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A great lawnmower can transform mowing from a chore into an enjoyable task and turn an overgrown lawn into a neatly manicured outdoor space, providing curb appeal for your home. In the long run, it can also save you money on lawn care services.
After months of testing, we recommend the gas-powered Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 as the best gas 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 the Ego Power+ 1000 LM2236SP. We love it for its raw power, self-propelled cutting performance, and incredible battery life.
Since 2016, we have purchased over 34 lawn mowers and mowed hundreds of acres of grass in side-by-side tests. We mow too-tall and dew-wet grass as well as more typical dry turf. From old-school reel motors to traditional gas models powered by the latest Briggs & Stratton motors, to modern and powerful fully battery-operated mowers, read on to see all our favorites and how they performed.
We're in an era where battery-powered tools are replacing the need for a loud, maintenance-intensive, fume-producing engine, but sometimes the old ways still work really well. As soon as we fired up the Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 and got the blade spinning, it was clear to our testers that it offers one of the best combinations of performance, power, and handling in our lineup. The auto-drive eliminates most of the work of pushing the mower, and the stout engine offers a consistently clean cut. A huge advantage that internal combustion engine mowers have over their electric cousins is that there is little to no downtime. Batteries can take one, two, or even five hours to charge. With gas models, you can top the fuel tank off and keep going, provided that you have fuel available.
SPECIFICATIONS
Power Source
Gas
Cutting Deck Width
22"
Self-Propelled
Yes
Run Time
90 min
Measured Recharge/Refuel Time
2 min
These classic-style gas mowers 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 many battery models. 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 five or six-inch grass, 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 components need to be cleaned, drained, maintained, and/or stabilized while not in use for long periods. CO2 fumes can be 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.
Toro replaced the 20340 model with their newer 21465 model. It has all the same great features but has a redesigned deck with Vortex technology engineered to provide more airflow to improve mulching performance.
The SmartStow Recycler 20304 is powerful, makes clean cuts, and handles like a dream. Credit: The GearLab Team
The Ego Power+ 1000 LM2236SP is an absolute tank of a battery-powered mower that rivals or outright embarrasses the cutting power of traditional gas-engine mowers. We recommend this Ego model to people who have traditional flat and straight yards, no matter how large. The massive 22-inch wide cutting deck blasts through thick grass, but make no mistake — this mower is huge. Length-wise, it's significantly longer than others, which helps with stability and cutting even lines. Tester Hale Milano remarked, “This mower has drastically cut down my mowing time because of the larger blades and fast self-propulsion. I even have more space in my garage with the vertical storage feature.” The Ego is one of the most user-friendly mowers we tested, with large, oversized knobs, easy push buttons, and even front headlights. Starting, stopping, adjusting, and even storing is all easy and straightforward. We also love that this large mower can fold flat and store vertically, saving space in your garage. It has an excellent battery life and is quick to charge up. Plus, it's fairly quiet, and we could mow without earplugs.
SPECIFICATIONS
Power Source
56V, 10.0Ah ARC Lithium Battery
Cutting Deck Width
22"
Self-Propelled
Yes
Run Time
75 min
Measured Recharge/Refuel Time
60 min
While the self-propulsion system can make short work of a massive lawn, it's not easy to adjust the speed on the go, which makes turns and pivots slightly more challenging. We found it necessary to release the propulsion in these scenarios and manually push through. There is also a slight lag for the assist to kick back in when starting up again. Due to the Ego's size, you'll find yourself doing more string trimming to fit into the many places this mower can't. A smaller and more maneuverable mower, like the Greenworks MO60L419, may be better if your yard consists of tight spaces. Even the Toro 60V Max Super Recycler, another full-size battery mower, offers increased maneuverability and excellent self-propulsion but sacrifices battery life and performance just slightly. The Ego is also a significant up-front investment, but fortunately, it's compatible with other Ego batteries and requires little ongoing maintenance. If you want an outstanding cutting, mulching, bagging, and overall top-notch mowing experience without the hassle of traditional engines, the Ego is our top recommendation.
The Troy-Bilt TB110 is a trusty and affordable gas mower that offers a quality cut and easy maneuverability. It provided the most consistently clean, even cuts in our tests, using time-tested technology and a well-respected Briggs & Stratton engine that we expect to last for a decade or more. Its sturdy steel deck resists flexing, and large back wheels make it easy to maneuver. The single included blade excels in mulching and bagging tests, transitioning effortlessly between the two settings. 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.
SPECIFICATIONS
Power Source
Gas
Cutting Deck Width
21"
Self-Propelled
No
Run Time
90 min
Measured Recharge/Refuel Time
2 min
There are some downsides to choosing an old standby, though. Its simple, barebones build leaves you doing more of the work. The narrow handle can get uncomfortable to hold, and the lack of self-propulsion requires more physical effort, especially when heading uphill or pushing through tall or thick grass. It's also loud — 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. Still, its well-rounded performance and durable construction make it a strong contender for those with larger yards looking for an affordable mower they can rely on for years to come.
The Greenworks MO60L419 is a compact electric mower that's ideal for small, frequently trimmed lawns. Its lightweight design is easy to maneuver, yet its 17-inch deck and 40-minute runtime can still handle mid-sized lawns. The electric power means you won't have to deal with the hassle of gas or oil, and it's much lighter and easier to push than similar-sized gas mowers. The electric motor is also relatively quiet. It registers 78 decibels by ear, which your neighbors will appreciate. Though numerically that's similar to the readings for gas mowers, we perceived the Greenworks to be much quieter than gas mowers we tested. 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.
SPECIFICATIONS
Power Source
60V, 4.0Ah Lithium Battery
Cutting Deck Width
17"
Self-Propelled
No
Run Time
40 min
Measured Recharge/Refuel Time
90 minutes
The Greenworks MO60L419 mower is less powerful than other battery-powered options tested, requiring multiple passes for a consistent cut. The lightweight plastic deck makes it easy to maneuver around tight spaces; however, it's about average for tackling uneven terrain. It's small enough to navigate with the turf for small dips and bumps, but light enough that if you try to speed through them, things can get a bit bumpy. The Greenworks is not self-propelled, so it requires slightly more effort to push, especially through thick patches of grass or up hills. The blade clogs often in longer grass, particularly as the battery drains. If you trim your lawn consistently, this is less of an issue. Despite a few drawbacks, the Greenworks is a great budget-friendly electric mower ideal for small, regularly maintained yards.
If you're looking for a very simple, affordable mower for your small yard, consider a reel mower. These aren't for everyone, but we were pleasantly surprised by the overall performance of the American Lawn Mower 1204-14. Since they're fuel and battery-free, reel mowers offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to maintain your lawn, plus they're quiet — you could take a phone call while using this mower, or simply quietly enjoy your surroundings in peace. Straightforward assembly and storage add to its user-friendly nature, and the blades arrive sharp right out of the box, slicing confidently through 4-inch tall grass. The self-sharpening blades require only occasional maintenance, making long-term care easy.
SPECIFICATIONS
Power Source
Reel
Cutting Deck Width
14"
Self-Propelled
No
Run Time
n/a
Measured Recharge/Refuel Time
n/a
Reel mowers provide a great workout since your legs do all of the pushing. That said, pushing through taller grass can be challenging and 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 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, simple, emission-free mowing experience and don't mind a bit of manual labor.
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. Our head tester says, “The assistance is seamless. It significantly reduced my physical load while requiring no cognitive effort.” We also love the large bag capacity that lets you keep mowing for longer. 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, significantly quieter than gas models. And it isn't just about our objective measurements — 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.
SPECIFICATIONS
Power Source
60V, 7.5Ah Lithium Battery
Cutting Deck Width
21"
Self-Propelled
Yes
Run Time
50 min
Measured Recharge/Refuel Time
207 min
While the Toro actually outperforms our favorite battery mower for handling, the Ego Power+ 1000 LM2236SP takes the top spot due to its battery life and power. The Toro battery only lasted an average of 41.5 minutes during our tests, compared to the Ego's 75-minute run time. It also takes about three and a half hours to charge fully. This is a drawback for lawns 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 than traditional gas mowers, and its battery won't last forever. Despite these drawbacks, the Super Recycler remains one of the top battery lawn mowers we've tested, combining excellent cutting performance with ease of use, which is a wonderful option for those with smaller lawns.
The exact Toro model that we tested has been updated to a newer model on the Toro website. We compared the stats and specs between the two and found them to be almost identical.
A top-tier battery mower, the Toro 60V Max 21" is powerful, quieter than gas models, and easy to use. Credit: The GearLab Team
Product Comparison Table
We put miles on these machines to help you make the right choice for your needs. Credit: Clark Tate
How We Tested
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 over 100 hours mowing and measuring data such as recharge/refuel times, decibel outputs, and 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 article on how we test lawn mowers.
We examined these lawnmowers using five key metrics:
Mowing (35% of overall score)
Power Performance (25% of score)
Handling (20% of score)
Ease of Use (15% of score)
Noise (5% of score)
The lawnmowers all lined up for their bagging test. Credit: Clark Tate
Don't forget to factor in how much space you have to store these machines. Credit: Clark Tate
If you get a gas-powered mower, you'll have to head to the station. Credit: Clark Tate
Why Trust GearLab
Lawn work is much more pleasant when you have the right tools. Our lead tester, Hale Milano, is no stranger to testing power tools. With plenty of lawn and land care experience, plus a deep analytical and testing background, he spearheaded our latest round of testing focused on the best battery models. His time testing tools like leaf blowers and weed eaters has helped develop a discerning eye for how to test models to their max.
Supporting the testing of various mower models is Clark Tate, who 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. Also lending a hand, and lawn, is Jake Holmes, a former electrician earning a master's degree in geophysics. Jake grew up working farms, has been cutting grass since he was knee-high, and is an experienced mechanic.
We tested some of the top mowers side-by-side, under the same conditions, to truly compare their capabilities. Credit: Hale Milano
Analysis and Test Results
To break down the pros and cons of each machine, we test them across several categories or metrics. This helps us find their strengths and weaknesses while methodically quantifying their performance to rank and score them.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Across our lineup of mowers, we recommend the Troy-Bilt TB110 and Greenworks MO60L419 as our best value for gas and battery mowers, respectively.
This light push mower is battery powered, easy to maneuver, and still big enough to cut medium size lawns on a single charge. Credit: Hale Milano
The Troy-Bilt, with its Briggs & Stratton motor, is a reliable and well-known combination that will likely cut grass for decades, providing exceptional value for your money. If you're set on a battery, though, the Greenworks offers great performance in a compact and reasonably priced model.
The Troy-Bilt is durable enough to last a long time, and provides great value. Credit: Clark Tate
If you have a small yard and don't want to spend a lot on a mower, a push-reel mower might be a good option, so long as you don't mind the extra labor of pushing it. The best one we tested is the American Lawn Mower 1204-14. On the other hand, if you really want a self-propelled mower, you'll have to pay a bit more. Our favorite self-propelled mower is around $580 — the Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340. This gas model is also the top mower in our tests, overall.
Mowing
We evaluated the actual mowing capabilities and quality of each mower by doing dozens of side-by-side tests and comparisons in a variety of grass conditions. We scored based on three key factors: how well they actually cut grass, how effectively they bag and mulch clippings, and how well they navigate and continue to cut grass over bumps, dips, and hills.
Among our lineup of mowers, the battery-powered Ego Power+ 1000 LM2236SP and Toro 60V Max Super Recycler, along with the gas-powered Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 and Troy-Bilt TB110, emerged as our favorites.
Features like twin performance blades, shown here on the Ego 2236, increase the cutting performance of mowers. Credit: Hale Milano
Cutting
All four models were closely matched throughout our cutting trials, making it difficult to crown a champion. We intentionally let the grass grow long to really max out these mowers. The Ego LM2236SP didn't even falter while churning through eight-inch-high, wet, and leaf-covered lawns. The Troy-Bilt made it 40 feet before faltering about halfway through some foot-tall grass, but 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
Initially, we were skeptical that a battery-run engine could out-torque a gas-run machine. We stand corrected. Both the Ego 2236 and Toro Super Recycler are beasts. The Ego has several different cutting options, including Eco, Normal, and Turbo blade speeds. We cut almost entirely in Eco mode with no issues, but Turbo really powered through thicker grass with ease. There's the standard blade and a separate blade specifically for bagging to help lift clippings.
The Ego 2236 cuts large areas of turf quickly and evenly and leaves lawns looking sharp. Credit: Hale Milano
The Super Recycler also features two cutting modes and two blade options. It delivers a largely clean cut with either option, but the performance blade is more consistent. 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.
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+ LM2101 also offers impressive power and a consistent cut.
The Greenworks excels in areas that are too small for full size mowers, but too large to easily string trim. Credit: Hale Milano
While it packs noticeably less power than our top models, the significantly smaller Greenworks MO60L419 also does a great job cutting through most scenarios. It simply took a little more time to work through thicker sections or wet grass, but is fine for normal trimming in small areas.
How well each mower actually mows is one of the most important part of our testing plan.
Mulching and Bagging
In mulching mode, lawnmowers cut grass from the stalk and 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 mulching and bagging, 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. All three of the Ego models we tested mulched and bagged well too; with the Ego 2236 and Ego 2135 both including specialized blades for bagging to increase lift under the clippings.
The Ego bag clips on easily, and collects the grass or leaf clippings from falling into your yard.
Mulching mode is good for your lawn.
Researchers like those at the Oregon 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. After gliding through a particularly dense patch of grass, one tester said of the Toro SmartStow, “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
Terrain Management
A large mower with a wide deck can make short work of a wide open flat lawn. But most lawns are far from flat, and many people may have the need to cut on hills, or over dips and bumps in the lawn. We tested each mower's ability to provide an even cut while handling rough terrain. The gas-powered Troy-Bilt TB110 and Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 feature substantial steel decks that lend 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), meaning it takes fewer laps to cover your yard, which we always appreciate.
The Troy-Bilt's 21-inch steel deck and powerful blade keep the cut consistent over rough terrain. Credit: Clark Tate
Smaller plastic mowers such as the Greenworks MO60L419 also excel in this category, but for completely opposite reasons. Whereas large heavy mowers with self-propulsion can power over bumps or up hills, the smaller mowers are lighter and can be easily pulled through bumpy terrain or pushed up the hill.
The Greenworks is light enough to manhandle over even the toughest terrain, and still cut. Credit: Hale Milano
The self-propelled and battery-powered Toro 60V Max Super Recycler, Ego Power+ LM2135SP, and Ego LM2236SP also do well on hills thanks to strong motors that power up steep terrain and wide bases that hold steady when cutting across a slope. They score slightly lower in terrain management than the gas and smaller mowers when navigating dips and bumps. The lightweight but wide composite decks on these mowers tend to bounce over bumps or glide over dips. In those cases, an even cut often took several passes from different angles, if they were even capable of it at all. 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 self-propulsion on the Ego 2236 is strong enough to help drive the mower up hills in bumpy yards. Credit: Hale Milano
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. We've focused solely on each mower's runtime and how long it takes to recharge or refuel. While gas mowers offer incredible run time and fast refueling, battery-powered mowers have come a long way and offer impressive run times or the ability to swap batteries for an equally fast pit stop. Reels and corded mowers, while technically offering unlimited run time, have many drawbacks.
The Troy-Bilt gas-powered motor is easy to keep running as long as you have a full gas can around. 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.
For people who frequently forget to fill that spare tank in the garage, battery mowers also offer the ability to “refuel” at home. The Ego LM2236SP boasts an impressive 75-minute run time with its massive 10Ah battery, and a relatively fast charge time of 60 minutes with the 700W turbo charger. We were able to mow a quarter-acre lawn several times over without needing to recharge using the normal blade speeds. Eco mode lasted a little longer, and Turbo lasted slightly shorter, but we rarely needed to use those modes.
The 700W rapid charger powers up the large 10Ah battery in around an hour. Credit: Hale Milano
The Toro 60V Max Super Recycler, 16-inch Greenworks 25322, and Ego Power+ LM2101 all run for about 40 minutes at a time. The difference in their scores comes down to how long those batteries take to recharge. While the Ego and Greenworks charge in around an hour, the battery-powered Toro takes nearly 3.5 hours.
Though smaller than other mower batteries we tested, the 4.0 Ah was easily able to tackle our whole yard. Credit: Hale Milano
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 self-propelled mowers like the Toro and Ego 2135 do a lot more work for you than any of the non-propelled 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 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 corded electric mowers (which we've tested in the past); 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.
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
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 task of trimming the lawn a real chore. To test their relative dexterity, we compare how easy they are to start and stop, the effort required to push them or how well the self-propulsion works, and how easy they are to navigate around obstacles or perform sharp turns.
Both Toro models easily took top honors for their handling. The SmartStow Recycler requires less effort; its self-propulsion feature practically mows the lawn for you, you just have to walk behind it. Both mowers' 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. 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. Both gas mowers start relatively easily, but it's a far cry from the simplicity of battery-powered mowers.
The Toro 60V Max Super Recycler is impressively powerful easy to maneuver or pivot for 180 degree turns. Credit: Clark Tate
The Troy-Bilt TB110 features large rear wheels, making it quite easy 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.
Large rear wheels enable smooth pivot turns, which cuts down on total mowing time and effort. Credit: Clark Tate
The Greenworks MO60L419 mower, though it lacks self-propulsion, is lightweight and small enough to be incredibly easy to maneuver around the yard. We were able to frequently mow with only one hand and could cut into tight corners where other mowers couldn't even fit. Even pushing up hills was easy, since the whole mower is so light.
The Greenworks is so easy to handle that we were able to lift it up onto raised beds to trim unruly weeds. Be careful to release the bail bar first, and not do this while the mower is running! Credit: Hale Milano
Two of the Ego models, the Ego 2236 and Ego 2135, are 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. As rear wheel drive mowers, they also pivot poorly if you maintain propulsion through the turn.
The drive system on both of these mowers has a long learning curve. Even after months of testing, we still haven't mastered it completely. Although you can adjust the speed to different levels, it's a separate dial rather than a variable pressure-based trigger, making it hard to feather the speed during turns. This causes jerky starts and turns. There can also be an inexplicable lag at times, especially after pulling the mower in reverse.
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. Some offer better performance than the self-propelled mowers above, thanks to better maneuvering instead of propulsion. The gas-powered Troy-Bilt does not have an auto-drive feature, so it takes force to propel it around, especially up hills.
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 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.
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
Ease of Use
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 setup, and routine maintenance. We examined safety features as well, although all models have a bail bar except the manual mowers, since there's no engine or motor to stop on those.
Set Up and Maintenance
When we consider how easy each of these machines is to set up and maintain, we're largely comparing the general ease of taking a mower from the box to mowing, and any ongoing upkeep required to keep the mower running smoothly.
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. Battery mowers have no fluids and only require you to keep the blades sharp and the battery charged. Reel mowers and corded mowers are similar.
The Troy-Bilt TB110 had straightforward assembly, but gas-powered mowers require routine maintenance throughout the duration of their lives. Credit: Clark Tate
The American and Great States reel mowers are among the easiest to maintain in the test, requiring an occasional blade adjustment or sharpening. They have no fuel, oil, or battery to monitor. That said, since these are completely manual mowers, this ease of use score doesn't factor in how easy the actual cutting part of using them is! That score was factored into our other metrics. Both are easy to go from the box to mowing in seconds.
Corded models require minimal assembly and maintenance, but we couldn't get over the frustrations caused by managing the cord. Credit: Clark Tate
The three Ego mowers we tested, the Ego 2236, Ego 2135, and Ego 2101, were all incredibly easy to use too. Despite some initial setup required, such as attaching the handle and routing cords, we were still mowing within minutes of opening the box. Maintenance on these mowers is virtually nonexistent as well.
The Ego goes from stowed-for-storage to mowing-machine in seconds. Credit: Hale Milano
The gas-powered Troy-Bilt TB110 and Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340, simply because of their engines, are more challenging to maintain but just as easy to set up as other mowers. 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 (although one of our staff has owned a different Toro mower for years and vouches for this).
Mowers with traditional decks will clog from time to time. Some more often than others. Credit: Clark Tate
The other battery powered mowers in our lineup, like the Greenworks MO60L419 and Greenworks 25322, are also quick to set up and easy to maintain.
Battery mowers are easy to assemble and do not require routine maintenance. Credit: Clark Tate
Adjusting Settings
Maintenance and setup play a fairly minor role in the life of a mower, so we primarily evaluated each mower's ease of use based on how easy it was to adjust various settings. We considered how easy it was to fold and store each model, adjusting the cutting height, and changing cutting speed or modes as well. We evaluated attaching and releasing the mulching bag, if included, as well.
All three of the Ego models fold nicely to store vertically, saving a ton of space in a garage or shed. Credit: Hale Milano
While most folding mowers have some sort of wingnut & bolt or other quick-release system for folding the bar down, there are three models that stood out as far superior to the rest for this process. It doesn't get any easier than adjusting the handle on any of the Ego Power+ mowers. Each model has 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. As an added bonus, if you lower the handle all the way, the mower can be tipped back and stored vertically, saving space in your garage or shed.
It doesn't get any easier than adjusting the angle or folding up the handle of the Ego Power+ LM2135SP. Credit: Clark Tate
It's also quite easy to adjust the settings on the Ego models. A large selector knob for the cutting height and mulching or bagging mode can be done one-handed. Tough buttons for selecting the power mode, like Eco or Turbo, and lights, are also easy. The one drawback is adjusting the self-propulsion speed, which requires twisting a knob in the center of the handle. We wish it were a pressure-based trigger built into where you hold the mower handle during use.
The speed selector is in the middle of the handle on Ego models, and not ideal for adjusting the speed while mowing. Credit: Hale Milano
The Toro 60V Max Super Recycler's handle-folding process is exceptionally easy but requires two levers rather than one.
Fully folding the handle is just quick and easy for compact storage. Credit: Clark Tate
The Greenworks MO60L419 doesn't offer a folding handle like the other mowers, but it was still easy to set up, and it's easy to adjust. It lacks some of the different setting modes of larger mowers, like various cutting speeds and modes, and doesn't have self-propulsion. There's ease in simplicity, though.
The Greenworks is relatively easy to adjust the cutting height, though it will require two hands. Credit: Hale Milano
Noise
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 tested these machines to determine which is the quietest. In general, gas mowers are significantly louder than electric mowers. That difference is more significant to your ear than when measuring with a decibel reader, like we did. While our decibel readings are all relatively close, we can confidently say that battery-powered mowers are much quieter. We measured the volume of each at head height in decibels (dBa). The reel mowers (Great States and American) are the quietest, registering 66 dBa each — not surprising, since they don't have motors or engines.
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 Greenworks 25322 was the quietest, measured at 72 dBa. Our favorite battery mower, the Ego 2236 was a little lowder at 75 dBa, but to our bare ears sounded no different.
The battery-powered Greenworks MO60L419 was on the louder end at 78 dBa, but still short of the loudest gas mowers, the Troy-Bilt and Toro Recycler at 79 and 81 dBa, respectively.
At the end of the day, you expect a lawnmower to be loud, and we know this may not impact your purchase decision, but it's nice to know which options are quieter. 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. We like to put in noise cancelling earbuds and listen to some tunes or a podcast.
Being able to have a normal conversation, overtop of a running lawn mower, was a great experience. Credit: Hale Milano
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 mowers are the most popular, but they have the added chores and equipment involved with all internal combustion engines. And who likes huffing fumes or loud motors? Battery-powered mowers are quickly gaining popularity. They can actually pack more power than gas models, but their batteries require a lengthy recharge time as opposed to a quick fuel tank top-off. Our team immediately found corded electric mowers to be a bit silly for anything besides the smallest areas as soon as we started testing. We found the tried and true reel mowers 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. Credit: Clark Tate
Battery models are sleek-looking and substantially quieter than gasoline models, but not nearly as quiet as reels. Credit: Clark Tate
Reel models get the job done if you're willing to put in the work! Credit: Clark Tate
Self-Propelled vs Push Mowers
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 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 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. It really comes in handy on large lawns or hills. We noticed a slight lag in self-propelled battery-powered models as compared to gas mowers, but adjusted quickly.
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
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 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
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 half-acre of grass to maintain or just cleaning up along the sidewalk, we've researched many great options that can match your needs. With so many models 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!
