Lawn Mower Review

Reviews compare lawn mowers' performance, reliability and noise

This report covers walk-behind lawn mowers, including self-propelled and push gas mowers; cordless and corded electric mowers; and manual reel lawn mowers -- plus mowers powered by solar energy or propane. Reviewers recommend walk-behind mowers for lawns up to about half an acre in size. We have a separate report on robotic mowers, some of which can handle even bigger lawns. For the biggest lawns, we have another report on riding mowers and lawn tractors.

We found the most comprehensive 2011 lawn mower review at ConsumerReports.org, where a team puts 74 gas and electric lawn mowers through rigorous standardized tests. This year's review includes more cordless mowers than ever before, but for the first time, no longer rates each mower for evenness of cutting. Ratings still cover performance in all three modes of handling grass clippings: mulching, bagging and side-discharging. In addition, mowers are tested for handling and overall ease of use. Repair records by brand are based on an annual poll of readers, and owner-written reviews are also available.

Although ConsumerReports.org's lawn-mower roundup is the most comprehensive review we found, it does have some gaps. Only a few manual reel mowers are reviewed separately; none are compared with other types of mowers. Ratings for gas mowers don't make clear which models meet California's more rigorous emissions standards -- indicators of a mower's environmental impact. Nor do the ratings here report each gas and electric lawn mower's noise level.

Popular Mechanics' 2010 comparison review does specify noise levels. Though only eight mowers are covered, they're all comparable and of the most popular type: self-propelled mulching mowers that can also bag or side-discharge clippings. In addition to clear ratings, the Popular Mechanics review highlights the main pros and cons of each model and picks a winner as well as the top budget pick.

ConsumerReports.org also summarizes owners' feedback on brand reliability, based on repairs needed over a long period of usage. The 2011 lawn mower brand ratings at J.D. Power and Associates, based on a survey of over 2,900 owners, are also quite useful, though they cover only mowers bought within the past two years. Lawn mower reliability is a key factor in customer satisfaction, since sending a mower out for repair during the mowing season is a major inconvenience.

Other reviews also fill in some of the gaps. The Australian equivalent to ConsumerReports.org, Choice magazine, compares gas mowers' noise levels, and an older review at the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse measures the noise level of even more lawn mowers of various types. Noise may seem like a minor issue when you're looking at a display of mowers. However, it's an important safety factor for both the person mowing and for family members. A quiet mower means you can mow without bothering family members and neighbors, and it's pleasant to be able to mow without having to wear ear protection.

For more factors to consider when choosing a walk-behind lawn mower, see our page on What to Look For.