Lawn Mowers: Reviews

Updated May 2012

Mowing the lawn doesn't need to be something you dread. In fact, having a good lawn mower can make it downright enjoyable. Before you part ways with hundreds of dollars, make sure you're buying a mower that meets your individual needs, whether you're bagging, mulching, or going old-school with a reel mower. Different mowers excel at different clipping methods. We recommend the top picks based on careful analysis of expert and user reviews.

Black & Decker SPCM1936

Best cordless electric lawn mower

$450

Estimated Price

Cordless electric mowers are environmentally friendly and convenient to use -- especially self-propelled models like the 36-volt Black & Decker SPCM1936. This electric mower earns top ranking in comparison tests of cordless mowers, also outranking most gas push mowers and many self-propelled gas mowers in the process. The 20-inch cutting path speeds mowing, and if you have a large lawn to mow, you can get an extra battery -- a quick-release lets you swap out a discharged battery for a freshly charged one. The warranty is for two years.

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Honda HRX217HYA

Best self-propelled gas lawn mower

$700

Estimated Price

Gas lawn mowers last longer than electric mowers, evening out the price difference in the long run. Honda HRX-series lawn mowers are pricey but consistently win top rankings in professional comparison tests as well as in owners' reviews and surveys. Honda's easy-to-start OHV/OHC engine meets California's strict emissions standards and 2012 EPA requirements, too. Plus, it's available in all 50 states; lots of efficient gas mowers are available only in California. The Honda mower's rustproof deck carries a lifetime warranty, and the lawn mower itself carries a five-year warranty -- longer than most. The Honda HRX217HYA self-propelled lawn mower excels whether you're mulching or bagging clippings, thanks to a feature that lets you bag whatever percentage of clippings you like, mulching the rest.

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Honda HRR216VKA

Best value self-propelled lawn mower

$400

Estimated Price

Although it lacks features found on more costly Honda lawn mowers, tests show that the Honda HRR216VKA can mulch, bag and discharge clippings just as well. The self-propelled Honda HRR216VKA mower has a three-year warranty rather than five, it and lacks some features found on the Honda HRX-series mowers, such as cruise control, a blade brake override and variable adjustment among modes of handling clippings. Reviewers also say its steel deck is prone to rust. But owners praise this Honda HRR-series mower's performance and ease of use, and Honda scores highly in customer satisfaction surveys. The quiet, fuel-efficient OHV engine and the sealed fuel system excel in minimizing emissions; this mower meets California emission standards and is available nationwide.

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Husqvarna 7021P

Best gas push mower

$280

Estimated Price

If you can get by without a self-propelled mower, Husqvarna push mowers earn top marks for mulching, which is beneficial for grass. The Husqvarna 7021P uses a Honda OHV engine to minimize emissions. It meets the stringent California environmental requirements -- as well as the nationwide EPA requirements for 2012 -- so it's as eco-friendly as a current gas-powered mower can be. This budget lawn mower offers excellent features, including an adjustable folding handle plus large rear wheels with double ball bearings for smoother maneuverability.

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Black & Decker MM875

Corded electric lawn mower

$240

Estimated Price

Cordless electric mowers are more convenient, but the Black & Decker MM875 corded lawn mower costs less and has accumulated years of positive reviews. It's a good budget choice if your lawn is generally flat and the mowing area is within 100 feet of power outlets. This electric mower gets good ratings for mulching and bagging clippings, and when equipped with an optional chute, side-discharges clippings well, too. Conveniences include easy height adjustment plus a folding handle for storage. This electric Black & Decker mower's polymer deck carries a lifetime warranty, but some owners warn of durability problems with the mower, which carries only a two-year warranty.

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Fiskars StaySharp Max 6201

Best manual reel mower

$230

Estimated Price

The Fiskars StaySharp Max 6201 (formerly called the Fiskars Momentum) eliminates many drawbacks generally associated with reel lawn mowers. Tests show that the mower is easier to push than competitors, and the 4-inch maximum cutting height is another advantage. Many reel mowers cut so short as to invite burn risk to grass. The positioning of the wheels and blades makes it possible to mow much closer to curbs and walls than with other reel mowers, and the Fiskars StaySharp Max 6201 throws the clippings forward, away from the user. The no-contact blades don't require sharpening for five to 10 years, and the mower itself carries a four-year warranty. It's ideal for small, flat lawns -- or for anyone who wants a lot of exercise.

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