fight, and not command a huge portion of our household budget. The search for this straightforward, no-nonsense lawn mower can be surprisingly difficult. It’s a space filled with options that either feel flimsy and underpowered or are loaded with extras we simply don’t need. This is the exact problem the PowerSmart 21-Inch Push Mower aims to solve, promising robust gas power in a simple, lightweight package. But does it deliver on that promise? We decided to find out.

What to Consider Before Buying a Walk-Behind Lawn Mower

A walk-behind lawn mower is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for maintaining the health and appearance of your property. It’s the cornerstone of curb appeal and the primary tool for preventing your yard from becoming an overgrown wilderness. The main benefits are direct control over the cutting process, physical exercise, and a generally lower cost of entry compared to riding mowers. A good walk-behind mower provides a clean, even cut that promotes healthy grass growth, helps manage weeds, and gives your home a polished, well-kept look. It’s an investment in both your property’s value and your own outdoor enjoyment.

The ideal customer for a gas-powered push mower like this one is a homeowner with a small to medium-sized lawn, typically up to half an acre. This user values the raw power and long runtime of a gasoline engine and doesn’t mind the physical effort of pushing the machine. They are likely budget-conscious and prefer a straightforward, mechanical tool without the complexities of batteries or electric start systems. However, this type of product might not be suitable for those with very large properties, where a self-propelled or riding mower would be more practical. It’s also not the best choice for individuals with physical limitations who would struggle to push a 60-pound machine, or for those who prioritize quiet operation and zero emissions, who would be better served by an electric or reel mower.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Consider the cutting width (deck size) and the overall physical footprint of the mower. A wider deck, like this model’s 21 inches, means fewer passes to cover your lawn, saving time. Also, evaluate your storage space. The PowerSmart 21-Inch Push Mower features a foldable handle, a critical feature for those with crowded garages or small sheds, as it significantly reduces its stored dimensions.
• Capacity/Performance: For a gas mower, engine displacement, measured in cubic centimeters (cc), is a key performance metric. A larger cc number, like this mower’s 144cc engine, generally translates to more torque, allowing it to power through thicker, taller grass without bogging down. Also, consider the functions: a 2-in-1 mower offers bagging and mulching, while a 3-in-1 adds a side-discharge option for when you just need to cut tall grass quickly.
• Materials & Durability: The mower deck is the foundation of the machine. Steel decks, like the one found on this PowerSmart model, are the industry standard for durability and longevity, capable of withstanding impacts from rocks and roots far better than plastic alternatives. Check the quality of the wheels and handle assembly as well, as these are frequent points of failure on lesser machines.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Think about the entire user experience. How easy is it to start? A reliable recoil starter with an auto-choke feature simplifies this process. How easy is it to adjust the cutting height? A dual-lever system is common, but its design can impact usability. Long-term care involves oil changes, blade sharpening, and air filter cleaning, so a design that provides easy access to these components is a major plus.

While the PowerSmart 21-Inch Push Mower is an excellent choice for a specific type of user, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, especially those with self-propulsion, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions and Key Features

Unboxing the PowerSmart 21-Inch Push Mower was a refreshingly simple affair. Many mowers require a frustrating session with a socket set and a confusing instruction manual, but we had this machine ready to go in under 10 minutes. The handle unfolds and locks into place with large, easy-to-grip plastic nuts—no tools required. This initial experience was backed up by several user reports, with one noting, “From the box, it was easy to assemble in less than 5 minutes!” After adding the included engine oil and some fresh gasoline, it was ready.
The mower feels solid yet surprisingly light. At just over 61 pounds, the all-steel deck provides a sense of durability without making the machine feel like a tank. The bright red finish is striking, and the components feel well-fitted for a machine at this price point. The heart of the mower, the 144cc OHV engine, looks clean and accessible. The recoil starter handle is well-placed, and the auto-choke mechanism means there’s no primer bulb to fuss with or manual choke to adjust. It’s designed to be a grab-and-go solution, and based on our first look, it succeeds. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its out-of-the-box experience.

Deep Dive: Performance Under Pressure

A lawn mower’s true worth is proven not on the showroom floor, but in the thick, damp grass of a long-overdue lawn. We put the PowerSmart 21-Inch Push Mower through its paces on a variety of turf conditions to see if its performance matched its promising specifications. We analyzed everything from engine reliability and cutting quality to the real-world usability of its features and potential design flaws.

The Heart of the Machine: 144cc Engine Performance

The 144cc 4-cycle OHV engine is, without a doubt, the standout feature of this mower. In our testing, it proved to be a reliable and potent powerplant for a machine of this size and weight. The auto-choke system worked flawlessly; after the initial setup, the mower consistently roared to life on the first or second pull of the recoil cord. This aligns with the experience of many users, one of whom stated, “Put the oil in it, put gas in it… it started on the first pull.” There’s a certain satisfaction in a gas engine that starts without a struggle, and PowerSmart delivered on that front.
Once running, the engine provides ample torque. We pushed it through some particularly dense patches of grass that hadn’t been cut in weeks, and it chewed through them without significant bogging down. The power feels consistent, and it propels the 21-inch blade with enough velocity to create a strong vacuum effect, which is crucial for both effective bagging and mulching. As another user happily noted, “I could hear this mower engine power performance and the cutting grass is a snap.” However, we did encounter some reports of inconsistency. One user described their unit billowing “clouds of oily smoke,” while another mentioned their mower would “just ‘idles’ instead of running at a speed where the blade can cut grass.” While we didn’t experience these issues ourselves, they suggest potential quality control variances or sensitivities to oil levels. The oil dipstick is indeed difficult to read, which could easily lead to overfilling and the smoky symptoms described. Despite these isolated reports, our test unit’s engine was a strong, reliable performer that felt more than capable for its intended use on suburban lawns.

Cutting Deck and Versatility: The 2-in-1 System in Action

The 21-inch, all-steel deck is the business end of the PowerSmart 21-Inch Push Mower, and it performs admirably. The heavy-duty blade provides a clean, sharp cut, leaving the lawn with a neat, manicured appearance rather than the torn, ragged look that dull blades or underpowered mowers can produce. We found the resulting cut to be impressively even across different grass heights, a sentiment echoed by a user who said it “delivers a clean, even cut across different grass heights, and I haven’t had any issues with uneven patches.” The wide 21-inch path makes quick work of open areas, reducing the number of passes needed and saving valuable time.
The mower is marketed as a 2-in-1 machine, offering bagging and mulching capabilities. The mulching function works reasonably well, chopping clippings into fine pieces that can be left on the lawn to act as a natural fertilizer. However, the bagging system revealed a notable weakness. The grass catcher itself is of a decent size, but the chute leading from the deck to the bag is prone to clogging. We, and other users, found this to be a persistent issue. “The bag’s channel tends to get clogged when it’s only about one-quarter full,” one owner reported, a finding we were able to replicate in our tests, especially with slightly damp grass. This requires frequent stops to clear the blockage, which disrupts the mowing rhythm and adds frustration to the task. It’s a design compromise that detracts from an otherwise solid cutting system. Despite this, the core cutting performance is a real strength, and those who primarily mulch will be very satisfied with the results that this capable mower provides.

Ergonomics and Usability: A Story of Highs and Lows

Using the PowerSmart 21-Inch Push Mower is a mixed experience, defined by excellent maneuverability on one hand and a critical design flaw on the other. Let’s start with the positive: this mower is incredibly lightweight and easy to push. At 61.6 pounds, it glides over the lawn with minimal effort, making it a great choice for yards with numerous trees, flowerbeds, and other obstacles to navigate. We could easily make tight turns and back the mower up without straining. One user who replaced an older, heavier model was relieved to find “This one is lighter and moves easily! I was able to knock out my yard in no time!” This agility is one of its greatest assets.
Unfortunately, this excellent maneuverability is severely compromised by a major issue with the height adjustment system. The mower uses a dual-lever system to set the cutting height across 6 positions, ranging from 1.5 to 3.9 inches. The problem lies with the rear lever. As one incredibly observant user detailed, and we subsequently confirmed, “The height adjustment lever binds against the wheel at the three highest settings.” At the very highest setting, the lever acts as a brake, preventing the wheel from turning at all. At the next two settings down, it constantly rubs against the wheel tread, increasing rolling resistance and, more alarmingly, causing the wheel to drag and gouge the turf when pulling the mower backward. This is a significant design oversight. For homeowners who prefer to keep their grass longer to promote root health—a common practice—this flaw renders the mower’s most useful settings virtually unusable. It is a baffling problem that cancels out many of the mower’s good qualities and is something any potential buyer must seriously consider. The latest price for this model might be tempting, but this flaw is a crucial factor in its overall value.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our own extensive testing, we dug into a broad range of user feedback to see how our experience compared to the public consensus. The sentiment is largely divided, highlighting the mower’s identity as a budget machine with notable compromises. On the positive side, the praise is consistent and clear. Many users, like one who called it the “Best lawn mower I done had so far,” appreciate its simplicity and reliability, emphasizing that it “starts right up and easy to used.” The combination of its light weight and powerful engine is a recurring theme, with one owner stating, “it has been a great addition to my lawn care routine… The 144cc engine is powerful enough to handle my front yard, cutting through thick grass without bogging down.”
However, the negative feedback is just as specific and consistent. The most damaging criticism, by far, revolves around the height adjustment lever binding the rear wheel. One detailed review, complete with photos, concluded, “This one problem cancels out whatever good qualities the mower has.” Other common complaints we saw mirrored our own findings, including the bag clogging prematurely and concerns about quality control, with reports of parts breaking after a few uses or gas leaks developing. This collection of feedback paints a clear picture: when you get a good unit and can work around its quirks (like using lower cutting heights), it’s a fantastic value. But the presence of significant design and quality control issues means that for some, the initial savings aren’t worth the subsequent hassle. It’s a gamble that seems to pay off for many, but not for all.

How Does the PowerSmart 21-Inch Push Mower Compare to the Alternatives?

No product exists in a vacuum. To truly understand the value of the PowerSmart 21-Inch Push Mower, it’s essential to see how it stacks up against other options in the lawn care market. We’ve selected three distinct alternatives that cater to different user needs and priorities.

1. Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower 4.0Ah

The Greenworks 80V Self-Propelled mower represents a significant step up in convenience and technology. Its key differentiator is the combination of a powerful 80V battery system and a self-propulsion drive. This completely eliminates the need for gas, oil, and pull-starts, while also doing the pushing for you. This is the ideal choice for someone who wants to reduce their carbon footprint, enjoys a much quieter operation, and has a yard with slopes or inclines where the self-propelled feature would be a massive relief. While its upfront cost is considerably higher than the PowerSmart, the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance, coupled with the sheer ease of use, make it a compelling alternative for those with a larger budget who prioritize comfort over cost.

2. Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

The Scotts Push Reel Mower sits at the opposite end of the technological spectrum. It uses no motor at all, relying entirely on your own power to spin the five-blade reel, which cuts grass with a clean, scissor-like action. This mower is whisper-quiet, produces zero emissions, and is virtually maintenance-free beyond occasional blade sharpening. It’s an excellent choice for homeowners with small, flat, and well-maintained lawns. If your primary concerns are environmental impact, noise, and simplicity, and you enjoy the physical activity, the Scotts reel mower is an unbeatable and incredibly affordable option. However, it struggles with tall, tough weeds or uneven terrain, where the raw power of the PowerSmart’s gas engine would be essential.

3. Greenworks 80V 21″ Push Lawn Mower 4.0Ah Battery

This Greenworks model offers a middle ground between our other two alternatives. Like the PowerSmart, it is a manual push mower, meaning you provide all the forward momentum. However, like its self-propelled sibling, it’s powered by the same 80V battery platform. This makes it a direct competitor to the PowerSmart for users who want a simple push mower but wish to avoid the noise, fumes, and maintenance of a gasoline engine. It offers push-button starting and quiet operation in a straightforward package. Someone might choose this over the PowerSmart if their primary motivation is moving away from gas, but they have a relatively flat yard and don’t feel the need to pay extra for self-propulsion. It’s a modern, clean-energy take on the classic push mower design.

Our Final Verdict on the PowerSmart 21-Inch Push Mower

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the PowerSmart 21-Inch Push Mower is one of qualified recommendation. This is a machine that gets the core fundamentals right: it houses a surprisingly powerful and reliable 144cc engine that starts easily and cuts grass cleanly. Its lightweight construction makes it exceptionally easy to maneuver, and its tool-free assembly and compact storage are genuinely user-friendly features. For the budget-conscious homeowner with a small, relatively flat lawn who typically mows at a medium-to-low height, this mower offers incredible value for its price.
However, it is impossible to ignore its significant flaws. The design oversight with the height adjustment lever binding against the wheel at higher settings is a major issue for anyone who prefers a longer cut. The tendency for the bagging chute to clog adds a layer of frustration to an otherwise simple task. These are not minor quirks but notable compromises that prevent it from being a universal recommendation. Ultimately, the PowerSmart 21-Inch Push Mower is a potent but imperfect budget workhorse. If you understand its limitations and they don’t interfere with your specific lawn care needs, you’ll be rewarded with a powerful tool for a fraction of the cost of its competitors. If you’re ready to take on your lawn with a no-frills machine that packs a punch, you can check the latest price and availability for the PowerSmart mower here.