Steelite 13 Inch Electric Lawn Mower, 1300W Corded Power, Lightweight & Compact Design Ideal for Small to Medium Lawns Review

Name: Steelite 13 Inch Electric Lawn Mower, 1300W Corded Power, Lightweight & Compact Design Ideal for Small to Medium Lawns
Brand: Steelite
Price: 104.69 USD
Availability: InStock

By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026

★★★ 3.4/5 (12 reviews)

$104.69

Brand: Steelite

Steelite 13 Inch Electric Lawn Mower, 1300W Corded Power, Lightweight & Compact Design Ideal for Small to Medium Lawns

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Overview

The Steelite 13 Inch Electric Lawn Mower is a compact, corded machine designed for precision trimming on small to medium lawns—think postage-stamp yards, tight side strips, and urban patches up to about a quarter acre. With its 1300-watt motor and lightweight build, it’s a budget-friendly option for homeowners who want a no-fuss electric mower that won’t strain your back or your wallet. At just over $100, it’s priced for entry-level buyers who value simplicity over raw power.

Who Should Buy This

Apartment dwellers with tiny yards – If you’re maintaining a 1,000 to 2,000 square foot lawn (like a townhouse or duplex strip), this mower’s 13-inch deck is perfectly sized to navigate tight gates and narrow paths without wrestling a full-size machine.
Homeowners who hate gas cans – You don’t want to deal with mixing oil, storing fuel, or pulling a stubborn starter cord. This corded electric model plugs in and goes—no fumes, no mess, no annual carburetor cleaning.
Budget-conscious first-time buyers – At $104.69, it’s one of the most affordable electric mowers on the market. If you’re renting or just moved into a house with a small lawn and need something to get by for a season or two, this fits the bill.
Seniors or those with limited mobility – Weighing in at around 25-30 pounds (typical for this class), the Steelite is noticeably lighter than most gas mowers. It’s easier to push, lift, and maneuver, especially on flat terrain.

Key Features Breakdown

1300W Motor – This is roughly equivalent to 1.7 horsepower. It’s sufficient for cutting thin, well-maintained grass up to about 3 inches tall. Don’t expect it to tackle overgrown weeds or thick St. Augustine—it’s built for tidy lawns, not jungles. The motor runs quietly compared to gas, so you can mow early Saturday without waking the neighbors.
13-Inch Cutting Deck – That’s narrow by design. It means more passes on a standard lawn, but it also means you can trim under shrubs, around flower beds, and along fence lines with less back-and-forth. Ideal for precision work, not speed.
Corded Power – You’re tethered to an outlet, which limits range to about 100 feet (unless you use a heavy-duty extension cord). The upside? Unlimited runtime—no battery dying halfway through the back yard. You’ll need a 14-gauge or thicker outdoor cord to avoid voltage drop.
Lightweight & Compact – The mower folds or stores easily in a small shed or garage corner. It’s light enough to carry up a flight of stairs to a rooftop lawn or balcony garden.
Grass Collection Bag – Included (likely a small fabric bag). It catches clippings, but given the 13-inch deck, it’ll fill up quickly on a damp lawn. Expect to empty it every 200-300 square feet.

Pros

True plug-and-play simplicity – No gas, no oil, no battery charging. Just plug into an outlet and push. Perfect for the “I just want to mow and be done” crowd.
Light enough to carry one-handed – At roughly 27 pounds, you can lift it onto a truck bed or carry it to a side yard without breaking a sweat. Gas mowers often top 50 pounds.
Quiet operation – At 85-90 decibels, it’s quieter than a gas mower by a noticeable margin. You can hold a conversation while mowing without shouting.
Maneuvers in tight spots – The 13-inch deck slides between garden beds and around trees with ease. If your lawn is full of obstacles, this is a huge advantage.
Budget-friendly price – At $104, it’s one of the cheapest new mowers you can buy. That’s less than a single gas mower tune-up at a shop.
Low maintenance – No spark plugs, air filters, or oil changes. Just sharpen the blade once a year and store it dry.

Cons

Cord management is a hassle – You’ll constantly be watching the cord, avoiding running it over, and moving it around obstacles. On a 1/4-acre lawn, expect to unplug and re-plug at least twice. A 100-foot extension cord is basically required.
Small cutting deck means more passes – A 13-inch deck will take you 30-40% more passes than a standard 20-inch mower. For a 2,000-square-foot lawn, that’s 10-15 extra minutes of mowing.
Limited power for thick grass – The 1300W motor struggles with tall, wet, or dense grass. You’ll hear the motor bog down, and you may need to lift the mower to clear clogs. Not ideal for Bermuda or zoysia lawns during peak growth.
Flimsy build quality – At this price point, expect plastic components and a less robust deck. The Steelite won’t survive a decade of abuse like a Honda or Toro. It’s a “get you through a few seasons” mower, not a heirloom tool.

Bottom Line

The Steelite 13 Inch Electric Lawn Mower is a solid entry-level choice for homeowners with small, tidy lawns who prioritize low cost and ease of use over speed and power. It’s not a workhorse—it’s a lightweight, corded trimmer that excels on flat, well-kept grass up to about 2,500 square feet. If you’re patient with the cord and don’t mind making extra passes, it’ll save you a bundle compared to gas mowers. But if you have a larger yard, thicker turf, or hate dealing with extension cords, look for a 20-inch corded model or a battery-powered alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a standard 50-foot extension cord with this mower?
A: Yes, but you’ll likely need a 100-foot 14-gauge or thicker cord to reach the far corners of a typical small lawn. A 50-foot cord limits you to about 40 feet of effective range from the outlet. Always use an outdoor-rated cord to prevent tripping hazards and voltage drop.

Q: How do I adjust the cutting height on this mower?
A: Most 13-inch electric mowers in this price range use a single lever or manual pin adjustment on each wheel. Check the manual, but expect 3-5 height settings (typically 1 to 3 inches). It’s not tool-free on all models—some require a wrench.

Q: Will it mulch grass clippings or just bag them?
A:

How It Compares

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the Steelite 13-Inch Electric Lawn Mower and the WORX Cordless String Trimmer & Edger.

Quick Verdict

The WORX WG163 wins overall for versatility and reliability, but only if you need a trimmer/edger; the Steelite wins if you specifically require a lawn mower for cutting grass on a small lawn, as these are fundamentally different tools.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Steelite 13" Electric Mower	WORX WG163 String Trimmer/Edger
Price	$104.69	$89.99
Power Source	Corded Electric (1300W)	Cordless (20V Battery, 2 included)
Cutting Width	13 inches	12 inches
Self-Propelled	No (Push)	No (Handheld)
Best Yard Size	Small lawns (up to 1/4 acre)	Trimming/edging only (any size yard)
Warranty	Not specified (likely 1-2 years)	3-Year Limited Warranty (WORX standard)

Where Steelite Wins

Actual Lawn Mowing Capability: The Steelite is a true lawn mower with a steel deck and 1300W of power. It is designed to cut grass over an entire lawn, not just trim edges. It has wheels, a handle, and a collection bag—features the WORX lacks entirely. If you need to mow a small, flat lawn, the Steelite is the only viable choice between these two.
Lower Long-Term Cost: Because it is corded, the Steelite has no batteries to degrade or replace. You plug it in and it runs indefinitely. The WORX uses 20V batteries that will lose capacity over time (typically 2-4 years), and replacement batteries cost $30–$50 each.
Heavier-Duty Cutting for Grass: The 1300W motor and steel deck provide more consistent cutting power for thicker grass. The WORX’s string trimmer head is designed for light weeds and edging, not for cutting an entire lawn of dense grass. The Steelite will not bog down as easily in normal lawn conditions.

Where WORX Wins

Superior Customer Satisfaction & Proven Reliability: The WORX has a 4.4/5-star rating from over 27,800 reviews, indicating a highly reliable, well-liked product. The Steelite’s 3.4/5 rating from only 12 reviews suggests quality concerns or a very new, untested product. The WORX also comes with a 3-year warranty.
Cordless Freedom & Versatility: The WORX is a 2-in-1 tool (trimmer and edger) that runs on batteries. You can use it anywhere without dragging a cord, and it easily switches from trimming to edging by rotating the head. It is ideal for cleaning up edges, fence lines, and around flower beds—tasks the Steelite cannot do.
Lightweight & Easy to Handle: At only 5.5 lbs (with battery), the WORX is extremely light and maneuverable. It is much easier to use for detail work, on slopes, or in tight corners than a 30+ lb push mower. It also requires no assembly or heavy lifting.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (Steelite) if: You have a small, flat lawn (under ¼ acre) and need a primary mower to cut the grass. You don’t mind managing a power cord, and you want a dedicated machine that will mow reliably for years without battery replacement. This is the budget-friendly option for mowing.
Buy Mower B (WORX) if: You already own a lawn mower (push or riding) and need a trimmer/edger for finishing work. You value cordless convenience, want a tool that works anywhere, and need a proven, highly-rated product with a strong warranty. This is ideal for maintaining edges, not mowing the lawn itself.
Buy Neither if: You need a single tool to both mow a lawn and trim edges. The Steelite can only mow; the WORX can only trim. For a small yard, you would need both. If you want one tool that does both, consider a cordless mower with a trimmer attachment, but these two specific models are not interchangeable.

Quick Verdict

The American Lawn Mower Company wins overall for reliability and proven performance, backed by over 22,000 reviews and a significantly higher rating, while the Steelite offers a lower upfront cost but comes with substantial risk due to sparse feedback and weak specs.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Steelite 13 Inch Electric	American Lawn Mower Company
Price	$104.69	$119.99
Power Source	Corded Electric (1300W)	Manual Reel (no motor)
Cutting Width	13 inches	14 inches (typical)
Self-Propelled	No	No
Best Yard Size	Small to Medium (up to 1/4 acre)	Small lawns (up to 1/8 acre)
Warranty	Not specified (likely 1-2 years)	2-year limited warranty

Where Steelite Wins

1. Lower upfront cost. At $104.69, Steelite is $15.30 cheaper than the American Lawn Mower. For budget-strapped buyers, this price point is hard to beat, especially if you need an electric option immediately.

2. Corded electric power eliminates manual effort. The 1300W motor provides consistent cutting power without needing to push a reel or recharge batteries. It’s ideal for flat, small lawns where a cord is manageable, and you want to avoid physical exertion.

3. Lightweight and compact design. The Steelite’s 13-inch cutting width and lightweight build make it easy to carry, store in tight spaces, and maneuver around obstacles like flower beds or narrow pathways. This is a clear advantage for renters or those with limited storage.

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

1. Proven reliability with massive user base. With 22,499 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, this mower has been tested by tens of thousands of users over years. The Steelite has only 12 reviews and a 3.4-star rating—a red flag for consistent quality.

2. No cords, no gas, no maintenance. The manual reel design is silent, emissions-free, and requires no fuel or electricity. You’ll never deal with tangled extension cords, engine oil changes, or spark plugs. It’s the ultimate low-maintenance option for small lawns.

3. Superior cut quality and exercise benefit. Reel mowers produce a clean, scissor-like cut that’s healthier for grass than electric rotary blades. Plus, the push-action provides light cardio—a bonus for those wanting a workout while mowing. The 14-inch cutting width is also slightly wider than the Steelite’s 13 inches.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (Steelite) if: You have a small to medium lawn (up to 1/4 acre) with easy access to an outdoor outlet, you prioritize a very low price over long-term reliability, and you’re willing to risk poor customer support or a short lifespan given the sparse reviews. Also choose this if you need a lightweight mower you can carry up stairs or store in a closet.

Buy Mower B (American Lawn Mower) if: You want a proven, hassle-free mower that will last years with minimal upkeep, you have a small lawn (under 1/8 acre) and don’t mind light physical effort, or you value environmental friendliness (no emissions, no noise). This is also the better choice if you dislike managing cords or engines and want a mower that’s backed by a massive, satisfied user community.

Skip both if: Your yard is larger than 1/4 acre or has thick, tall grass—neither mower is suited for those conditions. Consider a self-propelled gas or battery model instead.