There’s a unique frustration that comes with mowing a small to medium-sized lawn. I remember wrestling with a heavy, cumbersome petrol mower, the yearly ritual of checking the oil, the fumes, the noise, and the sheer overkill for a patch of grass that was barely big enough for a picnic blanket. Then came the switch to an electric corded model. The peace was welcome, but it was replaced by a new kind of dance—the cord tango. Dodging flowerbeds, untangling the cable from the rose bush for the third time, and the constant fear of accidentally running over the very wire that gave it life. It felt like a chore that was actively fighting back. This is the precise predicament where the promise of a lightweight, cordless lawnmower shines brightest, offering a vision of effortless, untethered garden maintenance. The question is, can a model like the Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li Cordless Lawnmower deliver on that liberating promise?
- Experience cordless freedom with the Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li lawnmower; this kit includes a 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery and charger. Part of the flexible, high-performance Power X-Change family of...
- The lawn mower is powered by a brushless electric motor for longer operating times with no mechanical wear. With a cutting width of 33cm it effortlessly tackles small to medium lawns up to 200 square...
What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Rotary Mower
A Rotary Mower is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for maintaining a healthy, attractive lawn. Its spinning blade creates a vacuum effect, lifting the grass blades for a clean, even cut, which is crucial for promoting dense, lush growth. The move to a cordless, battery-powered model elevates this solution by removing the biggest hassles: the restrictive and hazardous cord of electric mowers and the noisy, messy, high-maintenance nature of petrol engines. The primary benefits are unparalleled freedom of movement, significantly quieter operation, minimal maintenance, and push-button starting. It transforms lawn care from a heavy-duty chore into a quicker, more pleasant task.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a small to medium-sized lawn, typically up to 200 square metres, who values convenience and simplicity. They likely have limited storage space and want a machine that is easy to lift, manoeuvre around garden obstacles, and store away neatly. It’s perfect for city dwellers with town gardens, retirees, or anyone who finds heavier mowers physically demanding. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those with very large, sprawling lawns that would require multiple battery charges to complete. Likewise, professional landscapers or those dealing with exceptionally tough, overgrown, or wet conditions may find they still need the raw, sustained power of a high-end petrol mower.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Pay close attention to the cutting width. The Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li Cordless Lawnmower has a 33cm width, which is ideal for navigating smaller, more intricate gardens. Also, consider the mower’s weight (10.9kg here) for carrying up steps and its storage footprint. A model with a folding handle, like this one, is a massive advantage for sheds or garages where space is at a premium.
- Capacity/Performance: This is where the battery is king. Look at the voltage (V) and amp-hours (Ah) – in this case, 18V and a 4.0Ah battery. Manufacturers provide an estimated coverage area (up to 200 m² for this Einhell), but this is always under ideal conditions. The presence of a brushless motor is a significant plus, as it offers greater efficiency, longer runtime, and a longer lifespan than older brushed motors.
- Materials & Durability: Most cordless mowers in this class feature a plastic housing or deck. Don’t be deterred by this; modern polymers are incredibly tough and impact-resistant, with the added benefits of being lightweight and completely rust-proof. Look for sturdy wheels and a solid-feeling handle mechanism, as these are frequent points of wear.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Simplicity is the goal. A central cutting height adjustment lever is far superior to having to adjust each wheel individually. Check for features like a grass box fill-level indicator and an ergonomic handle. The beauty of battery power is the near-zero maintenance—no oil changes, no spark plugs, just wipe it clean and keep the blade sharp.
While the Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li Cordless Lawnmower is an excellent choice for its intended purpose, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, including those with self-propulsion for larger or sloped gardens, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Utilises a powerful 1500 W motor so you can tackle your lawn with ease.
- Extra-long 11m detachable power cable: Provides excellent working range without becoming reliant on an extension cable.
- CUSTOMISABLE CUTTING HEIGHTS FOR A PERFECT FINISH – Choose from four adjustable heights between 16mm and 40mm to achieve your preferred grass length, ideal for maintaining a neat and well kept lawn...
Unboxing the Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li: First Look and Feel
Pulling the Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li Cordless Lawnmower from its box, the first thing we noticed was its weight—or lack thereof. At just under 11kg, it feels immediately manageable and a world away from the hefty petrol mowers we’ve tested. Assembly was refreshingly straightforward and, as several users confirmed, required no tools and took just a few minutes. The handle sections click together securely, and the grass box snaps into shape with minimal fuss. Our only tip, echoed by other owners, is to put the battery on its fast charger immediately; it arrives with minimal charge, and you’ll want to be ready to go.
The build quality feels solid for its price point. The red and black impact-resistant plastic housing is robust, and while it doesn’t have the premium feel of a metal deck, it’s perfectly suited for its purpose and promises a rust-free life. The large, lawn-friendly wheels feel capable of handling slightly uneven terrain without scalping the grass. The central height adjustment lever is a standout feature, moving with a satisfying clunk through its five positions. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference to usability, and a feature that really sets it apart from more basic models.
Advantages
- Extremely lightweight and easy to manoeuvre around obstacles
- Brushless motor provides efficient and quiet performance
- Convenient central cutting height adjustment with 5 levels
- Folds down compactly for easy, space-saving storage
Drawbacks
- Battery life is significantly less than advertised for most users
- Can struggle and clog on its lowest settings or in dense grass
Putting the Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li to the Test
A mower’s true character is only revealed on the lawn. We put the Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li Cordless Lawnmower through its paces on different types of lawns over several weeks, from a simple weekly trim to tackling slightly longer, neglected grass. Our in-depth testing focused on its core functions: cutting performance, the all-important battery life, and its overall ergonomics and usability during real-world tasks.
Cutting Performance and Versatility
The heart of any mower is its ability to cut grass cleanly, and in this regard, the Einhell performs admirably under the right conditions. The 33cm cutting width is the sweet spot for small to medium lawns; it’s wide enough to reduce the number of passes needed but narrow enough to easily navigate around trees, garden beds, and tight corners. The brushless motor, a key feature at this price, spins up quickly and provides a surprisingly powerful and consistent blade speed. We found that for a regular weekly cut on a dry lawn, the mower glided through, leaving a neat, tidy finish.
The 5-level central cutting height adjustment, ranging from 25mm to 65mm, is fantastic. A single lever controls all four wheels, making it incredibly easy to adapt to the lawn’s condition. We started on the highest setting (65mm) for the first cut of the season, which it handled with ease. However, as we moved to the lower settings, we began to see the machine’s limits. Our findings confirmed what many users have reported: on the absolute lowest setting (25mm), the mower can struggle and clog if the grass is even moderately thick or damp. The exit port for the grass seems a little small, and when faced with a high volume of clippings, it can back up, causing the motor to stall. For best results, we recommend a two-pass approach for very long grass—a high cut first, followed by a lower one—or sticking to the middle-three height settings for general use. The 30-litre grass box is adequate, and the fill-level indicator, a simple plastic flap, is surprisingly effective at letting you know when it’s time to empty.
The Elephant in the Garden: Battery Life and the Power X-Change System
This is, without question, the most divisive aspect of the Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li Cordless Lawnmower. Einhell advertises that the included 18V 4.0Ah Power X-Change battery can power the mower for lawns up to 200 square metres. In our experience, and corroborated by a significant number of user reviews, this claim is highly optimistic. It might be achievable on a perfectly flat, sparse, and very short lawn, cut on a high setting. In the real world, the results are far more varied and generally much lower.
On our test lawn of approximately 70 square metres with medium-length grass, we were able to complete the entire area on a single charge, but the battery indicator was flashing by the end. This is a far cry from 200m². Many users report far less, with some struggling to finish lawns as small as 35-40m², and others noting the battery dies after just 15-20 minutes of use. The condition of the grass makes a huge difference; long, thick, or damp grass will drain the battery exponentially faster. It’s clear that the single 4.0Ah battery is the mower’s Achilles’ heel. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it is a critical factor to consider. For anyone with a lawn over 50m², we would strongly recommend purchasing a second battery from the outset or choosing this mower only if you already own other Einhell Power X-Change tools and have spare batteries on hand. The system itself is excellent—one battery for a whole range of tools is a fantastic concept—but the mower itself is power-hungry, and the supplied battery struggles to keep up.
Ergonomics and Usability in the Real World
Where the Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li Cordless Lawnmower truly excels is in its ease of use. This is a machine that makes you want to mow the lawn. Its 10.9kg weight feels feather-light, and pushing it is almost effortless. One user aptly described it as “like pushing a pram,” and we agree. For those with mobility issues or who simply dislike heavy machinery, this is a game-changing benefit. It pivots on a dime and makes navigating tight spots a genuine pleasure. The large wheels do an excellent job of smoothing out minor bumps and keeping the cutting deck level on uneven ground.
The three-position height-adjustable handle is a welcome feature for accommodating different user heights, ensuring a comfortable posture. When it’s time to pack away, the handle folds down, reducing the mower’s footprint significantly for storage. However, we did notice some of the ergonomic quirks mentioned by users. The handle latches do protrude slightly and could potentially catch on shrubbery. Furthermore, as one user pointed out, inserting the battery can be a little awkward due to the design of the housing. These are minor annoyances rather than major flaws, but they do slightly detract from an otherwise user-friendly design. Despite these small points, the overall experience is one of simplicity and low effort, which is precisely what most buyers in this category are looking for. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to weigh these ergonomic details for yourself.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing feedback from dozens of verified owners provides a clear and consistent picture of the Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li Cordless Lawnmower. The sentiment is sharply divided, almost entirely along the fault line of battery performance versus handling.
On the positive side, the praise is effusive for its core design. One user declared it a “mighty machine” after it mowed their entire back garden on one charge, allowing them to retire their heavy petrol mower for good. Another, who has mobility issues, called it an “easy to use so light weight… dream.” These comments highlight its greatest strengths: for the right user with a small, manageable lawn, it’s a liberating and joyful tool to use.
However, the negative feedback is just as strong and almost universally focused on the battery. One frustrated owner shared a photo of a small 37.5 sqm lawn that the mower couldn’t finish on a full charge, calling it a “disgrace” that rendered the mower’s good qualities pointless. Another reported the battery dying after just 15 minutes, a problem that persisted for months. This isn’t just a case of mismatched expectations; it’s a consistent pattern that suggests the included 4.0Ah battery is simply underpowered for the demands of the motor, especially in less-than-ideal conditions.
How Does the Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li Compare to the Competition?
No product exists in a vacuum, and it’s important to understand where the Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li Cordless Lawnmower sits in the market. Its primary competitors come from both the corded electric and cordless battery worlds, each offering a different set of compromises and advantages.
1. Flymo EasiStore 380R Rotary Lawn Mower
- Utilises a powerful 1600W motor so you can tackle your lawn with ease
- A 38cm cutting width and 20-60mm cutting height ensures a neat and tidy finish to your lawn
The Flymo EasiStore 380R represents a powerful corded alternative. If you can live with the cable, you get a significant boost in features and capacity. It boasts a wider 38cm cutting width and a much larger 45-litre grass box, meaning fewer passes and fewer stops to empty. Its key advantage is the integrated rear roller, which creates those classic, professional-looking stripes on your lawn—something the Einhell cannot do. It’s a great choice for those who prioritize lawn aesthetics and have an open, uncluttered garden where managing a cord isn’t a major headache.
2. Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawnmower 35cm 40L Bag G40LM35K2X
- CUTS MEDIUM-SIZED LAWNS UP TO 400m² WITHOUT RECHARGING - two 40V 2AH batteries deliver all the power and performance of a petrol driven mower without the mess, noise and environmental impact
- 2 x NEW GENERATION LITHIUM 40V 2Ah BATTERIES – technologically advanced batteries that you can use in any Greenworks 40V tool to cut waste, save money and storage space
The Greenworks G40LM35K2X is a direct cordless competitor that addresses the Einhell’s main weakness head-on. It operates on a more powerful 40V system and, crucially, this kit comes with TWO 2.0Ah batteries and a charger. This immediately solves the runtime anxiety, effectively doubling your mowing capacity right out of the box. With a slightly wider 35cm cut and a larger 40-litre grass box, it’s positioned as a step-up model for those with medium-sized lawns (up to 400m²) who want cordless freedom without compromise. It’s the logical choice for buyers who are tempted by the Einhell but worried about the battery life.
3. Flymo SimpliMow 320 Electric Lawnmower
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMFORTABLE: A simple to use, lightweight, 1000W lawnmower that uses a soft grip handle for added comfort.
- QUICK, CLEAN CUT: Its 32cm cutting width and a 20-60 mm cutting height with 3 steps ensures a neat and tidy finish.
For the ultimate in simplicity and budget-friendliness, the Flymo SimpliMow 320 is a compelling option. This is another corded model, but it’s designed for the smallest of lawns. Its 32cm cutting width is almost identical to the Einhell’s, and its 30-litre grass box is the same size. It’s incredibly lightweight and easy to store. What you sacrifice is the cordless convenience and features like central height adjust. This mower is for the person with a tiny patch of grass who just wants an affordable, reliable tool to get the job done with minimal fuss and expense.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li Right for Your Lawn?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li Cordless Lawnmower is one of qualified recommendation. This mower is a tale of two halves. On one hand, its design, ergonomics, and ease of use are simply brilliant. It is wonderfully lightweight, astonishingly easy to manoeuvre, and its quiet brushless motor and compact storage make it a joy to own and operate. For individuals with very small, well-maintained lawns (we’d suggest 50 square metres or less), or for those already invested in Einhell’s excellent Power X-Change battery platform, this machine makes a compelling case.
On the other hand, its performance is fundamentally let down by the included 4.0Ah battery. The real-world runtime falls significantly short of the marketing claims for the vast majority of users, turning the dream of cordless freedom into the reality of charge-time frustration. It is not the right tool for medium-sized lawns or for tackling long, challenging grass on a single battery. If you have a small garden, value cordless convenience above all else, and are prepared to either manage your expectations or invest in a second battery, the Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li Cordless Lawnmower could still be the perfect fit. For those ready to cut the cord on their small lawn care, you can check the latest price and availability for this lightweight mower here.
Last update on 2025-10-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API