Buying Guides & Comparisons

Quick Overview My top pick after three years of testing is the EGO Power+ Select Cut LM2135SP. It uses a 7.5Ah battery and a swap-in blade system (EGO Power+, 2026). For yards under a quarter acre, the push-only LM2112 saves money and weight without losing much power. Large lawns over half an acre do best […]

Quick Overview The right mower size depends on yard acreage, shape, obstacles, and grass type — not just square footage alone. Under ¼ acre: a 21-inch push or self-propelled mower is almost always the right call. ¼ to ½ acre: a 22–30 inch self-propelled mower handles most suburban yards without issue. ½ acre to 1

Quick Overview The EGO Power+ LM2135SP is the best mulching lawn mower overall – it handles wet Florida grass and dense Midwest turf better than most gas mowers at its price point. The Honda HRX217VKA produces the finest clippings of any mower I’ve tested, thanks to its twin-blade MicroCut system. Mulching returns roughly 25% of

Quick Overview The best budget lawn mower under $300 overall is the Greenworks 40V 20-inch cordless – reliable, quiet, and easy to start For gas power under $300, the Craftsman M105 140cc is the most dependable pick at this price Battery mowers work well for yards under 1/4 acre; gas handles larger, thicker lawns better

At a Glance The right mower depends on three things: yard size, terrain, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do – not brand or price alone. Yards under 1/4 acre do well with a battery-powered push or self-propelled mower; anything over 1/2 acre usually calls for a riding mower. Battery mowers (EGO, Greenworks) now

Quick Overview The best lawn mower for a large yard overall is the Husqvarna TS 354XD – a 46″ riding tractor that handles 1-2 acre lots without overheating or stalling on thick Southern grass Best zero-turn for speed on flat ground: Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50 cuts a full acre in under 35 minutes Best

Quick Overview Riding mowers use a steering wheel and front-wheel turning, making them more stable on slopes and easier for beginners to operate. Zero-turn mowers use lap bar steering for near-zero turning radius, cutting mowing time by 30-50% on large, flat properties (Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, 2023). Riding mowers typically cost $1,200-$3,500; zero-turns start around

At a Glance The best zero-turn mower for homeowners overall is the Husqvarna Z254F – fast, reliable, and sized right for lots between 1 and 3 acres. For larger properties (2+ acres), the Ariens IKON XD 52 cuts cleaner and handles thick grass better. The best budget pick under $3,000 is the Cub Cadet Ultima

At a Glance The best reel mowers overall are the Fiskars StaySharp Max (for most suburban yards) and the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 (for tight budgets) – both tested on real grass in real conditions. Reel mowers work best on fine, low-growing grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, and bentgrass – and on lawns under 5,000

Quick Overview The best lawn mowers for hills and slopes are rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive self-propelled models — not riding mowers, for grades above 15 degrees. Honda HRX217VKA is the top overall pick: consistent traction, manageable weight, and real performance on wet Oregon grass. Never use a standard riding mower on slopes above 15