5 Best Electric Lawn Mower Reviews, Guides & Comparison

Last updated on February 20th, 2018 at 12:00 am

A quality lawn mower is an important investment. The traditional gas-powered lawn mower is becoming obsolete in residential areas. Battery-powered and electric lawn mowers are the new order of the day.

Electric lawn mowers have been gaining popularity in recent years. This is because many people are starting to care more about the environment. Electric lawn mowers will give you perfectly manicured lawns while not contributing to environmental pollution

 

Buying an electric lawn mower involves a ton of research. This 5 best electric lawn mower reviews, comparisons, and recommendations will save you that stress.

So, get ready to be an electric lawn mower aficionado at the end of this guide. If you would like to go straight to the review and comparison, use the table of content below for easy navigation down the page. Let’s get going. Shall we?

Why buy an Electric Lawn Mower?

What comes to many people’s minds when they hear the words “electric lawn mower” is a bigger electric bill. The huge electric bill myth is just that; a myth. Electric lawn mowers typically use less than $5 worth of electricity annually.

Here’s why you should buy one:

1. Compact size: Electric lawn mowers are usually light weight. This offers the advantage of easy storage. They will not take up much space. You can even lift them onto a shelf if your ground space is filled up.
2. Easier to operate: An electric lawn mower has no pull-cable starter found on most gas-powered mowers. This makes them very easy to operate. Anyone can use it even the elderly.
3. Low maintenance: Unlike the gas-powered mowers, you don’t have to worry about spark plugs, filters, oil levels in the electric lawn mower. Neglecting the electric lawn mower won’t harm it. Just plug it in and start using.
4. Environmentally friendly: Electric mowers will not contribute to the environmental degradation by belching out carbon dioxide like the gas powered varieties.
5. Noise level: Electric lawn mowers are much quieter than the gas-powered variety. A typical electric mower produces less than 75dB. This is just slightly louder than a normal human conversation (65dB). You can now mow your lawns without ear plugs.

Electric lawn mowers also cost less than the gas-powered varieties. This is another reason why you should invest in an electric lawn mower.

How does an Electric Lawn Mower Work?

Before we go further, you have to understand how the electric lawn mower works. The working principle of all lawn mowers is basically the same. All lawn mowers have the following:

1. A motor/Engine
2. A rotating blade
3. Collection bin
4. Wheels

The Engine

The Engine controls the spin of the blades that cut the grass. It can either be powered by electricity, battery, gas or even solar energy. Gas-powered lawn mowers make use of an internal combustion engine. An electric lawn mowers use a motor that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.

Our focus would be in electric lawn mower as the title suggest

The Rotating Blade

This is what actually cuts your grass. It is powered by the engine/motor. The blade can be one or an assembly made up of two or more blades. The blades can rotate in either a circular rolling motion or horizontal circular motion.

The rotating blade usual sits in a casing called a Deck. This prevents the cut grass from flying in all directions as you mow the lawn.

Collection bin

Most lawn mowers come with a collection bin where the grass is stored while you mow. The collection bin/bag is usually attached to the deck to collect the grass.

The Wheels

This is your lawn mower’s means of movement. The deck is attached to the wheels.

Types of Lawn Mower you can buy

Corded Electric lawn mowers

Electric Lawn Mowers: These lawn mowers require an electric outlet to work. They have a power cord which powers the electric motor and spins the blade. They are generally quieter than the gas-powered variety.

These mowers are small and compact. They require no maintenance. Electric lawn mowers are very easy to operate.

Cordless Lawn Mowers

Gas-Powered Lawn Mowers: These lawn mowers are powered by internal combustion engines. They run on gasoline. The engines can either be two-cycle or four-cycle engines.

The two-cycle engines burn a mixture of gasoline and oil. The four-cycle engines burn only gasoline and have a separate lubrication system. They have more torque.

The gas powered lawn mowers usually have a carburettor and a pull-cable starter. Some industrial models come with an electrical starter. These lawn mowers tend to pollute the environment due to the combustion in their engines.

Maintenance is highly required in the gas-powered lawn mowers. Regular cleaning of the spark plug and air filter is a must. The engine oil has to be changed routinely as well.

Battery Powered Lawn Mowers: The cordless electric lawn mowers are also known as battery-powered lawn mowers. They are usually powered by one or more 12 volt rechargeable batteries. More batteries equals more run time.

Battery-powered lawn mowers have the best of both worlds. They have the manoeuvrability of gas-powered mowers.

Cordless mowers are more expensive than the corded electric and gas-powered varieties. Also, disposal of worn-out batteries can also be problematic. Improper disposal can also cause pollution.

Robotic Lawn Mowers: Robo-mowers work within a boundary defined by a border wire. This border wire tells them where to trim. They can maintain a large lawn all by themselves.

Robotic mowers are self-docking and cordless. They also contain rain sensors. And most work without a remote, thus limiting human interaction.

Most popular Electric Lawn Mower Brands

There are many brands of electric lawn mowers out there. Many companies have been in the lawn mower making business for decades. Here are some of most trusted electric lawn mower maker brands:

Black and Decker Lawn Mower: This American Company has been in the business of manufacturing lawn mowers for over a century. The Black and Decker MM2000 is featured in our best electric lawn mower reviews. Other lawn mowers from this company include the Black and Decker CLM3820L2, B&D EMax34s, B&D EMax42i etc.

Einhell Lawn Mower: This brand has been in business for more than 50 years. They make lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, grass shears etc. Their lawn mower range include gas-powered mowers like GE-PM 48 S HW B&S, battery powered mowers like GE-CM 36 Li Kit and electric lawn mowers like GE-EM 1536 HW M etc.

Flymo Lawn Mower: This company has had over 50 years’ experience in the manufacture of garden tools like lawn mowers, grass trimmers etc. They are known for their hover and robotic lawn mowers. Popular products include Flymo Ultra glide from the hover range, the robotic lawn mower Flymo 120R etc.

GreenWorks Lawn Mower: This Company is based in North Carolina, USA. GreenWorks is a popular brand that makes lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers etc.  Three of their lawn mowers: GreenWorks 25142, 25022 and 25012 make appearances on our best electric lawn mower reviews.

Bosch Lawn Mower: In the manufacture of lawn and garden tools, there is no many better than this German company. They have been in business since 1886. Their mower range includes products like Indego 800 which is a robotic lawn mower, Rotak 43 Ergoflex (an electric lawn mower) etc. 

Choosing the Best Electric Lawn Mower: What You Should Know

You’re nearly there. Before you buy an electric lawn mower, there are certain factors you must absolutely consider. They are below:

Power: The output power of the engine determines how well your mower will cut your grass. Your lawn mower should be powerful enough to handle tough grass without breaking down. An output power of at least 1,300 Watts should be what you’re looking for in a mower.

Lawn Size: Most electric lawn mowers come with an optimum lawn size that they can handle. Measure your lawn. Go for a mower with an optimum size larger than your lawn.

Cutting width: This affects how fast you can mow your lawn. The average cutting width of most electric lawn mowers is 37-42 cm (14.6-16.5 inches). A small cutting width will increase the time you spend mowing and vice versa.

Steel Blades: Although electric lawn mowers with plastic blades are cheaper, you spend a ton of money on changing the blades. Always buy mowers with steel blades. They last longer.

Warranty: A warranty is a manufacturer’s proof of confidence in their product. An electric lawn mower is a long time investment. Go for brands with at least 2 years warranty to save money on parts if your mower breaks down.

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Quick Review of the Best 5 Electric Lawn Mower

You’re finally there. We have tested and compared a couple of electric lawn mowers and we present to you our top 5 picks below:

1, Black and Decker MM2000 Electric Lawn Mower Review

The Black and Decker MM2000 is first on our list of the best electric lawn mowers. This powerful lawn mower is a heavy duty miracle.

MM2000 is a 13 amp electric lawn mower. It has a 3 in 1 function; it comes with a 13 gallon nylon collection bag for clippings. Mulching and side discharge options are also available on the Black and Decker MM2000.

The B&D MM2000 has a cutting width of 20” (50.8 cm). It has 7 cutting heights which range from 1.5” to 4” (. A single lever controls the cut height adjustment on the B&D MM2000.

Weighing almost 47 lbs, the B&D MM2000 is not as light as we would like. But it’s still lighter than many gas powered mowers. The adjustable and foldable handle bar is another plus.

Black and Decker MM2000 come with a safety switch in addition to the standard start and bail switches. Another great feature of the B&D MM2000 is the “Edge Max” which allows you cut grasses close to fences and other vertical surfaces.

The Black and Decker MM2000 is one amazing lawn mower. But it has some slight issues. We know that no machine is perfect but the B&D MM2000 comes pretty close. The starter mechanism on the B&D MM2000 is a bit flimsy. You have to be careful when using it.

The cut height adjustment lever can easily be shifted from its locked position. Also, the collection bag falls off if you go backwards.

These slight problems notwithstanding, the Black and Decker MM2000 is a great lawn mower. Anyone who has a big lawn or does heavy duty mowing would be not too smart to pass up the wonder that is the Black and Decker MM2000.

2, GreenWorks 25142 Electric Lawn Mower Review

GreenWorks is known for making the best electric lawn mowers. The GreenWorks 25142 is no exception. This electric lawn mower is a monster on lawns.

The GreenWorks 25142 is a 10 Amp electric lawn mower. It has a 2 in 1 function. A collection is available for plain mowing and a mulching option.

This mower has a cutting width of 16” (40.6 cm). It has 5 cutting positions which range from 0.67” to 2.64” (1.7-6.7 cm). You can adjust the blade height by using the single height adjustment lever.

Weighing 39 lbs.; the GreenWorks 25142 is light. Its compact design means you can use it in narrow spaces. Front and back wheels of 6” and 7” respectively also greatly improve manoeuvrability.

Still on manoeuvrability, the GreenWorks 25142 comes with an adjustable 36-39” handle. This handle can be collapsed for easy storage of the lawn mower. The cord retainer helps to keep the power cable in place.

We think the GreenWorks 25142 is a great mower albeit one with some issues. When using the GreenWorks 25142 on a slope, you have to be extra careful. This mower does not come with a tilt option.

The GreenWorks 25142 comes with a collection bag a little too small for our liking. It also lacks a safety switch which is a bit worrisome. But the bail switch eased our worry during our tests. Mower stops running when you lift your finger off the bail switch.

Other than these slight issues, this mower is an excellent choice. The GreenWorks 25142 is one mower that can handle any small garden or yard.

If you’re thinking of buying the best electric lawn mower for your small lawn, then the GreenWorks 25142 is the one to get.

3, Sun Joe MJ403E Electric Lawn Mower Review

Coming in at number 3 on our best electric lawn mower guide is the SUN JOE MJ403E. This is another lawn mower that packs a punch. If you’ve got a big lawn, this lawn mower is one you should have your eye on.

The Sun Joe MJ403E is a 13 amp corded lawn mower. It has a dual functionality. It comes with a 12 gallon grass collection bag which can be used for regular mowing; or removed to access the mulching function.

This mower has a cutting width of 17” (43.2 cm). Its grass cut height ranges from 0.8” to 2.8” (2 to7 cm). The 7 height adjuster level on the Sun Joe MJ403E gives the option to choose your lawn level.

The Sun Joe MJ403E weighs just 28 lbs. It is the most compact electric lawn mower we’ve seen so far. Its 6.5” front and 10” back wheels allow for better manoeuvres. The safety switch on the Sun Joe MJ403E is a big plus.

Seems this lawn mower is taking things to the next level with its grass indicator window. This nifty little thing lets you know when the collection bag is full.

The Sun Joe MJ403E reads like a dream right? Well, let’s give you the not-so-good stuff we found about it. The wheels are not sturdy. Watch out for them before they fall off.

All in all, the Sun Joe MJ403E is a good lawn mower. Also, Sun JOE just released the MJ402E, the big brother of the SUN JOE MJ403E. You should instead consider this updated one. If you want a mower that even your grown up kids can use with ease, the Sun Joe MJ403E is definitely the one for you.

4, GreenWorks 25012 Electric Lawn Mower Review

Surprise! Yet another GreenWorks on our best electric lawn mower list. This GreenWorks 25012 is a monster grass eater.

The GreenWorks 25012 is a 12 amp corded lawn mower. It comes with a dual functionality. A mulch option and a side discharge option.

The cutting width on this mower is 18” (45.7 cm). The wider width means you will spend less time cutting grass. The GreenWorks 25012 comes with a 7 position height adjustment lever with range from 1.75” to 3.75” (4.5 to 9.5 cm).

The GreenWorks 25012 is not as light as we would like at 46 lbs; it’s still very compact. Its 7” back and front wheels allow for easy manoeuvres. The adjustable handle can also be folded down for easy storage.

The GreenWorks 25012 is a great mower. We just hate the fact that there is no collection bag. If you’re not mulching with this mower, be prepared to rake the grass clippings afterwards.

Sturdy design and great cutting width surely makes up for the lack of collection bag. The GreenWorks 25012 is the best lawn mower for anyone with a small yard who wants the best quality.

5, GreenWorks 25022 Electric Lawn Mower Review

This is the last on our best electric mower list. It is by no means the least. The GreenWorks 25022 is great for medium sized lawns.

The GreenWorks 25022 is a 12 amp electric lawn mower. It has 3-in1 functionality. It comes with a collection bag, a side discharge and mulching options.

The cutting width on this bad boy is 20”. This will save you time on mowing the lawn. Something we truly appreciate over here.

The cutting height can be adjusted from 1.5” to 3.75” (3.8 to 9.5 cm) depending on your taste. There is a single lever that controls cutting height adjustment on the GreenWorks 25022. Its handle is foldable for easy storage as well as adjustable to suit your height.

Weighing 56 lbs, the GreenWorks 25022 is not as light as other models on our list. It has 7” front and 10” back wheels for easy mobility. The safety switch is another added bonus feature which we love.

We enjoyed testing the GreenWorks 25022. But we found some pretty awkward stuff about it. The screws on the handle tend to come off when you’re mowing. So keep an eye out for them. However this might not be the case for every GreenWorks 25022.

All in all, the GreenWorks 25022 is a great mower. Anyone with a medium sized yard that’s planning on going green should definitely buy this lawn mower.

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Lawn Mower Comparison Table

You can compare the top 5 we reviewed below.

		GreenWorks 25022	Sun Joe MJ403E	GreenWorks 25012		Black and Decker MM2000	GreenWorks 25142
Power (Amp)		12	13	13		13	10
Cutting Width (inches)		20	17	18		20	16
Mulching		Yes	Yes	Yes		Yes	Yes
Cutting height range (inches)		1.5 to 3.8	0.8 to 2.8	1.8 to 3.8		1.5 to 4.0	0.7 to 2.6
Weight (lbs)		56	28	46		47	39
Safety Switch		Yes	Yes	Yes		Yes	No
Side Discharge		Yes	No	Yes		Yes	No
Cutting height adjustment No.		7	7	7	7		5
Warranty	4 Years		2 Years	4 Years	2 Years		4 Years
Collection bag	Yes		Yes	No	Yes		Yes

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Recommendation

If you’re still undecided, here is a quick breakdown:

• If you’re looking for a heavy duty electric lawn mower, then the Black and Decker MM2000 is your best bet. 20 inch cutting width, 7 grass cutting height settings and a 13 amp engine are just some features of this bad boy.
• The best electric lawn mower for small garden is the GreenWorks 25012. If you’ve got a small garden, this lawn mower is your best bet.
• If you’re on a budget and want a cheap electric lawn mower, the SUN JOE MJ403E is what you should get.

If you have further questions, leave us a comment and we’d get back to you.

You’ve made it to the end of our review and guide. We hope we have been able to help you in making an excellent choice for buying an electric lawn mower.