Buying guide for best lawn mowers
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Lawn mowing is one of the few things I used to despise about summer. But recently, I realized why. I had a clunky old lawn mower that just wasn't working the way I wanted. Since upgrading to a more modern lawn mower, I actually look forward to getting out there on Saturday mornings to do it.
If you also want to make life in the yard way easier, upgrading your lawn mower is a good place to start. Choosing one isn't as simple as it seems, though. You'll find basic push mowers under $100 to robotic models that cost well over $800.
Before you buy a new one, it’s worth considering a few key factors to ensure you end up with a mower that suits your yard and your budget. Our top choice is the EGO POWER+ Electric Lawn Mower, a self-propelled cordless model that makes cutting the grass a joy.
Editors’ picks
EGO POWER+ Electric Lawn Mower
Editors’ Favorite
Cutting Width: 21” | Cutting Height: 1.5” to 4” | Weight: 55.3 lb | Operation Mode: Automatic
If you’re looking for a mower with performance that rivals gas-powered units, the EGO POWER+ Electric Lawn Mower is among the best. It handles thick grass with ease and is great for a small-to-medium-sized yard that needs constant maintenance.
The cordless design gives you mobility and freedom to move around your yard without worrying about tripping over cords. The pressure-engaged touch system lets you adjust the self-propel speed with a simple dial, and the battery life lasts for up to 60 minutes on a full charge. It also features three lower blades for mulching, high-lift bagging and extended runtime, giving you the best balance of cut quality and runtime.
Customers love this lawn mower primarily because it's easy to move around. It’s also much quieter than most gas-powered mowers, and it has several height-adjustment points, letting you handle grass of varying lengths and thicknesses.
WORX 14-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
Great Value
Cutting Width: 13” | Cutting Height: 1.5” to 3.5” | Weight: 29.1 lb | Operation Mode: Manual
The WORX 14-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower is a compact, lightweight and affordable mower that offers performance similar to what you’d get with more expensive gas models. It’s easy to maneuver and is perfect for small lawns or yards where you have to move around trees or bushes.
You’ll have no trouble starting it thanks to the easy-start push button, and with Intellicut, you won’t have to worry about manually adjusting cutting speed for different grass conditions. You can raise or lower the cutting deck anywhere from 1.5 to 3.5 inches, and you can use the included mulch bag to feed your lawn with clippings.
Although there are mixed opinions about the battery life, this is a terrific model for front-lawn maintenance or for smaller backyards as well. It’s also one of the easier units to store, thanks to its compact design, which fits easily in your shed or garage without taking up too much space.
Segway Navimow X430 Robot Lawn Mower
Best Premium Robot Lawn MowerCutting Width: 17” | Cutting Height: NA | Weight: 63.7 lb | Operation Mode: Automatic
First, we got robot vacuums, and not long after, pool cleaners came along. Now, we have robotic lawn mowers like the Segway Navimow X430. Instead of pushing a lawn mower around, you can let this advanced robot lawn mower cut your grass.
With Auto Mapping, this mower creates an optimal mowing path for your entire yard. It can climb 40-degree slopes and cross obstacles up to 2.8 inches without any trouble, and its 360-degree Vision provides excellent cutting accuracy even under trees or along fences. You can edit maps with GeoSketch, track the mower via GPS, and control it with voice commands via Alexa or Google Home for hands-free convenience.
Strong all-wheel drive makes this mower a terrific option for various grass conditions, and the battery life can handle medium-sized yards in one go. It’s absolutely worth a look if you want to eliminate manual lawn mowing.
American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Best Eco-Friendly Reel Mower
Cutting Width: 14” | Cutting Height: 1.3" to 4.45" | Weight: 19 lb | Operation Mode: Manual
If you’re tired of dealing with gas or cords on standard lawn mowers, we recommend checking out the American Lawnmower Company Push Reel Lawn Mower. It’s a four-blade reel mower with a 14-inch cutting width that’s suitable for smaller lawns.
The cutting blade is adjustable from 1.3 to 4.45 inches to help you cut lawns with different grass conditions, and the durable 8.5-inch wheels let you navigate with ease. The zinc-plated handle has plastic grips for better control as you push it around the yard, and its lightweight design makes it easy for older kids and senior citizens to use.
Overall, it’s super quiet, easy to use and one of the best options if you have a small yard. Although you won’t get any premium features like those on some of our other picks, this model offers an excellent trade-off since you’ll never have to deal with motor maintenance or battery charging.
Segway Navimow i110N Robot Lawn Mower
Best Robot Lawn Mower
Cutting Width: 7.1” | Cutting Height: 2” to 3.6” | Weight: 24 lb | Operation Mode: Automatic
The Segway Navimow i105N is a feature-packed robotic lawn mower that delivers exceptional performance in lawns of nearly any size. It’s surprisingly robust for a robotic lawn mower, as it can move around yards with tricky terrain without getting stuck.
One of the best features customers love about this robotic lawn mower is its AI-powered Assist Mapping feature. It identifies the edges of your lawn during mapping and automatically navigates the entire working area, delivering full coverage every single time. With a 140-degree field-of-view camera, it avoids obstacles, and you can map up to 12 zones for custom mowing.
It’s an expensive robot lawn mower, but its features and elite grass-cutting performance make it worth it if you want a hassle-free way to keep your lawn nice and neat. Plus, unlike gas models, you don’t have to worry about motor maintenance.
PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower
Value Pick
Cutting Width: 21” | Cutting Height: 1.5” to 3.9” | Weight: 59.4 lb | Operation Mode: Manual
A manual lawn mower is your best bet for the most affordable option, but if you still want a motor, the PowerSmart Gas Lawn Mower is an excellent alternative. It’s easy to start thanks to an auto-choke feature and has one-handed height control so you can cut through different grass thicknesses with ease.
The two-in-one steel deck is built to handle mulching and side-discharge so you can nourish your lawn as you mow or make post-cutting cleanup more manageable. The motor is nowhere near as loud as many other gas-powered lawn mowers, and the specialized 21-inch blade lets you cover more ground in less time.
Those who aren’t fans of battery-powered mowers but still want some extra cutting power and features will appreciate this gas model. It’s a breeze to maneuver and has a folding mechanism for easy storage.
WORX Nitro 21-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
Best Mid-Range Electric Lawn MowerCutting Width: 20” | Cutting Height: 1.5” to 4” | Weight: 55.6 lb | Operation Mode: Manual
Those with a larger lawn that requires constant maintenance should look no further than the WORX Nitro electric mower. It has an adjustable cutting height of 1.5 to 4 inches and a 20-inch cutting width so you can slice through varying grass thicknesses and cover a larger area without leaving any patches.
Intellicut technology automatically adjusts cutting speed based on grass conditions, and three-in-one functionality includes mulching, bagging and rear side-discharging to make cleanup afterward easy. It comes with two 20V PowerShare batteries that provide enough runtime to cover up to half an acre on a single charge. Plus, the onboard battery indicator lets you know when you need to recharge it.
For most users, this lawn mower is more than enough for weekly lawn maintenance. It’s not as feature-packed as some of our other top picks, but for the price, it’s one of the best electric mowers for medium-sized yards.
How we analyzed
We looked into four different types of lawn mowers to give shoppers more choices based on their particular needs. We rounded up battery-powered, gas-powered, manual and robotic lawn mowers, all with varying specs and features. We considered everything from cutting width and height adjustability to mulching and smart features such as voice control.
Why buy a walk-behind lawn mower?
If you’re considering a walk-behind lawn mower, chances are high that you don’t have acres of grass to contend with on a weekly basis. If you did, you’d probably be seriously considering a riding lawn mower instead.
But riding lawn mowers can be pricey, and they consume lots of storage space. If your yard is small, investing in such a large machine could be overkill.
A walk-behind mower is a great choice for homes with small- and medium-sized yards. Walk-behind lawn mowers also offer more precision than riding mowers, as they are easier to manipulate in small spaces.
Types of lawn mowers
There are several types of walk-behind lawn mowers. Each has its own unique set of characteristics.
Push mowers
A push mower’s engine powers the blade. In turn, the blade rotates and cuts the lawn. All of the “forward drive” is human-powered; you rely on your own muscle to propel the machine. If you have a small, even lot — or if you just like the exercise — a push mower could be the right choice for you.
Self-propelled mowers
A self-propelled lawn mower uses energy from the engine to power the wheels. Sometimes, just the front or back wheels receive power; other times, the lawn mower has all-wheel drive.
These mowers are wonderful for lots of reasons. If you have a large lot, need to mow rough terrain, or suffer from physical weakness or fatigue, a self-propelled mower could be your best bet.
Gas lawn mowers
If you own a gas-powered lawn mower, you must refill the gas tank periodically. This costs money, and as the gas combusts, it releases emissions into the air that aren’t great for the environment.
But gas mowers tend to wield more power, so if you’ve got a large lawn or thick patches of grass or other tough growth to tackle, a gas-powered machine could be the better choice.
Electric lawn mowers
Electric mowers come with a battery that you must charge. The battery powers the blade’s rotation. This is a more environmentally friendly option than a traditional gas-powered motor.
Gas-powered lawn mowers employ the same internal combustion engine technology that most cars use to run.
Electric mowers don’t require engine maintenance, but they have their downsides. Some are less powerful than gas mowers, and some have a limited battery life, which can be frustrating. And electric lawn mowers that tether you to a cord while mowing can be very inconvenient.
Features to consider
Do you want an entry-level lawn mower or a more advanced model? The answer to that question depends on your budget as well as your personal preferences. Below are some of the more notable lawn mower features to consider when you’re shopping.
Mulching capabilities
Still other lawn mowers include mulching capabilities. These machines hold on to the clippings and cut them into smaller bits before depositing them back onto the lawn.
Self-propelling system
Powered by a drive system, the wheels of a self-propelled lawn mower turn automatically. Some people prefer a self-propelled mower because it requires less physical effort from them.
However, some people like the exercise they get when using a push mower.
Self-propelled lawn mowers are typically controlled in one of four ways: squeezing a bail, pushing a lever, squeezing a lever, or pushing a handle to increase/decrease speed.
Clippings collection
Some walk-behind lawn mowers come with a bagging system that collects clippings. The bag typically hangs under the steering handle of the mower. If you’re an active gardener, this option is a must-have.
You may also want this feature if you have to clean up clippings due to thick or coarse grass in your yard. Bear in mind, however, that you’ll have to empty the bag of clippings periodically with this feature.
Push-button start
Many lawn mower models no longer have the traditional pull cord start mechanism. Instead, they have a push-button start.
So if you’re sick of wrenching your arm every time you want to start the lawn mower, consider a machine that activates with the push of a button.
Electric mowers start like this, as do some gas models.
How to make your lawn mower last
A lawn mower that’s well-maintained can last 10 years or more. But neglecting to properly care for your lawn mower can easily cut that time in half.
Some manufacturers rate their lawn mowers based on how many hours the machines will supposedly last. Cheaper lawn mowers may be rated to last 200 hours or less. High-end models can be rated for 500 hours or more.
From these figures, you could deduce that a larger yard reduces the lifespan of a lawn mower. But there are steps you can take to make your lawn mower last as long as possible.
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Change your gas-powered lawn mower’s oil regularly. Just like a car, a gas-powered lawn mower needs regular oil maintenance. Check the oil after every eight hours of use. The darker the oil, the more urgently it needs a change. Fresh oil is amber.
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If your lawn mower has an air filter, change it every 25 hours
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Periodically check your lawn mower’s fuel filter. It should be clean. If it’s not, replace it, as cleaning it yourself may damage it.
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Conduct a regular check on the mower’s spark plugs. If you’re unsure how to do this, consider purchasing a lawn mower tune-up kit from your local lawn and garden store. Or, take your machine to a professional.
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Examine the blade for damage. Power down your mower and let it cool off before you do this. If it’s electric, unplug it first. Then, examine the blade for nicks, dents, and other types of damage. The manufacturer may recommend blade sharpening or even blade replacement.
Lawn mower prices
$80 to $150
In this price range, you will find smaller corded electric lawn mowers and basic gas-powered push mowers.
If your mowing chores are few, this could be all you need.
$150 to $250
In this price range, you’ll find lawn mowers with clipping collection mechanisms and more powerful engines. You may even find a cordless, battery-powered push mower on sale.
$250 and up
In this bracket, you’ll find more powerful electric lawn mowers with 18- to 58-volt electric batteries. Gas-powered push mowers with high-powered engines also sit in this price range, as do some self-propelled mowers.
Tips
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Some lawn mowers have a port that allows a hose plug-in. That hose rinses out clippings under the mower deck. This is convenient because you don’t have to tip the machine to wash the clippings out of the mower.
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Many electric mowers come with a removable battery option. This is helpful, as you can store the battery where temperatures aren’t as extreme.
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Some mowers have a blade-brake clutch feature that allows you to stop the blade but not the engine. This feature is good for picking up debris in your way while mowing. Notably, you should always exercise caution when picking up debris around a lawn mower.
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The batteries on some electric lawn mowers may also charge other equipment, such as leaf blowers and trimmers.
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Some gas-powered lawn mowers have a no-prime feature that allows for quicker starts.
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Engines come in different power ranges, usually from 140cc to 190cc. If you’re dealing with crabgrass or tend to cut taller, wetter grass, we recommend a lawn mower with a more powerful engine.
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Some lawn mowers come with a folding handle that takes less space to store.
FAQ
Q. What type of lawn mower is best for which terrain?
A. If your lawn is rough or has many slopes to it, we recommend a machine with large back wheels. For many folks, the ideal product in this scenario would be a self-propelled lawn mower, since that leads to less physical exertion.
However, if you’re able-bodied and have a smaller yard with more even terrain, you could easily get by with a push mower.
Q. What type of upkeep does a lawn mower need?
A. A gas-powered mower needs the same type of upkeep that a car does: oil changes, air filter changes, new spark plugs. An electric mower doesn’t have these needs, but you might have to eventually replace the battery.
Q. Aren’t electric mowers considered the weaker choice?
A. Not as much by today’s standards. Thanks to advanced lithium-ion technology, batteries are more powerful and hold charges much better than they used to. Some electric lawn mowers can even match gas-powered mowers in terms of sheer power.
Our expertise
Ade Hennis has written countless buying guides for BestReviews. He enjoys helping consumers find the best products to make their lives better.
Kevin Luna has a love for all things tech, sports, fitness and gadgets. As a longtime writer for BestReviews, he enjoys writing engaging, high-quality guides to help shoppers make smart buying decisions.
