5 Best Dethatchers, According to Outdoor Experts

This corded dethatcher features an 8-gallon catcher bag that makes sprucing up your yard a breeze. Unlike bagless dethatchers, you don’t have to pick up any thatch by hand since it all goes directly into the bag. It’s ideal for small- to medium-sized lawns. According to the editors at Popular Mechanics, “The spring-loaded steel tines are designed to detach and remove thatch effectively, and can be quickly switched out with a scarifier attachment for cutting through roots to optimize future grass growth.”

DiClerico also pointed out that Sun Joe, and its cold-weather brand mate, Snow Joe, have performed well across all the outdoor power equipment categories that we test. “Based on our engineers’ review of its specs and design, we expect the same capable performance from this dethatcher,” he said.

The Wen is a solid pick for homeowners looking to revitalize tired lawns without breaking the bank or switching to gas power. With a 15-amp motor pushing out up to 3,300 RPM, it delivers more than enough power for pulling up stubborn thatch and slicing through compacted soil.

It comes with two interchangeable heads: one with spring steel tines for dethatching, and another with blades for scarifying. This dual functionality gives you year-round utility, whether you're doing light seasonal cleanup or deeper lawn renovation. Five-position depth control lets you fine-tune how aggressively it cuts, which is crucial for avoiding turf damage. The included collection bag is a handy feature, especially if you're working on a tidy lawn and don’t want to rake afterward.

That said, this is a corded unit, so you'll need to manage extension cords and stay near an outlet, which can be a hassle on larger properties. The collection chute also sits fairly low, which might catch on uneven patches or when reversing the tool.

Agri-Fab’s dethatcher sports an extra-large width perfect for anyone with a tractor or riding mower and a large lawn or plot of land. “The contraption is a little more advanced, but for the ‘ruralpolitan’ crowd who use a tractor to maintain acres upon acres of lawn, the Agri-Fab is a useful attachment that will help keep the grass looking great,” said DiClerico.

Its pull-behind design should attach to most trailer hitches thanks to a universal fit, and the steel deck and 24 tines are designed to last several seasons. At 48" wide, navigating around corners could be an issue.

Lightweight and nimble, this dethatcher comes with a padded fold-down handle that makes it as easy to store as it is comfortable to use. We like the built-in collection bag to gather up any dead grass, stems, and roots.

The home and outdoor gear experts at the GH Institute have tested a variety of tools from WORX, and the brand consistently stands out for its reliability, value, and performance. Note, however, that it's not cordless and may require an extension cord depending on the size of your yard.

For small lawns, the WaLensee thatch rake is a reliable manual tool that tackles dethatching without the need for a motor. Its durable steel tines and handle give it a solid, well-built feel—whether you're removing dead grass, loosening soil, or prepping for seeding.

The one drawback is that debris tends to stick to the tines, requiring an occasional shake-off. Still, for light lawn care, it’s a great value.