PowerSmart 80V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower Push Review: The Gas-Like Powerhouse Without the Fumes

I still remember the Sunday morning ritual: the trip to the garage, the hunt for the gas can, the inevitable spill, and the fumes that clung to my clothes for hours. Then came the pull-cord wrestling match—a sweaty, frustrating battle that often left my shoulder sore before the first blade of grass was even cut. It was a noisy, dirty, and frankly, annoying start to what should have been a peaceful weekend chore. For years, I accepted this as the price of a well-manicured lawn. The belief was simple: if you want real power to tackle thick, stubborn grass, you need a gas engine. But as battery technology has surged forward, I began to question that old assumption. Could a cordless electric mower truly deliver the raw cutting force I needed without the noise, maintenance, and pollution? That question is precisely what led me to test the PowerSmart 80V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower Push, a machine that promises to change the game entirely.

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, beauty, and usability of your outdoor space. It’s the difference between a chaotic, overgrown yard and a pristine carpet of green that invites barefoot walks and family barbecues. The main benefit of a quality mower is control—control over grass height, weed prevention, and overall curb appeal. Choosing the right one, however, involves navigating a landscape of power sources, deck sizes, and features. From traditional gas models to corded electric and the increasingly popular cordless battery options, the decision impacts everything from your weekend routine to your environmental footprint. Neglecting to find the right fit can lead to frustration, a poorly cut lawn, and an expensive tool gathering dust in the garage.

The ideal customer for a cordless electric push mower like this PowerSmart is a homeowner with a small- to medium-sized lawn (typically up to 1/2 acre) who values convenience, low maintenance, and quiet operation. It’s perfect for someone who is tired of the hassle of gas engines but still needs significant power to handle varied grass conditions. This mower is a fantastic choice for those who are environmentally conscious or live in neighborhoods with noise restrictions. On the other hand, it might not be the best fit for someone with a very large property (over an acre), where even the best battery systems might require multiple charges to finish the job. Likewise, professionals who need to run a mower for 8 hours a day will likely still lean towards gas. For those with tiny, flat lawns, a manual reel mower could be a simpler, cheaper alternative, while those with hilly terrain should strongly consider a self-propelled model over a push mower.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Power Source & Voltage: This is the heart of the mower. For cordless models, voltage (V) is a primary indicator of power. A 40V system is adequate for standard lawns, but an 80V system, like the one in the PowerSmart, provides a significant power boost that rivals gasoline engines, making it capable of tackling thicker, taller, or wetter grass without bogging down. Consider the battery’s amp-hour (Ah) rating as well, as this determines runtime.
• Deck Size & Material: The cutting width, or deck size, determines how many passes you’ll need to make. A 21-inch deck is a fantastic sweet spot, offering great coverage for efficiency without being too cumbersome to maneuver. Pay close attention to the deck material. While some budget mowers use plastic, the PowerSmart 80V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower Push features an all-steel deck, which is a hallmark of durability and longevity, capable of withstanding bumps and impacts far better than its plastic counterparts.
• Cutting Options & Height Adjustment: Versatility is key. A “3-in-1” mower provides options for mulching (which returns nutrients to the lawn), bagging (for a clean, clipping-free finish), or side/rear discharge (for when the grass is too long to bag effectively). Also, look for a simple height adjustment system. A single-lever adjustment that changes all four wheels at once is vastly superior to fiddling with four individual levers.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider the mower’s weight and ergonomics. At 55 pounds, this push mower is relatively lightweight for its class, making it easy to handle. Beyond that, the beauty of battery power is the near-zero maintenance. There’s no oil to change, no spark plugs to replace, and no carburetor to clean. Your only tasks are charging the battery, sharpening the blade occasionally, and cleaning the underside of the deck.

While the PowerSmart 80V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower Push is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Built Tough with Surprising Simplicity

Unboxing the PowerSmart 80V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower Push, the first thing that struck me was the substance of it. The 21-inch steel deck feels robust and ready for business, a welcome departure from the plastic-heavy feel of some competitors. Assembly was refreshingly straightforward. In fact, it barely qualifies as “assembly.” It mostly involves unfolding the handle and tightening a few cam locks. I had it out of the box and ready to mow in under five minutes, without even glancing at the manual. This ease of setup was echoed by a user who noted, “This lawn mower was super easy to put together and operate. I barely had to read the manual before starting!” It’s a testament to a well-thought-out, user-centric design.

The 80V battery has a satisfying heft to it, clicking securely into its compartment with a weather-sealed cover. The push-button start is, of course, a dream. A press of the button and a pull of the safety bail, and the brushless motor spins to life with a low hum, not a roar. It’s a civilized sound that won’t have your neighbors glaring over the fence. The single-lever height adjustment is another standout feature, moving smoothly between its five positions with one hand. From the initial feel, this machine is designed to combine raw power with absolute ease of use. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its thoughtful construction.

Deep Dive: Putting the PowerSmart 80V Mower to the Test

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a mower’s character, you have to get it out on the turf. We put the PowerSmart 80V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower Push through its paces on a variety of lawn conditions—from thin, dry patches to lush, thick St. Augustine grass still damp from the morning dew. This is where the machine’s promises were tested, and for the most part, it delivered in a big way.

The Heart of the Beast: 80V Brushless Motor Performance

Let’s be clear: the 80-volt power system is the headline feature, and it does not disappoint. This isn’t your grandma’s old electric mower. The brushless motor technology translates the battery’s high voltage into incredible torque at the blade. Where lesser battery mowers might stutter or stall when hitting a thick patch, the PowerSmart plowed right through. We intentionally let a section of our test lawn grow long for a week, and the mower sliced through it with a confidence that felt distinctly gas-like. The motor has smart-sensing technology, meaning it automatically ramps up power when it detects a tougher load and conserves energy on lighter turf. This is key to maximizing battery life. The cut quality was consistently clean and even, leaving behind a professional-looking lawn without any ragged or torn blades of grass. One user emphatically stated it was “Better than a gas mower!” and after using it, I can see why they felt that way. For homeowners who have been hesitant to switch from gas for fear of losing power, this mower is a true turning point. It possesses the muscle to do the job right, a feature that really sets it apart in the cordless market.

Battery Life and a Day in the Yard

Power is nothing without endurance. The PowerSmart mower we tested came with an 80V MAX 4.0Ah battery and a rapid charger. The manufacturer claims up to 40 minutes of runtime with a 6.0Ah battery, so we expected a bit less with the included 4.0Ah pack. On a typical suburban 1/4-acre lot with moderately thick grass at a medium cutting height, we were able to complete the entire lawn with about one bar of battery life to spare, clocking in at around 30-35 minutes of continuous use. This is more than sufficient for the target user. The rapid charger is also a huge plus, taking the depleted battery back to full in about an hour. This means that for larger yards, you could mow, take a short break while it charges, and finish up without losing half your day. While one user reported an astonishing “over 2 hours” of battery life, this is likely under very light conditions or with a larger battery, but it does speak to the efficiency of the motor. The real-world performance we experienced is solid and dependable for most homeowners. You can always check the latest price and availability to see what battery configurations are currently offered.

Ergonomics, Handling, and 3-in-1 Versatility

At 55 pounds, this mower hits a sweet spot. It’s heavy enough for the steel deck to feel planted and sturdy, yet light enough that pushing it around a flat or gently sloping yard is no chore at all. The wheels are sizable and roll smoothly, making turns easy. The handle is comfortable and can be adjusted to different heights, which is a nice ergonomic touch. One of the mower’s greatest strengths is its simplicity, which is a key reason we recommend it to those new to lawn care. A user who identified as a single mom taking on yard work for the first time found it “super easy and kind of fun,” which is about the highest praise a lawn mower can receive.

We tested all three cutting functions. The rear bagger attaches and detaches easily and does an excellent job of collecting clippings, filling up completely without clogging. The side discharge chute works as expected for longer grass. However, the mulching performance was the most impressive. The deck and blade design create a powerful vortex that finely chops the clippings, returning them to the lawn as a natural fertilizer without leaving unsightly clumps behind. Switching between these modes is a tool-free, 30-second affair. This versatility ensures you have the right tool for whatever condition your lawn is in on any given weekend.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience is broadly reflected in the feedback from other owners. The dominant theme is one of pleasant surprise—surprise at the power, the ease of assembly, and the overall convenience. The user who exclaimed, “The Best! Better than a gas mower!” encapsulates the sentiment of many who have made the switch. Their mention of fast charging and how easy the mower is to push and clean confirms our own findings about its excellent design.

Another powerful piece of feedback came from a user who noted, “Since I switched to a battery mower, cutting grass has not affected my allergies or sinuses.” This is a significant quality-of-life benefit that is often overlooked. By eliminating the exhaust fumes and kicked-up particulates associated with gas engines, the PowerSmart 80V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower Push offers a healthier mowing experience. The consensus is clear: this mower is not just a capable tool but a genuine upgrade for homeowners seeking power without the traditional drawbacks.

How Does It Stack Up? The PowerSmart vs. The Competition

No product exists in a vacuum. To give you the full picture, we compared the PowerSmart 80V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower Push to three distinct alternatives, each catering to a different type of user and yard.

1. CRAFTSMAN 20-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower

The CRAFTSMAN corded mower represents the ultimate in simplicity and budget-friendliness for electric mowing. Its primary advantage is unlimited runtime—as long as it’s plugged in, it will run. It’s also incredibly lightweight and requires zero battery management. However, its biggest strength is also its greatest weakness: the cord. You are constantly managing the cord to avoid running it over, and your range is limited to about 100 feet from an outlet. This makes it a suitable choice only for those with very small, simple, and unobstructed lawns who prioritize a low purchase price above all else. The PowerSmart, by contrast, offers total freedom of movement and significantly more power for tackling larger and more complex yards.

2. Greenworks 48V Lawn Mower Trimmer Blower Combo

The Greenworks 48V combo kit is all about value and building an ecosystem. For a very competitive price, you get a self-propelled mower, a string trimmer, and a leaf blower, all running on the same 24V batteries (used in pairs for 48V). This is an outstanding option for a new homeowner looking to get all their essential yard tools in one box. The main trade-off compared to the PowerSmart is the power level. While 48V is very capable, the PowerSmart’s 80V system provides a noticeable increase in torque for more challenging conditions. Choose the Greenworks combo if you want an entire yard care system and have a yard with hills where its self-propel feature would be a major benefit. Choose the PowerSmart if you prioritize maximum cutting power in your mower above all else.

3. Scotts 304-14S 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

The Scotts Reel Mower is in a class of its own. It’s completely manual, silent, and emission-free. It provides a scissor-like cut that is very healthy for the grass blades. This is the perfect mower for the purist with a small, flat, and impeccably maintained lawn (think postage-stamp city yards). It’s also the cheapest and most environmentally friendly option possible. However, it is entirely dependent on your own physical effort and is completely ineffective on long, weedy, or uneven turf. The PowerSmart offers a modern, powered solution that brings convenience and high performance to a much wider range of lawn types and sizes, whereas the Scotts reel mower is a niche tool for a very specific user.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the PowerSmart 80V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower Push?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the PowerSmart 80V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower Push is a phenomenal machine that bridges the gap between gas power and electric convenience. Its robust 80V motor, durable steel deck, and user-friendly design make it a top contender for anyone with a small- to medium-sized yard. It successfully eliminates all the hassles of a gas mower—the noise, the fumes, the maintenance, the pull-cord—without sacrificing the raw power needed to achieve a great-looking lawn. While it lacks a self-propel function for hilly terrain, its lightweight build makes it easy to push on most properties.

We recommend it without hesitation to the homeowner who is ready to ditch gas but refuses to compromise on cutting performance. It’s for the person who wants to press a button, get the job done quickly and quietly, and get on with their weekend. If you’re looking for a powerful, reliable, and satisfyingly simple solution to lawn care, your search may very well be over. Ready to experience the future of mowing? Click here to check the current price and get your PowerSmart 80V mower today.