The 4 Best Sun Joe Dethatchers: Top Picks for a Thicker, Greener Lawn

That brown, spongy layer hiding between your grass and the soil is doing more damage than you think. Thatch blocks water, air, and nutrients from reaching the roots. You water more, fertilize more, and the lawn still looks tired. A dethatcher fixes the problem at the source.

A good dethatcher needs three things: enough power to pull matted debris out of the turf, adjustable depth so you don’t scalp the lawn, and a collection bag that saves you from raking afterward. Sun Joe builds four models that hit those marks at different price points and lawn sizes. Some run on cords, one runs on batteries, and the power gap between them matters more than the spec sheets suggest.

Below you’ll find the AJ805E, the newer AJ808E, the compact AJ798E, and the cordless 24V-X2-DTS15. Each one suits a different yard and a different type of owner. The short version: the AJ808E is the strongest all-around corded pick, the cordless model is worth it if you have a half-acre or more without easy outlet access, and the AJ798E is the smart budget choice for small yards.

Here’s a quick spec comparison to help you narrow things down before reading the full reviews.

Features	Sun Joe AJ805E	Sun Joe AJ808E	Sun Joe AJ798E	Sun Joe Cordless
Motor Power	13-amp corded	15-amp corded	12-amp corded	48V brushless cordless
Cutting Width	15 inches	Not specified	12.6 inches	Not specified
Collection Bag	Large removable bag	13.2-gallon bag	8-gallon bag	10.6-gallon bag
Depth Settings	5-position	Customizable	5-position	5-position
Best Use Case	Medium to large lawns	Large lawns, heavy thatch	Small to mid lawns	Large lawns, no cords

Sun Joe 15-Inch Lawn Deth…

The AJ805E is the model most people picture when they think of a Sun Joe dethatcher. It’s a 15-inch corded machine with a 13-amp motor, and it’s built for homeowners with a quarter-acre to half-acre of grass who want a reliable, no-fuss tool. If your lawn has never been dethatched or it’s been a few seasons, this is a solid starting point.

What stands out is the balance. The 15-inch width means fewer passes than the smaller AJ798E, and the four glide wheels make it easy to push across flat or slightly uneven ground. The 5-position depth control lets you start shallow for a light cleanup or drop it lower for serious scarifying. The collection bag is generous enough that you’re not stopping every five minutes to empty it. For a corded electric dethatcher, it does the job without drama.

The trade-off is the cord. You’ll need an outdoor extension cord long enough to reach your whole yard, and you’ll be managing that cord around trees and garden beds. It’s also not the most powerful model Sun Joe makes. If your thatch layer is thick and matted, you might need two passes. And like all corded dethatchers, it’s louder than you’d expect from an electric tool.

• 13-amp motor handles moderate thatch without bogging down
• 15-inch working width covers ground faster than compact models
• 5-position depth control for light raking or aggressive scarifying
• Four wheels reduce pushing effort on flat lawns
• Removable bag makes disposal quick

Best for: Homeowners with a medium to large lawn who want a proven corded dethatcher and don’t mind managing an extension cord.

Sun Joe Corded Dethatcher…

The AJ808E is the newest corded model in this lineup, and it’s the one to pick if you want maximum power without going cordless. The 15-amp motor is the strongest of the corded group, and the 13.2-gallon collection bag is the largest. This machine is aimed at larger lawns or yards with a serious thatch problem that’s been ignored for years.

The extra two amps over the AJ805E might not sound like much, but in real use it means the tines keep spinning when they hit thick, matted debris. You’ll make fewer passes and spend less time going over the same spot. The bigger bag is a genuine convenience on a large lawn. Fewer stops mean you finish the job faster, and the removable design makes emptying straightforward. The 2-in-1 dethatch and scarify function works the same as the other models, so you’re getting the same versatility with more muscle behind it.

It’s still a corded machine, so the same extension cord logistics apply. The larger bag adds a bit of bulk when you’re maneuvering around tight corners or garden beds. And the 15-amp motor draws more power, so you’ll want a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord rated for the load. It’s not the cheapest option here, but the power bump is worth it for tough jobs.

• 15-amp motor is the most powerful corded option in this group
• 13.2-gallon bag is the largest, ideal for big lawns
• Customizable depth control for precise scarifying
• Smooth-rolling wheels reduce fatigue on long jobs
• 2-in-1 design switches between dethatching and scarifying

Best for: Owners of large lawns or heavily thatched yards who need the extra power and capacity of a corded machine.

Sun Joe Corded Electric L…

The AJ798E is the compact option. It has a 12-amp motor and a 12.6-inch working width, which makes it a better fit for small to mid-sized lawns, townhouse yards, or anyone who wants a lighter machine to store and handle. The 8-gallon bag is smaller, but for a small yard, that’s rarely a problem.

What makes this model interesting is the AirBoost technology. The spring steel tines are designed to maximize thatch pickup and airflow, which helps the lawn recover faster after dethatching. It’s a small detail, but it matters if you’re dethatching in early spring and want the grass to green up quickly. The 5-position depth control gives you the same precision as the larger models, so you’re not sacrificing adjustability for the smaller size.

The obvious limitation is the narrower path. You’ll make more passes on a large lawn, and the smaller bag means more frequent emptying. The 12-amp motor is fine for routine maintenance, but it will struggle with years of neglected thatch. If your lawn is small and you stay on top of dethatching every year, this model is perfectly adequate. If you’ve let it go for a while, consider stepping up to the AJ805E or AJ808E.

• 12-amp motor suits light to moderate thatch on small lawns
• 12.6-inch width is manageable in tight spaces
• AirBoost tines improve pickup and airflow
• 8-gallon bag is adequate for small yards
• 5-position depth control for precise raking

Best for: Small yard owners or anyone who wants a lightweight, easy-to-store dethatcher for annual maintenance.

Sun Joe Cordless Scarifie…

The 24V-X2-DTS15 is the odd one out here, and that’s a good thing. It runs on two 24V batteries for 48V of total power, which means no cord, no gas, and no exhaust fumes. The brushless 600W motor delivers solid performance, and the 10.6-gallon bag sits between the compact and full-size models. This is the pick for anyone with a large lawn who doesn’t want to drag an extension cord around.

The cordless design changes how you work. You’re not tethered to an outlet, so you can dethatch the front yard, the back yard, and the side strip without moving cords or hunting for a second outlet. The 24-tine dethatching cylinder with spring steel tines handles thatch removal well, and the 7-blade scarifying cylinder cuts through moss and debris. The 5-position depth control adjusts from -0.375 to 0.4 inches, which covers everything from a light rake to a deep scarify. Run time depends on battery condition and load, but the dual-battery setup gives you enough for a typical suburban lawn.

The catch is battery life. If your lawn is very large or the thatch is thick, you might not finish on one charge. You’ll want a spare set of batteries or a break to recharge. The cordless model also costs more upfront than the corded options, and batteries degrade over time. But for the freedom it offers, many owners find it worth the investment.

• 48V dual-battery system with brushless 600W motor
• 24 spring steel tines for dethatching, 7 blades for scarifying
• 10.6-gallon collection bag balances capacity and maneuverability
• 5-position depth control from -0.375 to 0.4 inches
• No cord, no gas, no pull starts

Best for: Homeowners with large lawns and no convenient outlet access who want cordless freedom and are willing to pay more for it.

How We Chose These Products

We looked at every Sun Joe dethatcher currently available and narrowed it down to the four that actually make sense for real yards. Motor power, working width, bag capacity, and depth control were the main filters. We also considered how each model fits different lawn sizes and owner types, because a dethatcher that’s perfect for a half-acre is overkill for a townhouse patch.

Beyond specs, we weighed the practical stuff: how easy each machine is to push, how often you’ll need to empty the bag, and whether the cord or battery situation matches the typical use case. The goal was to give you a clear picture of which model solves which problem, not just a list of features.

Buying Guide: What Really Matters

The first decision is corded versus cordless. Corded models give you unlimited run time and more power for the money. Cordless models give you freedom and convenience, but they cost more and run on a finite charge. If your lawn is under a quarter-acre and you have an outdoor outlet, a corded model is the better value. If you’re dealing with a larger property or no easy outlet access, cordless starts to make sense.

Motor amperage matters more than you’d think. A 12-amp motor is fine for light annual maintenance. A 15-amp motor gives you the headroom to tackle thick thatch without multiple passes. If you’ve never dethatched before or it’s been several years, go with more power. You’ll save time and frustration.

Depth control and bag size are the two features people overlook. Five-position depth control lets you match the machine to your lawn’s condition, which protects the grass from damage. A larger bag means fewer stops, which matters on bigger lawns. For a deeper look at how dethatchers compare across brands, check out this best rated lawn dethatcher guide. And if you’re also dealing with compacted soil, a Sun Joe lawn aerator pairs well with any of these machines.

Our Top Recommendation

The Sun Joe AJ808E is the best overall pick for most people. The 15-amp motor gives you the power to handle real thatch, the 13.2-gallon bag keeps you working longer between empties, and the customizable depth control covers everything from light raking to aggressive scarifying. It’s corded, so you’ll need an extension cord, but the performance is worth it.

If you’re on a tighter budget or have a small yard, the AJ798E is the smart choice. It’s lighter, easier to store, and still has the depth control and AirBoost tines that make Sun Joe dethatchers effective. For cordless convenience, the 24V-X2-DTS15 is the one to get, especially if you already own other Sun Joe 24V tools and can share batteries. The AJ805E sits in the middle as a solid, proven option if you find it at a good price.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I dethatch my lawn?

Once a year is enough for most lawns, usually in early spring or early fall when the grass is actively growing. If you have heavy thatch or a lot of moss, you might need to do it twice a year until the lawn recovers. After that, annual maintenance keeps it under control.

Will a dethatcher damage my grass?

Not if you use the right depth setting. Start shallow and make a pass. If you see mostly thatch and not much soil, you’re fine. If you’re pulling up roots and tearing the turf, raise the depth. The 5-position control on these models makes it easy to find the right level for your lawn.

Can I use a dethatcher on a lawn with weeds?

You can, but dethatching can spread some weeds by disturbing the soil. It’s better to treat weeds first, then dethatch. If you’re dealing with moss, the scarifying function on these machines will tear it out, but you’ll still need to address the underlying cause, like poor drainage or shade.

Do I need to aerate after dethatching?

Not always, but it helps. Dethatching removes the layer blocking air and water. Aerating goes a step further by pulling plugs of soil to relieve compaction. If your lawn is hard and water runs off instead of soaking in, aerate after dethatching. For more on that, see this best dethatcher and aerator roundup.