Electric lawn mowers come in 2 styles: corded and cordless. They range in price from $99 for a small corded electric mower to $800 for the best cordless. If you want a low maintenance, low running cost, quiet and clean running mower… Then the best electric mowers for you are here.
Electric mowers don’t need oil changes, don’t need new spark plugs and don’t require trips to the gas station.
They’re quieter than petrol mowers, don’t emit smoke and start with the push of a button.
If you have a small lawn out the front of your home then corded electric may be your best option. You’ll have to deal with the cord, but that’s an annoyance more than a problem.
If you want to leave the cord behind but still have the benefits of electric, then a Lithium-ion battery powered mower is what you want.
Here’s the best of each world.
The Best Cordless Electric Mower for Most People
1) Cordless GreenWorks GMAX Electric Mower
The best cordless electric lawn mower is the GreenWorks GMAX.
It’s the best because it’s lightweight at 50 pounds. Comes stock with 70 minutes of mowing life. Can be upgraded to 2 hours mowing with an extra battery. And is a trusted brand (GreenWorks sells bestselling power equipment across the whole range).
So how does it do all this and still be affordable? According to GreenWorks, it’s their dual blade, dual electric motor, dual battery design that allows this mower to last longer than its competitors and stay lighter and more affordable.
If you want to mow your lawn without the annoyance of a cord, and without the annoyance of oil spills, loud engines and high running costs – this is the one to get.
The Best Corded Electric Mower for Most People
1) Corded GreenWorks 12 Amp 20-inch Blade Electric Mower
GreenWorks entire product line, consisting of lawn mowers and air compressors to chain saws and drills, have ZERO carbon footprint. They’re committed to this, and are committed to ensuring you get the power tools you need without sacrificing power…
…And that’s why they take the top spots for both categories of electric lawn mowers – their mowers deliver.
Their best corded electric is the 20 inch GreenWorks 25022.
It comes with a 4 year warranty, large rear wheels for effortless manoeuvring and has the ability for mulching, side discharge and bagging.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive electric mower, and don’t mind staying within 100 feet of an electric outlet – this is the one to look at.
How to Choose Between Cordless and Corded
Nearest Electrical Outlet
Corded electric mowers are best for small lawns out the front or back of your house. They are dependant on their cord for electricity. It is obvious then if you’re mowing a lawn nowhere near an electrical outlet (and don’t have or want to use an electric generator) this type of mower is not an option.
Cordless battery powered mowers are less dependant on electrical outlets, but still, after an hour or two of mowing will require a charge.
Cost
Cordless ones are 2x corded ones. Enough said.
Run-time
Corded mowers are limited only by their cord length. So if you stay within 100 feet or so of your outlet you can mow as long as you want.
Cordless mowers are limited by how long their batteries stay charged. Usually about 1 hour. You can always keep an extra charged battery on standby to ensure your cordless lasts 2 hours without much hassle.
Up to you, really.
Both electric mower styles are best suited for small to medium lawns – definitely no bigger than 1/3 acre. By my calculations 1/3 acre lawn under perfect condition takes 35 minutes with a 19 inch mower. If you add some obstacles, some slopes, some tough grass and the fact that you may not walk as fast as average when you’re pushing a mower… Were probably looking at 1 hour for that 1/3 acre.
Sources
1. The research on which electric mowers are best was already completed so it was just a matter of ensuring the research still held up. Also, the comparison table was used to quickly navigate the features of each electric mower.
2. The GreenWorks environmental commitment was referenced on this page – it’s source was this page.
3. I referenced this page on MotherEarthNews.com with regards to electric lawn mower facts.
