Walk-behind lawn mowers are one of those handy, cannot do without gardening machines, which are designed to save you time and effort in your quest to cultivate and maintain a great looking lawn.
From the first manual ‘Push Reel’ lawn mower invention, yes, there still some out there, mechanical lawn mowers have come a long way. But just like most home and garden power tools, the best lawn mower will depend on your garden specifications: size, type of grass, and your physical abilities to be able to maintain your garden.
The 7 Best Walk-Behind Mowers
- Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch 12 Amp Mow Joe Electric Lawn Mower With Grass Bag
- Black+Decker Corded Lawn Mower 13-Amp, 20-Inch(MM2000)
- EGO Power+ 20-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Lawn Mower
- GreenWorks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Lawn Mower
- Honda 662300 21-Inch GCV200 4-in-1 Versamow System Walk-Behind Mower (Our Top Pick)
- Craftsman M115 Push Lawn Mower
- Snapper HI VAC 190cc 3-N-1 Push Lawn Mower
Our Top Pick for the Best Walk-Behind Mower
Our top pick for the best walk-behind mower is the Honda 662300 21-Inch GCV200 4-in-1 Versamow System Walk-Behind Mower.
This powerful mower is ideal for small to medium-sized lawns and it is capable of handling most mowing conditions. It has everything you need for an effective and enjoyable mowing experience: self-propelled design, three mulching capabilities, multiple heights and speed options, a comfortable folding handle for easy storage, and it is environmentally friendly.
Check the price on AmazonPush or Self-Propelled Mower
Push Lawn Mower
A push or traditional walk-behind mower requires you to physically propel the machine. If you have a small lawn and easy to cut grass then a push mower is the ideal choice for you. Besides maintaining your lawn it is a great way to get some exercise!
A self-propelled mower can either be powered by electricity or gas and has a strong motor that does most of the hard work, and a handle that you can press to propel the machine in the desired direction. All it takes is a gentle push and off it goes, no need for any exertion.
If you have a bad back or are physically challenged in some other way, and if you have a large lawn or a lot of uneven ground to cover, then invest in a self-propelled lawn mower.
Self-propelled Lawn Mowers
Self-propelled mowers offer a keyless start, single and variable speeds and you use the machine by engaging a speed control lever. The speed control lever can be a part of the handle or a separate bar that you press to make the mower move forward. The only energy you have to exert is to guide the mower around the yard.
These energy-saving mowers are usually front or rear-wheel-drive. Front-wheel-drive models are easy to operate and allow you to turn the mower by simply tipping the front wheels back and lifting them off the ground.
Rear-wheel drive tends to provide better traction when mowing across slopes in a back-and-forth pattern. Rear-wheel drive mowers are most effective when they are to the grass collection bag or a container as it can make them more balanced. If the bag or container is too full it can also cause the front end of the mower to rise up. So remember to empty it regularly.
Self-propelled lawn mowers may be a little more expensive, but they can save you from physical strain and will make your mowing chores a breeze. But also keep in mind, most manufacturers make their mowers to be lightweight these days, so whether you choose a push walk-behind mower instead of a self-propelled model, most of them will be relatively easy to maneuver around your yard.
Electric, Gas-powered, or Battery-powered Lawn Mowers
Like many mechanical power gardening tools: weed wacker or chainsaws, lawnmowers can be powered either by electricity, gas or a battery.
Electric (corded)
Electric mowers are ideal for small-sized yards, but they can also work well on medium lawns that have even terrain. They can provide a clean cut like gas-powered mowers, but their key selling points are that they are usually very light and easy to maneuver. Electric mowers are also eco-friendly, they require minimal maintenance and they work well in suburbia as they are quiet.
The downside of using an electric mower is that you have to stay close to a power outlet, or you may need to use an extension cord. Power cords can be dangerous, so you have to be aware of their position while you are mowing and take care that you do not mow over the top of them. Also, the extension cord can come loose from the machine or the initial power source.
Remember: If you have to use an extension cord, heavy-duty 12 gauge cords are the best to use for a lawnmower. Overall, electric mowers work best on small to medium lawns with slight inclines.
Gas-powered Lawn Mowers
Gas-powered lawn mowers are noted to be the most powerful of mowers, so they generally can do a better job at cutting through tall grass and tough weeds. They are also ideal for medium to larger properties that have uneven terrain and hilly areas.
The downside of gas-powered mowers is that they emit fumes, you may have to mix oil with fuel or if they have a separate reservoir for the oil, you have to make sure that you use the right amount of oil and do not overfill the reservoir. If you use too much oil it could cause problems with the engine and the mower could stop working.
Gas-powered mowers are a lot noisier than other types of mowers, but they can help you get your mowing chores done quickly.
Battery-powered Lawn Mowers
if you are looking for a portable, cordless option, then a battery-powered lawnmower is ideal. They can be used for most lawns, small to medium-sized, but they may not work the best with long grass.
Most battery-powered models draw their power from a long-lasting lithium-ion battery and a strong motor, which allows you to cover a large area with just one battery charge. Another key selling point of a battery-powered mower is that most of them are easy to start with just a push of a button.
6 Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Walk-behind Mower
1. Deck Size
The deck size of a mower describes the cutting swath or the cutting area of the mower. The wider the deck the fewer passes you will have to do to cut your lawn. Most cutting decks ranging from 15-inches up to 21-inches for residential uses.
Remember, the larger the deck, the heavier the mower may be and it may be more difficult to maneuver, especially in tight spots. Also, the mower can take up more storage space. But if you have a larger lawn, you may need a larger sized deck.
2. Lawn Size
If you have a small-sized lawn with low-level grass that is easy to cut, then choose an electric mower or a mower with a 15/16-inch cutting deck.
If you have a medium to large yard with uneven terrain and some slight inclines, a gas-powered or a battery-powered mower with a strong 56-volt lithium-ion battery and a larger cutting deck would be the best choice.
If you have a lot of mowing to do or have a lawn that has a lot of hilly areas, you could choose a self-propelled mower that does most of the work.
3. To mulch or not to mulch?
Most mowers come with mulching capabilities. They can either shoot the grass clippings to the side, collect the clippings into a bag, or just mulch the grass clippings back onto the lawn from the rear of the mower.
If the mower shoots the clippings to the side or just on the lawn, you have to consider using a rake to collect the clippings to put them under a tree or in the garbage bin.
Some mowers come with a 3-in-1 mulching feature where they can do all three, and you can choose which is the best for you. If the machine mulches the grass into the attached bag or container, you will have to stop continually if you have a lot of area to cover.
Also, mowers that come with a 3-in-1 mulching feature may be more expensive. So it all depends on your gardening modus operandi and budget.
4. Height Adjustment
Gardening experts say that we should not cut our lawns to less than 30% of its overall height as cutting it shorter can weaken it. In the hotter weather grass can become more brittle and break easily, so choosing the height of the mower in relation to the grass level is important for a healthy-looking lawn.
Fortunately, most mowers come with a smart height adjustment feature, which gives you a range of heights to choose from, and these height levels can be easily adjusted by a single handle.
5. Extra Safety Features
If you choose an electric push mower, it can be easily started with a key or by pushing a button. This option is great for those of us with back problems or for elderly people who still like to get some exercise out in the fresh air and like to maintain their own lawn.
Trying to pull on a cord multiple times can be hard work and frustrating, and also cords can break after long term use.
Some mowers give you variable speed controls. There are some mowers that are ergonomically friendly and have operator-friendly features like a foldable handle for greater portability and easy storage.
6. Warranty and Customer Support
Of course, we do not expect our mowers to function effectively forever. At some point, hopefully not straight away, they will need to be fixed. Some manufacturers offer a 2-year warranty which is not very long, especially if you are going to be using the lawnmower a lot, and especially for heavy-duty mowing chores.
Other manufacturers offer a generous 4-year warranty, it can be a limited warranty, so it is best to read the fine print. A good tip before purchasing, besides reading this article, is to visit the manufacturer’s website.
Another thing to look out for in relation to product warranties is that some manufacturers have two warranties for their mower, one for the machine itself and another for the motor. So keep your eye out for these details that can be easily overlooked.
Good customer support and an accessible service center are essential when things go wrong or you just want to ask a question about your mower. So have a look at these details as it is all part of being a savvy gardener who wants to make sure that their money is well spent.
Best Walk-Behind Mower Reviews
1. Sun Joe MJ401E Mow Joe 14-Inch 12 Amp Electric Lawn Mower
If you have a small-sized yard and you are looking for a walk-behind mower that is easy to handle and maneuver around tight spots like flower beds and along the edge of pathways, then the Sun Joe Electric Lawn Mover is a great choice.
It is lightweight at 29lbs, delivers a smooth cutting performance, and it features three height settings (low, medium, high), so that you can set it to your desired height for the best cutting action.
The mower is easy to set up as it comes almost pre-assembled, so all you have to do is attach the blades and tighten the handles, plug it into a power outlet and you are all ready to go. If you need to purchase an extension cord, choose a 12 gauge cord.
Although the body of the mower is made from plastic, do not be fooled, it is powered by a durable 12 Amp electric motor so it can power through thick grass quickly. It has a 21-inch cutting deck, which gives it a rather wide cutting swath.
The wheels are lightly constructed and may have trouble negotiating uneven and rocky terrain, but it is designed primarily for small lawns with even terrain.
If you are a homesteader who needs a maintenance-free, easy to use mower that is ergonomically friendly, the Sun Joe mower will be a good choice for your mowing needs.
Pros
- Affordable
- Ideal for small lawns
- Lightweight
- Powerful
- Easy to maneuver in tight spots
Cons
- Grass catcher fills up quickly
- Not ideal for uneven terrain or large yards.
2. Black+Decker Electric Lawn Mower 20-Inch, 13-Amp (MM2000)
This lawnmower from Black+Decker is powered by a 13-Amp motor that will deliver all the cutting power you need to maintain your small-sized lawn. The mower is easy to assemble, all you have to do is attach the handle.
It has an excellent cutting ability with a cutting radius of 20-inches. The EdgeMax cutting deck allows you to cut close to the edge of fencing and around flower beds so that you can effectively manicure your lawn to perfection.
The mower is portable, easy to operate, and has a 3-in-1 grass management system, mulching, bagging, and side discharge capabilities, a single lever height adjuster with seven height settings from 1.5-4-inches. The 13-gallon nylon grass collection bag allows you to check to see how much grass or debris is in the bag.
It is also ergonomically friendly with a carrying handle for easy transport and storage. Overall, the Black+Decker lawnmower can provide you with an excellent and clean cutting performance.
Pros
- Ideal for small lawns
- Press button start
- Quiet
- Seven setting height adjustment
- Excellent cutting ability
- Portable
- See-through nylon grass collection bag
- Carrying handle
Cons
- Not ideal for large lawns or heavy-duty mowing
- Not ideal for uneven terrain
3. EGO Power+ 20-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-ion Lawn Mower
EGO is an award-winning company that has consistently delivered high-quality power gardening tools, and their EGO Power+ Battery Powered Mower does not disappoint.
It is a lightweight, emission-free, powerful mower that can be easily started with just a push of a button. The EGO mower is an ideal option for any homesteader who has a small to medium-sized lawn. It has a 21-inch cutting deck, and the 4.0Ah 56-Volt Lithium-Ion battery has enough power for mowing areas up to one acre and can even tackle slight inclines and uneven terrain.
The EGO battery takes about 30 minutes to charge and it has a run-time that is equivalent to about 45 minutes before you have to recharge it again. It is specially designed for residential use as it is a quiet operator and environmentally friendly with no harmful emissions.
The mower is designed with a 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge, six height adjustments to choose from, easy to access grass collection bag and LED headlights if you need to mow your lawn in low light conditions.
It is portable and can be easily folded for storage. Extra features include a battery and charger, and a very generous 5-year limited warranty, but remember to read the warranty carefully to see what it does and does not cover. The mower also comes with a battery and a charger.
Pros
- Ideal for small to medium yards up on ½ acre
- Powerful
- Quiet
- Lightweight
- Easy to maneuver
- Smooth cutting performance
- Fast charging battery
- Compact
Cons
- Expensive
- Not ideal for large properties
- Can get bogged down in wet grass
4. GreenWorks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Lawn Mower
The Greenworks Push Battery-powered Lawn Mower has everything you need for maintaining a small-sized lawn. It is lightweight, starts with just a touch of a button, and it provides that much-needed power due to the 40-volt lithium-ion battery, which will give you consistent power for up to 40 minutes before having to recharge the battery.
You can choose from five height settings, which can easily be adjusted with a single lever, and the innovative SMART CUT technology adjusts the power or runtime based on the thickness of your grass, and the 7-inch rear wheels and 6-inch front wheels mean you can effortlessly maneuver the machine over your lawn.
The mower has a durable 16-inch reinforced poly plastic cutting deck, and it can also mulch the clippings into a rear collection bag, which is easy to attach and detach.
The mower comes with an easy fold handle system for greater portability and storage, and a battery and charger is also included.
Pros
- Ideal for small lawns and basic mowing needs
- Lightweight
- Great battery life
- Five height settings
- Easy to maneuver
- Compact and easy to store
Cons
- Not ideal for tall grass or tough weeds
- Technical support is not very helpful
- One year warranty
5. Honda 662300 21-Inch GCV200 4-in-1 Versamow System Walk-Behind Mower
There is a lot to love about the Honda Versamow Lawn Mower. Just like its name, this walk-behind mower offers you effortless mowing versatility. If you suffer from a bad back or you are an elderly homesteader and would prefer a mower that is easy to maneuver, this mower is a great choice.
It has an electric key start which is due to its new self-charging built-in Cyclon lead-acid battery, and a reliable fuel efficient Honda 20cc engine.
Honda has designed this mower with so many handy features that make this mower ideal for small to medium lawns. It has a 21-inch cutting deck that is made from rust-resistant Nexite, twin cutting blades, seven cutting height levels, and a safety brake system.
Thanks to select drive controls, you can easily match the mower’s speed to your stride by rotating the speed adjust dial, which gives you more control over the machine’s mowing action and you can choose from a slow walk to a faster walking pace.
The twin blade MicroCut system can cut the grass into small clippings, which allows for easy disposable through the rear of the mower. Equipped with a 4-in-1 Versamow system, you can mulch, bag, discharge, and shred leaves with no tools or additional attachments.
This lightweight mower is easy to maneuver in tight spaces and around trees and shrubs, and the folding three-position quick-release handle allows for compact storage.
The highlights of this mower are its self-propelled feature, powerful premium Honda engine with an electric start and auto choke system, which means there is no hassle when you have to start up the unit – just start it up and start mowing. The mower is also designed to be environmentally friendly with a 50-state EPA and CARB emission certification.
Pros
- Electric key start
- Easy to use self-propelled design
- Quiet
- Works best on flat terrain
- Great cutting action
- Plenty of power
- Solid construction
- Fuel efficient
- 5-year residential warranty
Cons
- Expensive
6. Craftsman M115 Push Lawn Mower
Craftsman has been manufacturing high-quality garden power tools for over 80 years, so you can rest assured that when you buy one of their mowers you can expect a superior mowing experience. The Craftsman Push Lawn Mower is designed to handle almost any type of lawn terrain up a 1/4 acre.
It is powered by a strong and reliable Briggs and Stratton Silver Series 140cc OHV gas-powered engine, and with 5lbs of torque per foot, and alloy steel cutting blades, you will have no trouble finishing your mowing tasks quickly.
The Ready Start™ no prime, no choke technology means that the machine is easy to start and will have the mower up and running quickly with a smooth cutting performance.
The durable 21-inch 3-in-1 steel rust-resistant cutting deck has mulching, bagging, and side discharge capabilities, six height positions to choose from, and the attached bagger catches all the grass clippings.
If you have a lawn that has uneven terrain or thick grass, the sure-grip traction on the large 11-inch rear wheels will give you that much-needed grip and control in rough mowing conditions.
The low 7-inch front wheels also give you that much-needed maneuverability in tight spots and around other gardening obstacles.
If you suffer from allergies, Craftsman has designed this mower with environmentally-friendly specifications. The EZ Bushel Rear Bag With Dust Blocker protects you from the dust that can arise from grass clippings and other kinds of debris.
One of the highlights of this model is that it is vibration-free and has a reduced noise level, which makes it one of the quietest mowers on the market. Overall, the smart design of the Craftsman push mower provides you with an effortless and efficient mowing performance.
Pros
- Ideal for small to medium yards
- Easy pull start
- Ergonomic design
- Good maneuverability
- Powerful
- Can handle uneven terrain
- Easily cuts through tough weeds
- Comfortable to operate
- Vibration-free and reduced noise
Cons
- Plastic tires and height levers
- Heavy
- Bagger does not attach securely
7. Snapper HI VAC 190cc 3-N-1 Push Lawn Mower
Snapper is one of the most well-known manufacturers of superior garden tools, and their gas-powered HI VAC Push Lawn Mower is what you can expect from Snapper: it is an efficient and effective mowing machine that is ideal for medium-sized yards.
Powered by a strong Briggs & Stratton 850 Professional Series engine and equipped with high 10-inch high rear wheels and double ball bearings, this lawn mower can easily cope with all kinds of terrain and cut through thick, tall grass and weeds.
The engine features innovative ReadyStart technology which provides fast startup, quieter operation, and increased durability. As there is no priming or choking required, all you have to do it is just pull and start and the HI VAC lawn mower will leap into action.
Although this mower is gas-powered, the motor runs smoothly and is known for its longevity and overall cutting performance.
The Snapper mower has a 21-inch steel cutting deck with three in one capabilities; i.e. mulch, collection bag, and side discharge, and seven cutting height positions that can be adjusted for varying lawn conditions. The soft grip foldable handle makes it easy to transport and store away.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Ideal for small to medium-sized yards
- Powerful engine
- Great cutting ability
- Easy to start and maneuver
- No need to prime the engine
- Works well on uneven terrain and for cutting through thick grass and weeds
- Emission and carb compliant for use in California
Cons
- Expensive
- Can get heavy and bogged down in wet grass
Our Top Pick for the Best Walk-Behind Mower
Our top pick for the best walk-behind mower is the Honda 21-Inch GCV200 4-in-1 Versamow System Walk-Behind Mower.
This powerful mower is ideal for small to medium-sized lawns and it is capable of handling most mowing conditions. It has everything you need for an effective and enjoyable mowing experience: self-propelled design, three mulching capabilities, multiple heights and speed options, a comfortable folding handle for easy storage, and it is environmentally friendly.
Check the price on Amazon
