Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn Mower with 11.9-Gal Bag, 15-Inch Cutting Width, 360W Motor - Heavy-Duty Yard Trimmer for Gardening Care and Maintenance, IONMAX 24V-CRLM15 Review

Quick Verdict

The American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 wins for value and reliability, with a vastly higher user rating and lower price, but the Sun Joe Cordless Electric is better for those who need powered cutting on small, uneven lawns.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Where Sun Joe Wins

1. Powered cutting for thicker grass. The 360W electric motor provides consistent blade rotation, making it effective on taller or slightly damp grass that would stall a reel mower. It handles Bermuda, fescue, and mixed lawns without requiring a perfectly manicured surface.

2. Larger bag capacity with less effort. The 11.9-gallon collection bag is nearly twice the capacity of most reel mower baskets (typically 6-8 gallons), reducing trips to the compost pile. The electric model also mulches and bags simultaneously, while a reel mower often requires raking if grass is long.

3. Quieter, zero-emission operation. At under 80 decibels, this mower is quiet enough for early morning or late evening use without disturbing neighbors. No fuel, oil, or exhaust fumes make it a cleaner option for small yards near gardens or patios.

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

1. Proven reliability and user satisfaction. With a 4.3-star rating from over 22,000 reviews (versus 3.2 from 138 reviews), this reel mower has a long track record of customer satisfaction. Buyers consistently praise its durability, ease of assembly, and consistent cutting performance over many seasons.

2. No batteries, charging, or maintenance. The 5-blade reel system requires zero electricity, no battery replacement costs, and no motor maintenance. It starts instantly, never runs out of power, and needs only occasional blade sharpening (every 2-3 years for typical use).

3. Healthier cut for fine lawns. Reel mowers scissor-cut grass cleanly rather than tearing it like rotary blades, resulting in less browning at the tips. The 18-inch cutting width is also wider than the Sun Joe’s 15-inch, reducing mowing time on small lawns by about 20%.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (Sun Joe Cordless) if: Your lawn has uneven terrain, occasional tall grass, or you simply don’t want to push a manual mower through thicker patches. It’s also better if you need a bagger for leaf pickup or prefer the convenience of electric power for a small-to-medium yard.

Buy Mower B (American Lawn Mower) if: You have a very small, flat lawn (under ⅛ acre) with fine grass that you maintain regularly. This is the best choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a machine that will last decades with minimal upkeep. The overwhelming user approval suggests it’s a safer bet if you’re unsure about electric mower reliability.

Buy neither if: Your yard exceeds ¼ acre or has slopes, hills, or thick, wet grass. In that case, consider a self-propelled gas or high-torque electric mower with at least 21-inch cutting width.

Quick Verdict

Greenworks wins overall due to its vastly superior reliability (4.2 vs 3.2 star rating from 86x more reviews), higher voltage battery, wider cutting path, and push-button start—all for just $45 more.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Where Sun Joe Wins

1. Lightweight & maneuverable – At ~30 lbs, the Sun Joe is noticeably lighter than the Greenworks, making it easier to lift over curbs, carry up stairs, or maneuver in tight flower beds and around obstacles. This is a real advantage for users with limited strength or small, complex yards.

2. Ultra-compact for small spaces – The 15-inch cutting width and smaller deck let it squeeze into narrow gaps (e.g., between garden beds, fences, or sheds) where a 16-inch mower might struggle. It’s ideal for trimming edges and tiny lawns.

3. Lower upfront cost – At $204.74, it’s $45 cheaper. For buyers on a strict budget who only need a mower for a postage-stamp yard or as a backup trimmer, that savings matters—especially if they already own other Sun Joe 24V tools.

Where Greenworks Wins

1. Vastly superior reliability & customer satisfaction – With an 11,946-review average of 4.2 stars versus Sun Joe’s 138-review average of 3.2 stars, Greenworks is proven in the real world. The Sun Joe’s rating suggests frequent issues with battery life, motor power, or durability.

2. More power for real grass cutting – The 40V battery delivers 67% more voltage than Sun Joe’s 24V system. This translates to stronger torque for cutting thicker grass, handling damp lawns, or mulching leaves. The 4.0Ah battery also provides longer runtime—enough for up to 1/3 acre on a single charge.

3. Better features & support – Push-button start (no pulling cords) is a huge convenience. The 4-year warranty is double Sun Joe’s coverage. Plus, the Greenworks 40V platform is compatible with over 75 tools (trimmers, blowers, chainsaws), so the battery works across a whole system.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (Sun Joe) if:

• Your yard is tiny (under 1/8 acre) or has very narrow passages
• You need the lightest possible mower for carrying up stairs or lifting into a car trunk
• You’re on a tight budget and can accept a higher risk of reliability issues

Buy Mower B (Greenworks) if:

• You have a typical suburban lawn up to 1/3 acre
• You want a mower that actually lasts, with proven performance from thousands of users
• You value convenience features like push-button start and a longer warranty

Skip both if:
Your yard exceeds 1/3 acre—you’ll need a 60V or gas mower for adequate runtime and power.