When it comes to maintaining a tidy lawn, a good lawn mower is essential. While traditional gas-powered mowers have long been the go-to for many homeowners, there’s a growing preference for cordless electric lawn mowers. They offer a cleaner, quieter, and more environmentally-friendly alternative to their gas counterparts. In this buying guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the best cordless electric lawn mower for your needs.
Table of Contents
Why Choose a Cordless Electric Lawn Mower?
Cordless electric mowers have come a long way in recent years. Many people, myself included, are turning to them for several reasons:
- Environmentally Friendly: Electric mowers don’t emit harmful gases like gas mowers, which contributes to a cleaner environment.
- Noise: They’re quieter than gas mowers, making them more pleasant to use.
- Low Maintenance: No more worrying about fuel, oil changes, or spark plugs.
- Ease of Use: Most cordless mowers are lighter and easier to maneuver than their gas-powered counterparts.
- Cost-Effective: While the initial cost might be higher, the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance are worth it.
Now that I’ve shared why cordless electric lawn mowers are a great option, let’s dive deeper into the factors you should consider when choosing one.
Key Factors to Consider
1. Battery Life and Runtime
One of the most crucial factors when buying a cordless mower is battery life. The runtime depends on the mower’s battery capacity, usually measured in volts and amp-hours (Ah). More volts typically mean more power, while a higher amp-hour rating indicates a longer runtime.
In general, a 20V battery may last for about 30-45 minutes, while a 40V or 56V battery might provide up to an hour of continuous mowing. Make sure the mower’s runtime is adequate for the size of your lawn. For example, if you have a small lawn, a mower with a shorter runtime will work fine, but larger lawns may require something more robust.
2. Cutting Width
The cutting width is the span the mower covers in a single pass. A wider cutting width allows you to mow more grass in less time, which is ideal for large lawns. However, for smaller lawns, a narrower cutting width may be more maneuverable and efficient.
Here’s a simple breakdown of cutting width options:
- Small lawns (up to 1/4 acre): 14-18 inches
- Medium lawns (1/4 to 1/2 acre): 18-20 inches
- Large lawns (1/2 acre and above): 20-22 inches or more
3. Adjustable Height Settings
Most cordless electric mowers come with adjustable height settings, allowing you to control how short or tall you want your grass. I personally appreciate a mower that offers at least 3 to 5 height settings, as it provides flexibility to adjust according to the season or grass type.
Height adjustments can be made through either a single lever or individual wheels, depending on the model. A single lever is more convenient as it adjusts all wheels at once.
4. Weight
Cordless mowers tend to be lighter than gas mowers. This makes them easier to push and maneuver, especially around obstacles like trees and garden beds. If you have a large yard or hilly terrain, you may want to consider a mower with wheels that are large enough to navigate uneven surfaces. If weight is an issue for you, look for mowers that are specifically designed to be lightweight.
5. Storage and Foldability
I always consider how easily I can store my mower. Many cordless electric mowers offer a folding handle that allows for compact storage in smaller garages or sheds. Make sure to look for this feature if you’re short on space.
6. Price vs. Performance
While cordless electric mowers can be more expensive upfront compared to gas mowers, they usually cost less in the long run due to minimal maintenance needs and no need for fuel. However, you want to strike a balance between price and performance. Higher-end models with more powerful motors and larger batteries can be significantly more expensive, so be sure to assess whether the added features are necessary for your lawn.
Top Cordless Electric Lawn Mowers
Now that you understand the key factors to look for, I’ve compiled a list of some of the top-rated cordless electric lawn mowers based on customer reviews, performance, and features.
| Mower Model | Battery Capacity | Cutting Width | Runtime | Weight | Adjustable Height | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenworks 25022 | 40V, 4Ah | 20 inches | 45 minutes | 42 lbs | 5 positions | $200-$250 |
| EGO Power+ LM2100 | 56V, 7.5Ah | 21 inches | 60 minutes | 53 lbs | 6 positions | $500-$600 |
| Sun Joe iON16LM | 40V, 4Ah | 16 inches | 40 minutes | 30 lbs | 6 positions | $150-$200 |
| Honda HRX217VKA | 186cc gas (for comparison) | 21 inches | N/A | 93 lbs | 7 positions | $500-$600 |
| Snapper XD 82V | 82V, 2Ah | 21 inches | 45 minutes | 64 lbs | 7 positions | $400-$450 |
1. Greenworks 25022
Greenworks is a reliable brand known for its eco-friendly and high-performing products. The 25022 model is equipped with a 40V battery and a cutting width of 20 inches, making it a great choice for medium-sized lawns. It offers a decent runtime of 45 minutes, which is suitable for lawns up to 1/4 acre. At a weight of 42 lbs, it’s easy to push and maneuver.
2. EGO Power+ LM2100
EGO Power+ is one of the most popular brands in the cordless mower market. This mower features a 56V battery, providing superior power and performance. With a 21-inch cutting width and 60 minutes of runtime, it’s ideal for larger lawns. It’s a bit heavier at 53 lbs but still manageable. The EGO Power+ model is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a reliable mower with extra power.
3. Sun Joe iON16LM
For those with small to medium-sized lawns, the Sun Joe iON16LM offers great value at an affordable price. It comes with a 40V battery, a 16-inch cutting width, and 40 minutes of runtime, which should be sufficient for yards under 1/4 acre. The mower is lightweight at just 30 lbs, making it easy to handle.
4. Honda HRX217VKA
While not a cordless model, the Honda HRX217VKA is worth mentioning for those who may be considering gas-powered mowers. It offers a 21-inch cutting width and seven adjustable height settings. However, it requires more maintenance and is significantly heavier than electric mowers. This model is a good option for those who want a traditional mower but are willing to compromise on the convenience of cordless options.
5. Snapper XD 82V
Snapper’s XD 82V is another excellent choice for those looking for more power and runtime. With an 82V battery and a 21-inch cutting width, it provides around 45 minutes of runtime, ideal for larger yards. The mower is a bit heavier, but the extra power is great for tougher lawns.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cordless electric lawn mower depends largely on the size of your lawn, your budget, and the features you prioritize. I’ve highlighted some of the best options available, but there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. When I’m shopping for a mower, I always think about the runtime, cutting width, and ease of storage. Ultimately, it’s important to find a model that suits your specific needs and offers the best balance between price and performance.
I hope this guide has helped clarify the key factors to consider when buying a cordless electric lawn mower. Whether you have a small lawn or a larger yard, there’s a perfect mower out there for you. Happy mowing!
