Black & Decker Corded Electric Lawn Mower

Using the Black & Decker Corded Electric Lawn Mower (model BEMW213) was an experience that initially promised convenience and efficiency but ultimately fell short of my expectations. As someone who values the ease of electric tools for their minimal maintenance and quieter operation, I was keen to see how this mower would perform compared to its gas-powered counterparts.

Design and Setup

Setting up the Black & Decker mower was straightforward. The easy-fold handle design made it simple to get the mower out of the box and ready for action. I appreciated the foam grip on the handle, which added a level of comfort during use that’s often overlooked in other models. The lift handle is a thoughtful addition, making it easier to transport the mower from one part of the yard to another.

Cutting Performance

The mower features a 20-inch cutting deck, which is fairly standard and should be adequate for most small to medium-sized lawns. The 13 Amp motor seemed powerful enough at first glance, and the six-setting height adjustment from 1.5 inches to 4 inches allowed for a good range of grass lengths. The winged blade design was supposed to improve cutting and grass collection, but in practice, the results were mixed.

While the mower did a decent job of cutting grass, issues quickly emerged. The lowest height setting was too aggressive and dug into the soil, while the next setting up left the grass longer than I would have liked. It felt like there was a gap in the height settings that prevented me from achieving the perfect cut. Additionally, the mower struggled with mulching and grass collection. Grass clippings often ended up clumped or scattered, requiring additional passes to clean up the yard.

Motor and Durability

After a few uses, I noticed the motor beginning to overheat. This was particularly concerning because I made sure to keep the mower clean and free of clippings that could block airflow. It became evident that the motor's design might be flawed, as starting and stopping the mower seemed to place undue stress on its components. Over time, this led to uneven brush wear and eventual motor failure. The motor seizing and overheating issues were disappointing, especially considering the promise of a robust 13 Amp motor.

Handling and Maneuverability

One of the redeeming features of this mower is its lightweight design, which makes it easy to maneuver around the yard. The easy-fold handle also contributes to its portability and storage convenience. However, these benefits were overshadowed by practical issues during mowing. The safety switch connected to the handlebar frequently disengaged, requiring a firm grip that became uncomfortable over time. This safety feature, while well-intentioned, proved to be more of a hindrance than a help.

Build Quality

The overall build quality of the mower left much to be desired. The plastic components felt flimsy, and the mower exhibited signs of wear and tear much sooner than expected. The rear discharge cover didn’t seal properly, allowing grass clippings to escape and reducing the effectiveness of the mower's mulching capability. These design flaws indicated a lack of attention to detail and durability.

Storage and Maintenance

The easy-fold handle and compact design do make storage relatively hassle-free. However, the need for frequent maintenance to address motor issues and clean out clippings detracted from the overall user experience. The mower's light weight and compact form are advantageous, but they do not compensate for the fundamental performance and durability problems.

Warranty and Support

The mower comes with a 2-year limited warranty, which initially seemed reassuring. However, the process of claiming warranty service was cumbersome. Finding service centers was difficult, and the support experience was less than satisfactory. This added frustration to an already disappointing product experience.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Black & Decker Corded Electric Lawn Mower (model BEMW213) has some appealing features like its lightweight design, easy setup, and comfortable handle, these benefits are overshadowed by significant performance and durability issues. The motor's tendency to overheat and fail, coupled with poor cutting and grass collection capabilities, make this mower a less-than-reliable choice for maintaining your lawn.

Given my experience, I cannot recommend this mower. The fundamental flaws in motor design and build quality raise concerns about its long-term reliability and effectiveness. For those seeking an electric mower, it may be worth exploring other brands or models that offer better performance and durability. The idea of an electric mower is appealing for its low maintenance and eco-friendliness, but unfortunately, this particular model does not live up to those promises.