Sun Joe 15″ Cordless Push Reel Lawn Mower 24V Review: The Surprising Powerhouse for Small Yards

I still remember the Sunday mornings of my youth, defined by the deafening roar of my dad’s gas-powered mower. The ritual was always the same: the struggle with the pull-cord, the plume of blue smoke, the smell of gasoline that clung to your clothes, and the constant, vibrating noise that rattled your bones. Later, when I got my first home with a small patch of green to call my own, I swore off gas mowers. I opted for a classic manual push reel mower, romanticizing the quiet, eco-friendly simplicity. That romance lasted about two mows. The reality was a constant battle against slightly-too-long grass, twigs that would jam the blades instantly, and the sheer physical effort required to get a clean pass. It left me wondering if there was a middle ground—a mower with the precision of a reel but without the back-breaking labor; the power to cut effectively but without the noise and fumes of gas. This search for the perfect small-yard solution is what led me to battery-powered technology, and specifically, to this intriguing hybrid machine.

What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Reel Mower

A walk-behind lawn mower is more than just an item to check off your home maintenance list; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your weekends and achieving a healthy, beautiful lawn. For homeowners with small to medium-sized yards, the right mower transforms a dreaded chore into a quick, satisfying task. The main benefits lie in independence and control. You’re no longer at the mercy of expensive lawn services or tethered by the limitations of cords and gasoline. A cordless model like the Sun Joe 15″ Cordless Push Reel Lawn Mower 24V offers the ultimate freedom, combining the clean, scissor-like cut of a reel mower with the effortless power of a battery, resulting in a healthier, more precisely manicured lawn without the noise, pollution, or maintenance headaches of traditional mowers.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a lawn under a quarter-acre who values quiet operation, environmental friendliness, and a superior quality of cut. If you live in a dense neighborhood where noise is a concern, or if you’re simply tired of storing flammable gas and performing oil changes, this is for you. It’s also perfect for lawn enthusiasts who understand that a reel mower’s slicing action is healthier for grass blades than the tearing of a rotary mower. However, it might not be suitable for those with very large properties (over half an acre), or yards with extremely rough, uneven terrain, thick weeds, or a lot of debris. In those cases, a more powerful, wider-deck rotary or self-propelled gas mower might be a more practical, albeit louder, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The cutting width—in this case, 15 inches—directly impacts how many passes you’ll need to make. A 15-inch deck is ideal for maneuvering in tight spaces and around flower beds, but it will take longer on wide-open lawns compared to a 21-inch model. Also, consider storage. At just 33.6 pounds and with a compact frame, this mower is significantly easier to store in a crowded garage or shed than a bulky gas machine.
• Capacity/Performance: Battery performance is the heart of any cordless tool. Look at the voltage (24V) and amp-hours (4.0-Ah) to gauge power and runtime. The 360-watt motor on this Sun Joe model provides the necessary torque to spin the blades through dense patches. We found the included 4.0-Ah battery provides ample runtime for yards up to a quarter-acre, a key performance metric that makes this a viable option for many suburban homes. You can check its full feature set and user feedback to see how it performs on different grass types.
• Materials & Durability: Walk-behind mowers see a lot of action, so construction matters. This mower uses a combination of metal for the cutting reel and plastic for the main body and wheels. The plastic construction is what makes it so incredibly lightweight, but some users may have concerns about long-term durability compared to an all-steel deck. However, for its intended use on residential lawns, the high-impact plastic holds up well and won’t rust.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a simple height adjustment, easy-to-attach grass bag, and straightforward starting mechanism are critical. The Sun Joe features a 4-position manual height adjustment, which is simple but effective. Long-term care for a reel mower involves keeping the blades sharp. While this might require occasional “backlapping” with a grinding paste, it’s a far cry from dealing with spark plugs, air filters, and carburetors on a gas engine.

While the Sun Joe 15″ Cordless Push Reel Lawn Mower 24V 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: A Lightweight Wonder That Defies Expectations

Unboxing the Sun Joe 15″ Cordless Push Reel Lawn Mower 24V was a refreshingly simple affair. Pulling it from the box, the first thing I noticed was its weight—or lack thereof. At just under 34 pounds, I could easily lift it with one hand. My old gas mower was a two-person job to get into the back of a truck; this felt more like carrying a large piece of luggage. Assembly was straightforward, primarily involving attaching the handle components. As some users have noted, the manual could be a bit clearer with its diagrams, but within about 15 minutes, I had it fully assembled without any real frustration. The “safety key” was a new concept for me, but it’s an intuitive and smart feature, ensuring the mower can’t be accidentally started. My initial reaction to the largely plastic body was skepticism, as it did look a bit like a high-end toy. However, the components felt sturdy and well-fitted, and the metal 5-blade RAZOREEL system at its core looked and felt robust and ready for business. It was a stark, modern contrast to the heavy, greasy machines I was used to, and I was eager to see if this lightweight build could deliver heavyweight performance.

A Deep Dive into the Sun Joe’s Real-World Performance

Looks and first impressions are one thing, but the real test of a mower is how it performs out on the lawn. Over several weeks, we put the Sun Joe 15″ Cordless Push Reel Lawn Mower 24V through its paces on different types of grass, in varying conditions, and on lawns that ranged from pristine to slightly neglected. This is where the machine truly revealed its character—its surprising strengths and its understandable limitations.

The RAZOREEL Cutting System: Precision and Power Combined

The star of the show is unquestionably the 15-inch, 5-blade RAZOREEL system. Unlike rotary mowers that use a single, high-speed blade to whack and tear at grass, a reel mower uses multiple blades in a scissor-like action against a stationary bedknife. This clean snip is fundamentally healthier for your lawn, promoting faster healing, reducing the chance of disease, and creating that smooth, golf-course-like finish. When I first engaged the motor, I was struck by how the 360-watt engine spun the reel with quiet authority. It’s not silent, but it’s a gentle whir compared to a gas engine’s roar. On my standard, well-maintained lawn, the results were flawless. The Sun Joe glided forward, lifting and cutting each blade of grass with precision. The 4-position height adjustment, ranging from a low 0.6 inches to a more standard 2.0 inches, was easy to use and offered good versatility for different seasons. We found the sweet spot for our turf was the second-highest setting.

To really test its mettle, I took it to a patch of my yard that had gotten overgrown, with grass hitting 6-8 inches in some spots. Here, the mower had to work harder, and I had to slow my walking pace, but it chewed through it. This confirmed what other users have found: it has a shocking amount of power for its size. One user reported tackling grass 1.5 feet tall with no problem, a testament to the motor’s torque. However, it’s important to set realistic expectations. As another user wisely pointed out, a reel mower is at its best on a prepped, relatively level lawn free of large debris. While we found it powered through small twigs and pinecones without issue, large sticks will jam it. For thick, tough grasses like Bahia, a slower pace is key. The included 11.9-gallon collection bag also performed well, catching the majority of clippings and leaving the lawn tidy, eliminating the need for a follow-up rake. The precision of the cutting system is what truly sets it apart from budget rotary mowers.

24V IONMAX Battery: Ditching Gas Without Compromise

My biggest initial skepticism, shared by many users, was about battery life. Early generations of electric mowers were notorious for quitting halfway through the job. The Sun Joe’s 24V IONMAX system, paired with the included 4.0-Ah battery, completely shattered that stereotype. For my roughly 5,000 sq. ft. yard, the task was almost too easy. After mowing the entire lawn, which took about 25 minutes, the battery indicator still showed more than half its charge remaining. This aligns perfectly with reports from users with quarter-acre lots (about 11,000 sq. ft.) who finish the job on a single charge with power to spare. We conservatively estimate the runtime at a solid 45-50 minutes of continuous mowing, which is more than enough for the vast majority of lawns this mower is designed for.

The freedom this provides is transformative. There’s no cord to manage, no gas can to refill, and no oil to check. You simply slide the charged battery into its compartment, insert the safety key, and you’re ready to mow. The battery charges relatively quickly, and for those with larger properties or who own other Sun Joe 24V tools, having a second battery on hand would eliminate any potential downtime. One user, after a full year of “using and abusing” the mower, reported that the battery still held a great charge and provided over an hour of runtime, which speaks volumes about the quality and longevity of the IONMAX system. This reliable, long-lasting power is a core reason why the Sun Joe 15″ Cordless Push Reel Lawn Mower 24V has converted so many gas-power loyalists.

Design and Maneuverability: The Lightweight Champion

This is where the Sun Joe 15″ Cordless Push Reel Lawn Mower 24V truly runs circles around its competition. Weighing only 33.6 pounds, it feels incredibly nimble. Pushing it is nearly effortless, and navigating the tight corners of my yard, around trees, and along garden beds was a breeze. I could easily execute tight turns and pivots that would have been a multi-point ordeal with a heavy gas mower. This lightweight design makes it an exceptional choice for older users, people with limited physical strength, or anyone with a complex yard layout. As one happy customer, an older woman, put it, “all you have to do is take it out put the handle on charge your battery… The mower is the best buy it you’ll be glad you did.”

The mower’s slim 15-inch profile also helps it get into narrow strips of lawn that wider mowers can’t reach. While the plastic chassis is the key to this low weight, it has been a point of contention. Some users feel it looks and feels “like a toy” and worry about its durability. While a wheel did fall off for one user after a dozen uses, many others have reported multiple years of reliable service. Our assessment is that while it lacks the bomb-proof feel of a steel-deck mower, the plastic is robust enough for its intended purpose and offers the significant trade-off of superior handling. We did note, as have others, a potential quality control issue where the height adjustment linkage can be assembled incorrectly at the factory, causing the rear wheels to jam. It’s a frustrating defect when it occurs, but it appears to be an exception rather than the rule for a product that generally works exceptionally well out of the box. Its ease of use is a major selling point, and you can check the latest price and availability online.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment from owners of the Sun Joe 15″ Cordless Push Reel Lawn Mower 24V is one of pleasant surprise. Many, like one reviewer who was “a little skeptical about the whole ‘electric’ mower thing,” have been converted, praising it as an “amazing” little machine. The most common point of praise is its unexpected power and battery life. A user with a quarter-acre yard in a “woodsy area” was shocked that it handled sticks and pine cones and completed the entire job on a single charge. Another, a single mom of three, found it “surprised me so much” that she had to leave a review, noting it was lighter, quieter, and had better battery life than a previous Ryobi mower that cost twice as much.

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. The most significant recurring complaint involves quality control, specifically with the height adjustment mechanism. A few users received units where the linkage was assembled incorrectly, causing the rear wheels to lock up. As one disappointed buyer noted after receiving a defective unit, “It’s too bad, because otherwise I probably would have given this mower five stars.” Others mention the plastic construction feels somewhat flimsy, even if it holds up over time. These critiques are valid and highlight the trade-offs made to achieve the mower’s affordable price point and light weight.

How Does the Sun Joe Stack Up Against the Alternatives?

While the Sun Joe 15″ Cordless Push Reel Lawn Mower 24V excels in its niche, it’s important to understand how it compares to other popular lawn care tools. Your perfect choice depends entirely on your specific needs, lawn type, and budget.

1. Greenworks 13 Amp 14-Inch Corded Dethatcher DT13B00

It’s crucial to understand that the Greenworks Dethatcher is not a mower; it’s a specialized lawn health tool. A dethatcher uses tines to rake up the layer of dead grass and roots (thatch) that can choke your lawn. While the Sun Joe gives your grass a clean cut, the Greenworks tool prepares the soil to breathe, absorb water, and take in nutrients more effectively. A serious lawn care enthusiast might own both. You would use the Greenworks Dethatcher once or twice a year to scarify the lawn, and the Sun Joe for regular weekly mowing. If your primary goal is just to cut the grass, the Sun Joe is the correct choice. If your lawn looks unhealthy and compacted despite regular mowing, the Greenworks Dethatcher is the specialized solution you need.

2. Greenworks 48V Self-Propelled Mower

The Greenworks 48V kit represents a significant step up in both power and convenience. Its key feature is self-propulsion, which means you simply guide the mower while its motor drives the wheels—a huge benefit for larger yards or those with slopes. With a much wider 21-inch cutting deck, it will finish a larger lawn in fewer passes. This particular bundle also includes a string trimmer and blower that run on the same 48V (2x24V) battery system, offering incredible value. You should choose the Greenworks bundle over the Sun Joe if you have a larger yard (over a quarter-acre), have hilly terrain, or want to invest in a complete ecosystem of cordless yard tools from a single brand. However, it is significantly heavier and more expensive than the Sun Joe.

3. EGO Power+ LM2200SP Self-Propelled Electric Lawn Mower

The EGO Power+ is a premium, high-performance machine for those who want the best in electric rotary mowing. Its 22-inch aluminum deck is a major upgrade in durability over the Sun Joe’s plastic body, promising years of rust-free service. Features like the ‘Select Cut’ multi-blade system offer superior mulching and bagging performance. It’s also self-propelled with ‘Touch Drive’ technology for easy speed control. This mower is aimed at the homeowner with a medium-to-large lawn who is willing to pay a premium for top-tier build quality, cutting performance, and advanced features. Choose the EGO if your budget is higher and you prioritize robust construction and the absolute best cut quality a rotary mower can provide. The Sun Joe remains the better choice for smaller yards, maneuverability in tight spaces, and for those who specifically want the unique, gentle cut of a reel mower.

Final Verdict: The Ideal Mower for the Modern Small Yard

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Sun Joe 15″ Cordless Push Reel Lawn Mower 24V is a truly exceptional machine for its target audience. It expertly bridges the gap between the effort of a manual reel mower and the noise and hassle of a gas-powered one. Its greatest strengths are its featherlight design, which makes mowing less of a chore and more of a pleasant walk, and its surprisingly robust battery life that easily handles the small-to-medium suburban lawns it was designed for. The RAZOREEL system delivers a visibly cleaner, healthier cut that rotary mowers simply can’t replicate.

While we acknowledge the potential for quality control issues and the durability concerns associated with its plastic body, these are acceptable trade-offs for its accessible price point and incredible ease of use. This isn’t the mower for a one-acre field or a neglected jungle, but for the homeowner who wants a pristine lawn without the fuss, noise, or fumes, it is an outstanding value. If you have a smaller yard and have been searching for a smarter, quieter, and more eco-friendly way to maintain it, we wholeheartedly recommend this mower. It’s a game-changer that proves powerful performance can come in a small, lightweight package. You can see for yourself why it’s a top choice for so many homeowners and make the switch to effortless lawn care today.