All lawn mowers guides
The short version
Buying a walk-behind mower is simpler than the store aisle makes it look:
- Measure your lawn. Under about a quarter acre of grass, a battery mower is the easy choice. Up to about half an acre, a walk-behind still works. Past that, look at riders or a robot.
- Choose push or self-propelled. Self-propelled is worth it on slopes, bigger lawns and if you bag clippings.
- Choose battery or gas. Battery is quieter and almost maintenance-free. Gas runs longer on big or overgrown lawns.
- Keep the blade sharp. A sharp blade makes a cheap mower cut better than a dull expensive one.
I look after my own lawn with EGO battery tools and sharpen my mower blade on the grinder in my workshop. The model picks in these guides come from maker specs and long-term owner reports.
Start here
- Not sure which kind you need? Types of lawn mowers explains reel, rotary, push, self-propelled, riders and robots.
- Still deciding on power? Electric vs gas lawn mower.
- Want the picks? Best cordless lawn mowers and Best self-propelled lawn mowers.
- Small yard or tight budget? Best lawn mowers for small yards and Best cheap cordless lawn mowers.
Lawn size and mower type
The National Gardening Association gives these rough ranges:
| Lawn size (actual grass) | Mower type |
|---|---|
| Under 1,000 sq ft | Push reel |
| Under 5,000 sq ft | Corded electric or small battery |
| Up to about 1/4 acre | Battery walk-behind |
| Up to about 1/2 acre | Walk-behind rotary, push or self-propelled |
| 1/2 acre and up | Rider, lawn tractor or zero-turn |
Bigger batteries and spare packs stretch the battery range. Thick, wet or tall grass shrinks it.
Battery vs gas in one minute
Battery: push-button start, low noise, no oil, gas or spark plugs. Runtime is the limit. EGO lists up to 60 minutes for its 21-inch Select Cut self-propelled mower (LM2135SP) with a 7.5Ah battery. Dense grass and self-propel drive shorten that.
Gas: runs as long as there's fuel, copes with overgrown grass, usually cheaper up front. Needs yearly maintenance and fresh fuel, and it's loud. In California, most new small off-road engines, including mower engines, must be zero emission from model year 2024 under the state's Air Resources Board rules.
Full trade-offs, including running costs, in Electric vs gas lawn mower.
Choosing a battery platform
A battery mower ties you to a battery brand. The same batteries can run a trimmer, a blower and a hedge trimmer, so the brand matters more than the single mower. The big US platforms are compared in EGO vs Ryobi vs Greenworks, and brand reviews cover the details:
When comparing, multiply voltage by amp-hours to get watt-hours. It's the fairest way to compare battery capacity between brands.
What to check before buying
- Cutting width: 21 inches suits most yards. Smaller decks are lighter and easier to store.
- Height range: look for at least 3.5 to 4 inches at the top setting. Most lawns are healthiest mowed tall.
- Mulch, bag and side-discharge: mulching is what you'll use most.
- What's in the box: "tool only" means no battery or charger.
- Warranty: check tool and battery terms separately.
When to buy
Mower prices follow the season, and sales cluster around predictable dates. When do lawn mowers go on sale? has the calendar.
Keep the blade sharp
A dull blade tears grass, leaves brown tips and invites disease. Iowa State Extension recommends sharpening each spring and checking the blade through the season. Remove the battery or disconnect the spark plug before you touch the blade. Step-by-step in How to sharpen a lawn mower blade, and the mowing side in How to mow a lawn the right way.
All lawn mower guides
- Best cordless lawn mowers
- Best self-propelled lawn mowers
- Best lawn mowers for small yards
- Best cheap cordless lawn mowers
- Electric vs gas lawn mower
- EGO vs Ryobi vs Greenworks mowers
- EGO Power+ lawn mower review
- Ryobi cordless lawn mower review
- Seese cordless lawn mower review
- Types of lawn mowers
- When do lawn mowers go on sale?
- How to sharpen a lawn mower blade
FAQ
What type of lawn mower is best for a small yard?
A battery push mower with a deck of about 16 to 21 inches. It's light, quiet, starts instantly and stores easily. For a very small, flat lawn, a push reel mower also works.
Is a self-propelled mower worth the extra money?
Yes on slopes, on lawns over about a quarter acre, or if you bag clippings. On a small flat lawn, a push mower is lighter and cheaper.
How long does a battery lawn mower run?
Usually 30 to 60 minutes per charge depending on battery size, grass and self-propel use. Check the maker's runtime for the exact battery in the kit.
Can a battery mower handle a half-acre lawn?
Some can with a large battery or a spare. Thick or fast-growing grass makes it harder. If you often mow tall grass, consider gas or a robot instead.
How often should I sharpen my mower blade?
At least once a year before the season, and again when you see ragged, browned tips on the grass. Hitting stones or roots dulls a blade fast.
Are gas mowers banned?
Not nationwide. California requires most new small off-road engines, including lawn mower engines, to be zero emission from model year 2024. Check your state and city rules.