Best Lawn Aerators Reviewed & Rated for Quality

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Greenworks Dethatcher 27022
Test Winner: Greenworks Dethatcher 27022
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A lot of factors go into maintaining a healthy lawn. Among other things, there is no doubt your lawn requires proper aeration in order to look it’s best. Aerators are a tool that you can use to punch holes into the ground which exposes the roots of the grass to oxygen. The result is a healthier and greener looking lawn.

There are a lot of choices when it comes to finding an aerator. Some are low cost and low tech designs which are perfect for people who are on a budget. You can also get high tech equipment for a situation where you have a large area that you need to aerator. Luckily, there are more than enough options that you will be able to choose from which means you can get one that is perfectly matched to your yard and budget.

Standout Picks

Greenworks Dethatcher 27022
The 27022 helps to increase oxygen flow to your lawn by scratching the soil surface and also removing debris that has built up underneath the blades of your grass. It's an electrically powered unit that you push around the yard just like a regular lawn mower so you will find that it is easy to use on both small and large lawns.
Amazon Link
$232.98
Ohuhu for Shoes
The Ohuhu Aerator shoes are a low tech option that is ideally used in smaller areas. They are perfect for small lawns but also for areas that are too small and narrow for larger equipment. You can strap them to any shoe so that you can work quickly and easily by simply walking around the yard until it has been completely aerated.
Amazon Link
RVZHI for Shoes
RVZHI also makes a pair of spiked shoes that you can use to loosen soil and punch holes into your lawn and garden. They strap onto the bottom of your regular shoes and then you just simply walk around the area that you are aerating until you have achieved the desired level of coverage that you are looking to get.
Amazon Link
Agri-Fab Smartlink Plug
This is an attachment for an Agrifab master platform. You can attach the plug aerator to the deck without having to use any tools or special equipment which lets you get to work quickly. Once you are set up, then all you need to do is pull it around the yard and the sharp knives do the work of aerating your lawn.
Amazon Link
$116.41
Sun Joe AJ801E
The Sun Joe is a great tool for your lawn because it will aerate and dethatch your lawn at the same time. This will help to promote the flow of water and oxygen to the grass but it also helps to encourage thicker roots which will make your lawn stronger and healthier. You can use it on any small or medium sized lawn and you will love the difference that it makes.
Amazon Link
Brinly SAT-40BH
The Brinly SAT-40BH is a spike aerator that is perfect to use over large areas so that you can work quickly. It has 132 steel spikes that are galvanized so that they are protected against rust. Each of the spikes will penetrate up to two inches deep which will help the ground absorb more water and air and improve the health of your lawn.
Amazon Link
Brinly PA-40BH
The PA-40BH is the ideal tool to own if you are a large lawn that you need to aerate properly. The universal hitch allows you to attach it to just about any riding lawn mower or even an ATV so that you can pull it around. This allows you to quickly and easily tackle large lawns and yards in a complete fashion.
Amazon Link
Yard Butler
The Yard Butler is an easy to use tool that helps you aerate small yards or a garden. It has two spikes and a total height of 37 inches which means that you won't have to bend down to use it. You can use it to help your lawn get more water and oxygen which helps it look better and grow healthier.
Amazon Link
$50.60
Pride Roots for Shoes
This is another pair of high-quality aerator shoes. You can strap them onto your feet in a secure fashion and then simply walk around the area that you wish to aerate. It's a great way to aerate your lawn while you are mowing or raking clippings or leaves. All you need to stop is put the shoes and get to aerating your lawn.
Amazon Link
Punchau for Shoes
Aerator shoes are a great way to quickly and easily promote oxygen and water flow to your lawn while also giving you a great workout. These shoes by Punchau are a great way to improve the look of your lawn. They simply strap onto the shoes that you are already wearing and then you just walk around until you get the right amount of coverage.
Amazon Link

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Style

There are a few different kinds of lawn aerators that you can choose between. Some are better suited towards some needs than other so it can be helpful to be familiar with the different styles of aerators that you can pick between. The main styles are the shoe kind, manual kinds, or power aerators.

The shoe type is ideal if you are going to be aerating a small area or if you plan on doing a lot of walking. These are essentially spiked sandals that you strap to the bottom of your shoes and poke holes in the ground as you walk. They are great for when you are using a push or self-propelled lawnmower because you can aerate your lawn as you mow it.

There are two sub-categories of manual aerators. One looks like a mechanical lawn mower with spikes that you push or pull around the yard. These are commonly attached to an ATV or riding lawn mower but there are ones with handles that you can control yourself. The other kind is a pole that with a few spikes or cores that you push into the ground in a repeated fashion. The first kind of aerator is useful for when you need to do a large area while the other kind is more suitable for small areas.

Power aerators are meant for large areas or areas that have hard soil. They can be electric or gasoline powered and tend to have the highest amount of force. If you are doing a large area, you may want to consider getting a gas powered one since you are going to need a lot of extension cords to use an electric one in such areas.

Ease of Use

One of the things that you are going to want to consider is how easy it is to use your aerator. This means that you will want to look for one that is easy to assemble and operate. Difficult aerators can make the job harder and it will require more time for you to aerator your lawn if you are struggling with your tools. On the other hand, an aerator that is easy to use can make aerating the lawn more pleasant.

Let’s consider a few broad points when it comes to easy assembly and ease of use. First of all, many aerators need to be assembled before you can use it. That means you should make sure that it’s within your skill to put the tool together. Many brands of aerators have their instruction guides online now so you can look at the assembly instructions prior to making a purchase. There are also some that do not require assembly because they are a one-piece item or they come already assembled.

Ease of use refers to the difficulty of operation. For example, if you get shoe style aerators and you find that they keep coming loose or falling off of your feet, then they are not easy to use. On the other hand, shoe style aerators that are tight and stay put will be much easier to use. Powered aerators should not vibrate too much and make your hands uncomfortable. They should also have ergonomically designed handles to that you can use them comfortably. There are plenty of other things that you can consider when it comes to ease of use, but when you are purchasing an aerator, you will need to make sure that it is something that you can use comfortably.

Model

Aerators can be further categorized based on if they use spikes or cores. The choice between the two can be a blend of necessity and personal preference so it is important to properly understand the differences between the spiked kind and the core variety. One kind is much easier to use but the other kind tends to do a better job of aerating the lawn. You should take a look at the health of your yard and make a choice that is best suited for your needs.

The spike kind of aerator is easier to use than the core kind. This kind of aerator punches thin holes into the soil which will help to loosen it up and make it easier for water and nutrients to get absorbed into the soil. Its main advantage is that you can move quickly and easily as you aerate the yard, however, since the holes are small, it will not do as good of a job as the core style aerator. You should use the spiked kind when the lawn is healthy and you are trying to maintain its health.

The core kind has a tube design that fills up with soil and removes cores out of the ground. The resulting holes are much larger than the spiked kind which makes the core kind much better for when you need to repair a lawn. This is because the larger holes allow for more seed, fertilizer, and water to get into the holes. However, the core kind can plug up which means that you need to keep removing debris from the aerator as you use it. This means it is more labor intensive.

Size

The size of your lawn is also going to be a factor when you are trying to decide what kind of aerator that you want to use. Some aerators are better suited for small areas while other ones are intended to be used on large lawns. You may even find that you need one aerator for a large area and one for small areas in the event that you have a few tight spaces that are too small for a large aerator.

Some aerators are narrow and only cover a small path. Other kinds, such as the manual style only have four or five cores or spikes on them. Then there is the shoe kind of aerators. Most of the time, these aerators are more suitable for small areas since you can get into tight spaces. Although you can use them in a large area, they are not as efficient and it will take a longer time to get the job done properly. The one exception may be the shoe kind. For example, you might wear them as you mow the lawn which allows you to cover a large area.

The wide aerators, such as the ones that are pulled by a riding lawnmower, are better for large areas. These aerators have a wide path that allows you to cover more of your lawn on a single pass. This will allow you to work more quickly and efficiently when you are doing large or medium-sized yards. If you have one of these, you may need an aerator to do tight areas such as corners since there may be spots where the aerator won’t fit.

Durability

High-quality aerators are easy to use and will allow you to work quickly and efficiently. Ones that are poorly made will interfere with your work and will cause you to feel frustrated. When it comes to picking out an aerator, you will need to judge the quality and make sure that it can do the job that you need it to do. Otherwise, it will be much more difficult to aerate your lawn and it may even lead to injury if you are not careful.

We can only be general when it comes to the quality of aerators since the designs are highly variable. One thing that you will want to look for is to make sure that the spike and cores are resistant to rust. This is because the soil often has moisture in it and parts that are not protected from moisture will develop rust quickly and fail. You should always look for things such as galvanized steel or some other kind of treatment in order to make sure that the aerator lasts. It can also be helpful to see if any of the tines, spikes, or cores are replaceable so that you can maintain the machine.

When it comes to anything that has moving parts, you should make sure that all of the connections stay tight and that moving parts are allowed to move freely. Shoe style aerators such as stay snug on your feet and not get loose as you walk around the yard. Finally, anything that has a motor should start easily and have safety shutoff switches in case there is an accident. All of these items are considered to be signs of quality and you should always be on the lookout for quality.

10 Best Lawn Aerators

1. Greenworks Dethatcher 27022

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$232.98
Greenworks Dethatcher 27022
Amazon Link

The 27022 helps to increase oxygen flow to your lawn by scratching the soil surface and also removing debris that has built up underneath the blades of your grass. It's an electrically powered unit that you push around the yard just like a regular lawn mower so you will find that it is easy to use on both small and large lawns.

14-Inch Width

The 27022 has a dethatching path that is 14 inches wide. This width makes it ideal for larger lawns where you can cover a lot of ground quickly thanks to the wider path.

Electric Motor

It's powered by an electric motor that does most of the hard work for you. All you need to do is push it around your yard until you have covered all of the surfaces.

Cost and Value

This item has a cost that is higher than the average price. The higher cost is due to it being powered by an electric motor which means that it has more value.

Amazon Link
$232.98

2. Ohuhu for Shoes

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Ohuhu for Shoes
Amazon Link

The Ohuhu Aerator shoes are a low tech option that is ideally used in smaller areas. They are perfect for small lawns but also for areas that are too small and narrow for larger equipment. You can strap them to any shoe so that you can work quickly and easily by simply walking around the yard until it has been completely aerated.

Adjustable Straps

It features a total of four nylon straps that are adjustable and buckle to your shoe. This allows you to get a firm and secure grip on your feet so that they don't fall off.

26 Spikes

Each shoe has thirteen spikes on it for a total of twenty-six spikes. The spikes are long and will pierce deep into the ground which allows the grass to absorb extra air and water.

Cost and Value

This is a low tech option so you will be able to purchase a pair of these shoes at a price that is well below the average price.

Amazon Link

3. RVZHI for Shoes

Where to buy
Amazon Link
RVZHI for Shoes
Amazon Link

RVZHI also makes a pair of spiked shoes that you can use to loosen soil and punch holes into your lawn and garden. They strap onto the bottom of your regular shoes and then you just simply walk around the area that you are aerating until you have achieved the desired level of coverage that you are looking to get.

Durable Shoe Base

The shoe base has been made of HDPE and polypropylene so that it will last longer. This will help keep it from cracking or breaking while you are wearing the shoes.

2 Inch Spikes

The nails on the shoes are two inches long which means that you can penetrate deeply into the soil so that your grass gets lots of oxygen and water.

Cost and Value

You will be able to purchase this item at a price that is much lower than the average price. This is because it is a low tech option that doesn't cost much to make.

Amazon Link
Where to buy
Amazon Link
$116.41
Agri-Fab Smartlink Plug
Amazon Link

This is an attachment for an Agrifab master platform. You can attach the plug aerator to the deck without having to use any tools or special equipment which lets you get to work quickly. Once you are set up, then all you need to do is pull it around the yard and the sharp knives do the work of aerating your lawn.

Quick Attach

The Smartlink Plug Aerator is attached to the Master Platform by Agrifab quickly and without requiring the use of any tools. This will let you get to work quickly.

Rust Proof

The knives on the Plug Aerator are designed to resist rust. This will help them to stay sharp and last for a long time so that you can use this aerator for years.

Cost and Value

You will have to plan on spending an amount that is higher than the average price. This higher price is due to the heavy-duty construction of the aerator which makes it more valuable.

Amazon Link
$116.41

5. Sun Joe AJ801E

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Sun Joe AJ801E
Amazon Link

The Sun Joe is a great tool for your lawn because it will aerate and dethatch your lawn at the same time. This will help to promote the flow of water and oxygen to the grass but it also helps to encourage thicker roots which will make your lawn stronger and healthier. You can use it on any small or medium sized lawn and you will love the difference that it makes.

The Sun Joe is a great tool for your lawn because it will aerate and dethatch your lawn at the same time. This will help to promote the flow of water and oxygen to the grass but it also helps to encourage thicker roots which will make your lawn stronger and healthier. You can use it on any small or medium sized lawn and you will love the difference that it makes.

Amazon Link

6. Brinly SAT-40BH

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Brinly SAT-40BH
Amazon Link

The Brinly SAT-40BH is a spike aerator that is perfect to use over large areas so that you can work quickly. It has 132 steel spikes that are galvanized so that they are protected against rust. Each of the spikes will penetrate up to two inches deep which will help the ground absorb more water and air and improve the health of your lawn.

Steel Spikes

There are 132 spikes on this machine. Each of the spikes is made of a galvanized steel which means that they won't rust when they are used on moist soil.

Universal Hitch

The hitch features a universal design that allows you to attach this machine to most lawn mowers and ATVs so that you can pull it easily and quickly as you mow.

Cost and Value

You will need to plan on spending an amount that is higher than the average price for this machine. It's made of high-quality steel that is durable and long lasting so it costs more.

Amazon Link

7. Brinly PA-40BH

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Brinly PA-40BH
Amazon Link

The PA-40BH is the ideal tool to own if you are a large lawn that you need to aerate properly. The universal hitch allows you to attach it to just about any riding lawn mower or even an ATV so that you can pull it around. This allows you to quickly and easily tackle large lawns and yards in a complete fashion.

Weight Tray

There is a tray where you can add up to 150 pounds of weight. The weight is used to help it penetrate into the soil so the more weight you can use the better.

Transport Lever

There is a lever that allows you to raise the plugs. This makes it easy for you to cross areas such as driveways, boardwalks, or areas that you do not wish to aerate.

Cost and Value

You will need to plan on spending an amount that is higher than the average price. This is because it is a large and heavy duty machine that costs more to make.

Amazon Link

8. Yard Butler

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$50.60
Yard Butler
Amazon Link

The Yard Butler is an easy to use tool that helps you aerate small yards or a garden. It has two spikes and a total height of 37 inches which means that you won't have to bend down to use it. You can use it to help your lawn get more water and oxygen which helps it look better and grow healthier.

Ergnomic Design

The tool is 37 inches tall and has a comfortable handle. This means that you can use it without straining your back and cause discomfort or injury to your hands.

Foot Bar

It has a bar for your foot located at the bottom of the tool. You can use it to get extra leverage in areas where the soil is highly compacted.

Cost and Value

You can purchase this item at a price that is lower than the average price. It's a low tech option that doesn't cost a lot to make which helps you save.

Amazon Link
$50.60

9. Pride Roots for Shoes

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Pride Roots for Shoes
Amazon Link

This is another pair of high-quality aerator shoes. You can strap them onto your feet in a secure fashion and then simply walk around the area that you wish to aerate. It's a great way to aerate your lawn while you are mowing or raking clippings or leaves. All you need to stop is put the shoes and get to aerating your lawn.

Long Spikes

The spikes on these shoes are 2.2 inches long which is longer than the spikes that are commonly used on aerator shoes. This lets you penetrate deeper into the soil.

No Assembly Required

The shoes are delivered to you fully assembled and ready to use. This allows you to start working right away since you won't have to spend time putting them together first.

Cost and Value

You will be able to purchase this item at a price that is lower than the average price. It has a low price because it is a low tech option that doesn't cost much.

Amazon Link

10. Punchau for Shoes

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Punchau for Shoes
Amazon Link

Aerator shoes are a great way to quickly and easily promote oxygen and water flow to your lawn while also giving you a great workout. These shoes by Punchau are a great way to improve the look of your lawn. They simply strap onto the shoes that you are already wearing and then you just walk around until you get the right amount of coverage.

Metal Buckles

All three of the buckles are made of metal. This will help to keep the shoes locked tightly to your feet so that you don't have to keep adjusting them.

Convient

All you need to do is walk. This means that you can wear these shoes while doing other yard work such as mowing the lawn and get two jobs done at once.

Cost and Value

You will be able to purchase this item at a cost that is lower than the average price. This is because it is a low tech option that doesn't cost much.

Amazon Link