Electric lawn mowers are low maintenance, emissions-free, and easy to use. But many models lack durability and power. So we searched Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart for the best electric lawn mowers.
We carefully compared each mower’s performance, construction, and ease of use to find the top models. This article reviews our top picks and gives tips on buying the best lawn mower.
Our top picks
Top 3 electric push lawn mowers – Reviews
1. Ego Power+ LM2114 – Best cordless push mower
The best cordless electric push mower is the 21-inch Ego Power+ LM2114. It’s a high-performance 3-in-1 mower with a mulch plug, rear bag, and side discharge chute. We love its ease of use and performance. The LM2114 is ideal for flat lawns up to ½ acre.
Ego is an industry-leading innovator of battery-powered technology. Their ARC Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are top-rated for durability, efficiency, and performance. That gives their power tools a competitive edge. The LM2114 is potent enough to compete with gas-powered push mowers.
Cutting deck: Its weather-resistant plastic deck has a fast mulching blade with 6-foot pounds of cutting torque. It makes clean cuts, even when the grass is tall or thick. The seven cutting height positions range from 1.25 to 4 inches.
Ease of use: The mower’s smooth on flat lawns but unsuitable for hills or uneven terrain. It has a three-position adjustable handlebar with a satisfying grip. It’s easy to maneuver around landscaping and has bright LED headlights for night mowing.
Battery life: The battery lasts up to 55 minutes on a single charge and fully recharges in about 80 minutes. The mower comes with a 56-volt, 6 Ah ARC Li-ion battery and a Power+ charger.
Specifications
- Battery: 56-volt, 6 Ah ARC Li-ion (1)
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 4 in.
- Cutting width: 20.5 in.
- Lawn size: ¼ – ½ acre
- Motor: Brushless
- Warranty: 5-year tool, 3-year battery
- Weight: 60.25 lb.
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes |
| Mulch plug | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 7 |
| Number of blades | 1 |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Fast blade speed ✓ Easy to operate ✓ Easy to maneuver ✓ High-quality cutting system ✓ High-performance batteries ✓ Smooth on flat lawns | ✗ Clogs sometimes ✗ Not good on rugged terrain ✗ Not good on hills |
Where to buy
2. Yard Force YF1518-3N1 – Best corded push mower
The best corded electric push mower is the 19-inch Yard Force YF1518-3N1. It runs on a potent 15-amp motor and can mulch, bag, or side discharge. We recommend it for flat or hilly lawns up to ½ acre.
Cutting deck: It has a durable 19-inch, 14-gauge fabricated steel deck with an 18-inch hardened steel mower blade. The mower has seven cutting height positions from 1.25 to 3.75 inches. It cuts well if you keep your grass under 6 inches tall, but struggles when the grass is overgrown or very dense.
Ease of use: The mower moves smoothly on flat and sloped lawns with its PVC-wrapped high rear wheel design. It’s easy to maneuver around twists and turns and fits in tight spaces. You can quickly adjust its cutting height with a single lever. Its handle folds for compact vertical storage, and its carrying handles make it easy to pick up.
Extension cord: It’s safe to mow with an extension cord up to 50 feet long and at least 12-gauge thickness.
Specifications
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 3.75 in.
- Cutting width: 18 in.
- Lawn size: ¼ – ½ acre
- Motor: 15 amp electric motor
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 46 lb.
Cutting features
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 7 |
| Number of blades | 1 |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Fabricated steel deck ✓ Hardened steel blade ✓ Smooth on flat lawns ✓ Smooth on sloped lawns ✓ Easy to assemble ✓ Unlimited runtime ✓ Affordable | ✗ Must be within 50 feet of a power outlet ✗ Struggles on tall grass ✗ Struggles on very thick grass ✗ Not good on rugged terrain |
Where to buy
3. RYOBI RYAC130-S – Best push mower under $200
The best push mower under $200 is the 13-inch RYOBI RYAC130-S. It runs on a reliable 11 Amp motor and comes with a mulcher and rear bag. The mower’s lightweight and affordable, making it ideal for flat lawns under ¼ acre.
Cutting deck: It has a 13-inch fabricated ABS plastic deck and also comes in a 16-inch model. Its single-point cutting height adjuster has five positions from .905 to 2.44 inches. The mower works great on short grass but isn’t suitable for tall grass and struggles if the grass is too thick.
Ease of use: It’s compact and weighs only 23 pounds. The mower’s effortless to push and maneuver around obstacles. The low-wheel design is excellent on flat lawns but not recommended for hills or rugged terrain. When you finish mowing, the handle folds for easy storage.
Extension cord: You can safely mow with an extension cord up to 100 feet, as long as it has at least a 12-gauge thickness.
Specifications
- Cutting heights: .905 – 2.44 in.
- Cutting width: 13 in.
- Lawn size: Up to ¼ acre
- Motor: 11 amp electric motor
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 23 lb.
Cutting features
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Side discharge | No |
| Cutting height positions | 5 |
| Number of blades | 1 |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Lightweight ✓ Affordable ✓ Easy to assemble ✓ Fits in tight spaces ✓ Unlimited runtime ✓ Easy to maneuver ✓ Smooth on flat lawns | ✗ Must be within 100 feet of a power outlet ✗ Not good for tall grass ✗ Struggles on thick grass ✗ Not good on rugged terrain ✗ Not good on hills ✗ No side discharge |
Where to buy
Top 4 electric self-propelled lawn mowers – Reviews
1. Ego Power+ Select Cut (LM2135SP) – Best self-propelled mower
The best self-propelled lawn mower is the 21-inch Ego Power+ Select Cut. It’s a potent 3-in-1 mower that mulches, bags, and side discharges. With its high-efficiency brushless motor and 56-volt ARC Li-ion battery, the mower is mighty enough to compete with gas models.
The LM2135SP has enough juice for flat lawns up to ½ acre. Consider Ego’s souped-up model, the Select Cut XP, for uneven terrain, increased cutting power, and extended runtime.
Cutting deck: It has a weather-resistant poly deck and a customizable dual-blade cutting system with three interchangeable lower blades (mulching, bagging, and extended runtime). The mower makes crisp cuts on well-kempt grass, but struggles if the lawn is overgrown. The dual-lever mow height adjuster has seven positions from 1.5 to 4 inches.
Ease of use: Ego’s Touch Drive self-propelled system has a learning curve but is super simple once you acclimate. It uses palm pressure to engage and has a variable speed dial from .9 to 3.1 MPH. The handle adjusts to three positions and folds for compact storage. The mow height is easy to change single-handedly, and its bright LED headlights provide excellent night vision.
Battery life: The 7 Ah battery lasts up to an hour on a single charge and fully recharges in an hour with the included Rapid Charger.
Specifications
- Battery: 56-volt, 7.5 Ah ARC Li-ion (1)
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4 in.
- Cutting width: 21 in.
- Lawn size: ¼ – ½ acre
- Motor: Brushless
- Warranty: 5-year tool, 3-year battery
- Weight: 55.3 lbs.
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes |
| Mulch plug | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 7 |
| Number of blades | 2 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Fast ✓ User-friendly ✓ High-quality cutting system ✓ 3 interchangeable lower blades ✓ High-performance batteries ✓ Smooth on flat lawns | ✗ Gets bogged down if the grass is too tall ✗ Can’t mow wet grass ✗ Not good for rugged terrain ✗ Not good for hills |
Where to buy
2. Greenworks LMF414 – Best self-propelled mower under $500
The best electric self-propelled lawn mower under $500 is the 21-inch Greenworks LMF414. It’s an excellent bargain-buy for cost-conscious homeowners with flat or slightly sloped lawns up to ½ acre.
Built with a Greenworks Intelligent Brushless Motor and powered by a 40-volt Li-ion battery, the mower has superb strength for its price point. It’s a 3-in-1 model with a rear bag, mulch plug, and side discharge chute.
Cutting deck: The 21-inch forged steel deck is durable. It has Greenworks’ SmartCut system that senses grass to adapt intuitively. The blade is fast enough to cut through wet or thick grass but struggles when the grass is taller than 6 inches. The mower has seven cutting height positions ranging from 1.375 to 3.75 inches.
Ease of use: It has rear-wheel drive and good tire traction, making it easy to push on flat lawns and slight hills. However, it handles poorly on rugged terrain and steep slopes. It’s easy to adjust the mowing height, and the handle folds for compact vertical storage.
Battery life: The 5 Ah battery gets up to 45 minutes of runtime and fully recharges in 2.5 hours with the included charger.
Specifications
- Battery: 40-volt, 5 Ah Li-ion (1)
- Cutting heights: 1.375 – 3.75 in.
- Cutting width: 21 in.
- Lawn size: ¼ – ½ acre
- Motor: Brushless
- Warranty: 3-year tool, 3-year battery
- Weight: 83 lb.
Cutting features
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 7 |
| Number of blades | 1 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Affordable ✓ Handles well on slight hills ✓ Fast blade speed ✓ Easy to maneuver ✓ Steel deck ✓ Smooth on flat lawns | ✗ Battery takes a long time to charge ✗ The deck clogs sometimes ✗ Doesn’t work well on overgrown grass ✗ Not good for rugged terrain |
Where to buy
3. RYOBI Whisper Series RY401210 – Best for rugged yards
The best electric self-propelled mower for rugged yards is the 21-inch RYOBI RY401210 with 4-wheel drive. It’s quick, comfortable, and easy to control on flat, hilly, or uneven lawns up to ¾ acre. It comes with a mulcher, bagger, and side discharge.
The Whisper Series mower speaks softly but carries a big stick. Ryobi’s innovative brushless technology reduces noise levels, making the mower as quiet as a hair dryer. Yet, it sharply slices grass and decimates the clippings into a super fine mulch.
Cutting deck: Its fabricated composite deck comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The deck has Ryobi’s CROSS CUT dual-blade system. It cuts well, even if the lawn’s tall or wet and only struggles if the grass is also very thick. The mower has seven cutting-height positions from 1 to 4 inches.
Ease of use: It’s easy to push on flat lawns, steep hills, or rugged terrain. The mower has all-wheel drive, high rear wheels, and superb tire traction. The drive system intuitively adjusts to your walking speed. Its handle adjusts to comfort and folds for vertical storage. It has high-intensity headlights, and you can switch between mulching and bagging with a single lever.
Battery life: The two 6 Ah batteries give the mower up to 70 minutes of runtime. The batteries recharge in under an hour with the included Rapid Charger. If your lawn’s rugged, you may need more batteries for extended runtime.
Specifications
- Battery: 40-Volt, 6 Ah Li-ion (2)
- Cutting heights: 1 – 4 in.
- Cutting width: 21 in.
- Lawn size: ¼ – ¾ acre
- Motor: Brushless
- Warranty: 5-year tool, 3-year battery
- Weight: 78 lb.
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes |
| Mulch plug | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 7 |
| Number of blades | 2 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Quiet ✓ Fabricated deck ✓ High-quality cutting system ✓ Fast blade speed ✓ Smooth on hills ✓ Smooth on rugged terrain ✓ Smooth on flat lawns ✓ Bult in the USA | ✗ Struggles to cut grass that’s thick and overgrown ✗ Homeowners with rugged lawns may need to purchase extra batteries |
Where to buy
4. Toro Stripe 60-volt Max (21621) – Best for striping
The best electric self-propelled mower for lawn striping is the 21-inch Toro Stripe 60-volt Max. Lawn striping is a stylish mowing method that’s great for curb appeal and overall grass health. The mower mulches, bags, and cuts pro-caliber stripes on flat or uneven lawns up to ½ acre.
Toro is one of the most trusted lawn mower manufacturers, known for its advanced self-propelled technology. They first made their mark with gas mowers but are gaining ground with their innovative three-phase brushless electric motors. The Toro Stripe packs a potent punch, leaving lawns looking lush.
Cutting deck: It has a 21-inch composite deck with Toro’s Recycler cutting system. The deck has outstanding airflow for crisp cuts and fine mulch. The blade speed automatically adjusts based on torque and cuts tall grass well as long as it’s not too dense. The nine cutting height positions range from 1 to 4 inches.
Ease of use: It has an easy-to-adjust variable speed knob and turbo button. The Super Bagger is easy to empty, and the high-beam headlights give excellent night visibility. The mower stores vertically and is compatible with the MyToro App.
Battery life: It runs up to 60 minutes on a single charge and recharges in 5 hours with the included charger. Consider purchasing an extra battery for extended run time if your lawn is large or uneven.
Specifications
- Battery: 60-Volt, 6 Ah lithium-ion (1)
- Cutting heights: 1 – 4 in.
- Cutting width: 21 in.
- Lawn size: ¼ – ½ acre
- Motor: Brushless
- Warranty: 2-year tool, 3-year battery
- Weight: 72 lb.
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes |
| Mulch plug | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes (upon registration) |
| Cutting height positions | 9 |
| Number of blades | 1 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Pro-caliber striping ✓ High-quality cutting system ✓ Smooth on flat lawns ✓ Smooth on uneven terrain | ✗ Have to register for side discharge ✗ The battery takes a long time to charge ✗ Not good for hills |
Where to buy
Top 2 electric riding lawn mowers – Reviews
1. RYOBI RYRM8034 – Best zero-turn lawn mower
The best zero-turn mower with an electric motor is the 54-inch RYOBI RYRM8034. We recommend it to homeowners with 2 to 3-acre flat lawns and hefty budgets.
Electric riding mowers are expensive but low-maintenance and emissions-free. Most electric zero-turns can’t hold a candle to gas-powered potency, but the RYRM8034 can compete with mid-tier gas models.
Cutting deck: It has a 54-inch fabricated, 10-gauge steel deck and also comes in a 42-inch model. The CROSS CUT system has six steel blades. It quickly makes clean cuts as long as the lawn’s flat and even. It struggles if the grass is dense or overgrown. The 12 mow height positions range from 1.5 to 4.5 inches.
Ease of use: The mower has a padded suspension seat with armrests. Comfortably sit while you mow, with drinks in the cup holders, your phone charging in a USB port, and a clear view of the LCD control panel. The drive system is joystick-controlled, and the mower has bright LED headlights.
Battery life: It runs on three 80-volt batteries and four 40-volt batteries. Ryobi claims it can mow up to 4 acres per charge, but don’t expect to mow more than 2 to 3 acres. The batteries recharge in 5 hours with the included charger.
Specifications
- Batteries: 80-volt lithium-ion (3), 40-volt lithium-ion (4)
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4.5 in.
- Cutting width: 54 in.
- Lawn size: 2 – 3 acres
- Motor: Brushless (5)
- Warranty: 5-year tool, 3-year battery
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 8 |
| Max reverse speed | 4 |
| Cruise control | No |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Turn radius | 0 inches |
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes, sold separately |
| Mulch plug | Yes, sold separately |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 12 |
| Number of blades | 6 |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Fast ✓ Comfortable ✓ Smooth on flat lawns ✓ Easy to maneuver around landscaping ✓ High-quality cutting system ✓ Fabricated steel deck | ✗ Expensive ✗ Not good for thick grass ✗ Not good for overgrown grass ✗ Not good for hills ✗ Not good for rugged terrain |
Where to buy
2. RYOBI RYRM8070 – Best lawn tractor
One of the best riding mowers is the 46-inch RYOBI RYRM8070. It’s our favorite electric lawn tractor. It costs less than Ryobi’s zero-turn but is still pretty pricey. We recommend it for 1- to 2-acre flat lawns. If your lawn’s closer to an acre, you can save a little more money by getting the 42-inch model.
Cutting deck: It has a 10-gauge fabricated steel deck with the CROSS CUT system. The system has six steel blades that are easy to access. A single lever adjusts the cutting height to 13 positions from 1.5 to 4.5 inches.
Ease of use: The RYOBI mower is user-friendly. Its intuitive controls and comfortable seating make mowing a breeze. It’s easy to operate, even if you’re new to riding mowers. It has a steering wheel, bright headlights, and an automatic transmission. However, it doesn’t handle well on hills or rugged terrain.
Battery life: It’s powered by three 10 Ah batteries for up to an hour of runtime. RYOBI says you can cut up to 2.5 acres per charge, but most homeowners get ½ to 1 acre mowed. The batteries recharge in about 2.5 hours with the included charger. Most homeowners with lawns over 1 acre have to purchase extra batteries to mow the entire lawn at once.
Specifications
- Batteries: 80-volt, 10Ah lithium-ion batteries (3)
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4.5 in.
- Cutting width: 46 in.
- Lawn size: 1 – 2 acres
- Motor: Brushless (4)
- Warranty: 5 years
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 7 MPH |
| Max reverse speed | 1.8 MPH |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Turn radius | 20 inches |
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes, sold separately |
| Mulch plug | Yes, sold separately |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 13 |
| Number of blades | 6 |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Fast ✓ Easy to drive ✓ Comfortable ✓ High-quality cutting system ✓ Fabricated steel deck ✓ Smooth on flat lawns ✓ Bult in the USA | ✗ Expensive ✗ Not good for hills ✗ Not good for rugged terrain ✗ Many homeowners need to buy extra batteries for extended runtime |
Where to buy
Buyer’s Guide
Before buying a lawn mower, savvy shoppers consider the following:
Types of lawn mowers
First, decide which type of lawn mower best suits your needs:
- Push lawn mowers are walk-behind mowers that rely on the operator’s strength to move forward. They’re the most affordable type of lawn mower but also require the most elbow grease.
- Self-propelled lawn mowers are walk-behinds with a drive system that moves them forward. They require less exertion than push mowers, but also cost more. All-wheel drive models have the best traction, followed by rear-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive mowers aren’t suitable for hilly or uneven lawns but are great at making sharp turns.
- Lawn tractors are riding lawn mowers. They haul heavier weight, are more affordable, and are better at handling hills than zero-turn mowers. But they have a wider turn radius, typically 16 to 20 inches.
- Zero-turn lawn mowers are the most expensive riding mowers. They’re typically faster and more potent than lawn tractors. They also have a 0-inch turn radius. Zero-turns are best for large yards with many twists and turns.
- Robotic lawn mowers are best for homeowners with wiggle room in their budget and a craving for cutting-edge tech. The benefits of a robotic mower include taking up less storage space, convenience, and efficiency. The best robotic mowers maintain a pristine lawn on their own. The operator just has to set them up.
Power source
Next, decide which power source suits your needs. Electric lawn mowers come in battery-powered and corded models. There are also high-power gas mowers and eco-friendly manual reel mowers.
Corded electric lawn mowers
Corded-electric push mowers are the least expensive rotary mowers. They’re great for light-duty mowing on small yards but lack the power to handle heavy-duty work. They also tend to be small. Most models have less than a 21-inch cutting width, but a few are 21 inches.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Affordable ✓ Lightweight ✓ Low-maintenance ✓ Easy to start ✓ Unlimited run time ✓ No refueling ✓ Quiet ✓ No gas emissions | ✗ The extension cord keeps you on a leash ✗ Not good for heavy-duty mowing ✗ Only available in push mowers ✗ Only goes up to a 21-inch cutting width ✗ Most have plastic decks |
Before buying a corded electric lawn mower, please consider the following:
- Max extension cord length: Ensure your entire lawn is within reach of a power outlet. Most corded mowers can plug into a cord as long as 50 to 150 feet.
- Gauge rating: A cord’s gauge describes its thickness. Cords with a lower gauge are thicker. It’s not safe to use a cord with a gauge that’s thinner than recommended. Doing so can result in overheating, fire, or a loose cord. Most mowers need at least a 12-gauge for 100-foot cords.
- Cord cost: Most mowers don’t come with an extension cord. Depending on the cord’s length and gauge, it can cost as little as $15 or as much as $100 or more.
Battery-powered lawn mowers
The best battery-powered lawn mowers are great for homeowners who don’t want to mess with spark plugs or extension cords. They’re low maintenance, easy to start, and convenient. High-performance models can compete with mid-performance gas mowers but cost a pretty penny.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Low-maintenance ✓ Easy to start ✓ Convenient ✓ Quiet ✓ Light-duty models are affordable ✓ There are some high-performance models ✓ No gas emissions | ✗ High-performance models are expensive ✗ Shortest runtime ✗ Longest refuel time ✗ Most have plastic decks ✗ Lithium mining harms the environment ✗ Li-ion batteries are hazardous when thrown away |
Before buying a cordless electric lawn mower, please consider the following:
- Motor: Cordless lawn mowers can have a brushed or brushless motor. Brushed motors are cheaper, but brushless motors are more efficient, quiet, and lightweight. Because brushless motors have fewer moving parts, they’re lower maintenance with a longer life span.
- Runtime: Most battery mowers get less than an hour of runtime. Harsher mowing conditions mean shorter battery life. All else being equal, batteries with more amp-hours (Ah) have a longer runtime. Higher voltage batteries need more Ah to reach the same battery life. Mowers with a brushless motor are lighter, so they have longer runtime.
- Battery cost: Most power tools run on lithium-ion batteries, costing $85 to $330 each. Some mowers come with one or more batteries, and some come with none. Batteries are rechargeable, and most have a lifespan of 2 to 5 years. You may have to buy extra batteries to extend runtime if you have a large yard or rugged terrain.
- Charge time: Consider the time it takes to refuel the batteries. Mowers may come with a standard charger, fast charger, or no charger at all.
Gas-powered lawn mowers
The best gas-powered lawn mowers are much mightier than the best electric mowers. If you have a large or rugged yard, you’ll get more bang for your buck with a gas model. But they’re loud, smelly, and high-maintenance.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Most affordable for large yards ✓ Long runtime ✓ Short refuel time ✓ Affordable parts ✓ Widest cutting decks ✓ Best at handling rugged terrain ✓ Best at handling heavy-duty mowing ✓ Many are made in the USA | ✗ Gas fumes harm the environment ✗ Gas fumes smell bad ✗ Expensive for light-duty mowing ✗ Difficult to start ✗ High-maintenance ✗ Loud |
Reel lawn mowers
The best reel mowers are affordable and eco-friendly. They cut grass with scissor-like precision, making crisp, clean cuts. But getting the lawn mowed takes a lot of time and effort. Although strenuous, you can burn a bunch of calories while enjoying fresh air and sunshine.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Most affordable ✓ Most eco-friendly ✓ Best for short grass ✓ Cleanest cuts ✓ Most quiet ✓ Excellent exercise ✓ No refueling ✓ No gas emissions | ✗ Lawn debris can jam the reel ✗ Mowing is strenuous ✗ It takes a long time to mow ✗ Not good for tall grass ✗ They’re not as stylish as rotary mowers ✗ Not good for heavy-duty mowing |
Lawn size
Happy homeowners purchase a mower that’s suitable for their lawn size. Consider the size of your yard when selecting the mower type, cutting width, and power source.
Mower type
The following table shows the typical lawn size handled by each mower type.
| Mower type | Typical lawn size |
| Push mower | < ½ acre |
| Self-propelled mower | ¼ – 1 acre |
| Lawn tractor | ½ – 2 acres |
| Zero-turn mower | 1 – 4 acres |
| Robotic mower | < 1 acre |
Small lawns: Walk-behinds are the best lawn mowers for small yards. But consider a robotic mower if you have wiggle room in your budget and a craving for cutting-edge tech.
Large lawns: Riding and self-propelled lawn mowers are the best mowers for big yards. Some gas-powered zero-turn mowers handle 4+ acres, but most electric zero-turns handle 1 to 2 acres. Most electric lawn tractors handle up to 1 acre. A few robotic mowers handle large yards.
Cutting width
The next table shows homeowners’ preferred cutting widths by lawn size.
| Lawn size | Preferred cutting width |
| < ¼ acre | 13 – 21 in. |
| ¼ – ½ acre | 21 – 30 in. |
| ½ – 1 acre | 30 – 36 in. |
| 1 – 2 acres | 36 – 48 in. |
| 2+ acres | 48 – 60 in. |
The best lawn mower for your yard has a proper cutting width. Broader mowers cover more ground with each pass, so you finish mowing sooner. But small mowers are more affordable, easier to handle, and more compact for storage. Small mowers also fit in tight spots.
Power source
The table below shows the power sources that most homeowners prefer by lawn size.
| Lawn size | Preferred power source |
| < ¼ acre | Corded electric, battery, or reel mower |
| ¼ – ½ acre | Gas or battery |
| ½ – 1 acre | Gas or battery |
| > 1 acre | Gas |
Small yards: Homeowners with small yards often prefer electric mowers. High-performance electric mowers are pricey, but light-duty electric is affordable. If you live in a townhouse, condo, or zero-lot-line home, you can save a ton by purchasing a corded electric or reel push mower.
Large yards: Most homeowners with large lawns prefer gas-powered lawn mowers. Gas-powered large yard mowers are more potent and affordable than high-performance battery-powered models.
Cutting height
Cut your grass to its ideal height to boost its health and appearance. According to Don Janssen, a University of Nebraska Extension educator, “…height and frequency are the most important aspects of mowing.” Ensure you choose a mower with a height adjustment range that compliments your lawn’s healthy height.
The table below shows the best mow heights by grass type.
| Grass Type | Mow height |
| Bahiagrass | 3 – 4 in. |
| Bentgrass | 0.25 – 1 in. |
| Bermudagrass | 1- 2 in. |
| Buffalograss | 2 – 4 in. |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 – 2 in. |
| Fine Fescue | 1.5 – 3 in. |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 2 – 3 in. |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 2 – 3 in. |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2.5 – 4 in. |
| Tall Fescue | 2 – 4 in. |
| Zoysiagrass | 1 – 2.5 in. |
Cutting features
Electric lawn mowers may have the following cutting features:
- Mulcher: The best mulching mowers come with an integrated mulch plug. There are many ways to use mulched grass clippings, but above all else, they make a healthy lawn fertilizer. Leaving mulched clippings on the lawn is called grasscycling. Grasscycling is a quick and easy way to feed grass without risking thatch-thickening or fertilizer burn.
- Bagger: Some mowers come with a bagging attachment. Homeowners with allergies, overgrown grass, or compost piles often prefer bagging grass clippings vs. leaving them on the lawn.
- Side discharge chute: Homeowners can quickly mow with side discharge. Cutting speed is increased, and clippings are expelled several feet away. It’s best for wide-open grassy areas. It’s also the best way to cut wet or thick grass.
Cost
The cost of a lawn mower varies by mower type. You can get a low-end corded push mower, like the Black+Decker 15-inch mower, for as little as $130. High-performance battery-powered riding mowers can cost $7,500 or more.
The table below shows the cost of electric lawn mowers by mower type.
| Mower Type | Typical Range | Average |
| Push | $160 – $415 | $285 |
| Self-propelled | $455 – $800 | $625 |
| Lawn tractor | $3,200 – $5,500 | $4,500 |
| Zero-turn | $3,500 – $7,500 | $5,900 |
The next table shows the typical price of push mowers by power source.
| Push Mower’s Power Source | Typical Price Range |
| Manual | $95 – $170 |
| Corded Electric | $160 – $225 |
| Battery | $250 – $445 |
| Gas | $280 – $360 |
FAQ about electric lawn mowers
How do you improve the lifespan of a lithium-ion battery?
According to Michigan State University, you can improve the lifespan of a lithium-ion battery by doing the following:
- Don’t expose the battery to extreme heat or cold.
- Avoid keeping the battery at 100% charge.
- Avoid keeping the battery at 0% charge.
- Don’t use a fast charger.
- Don’t store in moist places.
- Follow the manufacturer’s suggestions.
What cordless electric lawn mower has the most runtime?
The 21-inch Makita CML01Z can connect to Mikita’s ConnectX backpack power supply for up to three hours of runtime.
What is the best electric lawn mower for a small yard?
The best electric lawn mower for small yards depends on what you consider small:
- Under ¼ acre: RYOBI RYAC130-S, Greenworks MO40B411
- Under ½ acre: Ego Power+ LM2114, Yard Force YF1518-3N1, Ego Power+ Select Cut, Greenworks LMF414, RYOBI Whisper Series RY401210, Toro Stripe 60-volt Max
When to hire a lawn care pro
Lawn care experts know what it takes to keep lawns lush. Additionally, they have high-performance equipment that most homeowners can’t afford. That’s why Lawn Love links you to qualified lawn care pros who are affordable and insured.
Our pros offer many outdoor home services, including routine lawn care, bush trimming, and gutter cleaning. It only takes a moment to get an online quote, and you can manage your service through our user-friendly app.
Sources:
- “Grasscycling: Let the Clippings Fall Where They May.” University of Georgia Extension
- “How Are Brushless Gear Motors Serving As Science’s Blessing?.” The Ohio State University
- Jassen, Don. “Proper Mowing Key to Healthy Lawn.” Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- “Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling.” United States Environmental Protection Agency
- Tedesco, Marco. “The Paradox of Lithium.” Columbia Climate School
- “Tips for extending the lifetime of lithium-ion batteries.” Michigan News. University of Michigan
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Main Photo Credit: Ivan Radic | Flickr | CC BY 2.0 with Text Overlay using Canva Pro
