5 things to know if you're buying a lawn mower

As spring rapidly approaches, you might be remembering a sputtering, grass-tearing end to the last mowing season and dreading the subpar mower tucked away in your shed. 

If that's the case, it's probably time to invest in a new mower. Technological advance isn't reserved for smartphones and televisions - lawn mower manufacturers have been steadily upping their game year on year with new features, higher power in smaller engines and increased efficiency that will leave your lawn greener.  

We've compiled a quick guide of things to consider when buying a new mower. 

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1. The size of your lawn

Not all mowers are created equal.  A push mower might be the simple, perfect solution for a tiny yard, but it would be torture to tackle a sprawling one with. 

Generally, for smaller lawns up to 50 square metres, we'd recommend a model with a cutting width below 35cm. 

If you have a medium lawn - somewhere between 50 and 150 square metres - look for a cutting width between 35 and 45cm. 

The smaller the cutting width, the smaller and more manoeuvrable the mower. They're easier to navigate around tight spaces and obstacles such as trees, flower beds and ornaments, and they're easier to store. 

For larger lawns, you can go even higher on the cutting width - we've tested models with cutting widths as large as 55cm, although most tend to be around the 46cm mark. Wider cutting widths translate to fewer passes needed to mow your entire lawn, which is essential for larger properties.  

For much larger lawns (over 500 square metres), you'll want a ride-on mower. Find out more in our how to buy the best ride-on lawn mower guide.

2. Power source 

What type of lawn mower you'll need depends on your own preferences, as well as the characteristics of your lawn. 

Electric mowers (Corded)

Pros:

• Lower maintenance needs compared to petrol mowers.
• Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, perfect for smaller lawns.
• Generally more affordable than other mower types.

Cons:

• Limited by cord length, restricting your movement.
• Less powerful than petrol or cordless mowers, struggling with thick grass or inclines.

Cordless mowers

Pros:

• Combines the benefits of corded mowers (clean, quiet, low maintenance and easier to manoeuvre than petrol mowers) with greater freedom of movement.
• Some new high-end cordless models offer power comparable to what you'd expect from a petrol mower, so they are also suitable for trickier grass types and uneven lawns. 

Cons:

• Battery life can be limited, requiring recharging during longer mowing sessions. Buying extra batteries can address this.
• Higher upfront cost compared to corded electric mowers.

Petrol mowers

Pros:

• Most powerful option, tackling tall grass, thick patches, and uneven terrain with ease.
• Unrestricted by cords, offering freedom of movement for larger lawns.

Cons:

• Requires petrol and oil, adding maintenance and storage considerations.
• Heavier than electric or manual mowers, making them more tiring to manoeuvre.
• Noisier operation compared to electric mowers.
• Higher emissions can be a concern for environmentally conscious buyers.

3. How to deal with the clippings

How a mower handles clippings is often overlooked, but can have a significant impact on your lawn's health and how much work you need to put in. There are three choices:

Mulching mowers:  These chop grass clippings into fine pieces that disperse evenly across the lawn. The smaller size accelerates decomposition, returning nutrients to the soil without smothering the grass. Mulching mowers are a great option for most lawns and can significantly reduce the need for fertiliser.

Rear-discharge mowers:  These mowers eject clippings out the back. While not as efficient as mulching, they can still be a good option if you mow frequently and keep the clippings short. However, be mindful of creating piles or smothering the grass.

Collection mowers: While convenient for specific situations, like collecting clippings with disease or for a manicured look, bagging removes those valuable nutrients from your lawn. If you choose a collection mower, consider composting the clippings to return to your yard later.

Check out the handy mulching filter on our lawn mower reviews page to find models with this function. 

4. Features for you

Consider the features that will make mowing more pleasant. These might include:

Self-propulsion: Consider a self-propelled model if you have a large lawn, uneven terrain, or trouble pushing a mower. Models with this feature will save you energy by powering the mower forward while you steer.

Easy-start buttons: Especially for petrol-powered mowers, an easy-start button can eliminate the hassle of pull-starting the engine and get you mowing faster.

Washout ports: Washout ports make cleaning the underside of your mower deck a breeze, preventing grass buildup and ensuring a clean cut next time.

Battery power indicators: For electric mowers, a battery power indicator will help you avoid running out of juice mid-mow and plan your mowing strategy accordingly.

Adjustable handlebars: Adjustable handlebars allow you to customise the mower to your height for a more comfortable and ergonomic mowing experience.

You can read about more lawn mower features in our guide to how to buy the best lawn mower. 

5. You don't have to spend a fortune to get a good mower

We've tested lawn mowers that cost more than £1,000, but we've also tested plenty of affordable models below £200. A premium price doesn't always mean a premium result.

Read our reviews to find the best lawn mower for your needs, and pay special attention to our Great Value recommendation if you're on a budget, as it can help you find a quality machine without breaking the bank.

Models that earn our Great Value recommendation do well in our tests – scoring 65% or more for cordless and petrol models, and 60% or more for corded ones – while also being at least 20% cheaper than the average price of the mowers we’ve tested in their respective power types. Some Great Value models might also score well enough to be Best Buys.

Head over to our Great Value lawn mower reviews to find a model that's affordable and effective.