In a nutshell

The Stiga Essential SV 213E Electric Lawn Scarifier is light, compact and efficient at tackling moss and thatch in the lawn. It comes with two interchangeable drums to scarify and aerate, a dual start safety system, a 40L collection bag and can be adjusted to four depths. It’s worth noting that you have to buy the 15m cable separately as an additional cost. It comes with a two year warranty.

What we tested

  • Preparation
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Performance
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Handling
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Value for money
    A star rating of 3.0 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 4.3 out of 5.

Pros

  • Lightweight and compact
  • Folding handles and removable collection box for storage
  • Interchangeable drums are easy to remove and install
  • Dual start system for safety
  • Four depth settings
  • Quiet at 91dB

Cons

  • The 15m cable must be bought separately
  • The collection box doesn’t pick up all the debris
Advertisement

What are the Stiga's SV 213E Electric Lawn Scarifier's main features?

This SV 213E Electric Lawn Scarifier is part of Stiga’s Essential range, designed for people who are new to gardening. This means they’ve aimed to make it straightforward to use, but we found it isn’t any less complicated than other models tested in this group. Made from sturdy plastic, this compact machine weighs among the lightest in the group at 10.2kg. It features a dual start up system, where you simply press the start button and squeeze the lever. The two interchangeable drums – 36 spring tines for scarifying and 16 blades to lightly aerate your lawn – are easy to attach and remove, and it has a standard 32cm working width. There are also four settings to change the depth, ranging from -6mm – +4mm, which is shallower than other models we tested. Powered by a 1300W motor, it effectively tackles moss and thatch in both modes.


What’s the Stiga SV 213E Electric Lawn Scarifier like to use?

You don’t need any tools to assemble this scarifier, which just involves attaching the handles to the body and clipping the collection box onto the metal frame. It’s noticeably quiet as well as easy to push around the garden, and it’s quick and easy to change the drums using the allen key provided. The 40L collection bag is moderately efficient, but leaves some debris behind.


Who is the Stiga SV 213E Electric Lawn Scarifier most useful for?

At 15m, the cable, which has to be bought separately, is the longest in the group we tested, so will suit a medium to large sized garden. It’s also compact, so good for storage, and the handles fold, which helps too. Please note that the aerating blades will only lightly aerate your lawn - if you struggle with compacted soil or heavy clay, you’ll need a manual aerator to create deeper holes. You can find out more information in our round up of the best lawn aerators.


Is the Stiga SV 213E Electric Lawn Scarifier good value for money?

This scarifier is easy to use, works efficiently and has a good-sized collection bag. However, unlike all the other machines in our test and the similarly priced Vonhaus, you have to buy the 15m cable at extra cost, so it’s actually more expensive. It also offers a two-year warranty.


Need to tackle moss on your lawn or improve the health of your turf? Our experts have tested the best lawn aerators and best lawn scarifiers. You can also watch Alan Titchmarsh, who shows the best way to scarify a lawn, and we’ve also put together expert tips on lawn care. Our round up of the best cordless mowers and best robotic mowers might be useful, too.

For more cordless garden tools, read our best hedge trimmers and best pressure washers guides.

Advertisement

This review was last updated in November 2021. Unfortunately, prices change and things go out of stock so we apologise if anything has changed.

Product Specifications

Product
BrandStiga
NameStiga Essential SV 213E Electric Lawn Scarifier
ModelEssential SV 213E
Price£139.00
Lawn mower typeElectric - corded
Features
Powered byElectric - corded
Power1,300W
Cable reach15m
Cutting height-6mm – +4mm
Number of cutting height settings4
Cutting width32cm
Collection capacity40l
Noise91dB
Weight10.2kg
Warranty2YEAR
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement