Keeping your lawn neat and healthy is one of the keys to great curb appeal—and having the right lawn mower makes yard maintenance much easier and more efficient. Whether you have a small patch of grass or a sprawling lawn, choosing the right mower can save you time, effort, and even money in the long run.
With so many types and features available, finding the best lawn mower can seem overwhelming. This guide will help you understand your options and pick the right machine for easy, reliable yard maintenance.
1. Understand the Different Types of Lawn Mowers
Not all lawns—or lawn mowers—are created equal. Choosing the right type depends largely on the size of your yard and how much effort you want to put into mowing.
Push Mowers
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Manual reel mowers: Simple, quiet, eco-friendly; best for small, flat lawns.
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Gas-powered push mowers: Good for small to medium lawns; require physical effort to push.
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Electric push mowers (corded or cordless): Lightweight and quieter than gas models; best for small yards.
Self-Propelled Mowers
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Use a drive system to move the mower forward, making it easier to maneuver.
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Ideal for medium to large lawns or slightly sloped yards.
Riding Mowers
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Great for large properties (½ acre or more).
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Available as traditional lawn tractors or zero-turn models for faster, more agile mowing.
Robotic Mowers
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Automatically mow your lawn on a schedule.
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Perfect for tech-savvy homeowners who want a hands-off approach.
Knowing your yard size and terrain will guide you to the best type of mower for your needs.
2. Consider Your Yard Size and Terrain
The size and shape of your lawn are crucial factors when selecting a mower.
Small Yards (Up to ¼ Acre)
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Manual reel mowers
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Electric push mowers (corded or cordless)
Medium Yards (¼ to ½ Acre)
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Gas-powered push mowers
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Self-propelled electric or gas mowers
Large Yards (½ Acre and Up)
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Riding mowers
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Zero-turn mowers for complex landscapes
If your lawn has hills or slopes, look for self-propelled mowers with rear-wheel drive for better traction.
3. Choose Between Gas, Electric, or Battery Power
Each power source comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Gas-Powered Mowers
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Powerful and better for large or tough lawns
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Require regular maintenance (oil changes, spark plugs, air filters)
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Louder and produce emissions
Electric (Corded) Mowers
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Quiet and lightweight
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Limited by the length of the power cord
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Best for small, obstacle-free lawns
Battery-Powered (Cordless) Mowers
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Combines mobility with eco-friendliness
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Runtime limited by battery life (usually 30–60 minutes per charge)
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Requires battery maintenance and occasional replacement
Consider how much mowing time you need and your willingness to handle maintenance when choosing your mower’s power source.
4. Pay Attention to Cutting Width and Height Adjustments
Cutting width affects how many passes you'll need to make across your lawn.
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14–18 inches: Best for very small lawns
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20–22 inches: Common size for small to medium lawns
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30 inches and above: Suitable for large lawns or riding mowers
Look for adjustable cutting heights so you can change the grass height based on seasons and weather conditions. Mowers typically offer a range from about 1.5 to 4 inches.
5. Understand Bagging, Mulching, and Side Discharge Options
Most modern mowers offer multiple ways to manage grass clippings.
Bagging
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Collects clippings for a tidy finish
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Reduces thatch buildup in lawns
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Requires emptying the bag frequently
Mulching
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Cuts clippings finely and returns them to the lawn
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Natural fertilizer that helps with lawn health
Side Discharge
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Throws clippings back onto the lawn
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Useful for large areas where stopping to empty a bag would be inefficient
A mower that offers 3-in-1 capabilities (bagging, mulching, and side discharge) provides the most flexibility for yard maintenance.
6. Look for Key Features That Make Mowing Easier
Certain features can greatly improve your mowing experience, saving time and energy.
Convenience Features:
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Easy-start systems: Reduce the hassle of starting gas mowers.
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Foldable handles: Make storage easier, especially for small garages or sheds.
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Variable speed control: Adjusts to your walking pace, particularly useful for self-propelled mowers.
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Washout ports: Allow you to easily hose down the mower deck.
Choosing a mower with features that match your habits and yard challenges can make lawn care significantly more enjoyable.
7. Maintenance Requirements to Consider
Every mower needs some level of maintenance to stay in good working order.
Typical Maintenance Tasks Include:
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Sharpening or replacing blades
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Changing oil (for gas mowers)
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Replacing air filters and spark plugs
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Cleaning the underside of the mower deck
Electric and battery-powered mowers require less maintenance overall, making them attractive for homeowners who prefer a low-maintenance option.
8. Set a Realistic Budget
Mowers come in a wide range of prices depending on features, type, and brand.
Typical Price Ranges:
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Manual reel mowers: $80–$150
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Electric push mowers: $150–$350
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Gas-powered push mowers: $250–$500
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Self-propelled mowers: $300–$800
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Riding mowers: $1,500–$3,500+
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Robotic mowers: $700–$2,000+
Don’t just choose based on price—invest in a mower that matches your yard size, terrain, and preferred level of effort.
9. Eco-Friendly Mowing Options
If sustainability is a priority for you, there are several ways to mow greener.
Eco-Friendly Choices:
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Manual reel mowers: 100% human-powered, no emissions
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Corded electric mowers: Minimal emissions if your electricity comes from clean sources
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Battery-powered mowers: Lower emissions and increasingly longer runtimes with newer models
Some cities even offer rebates for residents who switch from gas to electric mowers—check with your local government or utility provider.
10. Top Brands to Consider
While there are many brands to choose from, a few consistently deliver quality, reliability, and great features.
Popular Lawn Mower Brands:
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Honda
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Toro
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Greenworks
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Ego Power+
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Husqvarna
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John Deere (for riding mowers)
Choosing a trusted brand often means better warranty coverage and easier access to replacement parts if needed.
Pro Tips for Successful Lawn Mower Buying
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Test before you buy: Push or drive the mower if possible to check weight, handling, and ergonomics.
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Check warranty details: Understand what's covered and for how long.
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Read customer reviews: Look for real-world feedback on durability and performance.
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Plan for storage: Make sure you have a place to store the mower safely out of the elements.
A little research upfront leads to years of easier, more enjoyable yard maintenance.
