Last Updated on February 16, 2022
Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.
Top 10 Best Lawn Scarifiers
- Wolf-Garten VS302E (Editor’s Choice)
- AL-KO 38 P Combi-Care 2-in-1 (Luxury Choice)
- Black & Decker B/DGD300 (Best Value)
- AL-KO 38E Combi-Care 2 in 1
- VonHaus 1500W Electric (Best 2 in 1)
- Wolf Garten URM3
- Einhell GC-SA 1231/1
- Darlac DP888 (Best Manual)
- Ryobi RY18SFX35A-0 (Best Cordless)
- Cobra-SA32Ee (Best Electric)
A lawn scarifier is a lawn care tool that makes it easier for you to get rid of thatch, moss, and unwanted debris from your lawn.
Scarifying is the process of pulling out thatch, weed plants, and moss from the top layer of your lawn. Lawn scarification improves air circulation and boosts grass growth. If a lawn is not scarified during certain seasons, the thatch on the lawn might slow down grass growth.
While there are different types of lawn scarifiers, finding the best lawn scarifier can be rather challenging. Do not worry, though; we are going to take you through some of the best scarifiers, making it easier for you to know what you need exactly. We are also going to give you an insight into some of the factors that you should consider while looking for a scarifier for your lawn. Once you go through the best lawn scarifier reviews, you will get more clarity.
How we Compared Lawn Scarifiers
To find the right lawn scarifiers we considered multiple factors, including:
- Blades and tines
- Cutting width
- Cutting depth
Our team independently examined and compared hundreds of products to help satisfy different needs. We spent our time researching lawn scarifiers and consulting customer reviews to ultimately bring you what, in our opinion, are the best options on the market right now.
To find out more about our editorial process, take a look here.
Lawn Scarifier Reviews
Wolf-Garten VS302E (Editor’s Choice)
The Wolf Garten VS302E is an all-rounded, powerful, electric scarifier that is quite effective in penetrating various types of soils to get rid of moss, thatch, and weed plants from your lawn.
Equipped with a high-performance 1200W electric motor, the Wolf Garten VS302E generates enough power/torque to handle nasty moss and thick thatch. On top of that, it comes with a depth adjustment control, which makes it easier for you to change the cutting depth as you are scarifying your lawn.
You can raise or lower the cutting depth to five different height settings to get rid of weed plants, moss, and thatch from various levels. Besides that, this garden scarifier has a durable and comfy handlebar, which can keep your hands comfortable as you are scarifying lawns. The height of the handlebar can be changed easily, making it possible for you to find a height that suits you the most.
Designed to help you get rid of moss, weed plants and thatch from your lawn, the Wolf-Garten VS302E is a lightweight scarifier that can easily be steered on different lawns.
The 35 litres collection box makes it easier for you to work continuously, saving you from the frequent debris-disposal trips to the compost pile, which may disrupt your work. However, if the box gets full, it might exact some extra loading on the whole unit, making it unbalanced.
Pros:
- A powerful and highly effective motor
- Various cutting depths
- Lightweight
- Easy to steer and push
- Collection box
Cons:
- The collection box might make the whole unstable if it’s completely full
- The electric cable may limit the working radius
AL-KO 38 P Combi-Care 2-in-1 (Luxury Choice)
The AL-KO 38 P is a petrol-powered lawn scarifier that is quite effective in getting rid of weed plants, thatch, and moss from large lawns in large gardens. It might be the best lawn scarifier from AL-KO.
This petrol scarifier comes with a 1.3kW engine that can handle tough tasks on lawns on huge gardens as compared to other petrol scarifiers.
Since this petrol scarifier doesn’t have a battery or cable, you can easily move it from one point to another. This makes it easier for you to remove thatch and weed plants from your entire lawn (even in the tightest spaces). On top of that, this lawn rake has a cutting width of about 38 cm and covers a large area in a large garden while pulling out thatch and weed plants from the soil.
Moreover, the AL-KO 38 P features a 5-stage adjustment dial for changing the cutting depth, depending on the tasks that you are tackling. Not to mention, it comes with a high-quality scarifier roller drum that has 14 blades. The blades are made from stainless steel and can withstand harsh conditions without getting deformed.
The blades also have a unique design that improves the overall performance to give you superb results.
Furthermore, the AL-KO 38 P comes with a high-quality lawn rake attachment, which has steel tine springs for getting rid of moss and thatch from your lawn. You can easily change the cutting cassettes without using any tools while tackling different tasks.
Designed with a 55 L collection bag, this lawn raker/scarifier collects and stores dead grass easily, saving you from the hassle of collecting unwanted debris after the lawn scarifying process.
While this lawn scarifier/lawn raker makes it easier for you to maintain your lawn, some parts are covered with plastic material and might not be durable.
Pros:
- A wide cutting width that speeds up the whole process
- A huge collection bag for disposing of unwanted debris or grass clippings in a tidy manner
- High-quality lawn rake attachment
- Highly-effective blades
- Multiple cutting depths
Cons:
- Some parts of the scarifier are made from a plastic material that may not be durable
- The collection bag might be rather small for some users
Black & Decker B/DGD300 (Best Value)
Equipped with a 600 W motor, the Black & Decker B/DGD300 is a corded electric lawn scarifier that can help you work on a medium-sized or small lawn. Not to mention, it might be suitable for your lawn if you want a cheaper alternative, which will help you get rid of unwanted grass debris effectively.
This lawn care garden tool features three different raking heights, which you can adjust based on your preferences to help you carry out various tasks. For instance, you can use specific height settings as you are getting rid of thatch and moss, then change the height level once you transition to another task.
The Black & Decker B/DGD300 comes with a huge collection bag box, which makes it easier for you to collect garden debris, grass cuttings, or other debris in a tidy manner. Not to mention, the grass box of this electric lawn raker can be detached easily from the main unit.
Unlike other lawn scarifiers/lawn rakes, the Black & Decker B/DGD300 has a lock-off switch, which shuts off the machine automatically if you remove your hand from the handle. Additionally, it comes with a high-quality cable management system that protects the cable while the machine is running.
With an overall weight of about 7 kgs, this lawn scarifier can be steered easily, especially around corners.
The biggest drawback with this scarifier/ electric lawn rake is this; the electrical cable might limit your movements as you are removing thatch and moss in your lawn.
Pros:
- Various raking height settings
- Lightweight machine
- Safe
- A collection bag that keeps your lawn clean
- Easy to steer
Cons:
- The electric cable may restrict your movements on a vast lawn
- The cutting width might be small for some users
AL-KO 38E Combi-Care 2 in 1
The AL-KO 38 E is a powerful yet effective electric lawn scarifier that can tackle thatch and moss in medium-sized gardens or small gardens.
For starters, the AL-KO 38E has a 38cm cutting width, which is large enough to handle moss in a huge area, saving time as you are working.
The AL-KO 38E comes with five different cutting depths suitable for handling different types of tasks. Plus, it has a highly responsive height adjustment dial with various height settings that lets you raise or lower the cutting depth, depending on your preferences.
Since this lawn scarifier was designed to help you get rid of moss and thatch from your lawn, it comes with a lawn rake attachment. The lawn rake attachment has 24 spring tines, which effectively remove thatch and moss from a lawn.
On the other hand, the scarifier drum has 14 steel blades with a unique design, making it easier for you to work on your lawn.
Apart from that, you can easily replace one cutting drum with another one on the main unit, using your hands. While the AL-KO 38E is quite effective in removing thatch and moss from lawns, the electric cord might restrict your movements while working on your lawn.
Pros:
- A wide cutting width that helps you finish tasks quickly
- A highly responsive height adjustment dial
- Multiple cutting depths for tackling different tasks
- A high-quality lawn rake attachment
- A high-quality scarifier drum attachment
Cons:
- The electric cord might restrict your movements while you are scarifying lawns in larger lawns found in larger gardens
- The outer casing is manufactured from a plastic material that may break easily
VonHaus 1500W Electric (Best 2 in 1)
If you are looking for a lawn scarifier that effectively removes moss and aerates your lawn, the VonHaus 1500W might be a suitable choice for you.
For starters, this lawn scarifier comes with a sturdy metal frame, which can last for a long period of time. Not to mention, the whole unit weighs 8.5 kgs, making it easier for you to steer it while you are working on your lawn.
Moreover, the VonHaus 1500 W comes with a high-quality, dual-purpose drum, which has a scarifying roller and an aeration roller, making it easier for you to remove moss from your lawn’s surface and aerate it.
Since this scarifier has four cutting depths, you can easily change the cutting depth based on your preferences to get perfect results. Plus, it has a 32 cm cutting width that makes it easier for you to work on your lawn at a faster rate.
The VonHaus 1500 W features a 28 L fabric bag that can collect grass as you scarify your lawn to keep it tidy. The biggest setback with this scarifier is this; the cord might limit your movement while working on a lawn.
Pros:
- Sturdy frame
- Multiple cutting depths
- A wide working width
- A fabric bag
- Lightweight
Cons:
- The electric cord may limit your movement in more extensive lawns
- It might overheat after being used continuously
Wolf Garten URM3
The Wolf Garten URM3 is a manual scarifier that can get rid of moss and thatch from medium-sized lawns and small lawns to improve aeration.
This lawn scarifier comes with a tool head that has high-quality blades for scarifying lawns. Not to mention, the rake head has a unique design and can glide easily on different types of lawns.
Due to its special design, the blades always come into contact with the thatch and moss on your lawn, clearing them from the ground.
Apart from that, the blades are curved so that they can touch the ground at a right angle, making it easier for you to get rid of thatch easily. The Wolf Garten URM3 also has a design that lets you work on your lawn in an upright position, minimizing the risk of getting any back injuries.
Since this manual rake has a 30 cm width, it can get rid of moss and thatch in a short period of time. While this lawn scarifier/electric rake can help you work on your lawn, it might not come with a handle.
Pros:
- High-quality blades
- Superb design
- A wide working width
- An effective tool head
- Durable
Cons:
- It might not come with a handle
- Some users might get tired after using it continuously
Einhell GC-SA 1231/1
If you are looking for an electric scarifier that can help you clear weed plants, thatch, or moss from a medium-sized lawn in medium gardens, the Einhell GC-SA might be an ideal option for you.
With a 1200 W motor, this electric scarifier/aerator has enough torque to handle moss and thatch on different types of lawns. It also comes with a high-quality ball-bearing cutting unit with steel blades, which can easily penetrate the soil to pull out moss and thatch from the ground.
On top of that, it also has an aerator roller with 42 claws, which are quite effective in aerating your lawn to increase the overall concentration of certain gases that promote growth.
Furthermore, the Einhell GC-SA features different cutting depths, making it easier for you to deal with the thatch and moss on different levels. It also comes with a support tool that protects the main unit as you are scarifying lawns.
The Einhell GC-SA scarifier also has a 33-cm working width that lets you work on a lawn at a faster rate, saving your time.
Unlike other lawn scarifiers, the adapter might not be compatible with some sockets. It features a European two-pin adapter, which might not fit on some sockets.
Pros:
- Powerful
- Multiple cutting depths
- High-quality lawn scarifier aerator for increasing the maximum concentration of gases that promote grass growth
- Durable steel blades
- A wide working width
Cons:
- The adapter might not be compatible with some sockets
- The fabric bag might be small for some users
Darlac DP888 (Best Manual)
If you are looking for a manual lawn scarifier that will help you get rid of moss and thatch from your lawn, the Darlac DP888 might be a suitable choice for you.
The Darlac DP888 comes with a telescopic handle that can be raised or lowered easily to suit your height. On top of that, the handle can be raised or lowered from 97cm to 1.5m.
Apart from that, the angle can be changed, depending on your preferences. This makes it easier for you to find an angle that lets you work comfortably without straining your back.
Moreover, this manual scarifier has 11 different blades that effectively remove moss and hatch from the ground. On top of that, the blades can also improve the aeration.
Since this lawn scarifier is manufactured from powder-coated steel, it can last for a long period of time without getting deformed. Not to mention, powder-coated steel is a sturdy material that can withstand various forces, making it easy for you to work on your lawn.
The handle of this lawn scarifier might not be quite durable.
Pros:
- A telescopic handle
- The angle of the handle is adjustable
- Manufactured from a durable material
- Highly-effective blades
- Sturdy
Cons:
- The handle might not be durable
- Adjusting the handle might be rather challenging for some users
Ryobi RY18SFX35A-0 (Best Cordless)
Since electric cords restrict your movements while you are scarifying your lawn, the Ryobi RY18SFX35A-0 comes with battery slots, which improve its flexibility.
For starters, this lawn scarifier has a 35 cm working width that covers a large lawn surface area, making it possible for you to finish tasks quickly in a huge garden.
Apart from that, this scarifier from Ryobi comes with a high-quality scarifying drum with 16 blades, which are quite effective in perforating soil.
On top of that, it comes with four different cutting depths for clearing thatch and moss from multiple levels.
Unlike other lawn scarifiers, the Ryobi RY18SFX35A-0 uses brushless technology, which improves the motor runtime, giving you enough time to work on your lawn. Plus, it has an intelligent electronics function that is quite effective in controlling the power of the motor, creating a balance between battery efficiency and motor power.
This scarifier is designed to fit in tight spaces: it comes with handles that can be folded to occupy less space in your garden shed or garage.
While this scarifier is powered with batteries, it weighs 11 kgs and can be easily steered while scarifying your lawn.
Unfortunately, this scarifier might not come with a charger and batteries. Such parts are sold separately, but they are compatible with the main unit.
Pros:
- Wide working width
- Superb motor runtime
- Flexible
- A foldable handle that the whole unit compact
- Different cutting depths for multiple levels
Cons:
- It might not come with a charger and batteries
- The wheels might not be sturdy and durable
Cobra-SA32Ee (Best Electric)
The last option in our best lawn scarifier list is the Cobra SA32Ee: it packs a powerful and highly effective 1300 electric motor and is ideal for you if you are planning to scarify and aerate your lawn with a highly-performing electric machine. The Cobra-SA32Ee is one of the best lawn scarifiers.
Thanks to its 1300 W motor, this lawn scarifier/aerator produces enough torque to handle the nastiest weed plants, moss, and thick thatch. On top of that, it can easily push blades into the ground, streamlining the scarification procedure.
On that note too, the Cobra SA32Ee is equipped with two cutting systems, which give you superb results. It has a highly effective scarifying attachment that is perfect for pulling out thatch, weed plants and moss. Besides that, it packs an aerator for boosting air circulation in the soil to improve root growth, overall aeration, and drainage.
This scarifier has an adjustment lever that lets you change the cutting height to get rid of thatch or moss from various levels.
This scarifier is designed to keep your lawn clean and tidy, and it comes with a 30-litre collection box that is effective at collecting thatch and moss debris. The 30-litre collection box also makes it easier for you to finish tasks faster because it saves you from the trouble of emptying the box after a short span of time.
While this scarifier has a lightweight design, it might be unstable for some users due to its lightweight properties.
Pros:
- Powerful and effective motor
- Various cutting systems for maximum efficiency
- A huge collection box for dealing with moss and thatch debris
- Various height levels
- Durable blades and metal tines
Cons:
- It might be rather unstable for some users
- The cable may limit your movements as you are scarifying lawns in large gardens
Types of Lawn Scarifiers
While lawn scarifiers are designed to perform the same tasks, they have varying designs and features. And just like other gardening tools or garden equipment, the overall performance of scarifiers might differ based on the types of features that they have.
Here are some of the most common types of scarifiers, which can help you get rid of weed plants, thatch, and moss from your garden.
Hand Scarifier
Also known as a manual scarifier, this is a lawn care tool that has a design similar to that found on lawn rakes.
While some hand scarifiers might come with high-quality wheels, others can function without wheels. Since this tool is not powered by electricity or petrol, you have to push it to get rid of the unwanted debris that might be on your lawn.
Apart from that, it has a simple design and doesn’t have tons of functionalities or parts as compared to other lawn scarifiers. For instance, hand scarifiers are not equipped with a grass bag to tidy up the space you might be working on. You can use a hand scarifier with other garden tools to get superb results.
Due to limited features, this scarifier can only handle lawns that have an area of 100 M2 or less.
Electric Scarifier
As the name hints, an electric scarifier is a lawn care tool that runs on electric energy, making it easier for you to get rid of thatch from a lawn effortlessly.
Most electric scarifiers come with a motor that converts electric current to mechanical energy, generating power to rotate the drum that has cutting blades.
When it comes to motors, the performance of an electric scarifier can be determined depending on the type of motor that it packs.
The most powerful scarifiers have motors with a high power rating. For instance, a scarifier with an 1800 W power rating is more powerful than a scarifier with a 1300 W power rating.
While all of the electric scarifiers are powered with electrical energy, they might have different specifications and features.
Not to mention, there are two types of electric lawn scarifiers (corded and cordless) that can help you get rid of thatch and moss from your lawn. Corded electric scarifiers are tools fitted with an electric cable for supplying electric current from an electric source to the main unit.
On the other hand, as the name hints, cordless electric scarifiers have different properties and do not have cables or cords. Most cordless scarifiers run on batteries that have to be recharged after a certain period of time.
Needless to say, cordless scarifiers are quite flexible and can help you work on various parts of your lawn to get superb results.
Corded lawn scarifiers are not as flexible as cordless lawn scarifiers due to the electric cable.
Petrol Lawn Scarifiers
Petrol lawn scarifiers are powered by petrol engines and can deliver more power than other types of lawn scarifiers. Since petrol lawn scarifiers are quite powerful, they can handle lawns that have an area of about 500m2.
While petrol lawns can help you get rid of moss and thatch on large lawns, they have to be maintained on a regular basis to work effectively. For instance, you have to refill the tank regularly to get perfect results from the best petrol lawn scarifier and aerator.
Apart from that, petrol scarifiers come with engines that perform differently.
Factors To Consider When Looking For A Lawn Scarifier
Blades And Tines
Well, blades and tines are designed to remove moss, weed plants, and thatch from your lawn. Since blades and tines always come into contact with the ground, they have to be made from a durable material that can withstand harsh conditions. Well, tines and blades manufactured from stainless steel can last for a long period of time without getting deformed.
Apart from that, the number of blades that are fitted on a lawn scarifier might affect the performance. A lawn scarifier with more blades can help you get rid of moss and thatch in a short span of time.
Cutting Width
The cutting width affects the performance of a scarifier. Lawn scarifiers with a wide cutting width are quite effective in clearing moss and thatch in a short period of time.
Cutting Depth
To get superb results, you should choose a lawn scarifier with various cutting depths. Most lawn scarifiers come with an adjustment control for lowering or raising the cutting height.
Conclusion
And there you have it, everything you need to know about lawn scarifiers. Just like a lawn mower, the best lawn scarifier makes it easier for you to maintain your lawn and improve grass growth.
We recommend the Wolf Garten VS302E. Since it has a 1200 W motor, it generates enough power to remove thick thatch from your lawn, improving air circulation. Apart from that, the Wolf Garten VS302E has various height settings, making it easier for you to lower or raise tines and blades based on your preferences. It is the best lawn scarifier for dealing with the thick thatch that might be on your lawn.
Additional Resources
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