Best Electric Lawn Mower for Every Size of Yard

Mowing a yard can be a hefty chore, and gas push mowers are heavy, loud, and not always that easy to use. When I rented a house with a quarter-acre yard, I bought an electric push mower instead. That mower was much easier to use. I loved that I could use its push button start instead of struggling with a pull cord, and there were no gasoline, emissions, or engine smells to deal with. The mower was corded, and while I’d opt for a battery powered mower if I bought a second electric one today, it really did a great job with the lawn and never felt underpowered.

Electric lawn mowers offer many advantages when you’re mowing a smaller lawn like mine. They’re convenient, quiet, and easy to use. But it’s also important to buy an electric mower that’s best suited to your yard and your preferences. I asked equipment and landscaping experts about what you need to know when buying an electric mower. Read on for their advice, and then review our picks for the best electric lawn mower to help guide you as you shop.

Our top picks for the best electric lawn mowers

What to look for when buying an electric lawn mower

Cutting width and height

Jason Farrell, an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified master technician at Mechanic’s Diary, notes that there are several important factors to consider when choosing an electric lawn mower. “The cutting width and height should match the size of your lawn,” Farrell says. “Adjustable height is convenient for maintaining different lengths of grass.”

Optional cutting features

Farrell notes that optional cutting features, including mulching, bagging, and side discharge features, allow you to customize the clipping based on your yard. Such features can potentially save you time and result in a neater yard.

Mower weight

While it might be tempting to choose a lighter weight mower for its ease of handling, Farrell explains that heavy-duty models are better able to tackle larger yards. “Consider both your mower strength and property size,” he recommends.

Battery voltage

Additionally, evaluate your yard size and how you’ll be using your lawn mower when deciding on the best voltage. “Higher power ensures you finish without interruptions,” Farewell says. “I advise measuring square footage to estimate runtime needs.”

Scott McLeod, owner of McLeod Landscaping Inc., states that 40v mowers are usually capable of handling lawns up to ¼ acre in size. For larger yards, an 80v mower offers the extra power necessary.

Choosing a mower capable of handling your whole lawn in one go is convenient. If you anticipate needing to recharge your mower, then pay careful attention to its recharge time, too.

Self-propelled or push

Push mowers tend to be lightweight, but they also require you to physically push them as you mow. This may be fine for smaller yards, but if you have a larger mowing job, a self-propelled mower can help to make mowing easier and save you some energy.

Maintenance

Consider the ease of maintenance, too. Look for a mower with components such as blades and batteries that can be easily removed and replaced. You’ll also want to make sure that you can easily buy replacement parts as needed.

Electric lawn mower maintenance for longevity

“While electric mowers need less scheduled service than gas, regular upkeep keeps them running smoothly season after season,” explains Farrell. “Check that blades spin freely and housing internals stay clear of debris.”

McLeod recommends regularly cleaning the mower underside to help prevent grass buildup, as well as checking for firmware updates for mowers that support them. “Ensuring that the blades are sharp and the battery is properly charged and stored can greatly extend the life of the mower,” he says.

How I selected the best electric lawn mowers

In choosing the best electric lawn mowers, I considered the features that the experts highlighted as well as my own experience with electric mowers, including factors like:

Type and size of yard

I looked for a variety of machines, including self-propelled and push mowers. I also evaluated factors like each mower’s battery size and capacity, as well as the battery recharge time to cover different yard sizes.

Quality brands

Additionally, I tried to include products from reputable manufacturers and checked to see if replacement parts, including batteries and blades, were available.

Features

I also looked for features like different blade adjustment heights, bagging and mulching capabilities, and foldable storage designs that would make the mowers suitable for many different yards.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Does an electric lawn mower work well?

“In my portfolio, I’ve worked with various electric mowers across different properties, and I’ve seen a substantial improvement in their performance over the years,” says McLeod. “Modern electric mowers can indeed handle long grass and other challenging tasks, but select a model that matches the demands of your yard.”

How big of a yard can an electric mower handle?

Farrell recommends using electric mowers for lawns up to half an acre. If your yard is larger, you may need to plan to buy an 80v mower and schedule to recharge it before completing the whole mowing job.

How long do electric mowers last?

The exact lifespan of your mower will depend on the model you choose, how frequently and heavily you use it, and how well you maintain it. “With basic cleaning and lubrication following manufacturers’ recommendations, [electric mowers will] provide several years of reliable trimming,” says Farrell.

Will an electric mower cut long grass?

Yes, electric mowers can cut long grass. Farrell recommends cutting longer grass down frequently and steadily in sections. Longer grass is more challenging, so it will drain your mower battery faster than cutting shorter grass.

Is a 40v or 80v lawn mower better?

“From my experience running a landscaping business, I’ve observed that a 40v mower is generally sufficient for small to medium-sized lawns (up to a quarter acre), offering a lightweight option with good maneuverability,” explains McLeod. He recommends an 80v mower for larger yards or tougher conditions since it provides the extra power that you’ll need for uneven or difficult terrain.