Nothing quite beats the smell of freshly cut grass, right? Whether you're buying your first lawn mower or a replacement, here at What'sTheBest, we want to ensure that you have all the information you need to buy the best lawn mower for cutting grass.
Related: The best weed killer to keep your garden looking pure
Best lawn mower shortlist:
Know exactly what you're looking for? Here are quick links to the best lawn mowers, so that you can start shopping straight away:
• Ryobi RLM18X33B40 18V ONE+ Cordless 33cm Lawnmower Starter Kit
Before you start sorting through your best garden accessories to make room for a new grass cutter, we have run down the different types of lawn mowers you might come across so that you can invest in the right one for you.
How to choose the right lawn mower:
Now, we wouldn't want you getting a lawn mower delivered that isn't right for your outdoor space, would we?
Not only do you need to know the strengths of the different types of mowers, but you also want to understand if they're suitable for your garden type. Don't worry, we've got you covered.
Cordless lawn mower: Also known as a battery lawn mower, it's powered by a lithium-ion battery. This mower option is ten times quieter than a petrol alternative. It's easy to manoeuvre because it doesn't have a cord, which also makes it ideal for bigger gardens.
Electric lawn mower: There are two types of electric lawn mower - corded and cordless. As we've just explained what a cordless lawn mower is, we'll get straight to covering off the corded lawn mower. Corded lawn mowers are best for smaller gardens and require to be plugged into an electrical outlet - you'll probably need an extension cord, too.
Robotic lawn mower: Also an electric alternative, this high-tech gadget is controlled from the touch of a button on your phone. Although the battery life isn't long, they typically charge quickly, so it should cover a lot of ground in minimal time.
Rotary lawn mower: Perfect for all types of grass, this mower uses a single blade which rotates like a plane to cut your lawn. They're recommended for small and large outdoor spaces.
Best lawn mowers
1 of 6Flymo EasiStore 300R Li Cordless Rotary Lawn Mower
Best cordless lawn mower This cordless offering from Flymo is a fantastic option if your garage is already full to the brim with tools and gadgets. This mower has been constructed with space-saving in mind, thanks to its foldable design.Pros:• Transports easily• Good size to store• Good value for moneyCons:• Difficult to assemble• Low bar height**Key features:**2 x 20 V lithium batteries30ltr grass boxCutting width: 30cmCutting height: 25-65mmRead our full article on the best cordless lawn mowers for your garden.
£214.99
2 of 6Bosch Indego 350 Connect Robotic Lawnmower
Best robotic lawn mowerIf you're the type of person that doesn't even own a pair of gardening gloves, then this is the right lawn mower for you. We love that this robotic alternative does all the work for us via an app on a phone. Pros:• Easy to use app• If it gets stuck, it'll message you• Saves you timeCons:• Can take a long time to mow the lawn as it'll require breaks to charge• Expensive **Key features:**Battery life: 30 minsCharging time: 45minsCutting width: 19cmCutting height: 30-50mm
3 of 6Ryobi RLM18X33B40 18V ONE+ Cordless 33cm Lawnmower Starter Kit
Best battery lawn mowerCombined with your cordless strimmer, you can transform your outdoor space thanks to this battery-powered lawn mower. It'll look neater and healthier than it ever has before.Pros:• Battery and charger included• Great for small gardens• LightweightCons:• Cutting adjustment hard to manoeuvre• Not heavy duty• Battery doesn't last long**Key features:**Collapsible grass catcherFive height positionsCutting width: 33cmCutting height: 25-65mm
£259.95
4 of 6Bosch Rotak 34 R Electric Rotary Lawn Mower
Best electric lawn mowerPerfect for small and medium-sized lawns, the Bosch Rotak will ensure that your grass is perfectly trimmed every time. Don't forget to store this lawn mower in your garage or garden shed. Pros:• Lightweight and compact• Cutting edge precision reduces need to trimming• Large grass boxCons:• Assembling it can be tricky• Requires a lot of upkeep**Key features:**1300w power drive motorIncludes a grass boxCutting width: 34cmCutting height: 20-70mm
£105.00
- Rrp: £129.99
5 of 6Einhell GC-PM 40 S Petrol Lawnmower
Best petrol lawn mowerDo you love the look of artificial grass? Thanks to this petrol mower, you can achieve a consistent lawn length, all while enjoying the benefits of having the real deal. Pros:• Perfect for large gardens (will cover just under a quarter of an acre)• Takes around 20 mins to assemble• Low oil usageCons:• Makes a lot of noise• A little on the heavy side**Key features:**One-cylinder Einhell four-stroke engine (OHV)Fuel poweredSeven levels of central cutting height adjustmentCutting height: 24-60mm
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6 of 6Bosch Rotak 34 R Electric Rotary Lawn Mower
Best budget lawn mowerDo you have a small garden? Are you looking for a wallet-friendly lawn mower that is easy to store? If this sounds like something you're looking for, then the Bosch Rotak 34 R Electric Rotary Lawn Mower is right for you. Pros:• Gear adjustment is straightforward• Effortless to push• Simple assembly Cons:• Suitable for small lawns only• You might find that the grass is cut unevenly**Key features:**Five bladed cylinder and rear roller25l grass box capacityCutting width: 38cmCutting height: 15-43mm
£59.99
Best lawn mower verdict:
Drum roll, please. Taking the number one spot for the best lawn mower has to be the Bosch Indego 350 Connect Robotic Lawnmower. Although it's not a cheap option by any stretch of the imagination, this handy garden gadget will mean you'll never have to hurt your back pushing the mower up and down your lawn again.
How to use a lawn mower:
You'd think answering how to use a lawn mower would be pretty straightforward, but the advice changes depending on the type of lawn mower you choose to invest in. Don't worry, we're up for the challenge.
How to use a reel lawn mower:
Reel lawn mowers are one of the easiest mowers to use. Simply push it over your grass and let the magic happen.
Basically, as you move, the wheels move, which turns the cutting wheel spinner. When the grass gets caught between the spinning wheel and the cutting bar, it gives it the chop.
As this is a small device, you'll often find that a grass box isn't included, leaving the cuttings to fall on the ground as you go. Plus, you'll need to run it up and down a few times to achieve the desired result.
How to use a robotic lawn mower:
The promotional video from Bosch DIY and Garden UK, shows how you can use a Indego 400 Connect robotic lawn mower to its full potential.
A robotic lawn mower allows you to tend your grass without lifting a finger. It works using a smart multi-sensor; with this particular model at the touch of a button, you can adjust the cutting height. It's easy to set up, especially for anyone that's tech-savvy. Plus, you'll love that you can control your lawn care via an app on your phone.
Are lawn mowers safe?
Any machine that uses sharp objects, like blades, comes with a safety risk. According to Just Lawnmowers, "it's estimated that around 6,500 people around the UK are injured every year by lawn mowers."
We'd recommend taking the following precautions to ensure your safety at all times:
• Pick up anything left in your grass that might be an obstruction before mowing. This includes sticks and stones.
• Don't use your lawn mower in bad weather conditions.
• Remember to always push your mower - don't pull it under any circumstance.
• Ensure the mower is in good condition before use.
• Wear appropriate clothing and protection.
• If you hit something, turn off the mower immediately and inspect the damage.
• Keep children and pets away from the lawn mower at all times.
How long do lawn mowers usually last?
It's all well and good understanding what the best lawn mower for you is, but how will you know if it's going to last? According to SFGATE, "The average lawnmower lasts eight to 10 years with proper maintenance and care. A lawnmower that is not maintained may last one-half that time. "
Life expectancy is also greatly impacted by how often and how long you use your lawn mower for. Chances are if you have a bigger garden, your lawn mower's life won't be as long.
Can you cut long grass with a lawn mower?
Have you moved into a new home? Has your grass become unmanageable over winter? Then you'll need a lawn mower for cutting long grass. We'd recommend either using the best cordless strimmers to keep your lawn at its best or tackling it with a four-wheeled rotary mower, like the Mountfield Princess 42 Electric 4 Wheel Rear Roller Rotary Lawnmower.
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Lily Anderson is a writer at Bauer Media, where she tests products for titles such as Heat, Closer, What’s the Best and Mother&Baby.
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