The complete guide
Choosing a 20 Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower
A lawn can be easy to reach from the house and still be awkward to mow. Narrow gaps, scattered trees and a distant power outlet all affect which machine makes sense. Before choosing a mower, think about the route you will take, not just the size of the grassed area.
The CRAFTSMAN CMEMW213 is a 20 inch corded electric lawn mower with a 13 amp motor. It combines six cutting heights with mulching, bagging and side discharge. That gives you choices for routine lawn care, provided a corded setup works for your property.
This guide explains what those features mean in use and which details to confirm before buying.
Start with your lawn and power access
A corded mower needs a suitable electrical supply throughout the job. You do not plan around battery charging, but you do need to plan around a cable. That trade-off is central to deciding whether this type of mower suits you.
Look at where your outdoor power outlets sit in relation to the lawn. Consider gates, paths, beds and corners where a cord might catch or cross your route. A clear stretch of grass near a suitable outlet is a different task from several separate lawn patches.
Do not assume that any long extension cord will work. The required cord type, gauge and maximum length are not specified in this record. Check the manufacturer instructions before buying a cord or deciding how far from the outlet you can mow.
The same care applies to international purchases. A 13 amp rating does not tell you the supply voltage or plug type. Confirm electrical compatibility for your location before ordering.
Understand the push mower design
The motor powers the blade, while you supply the movement. This is a manual push mower, not a model listed with self-propelled wheel drive.
That distinction matters if your lawn has slopes or if pushing equipment is difficult for you. Think about the effort of turning at the end of a row, moving across uneven ground and returning to empty the collection bag. Weight alone cannot tell you how manageable those tasks will feel.
The listed weight is 9.43 kg, also recorded as 20.8 pounds in the product details. A transport handle is included, but that does not replace checking whether you can move and store the mower safely. Follow the manual for lifting and transport, particularly where steps or raised storage areas are involved.
What a 20 inch cutting width means
The 20 inch lawn mower format gives you a stated cutting width to compare with other machines. On open ground, width helps determine how many passes you need. In practice, you will overlap passes slightly rather than place each cut exactly against the last.
Measure any narrow routes into the lawn as well. Cutting width is not the same as total mower width. The listed product dimensions are 33.8 x 21.95 x 15.06 inches, although the record does not say whether those measurements describe an operating, folded or other configuration.
For a tight gate or storage space, ask for confirmed clearance measurements. It is better to settle that question before delivery than to find the mower will not pass through your usual access point.
Choose a cutting height for the grass
This adjustable height lawn mower has six positions between 1.5 and 4 inches. A single lever controls the adjustment, so the height selection is handled through one control.
The range is useful, but it does not mean every lawn should be cut at the lowest setting. The right height depends on grass type, growth and conditions. If you are unsure, seek advice for your grass rather than choosing a height based only on appearance.
When growth is longer than usual, avoid trying to remove too much in one pass. Start with a suitable higher setting and follow the operating guidance. The supplier describes the mower as intended to help with tall grass, but gives no maximum grass height or guaranteed result for dense growth.
Stop and disconnect the mower before making adjustments as directed in the manual. A short pause is worth taking when working near the cutting system.
Decide how you want to handle clippings
The CMEMW213 is a three in one lawn mower. You can mulch, collect clippings in a bag or use side discharge. Each option changes what happens to the cut grass and how you finish the job.
Bagging is worth considering when you want to collect clippings rather than leave them across the surface. The collection bag is included, but its capacity is not listed. Allow for stops to empty it and think about where the collected grass will go.
Mulching offers another approach to managing clippings. Use the correct configuration in the manual, and adjust your mowing routine to the grass conditions. Do not assume that every amount of growth will mulch equally well.
The included side discharge chute provides the third option. Check the discharge direction and keep people, pets and nearby objects clear in line with the safety instructions. Always stop the mower before changing the clipping setup.
Plan a safe cord route
A plug-in push mower calls for attention to the cable during every pass. Before starting, work out a route that keeps the cord away from the cutting path. Follow the manufacturer's cable-handling guidance rather than improvising as you go.
Clear loose objects from the lawn and check the cord for damage. If a cable is damaged, do not use it. Keep electrical connections away from moisture and use the protective electrical arrangements required by the manual and local rules.
Mow in suitable dry conditions. Wet grass and outdoor electrical equipment are not a combination to take lightly. If conditions change, stop rather than trying to finish one more section.
It also helps to remove distractions. Keep children and pets away from the work area, and pause if someone enters it. Good preparation is part of using a corded electric push mower, not an extra step reserved for difficult lawns.
Check storage before you buy
Folding handles are a useful feature when arranging a shed or garage. They let you change the handle position for storage, but they do not establish a specific folded footprint.
Measure the space you intend to use, including the entrance and any turn needed to get there. Leave room to store the collection bag and side discharge chute too. Loose accessories are easier to find and less likely to be damaged when they have a set place.
Follow the manual when folding the handles so cables are not pinched or strained. Store the mower dry, with the power disconnected. If you need to lift it onto a shelf, consider whether a floor-level space would be safer and easier.
Keep care simple and regular
A corded motor removes the need for a battery charging routine, but the mower still needs care. Grass buildup, blade condition and cable damage all deserve attention.
After mowing, switch off, disconnect from power and wait for the blade to stop. Clear clippings using the method approved in the manual. Do not assume the mower can be rinsed with a hose, and keep water away from electrical parts.
Inspect the blade and fittings as instructed by the manufacturer. If the mower begins cutting poorly, do not reach under it while connected to power. Follow the troubleshooting guidance or seek service help.
Replacement blade details and service intervals are not provided here. Use the model information when asking about parts, and confirm compatibility before fitting anything. The model is listed as CMEMW213, while the product details also give CMEMW213AM as a manufacturer part number.
Compare the details that affect ownership
When comparing a CRAFTSMAN electric mower with another option, look beyond motor amperage. Check cutting width, height range, clipping choices and whether you want to push the machine yourself.
For this model, the included items are the mower, collection bag and side discharge chute. An extension cord is not listed as included. Set aside time to confirm the correct electrical setup rather than assuming the package contains everything needed for your property.
A three-year limited warranty is stated. Read the terms for your region, including coverage and exclusions. Delivery timing and return conditions also need checking before purchase, especially if you are unsure about access, power compatibility or storage.
The short version
The CRAFTSMAN CMEMW213 offers a 13 amp motor, a 20 inch cut and six height settings from 1.5 to 4 inches. Mulching, bagging and side discharge give you flexibility, while folding handles help with storage.
It is worth considering if you want corded power and are comfortable pushing the mower and managing a cable. Confirm voltage, plug type, approved extension-cord requirements and fit before ordering. Those checks matter more than choosing by lawn size alone.