Lawn Mower Reviews

Lawn Mowers Runners Up: There are plenty of different lawn mowers to match your needs

Shop for a new lawn mower and you'll soon discover there is no shortage of options. The best lawn mowers are easy to handle, safe to use and ready to mow without much hassle. They should keep your grounds looking their best by bagging clippings, discharging them to the side or mulching them into fine pieces.

Lawn mowers are powered by gas, electricity (some with electric cords, some with batteries). In general, gas-powered lawn mowers can power through tough vegetation better than electric mowers. Some reviews also say they impart the best finish or final appearance on a lawn. There are also manual reel mowers that are popular choices for the environmentally aware and with people who like to get their exercise points in while working in the yard.

To find the best lawn mower, start by narrowing down what type of lawn mower best suits your needs, budget and property. A major factor to keep in mind is reliability: Brands that rate highly for dependability tend to have fewer warranty and service issues. Taking your lawn mower in for repairs is a hassle, and owners frequently say authorized repair shops aren't conveniently located.

Self-propelled mowers require less effort

Typically the most expensive type of lawn mower, self-propelled models do the pushing for you. Less expensive models often have set speeds, while pricier models use an automatic transmission and speed levers to accelerate and slow down. Top mowers can travel up to 4 mph and have user-friendly controls within easy reach. Self-propelled mowers come in both gas and electric models, and tend to be a bit more expensive than push mowers.

Push mowers are lighter and less expensive

If you want to spend less on a lawn mower and don't mind putting in a little extra mowing effort, consider a push mower. Other than the transmission, there is very little difference between each brand's push models and self-propelled mowers. Look for a model with large wheels and ball bearings, which improve mobility.

Electric mowers save money

Corded electric lawn mowers are the most affordable kind of powered mower to use and maintain, experts say. Their motors don't require oil, spark plugs or batteries, and professionals estimate the electricity required to use them is much less expensive than gas.

Many owners say handling the extension cord on a corded mower is far easier than dealing with filling and maintaining a gas model. This is the lightest type of mower, making it a good alternative for those who lack the strength to pull the rip-cord on a gas model. Electric mowers aren't as powerful as gas lawn mowers, and their 100-foot extension cords keep you tethered to an outlet. They are best for small yards without unruly patches of tall grass or weeds.

Cordless lawn mowers run on a rechargeable battery

Cordless lawn mowers give you more freedom than corded lawn mowers and are often more powerful. However, they are also best for lawns of no more than half an acre because battery run time is limited to about an hour. Cordless lawn mowers use a lead-acid battery that typically lasts two to three years, good battery maintenance is key to extending its life. Cordless mowers are heavier than their corded relatives and are available with just as many features as gas mowers.

Reel mowers are the greenest option

Using a spinning reel to cut grass, manual reel mowers are operated by simply pushing them. These mowers offer more of an aerobic workout -- considered an advantage by many. Reel mowers are quiet, low-maintenance and save you money on repairs and servicing.

Because they mow slower, require more work and their blades aren't strong enough for twigs or unruly grass, experts advise using a reel mower on weed-free properties smaller than half an acre. Plan on cutting about twice a week, on average, to keep grass from getting too high to mow. Reel mowers are not only increasing in popularity, but according to expert tests, they are improving in performance.

ConsumerSearch editors consulted expert reviews and comparison tests along with owner feedback to select the best lawn mowers of each type. We consider reliability, handling, noise and safety, but factor in user comments to determine long-term durability as well.

This report covers walk-behind lawn mowers. We also have separate reports that cover lawn tractors. robotic lawn mowers and string trimmers .

Elsewhere in this report:

Best Lawn Mowers. What's the best lawn mower? Self-propelled are the most popular among users. Editors choose the best models based on expert comparisons and owner reviews.

Push Mowers. What's the best push lawn mower? Editors evaluate owner reviews and professional tests of popular models from brands like Husqvarna, Toro and Honda.

Electric Mowers. What's the best electric mower? Editors choose the best corded and cordless electric mowers based on expert evaluations and owner reviews.

Reel Mowers. Looking for the best reel lawn mower? Editors say reel mowers from Fiskars and NaturCut are the best according to professional tests and user feedback.

Buying Guide. Where should you start when buying a new lawn mower? Editors offer tips from experts and owners to help you select the right mower for your needs.

Our Sources. Links to the expert and user reviews we used to select the top lawn mowers, along with our assessment of each reviewer's expertise, credibility and helpfulness.

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