We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Mowing your lawn is an American tradition, but which is best: gas or electric? We put the best gas vs. battery mowers to an epic head-to-head test to find out.
Credit: Clark Tate
By Clark Tate ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Oct 28, 2024
The Best Lawn Mowers for 2024
We bought the top 13 lawn mowers, both gas and electric, and put them through a rigorous set of side-by-side tests. From old-school reel motors to trusty gas models powered by the latest Briggs & Stratton motor to lithium battery-powered, self-propelled wunderkinds, we've searched high and low to find the right machine for your lawn.
After our extensive testing, we recommend the gas-powered Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 as the best mower for most people. We were particularly impressed with its self-propelled mowing performance, handling, and ability to take on large lawns.
The best battery-powered mower is also a Toro, the Toro 60V Max 21″ Super Recycler. We loved the smart self-propelled pushing feature they call “personal pace”, the quiet operation, and its ability to deliver clean consistent cuts. While doesn't deliver quite as good a mowing performance as the gas-powered Toro Recycler, it tied for 2nd place in mowing performance, besting almost every other gas or battery mower.
To test these mowers, we tackled months of lawn care, including too-tall and dew-wet grass. We mulched, bagged, slogged, and tested battery life. These mowers have been through it.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on October 28, 2024 to include the latest top gas and battery-operated machines, including options from Toro and Ego.
In a world where battery-powered tools have largely replaced the need for a loud, maintenance-needy, fume-producing engine, lithium-ion innovations can't quite keep up with internal combustion engines yet. As soon as we fired the Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 up and got the blade spinning, it was clear to our testers that it offers the best power and performance of any mower in our lineup. As one of our testers commented, " It's a pleasure to mow, with the seamlessly integrated auto-drive eliminating most of the work and the stout engine offering a consistently clean cut. A huge advantage that internal combustion engine mowers have over their electric cousins is there is little to no downtime. While we measured some batteries to take upwards of one, two, or even five hours to charge, with gas models you can simply top the fuel tank off and keep going, provided that you have fuel readily available.
These classic-style gas models are not without their flaws. The 20340 is downright loud. We measured a noise level of 81 decibels while operating this model, which is substantially louder than battery models such as the Ego LM2102SP that emits only 71 decibels. This gas beast is great with shorter, well-maintained grass, but when we ran it in foot-tall grass, it bogged down, especially when the grass was wet. It did substantially better in grass that was five or six inches tall, but we still had to go back over a few spots to get a clean cut. Gas motors bring several issues that battery models do not. They have oil tanks, fuel tanks, carburetors, and spark plugs, and all of these componenets need to be cleaned, drained, maintained, and/or stabilized while not in use for long periods of time. CO2 fumes are bad in more ways than one. Regardless of your stance on climate change, CO2 is toxic for humans, and when you're running one of these motors while walking back and forth in a small area, you are breathing a lot more CO2 than you would with a battery mower — which is zero. Drawbacks aside, if you know your way around gas motors, you don't want to wait for batteries to recharge or deal with multiple batteries, and if you want the ultimate in performance, this is the lawn mower for you.
During our testing, we found that the Toro 60V Max Super Recycler does most of the work for you, with a “personal pace” drive that adjusts to your walking speed by responding to the pressure you place on the handle, making the mowing process nearly effortless, even when walking uphill. According to our head tester, “The assistance is seamless, requiring no cognitive effort while significantly reducing your physical load.” If there is a battery mower out there that rivals gas-powered models in terms of consistent cuts and effective mulching, this is the one. Our team also loves the huge bag capacity that allows you to keep mowing for longer than mowers with smaller bags. A huge upside to battery mowers is the relief on your ears. We measured the Toro 60V at a sound pressure level of 74 decibels for the operator, which is significantly lower than that of gas models, which can get up to 80 decibels or louder. And it isn't just about the objective measurements we took — battery models don't need to idle or warm up, which gives your neighbors a small but often noticeable break on the yard duty ruckus.
On the downside, this mower's battery only lasted an average of 41.5 minutes during our tests, depending on temperature, grass height, and grass density. It also takes about three and a half hours to fully charge. This is a drawback for lawns much larger than a quarter acre unless you invest in a second battery. The mower can also clog more frequently in mulching mode than other options, especially in long, wet grass or when it's set to efficiency mode. It also has a less established track record compared to traditional gas mowers, and its battery won't last forever. Despite these drawbacks, the Super Recycler remains the best battery lawn mower we've tested, combining excellent cutting performance with ease of use, which is a wonderful option for those with smaller lawns. For larger lawns, the gas-powered Troy-Bilt TB110 avoids the battery-life issue.
The Troy-Bilt TB110 provided the most consistently clean and even cut in the tests, employing time-tested technology and a well-respected Briggs & Stratton engine, which we expect to last for a decade or more. As one tester put it, " Overall, its simple construction and tried and true motor make us pretty confident that this machine will stand the test of time." Its sturdy steel deck resists flexing, and large back wheels make it easy to maneuver. The single included blade excels in both mulching and bagging tests, transitioning between the two settings effortlessly. It also performs exceptionally well in damp grass conditions, outshining other mowers in the test. And we appreciate that it's put together with parts that are easy to replace.
There are some downsides to choosing an old standby, though. Its simple, barebones build leaves you doing more of the work. The narrow handle is uncomfortable and tiring to hold and the lack of self-propulsion requires more physical effort, especially when you're heading uphill or pushing through tall or thick grass. The use of fossil fuels is also a drawback for anyone interested in minimizing their carbon footprint. Another big concern with gas models is the sound and pitch emitted by them — we measured the TB110 at a sound pressure level of 79 decibels, which is higher than any of the battery models we've tested and much higher than motorless reel mowers such as the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 that emits a mere 66 decibels. Despite these limitations, its well-rounded performance and durable construction make it a strong contender for those with a larger yard who need a mower to depend on for years to come.
A compact electric mower, our team found that the Greenworks 25322 is ideal for small, frequently trimmed lawns. Its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver, and its compact 16-inch deck and folding handle allow for easy storage, even in tight spaces. Generally speaking, our testers tend to prefer battery-powered tools over gas. Our head tester said, “ The electric power means you won't have to deal with the hassle of gas or oil, and the ability to charge it with renewable sourced electricity could make it more environmentally friendly.” The electric motor is also relatively quiet. It registers just 72 decibels by your ear, a fact your neighbors are likely to appreciate. Considering the gasoline mowers we've used emit measured decibel readings of 80 or more, this is a significant factor to ponder. We love how this model excels at bagging grass, efficiently packing grass into the bag, and helping to manage clippings and prevent large clumps when the grass gets too long.
We have tested both iterations of this model — the original and the brushless. The latest data collected, photos, and videos are of the brushless version.
The Greenworks 25322 mower is less powerful than other battery-powered options in the test, requiring multiple passes for a consistent cut. The lightweight plastic deck makes it easy to maneuver but is less effective on uneven terrain, often leaving patches of longer grass behind. Its narrow cutting deck means you cover less ground with each pass, and it is not self-propelled, requiring more effort to push, especially through thick patches of grass or up hills. The mulching performance is also subpar. The blade clogs often in longer grass, particularly as the battery drains. If you trim your lawn consistently, this is less of an issue. The 40-volt lithium battery provides an average runtime of 40.8 minutes. If you're concerned about runtime but also trying to save some dollars, the gas-powered Troy-Bilt TB110 will run all day as long as you have fuel on hand. Despite a few drawbacks, the Greenworks 25322 is a budget-friendly electric mower that's ideal for small, regularly maintained yards.
This compact electric mower is ideal for small, regularly maintained lawns. If the grass gets too long, using the bagging function can bail you out of a lot of (literal) jams.
Our testing team was pleasantly surprised by the overall performance of the American Lawn Mower 1204-14. Reel mowers offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to maintain your lawn. We all know the sound of the inconsiderate neighbor who loves to fire up their deafening gas-guzzler first thing in the morning on your day off. If you want to avoid being that person, we measured the American at a very low noise level of 66 decibels compared to battery mowers that are nearly all in the mid-70s range and gas-powered models that can reach the 80-decibel range. To put that in perspective, 66 decibels is about the same as a normal conversation. According to our head tester, “ Since it's completely fuel-free, its quiet operation allows you to enjoy your surroundings in peace.” Straightforward assembly and storage add to its user-friendly nature — The blades arrive sharp out of the box, slicing confidently through 4-inch tall grass. The self-sharpening blades only require occasional maintenance, ensuring easy maintenance in the long term.
One thing that we hadn't considered prior to testing reel versions is that they provide a great workout since your legs do all of the pushing. That said, pushing through taller grass can be challenging and often requires multiple passes for an even cut, especially on uneven terrain. It works best on well-maintained, oft-mowed lawns. If you have no interest in getting an extra workout during your yard work, consider a self-propelled mower such as the Ego Power+ LM2135SP. Unlike powered mowers that chop grass into fine pieces in mulch mode, reel mowers simply cut the grass and let it fall, often resulting in clumps that you may need to disperse. Adjusting the cutting height is also cumbersome and requires a wrench. Overall, this reel mower is a solid choice for those with smaller lawns who prefer a quiet, emission-free mowing experience and don't mind a bit of manual labor.
The super simple American reel lawn mower is a fuel-free alternative, though it requires more effort from you as a result.
Credit: Clark Tate
Compare Products
We put miles on these machines to help you make the right choice for your needs.
Credit: Clark Tate
How We Test Lawn Mowers
To kick off our great lawn mower extravaganza, we began by spending many hours doing our homework — researching the top models, considering specs, and scouring hundreds of user reviews. Once we narrowed it down to the odds-on favorites, we spent more than 100 hours mowing and measuring data such as recharge/refuel times and decibel outputs, as well as performing routine maintenance. Notes were taken, spreadsheets were created, and we compiled it all in review form for you. Learn more about our review process in our how we test lawn mowers article.
We examined these lawnmowers using five key metrics:
Mowing
Power Performance
Handling
Ease of Use
Noise
The lawnmowers all lined up for their bagging test.
Don't forget to factor in how much space you have to store these machines.
If you get a gas-powered mower, you'll have to head to the station.
Why Trust GearLab
Lawn work is much more pleasant when you have the right tools. Our lead tester, Clark Tate learned the value of quality tools while growing up in a farming family that expected a steady supply of manual labor from their children. Her master's degree in environmental science and 7 years of product testing taught her rigor, and her rock-hauling childhood taught her grit. She expects her tools to keep up.
Clark tapped Jake Holmes, a former electrician earning a masters degree in geophysics. Jake grew up working farms and has been cutting grass since he was knee-high and is an experienced mechanic.
A few of the battery models, ready to get 'er done.
Credit: Clark Tate
Analysis and Test Results
To break down the pros and cons of each machine, we test them in several categories or metrics. This helps us find their strengths and weaknesses while methodically quantifying their performance to rank and score them.
What's the Best Value?
Products that offer exceptional value offer exceptional performance that doesn't come with a proportional jump in price. The Greenworks 25322 is one such machine, outperforming competing models that cost quite a bit less. The Greenworks 25022 is a corded option that's less expensive still and has more cutting power. But, ya know, it has a cord.
The Greenworks 25022 offers a nice price and plenty of cutting power, but the cord is cumbersome.
Credit: Clark Tate
Another source of value is a machine that will last for decades, significantly lowering its price per use. While both Toro machines seem well-made and reliable, their self-propelling technology hasn't been around for decades. But we know of a few mowers with Briggs & Stratton motors, like the Troy-Bilt, that have been cutting grass since the 80s and are still going strong. With a bit of small-engine repair knowledge or access to a trusted mechanic, we expect that mower to last. Similarly, the American and Great States 204-14 reel lawn mowers use tried and true technology and have a simple design that leaves very little to break.
The Great States reel mower is nearly identical to the American option, but it did not arrive as sharp or properly adjusted.
Credit: Clark Tate
Mowing
To evaluate these yard work assistants side-by-side, we mowed several strips of grass down a 220-foot-long yard, which includes areas of thicker grass, divots, and a hill at the end, allowing us to assess how each model performs in a range of conditions. We repeated the test in mulching and bagging modes. In between those head-to-head tests, we used each mower to maintain the entire one-acre test yard to gauge endurance and compare closely competing models.
Four top contenders lined up and ready to test!
Credit: Clark Tate
We focused on four key factors to evaluate these machines — how cleanly and consistently they cut grass, how well they responded to uneven terrain, and how well they mulched or bagged the grass clippings. Among the contenders, the battery-powered Toro 60V Max Super Recycler, the gas-powered Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340, and Troy-Bilt TB110 emerged as our favorites.
All three models were closely matched throughout our mowing trials, making it difficult to crown a champion. When a neighbor's back lot went too long without a trim and grew a foot of thick grass, we saw the perfect opportunity. The Troy-Bilt made it 40 feet before faltering about halfway through the stress test. We coaxed the Toro SmartStow through a crisis at the same spot by backing off a few times. It made a full pass. The battery-powered Super Recycler shrugged and plowed through.
The Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 lawnmower delivers a clean, even cut, and is among the best mulchers in the test.
Credit: Clark Tate
The auto-drive on both Toro machines proved invaluable in navigating tougher sections of grass, allowing us to feather the engine and make it through thicker sections. It takes practice, but it's an excellent feature.
Initially, we were skeptical that a battery-run engine could out-torque a gas-run machine. We stand corrected. The Toro Super Recycler is a beast, especially when fitted with the performance blade included in the package. The mower comes with an economy blade, which maximizes battery life but offers slightly less cutting power. It delivers a largely clean cut with either option, but the performance blade is more consistent.
The Super Recycler also features two cutting modes. Auto mode adjusts the blade's RPMs, speeding up for thick patches of grass and slowing for easier stretches. This conserves battery life but can lead to chunks of grass clogging the mower. Max mode maintains maximum speed for a more seamless mowing experience but drains the battery faster.
The 19" Greenworks 25022 battery lawn mower is a touch more powerful than the 16" 25322, though it's not a big enough performance leap to justify the jump in price for us.
Credit: Clark Tate
Both gas-powered options, the Toro and the Troy, are more straightforward to operate, with only a single blade and cutting mode each. The Ego Power+ LM2135SP and 56V also offer impressive power and a consistent cut. Unfortunately, the drive system and handling feel unsafe at times, and we don't recommend the mower as a result.
The Snapper 82V, while powerful with a trusty Briggs & Stratton engine, is a bit less consistent and didn't excel in other metrics, preventing it from becoming a top choice.
The corded Greenworks 25022 is surprisingly powerful, providing one of the most consistent cuts of the less expensive battery options. You will have to manage the cord it's attached to, though. The 16-inch Greenworks 25322 gets progressively less powerful and often requires double passes for optimal results. Reel options like the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 don't do well in tall, thick grass and require more muscle power, but they work fine on well-manicured lawns.
No Mow May — If you care about supporting the insects that pollinate our crops and round out the base of our food web, you want to consider when and where you want to mow, as lawns are generally poor habitat. Habitat specialists avoid waiting as long as possible to mow your lawn for the first time in May since slicing off springtime flowers can starve beneficial insects like bees and butterflies as they emerge in the spring.
On the other hand, mowing your lawn frequently to maintain 3 inches of grass height can help reduce the number of ticks in it, according to the CDC. We compromise by mowing around islands of flowering plants through the spring.
Terrain Management
The gas-powered Troy-Bilt TB110 and Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 feature substantial steel decks that lend them weight, helping them hug the ground instead of bouncing over bumps like most plastic models. This design leads to a more consistent cut. The Troy Bilt edged out the Toro in this metric since it required a second pass less often. Both mowers are also wide (21 and 22 inches, respectively), which means it takes fewer laps to cover your yard, a fact we always appreciate.
The 21-inch decks on the battery-powered Toro 60V Max Super Recycler and Ego Power+ LM2135SP afford you that luxury as well. They both score a bit lower in terrain management than the top two models, but not by much. The Super Recycler's terrain performance depends on which blade and mode you're using. The performance blade in max mode handles uneven ground nearly as well as the gas-powered Toro. Its efficiency modes are less impressive.
The Troy-Bilt's 21-inch steel deck and powerful blade keep the cut consistent over rough terrain.
Credit: Clark Tate
The plastic frame of the 16-inch Greenworks 25322 bounces over bumps and divots, leaving you with an uneven trim. The corded 25022 offers similar terrain performance. Though its 20-inch deck speeds up yard work, you can only travel as far as an extension cord allows. The small, 14-inch Sun Joe MJ401E-P2 and American and Great States reel mowers all suffer over rougher terrain, leaving you with a patchy cut.
Credit: Clark Tate
Mulching and Bagging
In mulching mode, lawnmowers cut grass from the stalk and then dice it into pieces small enough to leave them on your lawn. Both the Toro SmartStow Recycler and the Troy-Bilt gas-powered mowers excel at this task, leaving few, if any, clippings behind that we could capture with a rake. The Toro struggles a bit in wet grass, though. It clogs and jams at times when mulching 6 to 7-inch wet grass in thick, low-lying areas. In such situations, which you should ideally avoid by cutting your grass more frequently, you'll have to clean out the Toro more often than the Troy-Bilt.
Mulching mode is good for your lawn. Researchers like those at the Oregn State University Extension Service say cutting your lawn often and leaving the cuttings in place will keep your lawn healthier by returning nutrients to the soil and holding in moisture, meaning that it won't require as much rain or watering.
Both gas mowers also nailed our bagging tests, leaving little to no grass behind and packing grass into the bag densely and efficiently. One tester said of the Toro SmartStow after gliding through a particularly dense patch of grass, “It's just an animal.”
Though the Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 is an excellent mulcher, it can clog in long or wet grass.
Credit: Clark Tate
The Toro 60V Max Super Recycler and Ego Power+ LM213SP are also excellent mulchers, both rivaling the gas-powered options. While the Super Recycler also bags well, the Ego is just okay. The grass that does escape the bag is very nicely mulched though.
There is a pretty significant drop-off in mulching quality after that. The two Greenworks models perform well enough; they just leave more stragglers behind. The corded 20" 25022 struggles to bag grass effectively though, picking up less grass than the top options. The battery-powered 16" 25322 is far more impressive, packing grass densely into the bag, though a fair bit does escape. The two reel mowers don't mulch or bag the grass they cut.
For bagging, the Greenworks 25322 is an excellent choice, though some grass does escape, as you can see by the right real wheel.
Credit: Clark Tate
Side Shoot
Among the mowers we tested, the Sun Joe MJ401E-P2 and corded Greenworks 25022 both offer side shoot adapters. These adapters are easy to install and work well enough. In side shoot mode, the mower throws cut grass to the side whole instead of chopping it into smaller pieces. If you've gone too long between cuttings and your grass is long, you could end up with a mess on your hands.
The side shoot on the Greenworks 25022 is easy to engage.
Simply flip up the cover to the outlet.
Then insert the adapter to hold it open.
You'll need more than just a mower to keep your yard at its best. To keep the bees buzzing, plants fruiting, and birds thriving, check out the top-ranked garden hoses on the market, the best bird feeders available today, and our favorite rain gauges. You may also be searching out a string trimmer to take care of corners your mower can't reach.
Power Performance
Here, we compare the relative strengths and weaknesses of the energy sources used in these machines, ranging from purely human-powered reel mowers to traditional gas options to battery and cord-powered electric models. There are a lot of ways to think about comparing these energy sources, including their long-term costs, their long-term environmental impacts, and national energy policy implications. For our purposes, we're focusing solely on how their power sources impact mowing performance.
Environmental Concerns and Energy Policy — Governments worldwide are working to slow the release of heat-trapping greenhouse gasses into the thin layer of the atmosphere separating Earth from the cold silence of space. In the US, efforts include increasing its capacity to capture renewable sources of electricity, like wind and solar, and moving from gas-powered machines to electric versions.
To compare power sources, we test each machine's run time and the level of human effort required to operate them. For the battery-powered options, we also consider how long it takes to charge their batteries. Ultimately, the gas-powered Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 emerged as the most reliable and convenient power source. That doesn't mean it's the right mower for you. Several of the battery-powered options also score well while providing an opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint if that is a concern for you. Reel mowers will save you money since they don't require you to buy gas, electricity, or a gym membership.
The Greenworks 25022 offers neverending power within range of your cord, but you will have to pay that electric bill.
Credit: Clark Tate
For runtime, you can't beat a reel mower. As long as you can keep pushing the American or Great States lawn mowers along, they will keep cutting grass. The same goes for the corded electric mowers, the Greenworks 25022 and Sun Joe MJ401E-P2. If you have an extension cord that will reach the extent of your yard, you never have to worry about refueling.
Unfortunately, reel mowers are tiring, requiring a lot of strength to use for any amount of time, especially if your grass is very tall or thick. And, let's face it, cords are annoying. Having to navigate a cord on a machine capable of slicing it into pieces is something we do not enjoy. As a result, these options require a lot of effort and scored poorly in this metric overall.
Using a reel mower takes work, especially if the blades aren't particularly sharp, as demonstrated here by the Great States 204-14.
Credit: Clark Tate
The gas-powered Troy-Bilt TB110 and Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 are at the top as far as time to refuel or recharge. A tank of gas lasts for around an hour, which is usually enough to cover the entire acre of our test lawn. If you do happen to run out, you're likely to have a gas can on hand to fill it back up and get going with a minimal delay.
Of the two mowers, the SmartStow Recycler requires less effort for you. Its self-propulsion feature practically mows the lawn for you, you just have to walk behind it. The Troy-Bilt does not have an auto-drive feature, so it takes force to propel it around, especially up hills.
The Troy-Bilt gas-powered motor is easy to keep running as long as you have a full gas can around.
Credit: Clark Tate
Among the battery-powered electric options, the 15-inch Makita XML03 lasted the longest, giving you about 83 minutes of runtime on one go. The exact time depends on factors like grass height and the outside temperature. This option comes with two batteries, so as long as both are charged, you can switch them out quickly to keep things running. If you need even more runtime, you will have to wait a while for the original battery to charge. Luckily, the batteries charge quite quickly, in about an hour. Neither of these mowers is self-propelled, meaning that you have to do most of the work.
The Toro 60V Max Super Recycler, 16-inch Greenworks 25322, and Ego Power+ LM2135SP all run for about 40 minutes at a time. The difference in their scores comes down to how long those batteries take time to charge. While the Ego and Greenworks charge in just over an hour, the battery-powered Toro takes nearly 3.5 hours.
Two batteries arrives with the Greenworks 25223, affording it a longer runtime.
Credit: Clark Tate
Also keep in mind that the Toro has an efficiency mode to preserve battery life and a max mode that optimizes performance. The battery life was tested in efficiency mode. In max power mode, the runtime will be reduced. You also need to consider that the Ego and Toro battery-powered options are self-propelled, they do a lot more work for you than any of the Greenworks options.
The auto-drive self-propulsion Toro Super Recycler takes all the effort out of mowing, all you need to do is charge the battery up and walk behind it. It pushes itself.
Credit: Clark Tate
For those who are mowing their lawn weekly, bi-weekly, or even daily, the time it takes to refuel or recharge the machine won't matter much. However, if you've got a huge area to mow or you plan on using your mower professionally, it's an important factor to consider. While gas-powered models take mere seconds to refuel, you need to make sure you have gasoline on hand, or it's going to take a trip to the store. Likewise, your weekend yard work can come to an abrupt end when your battery mower dies, and you come to find out it takes more than three hours to charge. While corded models such as the Sun Joe MJ401E-P288 and Greenworks 25022 don't have a recharge time, you will need to wrangle a power cord. A push-style mower doesn't require any source other than your body, but don't forget to recharge yourself!
Handling
While we care how well a mower cuts, we often pay more attention to how well it rolls around the yard. If it's a pain to push, it makes the weekly taste of trimming the lawn a real chore. To test their relative dexterity, we compare how easy they are to propel, how well they turn, the process of starting and stopping the engine (if they have one), and how much effort it takes to hold the bail bar in place.
It's easy enough to spin small and light reel mowers around, but shoving it through tall and thick grass is another matter.
Credit: Clark Tate
Both Toro models easily took top honors in this scoring metric. Their responsive “personal pace” auto-drive system propels itself, responding to how much pressure you put on the curved upper handle. Since you press harder to get up a hill, it speeds the wheels to give you more support. When you slow for a turn, the auto-drive does as well. The result is effortless, leaving you relaxed enough to let your mind wander. It feels more like going for a walk than mowing the lawn.
These mowers aren't the most maneuverable in the test, though. Their wheels don't provide much traction, and there isn't a large difference in size between them. Having larger rear wheels makes it easy to pivot the machine for a turn. The Troy-Bilt TB110 employs this strategy to great effect, making it the easiest mower to maneuver around obstacles. This ability earned it a respectable score even though its lack of self-propulsion requires you to put in far more sweat equity than the Toro models. The metal deck resists flexing, though, meaning that more of your effort is transferred to moving the machine forward instead of twisting its deck.
The Toro 60V Max Super Recycler is impressively powerful and provides one of the most consistent cuts in the test. It does clog more often than other top options if you let your grass grow to 6 inches or more though.
Credit: Clark Tate
The two EGO models are also self-propelled, but their speed is driven by a setting that you have to choose instead of a self-regulating response to your pace. As a result, they can come in hot to turn, and the LM2135SP can even raise up on its rear wheels when taking a hill too quickly, exposing the blade. That made us nervous since there are a number of dogs and cats that live in the neighborhood.
The drive system on the EGO LM2135SP is complicated enough that, even after months of testing, we still haven't mastered it completely, especially if our mind wanders. Sometimes, we turn it off unintentionally, and after less than a year of use, it starts unpredictably. Its variable speed self-propel system is difficult to manage, causing jerky starts and turns. The handle is uncomfortable, especially on hills, and the mower's plastic deck is the only one flexible enough to let the blade hit the deck in rough terrain. That's why we don't recommend it.
The self-propulsion mechanism of the Ego Power+ LM2135SP makes you think way harder than we want to when mowing a lawn.
Credit: Clark Tate
Without any self-propulsion mechanism, the rest of the mowers we tested are more straightforward. The 16-inch Greenworks 25322 is fairly easy to maneuver since its smaller deck provides some structural resistance to distortion. Its compact wheelbase and light weight make it easy to move around small spaces.
The other battery-powered options are similar. Of the two corded options, managing the power cord overshadows most other handling aspects, and turning is pretty much always a pain. Otherwise, the 20-inch Greenworks25022 rolls well enough. The tiny Sun Joe MJ401E-P2 doesn't roll very well but is light enough to move around easily.
The reel options, the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 and Great States 204-14, are light, but they really only move as well as they cut. Since the American arrived sharper than the Great States, it's far easier to push through grass, whether it's a straightaway or a turn.
Ease of Use
For this metric, we consider the operation of all of the various elements of each lawn mower while it is not actually mowing a lawn. This includes changing blades, folding, switching between modes, changing mowing height, out-of-the-box set up, and routine maintenance.
No matter what kind of lawn you have, we've tested a mower that will work well for you.
Credit: Clark Tate
Folding
While most folding mowers have some sort of wingnut & bolt or other quick-release, a tool-free system for folding the bar down, there are two models in particular that stood out as easier than the rest for this process. It doesn't get any easier than adjusting the handle on the Ego Power+ LM2135SP — there is a large lever that either adjusts the angle of the handle or is used to fold it all the way over the mower body when you're ready to store it.
It doesn't get any easier than adjusting the angle or folding up the handle of the Ego Power+ LM2135SP.
Credit: Clark Tate
Only slightly harder than the Ego because it requires the use of two levers rather than one, the Toro 60V Max Super Recycler handle folding process is exceptionally easy.
Fully folding the handle is just quick and easy for compact storage.
Credit: Clark Tate
Changing Modes
The Toro 60V Max Super Recycler and the Ego Power+ LM2135SP each come with two blades — one for efficiency and one for performance. The process for each mower is the same. After removing the battery, remove the primary bolt and switch blades, then tighten the bolt back down.
To switch out the blade on the Max, lay it on its side and loosen the main bolt. Seen here clogged with wet grass while using the Eco blade, we decided to switch it out for higher performance.
Credit: Clark Tate
Changing Mowing Heights
Adjusting the cutting height is a feature that nearly every modern lawn mower has, but the process of fine-tuning this setting varies significantly from mower to mower. Most models have the classic spring-loaded lever that must be set on each front wheel.
Mowers with “stick shift” deck adjustments such as the Ego Power+ LM2135SP are much quicker and easier to operate than those with the old-school spring lever adjustments.
Credit: Clark Tate
However, there are a few models that offer innovative features that make cutting height extra easy to change. The Ego Power+ LM2135SP, Greenworks 25322, and corded 25022 all have a large knob that resembles the stick shift in a car that allows for effortless one-handed adjustments.
Adjusting the deck height on the Greenworks models is truly a no-brainer.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
=Set Up and Maintenance=
When we consider how easy each of these machines is to maintain, we're largely comparing the general ease of keeping up a gas-powered mower versus an electric or reel option. Then, we look at model-specific factors that may give one mower an edge over other similar options. Here's what we've found.
Nearly all mowers require a bit of assembly, but none of it is rocket science.
Credit: Clark Tate
While all lawnmowers will require you to sharpen their blades on occasion, other maintenance needs depend on the power source of your mower. Gas mowers require regular maintenance like oil changes, air filter replacements, and occasional carburetor cleaning. If you know of a small engine repair service, they may be able to complete these tasks for you, otherwise, you're on your own.
The Troy-Bilt TB110 had straightforward assembly, but gas-powered mowers require routine maintenance throughout the duration of their lives.
Credit: Clark Tate
For these reasons, the gas-powered Troy-Bilt TB110 and Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 will likely be more cumbersome to maintain than the electric or manual options. They receive a lower score as a result. It's worth noting though, that the Toro claims to never need an oil change. It just requires you to top off the oil levels on occasion. Time will tell how well that works out.
Mowers with traditional decks will clog from time to time. Some more often than others.
Credit: Clark Tate
In contrast, we expect the American and Great States reel mowers to be among the easiest to maintain in the test, requiring an occasional blade adjustment or sharpening. They have no fuel, oil, or battery to monitor. The cord mowers, including the Greenworks 25022 and Sun Joe MJ401E-P2, are similar. You'll need to clean the underside of the deck on occasion and make sure the cord is in good shape, but that's about it.
Corded models require minimal assembly and maintenance, but we couldn't get over the frustrations caused by managing the cord.
Credit: Clark Tate
Battery mowers simply require you to keep them clean and check on the battery, sharpening the blade on occasion. The battery will eventually wear out, forcing you to buy a new one, but that's about it.
Battery mowers are easy to assemble and do not require routine maintenance.
Credit: Clark Tate
To summarize, gas mowers require the most maintenance but offer power and durability. Battery mowers are convenient with minimal upkeep and work wonderfully for medium-sized yards. Corded mowers have very little to maintain, making them suitable for smaller yards near power outlets. Reel mowers are low maintenance and eco-friendly. They're best for small, flat lawns.
Noise
Electric, battery-powered mowers are quieter than their gas counterparts. Reel lawn mowers are quieter still. We measured the volume of each at head height in decibels (dBa). The Great States and American are the quietest, registering 66 dBa each.
With reel mowers like the Great States 204-14, all you hear is a pleasant whir of the blades.
Credit: Clark Tate
Among the electric options, the quietest measured in the low 70s, with the Ego Power+ LM210SP being the lowest with a measured noise level of 71 dBa. The Greenworks 25322 and Snapper 82V are a bit louder at 72 dBa. The Ego Power+ LM2135SP and Toro 60V Max Super Recycler measured 73 and 74 decibels, respectively, during testing. The rest of the battery options registered in the high to mid-70's.
Gas-powered mowers were louder, hovering around 80 dBa, with the Troy-Bilt TB110 measured at 79 dBa and the Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 at 81 dBa. This is significant because 80 dBa is the threshold at which the World Health Organization recommends limiting your exposure to sound. Still, they claim that you can listen to about 40 hours of 80 dBa sounds in a week without much risk of long-term hearing loss.
How to Choose a Lawn Mower
Before anything, you need to decide which type of mower you need. Here are a few things to think about before ordering. For a more in-depth discussion, check out our lawn mower buying advice.
Gas, Battery, Corded Electric, or Reel?
When shopping for a lawn mower, the first step is to consider your power source. Each one has its pros and cons, and depending on the size of your yard, your location, and your budget, the type of lawn mower needed will vary. Gasoline models are by far and away the most popular as well as the most powerful, but they have the added chores and equipment involved with all internal combustion engines. And who likes huffing fumes? Battery-powered models are quickly gaining popularity but be prepared for a lengthy recharge time as opposed to a quick fuel tank top-off. Our team immediately found corded electric models to be a bit silly for anything besides the smallest areas as soon as we started testing. We found the tried and true reel models to be a fun way to get some exercise, but be prepared to put some miles on those "Chevrolegs!"
Gas-powered models are the most popular models, but they bring extra headache in terms of maintenance, fumes, and noise.
Battery models are sleek-looking and substantially quieter than gasoline models, but not nearly as quiet as reels.
Reel models get the job done if you're willing to put in the work!
What About the Clippings?
Certain mowers have a mulching setting, which is ideal for both the health of your back and the health of the lawn. Some models have bags that gather the clippings for you to dump wherever you would like. Side shoot models work exactly as described — they shoot clippings to the side. These were once a popular style of lawn mower but have largely faded from the market as technology has developed. Finally, there are lawn mowers that leave unmulched clippings where they are clipped. Depending on the length of grass and the environment, you may or may not need to go back over the yard and rake up clippings if you decide to go with this type.
Whether you mulch, shoot, or bag, don't forget about your plan for clippings!
Credit: Clark Tate
Self-Propelled
As much as our team loves a good hard day's work, we have to admit — the lawn mower pulling itself along as you jam out to your favorite playlist or listen to a podcast with your brand new earbuds can turn something that's often considered a chore into a soothing and enjoyable experience. Self-propelled models have a lever or setting that engages a motor that effectively helps spin the rear wheels and move the machine. Just don't forget that this extra power usage will burn up batteries and fuel more quickly than models that don't offer this feature.
Self-propelled lawn mowers turn yard work into a walk in the park.
Credit: Clark Tate
How Wide of a Deck Do You Buy?
Essentially, the wider the deck, the quicker it will be to mow your lawn. That said, lawn mowers with wider decks are often heavier and more cumbersome, making them harder to maneuver and store. There's a price factor to consider, too. Generally speaking, wider decks are more expensive.
Mowers with smaller decks are often easier to store and maneuver, but you'll end up taking more passes than you would with a larger deck.
Credit: Clark Tate
Height Adjustments
Nearly every mower comes with an adjustable height setting. For gasoline, battery, and corded models, adjusting the setting is usually as simple as a moving a spring-loaded lever on the front wheels. Some of the newer designs have an integrated “stick shift” that allows you to adjust the height with one hand. If you decide to go with an old, trusty, rusty reel model, you'll have to break out some tools to adjust it to your ideal grass length.
Changing the height is generally as easy as moving a couple of spring-loaded levers on the front wheels.
Credit: Clark Tate
Storage
Lawn mowers come in all shapes and sizes, and some of them fold up while others do not. While an old-school reel mower can essentially get tossed in the corner of a shed, a gas mower needs to live somewhere that is gasoline-friendly. Also, if you choose to go with gasoline, don't forget that you will need to either completely drain the tank or add a fuel stabilizer if you won't be using the machine for an extended period. Aside from reels, the electric models are the easiest to store because they fold up and can be stored upright — something you should only do with a gasoline mower if the fluids have been completely drained.
We love that battery mowers can be folded up and stored on end. This is a drastic change from your dad's old gas mower than takes up a giant chunk of the garage.
Credit: Clark Tate
Conclusion
We hope this comprehensive review has led you to the lawn mower of your dreams. Whether you have a quarter acre of grass to maintain or need to trim the nooks and crannies that your riding mower can't reach, we've found and stress-tested a great option for your needs. With so many great options on the market, you can now choose between a traditional gas-powered machine and a battery option that helps you join the rapid shift to electric power. Happy mowing!
