Top 5 Mulching Lawn Mowers: Review & Buying Guide

Is your lawn covered in grass clippings after every mow? Do you wish you could skip the bagging step and still have a neat yard? Many homeowners face this exact problem. Choosing the best lawn mower with a mulcher attachment can feel overwhelming. You see so many features and brands, and it’s tough to know which one truly fits your needs.

A good mulching mower saves you time and feeds your lawn natural nutrients. But if you pick the wrong one, you might end up with clumps of uncut grass everywhere! That is why understanding the differences between models is so important. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down what makes a great mulching mower.

By the end of this post, you will know exactly what features to look for. You will feel confident choosing a machine that leaves your grass looking professional and healthy. Get ready to transform your mowing routine from a chore into an effortless task!

Top Lawn Mower With Mulcher Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1
WEN 20V Max 2-in-1 19-Inch Cordless Brushless Lawn Mower and Mulcher with Two 5Ah Batteries and Dual Port Charger (20839)
  • Brushless motor provides better performance, a longer lifespan, and less maintenance than brushed alternatives
  • 2-in-1 operation doubles as both a lawn mower and a mulcher with five quick-adjust height settings ranging from 1.5 to 3.2 inches
  • 5.0 amp-hour lithium-ion battery with onboard LED charge gauge delivers consistent power at any charge level, and is compatible with the entire WEN 20V Max Cordless Power Tool series
  • Cuts lawns up to 10,300 square feet (roughly 1/4-acre) on a single charge with the two included 5Ah batteries (actual runtime of 30 to 68 minutes dependent on grass conditions and cutting height)
  • Includes a collapsible handle for easy upright storage, a 13-gallon collection bag, a mulching plug, a 19-inch deck, a 17-inch cutting blade, two 20V Max li-ion 5Ah batteries, a 20V Max dual port charger, and a two-year warranty
Bestseller No. 2
SENIX LSSG-M9 21-inch Gas Self-Propelled Lawn Mower - 140 cc 4-Cycle Briggs & Stratton Engine, Bagging, Mulching, and Side Discharge, 6-Position Lever Height Adjustment
  • 【Easy Yard Maintenance】21-inch Cutting width gas lawn mower, effortlessly tackling small to medium yards.
  • 【Powerful Engine】Gas lawn mower is powered by a reliable Briggs & Stratton 140 cc gas powered engine that is designed to provide longer engine life, low vibration, and easy maintenance; Prime N' Pull start makes it easy to start the mower every time
  • 【3-In-1 Lawn Mower】 3-in-1 steel deck with mulching, side discharge, and rear bagging provides versatile mowing options; 16-gallon bagger is included; Ergonomic handle maximizes user comfort during use
  • 【Cutting Height Adjustment】The 6-position dual-lever height adjustment from 1.25-inch to 3.75-inch ensures you get the perfect cut every time; 8" front and 11" rear wheels provide great maneuverability through rough terrain and uneven surfaces
  • 【What's in the Box】 Self-propelled single speed lawn mower (front wheel drive) includes engine oil, mulch plug, side discharge chute, and 16-gallon bagger. All SENIX gas lawn mowers are backed by our 2-year limited warranty for your peace of mind
SaleBestseller No. 3
PowerSmart 21" 2-in-1 Push Lawn Mower, 144cc Engine, 3-in-1 with Bagging, High Wheels, Lightweight and Easy Assembly,Adjustable Cutting Height, Lightweight,for Garden Yard
  • Powerful & Efficient OHV 144cc Engine‌: Equipped with a robust 4-stroke OHV 144cc engine, this lawn mower delivers unmatched performance and reliability, ensuring a clean and efficient cut every time.
  • Versatile 3-in-1 Cutting System‌: Choose between mulching and side discharge options to suit your lawn care needs. Mulching finely chops grass clippings to enrich your soil, while side discharge allows for quick and easy cleanup of larger areas.
  • Lightweight & Easy Maneuverability‌: Weighing just 62 lbs, this lawn mower is a breeze to push and maneuver around your garden. Its compact design makes it perfect for tight spaces and small yards, ensuring no corner is left uncut.
  • Customizable Cutting Height for Perfect Results‌: With 6-position height adjustment, you can easily customize the cutting height from 1.5 to 3.9 inches to achieve the perfect lawn finish. Whether you prefer a short, neat look or a lush, green carpet, this mower has you covered.
  • Safety First with Start/Stop Control Lever‌: Designed with your safety in mind, the start/stop control lever allows for easy and immediate stopping of the mower in case of emergencies. This feature prevents accidents and injuries, giving you peace of mind while you work on your lawn.
Bestseller No. 4
SENIX LSPG-M7 21'' Gas Push Lawn Mower, with 140 cc 4-Cycle Briggs & Stratton Engine, 3-in-1 Bagging, Mulching, and Side Discharge, 6-Position Dual Lever Height Adjustment, 16 Gallon Grass Bag
  • EASY YARD MAINTENANCE: The 21-inch cutting width and durability make this gas lawn mower a breeze to use, effortlessly tackling small to medium yards and giving you a flawless cut every time
  • POWERFUL ENGINE: The lawn mower is powered by a reliable Briggs & Stratton 140 cc gas powered engine that is designed to provide longer engine life, low vibration, and easy maintenance; Prime N' Pull start makes it easy to start the mower every time
  • 3-IN-1 LAWN MOWER: The 3-in-1 steel deck with mulching, side discharge, and rear bagging provides versatile mowing options; 16-gallon bagger is included; Ergonomic handle maximizes user comfort during use
  • EASY HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT: The 6-position dual-lever height adjustment from 1.25-inch to 3.75-inch ensures you get the perfect cut every time; 8" front and 11" rear wheels provide great maneuverability through rough terrain and uneven surfaces
  • WHAT'S INCLUDED: The push lawn mower includes engine oil, mulch plug, side discharge chute, and 16-gallon bagger; All SENIX gas lawn mowers are backed by our 2-year limited warranty for your peace of mind
SaleBestseller No. 5
Greenworks 40V 16" Cordless Lawn Mower, Ultra-Light Push Mower with 4.0Ah Battery & Charger(75+ Tool Compatibility, 45Min Runtime)
  • Effortless Power for ½ Acre Yards- Experience gas-like performance without the hassle—35 minutes of continuous runtime from a single 4.0Ah battery (full charge in 2 hours). Perfect for small to medium lawns up to ½ acre.
  • Ultra-Lightweight Design (35% Lighter)- 16" cutting deck with ergonomic handles and push-button start makes maneuvering effortless—ideal for users prioritizing comfort and ease of storage.
  • Smart Cut Adjustment System- Single-lever 5-position height control (1.25"-3.375") adapts to any grass type. 2-in-1 mulching/rear-bagging system maximizes clippings management.
  • Zero Maintenance, Maximum Savings- No gas/oil costs, emissions, or engine tune-ups. Save $200+ annually vs gas mowers with whisper-quiet operation (<75dB).
  • Complete Ecosystem Value- Includes battery, fast charger, grass bag & 3year tool + 3year battery warranty Works with 75+ Greenworks 40V tools(trimmers, blowers, chainsaws...)—expand your cordless toolkit.
Bestseller No. 6
Greenworks 60V 17" Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower, 2-in-1 Mulching/Bagging, 4.0Ah Battery and 3A Charger(40min Runtime)
  • 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.
Bestseller No. 7
PowerSmart 21" Push Lawn Mower, B&S 125cc Engine, 2-in-1 Mulching and Side Discharge, Lightweight, Easy Assembly, Cordless Push Lawn Mowers for Garden Yard
  • B&S 125cc Engine: Equipped with a 4-stroke, OHV, single-cylinder engine Powered by B&S, this mower ensures efficient and reliable performance with a displacement of 125cc.
  • Lightweight and Maneuverable: Weighing only 62 lbs, this mower is easy to push and maneuver, making lawn care less strenuous.
  • Adjustable Cutting Height: Features a 6-position height adjustment, allowing you to customize the cutting height from 1.5 to 3.9 inches for a perfect lawn finish.
  • Easy Assembly and Maintenance: Comes with a detailed manual for quick assembly and straightforward maintenance, ensuring long-lasting use.
  • Safety Features: Includes essential safety features such as a start/stop control lever, safety shields, and clear safety instructions to prevent accidents and injuries.
SaleBestseller No. 8
PowerSmart Gas Lawn Mower 21-Inch 144cc OHV Engine 2-in-1 Push Mower with Bagging
  • Gas Powered Engine: A 144cc 4-cycle OHV engine equipped with recoil starter and auto choke for easy start, delivers strong power.
  • 2-in-1 Steel Deck: All-steel deck built to last, combine mulching and bagging capabilities in 1.
  • 21" Cutting Blade: The heavy-duty blade delivers better cutting effect, allowing you to mow more in less time.
  • Adjustable Cutting Height: Dual-lever height adjustment with 6 cutting positions allows you to choose your cut from 1.5" to 3.9".
  • Easy to Assemble: Foldable design saves 70% storage space, making it more convenient to unfold and use.

Choosing Your Ideal Lawn Mower With Mulcher: A Buyer’s Guide

A lawn mower with a built-in mulcher makes yard work easier. Mulching means the mower cuts the grass into tiny pieces. These small pieces fall back onto the lawn. They act like natural fertilizer. This guide helps you pick the best one for your yard.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, certain features make a big difference in how well your mower works.

Engine Power and Type

  • Gas vs. Electric: Gas mowers offer more power for large yards or thick grass. Electric (corded or battery) mowers are quieter and need less maintenance. Battery-powered models offer good freedom of movement.
  • Horsepower (HP) or Voltage (V): Higher numbers usually mean more power to cut tough grass without stalling.

Deck Size and Cutting Height

  • Deck Size: This is how wide the mower cuts in one pass. Bigger decks (like 21 inches or more) are great for large lawns because you finish faster. Smaller decks fit better in tight spaces.
  • Adjustable Height: Good mowers let you easily change how high or low the blades cut. Look for levers that adjust all four wheels at once for easy setup.

Mulching Performance

  • Blade Design: Mulching blades are curved or specially shaped. They keep the grass clippings suspended under the deck longer. This allows the blades to chop them many times.
  • Baffle System: Some decks have baffles inside. These direct the air and grass flow, improving the mulching quality significantly.

Important Materials and Build Quality

The materials used determine how long your mower lasts and how much it weighs.

Deck Material

  • Steel Decks: These are very common. They are strong and durable. Quality steel resists dents better.
  • Aluminum Decks: These are lighter and will never rust, which is a big plus in wet climates. However, they can be more expensive.

Wheel Construction

Look for wheels made of hard plastic or durable rubber. Wheels with ball bearings help the mower roll smoothly, especially over bumpy ground. Cheap, thin plastic wheels wear out fast.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

A few design choices greatly affect your mowing experience.

Ease of Use (User Experience)

  • Self-Propelled vs. Push: For flat, small yards, a push mower works fine. For hills or large areas, self-propelled models save a lot of energy. Check if the drive speed is adjustable.
  • Starting Mechanism: Electric mowers start with a button press. Gas mowers should start easily with one or two pulls. A difficult start lowers the quality of the experience.

Maintenance and Durability

A quality mower needs simple upkeep. Can you easily reach the spark plug or air filter on gas models? Can you clean the underside of the deck easily? Good access points reduce frustration.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about your specific yard when making a choice.

  • Small, Flat Yards: A lightweight, corded electric mower or a standard battery model works perfectly. You prioritize easy storage.
  • Large, Hilly Yards: You need a powerful gas engine and a reliable self-propelled system. Focus on powerful cutting ability over lightweight design.
  • Thick Grass or Frequent Mowing: If you cut tall grass often, a machine with a high-lift blade and powerful engine prevents clumping.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Mowers With Mulchers

Q: Is a mulching mower better than a bagging mower?

A: Mulching is often better for lawn health because it returns nutrients to the soil. Bagging is better if you need to remove clippings completely, perhaps due to allergies or high grass volume.

Q: Do I need special blades for mulching?

A: Yes. High-quality mulching mowers come with specialized, high-lift blades designed to chop the grass repeatedly before dropping it.

Q: Can I use a regular mower to mulch?

A: Some regular mowers can mulch if you buy a separate mulching plug to block the discharge chute. However, dedicated mulchers do the job much better.

Q: How often should I empty the battery on an electric mulcher?

A: This depends on the battery size (Ah) and the size of your lawn. For an average suburban yard (1/4 acre), one full charge is usually enough.

Q: What size lawn is best for a 20-inch deck?

A: A 20-inch deck works well for small to medium lawns, roughly up to half an acre, depending on obstacles.

Q: Does mulching make my lawn look messy?

A: If the mower has good mulching action, the clippings should be so fine that they disappear into the grass within a day. If you see clumps, the grass was too long or the blades need sharpening.

Q: What is the main downside of gas-powered mulchers?

A: They create loud noise and release exhaust fumes. They also require regular oil changes and maintenance.

Q: How important is the wheel size on a push mower?

A: Larger rear wheels make it much easier to push and maneuver the mower, especially when turning corners or going over uneven ground.

Q: How do I keep my mulching blades sharp?

A: You should sharpen mulching blades at least twice per mowing season if you use the mower frequently. Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly.

Q: Should I mulch when the grass is wet?

A: No. Wet grass clumps together easily. It will likely clog the deck, leading to poor mulching and potentially stalling the engine or motor.

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