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Updated November 2018
Best Lawn Mowers
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Best Lawn Mowers Updated November 2018
Conclusion
Pros
Cons
Backed by a longstanding, respected company, this lawn mower features precision cutting and durable construction.
A push-to-start button lets you mow for 45 uninterrupted minutes. It also folds easily for compact storage and comes with a 5-year warranty.
The clippings chute is poorly designed and the mower is difficult to push on hilly, uneven yards, according to some lawn mower reviews.
Its 3-in-1 design features a mower, trimmer, and edger, making it extremely easy (and efficient) to use. Changing between each feature is super quick and simple.
It has a shorter battery life because it doesn’t have a power cord, so we don’t recommend it for large lawns.
The Greenworks electric lawn mower is easy to maneuver and has a push-to-start button—no yanking involved.
Easy to assemble and lightweight, it offers a variety of height settings and a 3-in-1 feature that includes mulching, side discharge, and a rear bag.
On mulching mode, this mower barely manages to cut grass without clogging. It also isn’t as powerful as some of the other machines we reviewed.
With a push-to-start button, you won’t have to deal with messy oil or gasoline when operating this machine. This compact mower also comes with a 100-foot extension cord.
It’s not a mulching mower, so it discharges clippings in the rear—either use the included bag or risk debris hitting your legs.
Lightweight and easy to push, this basic mower is great for the price. The quality at a reasonable price serves up great, gas-powered performance.
OUR PROCESS
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Performance matters when it comes to cutting your grass—and a good lawn mower is just what you need to get the job done. With so many options available, we know it can be difficult to choose a mower that’s right for you and your yard. That’s why we’ve done the work for you. We pored over thousands of lawn mower reviews and answered commonly asked questions about choosing a lawn mower. We’ve done the heavy lifting so you can cut through the clutter and find the best product to manicure your lawn and enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Lawn Mower Reviews Guide
If you’re looking for a new lawn mower, you’ve come to the right place. The best lawn mowers have powerful motors and blades that can cut any type of grass or weed and different cutting options for a more precise trim. So, how do you know which one to buy?
The market is saturated with a variety of machines, from electric and gas-powered mowers to rotary and robotic options. At House Method, we’ve tested and reviewed the top-rated lawn mowers on the market so you won’t have to. This guide will go over the most important factors to consider before buying a lawn mower with in-depth product reviews and answers to frequently asked questions. After reading through our extensive guide, scroll back up to the top to see the top products we recommend.
Walk-behind lawn mowers vs. riding lawn mowers
Walk-behind lawn mowers and riding lawn mowers both have their pros and cons, but each is specifically suited for different types of mowing. Walk-behind models are great for small- to medium-sized lawns and for people who don’t have to mow frequently. They offer more precision than riding mowers since they’re easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
Riding mowers are perfect for people who have acres of grass to contend with on a weekly basis. Note: these can be pricey and take up lots of storage space. For the purposes of this review, we’ve focused on walk-behind lawn mowers.
This electric mower is the most advanced rechargeable mower on the market. It boasts 45 minutes of power and a short recharge time of just 30 minutes. What’s more, it doesn’t emit harmful emissions into the air because it’s battery-powered.
If you’re dealing with crabgrass or taller and wetter grass, opt for a lawn mower with a more powerful engine.”
Types of lawn mowers
Push mower
A push mower is what most of us think of when we think of a lawn mower. As the engine or motor powers the blade, you push the mower forward. If you have a small lot, this is the mower for you.
Self-propelled mower
A self-propelled lawn mower draws energy from the engine to power the wheels, which makes it a great option if you have a larger lawn or live on a sloped lot. If you need to mow rough terrain, a self-propelled motor could be your best bet.
Gas lawn mower
A gas lawn mower is one of the most powerful types of machines on the market. They wield more power than other walk-behind mowers, making them a viable option for large lawns with thick patches of grass and undergrowth. However, gas-powered lawn mowers emit emissions into the air that are harmful to the environment and your health.
Electric lawn mower
An electric lawn mower comes with a battery that has to be charged periodically. The battery powers the blade rotation, making electric mowers a more environmentally friendly option than a traditional, gas-powered motor. Electric mowers can be less powerful than gas motors and may have a limited battery life. The best electric push mowers match gas mowers for cutting performance and get rid of the need for gas, oil, and engine maintenance. Another bonus: they’re some of the quieter lawn mowers on the market.
If you’re looking for an entry-level lawn mower, or have difficulty pushing heavy machines for an extended period, this might be the product for you. Its 12-amp motor is better for smaller, even yards that don’t have a lot of heavy growth and it comes with a removable grass clipping bag for added convenience.
This mower uses a powerful, 12-amp, electric motor to quickly and efficiently mow your lawn. With a maximum extension cord length of 100 feet, you’ll be able to mow your lawn without missing a single patch. An easy, push-to-start button means no messy oil or gasoline and a compact design makes the mower easier to maneuver around your yard.
6 Major factors to consider
Landscape needs
Before investing in a lawn mower, consider the size, slope, and terrain of your yard. If you have a smaller lawn, we recommend a push mower, like the Sun Joe. It’s easy to push and incredibly powerful, giving you a more precise more. If you plan on cutting acres of grass, go with a riding mower.
Mulching capabilities
If you want a two-in-one machine that cuts and mulches, be on the lookout for one with mulching capabilities. This type of lawn mower will hold onto the clippings during the mow and cut them into smaller pieces before depositing them back onto the lawn.
Clippings collection
Some walk-behind lawn mowers come with a bagging system that collects clippings. This bag will hang under the steering handle of the mower. If you mow frequently, this is a must-have feature.
Push-button start
On some models, a push-to-start button will be available, eliminating the inconvenience of pull-starting an engine. This is helpful for those who find it difficult to yank a cord every time they mow the lawn.
Upright storage
If you’re short on storage space, know that most electric lawn mowers can be stored vertically in a garage or shed. Some gas models have special engine seals that allow for upright storage without the risk of oil or gas leaking.
Wheel size
Some lawn mowers have rear wheels that are larger than the front wheels. Note: models with uniform wheels tend to be easier to maneuver.
This lawn mower has four uniform wheels for easy maneuverability. Though not the most powerful on the market, it’s great for people with small yards or for those who have trouble pushing larger mowers.
Some lawn mowers have a blade-brake clutch that allows you to pick up debris while mowing. This feature stops the blade but not the engine, making it a safer option for picking up debris while mowing.”
How to make your lawn mower last
Well-maintained lawn mowers typically last for 10 years, but neglecting to maintain your machine can cut that time in half. Here are some steps you can follow to prevent lawn mower repairs and make your product last as long as possible.
- Change the oil—Lawn mower oil should be changed at the beginning of every season. Fresh oil will have an amber color while darker oil signals an oil change.
- Change the air filter—We recommend replacing the filter one to two times per year, or when they look dirty. Plastic foam filters should be removed and washed with warm, soapy water.
- Examine the spark plugs—Whenever you change the mower’s oil, replace the spark plug. Write down the code on your existing plug or consult the product manual to ensure you purchase the right replacement plug. Disconnect the plug wire and then remove the existing spark plug with a wrench. Screw in a new plug and reconnect the spark plug wire. If you’re unsure how to check the spark plugs, consider purchasing a lawn mower tune-up kit from your local home maintenance store.
- Sharpen the blades—Make sure your lawn mower has cooled down before examining the blades. Examine for dings, dents, and any other damage. If the blades are dull, you may have to get them sharpened or replaced—dull blades cut the grass unevenly.
Powered by a 159cc Front Wheel Drive OHV engine, this lightweight lawn mower is gas-powered and designed for small- to medium-sized yards. It offers self-propulsion and mulching capabilities and comes at a reasonable price.
Dual- or single-lever height adjustment makes changing the height of the cut easier than adjusting a lever at each wheel.”
Frequently asked questions
Which lawn mower brand is the best?
Honda lawn mowers are some of the best lawn mowers on the market, but we also love Troy-Bilt lawn mowers. The Troy-Bilt TB220 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower features a self-propelled front-wheel drive mower that accommodates small- to medium-sized yards.
What’s the best walk-behind lawn mower?
There are a variety of walk-behind lawn mowers that are exceptional. Our personal favorite is the EGO Power+. Though it’s one of the most expensive lawn mowers on the market, it’s worth the price. It comes with precision cutting and unbeatable power, tackling even the toughest grass and weeds. For a more affordable option, we recommend the Troy-Bilt. This rear-wheel-drive mower has a 21-inch deck and variable speeds to maximize control.
How long should a lawn mower last?
The average lawn mower lasts eight to 10 years with proper maintenance and care. In general, electric lawn mowers tend to last longer and require less maintenance than other lawn mowers because they don’t require gas or oil changes.
Which is better: an electric or gas lawn mower?
Electric lawn mowers tend to be more affordable than gas lawn mowers, but they aren’t as powerful. They’re better for small lawns with short grass. On the other hand, gas lawn mowers can emit harmful emissions into the air but if you expect to cut thick grass and undergrowth, opt for a gas mower.
The team that worked on this review
Kealia Reynolds
Writer
Rebekah Sedaca
Product Researcher
Kelsey Roadruck
Editor
John Morgan
Producer
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