4 Best Electric Lawn Mowers, Tested & Reviewed
Mowing the grass just got easier.
Reviewed by Dan DiClericoHome Improvement & Outdoor Director
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Finding the right lawn mower is no easy task, even if you’ve already decided to go cordless with a battery-powered lawn mower. To make future mowing sessions as efficient and enjoyable as possible, it’s important to invest in a high-quality electric lawn mower that not only features a long battery life, but one that is both easy to operate and handle.
Our pros narrowed down the best electric lawn mowers on the market today, including picks with impressive cut quality and performance and easy-to-operate designs. These are the best electric lawn mowers, according to recent tests that included more than 50 hours of assembly and hands-on mowing.
Our top picks:
The experts and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test outdoor gear and appliances throughout the year to keep your outdoor space in pristine condition, from the best lawn mowers to leaf blowers, pressure washers and much more. To choose the best battery-powered lawn mowers, we evaluated models for criteria such as performance, cut quality, ease of use and operation and run time. We also traded testing notes with our partners at Popular Mechanics, who draw on decades of experience in evaluating outdoor power equipment.
Pros
- Excellent cut quality and performance
- Long run time
- Great bagging
Cons
- Battery sold separately
Combining performance and power, this lawn mower will have your front yard spruced up in no time. It features a whopping 75 minutes of claimed run time on a single charge, so you shouldn’t have to recharge before you’ve finished up.
In their review, our partners at Popular Mechanics were impressed with the lawn mower’s outstanding cut quality, intuitive drive control and excellent bagging.
Our pros also appreciate that you can choose among seven cutting height positions as well as three interchangeable blades for the perfect cut. Also convenient is that the lawn mower’s battery can be used across all Ego appliances, though keep in mind that it is sold separately.
| Weight | 53 lbs |
| Run time | 75 minutes |
| Cutting width | 21 in. |
| Voltage | 56V |
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Quiet and lightweight
- Great value
Cons
- Small cutting width
- Battery life could be better
In our tests, we found this push lawn mower to be exceptionally easy to control and maneuver, thanks to a well-thought-out design, which includes large 10-inch rear wheels and smaller 7-inch front wheels. Our pros pointed out that it’s lightweight and quiet when in operation, and we appreciate the seven cutting-height positions.
While its cutting width is smaller than other models in our test and run time is only up to 30 minutes, this battery-powered mower should be sufficient for a small- to mid-sized yard.
| Weight | 40.3 lbs |
| Run time | 30 minutes |
| Cutting width | 19 in. |
| Voltage | 40V |
Pros
- Creates perfect stripes across lawns
- Fantastic battery life
- Fold-up design for easy storage
Cons
- Slower than other mowers
- Heavy
Fans of perfectly groomed and manicured lawns should look no further than this electric lawn mower from Toro. Thanks to its 3/4-inch-diameter steel roller at the rear of the mower, it amplifies the degree of striping created more than other lawn mowers on the market.
In field tests, our pros were impressed with the mower’s even cutting performance and smooth handling, which we’ve seen across other Toro mowers. We also like that this model features a sizeable 7.5-Ah battery with claimed run time up to 65 minutes. Storage is simple since it conveniently folds up.
Our experts point out, however, that this electric mower is heavy and slower than other self-propelled mowers we’ve tested and may not be the best choice for those in a rush.
| Weight | 73 lbs |
| Run time | 65 minutes |
| Cutting width | 21 in. |
| Voltage | 60V |
Pros
- Efficient
- Incredible performance
- Suitable for yards up to half an acre
Cons
- Battery life could be improved
Toro has previously impressed our outdoor gear and appliances experts in Lab tests, and this model is no exception. While it’s on the pricier side, it’s also one of the most powerful and suitable for yards up to half an acre large. Our partners at Popular Mechanics agreed. “Not only is the Toro a highly efficient mower, it accomplishes this while turning in incredible cutting, mulching, and bagging performance,” says Senior Home Editor Roy Berendsohn.
Just note that run time is under an hour, but hopefully you'll be done mowing much sooner than that, thanks to the mower's effectiveness.
| Weight | 80.4 lbs |
| Run time | 45 minutes |
| Cutting width | 22 in. |
| Voltage | 60V |
How we test electric lawn mowers
The experts and engineers at the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly test mowers and tractors. When choosing the best electric lawn mowers, we considered brands that have performed well over the years and have proven to be reliable in power equipment testing. We also keep up with the latest models and innovations at trade shows and other industry events.
When making our selections we first review each electric mower's specs, considering factors such as swaths, noise and battery run times. To assess performance, we test mowers on a variety of terrains and inclines. Lastly, we take special note of each mower's ease of use and operation, noting whether handles are comfortable, bags are easy to mount and dismount and whether the deck is convenient to raise and lower.
What to look for when shopping for the best electric lawn mower
✔️ Battery: Opting for a battery-powered lawn mower means that you'll want the best battery life possible, especially if you have a large yard. Before making a purchase, double-check the estimated run time of your mower. While some lawn mowers provide power for over an hour, others are limited to 30–45 minutes and will require more frequent recharges.
✔️ Cutting width: The cutting width, or deck width, refers to the lawn mower's deck diameter and how widely it cuts over grass. The wider the deck, the more efficient your cutting experience will be since the mower can make fewer passes in a given area.
✔️ Voltage: Generally speaking, the higher the voltage, the bigger the lawn mower's battery and the more powerful it'll be. This means that it should be able to run longer on a single charge and better handle larger yards. Just keep in mind that larger batteries usually add more weight to your lawn mower, which is why smaller yard owners don't necessarily need to opt for the highest voltage.
✔️ Features: Extra features and accessories can make getting the job done easier than ever. Consider LED lights if you want to mow as the sun is setting as well as electric-start buttons for quick operation. You'll also want to consider whether you want a self-propelled or push lawn mower (the former pushes itself while the latter requires you to push).
For a more detailed breakdown of all types of mowers, check out Popular Mechanics' lawn mower buying guide.
Is an electric lawn mower is worth it?
Absolutely. "Now that major improvements in battery technology have moved electric mowers into the mainstream, they're a worthy alternative to gas-powered mowers," said Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab, Dan DiClerico.
Keep in mind that you'll have to pay a few hundred dollars more than a comparable gas unit, but you’ll get some of that back over the life of the equipment by not having to pay for fuel. Plus, the maintenance costs (including time and money) are much lower with electric lawn mowers.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab provides expert reviews and advice on outdoor gear.
GH Institute writer and product analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from consumer electronics to home, fitness, travel and more and frequently collaborates with the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab to cover topics like humidifiers, under-sink water filters, smart toilets and more.
To write this review, she worked with the Director of the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab, Dan DiClerico, who brings 25 years of experience to the Institute, having reviewed thousands of products, including all kinds of outdoor power equipment, for Good Housekeeping, as well as brands like Consumer Reports and This Old House. During his time at the Institute, he has evaluated all types of lawn mowers for their ease of assembly, mowing power and maintenance.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
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