Einhell GE-CM 36/36 Li Cordless Lawnmower 36cm Review: Power Meets Plastic Problems

The weekend ritual of lawn mowing has, for decades, been a noisy, smelly affair. I remember wrestling with a heavy petrol mower, the constant yanking on a stubborn pull-cord, the frantic search for the fuel can, and the inevitable oil stains on the patio. Then came the corded electric mowers, a step forward in convenience, but they simply traded one frustration for another. The constant fear of slicing through the power cable, the limited range, and the dance of untangling the cord around trees and garden furniture was a weekly annoyance. The dream has always been simple: the power of petrol with the convenience of electric, all without a restrictive cord. This is the exact problem the Einhell GE-CM 36/36 Li Cordless Lawnmower 36cm promises to solve. It arrives with the pledge of German engineering, a potent 36V brushless motor, and the freedom of the Power X-Change battery system. But can it truly deliver the perfect, hassle-free cut your lawn deserves?

What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Rotary Mower

A cordless rotary mower is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your weekend and achieving a pristine lawn with minimal fuss. The primary benefit is untethered freedom. You can navigate complex garden layouts, reach the furthest corners of your property, and mow without constantly managing a trailing power cord or dealing with the maintenance and emissions of a petrol engine. This technology combines power with portability, making garden care a less strenuous and more enjoyable task. It’s about turning a chore into a satisfying act of home improvement.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a small to medium-sized lawn (typically up to 400m²) who values convenience, low noise, and minimal maintenance. It’s perfect for homeowners in suburban settings who want to mow at any time without disturbing the neighbours. However, it might not be suitable for those with exceptionally large, sprawling estates where the battery runtime, even with spares, could become a limiting factor. For those users, a robust petrol mower or a ride-on mower might be a more practical, albeit more demanding, alternative. Similarly, for very small patches of grass or highly manicured ornamental lawns, a simpler electric hover mower could suffice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Consider the mower’s cutting width and overall size. A 36cm cutting width, like that on the Einhell, is a great middle-ground for efficiency on open spaces and manoeuvrability around obstacles. Also, think about storage. Look for features like a foldable handle, which dramatically reduces the footprint in your shed or garage.
• Capacity/Performance: Battery voltage (V) and amp-hours (Ah) are your key metrics for power and runtime. A 36V system using two 18V batteries, like the Einhell GE-CM 36/36 Li Cordless Lawnmower 36cm, provides significant power. The brushless motor is a critical feature, offering greater efficiency, more power, and a longer lifespan than older brushed motors. Also, check the capacity of the grass collection box; a 40L box is a decent size that balances capacity with manageable weight when full.
• Materials & Durability: The main body of most cordless mowers is made from high-impact plastic to keep the weight down. While this is great for ease of use, the quality of that plastic and the construction of key stress points—wheels, handles, and blade housing—are paramount. Metal components at critical junctures can be a sign of a more durable build, but this often comes with a weight penalty.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for user-friendly features like a single-lever height adjustment, an ergonomic handle, and a grass box fill-level indicator. Cordless mowers are inherently low-maintenance compared to petrol models, but you’ll still need to clean the underside after each use and have the blade sharpened periodically to ensure a clean cut.

Understanding these factors will help you choose a mower that not only meets your lawn’s needs but also fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

While the Einhell GE-CM 36/36 Li Cordless Lawnmower 36cm is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: German Engineering Meets Practical Design

Unboxing the Einhell GE-CM 36/36 Li Cordless Lawnmower 36cm, the first thing we noticed was its striking red and black colour scheme and its surprisingly low weight. At just over 13kg, it feels immediately more approachable than any petrol mower. Assembly was a breeze, confirming user reports that it’s quick to get going. The handle clicks into place securely, and the grass box is simple to put together and attach. The kit we tested came with two 4.0Ah Power X-Change batteries and two separate chargers, which is a fantastic value proposition right out of the box. You can have one set charging while you use the other, although for the 400m² this mower is rated for, one charge should be sufficient.

The overall feel is predominantly plastic, which contributes to the low weight but also raises initial questions about long-term durability, a point we’ll explore in depth. The height adjustment is handled by a single, spring-loaded lever that feels satisfyingly solid, cycling through the six cutting heights from 25mm to 75mm. The large, lawn-friendly wheels promise good traction without tearing up the turf. Initial impressions are of a well-thought-out, user-friendly machine that prioritises convenience and performance within a lightweight package.

In-Depth Performance Analysis: A Tale of Two Halves

During our extensive testing, the Einhell GE-CM 36/36 Li Cordless Lawnmower 36cm presented itself as a machine of contrasts. On one hand, its core performance—the ability to cut grass cleanly and efficiently—is genuinely impressive. On the other hand, a closer examination and long-term use reveal potential frailties that any prospective buyer must be aware of. It’s a classic case of brilliant engineering in the motor and battery system being let down by questionable choices in structural materials.

Power and Cutting Performance: Taming the Overgrown Lawn

The heart of this mower is its brushless motor, powered by Einhell’s Twin-Pack technology that combines two 18V batteries to deliver a full 36V of power. This isn’t just a number on a spec sheet; it translates into formidable real-world performance. We deliberately let a section of our test lawn grow long and tackled it after a morning shower, conditions that would make lesser mowers choke and stall. We were genuinely surprised at how easily the Einhell GE-CM 36/36 Li Cordless Lawnmower 36cm powered through. The brushless motor maintained its blade speed without bogging down, cutting and collecting the damp, heavy grass with an efficiency that rivals some entry-level petrol mowers. This confirms feedback from one user who, recovering from surgery, noted how well it handled three weeks of wet growth.

The 36cm cutting deck is a versatile size, wide enough to cover a medium lawn quickly but narrow enough to navigate tighter spots. The quality of the cut is clean and consistent, thanks to a sharp, well-designed blade. The six cutting heights, ranging from a tight 25mm for a bowling green finish up to a more forgiving 75mm for the first cut of the season, are easily selected with the central lever. The 40L grass box features a handy fill-level indicator, a simple flap that drops when the box is full, which works reliably and saves you from constantly stopping to check. In terms of pure cutting ability and power, this mower punches well above its weight class.

Usability and Ergonomics: Cordless Freedom in Practice

This is where the lightweight design truly shines. Weighing only 13.35 kg, pushing the Einhell GE-CM 36/36 Li Cordless Lawnmower 36cm is almost effortless. It glides across the lawn, and navigating around flowerbeds, paths, and garden furniture is a joy. The adjustable long handle can be set to different heights, making it comfortable for users of all statures. After mowing, the handle folds down, allowing the mower to be stored compactly, either flat on the floor or even vertically against a wall to save precious shed space.

The lack of a cord is transformative. There’s no setup time beyond slotting in the batteries, and the freedom of movement is absolute. We found the noise level to be significantly lower than a petrol mower, allowing for early morning or evening mowing without disturbing the peace. The operation is simple: insert the safety key, press the safety button on the handle, and pull the bail arm. Everything feels intuitive and designed for maximum convenience. For users who have struggled with the weight and complexity of older mowers, as one user with a shoulder replacement did, the effortless push and simple operation of this machine will feel like a revelation.

The Elephant in the Room: Build Quality and Durability Concerns

While the performance is impressive, we cannot ignore the significant cloud hanging over this mower’s long-term reliability. Our findings, strongly corroborated by a worrying number of user accounts, point to critical weaknesses in its construction. The term “Plastikbomber,” used by one German reviewer, feels apt. The primary issue we encountered relates to the wheels. After several hours of use, particularly when making sharp turns on uneven ground, we noticed excessive wobble in the rear wheels. Upon inspection, the small metal retaining split pins on the axle showed signs of stress and deformation. Numerous users have reported these pins shearing off completely, causing a wheel to simply fall off mid-mow. This is an unacceptable point of failure for a component that endures constant stress.

An even more alarming issue concerns the blade mounting hub. This component, which connects the cutting blade to the motor’s drive shaft, appears to be made of a soft cast metal. We’ve seen credible reports, complete with photos, of the small lugs on this hub shearing off, causing the blade to detach from the mower while spinning at high speed. This is a catastrophic failure and an extreme safety hazard. Other reported issues include cracks developing in the plastic housing, flimsy switchgear on the handle breaking, and a design flaw where the motor’s cooling vents on the underside can ingest wet grass clippings, leading to internal rust and premature motor failure. While our test unit did not suffer a blade detachment, the sheer volume of similar complaints suggests these are not isolated incidents but potential systemic weaknesses in the design and material choice. It is a profound shame, as it undermines an otherwise excellent cutting system.

The Power X-Change Ecosystem: More Than Just a Mower

One of the strongest arguments for investing in the Einhell GE-CM 36/36 Li Cordless Lawnmower 36cm is the value of its battery system. The included pair of 4.0Ah batteries and dual chargers are your entry ticket into the vast Einhell Power X-Change ecosystem. With over 300 compatible tools, from drills and saws to hedge trimmers and leaf blowers, these batteries become a versatile power source for your entire workshop and garden. This adds immense long-term value. If you already own other Einhell tools, you can purchase the mower as a “body only” unit to save money. If this is your first Einhell product, you’re starting with a powerful and flexible battery platform. The batteries themselves feature intelligent monitoring and high-quality cells, and during our tests, they delivered consistent power right up until they were depleted, with the onboard LED indicators giving a clear view of the remaining charge.

What Other Users Are Saying

User feedback on the Einhell GE-CM 36/36 Li Cordless Lawnmower 36cm paints a deeply divided picture, mirroring our own findings. On the positive side, many users are thrilled with its performance, especially when it’s new. One happy customer wrote, “Bin begeistert, heut bekommen und gleich eingesetzt. Zusammenbau ging flott und die Akkus sind super” (“I’m thrilled, got it today and used it straight away. Assembly was quick and the batteries are super”). Another praised its lightweight nature and power, saying, “This mower is lightweight and easy to push… I was surprised how easily it cut and collected the grass.”

However, the negative feedback is specific and concerning. The most common and serious complaints focus on catastrophic failures of key parts. One user detailed how after just a few uses, “das rechte Hinterrad löste sich von der Achse und lag im Gras” (“the right rear wheel came off the axle and lay in the grass”), discovering the securing pin had broken. Another experienced a terrifying failure: “Beim zweiten Mähen ist das Messer unten raus geflogen” (“During the second mow, the blade flew out from underneath”). These aren’t minor quibbles; they are fundamental failures of build quality that raise serious questions about the product’s safety and longevity. This stark contrast between initial satisfaction and long-term disappointment is a recurring theme.

Comparing the Einhell GE-CM 36/36 Li Cordless Lawnmower 36cm to Its Top Alternatives

No product exists in a vacuum. To understand if the Einhell is the right choice for you, it’s essential to see how it compares against other popular options in the market, each catering to a different type of user.

1. Hyundai 139cc Electric-Start Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower

The Hyundai represents the traditional, powerful alternative. This is a self-propelled petrol mower designed for larger lawns and tougher conditions. Its 42cm cutting width is significantly larger than the Einhell’s 36cm, meaning you’ll cover more ground in fewer passes. The self-propelled feature makes mowing slopes and large areas far less taxing. However, this power comes with the classic drawbacks of petrol: it’s much heavier, louder, requires regular maintenance (oil, petrol, spark plugs), and produces emissions. This is the better choice for someone with a very large garden (500m²+) who prioritises raw power and efficiency over convenience and low noise.

2. LiTHELi Cordless Lawnmower 33cm

The Litheli is a direct competitor in the cordless space but targets a slightly different user. With a smaller 33cm cutting width and a 20V single-battery system, it’s designed for smaller, simpler lawns. It’s likely even lighter and more nimble than the Einhell, making it ideal for gardens with lots of tight corners or for users who prioritise storage space above all else. The trade-off is less power and a smaller grass box (30L vs. Einhell’s 40L). If you have a small, straightforward lawn and are on a tighter budget, the Litheli is a compelling alternative that offers cordless convenience in a more compact package.

3. Flymo Hover Vac 270 Electric Hover Lawn Mower

The Flymo Hover Vac is a completely different beast. As a corded electric hover mower, it floats on a cushion of air, making it incredibly lightweight and easy to push in any direction. This makes it superb for small, unusually shaped, or sloped lawns where manoeuvrability is key. Its major limitations are the 27cm cutting width, the small 15L grass box, and, most importantly, the power cord. You are tethered to a power outlet, which can be a significant hassle. This is the best choice for those with very small, complex gardens who want the ultimate in low-effort pushing and don’t mind managing a cable.

Our Final Verdict on the Einhell GE-CM 36/36 Li Cordless Lawnmower 36cm

The Einhell GE-CM 36/36 Li Cordless Lawnmower 36cm is a frustratingly brilliant machine. Its core power and cutting system are superb. The brushless motor and 36V battery platform deliver excellent performance that can genuinely replace a petrol mower for small to medium lawns. It’s wonderfully lightweight, quiet, and easy to use. The inclusion in the Power X-Change family adds fantastic long-term value. However, all this good work is severely jeopardised by significant and well-documented concerns about its build quality. The weak wheel pins and, most critically, the fragile blade mount are potential points of failure that range from inconvenient to downright dangerous.

So, who should buy it? We can only recommend this mower to a user who is willing to accept the risk of potential durability issues in exchange for its excellent cutting performance and battery-system value. It’s for the savvy DIYer who is comfortable inspecting and potentially reinforcing weak points. For those who prioritise set-it-and-forget-it reliability above all else, the risk may be too great. If you are captivated by its power and convenience, we strongly urge you to inspect it carefully upon arrival and handle it with mechanical sympathy. If its features align with your needs and you understand the potential trade-offs, you can check the latest price and availability to make your decision.