8 Best Mulching Lawn Mowers of 2024 [Reviews]

Mulching lawn mower

Mulching mowers make lawn care quicker. They mince grass clippings into small, fine particles that fertilize the lawn and sustain the soil. But some models work better than others. Finer mulch is less likely to clump and quicker to decompose. We found the best mulching lawn mowers after comparing Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart models. 

We carefully compared each mower’s ease of use, price, and performance to find the best ones. Our list includes gas and electric mowers for various-sized lawns. Discover the best lawn mower for your yard through our mulching mower reviews and buyer’s guide

Our top picks

Best for large yards 
1. Best walk-behind mower: Toro TimeMaster 21199
2. Best riding mower: Cub Cadet CC30H
Best for medium yards 
1. Best overall: Toro Super Recycler 21564
2. Runner up: Ego Power+ Select Cut LM2135SP
3. Best budget buy: Troy-Bilt TB105B
Best for small yards
1. Best overall: Greenworks MO40B411
2. Best for rugged terrain: Worx WG743
3. Best budget buy: RYOBI RYAC130-S

Top 2 mulching lawn mowers for large yards

1. Toro TimeMaster 21199 – Best walk-behind mower

The best walk-behind mulching mower for large yards is the 30-inch Toro TimeMaster. We love its potency, user-friendly features, and enduring cast aluminum frame. The 3-in-1 self-propelled mower has a mulcher, rear bag, and side discharge chute. It quickly mows flat, hilly, and uneven lawns up to 1 acre.   

Power: It runs on a reliable 223-cc Briggs & Stratton OHV gas engine with 10ft.-lb. of torque. It has plenty of potency to handle heavy-duty mowing with ease. 

Cutting deck: The 13-gauge stamped steel deck has two gator-style blades, a washout port, and excellent airflow. It makes a fine mulch from grass clippings and fall leaves. The dual-blade system sharply slices through overgrown, thick, or wet grass. With an extra-wide 30-inch cutting width, we cut massive amounts of grass with each pass.

Ease of use: Speed control is effortless with Toro’s Personal Pace System that intuitively matches your walking speed. With a traction-assist handle, rear-wheel drive, and 10-inch high-rear wheels, it’s easy to control over slopes and rugged terrain. Additionally, it has tool-less adjustments, an adjustable handle, two storage positions, and a blade-stop system. 

Specifications

  • Cutting heights: 1.25 – 4.25 in.
  • Cutting width: 30 in.
  • Fuel tank capacity: .3 gal.
  • Lawn size: ½ – 1 acre
  • Power source: 223-cc gas engine
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Weight: 140 lb.

Cutting features

BaggerYes
Mulching kitYes
Side dischargeYes
Cutting height positions7
Number of blades2

Pros and cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ Intuitive self-propelled system
✓ Blade break
✓ Washout port
✓ Excellent air flow
✓ High-quality dual blade system
✓ Durable 
✓ Fast
✗ Small gas tank
✗ Loud
✗ Expensive 

Where to buy

2. Cub Cadet CC30H – Best riding mower

If you prefer to sit while you mow, we recommend the 30-inch Cub Cadet CC30H. We were impressed by its speed, comfort, and handling. It cuts flat or hilly lawns up to 1 acre without much elbow grease. The rear-engine rider comes with a mulcher and side discharge chute.  You can purchase a bagging attachment separately. 

Power: It runs on a 10.5-horsepower (344 cc) Briggs & Stratton gas engine with a key-controlled electric ignition. 

Cutting deck: It has a 14-gauge stamped steel deck with a high-pressure cleaning system. The 3-in-1 blade works well for mulching, bagging, or side discharge. It cuts tall grass but cut quality declines when the lawn is overgrown. The blade quickly engages with manual-lever PTO. 

Ease of use: It’s smooth and easy to drive on flat lawns and slight hills. The adjustable high-back seat is comfortable with superb back support. The mower’s easy to get in and out of. Additionally, it has a cup holder and bright LED headlights. 

Specifications

  • Cutting width: 30 in.
  • Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4 in.
  • Fuel tank capacity: 1.3 gal.
  • Lawn size: ½ -1 acres
  • Power source: 10.5-HP gas engine
  • Warranty: 3 years / 120 hours
  • Weight: 340 lb.

Cutting features

BaggerSold separately 
Mulching kitYes
Side dischargeYes
Cutting height positions5
Number of blades1

Drive features

Max forward speed4
Max reverse speed2
TransmissionHydrostatic
Turn radius18 in.

Pros and cons

What we likedWhat we didn’t like
✓ Durable 
✓ Easy to drive
✓ Easy to start
✓ High pressure wash port
✓ Bult in the USA
✓ Takes less time and energy than walk-behinds
✗ Difficult to change the oil
✗ The hitch plate is hard to attach
✗ Doesn’t cut overgrown grass evenly

Where to buy

Top 3 mulching lawn mowers for medium yards

1. Toro Super Recycler 21564 – Best overall

The best self-propelled mulching mower for medium yards is the 21-inch Toro Super Recycler. It gives ¼- to ½-acre lawns a pristine manicure, even if the terrain’s rugged or slightly sloped. The 3-in-1 mower features commercial-grade construction, a high-quality cutting system, and superior ease of use. 

Power: It has a 190-cc Briggs & Stratton engine with a push-button electric starter. The mower never needs an oil change; just top the oil off as needed. 

Cutting deck: It has a highly durable cast aluminum deck with underdeck bumpers and excellent airflow. The mower minces grass clippings and leaves into a super fine mulch. It makes slick, even cuts and can handle tall, thick, or wet grass without clogging. 

Ease of use: Like the TimeMaster, it has Toro’s Personal Pace system that automatically syncs to your walking speed. With a shock-absorbing handle, rear-wheel drive, and ball bearing wheels, it’s comfortable to maneuver on flat and rugged lawns. It handles well on slight slopes but is difficult to push up steep hills. The mower compactly folds and can be stored vertically. 

Specifications

  • Cutting heights: 1.25 – 4.25 in.
  • Cutting width: 21 in.
  • Fuel tank capacity: .24 gal.
  • Lawn size: ¼ – ½ acre
  • Power source: 190-cc gas engine
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Weight: 90 pounds

Cutting features

Bag grass clippingsYes
Mulch grass clippingsYes
Side dischargeYes
Cutting height positions9
Number of blades2

Pros and cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ Intuitive self-propelled system
✓ Shock-absorbing handle
✓ Doesn’t need oil changes
✓ Underdeck bumpers
✓ Excellent air flow
✓ Easy to start
✓ Durable
✗ Difficult to push uphill 
✗ Difficult to move backward
✗ Loud

Where to buy

2. Ego Power+ Select Cut LM2135SP – Runner up

Our second favorite mulching mower for medium yards is the 21-inch Ego Power+ Select Cut. It’s low maintenance and easy to use on flat lawns up to ½ acre. The cordless electric mower is self-propelled with a bagger, mulcher, and side discharge chute. If you have rugged terrain or a need for speed, consider the enhanced Select Cut XP.  

Power: Its highly efficient brushless motor is powered by a 56-volt, 7.5 Ah ARC lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. With the included battery and charger, it gets up to an hour of runtime and takes an hour to recharge. Ego’s ARC Li-ion batteries have superb performance and reliability, allowing the mower to compete with gas-powered models. 

Cutting deck: The weather-resistant poly deck has a dual-blade cutting system with three switchable lower blades (mulching, bagging, and extended runtime). It cuts grass evenly and turns the clippings into a fine mulch but struggles when faced with fall foliage. It works best when grass is under 6 inches. The mower struggles and clogs when the grass is tall or thick. 

Ease of use: Its Touch Drive system uses palm pressure to engage. It takes a little getting used to but is effortless once you acclimate. The variable speed dial adjusts from .9 to 3.1 MPH. The handle adjusts and folds for compact storage. It requires very little maintenance and has headlights for night mowing. 

Specifications

  • Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4 in.
  • Cutting width: 21 in.
  • Lawn size: ¼ – ½ acre
  • Motor: Brushless motor
  • Power source: 56-volt, 7.5 Ah Li-ion battery
  • Warranty: 5 years 
  • Weight: 55 lb.

Cutting features

BaggerYes
Mulching kitYes
Side dischargeYes
Cutting height positions7
Number of blades2

Pros and cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ High-quality dual blade system
✓ 3 Interchangeable lower blades
✓ Intuitive self-propelled system
✓ IPX4-rated weather-resistant
✓ Brushless motor
✓ Low-maintenance 
✓ Bright headlights
✓ Easy to start
✗ Gets bogged down if the grass is overgrown, wet or thick
✗ Clogs if the grass is overgrown, wet, or thick
✗ Not good for rugged terrain
✗ Not good for hills
✗ Limited runtime

Where to buy

3. Troy-Bilt TB105B – Best budget buy

The best mulching mower for homeowners with medium yards and tight budgets is the 21-inch Troy-Bilt TB105B. It’s an affordable gas-powered push mower with a mulcher and side discharge chute. We recommend it for flat, sloped, or uneven lawns up to ½ acre. If you need a bagger, consider the Troy-Bilt TB125B

Power: It runs on a reliable 140-cc Briggs and Stratton gas engine and starts with a pull cord.

Cutting deck: It has a 15-gauge steel deck with Troy-Bilt’s TriAction cutting system. It makes smooth cuts, even when the grass is tall or thick. The mower turns grass clipping and leaves into a thin mulch. 

Ease of use: It takes more elbow grease than self-propelled mowers but is easy to push on flat lawns, hills, and rugged terrain. The mower comes already assembled with a convenient clip on its handle. 

Specifications

  • Cutting heights: 1.25 – 3.75 in.
  • Cutting width: 21 in.
  • Fuel tank capacity: .2 gal.
  • Lawn size: ¼ – ½ acre
  • Power source: 140-cc gas engine 
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Weight: 62 lb.
BaggerNo
Mulching kitYes
Side DischargeYes
Cutting height positions6
Number of blades1

Pros and cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ High-quality cutting system
✓ Comes fully assembled
✓ Excellent air flow
✓ Bult in the USA
✓ Affordable
✗ Loud
✗ No bagger
✗ High maintenance 
✗ Takes more time and effort than self-propelled mowers

Where to buy

Top 3 mulching lawn mowers for small yards

1. Greenworks MO40B411 – Best overall

The best mulching mower for small yards is the 17-inch Greenworks MO40B411. It gives quality cuts to flat lawns up to ¼ acre. The affordable battery-powered push mower has a rear bag and mulching kit. We loved its maneuverability and ease of use. 

Power: A 40-volt, 4 Ah lithium-ion battery fuels the mower’s brushed motor. With the included battery, most homeowners get 20 to 35 minutes of runtime. The included charger refuels the  battery within 2 hours. You can use the same battery on other Greenworks power tools, including string trimmers and leaf blowers.

Cutting deck: It has a 17-inch poly deck. The mower makes crisp cuts and fine mulch when the grass is under 6 inches, but doesn’t work well on overgrown grass. It has a fast blade that handles thick grass better than most electric push mowers. 

Ease of use: It’s lightweight with an ergonomic handle, making it easy to push on flat lawns and maneuver around landscaping. The mower is compact, low maintenance, and easy to operate. 

Specifications

  • Cutting heights: 1.25 – 3.375 in.
  • Cutting width: 17 in.
  • Lawn size: Up to ¼  acre
  • Motor: Brushed motor
  • Power source: 40-volt, 4 Ah Li-ion battery
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Weight: 40.89 lb.

Cutting features

Bag grass clippingsYes
Mulch grass clippingsYes
Side dischargeNo
Cutting height positions5
Number of blades1

Pros and cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ Fast blade speed
✓ Easy to maneuver 
✓ Low maintenance
✓ Easy to start
✓ Affordable
✓ Lightweight
✓ Ergonomic 
✗ Not good for tall grass
✗ Not good on rugged terrain

Where to buy

2. Worx WG743 – Best for rugged terrain

The best mulching mower for small, rugged lawns is the 17-inch Worx WG743. It’s a low-maintenance battery-powered mower with a rear bag and mulch switch. We recommend it for flat, hilly, or uneven lawns up to ⅓ acre.

Power: The mower comes with two 20-volt, 4 Ah Li-ion batteries and a dual-port charger. Most homeowners can mow ¼ to ⅓ acre on a single charge. Both batteries recharge in about 2 hours. The mower is part of Worx’s Power Share collection; it uses the same batteries as other Power Share tools. 

Cutting deck: It has a 17-inch fabricated plastic deck with a fast-moving 16-inch blade. Worx’s IntelliCut system automatically adjusts torque to suit the grass. It cuts grass as tall as 8 inches and has no trouble slicing through thicker grass, such as St. Augustine. It does a great job mulching grass clippings and leaves. 

Ease of use: It’s lightweight and easy to push on flat, sloped, or rugged lawns. It’s also compact and easy to navigate around twists and turns. The mower folds for compact storage but not as quickly as other mowers. I’m 4’11”, and the handle is a little high for my comfort, but it’ll be fine if you’re tall or average height. 

Specifications

  • Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4 in.
  • Cutting width: 16 in.
  • Lawn size: Up to ⅓ acre
  • Motor: Brushed
  • Power source: 40-volt, 4 AH Li-ion batteries (2)
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Weight: 24.9 lb.
BaggerYes
Mulching kitYes
Side DischargeNo
Cutting height positions6
Number of blades1

Pros and cons

What We LikedWhat We Didn’t Like
✓ Easy to start
✓ Lightweight
✓ Easy to assemble 
✓ Fast blade speed
✓ Low maintenance
✓ Easy to maneuver
✓ Easy to push on various terrain
✗ Folding the handle is cumbersome
✗ Clogs if the grass is too tall, thick, or wet
✗ Handle is too high for short people

Where to buy

3. RYOBI RYAC130-S – Best budget buy

The RYOBI RYAC130-S is the best mulching mower for homeowners with small, flat lawns and tight budgets. The corded electric mower comes with a bagger and mulch plug. It’s low-maintenance, affordable, and ideal for light-duty mowing on lawns up to ¼ acre.

Power: With its 11-amp motor, the RYAC130-S safely connects to 12-gauge extension cords up to 100 feet. If your entire lawn isn’t within reach of a power outlet, consider the best mulching reel mower— the Remington RM3100

Cutting deck:  It has a 13-inch fabricated ABS plastic deck and also comes in a 16-inch model. The mower makes clean cuts and thin mulch as long as the grass is short. It struggles if the grass is overgrown or thick. 

Ease of use: It’s small and lightweight, making it effortless to push on flat lawns, even when maneuvering around obstacles. It also fits in tight spots that most mowers can’t get into. 

Specifications

  • Cutting heights: .905 – 2.44 in.
  • Cutting width: 13 in.
  • Lawn size: Up to ¼ acre
  • Motor: 11 amp brushed motor
  • Power source: corded electric
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Weight: 23 lb.

Cutting features

Bag grass clippingsYes
Mulch grass clippingsYes
Side dischargeNo
Cutting height positions5
Number of blades1

Pros and Cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ Affordable
✓ Lightweight
✓ Easy to start
✓ Unlimited runtime
✓ Low maintenance
✓ Easy to assemble
✓ Fits in tight spaces
✓ Easy to maneuver
✗ 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

Where to buy

Buyer’s Guide

To buy the best mulching mower for your yard, please consider the following:

How mulching mowers work

Consider what a mulching mower is and how it works:

  • What is a mulching mower? Lawn mowers that come with a mulching kit are called mulching lawn mowers.
  • What’s a mulching blade? Most mulching mowers have a mulching blade, often called a “gator” or “s-shaped” blade. These blades mince grass clippings into a fine mulch. They’re curved with more cutting surfaces than a standard mower blade. 
  • How do mulching mower decks differ? Mulching mowers tend to have deep, dome-shaped decks that maximize airflow. The grass clippings circulate in the deck, so they’re cut multiple times before falling to the lawn. 

See how mulching mowers work in the following video from AS Motor International:

Types of mulching mowers

Most mulching mowers are walk-behinds, but you can purchase mulching attachments to turn the best riding mowers into mulching mowers.

Most mowers fall into one of the following categories:

  • Push: Push lawn mowers are walk-behind mowers that use the operator’s strength to move forward. The best push mowers are ideal for small lawns. 
  • Tractor: Lawn tractors are riding mowers that can typically tow a lot of weight. Most models need 16 to 20 inches of space to turn, but the Craftsman’s Turn Tight has a 5-inch turn radius. 
  • Zero-turn: Zero-turn mowers are riding mowers that tend to be faster than lawn tractors. But they’re also more expensive. With their 0-inch turn radius, they excel in maneuverability, making them an excellent choice for heavily landscaped lawns. The best zero-turn mowers are ideal for 1 to 4+ acres.

Power sources

Mulching mowers can be gas, electric, or manually powered. Electric mowers may be corded or battery-powered. Each power source has its pros and cons. 

Gas-powered lawn mowers

Gas is the Hercules of lawn mower power sources. Gas mowers are the best at handling tall, thick, and wet grass. They’re also the best on rugged terrain. The best gas lawn mowers quickly care for ¼-acre to multi-acre lawns, and the most affordable lawn mowers for big yards run on gas. 

ProsCons
✓ Best bang for your buck
✓ Long runtime
✓ Short refuel time
✓ Affordable parts
✓ Widest cutting decks
✓ Best at handling rugged terrain
✓ Best at handling heavy-duty mowing
✓ Often built with strong materials
✗ Gas emissions pollute the environment
✗ Gas fumes smell bad
✗ Expensive for light-duty mowing 
✗ Difficult to start
✗ High-maintenance
✗ Loud

Battery-powered lawn mowers 

Battery-powered mulching mowers are low maintenance and emissions-free. The best battery-powered lawn mowers typically compete with mid-performance gas models. Lighter-weight mowers get better battery life, so their parts are typically made of lightweight plastics instead of heavy-duty metals.  

ProsCons
✓ 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 
✗ Often made with light-duty material
✗ Lithium mining harms the environment
✗ Li-ion batteries are hazardous when thrown away

Corded electric lawn mowers

Corded-electric push mowers are affordable and low-maintenance. The best electric mowers are user-friendly and emissions-free. But corded mowers tend to lack potency. They have unlimited runtime, but your entire lawn must be within reach of a power outlet. Most corded mulching mowers have a max extension cord length of 50 to 150 feet. 

ProsCons
✓ 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
✗ Narrow cutting widths
✗ Often made with light-duty material

Reel lawn mowers

Reel lawn mowers are the most affordable and eco-friendly mowers. They cut grass blades with better precision than rotary mowers. The best reel mowers make the cleanest cuts. They’re ideal for flat lawns with thin, short grass. Mowing with a reel takes much time and elbow grease, making it an excellent outdoor exercise. 

ProsCons
✓ 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

The best lawn mower for your yard is suitable for its size:

  • Cutting width: Size matters when comparing mower decks. Wider decks cut more grass with each pass, so mowing takes less time. But they weigh more, increasing strain with push mowers and reducing the runtime of battery mowers. Small mowers are also easier to maneuver around landscaping.
  • Mower type: Most homeowners with yards under ¼ acre prefer push mowers. Those with ¼ to ½ acre prefer push or self-propelled mowers. If your lawn’s ½ to 1 acre, you probably want a self-propelled mower or lawn tractor. Homeowners with yards over an acre typically use riding lawn mowers, such as a zero-turns or lawn tractor. 
  • Power source: Homeowners with yards over 1 acre typically prefer gas mowers because they’re the mightiest, giving you the best bang for your buck. Homeowners with ¼ to 1-acre yards usually prefer gas or battery-powered mowers. If your lawn’s under ¼ acre, you can save money by buying a reel or corded electric mower. 

The table below shows the cutting widths most homeowners prefer by lawn size.

Lawn sizePreferred cutting width
< ¼ acre13 – 21 in.
¼ – ½ acre21 – 30 in.
½ – 1 acre30 – 36 in.
1 – 2 acres36 – 48 in.
2+ acres48 – 60 in.

Cutting height

The top lawn mowing tip pros give is to mow grass at the correct height and frequency. Grass height is crucial to your lawn’s health and appearance. 

If your lawn’s cut too short, it can get overrun with weeds or develop shallow roots. In addition to looking unkempt, excessively tall grass is prone to thinning and fungal infection. Ensure your lawn mower cuts your grass to its ideal height, as shown in the table below. 

Grass TypeMow height
Bahiagrass3 – 4 in.
Bentgrass0.25 – 1 in.
Bermudagrass1- 2 in.
Buffalograss2 – 4 in.
Centipedegrass1.5 – 2 in.
Fine Fescue1.5 – 3 in.
Kentucky Bluegrass2 – 3 in.
Perennial Ryegrass2 – 3 in.
St. Augustinegrass2.5 – 4 in.
Tall Fescue2 – 4 in.
Zoysiagrass1 – 2.5 in.

Mower prices

The cost of a lawn mower depends on its type and power source. Push reel mowers are the cheapest and electric zero-turn mowers are the most expensive. 

The table below shows the cost of lawn mowers by mower type.

Mower typeAverage costTypical price range
Push mowers$245$115 – $370
Self-propelled mowers$660$410 – $915
Lawn tractors$3,100$2,100 – $4,000
Zero-turn mowers$4,700$3,200 – $6,200

The next table shows the cost of mulching push mowers by power source.

Power sourceAverage costTypical price range
Reel$105$90 – $135
Corded electric$200$150 – $250
Gas$320$270 – $375
Battery$380$230 – $525

FAQ about mulching lawn mowers

Why does my mulching mower leave clumps of grass?

If your mulching mower leaves clumps of grass, it’s probably due to one of the following reasons:

  • The mulching blade is dull, so the clippings are too long and thick. 
  • Your lawn’s overgrown and needs more frequent mowing. 
  • Your lawn mower needs repairs, maintenance, or replacement.

Which mulching mowers are best for tall grass?

The following mulching mowers are the best at handling tall grass:

  • Toro TimeMaster 21199
  • Toro Super Recycler 21564
  • Troy-Bilt TB105B
  • Worx WG743

When should I use a grass bagger? 

It’s best to bag grass clippings instead of mulching them when:

  • Your grass is overgrown.
  • You’re highly allergic to grass pollen.
  • Your lawn has a disease that you don’t want to spread.
  • Your children or pets play on the lawn, then track clippings into the house. 

When to hire a lawn care pro

After seeing how little it costs to hire a pro, many homeowners decide that DIY lawn care is for the birds. Lawn Love links you to qualified lawn care pros who are skilled and insured. Our pros will handle the heavy lifting, saving you time and trouble. You don’t have to be home when they come, and you can manage your service through our app. 

Sources:

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Main Photo Credit: photovs / iStock / License, word overlay created using Canva Pro

Michelle Selzer

Michelle Selzer is a witty writer with a passion for plants and outdoor power tools. When she's not out in the yard, Michelle enjoys fishing, hunting, and chasing waterfalls.