Best Self-Propelled Push Mower
EGO Power+ 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower
WALMART
- Design4.8/5
- Performance4.5/5
- Usability4/5
- Safety5/5
- Value5/5
- It can fold when not in use, and so it can be easily stored away.
It can fold when not in use, and so it can be easily stored away.
- When using the bag disposal, we found that it was difficult to put on by ourselves.
When using the bag disposal, we found that it was difficult to put on by ourselves.
We’ve chosen the Ego Power+ LM2101SP Cordless Lawn Mower as the best self-propelled push lawn mower because it is easy to use, thanks to a powerful self-propel feature that makes it perfect for small- to medium-sized yards.
Self-propelled mowers use the motor to propel the mower forward, which means it takes less of an effort on the user’s part to cut the grass. During our testing, we noted that it may be ideal for those with limited strength or mobility since it doesn’t require as much muscle use as other push mowers.
It has six different height settings for lawn mower blades, which range from 1.5 inches to 4 inches. While testing, we found that it was simple to adjust the cutting height, the propelling speed, and the height of the handle with just one hand. It comes with LED lights, so if you are looking to beat the heat and mow your lawn before the sun rises or as it is setting, you will still be able to see what you’re cutting.
This lawn mower offers 60 minutes of run time on a single charge with a 56-volt 7.5Ah ARC lithium battery. This means that it is best suited for a small to medium-sized yard of 0.5 acres.
This unit made our list not only for its cutting capabilities, but also its disposal option. It offers three options for use: mulching, side discharge, or bagging. Although we loved having options for disposal, we found that attaching the bag for disposal was not an easy task on our own as it would sometimes pop off on one side as we pulled it tight to attach to the other—we think having an extra set of hands could be beneficial.
One feature we loved was this mower’s storage capability. Whereas some mowers can take up quite a bit of space in your garage or outdoor shed, the Ego Power+ Mower can fold in order to be stored away.
How It Performed After Six Months
After using the Ego Power+ LM2101SP Cordless Lawn Mower for six months, we found that it still performs the same as it did on the first day we tested it, and the battery works well, too. Initially, there was a bit of a learning curve as we figured out how all of the features work, but after getting used to how it operated we looked forward to using it.
“I have had my family try it out when they come down to visit, and they really enjoyed how smooth it runs and were shocked with the speed of self propelled on the fastest setting. I also think it's a great mower if you have multiple people that use it, since it is very easy to adjust to the correct height and position for the handle.” -Better Homes and Gardens Tester
Even when we went 10 days without mowing the grass, we didn’t have any difficulties with the mower cutting the thick lawn. When we emptied the clipping bag into our compost, all of the debris emptied easily and didn’t get stuck inside the bag. We have also occasionally mowed over sticks and small rocks, and this didn’t seem to hinder the mower’s performance at all.
Product Details: Run Time: 60 minutes | Height Adjustments: Six | Recommended Yard Size: 0.5 acres | Deck Width: 21 inches
- The Ego Power+ LM2101SP cordless lawn mower is self-propelled and made our list for its cutting capabilities and also its disposal option. BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MEGAN WOOD
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MEGAN WOOD
Key Terms to Know
- Amp Hours (Ah): Amp hours (Ah) are a unit of measurement that quantify how much current a battery can provide per hour. For example, a battery with a 5Ah can provide 5 amps for one hour.
- Voltage: Voltage refers to the speed at which electrons pass a point in a circuit.
- Deck Size: On lawn mowers, there is a chamber that houses the blades, which is called the deck. The wider the deck, the more grass it can cut in a single pass.
Best Push Mower
Ryobi 21-Inch Dual-Blade Self-Propelled Mower
THE HOME DEPOT
- Design5/5
- Performance4.3/5
- Usability4.8/5
- Safety5/5
- Value4/5
- It has a larger battery, which offers up to 70 minutes of run time.
It has a larger battery, which offers up to 70 minutes of run time.
- We found that this mower can be tricky to navigate over uneven terrain.
We found that this mower can be tricky to navigate over uneven terrain.
The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-Inch Mower is our choice for best battery-powered push mower because it is intuitive to use with self-propelled technology that makes it possible to intuitively adjust the speed, plus it has options for clipping disposal.
We found that it took a bit to get used to maneuvering this lawn mower over uneven ground, as we needed to change the blade height in order to keep it from getting stuck.
Otherwise, it was extremely easy to use, even on grass that was 6 inches high. The yard tested typically takes 45 minutes to mow, and this battery-powered lawn mower managed to get it done in 20 minutes.
We were able to use the mower three times, each round ranging from 10 to 15 minutes, without having to charge the battery, which holds a charge for up to 70 minutes. The lawn mower uses two 6.0Ah batteries, which are powerful and carry a longer charge than your average lawn mower battery, which can range from 45 to 60 minutes of run time.
This lawn mower has the option of disposing of clippings via mulching, bagging, or side-discharging, which we loved while testing because it’s possible to decide which type of disposal based on each user’s personal needs.
When we mowed the test lawn for the first time, we found that we had to empty the bag quite a bit, due to the height of the grass, even though it was only 0.05 acres.
We appreciated that this mower was quiet compared to other lawn mowers we tested. During testing, we noticed that it didn’t sound much louder than a noise machine. We also loved that this mower folds up so that it can be stored vertically, leaving floor space free in a garage or shed.
How It Performed After Six Months
After six months of use, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-Inch Mower continues to perform well. We were really impressed with the battery life on this mower—most of the time, one charge allowed us to mow two to three times, but occasionally it would even last for a fourth mow on a single charge.
We used this mower on both dry and sunny days as well as damp and humid days. Regardless of the weather or moisture on the grass, the mower performed the same—it cut and collected grass with ease. We also appreciated the self-propelling feature, we made mowing up hills a less labor-intensive process.
The only downside to this mower that we noticed was it had some trouble collecting larger weeds in the bag. While the mower would cut them down, we found that the weeds were strewn across the lawn instead of in the bag with the rest of the grass.
Product Details: Run Time: 70 minutes | Height Adjustments: Seven | Recommended Yard Size: 0.5 to 1 acre | Deck Width: 22 inches
- The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Mower was easy and intuitive to use, even on grass that was 6 inches high, and it also has options for disposing of clippings via mulching, bagging, or side-discharging. BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JENNIFER MAY
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JENNIFER MAY
Best Riding
Ryobi Brushless 42-Inch Electric Zero Turn Riding Mower
THE HOME DEPOT
- Setup5/5
- Design5/5
- Performance5/5
- Usability4.8/5
- Safety4.8/5
- It can mow up to 3 acres on a single charge.
It can mow up to 3 acres on a single charge.
- Riding mowers tend to be very expensive, this one is no exception.
Riding mowers tend to be very expensive, this one is no exception.
If you’re looking to do less manual labor while tending to your lawn, a riding lawn mower may be the best battery-powered mower for you, like the Ryobi Electric Ride-On Mower. This model can mow a large yard without needing to be recharged, and it has cruise control.
During testing, we found that this battery-powered ride-on lawn mower was intuitive to use and easy to operate with the use of a single joystick. This mower has three travel speeds and three blade speeds, which are able to be changed with push button controls. It also has an LCD screen that displays battery life and run time (so that you’re never surprised that it’s time to recharge).
This mower comes with two 80V and two 40V batteries that make it possible to mow 3 acres per charge, and the batteries can recharge fully in two and a half hours.
If this mower is getting low on battery while in use, there's no need to worry: When the battery drops below 35%, the mower automatically begins to preserve battery so that it can be driven back to wherever the extra batteries are being stored or charged.
We love that this ride-on mower is powerful, with the equivalent power of 31 horsepower, and 12 different cutting settings, ranging from 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches.
Even with all those settings, there is also comfort in mind: the seat has premium seat suspension, which minimizes the feel of rough terrain. It also has cup holders, USB ports, and storage compartments. The option to mulch or side discharge clippings was also a plus.
As is the case with most ride-on mowers, comfort and convenience comes at a premium. However, if you have a large yard and are looking to keep it looking good while keeping environmentally friendly, it’s a worthy investment.
How It Performed After Six Months
Over a period of six months, we mowed a half-acre lawn with this mower twice a week in both dewey and dry conditions, and it performed consistently well the entire time. We were also impressed by its power, and we had more than half of the battery life remaining after mowing.
Because this mower is battery-operated, we also found it to be incredibly convenient to use since we didn’t have to worry about filling it with gas or changing the oil.
As we became more comfortable with its settings and features, we enjoyed using it more. The power of the mower took some getting used to, so be wary of obstacles when using this mower—it can move forward quickly.
Product Details: Run Time: 2.5 hours | Height Adjustments: 12 | Recommended Yard Size: 2 to 4 acres | Deck Width: 42 inches
- The Ryobi Brushless Electric Zero Turn riding mower allows you to go slowly to maneuver around obstacles, but during tests, we found you could punch it and go instant speed. BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / PATRICK MCGOWAN
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / PATRICK MCGOWAN
Best with Storage
Ryobi Brushless 42-Inch Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor
THE HOME DEPOT
- Setup3/5
- Design4/5
- Performance5/5
- Usability4.3/5
- Safety4.8/5
- It has storage in both the front and the back, and there are 13 height adjustments.
It has storage in both the front and the back, and there are 13 height adjustments.
- We found that, because it does not have power steering, it takes some muscle to turn while going slowly.
We found that, because it does not have power steering, it takes some muscle to turn while going slowly.
After testing, we determined the best mower with storage is the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42 in. Riding Lawn Tractor because it has two separate compartments.
It’s great for someone who loves to landscape, as you can get more done than just mowing. We loved the large back storage area in particular, noting that it would make it easy to load up some bags of mulch to tote around your property.
When it came to actually mowing the lawn, we found that this lawn mower was easy to maneuver, and we liked that it is able to change speeds easily to maneuver around obstacles, but can instantly speed up once past them.
It handled the lawn with ease, mowing over sticks, leaves, and more. We even took the lawn mower out in wet conditions, and it managed to mow grass without a problem. When the blades are on, it is still less noisy than a gas mower.
This mower has 13 height adjustments ranging from 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches, and we found that adjusting the height was simple with the use of a large lever on the side of the mower. We liked that we could get a close cut, even in wet conditions.
This riding lawn mower is able to side-discharge and mulch clippings, and is also capable of bagging. We only tested the side discharge and mulching capabilities, as the bagger is sold separately.
This mower also comes with a few safety features. It beeps while in reverse, as well as if the user hops off the seat while the mower is turned on. It also turns off the mowing deck while in reverse. While it does have headlights, we found that they are very small, and that we wouldn’t use them to mow in the dark.
Keep in mind that there is no power steering, and we found that we needed to use quite a bit of force when turning at a slow speed.
How It Performed After Six Months
We used the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42 in. Riding Lawn Tractor for six months, and it continued to perform well after frequent use. It had no issues cutting thicker grass and weeds, and we appreciate that it is battery-operated so we didn’t have to deal with gas. We appreciated this even more as the weather got warmer because we didn’t feel any hot exhaust coming from the mower.
However, we noticed a couple of quirks with this mower over time. When driving the mower at a slower speed, we found that it was more difficult to turn the wheel, and the accelerator was also a bit jerky at times. Despite this, the mower was still powerful and mowed grass neatly and evenly, and it made mowing feel more fun and less of a chore.
Product Details: Run Time: 2.5 hours | Height Adjustments: 13 | Recommended Yard Size: 3 acres | Deck Width: 42 inches
- The Ryobi Brushless Electric Cordless riding tractor handled mowing the lawn with ease during our tests, maneuvering easily around obstacles, and mowing over sticks, leaves, and more. BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JOSEPH WANEK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JOSEPH WANEK
Best Budget
Greenworks 16-Inch Electric Push Lawn Mower
AMAZON
- This push mower weighs 37.5 pounds, so it's easy to maneuver.
This push mower weighs 37.5 pounds, so it's easy to maneuver.
- It only has 45 minutes of run time.
It only has 45 minutes of run time.
The Greenworks Cordless Lawn Mower is best for those on a budget, and it has five height settings, a mulching function, and rear bagging capabilities.
For a push mower, it’s lightweight at 37.5 pounds—as light as our pick for best lightweight mower. Some lawn mowers on this list weigh as much as 66 pounds.
With this mower, even though you have to do the work of pushing it around the yard, it makes the task much less difficult. It also has five height adjustments to choose from, this lawn mower can cut from 1.25 inches to 3.375 inches.
When it comes to mowing, it’s important to have a plan when it comes to handling your clippings, and this lawn mower offers options for both mulching and rear bagging. It even comes with a collection bag, should you choose to use it.
Keep in mind that this battery-powered lawn mower only has 45 minutes of run time on a full charge. Its 16-inch deck width also means that you clip less grass per pass, so it could take longer to mow your yard.
If you don’t have a small yard, this could present a problem, as you’ll have to pause to recharge. The good news is, the battery reaches full power after two hours.
Product Details: Run Time: 45 minutes | Height Adjustments: Five | Recommended Yard Size: Up to 0.33 acres | Deck Width: 16 inches
Best Lightweight
Black+Decker 40V Max 16 inch Cordless Lawn Mower
AMAZON
- It’s only 38 pounds and stores away easily.
It’s only 38 pounds and stores away easily.
- It is meant for small yards of up to 0.125 an acre.
It is meant for small yards of up to 0.125 an acre.
We chose the Black+Decker Cordless Lawn Mower because it is affordable, and it is only 38 pounds, which makes it easy to maneuver around your yard. The mower’s technology also makes it simple to use as it determines the height of your grass and adjusts accordingly to increase power and preserve battery life.
Because it’s lightweight, it is also a pretty compact model, with handles that fold down to make storage simpler in your shed or garage. Additionally, this model has carrying handles that make moving it easy.
This battery-powered lawn mower has plenty of practical features as well, and includes six cutting heights that range from 1 inch to 3 inches, and the single lever height adjustment is easy to use.
It also has a 9.5 gallon grass bag, which is attached to the back of the mower. The bag is made of soft fabric with a hard top, and it’s simple to check its capacity with a simple tap on the soft fabric.
With a 16-inch deck, plus a 30-minute run time, it can mow yards up to 0.125 acres big. If you have a yard larger than this, you’ll find yourself either switching out batteries (it does come with two) or stopping to recharge them.
Product Details: Run Time: 30 minutes | Height Adjustments: Six | Recommended Yard Size: 0.125 acres | Deck Width: 16 inches