Tired of the noisy roar of gas mowers and the endless hassle of oil changes? Electric lawn mowers offer a quieter, cleaner way to keep your yard looking sharp. But with so many models boasting powerful batteries and sharp blades, how do you pick a winner? The sheer volume of reviews and technical specs can quickly become overwhelming. You want a reliable mower that lasts, cuts evenly, and doesn’t quit halfway through your lawn.
Navigating the world of Electric Lawn Mower Consumer Reports means wading through confusing ratings and conflicting user feedback. We understand the frustration of investing in a new machine only to find it falls short of expectations. That’s why we’ve dug deep into the latest testing data and real-world performance reviews.
This guide cuts through the noise. We break down the top-rated electric mowers based on cutting power, battery life, ease of use, and overall value. By the end of this post, you will have a clear roadmap to choosing the perfect electric mower for your yard size and budget. Let’s find the best electric mower that makes yard work a breeze!
Top Electric Lawn Mower Consumer Reports Recommendations
- International, Icon Group (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 524 Pages - 04/30/2015 (Publication Date) - ICON Group International, Inc. (Publisher)
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Tackle your yard with 3,300 RPM of power and a 14-inch cutting width
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: No gas or batteries needed to power the mower
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR CUT: Effortlessly change the height of your cut with 5 cutting positions varying between 1.4-inches and 3-inches
- MAX MANEUVERABILITY: Features 7.75-inch rear wheels for easy navigation around the lawn
- 7-GALLON COLLECTION BAG: Neatly stores grass clippings for a tidier lawn
- Powerful 12.5 Amp 2IN1 Electric Lawn Mower for Efficient Cutting - The 14-inch electric lawn mower is powered by a 12.5 Amp, 1500W motor delivering up to 3400 RPM, providing consistent cutting performance for routine lawn care. This corded electric push mower is ideal for small to medium yards, offering strong power without gas, fumes, or engine maintenance.
- 14-Inch Cutting Width with 6-Position Height Adjustment - Designed for precision lawn maintenance, this 14-inch electric lawn mower features 6 cutting height positions from 1.0” to 3.0”, allowing you to customize your cut for ornamental or utility lawns. Easily adjust cutting height to match seasonal growth and lawn conditions.
- 2-in-1 Lawn Mower: Grass Catcher & Mulching Kit Included - This electric lawn mower with grass catcher includes a 10-gallon collection bag with a fill-level indicator for convenient cleanup. Switch to the included mulching kit to finely shred clippings and return nutrients to your lawn—perfect for eco-friendly lawn care.
- Lightweight & Easy-to-Maneuver Electric Push Mower - Weighing approximately 31.9 lbs, the electric push mower is lightweight and easy to handle. Equipped with 6-inch front wheels and 7-inch rear wheels, it offers smooth maneuverability and stable control, making mowing less tiring for everyday homeowners.
- Safe, Durable & Low-Maintenance Corded Lawn Mower - Built with IPX4 water resistance, a rear safety flap, and a safety lock-off switch, this corded electric lawn mower prioritizes user protection. No gas, no oil, and minimal maintenance—just plug in and mow for reliable lawn care all season long.
- TOUCH DRIVE SELF-PROPELLED TECHNOLOGY - Engage the self-propel function with the touch of your palm and change speed with the scroll of a dial at your fingertips
- EXCEEDS POWER OF GAS - This EGO self-propelled lawn mower features a high-efficiency brushless motor that delivers up to 6.0 ft-lbs of cutting torque for power and performance that exceeds gas-powered mowers
- UP TO 60 MINUTES OF RUNTIME - Get up to 60 minutes of runtime on a single charge from this battery lawnmower with the included 56V 7.5Ah battery; compatible with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries
- 7 CUTTING HEIGHT SETTINGS - Adjust deck height with one hand from 1.25 to 4 inches and mulch, side discharge, or bag your clippings with an included two-bushel grass bag
- QUICK AND EASY PUSH-BUTTON START - Plus bright LED headlights and IPX4 weather resistance; EGO electric mowers feature adjustable handle height and fold for compact storage
- Choose Your runtime- choose your battery. Recommended 60V Max* 4.0Ah, 5.0 Ah, 6.0 Ah and 7.5 Ah batteries.
- Self-Propelled mower with a 2-point height of cut that allows for quick deck adjusting to keep an even cut.
- Advanced bag to reduce blow out and hold more clippings with the large, easy-to-empty mulching bag.
- Self-Propelled mower that cuts up to 1/3 of acre in 42 minutes or less on a full charge at the start of a button.
- 3-phase brushless motor with RunSmart technology for increased runtime and optimized performance.
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Tackle your yard with 3,500 RPM of power and a 16-inch cutting width
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: No gas or batteries needed to power the mower
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR CUT: Effortlessly change the height of your cut with 5 cutting positions varying between 1.4-inches and 3-inches
- MAX MANEUVERABILITY: Features 8.86-inch rear wheels for easy navigation around the lawn
- 8-GALLON COLLECTION BAG: Neatly stores grass clippings for a tidier lawn
- Powerful Electric Lawn Mowers - Experience the freedom of cordless mowing with this 60V battery powered lawn mower, delivering up to 40 minutes of runtime on a fully charged 4.0Ah battery. Recharge quickly with a full charge time of just 80 minutes.
- Advanced Brushless Motor - The high-efficiency brushless motor provides superior power and extends the mower’s longevity. It ensures consistent performance, allowing you to tackle even the toughest mowing tasks with ease and reliability.
- Versatile Cutting Options- 6-position height adjustment ranges from 1.5" to 3.15". The 2-in-1 feature enhances versatility, allowing for both mulching and rear bagging, adapting to your lawn care needs in various environments.
- Lightweight and Durable Design- The 17" rust-resistant deck is designed for easy maneuverability and long-lasting use. Its lightweight construction ensures effortless handling, making it perfect for navigating tight spaces and uneven terrain.
- Complete Ecosystem Value- Battery-powered lawn mower includes battery, fast charger, grass bag & 4 year tool + 4 year battery warranty Works with 75+ Greenworks 60V tools(trimmers, blowers, chainsaws...)—expand your cordless toolkit.
- [Cutting Grass Strong]:The Walk-behind battery mowers can mow up to 1300 sq. ft. of medium-sized lawn on a full charge, and this electric lawn mower has a 13 In cutting width,with 3400RPM high performance speed, you can cut your lawn with ease.
- [5 Mowing Height Adjustments] : The cordless lawn mower with five height adjustments, the battery lawn mower makes it easy to raise the blades from 1 In to 2.5 In, while also collecting the clippings in an 8-gallon bag.
- [High-performance motor]:The battery powered lawn mower is powered by a high-performance motor, which is low-maintenance, low-noise, and powerful compared to conventional motors, ensuring maximum performance and longer, smoother running time.
- [Easy to fold]:The lawn mower electric ensures a healthy working posture with an adjustable handle, which reduces the strain on your arms and back.The folding handle saves storage space, even in tight garden sheds and garages. The carrying handle makes it easy to carry the lightweight mower.
- [BATTERY UNIVERSAL]:The lawn mower battery powered comes with 1 x 20,000mAh battery that can work continuously for 15 minutes, the same as a member of the Litheli series with all the cordless freedom of the series: lithium-ion rechargeable batteries can be used for all the products, and at the same time lithium-ion rechargeable batteries can be used for emergency charging of cell phones, computers, tablets and other electronic devices.
Choosing Your Champion: The Electric Lawn Mower Buying Guide
Buying an electric lawn mower is a smart choice for a greener, quieter yard. Consumer Reports often highlight the best models, but knowing what to look for helps you pick the right one for your needs. This guide breaks down the essentials.
Key Features to Look For
Modern electric mowers offer a lot of options. Focus on these features first:
- Power Source: Decide between corded and cordless (battery-powered). Cordless offers freedom but requires managing battery life. Corded mowers offer unlimited run time but keep you tethered to an outlet.
- Cutting Width: This is how wide the mower cuts in one pass. Wider decks (18 inches or more) finish large lawns faster. Smaller decks are easier to store and maneuver in tight spaces.
- Mowing Height Adjustment: Good mowers let you easily change the cutting height. Look for single-lever adjustment rather than having to change each wheel individually.
- Bagging/Mulching Options: Most mowers let you collect clippings in a bag, return them to the lawn as mulch, or use a side discharge chute. Check which options are included.
Battery Power Deep Dive (For Cordless Models)
If you choose battery power, the voltage (V) and Amp-hour (Ah) ratings matter. Higher voltage usually means more power for tough grass. Higher Ah means the battery lasts longer per charge. Look for mowers that use interchangeable batteries if you own other battery-powered yard tools.
Important Materials and Construction
The materials used affect how long your mower lasts and how heavy it is.
Deck Material
- Plastic (Composite): These decks are lightweight and resist rust. They are common on entry-level models.
- Steel: Steel decks are durable and handle bumps well, but they can rust if left wet. They tend to be heavier.
Wheels and Handles
Sturdy wheels roll smoothly across uneven ground. Folding handles make storage much easier, especially in small garages. Ensure the handle grips feel comfortable during use.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Consumer Reports often test these factors rigorously. Quality often separates the good from the great.
What Boosts Quality:
- Brushless Motors: These motors last longer and use battery power more efficiently than older brushed motors. They run cooler too.
- Self-Propel Feature: For yards with hills or for users who prefer less pushing effort, a self-propelled drive system significantly improves the mowing experience.
- Quiet Operation: Electric mowers are already quiet, but premium models operate almost silently, which is great for early morning mowing.
What Lowers Quality (Watch Out For):
Cheap plastic casings crack easily. Flimsy adjustment levers often break after a season of use. If the battery drains much faster than advertised in real-world tests, the quality of the power management system is low.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about your lawn size and physical ability when making your choice.
Small to Medium Lawns (Under 1/4 Acre)
A standard 40V or 60V battery mower with a 16-18 inch deck works perfectly. You probably won’t need self-propel, but easy folding for storage is a big plus.
Large Lawns (Over 1/4 Acre)
You need longer battery life (higher Ah rating) or you should consider a corded model if outlets are conveniently placed. A self-propel feature becomes highly recommended here to save your energy.
Always read user reviews about how easy the mower starts and how simple it is to clean after use. A mower that is hard to maintain often ends up sitting unused in the garage.
Electric Lawn Mower Consumer Reports FAQ
Q: What is the main difference between 40V and 80V electric mowers?
A: Higher voltage usually means the mower has more torque, helping it cut thick or wet grass better. Think of it like a stronger engine.
Q: Are electric mowers truly maintenance-free?
A: Not entirely. You still need to keep the blade sharp and clean the deck after mowing. Batteries also need proper storage during the winter.
Q: How long do electric mower batteries typically last on a single charge?
A: This varies a lot! On average, expect 30 to 50 minutes of runtime. Thick grass drains the battery much faster than light grass.
Q: Is a corded electric mower a bad idea for most people?
A: Not if you have a small yard and easy access to an outlet. They are lighter and cheaper, but you must watch the cord so you do not run over it.
Q: What is ‘mulching’ and why is it good?
A: Mulching chops the grass clippings into very fine pieces. These pieces fall back onto the lawn, acting as a natural, free fertilizer.
Q: How do I know if I need a self-propelled model?
A: If your yard has slopes, you are mowing more than a quarter-acre, or you find pushing a traditional mower tiring, self-propel will make mowing much easier.
Q: How do I store my electric mower during the winter?
A: Store the mower in a dry place. For battery models, remove the battery and store it indoors at a partial charge (around 50%), not fully drained or fully charged.
Q: Are electric mower blades as effective as gas mower blades?
A: Yes, modern electric blades cut very effectively. The main difference is that gas mowers often have heavier flywheels, which sometimes helps them push through extremely dense patches better.
Q: What should I check if a new mower won’t start?
A: First, ensure the safety key or plug is inserted correctly. If it is battery-powered, make sure the battery is fully charged and locked into place.
Q: What is the lifespan of the electric mower motor?
A: Brushless motors are very durable. With regular care, they often last 10 years or more, usually outlasting the lifespan of the initial batteries.