Family Encyclopedia >> Home & Garden

How to Choose the Best Lawn Mower: Expert Guide to Types, Features, Models & Prices

Considering a new lawn mower purchase? Whether it's your first or a replacement, selecting the right model depends on your yard size, mowing habits, terrain, and schedule. With countless options available, factoring in these elements ensures you get a mower that delivers comfort, efficiency, and ease for years of reliable use.

How to Choose the Best Lawn Mower: Expert Guide to Types, Features, Models & Prices

Key Factors for Choosing Your Ideal Mower

To mow your lawn effortlessly, match the mower to your needs, habits, and property. Focus on these essentials:

  • Motor type (manual, electric, or gas-powered)
  • Power output
  • Propulsion (push or self-propelled)
  • Cutting width

Types of Lawn Mowers Explained

Explore the main categories to find the best fit for your garden.

Manual Push Mowers

Ideal for small gardens under 200 m², manual mowers suit those in good physical condition who mow frequently. Cutting height averages 12-40 mm with a 30-40 cm width. Simple design with two wheels, handlebar, and sharp blades for smooth operation. Optional grass collection box available. Eco-friendly, silent, and budget-friendly at €50-150.

Hover (Air Cushion) Mowers

Less common, these suit flat lawns up to 500 m² for a clean, even cut. Lightweight and highly maneuverable, they glide without tracks. Requires sharp blades and short grass for best results.

Electric Mowers

Perfect for gardens up to 700 m², electric models are lightweight, quiet, low-maintenance, and user-friendly. Choose corded (with extension) or cordless (Lithium-Ion battery):

  • 1000-1300 W or 18V-2 Ah for up to 300 m²
  • 1400-1800 W or 36V-3 Ah for up to 700 m²

Cutting width 30-53 cm, height 15-75 mm. Push or self-propelled. For corded, use a shoulder strap; for battery, keep a spare charging. Prices: €50-250.

Gas-Powered (Thermal) Mowers

For larger yards over 700 m², gas mowers offer power and autonomy but are noisier and need regular upkeep like fuel/oil checks, filter/spark plug cleaning, and winter storage prep with oil changes.

  • 1.8 kW (2.4 hp) for up to 900 m²
  • 2.2 kW (3 hp) for up to 1500 m²
  • 2.6 kW (3.5 hp) for up to 2000 m²

Cutting width 40-84 cm, height 15-90 mm. Push or self-propelled; manual or electric start. Prices: €200-1000.

Riding Lawn Tractors

Designed for 6000 m²+ areas, these comfortable, drivable machines feature front or under-seat cutting decks. Width 66-107 cm, height 30-91 mm. Electric start, optional grass box.

Robotic Mowers

Hands-free maintenance for up to 2000 m² (500 m²/hour). Obstacle-detecting, self-charging, weatherproof, and theft-secure. Not for slopes over 35%. Prices: €700-4000.

Essential Features for the Right Choice

Still deciding? Consider these pro tips:

  • Uneven terrain? Go self-propelled. Flat and small? Electric or push suffices.
  • Match cutting width to yard size for fewer passes.
  • Adjust height for desired lawn look; specialized models for ultra-short (3 cm) cuts.
  • Mulching finely chops clippings to fertilize naturally (speeds regrowth).
  • Blade disengagement for safety.
  • Larger grass catcher means less emptying.
  • Gas starters: Manual pull (effortful) vs. electric (easy).
  • Adjustable/foldable handles for comfort and storage.