Are lawn mowers or robot lawn mowers healthier for your lawn? If you’re hoping to see greener grass this summer, one stands slightly ahead of the game.

The lawn mower vs robot lawn mower debate is an interesting one, because both have their benefits in the garden. Lawn mowers can be more budget-friendly, for example, while robot mowers make up for their cost in convenience and eco-friendliness. When it comes to actual lawn health, though, experts are leaning towards one winner in particular.

So, are traditional lawn mowers or robot lawn mowers better for a healthy lawn? Here’s everything you need to know.

If we want to understand which type of lawn mower is healthiest for our grass, it's wise to start by looking at the mechanical action of the blades on the grass. The best lawn mowers out there are designed to cut grass cleanly, with minimal tearing – but robot lawn mowers can guarantee that a little bit more.

‘Robotic lawn mowers are actually gentler on your lawn than traditional machines,’ explains George Ren, CEO at Segway Navimow. ‘A dull rotary blade tears the grass, leaving jagged wounds that make turf more vulnerable to drought and lawn diseases. In contrast, robotic mowers use small, razor‑sharp blades that cut frequently, little and often, promoting denser, healthier growth.’

Of course, you could learn how to sharpen lawn mower blades to reduce the chance of dull rotary blades hacking away at your grass – but the benefits of the best robot lawn mowers don’t stop there.

‘Robotic mowers work continuously, trimming little and often to keep the lawn at an optimal height,’ echoes Ryan Patterson, head of product management at Husqvarna UK. ‘This approach helps create a healthier, more consistent finish, with fine clippings naturally fertilising the grass.’

That mulching effect is something I’ve noticed on my own lawn since using the Segway Navimow i208 LiDAR Robot Lawn Mower, which is currently on sale at Amazon. A couple of months ago, my lawn was dry, yellow and patchy – but this month, it’s looking greener than ever.

I’ve actually heard the same feedback from friends and colleagues who have made the switch to a robot lawn mower. Those fine clippings really do enrich the grass – and you’ll save yourself the task of emptying a collection bag after mowing, too.

It’s worth noting that some lawn mowers have a mulching plug, like the GARDENA Handymower (also available at Amazon). These mowers also chop grass clippings into a fine mulch and dispense it back onto the lawn.

3 robot lawn mowers I recommend

So, are lawn mowers or robot lawn mowers healthier for your lawn? Both have their merits, especially if you want to cut costs and grab a traditional lawn mower with a mulching blade – but since robot lawn mowers are that little bit more gentle on your lawn, and cut the grass little and often, they just beat regular lawn mowers for this one.

If there’s one gardening debate I’ve noticed more than ever over the past year, it’s the lawn mowers vs robot lawn mowers one.

After testing market-leading lawn mowers and, more recently, a string of the best robot lawn mowers out there, I’ve learned first-hand that each type has its own merits in the garden. It all depends on the time and space you have at your disposal, your budget, and how you want your lawn to be maintained long-term – and with robot mowers becoming more mainstream than ever, it's worth considering if an upgrade could benefit your garden.

I spoke to experts from Segway Navimow and Husqvarna UK, both leading mower manufacturers, to settle the lawn mower vs robot lawn mower debate and select a winner for each area: convenience, value for money, eco-friendliness and more.

After testing an array of lawn mowers and robot lawn mowers, I've gotten familiar with what makes one machine more appealing than another. Below, you'll find an overview of each type's convenience, space requirements, cost and more, to help you choose the right mower for your garden and lifestyle.

Which is more convenient?

If you’re a busy gardener with limited time on your hands, mowing is one of those tasks that feels like a real slog. When you’re not in the mood to push a lawn mower around manually, or simply don’t have time in the day, a robot lawn mower offers an enticing alternative.

‘Robotic lawn mowers are transforming lawn care from a weekly chore into a set‑and‑forget background task,’ says George Ren, CEO at Segway Navimow. ‘With a reliable wire‑free robotic lawn mower that combines advanced, integrated technologies, from precision navigation to intelligent drive systems, you can reclaim that time for family, hobbies, or just relaxation.’

With mowers like the Segway Navimow i208 LiDAR Robot Lawn Mower (which is currently on sale at Amazon), you can set mowing schedules that take care of themselves, and even let the mower do its thing at nighttime.

The only inconvenient thing about robot mowers is setup, which sometimes involves installing a charging station in your garden (that’s one of the things I wish I knew before buying a robot lawn mower).

Plus, many models have a lower maximum cutting height than traditional lawn mowers, which can tackle longer grass – so if your lawn is overgrown, you’ll need to trim it with a lawn mower or cordless strimmer before a robot can work its magic.

Machines like the Segway Navimow i208 and the Eufy E15, though, can cut grass up to 7cm long – and if the robot is set up with a regular mowing schedule and keeps on top of things, you’ll save yourself the gruelling task of pulling the lawn mower out of the shed every time it needs cutting.

WINNER: Robot lawn mowers

Which offers better value for money?

There is, of course, the cost of a robot lawn mower to consider – and if you’re wondering how much to spend on a lawn mower, it’s worth noting that robots can make a bigger dent on the wallet. That’s where regular lawn mowers are a solid alternative.

‘Traditional mowers still play an important role,’ says Ryan Patterson, head of product management at Husqvarna UK. ‘They offer a lower upfront cost, require no installation, and are often better suited for tackling long or overgrown grass in a single session.’

There are, of course, more affordable machines on the market that offer fewer smart features but the same convenience as higher-end robots, like the Bosch VISIMOW18V-100 (it’s actually one of the best I’ve tested, thanks to its ultra-simple 3-button setup). Plus, you can actually earn the cost of a robot lawn mower back long-term.

‘When you calculate the hours you save each week, and the cost of hiring a lawn service, most homeowners break even within one to two years,’ says George from Segway Navimow. ‘After that, you're essentially getting paid for your time back. But the upfront price tag still scares some people off.’

If you don’t mind keeping on top of things yourself, a lawn mower is certainly the cheaper option, and a cordless mower like the Vonhaus Cordless Lawnmower (available at Amazon) provides hassle-free mowing.

Value for money is a tough part of the lawn mower vs robot lawn mower debate, but since traditional lawn mowers are generally more budget-friendly and brilliant at what they do, I’m just giving it to them for this one.

Winner: Lawn mowers

Which takes up more space?

When outdoor storage space is at a premium, choosing the right garden tools becomes more important than ever. The brilliant thing about robot lawn mowers is that most of them are smaller than regular lawn mowers, and there are no long, awkward handles to worry about – but many of the smarter machines come with a charging station, which usually needs to be fixed to the ground.

That’s actually one of my only qualms about robot lawn mowers – you’ll need to carve out space in your garden for a permanent base that the robot returns to after each mow (you’ll need a garage roof to protect it from the rain, too).

That said, not all robot lawn mowers come with a charging station. If they function from a removable battery, like the aforementioned Bosch VISIMOW18V-100, they simply need to be stored away after every use (and the VISIMOW is smaller than other robots I’ve tested, too).

A regular lawn mower will, of course, need to be stored away after every use, too. Depending on its size, it’ll usually take up more storage space than a robot lawn mower – so if you’ve got the space outside for a robot charging station, it’ll save you room in the shed.

WINNER: Robot lawn mowers

Which is better for the environment?

A lawn mower’s eco-friendliness depends very much on what type of mower it is. A petrol mower, with its high emissions, is the worst contender, whereas a cordless, battery-operated mower like the Gtech CLM50 Cordless Lawnmower is far better for the planet (besides the energy required to charge the battery). Better still, you could try a manual push mower, which works without electricity.

On that scale, robot lawn mowers sit somewhere around the same spot as cordless lawn mowers, because you’ll need to either charge a removable battery or keep a charging station plugged into the mains. In terms of gas emissions, it’s a safe choice for the planet – but what really stands out about robot mowers is how quiet they are.

‘Robotic mowers are battery-powered, meaning low noise pollution and no direct emissions during use,’ says Ryan from Husqvarna UK. ‘Their lightweight design is also gentler on the lawn, supporting long-term grass health.’

It’s almost a draw again, but because robot lawn mowers are a lot quieter than regular mowers, I’m awarding the eco-friendly category to them.

WINNER: Robot lawn mowers

Which is better for the grass?

Wonder if lawn mowers or robot lawn mowers are better for a healthy lawn? We all know that mowing wet grass can cause tear damage and affect a lawn’s overall health, but heavier traditional mowers can be harsh during turns and manoeuvres on dry grass, too. Thanks to new technology and design, robot lawn mowers provide a gentler alternative to regular lawn mowers.

‘Modern models like ours use ELFS™ LiDAR ⁺for precise navigation, and Xero‑Turn™ all‑wheel drive technology, allowing the mower to turn on the spot, avoiding lateral tearing and minimising turf damage,’ explains George from Segway Navimow. ‘That means a clean, even cut without ugly wheel marks or stressed grass.’

There’s also the mulching benefit of robot lawn mowers – fine clippings are filtered back onto the lawn during mowing, which acts as a natural fertiliser for your grass. I've actually noticed that my grass is greener since using a robot lawn mower to cut my grass.

‘Robotic mowers work continuously, trimming little and often to keep the lawn at an optimal height,’ adds Ryan. ‘This approach helps create a healthier, more consistent finish, with fine clippings naturally fertilising the grass.’

For that reason, I'm awarding robot mowers the top spot for lawn health.

WINNER: Robot lawn mowers

Should you buy a lawn mower or a robot lawn mower?

Looking at this lawn mower vs robot lawn mower comparison guide, robot mowers have won most of the categories – but that doesn't mean they're better than lawn mowers. It all depends on your lifestyle, how much space you have, whether you actually enjoy mowing your lawn and, of course, your budget.

'Ultimately, the choice comes down to how customers want to manage their lawn,' agrees Ryan from Husqvarna UK. 'Robotic mowers are designed to maintain a consistently high standard with minimal effort, while traditional mowers remain a practical solution for more hands-on or occasional use.'

If you're a busy gardener with money to invest in a time-saving solution, a robot mower might be the way forward – but if you enjoy mowing your lawn and want to achieve the same results with just a little more elbow grease, lawn mowers are still a timeless choice.

I’ve spent the past few months testing a myriad of robot lawn mowers, and it’s safe to say I’ve learned a lot. If you’re thinking about upgrading to a robotic machine, I thought I’d share the things I wish I knew before buying a robot lawn mower.

On my hunt to find the best robot lawn mowers on the market, I’ve learned plenty about setup, space requirements and other factors I simply hadn’t considered before. As a total beginner at the start of the year, I can vouch for their ease of use – but as with any garden tool, there are a few things to be aware of before you welcome a robot mower home.

These are the things I wish I knew before buying a robot lawn mower.

1. You might need space for a charging station

I thought I’d kick off this list with something I simply hadn’t considered before buying a robot lawn mower: many come with a charging station.

You'll need to make sure you're okay with a semi-permanent garden fixture if you're opting for a machine with a charging station, because they usually come with screws to fix them to the ground. You'll also need to carve out some space in the garden for it, since it'll house the robot when it's not mowing.

If you have the space for a charging station, though, you’ll enjoy incredibly smart gardening. The mower will return to its base after every mow, and with robot mowers like the Segway Navimow i208 LiDAR Robotic Lawn Mower (which I tested last week), you can even set up a mowing schedule. That means the mower is clever enough to do its own thing after setup, and it can even mow your grass at night (it's whisper-quiet!). It’s also really satisfying to watch the mower's smooth return to base.

2. Many robot mowers require a Wi-Fi connection

Another thing I wish I knew before buying a robot lawn mower? Many of them rely on a Wi-fi connection to set up, complete software upgrades and function.

I moved house a couple of months ago, and to my horror, the Wi-Fi connection stopped at the back door. Dealers who come and set the mower up for you, like Husqvarna, always double-check that your garden has an internet connection before they arrive – and now I understand why!

Thankfully, we have a Wi-Fi extender now, which means the connection covers the back garden – but that’s another cost to consider if your internet only spans the house.

That doesn’t mean all robot mowers need Wi-Fi, though. Budget-friendly machines like the Bosch VISIMOW 18V100 Robot Lawn Mower, for example, rely on smart cameras and sensors rather than GPS navigation and internet connection to function. In fact, when I tested the Bosch VISIMOW, I was really impressed at the simple three-button setup.

3. Lawn edges aren't always covered

Even the best lawn mowers on the market often fail to cover those hard-to-reach parts of the lawn – namely, the edges – and that’s something I’ve noticed with many of the robot lawn mowers I’ve tested, too.

In my experience, robot mowers often do leave those signature tufts around the outer edges, and sometimes around stepping stones, too. That’s nothing a cordless strimmer can’t fix – but if you’re after a complete job, it’s worth managing your expectations in that field.

There are workarounds, though. Robot lawn mowers that connect to an app, like the Eufy E15, offer plenty of in-app settings that let you adjust how close your robot cuts to edges. You’ll just need to make sure your mower won’t run the risk of toppling over a raised garden border, for example.

You can also instruct mowers like the Mammotion YUKA Mini 2 1000 to mow specific parts of the lawn – so whenever the mower missed a patch during testing, I simply instructed it to redo that part of the grass.

Many advanced robot mowers have a remote control mode, too, which means you can control the mower yourself (just like you’re playing a video game!), and really target those missed areas.

3 robot lawn mowers I recommend

I'm still learning about robot lawn mowers all the time, but those are the three lessons that stood out to me when I first brought one home. Overall, they're a fantastic investment, and worth the upgrade if you're looking for time-saving, intuitive lawn care.

I love an Aldi special buy, my home includes many things I've snapped up from the middle aisle during a weekly shop. However, when I was considering recommending the new bargain Aldi robot mower to a friend, I was warned off it by Ideal Home's robot lawn mower tester, who recommended the budget Bosch VISIMOW at B&Q instead.

At Ideal Home, we've recently tested out a whole load of the best robot lawn mowers, and after gaining hands-on experience and interviewing a number of industry experts, we've learned a lot more about robot mowers since we first covered Aldi launching the Yard Force robot mower in 2025.

Initially, I was impressed by the bargain price of Aldi's option. At £199, Aldi's robot mower is one of the cheapest models on the market; it's even £92 cheaper than the same Yard Force robot mower model sold on Amazon for £291. However, while we haven't tested the Aldi mower, it was the product description that made our robot mower reviewer and Garden Editor Sophie King sceptical about how good a buy it actually was.

She spotted lowdown in the product description that the Aldi robot mower uses a boundary wire, a feature that made her visibly shudder.

Sophie has tested all the latest robot lawn mowers at Ideal Home, and would personally never recommend choosing one with a boundary wire. A boundary wire is a physical cable you have to lay around the edge of your lawn to define the operating area for the robot lawn mower. They're part of why early robot mowers had a reputation for being quite a faff to set up.

'There definitely seems to be a shift away from robot mowers with boundary wires, with more and more brands releasing wire-free models that use GPS tracking and smart cameras to navigate a lawn,' explains Sophie. 'I've tested lots of robot lawn mowers without boundary wires, and they're so much simpler - setup is fuss-free, super simple, and a lot quicker than those that require wire installation.'

If the low price is the most important factor to you and you're not bothered by the prospect of a wire installation, you can give the Aldi robot mower a go. However, if you're after something that's a tried and tested easy-to-set-up robot mower, Sophie recommends the Bosch VISIMOW, which she gave 4 out of 5 stars in her review. The Bosch VISMOW can be picked up for £354 at B&Q right now, so it's around £150 more expensive than Aldi's

'For faff-free setup, the Bosch VISIMOW is well worth the extra £150 - it's ready at the press of three buttons, it gives grass a smooth cut, and its camera technology is so intelligent for the price,' Sophie explains.

The Bosch VISMOW is designed for smaller lawns up to 100m², while the Aldi one is suitable for lawns up to 400m². There isn't an app for it to connect to like more expensive mowers like the Eufy E15 that can map your lawn. However, it is quiet, compact and easy to set up for beginners testing the waters with a robot mower.

If you are looking for something a little more sophisticated, these are the two other boundary wire-free robot mowers we'd recommend.

For cutting lawn edges with precision, comfort and low noise, STIHL's new grass trimmer is one of my new favourites.

In fact, I'd go as far as saying that the STIHL FSA 50 Cordless Grass Trimmer, which you can order for £149 without the battery from Just Lawnmowers, is one of the best cordless strimmers on the market right now. If you’re looking for a powerful grass trimmer that’s a little bit quieter than the vast majority of other strimmers, this is the tool I’d recommend. It does a brilliant job of trimming lawn edges and grass with speed and precision.

This STIHL FSA 50 Cordless Grass Trimmer review will look at unboxing, setup, design, ease of use, performance and maintenance. I tested the trimmer in my own small garden. Have a read, and see if it's the right trimmer for you...

In a nutshell

The STIHL FSA 50 Grass Trimmer seriously impressed me – it trimmed my grass and lawn edges at speed, even reaching underneath low-growing shrubs that regular lawn mowers tend to miss.

It's a robust machine that feels as comfortable as it is high-quality. It's light and balanced during use, and also really easy to assemble. For small gardens, it's a must – but it is quite powerful, so you'll need to learn to control it properly to avoid scalping your lawn.

Specifications

• Type: Cordless, battery-operated
• Cutting width: 2.9kg
• Weight: 2.9kg
• Sound power level: 82dB
• Running time: 25 minutes

Unboxing

The STIHL FSA 50 came in a slim cardboard box that was light enough to carry through the house and into the garden. There was minimal packaging inside, save for a few cardboard strips and wedges to hold the trimmer in place and a couple of plastic bags that housed the screws and other components.

The battery and charger were enclosed in an inner cardboard box at one end of the main box, the battery wrapped in a plastic bag. If your trimmer doesn't come with a battery, you can buy the STIHL AK 10 battery from Amazon, and the STIHL AL 101 battery charger from Amazon, too.

Setup

The STIHL FSA 50 Grass Trimmer took me less than half an hour to assemble, and the instructions were really easy to follow. The trimmer must be turned off for safety, so it’s crucial that you don’t insert the battery before this stage (more on that shortly).

First, I attached the deflector. I simply had to push the guard into the guides on the housing, and then insert and tighten two screws to hold them together. The guard has to stay on once assembled, and mustn’t be removed.

Then, I had to mount the bump guard by inserting its ends into the holes on the housing. It was as simple as that! There were also instructions on mounting and removing the mowing head, which were really easy to understand.

I had to install the loop handle, too, and for that, I needed the accompanying star knob nut. Once fitted, the loop handle mustn’t be removed either.

I love that you can adjust the shaft angle to three different angles on the STIHL FSA 50 to suit different heights. It’s really straightforward – you simply have to press the release pedal, move the shaft into the required position until it engages, and then let go of the release again. You can also adjust the shaft length by toggling the clamp nut.

I also had to ensure the battery (which comes with a charger) was charged before getting started (it was!), and then pop the battery into the trimmer. It was really easy to insert, with a satisfying ‘click’ that told me it was in place.

To turn the grass trimmer on, the instructions are a little more complicated, requiring you to press and hold the trigger in a certain way to switch the machine on, but I soon got the hang of that, too.

Design

Before we dive into how well the STIHL FSA 50 Grass Trimmer performed in my garden, it makes sense to get familiar with its key design features.

It’s certainly ergonomic – the trimmer is fitted with a soft grip round handle that’s easily adjustable without tools. The telescopic shaft is adjustable, too, and the mowing head can be set at three different angles, allowing you to reach trickier areas like slopes and under trees and furniture. You can even rotate the mowing head 90 degrees for easier lawn edge trimming.

I also love that the spacer bracket protects plants and other objects in the garden from damage during trimming.

STIHL always designs its tools with the user in mind, which means the FSA 50, like other tools in the range, has excellent balance. It’s also pretty lightweight at 2.9kg, so it isn’t a slog to use like heavier trimmers on the market.

Performance

STIHL says the FSA 50 grass trimmer offers ‘practically flawless trimming thanks to the new spacer on the tool,’ and during testing, it lived up to those claims. I was stunned by the clean edge it left on the grass that runs alongside my garden border, and it was a lot easier to use than I expected.

At first, I thought the spacer would stop the trimmer from cutting the grass along my raised garden border, but miraculously, it didn’t – in fact, it gave those hard-to-reach parts of my lawn a really good trim. With the mowing head set at the lowest angle, trimming the grass beneath the lower-growing shrubs in my garden, which even the best lawn mowers out there often miss, was a piece of cake.

The only downside (which can also be a total plus side, depending on the task at hand) was that the trimmer was so powerful, you had to be careful not to scalp your lawn during grass trimming. Luckily, its ergonomic design made it easy enough to hold and control – but it does take a little bit of practice when you first get started.

There’s a variable speed trigger on the trimmer that allows more precision in control of the mowing head, and STIHL says that can help extend the working life of your battery, too.

What really appealed to me about the STIHL FSA 50, though, was that it has lower noise emissions than a lot of other cordless strimmers on the market. It boasts a sound power level of 82dB, which is 7dB less than our previous favourite low-noise strimmer, the STIHL FSA 57. It’s still noisy enough, of course – strimmers will never be as quiet as robot lawn mowers, for example – but it certainly isn’t intrusive. That said, STIHL supplied me with protective earmuffs, which you’re advised to wear during use.

Speaking of safety, you’ll also need to wear protective goggles when using the STIHL FSA 50 Grass Trimmer. Debris does fly up at you as you cut, so it’s crucial that you have eye protection in place to avoid injury.

On a full charge with the AK 10 battery, you’ll get 25 minutes of working time. That’s more than enough time in a small garden like mine – and with the speed and power of STIHL FSA 50, my lawn edges were neatened up in no time at all. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever edged my lawn so fast. You can buy more powerful batteries with a longer runtime if you’re working in a larger garden.

Maintenance

STIHL makes maintenance easy, too – the FSA 50 is supplied with the AutoCut 3-2 mowing head, which can be refilled without using tools. That cuts a lot of the faff, in my opinion.

If you’d prefer to use the Polycut 3-2 Mowing Head (which is sold separately), you can swap it out. Basically, that one is a mowing head with two movable plastic blades that’s designed for cutting medium-height grass, lawn edges and tougher vegetation (it’s a bit more robust for harder jobs), whilst the original AutoCut 3-2 mowing head is the standard for efficient mowing and clearing.

Verdict: Should you buy the STIHL FSA 50 Cordless Grass Trimmer?

If you're looking for a robust garden trimmer that doubles up as a brushcutter and isn't too noisy, the STIHL FSA Cordless Grass Trimmer is definitely worth the investment. It's a solid tool that's well-suited to edging small lawns with precision and enough power to tackle tougher grass and weeds, too.

If you’re new to the realm of robot lawn mowers and want a fuss-free machine that’s as easy as it is good at mowing, I have one recommendation for you: the Bosch VISIMOW18V-100 Robot Lawn Mower, RRP £349.95 at Amazon.

Of all the models I’ve tested so far, I think it’s one of the best robot lawn mowers on the market – especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, wire-free machine that doesn’t compromise on intelligence and cutting ability. It’s designed for smaller lawns up to 100m², so it’s perfect for compact outdoor spaces – and the straightforward setup made it a breeze to use.

Here’s what I thought of the Bosch VISIMOW18V-100 Robot Lawn Mower when I reviewed it on my 38m² lawn.

In a nutshell

The Bosch VISIMOW18V-100 is the simplest robot mower I've tested, but by no means the least capable. Its cutting ability is impressive, tackling the areas of my lawn (specifically, around my stepping stones) that other robot mowers have missed.

It's so easy to set up – after inserting the battery, you only need to press three buttons. At 52dB, it's the quietest robot lawn mower I've tested, so you barely remember it's there during mowing!

The only downside? It's a little fiddly to remove the battery. It also doesn't connect to an app like robot lawn mowers at higher price points, so there's no lawn mapping, and less customisation.

For users who prefer a straightforward setup that cuts grass evenly using smart camera and sensor technology, though, it's a steal for the price.

Specifications

• Max. lawn size: 100m²
• Cutting height range: 20-60mm
• Cutting width: 16cm
• Max. climbing ability: 35% (19°)
• Dimensions: 42.9 x 34.8 x 22.6 cm
• Weight: 7.6kg (with battery)
• Noise level: 52dB
• Warranty: 2 years

Unboxing

The Bosch VISIMOW18V-100 Robot Lawn Mower, packaged, was the easiest robot mower I’ve had to lift and unpack. It came in a box that was barely larger than the mower itself, thanks to the fact that this machine doesn’t require a charging station (it’s battery-operated).

The packaging was minimal, with just a sheet of paper wrapped around the mower and a few stick-on strips and cardboard wedges along the outer edges of the mower and buttons to protect it from scratches. That meant it was far better for the environment, of course, but I suppose some people would argue that the mower could’ve been better protected. With careful transportation and delivery, though (both of which my machine had), that shouldn't be an issue.

The battery came separately (although you can buy the Bosch VISIMOW18V-100 Robot Lawn Mower and battery as a bundle, like this one from QVC), in a cardboard box that also included the charging port.

Setup

Setup was an absolute breeze. The Bosch VISIMOW18V-100’s quick start guide boasts a simple three-button setup – ‘Place, Press, Mow’ – and it’s not joking. The instructions are on the inner flaps of the cardboard box the mower comes in.

Before that, though, you’ll need to make sure the battery is charged. Mine was already charged when I put it into the charging dock, and the flashing green light on the front makes it easy to monitor charging progress.

Then, it was a case of inserting the battery into the robot mower. There’s a flap on the back of the mower with a red button that you press to lift. It was easy enough to push the battery in until a satisfying click let me know that it was inserted properly.

Before you turn the mower on (or when the 'Stop' button is pressed and the mower is in standby mode), you’ll need to adjust the cutting height (there's a range of 20-60mm, which rivals many of the best lawn mowers on the market) using the dial below the buttons before pressing those buttons.

Once the mower powered on, it was time to test that three-button 'Place, Press, Mow' setup. It really was a case of just pressing three buttons (which are numbered) on the top of the mower in a simple sequence: the fourth (On/Start), followed by the third (Auto Mow), and then the fourth again.

The Bosch VISIMOW18V-100 doesn’t connect to an app like other robot lawn mowers I’ve tested. That’s a drawback if you’re looking for ‘smarter’ features and the ability to map your lawn and customise setup from your phone – but for gardeners looking for a simple, fuss-free setup that will crack on with lawn mowing so they don’t have to, it’s perfect.

So, let’s dive into how it performed on my lawn…

Performance

I tested the Bosch VISIMOW18V-100 on my 38m² lawn. The robot mower is designed for small gardens with lawns up to 100m², which is brilliant considering its compact size (it’s the smallest one I’ve tested so far).

After I completed the three-button setup, the mower set off on my lawn. On this ‘Auto Mow’ setting, the Bosch VISIMOW uses a SmartVision system to target uncut patches of grass. Its cameras very intelligently detect where your lawn needs to be mowed, and this process manifests as a random mowing pattern that startled me a bit, initially.

That’s because many other robot lawn mowers (usually those that map your lawn) tend to cut your grass in a classic ‘up-and-down’ pattern. Not the Bosch VISIMOW, though – it zig-zagged horizontally, vertically and diagonally across my lawn, and you could almost see it mulling everything over, thinking about where it would go next.

If you’re a fan of lawn stripes, that won’t be music to your ears – it doesn't produce a striped effect like robot lawn mowers that follow a mapped route often do – but what I can say is that the result was an evenly cut lawn. It’s one of the best I’ve seen a robot lawn mower do, actually – and stripes or not, my lawn looked like a smooth sea of green by the time it had finished. It didn't quite cut the outer edges of my lawn, but I've yet to see a robot mower that perfects that (and that's where a cordless strimmer can come in handy).

The Bosch VISIMOW18V-100 handled the stepping stones that run down the mid-to-right section of my lawn with ease, too, covering more of the margins of each stone than some of the other robot lawn mowers I’ve tested. It also trampled over dead leaves on my lawn with no qualms, and I'm pretty sure it mulched them up, too.

Its ‘semi-autonomous’ freedom means it can mow multiple lawns and zones, too, which is perfect if you have different segments of lawn on the same level in your garden. My lawn is level, but the Bosch VISIMOW18V-100 can navigate slopes with a gradient of up to 35%. The instruction manual says that you should block off steeper slopes than that with a vertical border higher than 6cm prior to mowing.

The Bosch VISIMOW uses ultrasonic sensors and bump sensors for grass recognition and obstacle avoidance. I found that object avoidance wasn’t quite as good as other robot lawn mowers have demonstrated in testing – the VISIMOW never bumped into fixed objects like my garden border, but when I threw objects like my cap in front of the mower last-minute, it would ‘boop’ them on occasion before stopping and rerouting. It didn’t actually run over the objects, but it wasn’t as responsive as other robot mowers I’ve tested at higher price points.

What I did find, though, was that the mower was good at covering patches of lawn under lower-growing shrubs in my garden border. The mower’s compact size means it was better able to achieve that coverage in my garden than some of the larger robot lawn mowers on the market. There’s also a SpotMow mode that targets specific areas of grass (an area of approximately 2m² is mowed anticlockwise), like under garden furniture, for example. It's a handy option if AutoMow missed a few patches of grass.

The VISIMOW18V-100 took around an hour to cut my grass in total, which was considerably longer than some of the more expensive robot lawn mowers I’ve tested. So, it’s not one for speedy mowing tasks – but if you’re happy to let the mower do its thing in the background, I’d say it’s a pretty good compromise.

Like most other robot lawn mowers out there, there’s no collection bag on the VISIMOW, so the fine grass clippings are dispensed onto the lawn after they’ve been cut. Any clippings up to 20mm are actually mulched, and leaving grass clippings on your lawn in this medium can have a number of benefits.

Design

The Bosch VISIMOW18V-100 is the smallest robot mower I’ve tested, and it’s designed with small spaces in mind. At just 22.6 x 42.9 x 34.8 cm, it’s compact enough to be stored away without taking up too much space, and it’s also much lighter than many other robot mowers at 6.9kg. That means it’s easier to carry – and to make things even smoother, there’s a handle on the top of the mower, which a lot of other machines on the market don’t have.

The button layout on the top of the mower is really simple, too, with just four buttons, a cutting height dial and a large red ‘Stop’ button. There are two larger wheels on either side of the back end of the mower, and one smaller swivelling wheel underneath the mower at the front, which you can’t see when the mower is on the ground.

The battery compartment is in the back end of the mower, beneath a flap. While it was easy to get the battery into its slot, I did struggle to remove the battery afterwards. There’s a red button you press to release the battery, but I found that even after I did that, I had to wrestle with the battery a bit before it came out.

Overall, the Bosch VISIMOW feels like a robust machine, with a clear button layout and a simple design.

Cleaning and maintenance

Naturally, the Bosch VISIMOW gets a very grassy underside during mowing, but it’s easy enough to turn the mower over (once you're sure it's switched off) and brush away the debris. There are three small blades on the middle disc, so you’ll need to be careful around those – and it can be tricky to get some of the grass out from behind the wheels.

What’s really impressive about the Bosch VISIMOW, though, is that it boasts a Brushless cutter motor. Bosch says it provides superior performance and a longer motor lifetime because it has no carbon brushes that wear out over time – and as well as powerful cutting ability, that means less maintenance, too.

There's a really handy troubleshooting guide in the instruction manual that tackles any issues you might find during setup and mowing.

Robot mowers often require occasional software updates, and the same applies to the Bosch VISIMOW18V-100. The instruction manual says you'll need a USB flash drive (FAT 32 formatted), and when a new software version is available online, you'll need to load the software file onto the USB stick and follow the download instructions in the manual. That's the only thing I'd have reservations about, actually; many gardeners might find that too much of a hassle.

How does it compare to other models?

The Bosch VISIMOW 18V-100 Robot Lawn Mower is battery-operated, which sets it apart from many other robot mowers on the market that charge via a charging station. It's much better for gardens where space is at a premium, and there's less room for a charging dock. You'll just need to remember to charge the battery inside.

There's also no accompanying app for the Bosch VISIMOW, which means you can't customise and map your lawn from your phone like you can with the Eufy E15, for example. For users who prefer to set specific tasks and watch the progress from their own device, that's a downside – but the SpotMow feature on the Bosch VISIMOW does allow you to target patches of grass up to two metres away.

What sets the Bosch VISIMOW apart from other models, for me, is how quiet it is. It's considerably more subtle than other robot mowers I've tested, and it's also a lot smaller and more compact for storage.

Verdict: Should you buy the Bosch VISIMOW18V-100 Robot Lawn Mower?

Overall, I think the Bosch VISIMOW18V-100 is an absolute steal its price tag. It's so easy to setup, which makes it perfect for beginners and busy gardeners alike, and it provides a smooth cut via a random mowing pattern that relies on smart cameras and sensors.

There's less customisation to be had, since the mower can't be controlled via a companion app, but for a lot of users, that can make things even more straightforward. In terms of design, the only downside is that the battery can be tricky to remove (but as I've seen a review or two mentioning the same problem, I'm hoping this might be something Bosch fixes).

If you're after a quiet, compact robot lawn mower for a small garden that's a breeze to set up, though, I think the Bosch VISIMOW18V-100 Robot Lawn Mower is worth every penny.

If you’re thinking about making the switch to a robot lawn mower, it can be difficult to know where to start. Leading garden machinery brands are releasing more models than ever, so it’s tricky to track down the very best robot lawn mowers on the market.

I’ve seen robot mower popularity soar over the past few years, and I was asking all of the usual questions: What are robot lawn mowers? How do they work? Are they actually worth it? I’d learned plenty about robot lawn mowers on press trips last year, but I'd yet to get some hands-on experience in my own garden.

That’s why I set out to test some of the best robot lawn mowers on the market myself. I wasn’t sure they’d compete with the best lawn mowers, but oh boy, was I wrong.

The robot mowers in this guide blew me away. Below, you’ll find my notes on setup, ease of use, performance and design to help you choose the right robot lawn mower for you, your budget and your garden. It’s a very dynamic list – I’ll be updating it as I test more machines over the course of the year (Husqvarna is on the way!) – but these are the robot lawn mowers I rate highest right now.

Quick list

The best robot lawn mowers I've tried and tested

Best premium robot lawn mower

Since Eufy tops our guide of the best robot vacuum cleaners, I had to give its garden counterpart, the Eufy E15 Robot Lawn Mower, a whirl.

It didn’t disappoint – I unboxed a solid machine with ultra-smart tech that provided a neat, intuitive cut. It's certainly on the pricier end, coming in at RRP £1499 (although I’ve seen a few good deals recently!) – but if you’re out to find one of the best robot lawn mowers on the market and want to invest in a premium model, this one stands as my current favourite.

Setup was simple: once I’d connected the garage roof to the base station (with just four screws!) and the charging station to the mains, I downloaded the Eufy app, made an account and connected my mower to the Wi-Fi. Once I’d charged the mower and completed the software update in-app, I simply had to click ‘Start’ to get the mower to map my lawn.

Mapping was great fun. I watched, wide-eyed, as the mower backed itself out of its charging port and onto my grass (it was like watching one of those space robots exploring Mars for the first time). The Eufy E15 uses pure vision FSD technology with high-precision cameras and intelligent AI algorithms for accurate mapping and obstacle avoidance via Wi-Fi or 4G, with no need for boundary wires or an RTK station like older robot mowers. On the app, I could see a map of my lawn taking shape with every square metre the Eufy E15 covered.

Stepping stones splice the right-hand side of my lawn, and I wasn't convinced the mower would manage to map around them – but sure enough, eight tiny blobs appeared in a neat line on the green map on the app. All in all, it took about nine minutes for the Eufy E15 to map my lawn, which was really impressive. What made me really giggle like a child, though, was the fact that it returned to its garage when it was finished.

Once mapped, I started the first mow. The cut itself was smooth and methodical, providing an even finish across the main body of my lawn. The Eufy E15 actually gave my lawn its first cut of the year, which meant it had to tackle long grass – and because the maximum cutting height is 75mm, it tackled my 70mm-long grass with ease.

It didn’t quite reach the very outer edges of my lawn, though (but that’s often the case with regular lawn mowers, too, where you have to go back and straighten your lawn edges manually). It also missed some of the grass around my stepping stones on its first cut – but I then found a handy setting to toggle the edge cutting distance in the app, and the ability to set priority cut areas that the mower must mow, which covered most of the missed areas.

The only downside was the size and weight of the unit, which meant the accompanying garage was large, too. You’ll need a fair amount of space (72.7 x 48 x 45.2 cm) for it – and the box that the Eufy E15 and its accompanying base station came in was huge, too (and heavy enough to be a two-person job). It's also louder than other robot mowers I've tried – though still a lot quieter than regular electric and petrol lawn mowers.

Overall, the Eufy E15 Robot Lawn Mower was staggeringly impressive, with smart driving, responsive object avoidance and an even cut across my lawn. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a sturdy robot mower that's as fun as it is capable.

Best robot lawn mower for efficiency

I’ve heard nothing but good things about Mammotion – it's celebrated as the manufacturer of some of the best robot lawn mowers on the market – so when I had the chance to test the Mammotion YUKA Mini 2 1000 Robot Lawn Mower, I took it.

What I loved most about the Mammotion YUKA Mini 2 1000 was its efficiency. The mower mapped my lawn a lot faster than the Eufy E15, in just three minutes. The speed at which it charged around my lawn actually made me chuckle – it was definitely on a mission.

The setup was simple. Once I connected the charging station to power, app setup was just as straightforward as it was with the Eufy E15. In fact, I found the Mammotion app to be even more informative, with each step explained thoroughly as you get started.

The cut itself was breathtaking. The Mammotion YUKA Mini 2 1000 effortlessly striped my lawn (albeit with thin stripes, owing to the robot mower’s smaller size), and gave my grass an even finish at the desired cutting height (in this case, 50mm). You have to toggle the cutting height using the dial on the machine itself, rather than in the app, prior to starting the mow.

Like the Eufy E15, the Mammotion YUKA Mini 2 1000 did miss parts of the grass around my stepping stones, as well as the outer perimeter of my lawn – but I’ve yet to try a robot lawn mower that gets it just right (and that’s where a cordless strimmer comes in handy!). There is the option to drive the mower around your lawn manually, though, which you control from your phone (it’s a bit like playing a video game), and I found that better for tackling the grass that lines my garden border. I just had to be careful that I didn’t accidentally drive the mower into my plants!

Obstacle avoidance was also really strong with the Mammotion YUKA Mini 2 1000. The mower uses a 360 LiDAR and Dual-Camera AI Vision (1080P), and every time I stood in front of the machine or threw small objects like my cap in front of it, the mower would stop at a moment’s notice, back up and continue away from the obstacle, which means it’s great for lawns with pets, toys and wildlife.

If you're looking for an efficient robot mower that's brilliant at its job yet perfect for beginners, this is the one to go for.

You can take £50 off the Mammotion YUKA Mini 2 1000 when you buy it from Mower Magic using this link.

Best quiet robot lawn mower

Best quiet robot lawn mower

Now, the Segway Naivmow i208 LiDAR Robot Lawn Mower isn’t actually the quietest robot mower on this list on paper, but bizarrely, it sounded quieter than the Eufy E15 during testing. Granted, the Bosch VISIMOW is still the quietest in this guide – but the Navimow i208 takes the top spot for the quietest mower with the best cutting ability and features.

At 59dB, the Navimow i208 was so whisper-quiet, I forgot it was even on. The tougher grass it mowed made more noise than the machine itself, and it didn’t make noticeable whirring sounds during manoeuvres like the Eufy E15. It also has the widest cutting width (22cm) of all the robot mowers in this guide, which means it covers larger areas of grass at a time.

The cutting-edge technology (pardon the pun) is also something to shout about – LiDAR and onboard vision sensors pave the way for satellite-free navigation and, impressively, enable it to work day or night.

Setup was simple: first, I set up the charging station (you’ll need to fix it to the ground with the included screws), and then installed the Navimow app on my phone. The in-app setup instructions are really easy to understand, which made the whole process a breeze. I had to wait for the software to update, and then it was onto mapping.

You can either manually map your lawn (recommended for unclear or uneven lawn edges) or select auto-mapping, which I did, given my lawn is relatively flat and clearly defined. What’s different about Navimow’s auto-mapping process, though, is that you have to remotely control the mower to the nearest lawn to get started. That’s because there’s the option to map multiple lawns, or ‘zones’ – but given that I only have one lawn, I simply had to mark the first zone via the app and then initiate auto-mapping.

Mapping was remarkably speedy – the quickest of all the robot mowers I’ve tried – taking just two minutes (!) to map my 529ft2 lawn. It was really intuitive, intelligently skirting the perimeter of my lawn and even the tiny area in front of the shed (which I expected it to miss).

Then, it was time to start mowing. It took 23 minutes for the Navimow i208 to mow my lawn (as you can probably tell from the images above, it was suffering a great deal of post-heatwave dryness and patchiness!), and it did a brilliant job of giving it a clean, thorough cut. It even mowed over some of the weeds in my lawn, and didn’t miss any patches at all (save the outer edges, of course). When it did miss a tiny sliver on the map, it actually went back for it at the end!

Obstacle avoidance also got my seal of approval. AI VisionFence and GeoSketch Precision can detect over 200 obstacles within 1cm of accuracy, and the mower did indeed stop at a moment's notice when small and medium-sized objects were thrown in front of it.

The only thing to watch out for with the Navimow i208 is its weight – at 14.7kg, it’s a few kilos heavier than the other robot mowers in this guide, so I did find it more difficult to lift out of the box and push onto the charging station.

But, for a wider cutting width, impressive power, low noise level and a competitive price tag for a robot mower of its level, features and capabilities, it’s one of the very best robot lawn mowers I’ve tested.

Best budget robot lawn mower

The Bosch VISIMOW is by far the most straightforward, no-nonsense robot lawn mower I’ve tested. It provides an intuitive, even cut, and boasts an easy three-button setup, which makes it the best robot lawn mower for gardeners on a budget or who are completely new to robot mowing.

The mower uses a SmartVision camera with AI SpotMow, which allows it to locate exactly where your grass needs cutting. When I first set the mower off (it was literally a case of putting the battery in the machine and pressing three buttons), I was a little unsure of its random mowing pattern – it didn’t follow a methodical length-to-length approach like the other robot lawn mowers I’ve tested – but that’s exactly how SmartVision works. It travels around a lawn based on what it sees in front of it, monitoring for uncut grass, and it did a fantastic job of cutting my grass to a height of 40mm. It actually gave my lawn one of the neatest finishes I’ve seen with a robot lawn mower.

Stripes aside, of course – the random mowing pattern does mean that it won’t stripe your lawn like the Mammotion YUKA Mini 800, but if you’re willing to forgo the look, the VISIMOW’s thorough cut makes up for it.

It’s also smaller than the other robot lawn mowers I’ve tested, which means it’s easier to store, and it has a convenient handle for carrying, too. Plus, you don’t have to worry about fixing a charging station into the ground, since it's battery powered. The battery sometimes comes as a bundle with the mower itself (or you can buy it separately – the battery powers a range of other power tools, too).

The Bosch VISIMOW doesn’t fall short on cutting heights, either – it covers a 20-60mm range, which is impressive for such a compact robot mower.

Obstacle avoidance wasn’t quite as strong with the VISIMOW – it would sometimes ‘boop’ the objects I placed in front of it last-minute before stopping. It never ran over them, though, so it was still pretty responsive.

The VISIMOW also cut my lawn at a much slower pace than the other robot lawn mowers I’ve tested – it took around an hour in total - but as the mower is suited to small gardens up to 100m² and it’s on the cheaper side, I’d say it’s a fair compromise. It also isn't accompanied by an app like the other robot lawn mowers on this list are, but for some, that takes away some of the fuss.

For those with a small garden looking for a quick, simple setup and an even cut, the Bosch VISIMOW is the best budget robot lawn mower I've tried.

Read my Bosch VISIMOW18V-100 Robot Lawn Mower review for the full details.

How I tested

If you're wondering how we test robot lawn mowers at Ideal Home, the process is a thorough one – we put each machine through its paces, testing performance, ease of use, design and additional features, too.

I've tested each of the robot lawn mowers in this guide in my own 38m² garden, with a focus on the following areas:

• Unboxing: How protective and sustainable the packaging is, and how easy the boxed mower is to transport and unpack.
• Setup: How easy it is to connect the cables (or fit the battery), and how straightforward wi-fi and app connectivity is.
• Mapping: For models that map a lawn prior to mowing, how fast the process is and the accuracy of the final map.
• Performance: The precision of the robot's mowing ability and the final finish of the lawn. Where patches were missed, I finetuned the settings and evaluated the success of the second attempt. I also introduced a number of objects to the mower's path to assess its object avoidance skills.
• Maintenance: How easy it is to clean the robot lawn mowers after use, as well as ongoing maintenance such as software updates.

How robot lawn mowers work

Robot lawn mowers have evolved rapidly over the last five years, with technology shifting toward boundary wire-free installation.

When robot lawn mowers first entered the market, they required a boundary wire, which needed to be dug into the perimeter of the lawn so that the mower stayed within its bounds. That was quite a big deterrent for me and plenty of other gardeners I've spoken to – but in recent years, wireless robot lawn mowers have become mainstream.

For this guide, and for the convenience of you, the reader, I've only tested robot lawn mowers that don't require a boundary wire. Instead, these newer models rely on smart AI-assisted cameras to detect their surroundings and obstacles – sometimes using a random mowing pattern, like the Bosch VISIMOW or, in smarter machines, mapping the lawn via GPS.

It's this map that provides the robot mower with the information it needs to stay within your lawn's boundaries. An accompanying app allows you to view the map, start and schedule mows, toggle cutting settings and even designate specific mowing areas for some models.

The beauty of robot mowers with charging stations is that they work in the background, cutting grass little and often to maintain a neat appearance without you lifting a finger beyond initial setup, cleaning and occasional maintenance. For battery-operated robot mowers, you'll just need to remember to charge the battery.

That's my roundup of the best robot lawn mowers I've tested so far, but I'll be updating this guide as I try out more machines over the coming months. There were a few things I wish I knew before trying robot lawn mowers, so it's been a real learning curve!

It’s getting hot out here, so change the way you mow! Because, while Nelly might not have intended his song to inspire an audience of millennials and Gen Z gardeners, his (paraphrased) words ring true; it genuinely is vital you learn how to mow your lawn in hot, dry weather.

Oh yes, you’d best believe that, when temperatures soar and rainfall is scarce, your garden needs more TLC than usual – but that list of tried-and-tested lawn care tips you rely on just won’t cut it (literally).

Why? Well, like so many of us who find ourselves snappy, sweaty, and visibly wilting whenever a heatwave hits, our grass finds this sort of weather incredibly stressful. And so with that in mind…

How to mow grass in hot, dry weather

The climate crisis has already seen some sustainable gardening fans switch their traditional patch of grass for a more low-maintenance lawn alternative – but, for the majority of people, it’s proven difficult to let go of their beloved stretch of green.

If this is the case for you, then you need to be willing to roll with the punches (and the seasons). And so, just as Monty Don advised us to let our grass grow long for winter, so too must we adjust our expectations when it comes to figuring out how to mow grass in hot, dry weather.

'Grass is known for its resilience, but even this hardy plant can suffer under extreme conditions. The UK is currently experiencing unusually hot weather, and your lawn may be showing signs of stress as a result,' says Peter Chaloner, Managing Director of Cobra.

The simplest solution? Stop mowing, obviously, and leave your grass to do its thing; not only will it provide a valuable resource for wildlife, but it will also cut down the risk of brown patches and even dieback.

That being said, by making a few adjustments to your lawn care routine, you can mow your lawn in hot, dry weather like a pro. Here's what the experts advise...

1. Change the blade setting

The most important thing to do if you decide you want to mow your lawn in hot, dry weather? Change the blade setting on your lawn mower.

'Longer grass blades provide shade, reducing moisture loss from the soil, so hold off on mowing and allow the grass to grow taller than usual,' says Peter.

'When you do resume mowing, set the blades to their highest level to keep the grass from being cut too short, which could exacerbate moisture loss.'

2. Keep the clippings

Should you leave grass clippings on a lawn after mowing it? Absolutely, and especially so if you're figuring out how to mow your lawn in hot, dry weather.

'To encourage faster growth, you can leave grass clippings on the lawn. Once they have found their way into the soil, they will decompose and release nutrients back into the grass, helping to restore its strength and health,' promises Peter.

'Mulch is a wonderful natural fertiliser for grass and plants so it’s great to feed it into lawns as regularly as possible,' he adds, noting that, with Amazon's Cobra MM51B mulching mower you can 'recycle grass clippings every time you need to cut the grass, returning them to the soil as they decompose and release nutrients and fertilisers'.

3. Time it right

When it's hotter than the sun (and drier than the Sahara), it's tempting to strip down and set to work in your garden so you can soak up those rays. This wouldn't just put you at risk of a nasty sunburn, though; it would also cause your lawn undue stress.

'Mow early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the hottest times during the day. If you mow when it's hot, this can stress the lawn,' says Morris Hankinson, Director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

The aim, he adds, is to 'minimise stress by only mowing when it’s cooler'.

FAQs

Is it okay to cut grass in hot, dry weather?

While it's best not to cut grass in hot, dry weather, we understand that it's sometimes necessary – especially if you have young children or pets. With that in mind, Morris Hankinson of Hopes Grove Nurseries says, 'it’s really important to mow on a higher blade setting' if you have to whip the mower out during a heatwave.

'Keeping the grass taller helps to shade the soil, which will help to prevent evaporation and weeds, which will compete for water. So lift the blade to about 4” and water only if necessary during the cooler times of day,' he says, adding that it's best to mow in the early morning or evening when the temperature has dropped.

'Some grass cuttings can also be left on the lawn, which can provide valuable nutrients back into the soil. Don’t use too many, though, as a heavy layer can smother the lawn,' he adds.

Should you water grass in a heatwave?

Our experts are firmly in agreement: as a general rule of thumb, you should do your best not to water grass in a heatwave.

'It's a good idea to resist watering established lawns in summer, as grass can recover once rainfall returns. In fact, it often goes dormant and turns brown during dry periods as a natural survival mechanism,' says Cobra's Peter Chaloner.

'However, if you're experiencing a prolonged dry spell, consider infrequent, deep watering to encourage deep root growth. If you do water, avoid doing so during the sunniest parts of the day, and use stored rainwater or grey water instead of mains water whenever possible.'

Peter adds that 'weedkillers, fertilisers and any other lawn treatments should be avoided during the hot weather'.

'With the warmer weather stripping moisture from grass, treatments may be too harsh for your lawn, potentially causing even more damage,' he warns.

Now that you know how to mow your lawn in hot, dry weather, you can set to work keeping your grass the envy of your neighbours. Or, y'know, you could let your mower gather cobwebs for a little while and enjoy a calmer approach to lawn maintenance until the heatwave is over.

This lazy writer knows exactly which approach she'll be taking...

The LawnMaster 1800W Electric Hover Lawn Mower is designed for medium to large-sized gardens and offers a lightweight, highly manoeuvrable solution for tricky lawns, curved edges and uneven ground. With a 36cm cutting width and a 26-litre translucent grass collection box, this powerful hover mower makes light work of regular mowing. It floats on a cushion of air, helping you glide easily over bumpy, compacted lawns where traditional wheeled mowers can struggle.

I tested the LawnMaster hover mower across the month of May, tackling a lawn that hadn’t seen rain in weeks and had been thoroughly churned up by a playful golden retriever. I focused on how well the mower handled tough grass conditions, how easy it was to push and steer around tight corners, and how cleanly it cut. I also looked at how easy it was to set up, adjust the cutting height (between 12mm and 33mm), and store away after use.

Read on to see how the LawnMaster 1800W performed under pressure, and discover more about the clever features that make it one of the best lawnmowers for a medium-sized garden.

Specifications

• Suitable for: Medium to large lawns
• Power: 1800W corded electric
• Propulsion: Manual push with air-cushion hover support
• Cutting options: Cuts, collects, mulches and compacts grass
• Deck material: Lightweight but durable plastic
• Weight: 8.38kg
• Dimensions: Compact and space-efficient (folds for storage)
• Cutting width: 36cm
• Cutting height: 12mm to 33mm (adjustable with spacers)
• Grass collection: 26L translucent box with compaction
• Cable length: 15m
• Blade: Reversible metal blade, sharpened on both sides
• Folding: Yes – handles fold over body for compact storage

How I tested

Unboxing and setting up

The LawnMaster 1800W Hover Mower arrived in a cardboard box, with just a few plastic ties and sleeves to dispose of – a win for anyone trying to keep their packaging waste low.

The assembly took a little patience. The instruction manual was clear enough, but connecting the upper and lower handles feels like a two-person job – trying to hold everything steady while tightening the wing knobs solo is doable, but super tricky.

Once in place, though, the handles felt solid, and the 15m power cable clipped neatly along the frame using the provided cable clips. A thoughtful extra: the height adjustment spanner conveniently clips onto the central bar, so you’re not rummaging through the shed when you need it.

Once set up, this mower really shines. There’s no waiting around for a battery to charge – you just plug in and go. The powerful 1800W motor gives it a satisfying boost, and the mower glides smoothly on its cushion of air.

What really impressed me was the option to switch to mulch mode. By adjusting the chute and flicking the mulch mode selector, you can prevent grass from being collected in the box. Instead, the finely cut clippings are scattered back onto your lawn, where they naturally break down and feed the grass. It’s a handy, eco-friendly option for when your lawn doesn’t need a full collection.

The 26-litre grass box clicks easily into place, and when you do want to collect clippings, it compacts them well to reduce emptying trips. Just close up the collection chute and switch out of mulch mode.

Lawn mowing

Once everything was assembled, it was time to get mowing. I didn’t need to worry about charging a battery — just plug in the generous 15m cable and off you go. It gives you plenty of range, especially in medium-sized gardens, without the constant hassle of unplugging and relocating. Plus, there’s no anxiety about your battery giving up on you mid-cut.

Before starting, I adjusted the cutting height using the supplied spanner. It was a quick and easy job: simply loosen the nut, add or remove a spacer, and retighten. I started with a mid-height setting – a good choice for giving the lawn a tidy-up without taking too much off the top. You’ve got four height options in total, from 12mm for a close cut to 33mm for longer grass, which makes this mower super flexible for different seasons and grass conditions.

Starting the mower was as simple as pressing the safety button and squeezing the handle. It’s worth noting this mower is on the louder side at 96 dB (that 1800W motor delivers real power), but it does make a fair bit of noise. You might want to consider ear protection if you're using it for extended periods, or at least avoid waking up the neighbours early on a Sunday morning.

The hover action made manoeuvring around flowerbeds and curved lawn edges easy. It felt lightweight and agile, even on sloping or uneven ground.

The 26L grass box was easy to lift out and empty, but what I really liked was the option to switch to mulch mode. A simple lever adjusts the chute, letting you return finely chopped clippings to your lawn — great for feeding the grass and cutting down on waste.

The foam-covered handle is comfortable and folds down neatly for storage, but it only comes in one fixed height. Taller or shorter users might find themselves bending slightly while mowing.

While the 15m power cable gives you loads of reach, there’s no built-in hook or tidy clip on the mower itself for stowing it neatly after use, so you’ll need to find a way to coil and store it. I wrapped it around the handles to keep it from getting tangled up in the shed.

Ease of use

Cutting the grass with the LawnMaster hover mower was a breeze. Once plugged in, it was ready to go – no waiting around for batteries to charge, just a quick press of the button and pull of the handle, and I was off.

The mower floated easily over most of my lawn, making light work of general mowing and gliding smoothly around borders and awkward curves.

That said, parts of my lawn have been seriously rutted by a boisterous golden retriever, and in those bumpier areas, the mower did struggle a little to maintain lift. I had to give it a nudge to keep it moving, but that’s to be expected with any hover mower on very uneven ground.

I tested the mower in mulch and collection modes, and both had their perks. When set to mulch, barely any grass ended up in the collection box, which was exactly what I wanted. The mulching feature worked brilliantly, letting airflow in and returning tiny clippings to the lawn as a natural fertiliser – ideal for a quick tidy-up without having to empty the box.

On a separate mow with the mulch mode turned off, the mower did a great job of collecting and compacting the clippings into the 26L grass box. Emptying was straightforward – it simply lifts out from the top, and tipping the contents into the compost bin was no hassle at all.

Cleaning the mower afterwards was refreshingly easy. The underside of the deck is nice and simple, with no fiddly crevices, and the blade, which is impressively sharp, wiped clean with just a brush.

I did find myself wishing for a hook or clip to hang the mower off the ground neatly in the shed after use. The handle folds down flat, though, so it still stores away compactly.

During my time using it, the LawnMaster 1800W Hover Mower felt like a well-designed, no-nonsense mower that’s perfect for regular garden maintenance, especially if you’re short on time or patience.

Verdict

Overall, the LawnMaster 1800W Hover Mower is a powerful, lightweight, and surprisingly versatile machine that delivers a fuss-free mowing experience. From its easy plug-in start to its mulching option and compact fold-down design, it’s ideal for anyone who wants reliable results with minimal maintenance.

At under £150, it’s also great value for money, especially for a corded hover mower with enough power to handle uneven ground and tough patches. The 15m cable gives you plenty of reach for medium to large-sized gardens, and the reversible blade and adjustable cutting height add to its appeal.

There are a few niggles worth noting. The lack of a storage hook means you’ll need to get creative with cable management, and on very bumpy ground, the hover lift can falter slightly.

Assembly is a bit fiddly too, particularly if you're flying solo. I also found it tricky to extend and collapse the upper handle - you need to snap the upper handle into the grooves to get it to sit securely before tightening, which needs a little strength. Similarly, you'll need to pull each side out a few millimetres to allow the upper handle to collapse over the mower for storage.

Still, this mower impressed me with its performance, ease of use, and clever design touches - like the onboard spanner and mulch mode. If you’ve got a medium-to-large lawn and want the power of a corded mower without the bulk of a wheeled model, the LawnMaster 1800W is a smart and budget-friendly choice. Plus, once it’s packed away with the handles folded flat, it takes up surprisingly little room in the shed or garage.

I don’t know about you, but ‘Aldi’ and ‘robot lawn mower’ are not usually words I would include in a sentence together. But now I am, because Aldi is launching a robotic lawn mower.

Landing in the middle aisle on 1 May, I don’t expect this specialbuy to be on the shelves for long. Promising to keep your lawn pristine at minimal effort, it begs the question: Is Aldi coming for the crown of the best lawn mower this year?

The robotic mower offers higher-end mowing features at an affordable price, it’s £250 cheaper than B&Q’s Yard Force MB400 Robotic Lawnmower.

But is it worth investing in? This is everything you need to know about the Aldi robotic mower.

At just £199, the Aldi robot lawn mower is one of the cheapest models I’ve seen. If you’ve been wondering how much to spend on a lawn mower, experts typically recommend spending anything between £200 and £400, making this mower feel like a total steal.

The garden gadget claims to be hassle-free, keeping your garden in shape with minimal intervention from you. Controlled via app, which connects to the mower using a Bluetooth connection, you can sit back, relax and control the mower with your smartphone. You can even schedule the mower in advance.

Aldi states the lawn mower has a one-time setup, meaning it should be easy to connect every time you use it. It also comes with a charging station and clip-on cover for all weather protection.

The Aldi robot lawn mower has obstacle, tilt and turnover sensors so you don't have to worry about it falling over on your lawn. Plus, it has a maximum slope of 30%, meaning you can still use it if your garden isn’t flat. It has been designed with adjustable cutting heights to mow grass from 20-55mm with precision in gardens up to 400m.

The features of this robot mower all sound wonderful, but having not tested it myself, I can’t vouch for how good it is. But a long-time fan of the Aldi middle aisle, I can say I have always been left impressed by their products in the past.

At Ideal Home, our trusted reviews have tested robotic lawn mowers before - the Flymo EasiLife GO 250 Robotic Lawn Mower - and found robotic mowers are an effective bit of kit. They mow effectively and have a subtle presence.

However, robot lawn mowers typically are an investment. So, Aldi’s £199 price point makes it an affordable choice if you want to dip your toe into the world of smart homes and robot gadgets.

I’ll admit I’m completely intrigued by the Aldi robot lawn mower and quite fancy giving it a try. Has your arm been twisted too?

Robot lawn mower alternatives

The Aldi robot mower has been bought back for 2026, but these are a few alternatives we recommend instead.

Wondering how much to spend on a lawn mower?

If you’re on the hunt for one of the best lawn mowers on the market and trying to pin down a target budget, it can be tricky to know where to start.

That’s why I checked in with the experts to help you determine exactly which price range will get you the best bang for your buck, based on the size and condition of your lawn.

How much to spend on a lawn mower for a small garden

If you’re working with small garden ideas and lawn space is tight, you don't have to spend a huge amount of money for a decent lawn mower.

‘For smaller gardens, it’s not necessary to spend a lot, and a basic electric mower, either corded or cordless, will usually be more than enough and very affordable,’ says Nick Ee, product and training manager at home improvement specialists BLACK+DECKER.

So, what price range are we talking?

‘For smaller lawns – think city gardens or compact suburban spaces – you can absolutely get a reliable mower in the £100–£200 range,’ says garden and outdoor expert Jose Escalante from Roofing Craftsmen. ‘A manual push mower or a basic electric model will do the trick, especially if your lawn is flat and easy to manage.’

Our current favourite lawn mower for a small garden

How much to spend on a lawn mower for a medium-sized garden

If your lawn is a little larger but still not a sprawling space, you can think about a slightly more powerful model. While this usually means spending a little more, it’s worth the investment for a reliable piece of kit.

‘For medium-sized lawns, I’d recommend something a little more powerful, like a cordless battery-powered mower,’ says Nick. ‘These give you more freedom of movement and often come with useful features like mulching options or adjustable cutting heights, making them ideal for tackling a decent amount of grass in one go.’

It’s also a good idea to spend a little more on a mower if your lawn is uneven. We asked Jose for a target price range.

‘If you’ve got a mid-size lawn or slightly uneven terrain, you’ll want to spend a bit more – around £250–£400,’ he advises. ‘At this point, you’re getting better build quality, longer-lasting blades, and more power. Look for cordless electric mowers or even petrol models if you need the extra push.’

Our favourite lawn mower on the market might fit the bill:

How much to spend on a lawn mower for a large garden

A large lawn provides a canvas for a myriad of lawn ideas, but it can also be hard to keep on top of all that lawn care. That’s why it’s worth investing in a pricier model with a few extra features that make maintenance a little easier.

‘For large gardens or anyone who’s serious about their lawn looking pristine year-round, I suggest investing at least £500,’ Jose says. ‘ At this level, you're in self-propelled or robotic mower territory – perfect for people who’d rather not spend their weekends pushing a mower back and forth.

'You’re also getting features like mulching, height adjustment, and better battery life.’

Our current favourite that will do the job:

The verdict

We’ve broken it down by garden size, but what’s the average price range we should be looking at when buying a lawn mower?

‘The sweet spot for most homeowners is in that £250–£400 range,’ says Jose. ‘It's where performance, durability, and value really line up. But don’t just go by price – think about your lifestyle, your garden size, and how often you're actually mowing.

'A mower you enjoy using is one you’ll keep in good condition and use more often – and that’s what really keeps your lawn looking great.’

Which lawn mower have you got your eye on?

They say the devil works hard, but your garden tools can work even harder – especially if you master some of the more unusual ways to use a lawn mower.

It's the best time to be thinking about it, of course; the majority of us tend to let even the best lawnmowers sit idling over the colder months, especially as this is the time of year that most experts advise not mowing your lawn.

So, whether you have a corded or cordless lawn mower, it's time to sit up and pay attention: they can be used for far more than trimming the grass over the winter months.

'Lawn mowers are a necessity to keep a garden lawn in good shape but is there anything else that can be done with a mower? Plenty,' promises Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

To that end, then, here are just a few of our favourite unusual uses for a lawn mower. While some of them can be carried out with a standard lawn mower, a couple of these ideas towards the end of our list are best suited to a ride-on lawn mower.

1. Cutting back perennials

The Chelsea chop might be the clever gardening hack that'll give you more flowers than ever, but did you know you can also use a lawn mower to cut back your best perennials?

'If you have a herbaceous perennial border and a good mower, it is possible to cut back the border using the mower,' says Morris, who rates this as one of his favourite unusual uses for a lawn mower.

'In fact, some head gardeners take this approach as it saves a lot of time!'

2. Getting rid of weeds

Trying to figure out how to kill weeds without resorting to the use of harsh chemicals? Put your lawn mower to work!

'For gardeners battling a jungle of weeds, your mower can be a game-changer. By setting the deck to its lowest height, you can quickly tame overgrown patches and prevent weeds from going to seed,' says Christopher O'Donoghue, one of the co-directors at Gardens Revived.

Christopher adds that, while it’s not a long-term solution, this little lawn mower hack is great for clearing the ground of weeds before applying mulch or planting new crops.

3. Shredding leaves

Can you mow over leaves? You bet you can, as another unusual use for a lawn mower is to put it to work as a light layer of leaf mulch.

'A heavy layer of leaves on the lawn should ideally be raked up and stored to make leaf mulch or put into the compost bin. But a light layer can be mowed over to break up and left on the lawn to break down, which will feed the lawn,' says Morris.

'Even a heavier layer can be mowed first before bagging up to make leaf mulch as it will help them to break down quicker.'

4. Aerate your lawn

5. Tow heavy equipment

It might not be one of the most unusual uses for a lawn mower, but you'd best believe you can set yours to work towing cumbersome equipment from one part of your garden to the other.

'Ride-on mowers might not get much use over the winter but there’s always something to be towed if you have a large garden,' says Morris. 'Use a ride-on mower attachment for a small trailer and you can tow wood for the fire, garden tools, even your shopping!'

The VEVOR Tow Behind Dump Cart from Amazon might be on the pricier end of the spectrum, but it's got a bevy of positive reviews for a reason.

Learning how to aerate your lawn is key for healthier, stronger and greener grass – and, as it so happens, your trusty lawn mower might be the key to doing this task successfully.

'Many mowers can be fitted with tow-behind aerators or spike rollers,' says Christopher. 'These tools create small holes or slits in the soil as you mow, effectively aerating while you’re maintaining the lawn.'

Try something like VEVOR's Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader from Amazon if you have a ride-on lawn mower.

6. Create a labyrinth

OK, this one might feel a little bit like cheating, but you don't have to cut all the grass in your garden. Instead, you can use your lawn mower to create weaving paths through a stunning tapestry lawn.

'A lawn mower doesn’t have to be used to simply trim the lawn. Why not get creative with it and mow a labyrinth? Mark it out with sand and mow the shape leaving the edges to grow longer with wildflowers,' says Morris.

7. Spread fertiliser

If you've reached the fertilisation section of your lawn care calendar, you're in luck; one of our favourite unusual uses for a lawn mower is to spread fertiliser evenly across your outdoor space.

'Tow-behind spreaders are perfect for larger gardens, evenly dispersing granular fertilisers or grass seed as your mower moves,' promises Christopher. 'This ensures consistent coverage and saves time compared to manual application.'

The Cobra TS45 Tow Behind Fertiliser Seed Salt Spreader from Amazon is an ideal tool for this job if you have a ride-on lawn mower.

8. Upcycle it

In the market for some upcycling ideas? The last addition to our list of unusual uses for a lawn mower involves transforming your equipment into a striking garden display.

'If you have an old mower that’s no longer working, why not use it as a garden feature?' suggests Morris. 'Place flower pots on top of the base and grow a climber up the handles, let wildflowers grow around the edges and you have an interesting garden feature!'

FAQs

Can you use a lawn mower as a leaf vacuum?

You can use a lawn mower as a leaf vacuum, it will run over fallen leaves to chop and shred them into nutrient-rich leaf mulch. And why stop there?

'You can also use your mower to speed up the composting process by shredding garden waste under your mower,' says Christopher O'Donoghue of Gardens Revived, who notes that chopped plant material breaks down faster.

'It’s a simple way to recycle garden waste and boost your soil’s fertility at the same time!'

However, please note this is only recommended with a thin layer of fallen leaves.

How to use a lawn seed spreader?

Investing in a lawn seed spreader is a great way to boost your lawn mower's usefulness.

'A lawn mower paired with a spreader attachment will help you to spread your grass seed evenly over a larger area,' says Christopher O'Donoghue of Gardens Revived, who notes that it's a great way to avoid any ugly patchy spots.

Of course, with a forecast of snow on the horizon, you might like to try one of the more unusual uses for a lawn mower and fit it with a snow blade attachment to clear paths of the white stuff.

Then again, we don't tend to get a lot of snow in the UK. Maybe it's best to set the mower aside for a wee while so you can sit back, pop your feet up, and just enjoy all of that wintry magic, eh?

Using a lawn mower is easy, right? You just push it back and forth, change the cutting height to adapt to the season and grass growth, and then pop it back in the shed until you repeat the process. But, when it comes to petrol models, do you know how to change lawn mower oil, too?

When you buy one of the best lawn mowers, it’s important to understand that you also sign yourself up for a fair bit of maintenance. As well as cleaning your lawn mower regularly, you also need to sharpen your lawn mower blades and store it properly for winter. However, if you have a petrol mower, it's easy to forget that your lawn mower wouldn’t be able to do its job well without the help of oil - which is why you need to keep the oil fresh too.

As Peter Chaloner, Managing Director of Cobra, explains, ‘If you have a petrol lawn mower, changing the oil in your machine is essential for ensuring its longevity and performance.’ But we can understand that this task can be daunting, so we’ve put together the ultimate step-by-step guide on how to change the oil in your lawn mower so you can nail this task and keep your mower in tip-top shape.

What you’ll need

Step-by-step

1. Choose the right time

While you can technically change the oil in your lawn mower whenever needed, experts agree that autumn and early winter are the perfect time to complete this essential task.

Specifically, you should ideally change lawn mower oil just after you’ve cut your grass for the last time before winter and add it to your list of garden jobs to complete in November - or even earlier if the cold weather comes in early.

Peter echoes this, saying, ‘The best time to change the oil is at the end of the season before you pop it back in your shed or garage for the winter. This ensures the engine is ready for action and free of contaminants.’

But if you use your mower a lot, you could also add this task to your to-do list more often. Peter adds, ‘A mid-season check is also beneficial if you use the mower heavily. Generally, we recommend changing the oil after every 50 hours of use, or at least once a season. If you’re unsure, you can also use the dipstick to check oil levels, just like you would your car engine.’

2. Fire up the engine

Changing lawn mower oil is relatively easy, but it can be problematic if you don’t do it right. And if you try to drain the oil while the oil is cold, you probably won’t get very far. So, you need to fire up the engine.

Peter advises, ‘To change the oil, first warm the engine for a few minutes to loosen the oil – warm oil drains more quickly and completely than cooler oil – then disconnect the spark plug for safety.;

We can’t stress this enough. As soon as the engine has warmed and the oil has loosened, you must turn it off and remove the spark plug to ensure it doesn’t accidentally turn on while you have your fingers nearby.

3. Drain the old oil

A key process when changing the oil in your lawn is draining the old oil. After all, old, poor-quality oil can cause damage to your mower, result in reduced performance, and even lead to leaks.

For this step, you’ll need a bucket or bowl to catch the old oil. So, make sure it’s a container you don’t mind getting dirty.

Lawn care expert Fabio Banin from STIGA says, ‘To change oil in a lawn mower, you can either syphon it out or gently tip it onto its side and drain into a container.’

However, if possible, he’d suggest novices use a syphon when completing this task. He says, ‘The only reason we say not to tip the mower on its side is to prevent oil from leaking into the engine.’

When doing this, you should let the oil fully drain. This may take a few minutes to get the dregs out of the bottom of the tank.

4. Replace with new oil

When you’re confident that you’ve drained as much of the old oil as possible, you should then replace it with new oil. This is simple enough, as you just need to pour it into the tank.

You need to make sure that you’re using the right oil for the job, though. Peter says, ‘Make sure you use a high-quality, specialist product – it’s always best to check your machine’s manual before purchasing oil.’

In fact, using the wrong type of oil can be just as bad as leaving in the old oil, so you need to get this right.

5. To finish, check the oil level

Of course, it can be hard to know exactly how much oil to put into your lawn mower. Petrol lawn mowers should have a fill line where you pour, but it can be hard to tell by eye whether you’re close or not. This is why you should always finish by checking the oil level.

Peter says, ‘Finally, check the levels using the dipstick. You should aim for it to sit comfortably between the add and full lines – overfilling can cause as much damage as not having enough oil in the engine!’

If you don’t have enough, simply add more and use the dipstick to check once again. If you have too much, you’ll have to syphon some out.

FAQs

Can I use car oil for my lawn mower?

In some cases, you may be able to use car oil for your lawn mower. However, you need to make sure that it’s not only the right grade (SAE30, for example) but also suitable for your exact lawn mower. Because of this, you should also double-check the requirements of your specific lawn mower before using car oil.

If you can, it’s always best to opt for lawn mower-specific oil just to be on the safe side. This will ensure that you’re using the right product and may keep your warranty intact.

Do you put the whole bottle of oil in a lawn mower?

No, you will very rarely need to use a whole bottle of oil in a lawn mower. Instead, you should be guided by the fill lines on the mower itself and pour as slowly as you can. This will ensure you that you don’t pour too much in.

When you’ve poured in as much as you think you need, you can then double-check the level using the dipstick that comes with your petrol lawn mower. Then, use the rest of the bottle when you need to change lawn mower oil again later down the line.

So, now you know how to change lawn mower oil, will you be adding this task to your to-do list?

While we all know it’s best to store a lawn mower in a shed or garage, the floors of these areas are covered in cars, freezers, garden tools, bikes, and more, making it almost impossible to squeeze a mower in. But what about the areas above the floor? Can you store a lawn mower on the wall?

The best lawn mowers are an essential addition to any garden laid with lawn - unless you plan on cutting each blade of grass with some kitchen scissors. But as the time to stop cutting your lawn before winter approaches, you might be stressing over how to store your lawn mower over winter. After all, you need space to do so.

As Jim Kirkwood, garden expert at Worx, explains, ‘Mounting your lawn mower to a wall has many practical advantages, particularly for gardeners looking to save space and protect their equipment from the elements.’ However, it’s important to note that this isn’t something everyone should do, so this is how to determine whether you can store a lawn mower on the wall.

Can you store a petrol lawn mower on the wall?

Lawn mowers come in so many different shapes and forms, and this can ultimately affect whether you can store a lawn mower on the wall. This is echoed by Peter Chaloner, Managing Director of Cobra, who says, ‘When it comes to storage, it goes without saying that you should keep your mower in a dry, sheltered place, like a shed or garage. Of course, the best place to position it depends on the type of machine you have.’

If you have a petrol lawn mower, you shouldn’t store it on the wall - or risk serious damage to your lawn mower and storage space.

Jim explains, ‘Petrol mowers have the disadvantage of fuel tanks which are likely to leak when hung up, so be extra cautious with these types of models.’

Yes, if you store a petrol lawn mower on the wall with fuel in the tank, it will pour out and likely damage your machine and the floor in the process. That’s before we mention the serious fire risk it poses.

But what if you empty the tank before storing a petrol lawn mower on the wall? Well, it’s still not recommended, as both petrol and oil can still leak if there’s residue in the tank. You want to avoid any fuel leaking onto or within the machine, so it’s best not to risk it.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t elevate it slightly, though. If you have any spare wood or cardboard lying around, Peter suggests storing your petrol lawn mower on top of it during the winter months. He says, ‘If possible, avoid storing your machine directly on concrete floors, as this can promote moisture buildup and rust - instead, use a waterproof mower cover to keep it protected.’

Just make sure you sharpen your lawn mower blades before you store it for winter, so that this handy garden gadget will be ready for action again in spring.

Can you store a battery or corded lawn mower on the wall?

Deciding between a corded vs cordless lawn mower can be difficult, but a major advantage of both is that they can be stored on the wall. Yes, unlike petrol lawn mowers, it’s perfectly safe to store a corded or battery lawn mower vertically. They’re also much lighter, too.

Peter says, ‘Cordless models will generally feature foldable handles for compact storage. This design makes them ideal for small spaces like garages and sheds and means that they can be securely attached to a wall using sturdy brackets - although these models are lightweight and easy to store, it's crucial to use proper mounts. ‘

But while they’re easier and safer to store on the wall, you still need to proceed cautiously if this is your plan.

‘Before mounting, examine your walls to ensure that you’ve chosen a sturdy area that has plenty of vertical clearance,’ says Jim. ‘When selecting your wall brackets or hooks, double-check that they can handle the weight of your mower, and when positioning them, make sure they evenly distribute the mower’s weight.’

FAQs

Is it bad to leave a lawn mower outside?

Yes, it is bad. Although you may be able to get away with leaving a petrol-powered lawn mower outside in the summer for a couple of days (providing it doesn’t rain), you should never leave a lawn mower outside in winter - no matter whether you have a petrol or electric lawn mower.

The internal components of lawn mowers can be severely affected by water, cold temperatures, and even sunlight. So, you want to minimise the exposure to these things at all costs to preserve your lawn mower and help it last as long as possible.

Can you store a lawnmower on its side?

This ultimately depends on the type of lawn mower you have. You can technically store an electric lawn mower on its side, but you should never store a petrol lawn mower on its side. This can cause serious damage to your mower.

And while you can store an electric mower on its side, it’s probably best to avoid it if you can - just in case.

Should I remove my lawn mower battery for winter?

Yes, you should always remove the lawn mower battery for winter. If you don’t, you may find that your battery life suffers as a result. In extreme cases, it may even damage your battery beyond repair.

Jim Kirkwood from Worx says, ‘Store the batteries separately from the mower in a cool, dry place (avoiding freezing temperatures) and away from any direct sunlight. If you cannot guarantee a completely dry environment, your safest bet is to bring your batteries indoors. Best practice for storing your batteries is to keep them partially charged, as many users don’t realise that storing batteries fully drained can shorten their overall lifespan.’

So, can you store a lawn mower on the wall? Well, it all depends…

If you’ve noticed that your lawn looks a little worse for wear after mowing or you can sense this essential garden gadget isn’t working to the best of its ability, you might be wondering how to sharpen lawn mower blades. After all, blunt blades are often the culprit.

Yes, while the best lawn mowers can bring your lawn ideas to life, blunt lawn mower blades can instantly ruin your efforts. They can take chunks out of your lawn, rip your grass from the ground, and leave your garden susceptible to disease and waterlogging. That’s why it’s so important to keep them in tip-top condition.

So, whether you want to sharpen lawn mower blades before you store your lawn mower for winter or ensure your first cut after winter goes down without a hitch, you can follow this step-by-step guide to sharpen lawn mower blades yourself.

What you'll need

Step-by-step

1. Choose the right time

Although you can sharpen lawn mower blades at any time of year - whether spring, summer, autumn, or winter - experts urge you to do this at least once before the cold weather kicks in.

Peter Chaloner, managing director of Cobra, advises, ‘Before you store your lawnmower away for the winter, take a few minutes to sharpen the blades. Sharp blades make a big difference when you start mowing again in spring -they give you a cleaner, healthier cut and prevent your grass from looking torn or patchy. Plus, sharpening now helps prevent rust from settling in over the winter.’

So, it’s probably a good idea to add this to your list of gardening jobs to complete in October.

2. Unplug or remove the battery

You should never clean a lawn mower or sharpen lawn mower blades while the lawn mower is still in action, as that’s a recipe for disaster (and missing fingers). So, always unplug your lawn mower or remove the battery before doing anything. If you have a petrol-powered lawn mower, you should also remove the spark plug.

When you’ve done that, you should be able to safely tip your battery-powered lawn mower onto its side so you can easily see and reach the blades. Neil Donovan, AKA The Bath Gardener, warns against doing this if you have a petrol-powered lawn mower, though.

He says, ‘Remember, petrol mowers can’t be turned upside down (the air filter should always be kept on top to avoid filter damage).’ So, he suggests lifting it up instead - which means this is probably a two-person job.

If any loose grass clippings are obstructing your view, use a soft-bristled brush to get rid of them.

3. Remove blades from the mower

Although you can sharpen lawn mower blades while they’re attached to the lawn mower, that doesn’t mean that you should. Experts recommend that you always remove the blade from the mower before sharpening it, as this allows you better visibility and better movement. This should also limit any accidents.

To remove the blade, use a spanner to loosen the bolt holding it in place. This should be fairly easy, but if it’s become rusty over the years, you may need to lubricate it with WD-40.

As you remove the blade, it’s also a good idea to take stock of how you removed it, as blades always need to be replaced the same way they were removed. Neil says, ‘A good tip is to mark the bottom of the blade so you know which way to replace.’ You can do this with a pen or some chalk.

After removing the blade, you can examine it to see whether sharpening the lawn mower blades is worth it. As Jim Kirkwood, garden expert at Worx, explains, ‘If you see any damage or the dullness is beyond repair, then it might be time to consider changing the lawn mower blades.’

4. If you can, use a drill attachment

With the blade in hand, you can then pop it into a vice and choose your sharpening tool. The easiest way to sharpen lawn mower blades is to use a grinder attachment, which can be attached to your drill - like this Bosch 1.5Ah Cordless Combi Drill from Argos.

However, we understand that some people don’t have a drill or find the idea of a grinder fairly intimidating. If that’s the case, you could also use a dedicated lawn mower sharpener, which can be used to file both sides of the blade.

Graham Smith MCIHort, a gardening expert from LBS Horticulture, also advises, 'Grind at the original angle of the blade, and you should be able to feel or see this when you are working. You should be wearing protective equipment that covers your hands, eyes and ears when doing this.'

5. Balance the blade

Ideally, you should then balance your lawn mower blade. And while you can buy an expensive blade balancer for this, a more affordable trick is to stick a screw in a vice so the tip is pointing up.

You can then place the centre point of the lawn mower blade (there’s normally a hole there, anyway) on top of the screw. If it’s balanced, it should lay perfectly flat on top of the screw. If it’s unbalanced, it’ll sway one way or the other.

You can then keep filing away at the blade until it’s perfectly balanced. This isn’t a necessary step, but one that can make a big difference. As Graham says, 'If the mower blade is imbalanced, this can cause vibration and affect the cut of the grass.'

6. Reassemble the mower

When you’ve sharpened your lawn mower blade, you can then reassemble the mower. Simply re-attach the blade and secure it with the spanner.

You should then repeat this process regularly to keep your lawn mower and your lawn in tip-top condition, and most experts suggest doing this every 20-25 uses.

FAQs

Is it worth sharpening lawn mower blades?

Yes, it’s well worth sharpening lawn mower blades. As well as making your lawn mower easier to use, sharp lawn mower blades can also drastically improve the health of your lawn.

With sharp blades, you should be able to glide over your lawn without ripping out your grass in the process. This will prevent disease or other lawn concerns. In the long run, this will help your grass grow and look its best.

However, it’s important to note that sharpening your lawn mower blades isn’t always worth it. If your lawn mower is old and your blades have been damaged, it might be worth replacing them instead.

How to tell if a mower blade is sharp enough?

While it’s important to sharpen lawn mower blades, you don’t want them to be so sharp that you’d cut yourself if you were to touch them. So, take it slow and only sharpen in small increments.

If you don’t want to touch the blade to tell if it’s sharp enough, try using it. If you still feel like the blade is ripping rather than cutting your grass, it’s a sure sign that it needs to be sharper. Then you can simply repeat the sharpening process.

Now you know how to sharpen lawn mower blades, is it time to sharpen yours?

Winter is coming. And with cold, wet, and frosty weather on the horizon, this is normally your sign to batten down the hatches, wave goodbye to your garden, and take shelter inside. Before you do that, you should know how to store a lawn mower over winter.

No matter how successful your lawn care efforts were this spring and summer, it’s vitally important to take care of the best lawn mowers throughout the colder months. Sure, you probably won’t be using your lawn mower over the winter, but If treated correctly, this trusty garden steed will be able to work its way through your lawn mowing calendar for years on end.

Yes, knowing how to store a lawn mower over winter can extend its longevity and keep it in full working order. But when should you store it? Well, immediately after you cut your lawn for the final time before winter. And how should you do that? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

1. Give it one final clean

If you’re a keen gardener who wants to keep your tools in tip-top shape, it’s well worth knowing how to know how to clean garden tools. Part and parcel of that is cleaning a lawn mower - especially before you store it for winter.

Peter Chaloner, Managing Director of Cobra, explains, ‘Before storing your lawn mower, it’s crucial to give it a deep clean. Grass clippings, dirt, and moisture can corrode metal parts and dull the blades if left on the machine.’

If this debris is left to corrode the metal components of your lawn mower over the winter, you may find that it doesn’t start up again in the spring. So, this step is essential.

‘This includes cleaning the undercarriage (remove the spark plug for safety before doing this), by using a stiff brush or hose to clean out the grass buildup beneath the deck,’ adds Peter. ‘A light coat of WD-40 or silicone spray afterward will help to prevent rust. It's also a good idea to clean, sharpen, or replace your blades.’

In fact, we have a whole guide on how to sharpen your lawn mower blades to make this easier than ever.

2. Think about the power source

If you have a manual lawn mower, you don’t need to worry about this next step. But if you have a petrol or battery-powered lawn mower - or even want to store your strimmer for winter - it’s important to think about the power source when considering how you want to store your lawn mower for winter.

After all, most fuels don’t take well to being stored for prolonged periods - especially if you plan to store your lawn mower in the shed.

Peter warns, ‘Fuel is one of the most common causes of mower problems after storage. Petrol can degrade over time, leading to clogs in the carburettor and starting issues. You can either drain the tank, which also prevents any potential safety concerns, or you can use a fuel stabiliser to prevent the fuel from breaking down over the winter months. After adding it, run the mower for a few minutes to circulate the treated fuel through the system.’

But what about a battery-powered lawn mower? Well, Peter says it’s best to remove the battery from the lawn mower before storing it over winter.

‘Store the battery in a cool, dry place, away from freezing temperatures, which can damage its capacity,’ he says. ‘It’s also recommended to charge it to around 50% before storing and occasionally topping it up during the off-season.'

3. Complete general maintenance

Once you’ve cleaned your lawn mower and dealt with the power source, you may want to pop it in the garage or shed and forget about it for the winter. But there’s another step you need to complete before you do this, as the last thing you want is any nasty surprises when you bring it back out in the spring.

In fact, this is your chance to inspect your lawn mower and complete any general maintenance. Fabio Banin, Lawn Expert at STIGA, says, ‘Remember to top up the oil, and don't hesitate to change it if it looks dirty or worn out.’

He also advises lawn mower owners to ‘replace any clogged air filters for optimal performance and Take a close look at cables and joints for possible corrosion, cracks, or loose parts.’ If you spot any, you may need to fix or replace them.

This is especially true if a corded lawn mower won in the corded vs cordless lawn mower debate, as you should always check the cord for any signs of wear, tear, or damage.

4. Choose the perfect storage location

When you’ve ticked the above steps off your to-do list, you can then choose the perfect storage location for your lawn mower over the winter months. And while there are many garden storage options out there, most people tend to store their lawn mower in the shed.

Peter says, ‘Where you store your lawn mower also plays a role in its longevity. Make sure that you store your mower in a dry, sheltered location, like a garage or shed, to protect it from the elements. Moisture is a common enemy, leading to rust and damage to internal components. For added protection, cover the mower with a tarp or specialised cover to keep dust and moisture out.’

If you can, collapse the handles down to make the lawn mower as compact as possible, and you can disconnect the cord and wrap it around a cable wire tidy - like this Cable Wire Tidy H Frame from B&Q - if you have a corded lawn mower. Just avoid coiling the cord too tight as this can cause irreparable damage to it.

FAQs

Where can I put my lawn mower if I don't shed?

If you don’t have a shed in your garden, you should store your lawn mower in the next best thing - such as a large storage cabinet or in a garage. If you don’t have any of these options, however, you can store it under a tarpaulin and ideally under some kind of pergola or lean-to or elevated off ground level.

The aim is to keep your lawn mower protected from the cold temperatures and the wet weather as much as possible, so just make sure you never leave your shed outside over winter completely uncovered.

Can you store a lawn mower on the wall?

You should never store a petrol-powered lawn mower on the wall, as this is extremely dangerous. However, you can often store battery-powered lawn mowers on the wall.

Different manufacturers have different rules for this, though, so it’s always best to check the instruction manual of your specific model to ensure that this is possible. If not, you’ll have to store it on the floor.

So, now you know how to store a lawn mower for winter… how will you store yours?

If you’re in the market for a brand-new lawn mower, you’ll probably know just how difficult the buying process can be. There are so many different options to choose from, but the biggest decision you need to make is choosing between corded vs cordless lawn mowers.

At Ideal Home, we’ve had the pleasure of testing some of the best lawn mowers out there. And while all of them will help you keep on top of your lawn mowing calendar, there’s no doubt about the fact that some are better than others. This can make choosing a lawn mower extremely difficult, and when you throw corded and cordless options into the mix, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to weigh up everything you need to know about the corded vs cordless lawn mower debate - from their ease of use to their run time and even their weight. And by the time you’ve finished reading, you should know exactly which lawn mower suits you (and your lawn) best.

Corded vs cordless lawn mower: Ease of use

Nobody wants to buy a lawn mower that’s impossible to use and takes chunks out your lawn, so it’s important to understand ease of use before shelling out for a new lawn mower. Especially if you’re torn between corded vs cordless lawn mowers

In terms of the actual mowing capabilities, corded and cordless lawn mowers are much of a muchness. Each model will come with its own designated cutting heights, and you’ll find that both corded and cordless mowers come with a bag or collection box for the clippings.

Of course, the main difference when choosing between these two types of lawn mowers is the fact that one has a cord while the other does not. And this can drastically affect the ease of use.

Not only does the cord restrict how far you can take your lawn mower (i.e. you need to either be near a plug socket or use an extension lead) but it also means that you have to be extra careful when using your corded lawn mower. After all, you don’t want to accidentally run over it.

Even when our reviewer tested out the Bosch AdvancedRotak 750, which has been crowned our ‘best overall’ lawn mower, they struggled with the length of the cord. They said, ‘The 10-metre cable is long but most people will still need an extension cord for true freedom of movement.’

Of course, this might not be an issue if you have a small garden and only have a small section of lawn to mow - as long you take extra care to keep the blades away from the cord. But if you have a large garden or your grass is too far away from the nearest plug socket, you may find that a corded lawn mower just doesn’t make the cut.

Ultimately, you need to find what works for you when it comes to the ease of use between corded vs cordless lawn mowers.

As Amanda Kincaid of STIGA explains, ‘When buying a lawn mower, consider the size of your lawn – for larger lawns, a ride-on mower or battery-powered mower might be a better choice. For smaller lawns, consider how close are you to a power point, is the lead long enough for an electric mower to reach all areas of the garden, or would it be easier to use a smaller 20V battery mower.’

Corded vs cordless lawn mower: Run time

If you have a large garden or regularly lend out your lawn mower to neighbours or family members, run time is something that you need to seriously consider. After all, you don’t want your lawn mower to run out of juice while you’re halfway through.

Of course, this is something you don’t need to really think about if you opt for a corded lawn mower. As long as the lawn mower is switched on and you’re not experiencing a power cut, you’ll be able to use your lawn mower indefinitely.

It’s this run time that makes corded lawnmowers more appealing than cordless ones, which rely on a battery to get the job done. And as soon as that battery runs out, you have to put an end to your task and wait for the battery to charge.

However, this shouldn’t be an issue if you have a small garden. Personally, I have a relatively small garden with a small section of grass that’s around 20-foot long and around 12-foot wide, and I’ve had no problems with my Yard Force 20V Cordless Lawnmower from Amazon.

In most cases, we can mow our lawn two or three times before needing to charge it - so, around 30 minutes in total - and even if we do get caught short because we forgot to put it on charge, it normally has full juice again in 90 minutes.

The battery run-time of cordless lawn mowers do vary, though. When Steve Bradley, an Ideal Home reviewer, tested the Greenworks G24X2LM36 Cordless Lawn Mower, he found the short run time of between 14 and 28 minutes (depending on the battery choice) fairly disappointing.

On the other hand, Joanne Lewsey was impressed with the battery life of the Stihl RMA 239 Cordless Lawn Mower during her review. All in all, it lasted around 40 minutes, and she said, ‘One of the standout features is its battery life, which is sufficient for most small to medium lawns and can even handle multiple mows on a single charge.’

And while run time may still be a concern for some people, the fact that cordless lawnmowers are powered by batteries can also be a major perk. As Jim Kirkwood, garden expert at Worx, explains, ‘With the innovation of powerful battery power, many cordless mowers feature battery packs which can easily be swapped amongst garden tools within the same product range, reducing the number of batteries you need to purchase.’

This is something that comes in extremely handy when I use my Yard Force lawn mower, which also comes with a grass strimmer. Both use the same battery, so we normally mow the lawn, take out the battery, pop it into the strimmer, and then tidy up the edges all on one charge.

It’s important to note that batteries do degrade over time, though, so you may find that your cordless lawn mower struggles as the years go by. So, if you want consistent power and unlimited run time, a corded lawn mower will suit you best.

Corded vs cordless lawn mower: Weight

There’s a reason why so many people choose to hire professionals to mow their lawns, and that’s because the process can be a difficult and arduous task for those less nimble. Lawn mowers can be heavy, and pushing them around a large garden can be a struggle.

Not only this, but the weight of a lawn mower can also have a profound impact on the state of your lawn. So, it’s always best to consider the weight of corded vs cordless lawn mowers before you make your final decision.

So, if you want to opt for a lighter lawn mower, it’s best to opt for a corded lawn mower. As Jim says, ‘Without the need for batteries, a corded mower tends to be lighter in weight compared to its cordless counterpart, so if you’re looking for easy manoeuvrability and reduced strain, a corded mower may be more suited.’

This is something the Ideal Home review team has found time and time again, too. When Steven took the Greenworks G24X2LM36 Cordless Lawn Mower for a spin, he was alarmed by the 18kg weight of the mower.

He said, ‘One thing we noticed immediately was the deep grooves left by the wheels in the lawn, which where still visible 24 hours later. While this did not cause any damage, it does give an indication of the weight of the mower.’

This has rarely been much of an issue for the corded mowers that we’ve tested, though. The Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A corded lawn mower comes in at just 11.8kg, and the Flymo EasiMow 300 is even lighter at 8.5kg.

Because of this, corded lawn mowers win if you’re looking for a lightweight mower that anyone can use.

Corded vs cordless lawn mower: Affordability

Buying a new lawn mower will always be an investment, but it’s also important to stick to a budget when buying this new garden gadget. And if you have a smaller budget, you should opt for a corded lawn mower.

Of the corded lawn mowers in our guide, the Flymo EasiMow 300R was the cheapest and can be found on Amazon for £109.95. Of the cordless models we tested, the Worx WG779E was dubbed the best value for money and can be found on Amazon for £199.

Of course, you can pay more for larger models with extra features, so it’s always best to decide on a budget before searching for your next lawn mower. You can also keep an eye on our gardening deals page for any bargains.

Final verdict: Which one should you choose?

In the corded vs cordless lawn mower debate, both sides of the coin have their advantages. But, equally, they also come with their downsides. As someone with a cordless lawn mower, I will always lean more towards a cordless option purely for the ease of use.

However, I can understand why someone with a larger garden would want a corded lawn mower for that constant power. This is echoed by Peter Chaloner, Managing Director of Cobra.

He says, ‘Ultimately, before buying your next mower you should consider factors such as the size of your lawn, budget available, machinery maintenance, and preference for convenience versus continuous power to make sure you get the right model for you.’

So, consider the above and do your own research to find a lawn mower that suits your own requirements.

FAQs

How long do corded lawn mowers last?

Corded lawn mowers should last anywhere between 5 and 10 years, but this depend on how you look after it. If you take good care of your lawn mower and clean and service it regularly, it may last even longer than that.

This is significantly less than cordless lawn mowers, which typically last between 3 and 5 years. However, it’s important to note that this is normally the lifespan of the battery rather than the lawn mower itself. So, it’ll last longer if you replace the battery later down the line.

Do electric lawn mowers use a lot of electricity?

To work out how much electricity your electric lawn mower uses, you’d need to look at the wattage of the lawn mower and compare it to the current price of energy. Just be wary that the price of energy regularly changes to fit the current price cap.

Of course, the bigger your garden the longer you’ll use your lawn mower, so the more it will cost you. Because of this, it’s best to consult the specific model you wish to buy and consider the size of your garden before purchasing an electric lawn mower.

If you’re worried about how much electric lawn mowers use, you should consider buying either a battery-powered lawn mower, a petrol lawn mower, or a manual lawn mower.

So, which one will you choose? A corded or a cordless lawn mower?

The Stihl RMA 239 Cordless lawn mower is a battery-powered mower designed for small to medium-sized lawns, perfect for homeowners looking for a quiet and efficient mowing solution. With a 37 cm cutting width and a 40-litre grass collection box featuring an easy-to-empty catch mechanism, this lightweight mower offers convenience and performance in one package. It also boasts six cutting height settings ranging from 20 to 70 mm, giving you lots of options when cutting.

I tested this lawn mower in July in warm conditions on a dry lawn, evaluating its cutting quality, manoeuvrability, and battery performance to see how it measured up to the best lawn mowers in our buying guide. I also checked out how user-friendly it was to set up and operate, paying particular attention to its folding mono-handlebar design for easy storage.

Find out how the Stihl RMA 239 Cordless lawn mower performed during testing and learn more about its features, such as the easy-adjustment cutting height scale and height-adjustable handlebar. I'll also share a few tips on maintaining this cordless mower.

Stihl RMA 239 Cordless lawn mower specifications

• Suitable for: Small to medium lawns 
• Power: Cordless (battery-operated)
• Cutting options: Cut & Collect 
• Deck material: Plastic
• Weight: 16kg
• Dimensions: 53 x 41 x 79cm (H x W x D)
• Cutting width: 37cm
• Cutting height: 20mm to 70mm (6 cutting heights)
• Battery life: Around 40 minutes
• Grass collector: 40L
• Decibels: 91 dB
• Warranty: 5 years
• Charge time: 135 min for 80%, 180 minutes 100%.

Who tested this lawn mower?

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

The Stihl RMA 239 Cordless lawn mower arrives in a large cardboard box cushioned with additional cardboard and minimal plastic packaging to ensure safe transit. The packaging is mainly eco-friendly, with the box and thick cardboard inserts being recyclable.

The mower comes partially disassembled in two main components: the handlebars and the mower body. Assembly requires attaching the handlebar to the main unit. This process can be challenging to manage alone, as it involves simultaneously holding the handlebars in place while fitting washers, screws, and nuts. Due to the fiddly nature of this task, we’d recommend you have an extra pair of hands available during assembly to make this a bit smoother and less frustrating.

Adjusting and folding the handlebar is straightforward. To adjust the handlebar, place the mower on a level surface, then grip the handlebar. Press the adjustment lever downwards and hold it while moving the handlebar to the correct position for your height, then release the lever and make sure the handlebar locks securely into place.

You can also fold the handlebar for compact storage or easier transport. Again, with the mower on a level surface, press and hold the folding lever. Then, simply fold the handlebar forward over the body of the mower. This feature is handy if you have limited storage space in your shed or garage.

The Stihl RMA 239 Cordless lawn mower also has a roomy 40L grass clipping collector. It’s super easy to attach to the back of the mower, and it features a very simple but clever mechanism - a grass level indicator on the top of the box that drops down so you know exactly when to empty it.

So much easier than a window that often gets covered in damp grass! However, unlike other cordless mowers, such as the Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A, it doesn’t fold down, so you’ll have to consider that when working out your storage.

The Stihl RMA 239 is powered by an AK 20 battery, which you can purchase with your mower or separately. The battery is also designed to work with a wide range of Stihl power and garden tools, so if you’re a Stihl fan, you may already have one in your garage or shed. My lawnmower came with the battery and an AL 101 charger.

The battery was already 30% charged, so it only took an hour or so to charge before I was ready to mow. Inserting the battery is straightforward: lift the tab to open the flap to the battery compartment, slide the battery into the compartment until you hear a click, and close the flap.

The battery provides enough power to mow an area of up to 250m² on a single charge. This should be sufficient for most small to medium-sized lawns. For those with larger gardens or who prefer extended runtime, the mower is also compatible with other batteries in the AK series, such as the higher-capacity AK 30. Or you can purchase a package that includes two AK 20 batteries, doubling your mowing capacity to around 500m² and allowing you to tackle larger areas without interruption by simply swapping out the batteries when needed.

Without charging the battery, unboxing, assembling and setting up for the first use takes around five to ten minutes, which is quick.

When you flip the Stihl RMA 239 over, you'll see the cutting blade underneath. Stihl calls this a 'Flow-optimised' blade. They say it cuts through the air better, which means the motor's power goes more into cutting grass and less into fighting air resistance. This clever design helps the battery last longer.

The blade cuts a 37cm wide path as you mow. This width is just right for small and medium-sized lawns. It's wide enough to get the job done quickly but not so wide that it's hard to steer around garden obstacles or squeeze through tight spots.

The Stihl RMA 239 Cordless lawn mower features quite an unusual handlebar design, with just one arm connecting to the main unit of the mower. However, this doesn't affect stability or ease of use at all. It’s also brightly coloured with pops of Stihl’s trademark orange, black and white. The fold-down handles are also great for compact storage. It’s not the lightest of mowers, at 16kg, but the lifting handle helps make it reasonably easy to lift and store away.

Ease of use

The two-point starting mechanism is easy but designed for safe use; simply press the locking button and pull the control bar towards the handlebar to start the mower. When you release the control bar, the mower automatically stops.

There are six cutting heights ranging from 20mm to 70mm. For the first mow, I chose cutting height four, which is 60mm, followed by cutting height two (40mm). Switching between each cutting height using the black lever on the main unit is easy and quick.

I was impressed with the performance of the Stihl RMA 239 lawn mower. It handled my lawn efficiently without any interruptions, delivering a neat trim. The 37 cm cutting width was perfect for navigating my small garden, making it easy to manoeuvre around obstacles and reach tight corners.

The mower excelled at creating clean edges where the lawn met my patio, leaving a crisp finish. I was particularly pleased that there was no need to sweep up stray clippings from hard surfaces afterwards, as the mower did an excellent job directing all clippings into the collection box.

The 40L grass collection box was more than enough for grass clippings from my small lawn. After completing my first mow, it was only about half full, which suggests it would also be suitable for larger lawns. This is a definite plus if you don't want to interrupt your mowing to empty the box frequently.

While the Stihl RMA 239 doesn't have a mulching facility, I didn't find this a significant drawback, given how effectively it collected the clippings. The overall finish of the lawn was impressive – neat, uniform, and visually appealing.

One of the standout features of this mower is its relatively quiet operation at around 85 dB. You could easily mow your lawn without worrying about disturbing your neighbours.

If I had to point out any minor improvements, a built-in cleaning tool for the cutting deck would be handy. However, this is a minor consideration given the overall quality and performance of the Stihl RMA 239 lawn mower.

Cleaning and maintenance

Stihl recommends a simple cleaning routine after each use. Start by switching off the mower and removing the battery for safety. The main body of the mower can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use a soft brush or a damp cloth to remove any grass clippings or residue for the discharge chute.

Pay special attention to the battery compartment. Remove any debris and wipe it down with a damp cloth. Clean the electrical contacts in this compartment carefully using a paintbrush or a soft brush to ensure good connectivity.

Carefully tilt the mower on its side to thoroughly clean the cutting area. Clean around the blade and the blade itself using a stick, soft brush, or a damp cloth. Be careful when handling the blade area.

Clean the battery with a damp cloth, and for the charger, unplug it first, then wipe it down with a damp cloth. The charger's vents and electrical contacts should be cleaned with a paintbrush or soft brush to prevent dust buildup.

Stihl strongly advises against using high-pressure cleaners or water jets, which can damage the mower's components.

Regularly checking the blade for damage or dullness is also generally good practice. Have a professional sharpen or replace the blade to maintain cutting performance if needed.

How does it rate online?

The Stihl RMA 239 lawn mower enjoys good user ratings, with a five-star rating on farming and gardening supply site Sam Turner & Sons. Users really like the Stihl RMA 239 lawn mower. They say it's light and easy to use, making mowing less of a chore. One user comments, 'This lawnmower is everything I could wish for. Lightweight, easy to manoeuvre and cuts well. The battery lasts long enough to cut both my medium-sized lawns and is simple to remove for recharging.' People also love how it folds up for easy storage.

Happy customers report the mower does a good job collecting grass and emptying the grass box is simple. They say it’s well-made and quieter than many other mowers. While one thought it was a bit expensive, they still felt it was worth the money. Overall, most people who bought this mower seem very happy with it.

Should you buy the Stihl RMA 239 Cordless lawn mower?

The Stihl RMA 239 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable, efficient cordless mower for small to medium-sized lawns. From assembly to operation, it's user-friendly and lightweight enough to manoeuvre easily around your garden. The cutting quality is impressive, delivering a neat finish every time.

One of the standout features is its battery life, which is sufficient for most small to medium lawns and can even handle multiple mows on a single charge. The 37cm cutting width perfectly balances efficiency and manoeuvrability, making it ideal for navigating garden obstacles.

The Stihl RMA 239 is also an excellent option for those with limited storage space. Its folding mono-handlebar design allows for compact storage, and the easy-to-remove grass collection box adds to its space-saving qualities. While it doesn't have a mulching option, the efficient grass collection system means you won't have to worry about cleaning up clippings afterwards.

The mower's quiet operation is another plus, allowing you to mow without disturbing neighbours. While it may be pricier, the quality of construction and performance justify the investment. The compatibility with other batteries in the Stihl AK series adds to its versatility and value.

If you're looking for a cordless mower that combines ease of use, excellent cutting performance, and smart design features, the Stihl RMA 239 is worth considering. It's a solid choice that should meet the needs of most small to medium lawn owners.

Our WORX WG749E 46cm Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower review puts this self-propelled cordless lawn mower to the test to see if it can make easier work of keeping on top of grass cutting.

The WORX WG749E is a cordless battery-powered mower that offers a 46cm cutting blade which the brand recommends for lawns up to 500m2. It comes equipped with a 55L collection bag and is powered by two 4.0Ah batteries. Thanks to a folding handle, it also offers compact storage in the shed or garage when it's not in use.

Plus, it's self-propelled which means it can make tackling sloping or undulating lawns far less energy-intensive. That also makes it ideal for anyone who struggles to push the weight of a mower on a flatter lawn, or is simply willing to invest in a low-effort means of grass cutting. And, it features 'IntelliCut power-as-needed technology' which the brand states 'automatically increases torque with wet and deep grass, preventing the mower from getting bogged down and jamming'.

I tested this lawn mower in a relatively small 60sqm garden, assessing ease of assembly, grass cutting performance, grass collection, ease of use, battery power and storage to see how it compared to the best lawn mowers the Ideal Home team has reviewed.

WORX WG749E 46cm Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower review

Specifications

• Suitable for: Small to medium lawns up to 500㎡
• Power: Cordless (battery-operated)
• Propulsion type: Self-propelled
• Variable speed: Yes
• Cutting options: Cut, collect, mulch, rear discharge
• Weight: 28.7 kg
• Cutting width: 46cm
• Cutting height: 20mm to 80mm
• Battery: 2 x 4.0Ah
• Battery life: between 500-800㎡ on a single charge
• Grass collection: 55L
• Noise decibels: 78-92dB
• Folding: Yes

How I tested

Getting started

Unlike the more affordable but non-self-propelled, WORX WG743E Cordless Lawn Mower, the WORX WG749E 46cm Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower thankfully comes pretty much pre-assembled.

On unboxing you just need to assemble the grass collection box – which is a little fiddly, but soon done. There is no assembly of the mower itself other than unfolding its foldable handles which are packed down neatly for transportation.

Also included in the box are two 20V 4.0Ah PowerShare batteries, a dual charger, and a mulching insert.

The two 20V 4.0Ah batteries take around two hours to charge, which is plenty of time to unfold the mower and adjust its settings to your preferences.

Handily, all of the adjustable elements on the WORX WG749E 46cm Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower are picked out in orange, so it's easy to see which parts are adjustable.

There are three height adjustments available for the handles, and the blade cutting height can be easily adjusted through 20mm-80mm by way of seven clearly marked settings.

Once fully charged, fitting the batteries is easy enough, although my one gripe is that the casing on the battery compartment isn't weighted to stay open whilst you insert the batteries. Instead it flops around meaning you have to keep hold of it with one hand or it can accidentally fall down either trapping fingers or potentially damaging the perspex.

When the batteries are installed you can press the red button on the lawn mower deck to view the remaining battery charge. Five green lights will illuminate, or not, to give you an idea of the charge left.

Lawn mowing

Batteries fully charged and adjustments complete, it was time to start mowing. 

Our lawn is a relatively small 60m2, and although it isn't sloping, like most lawns, it has lumps and bumps that can make for tired arms and legs after you've pushed a traditional mower up and down it – particularly because the mower we usually use is a large and heavy petrol mower designed for much larger spaces.

As such I was eager to see how much easier the WORX WG749E's self-propelled functionality would make it. 

The good news is that the WORX WG749E starts saving you effort as soon as you take it out of the garage or shed as you can put it into self-propel mode without having the blade running to assist you in even getting it to the lawn in the first place. You simply need to keep your hands on the handles, walk behind it, and steer – no real pushing required.

Once on grass, I was really impressed with how easy the WORX WG749E was to operate. To start you simply depress the starter ignition and pull the bail bar up towards you. If and when you want to engage the self-propel function you push down on the upper orange bail bar and hold it close to the mower handle.

You can then adjust the speed of the self-propel functionality through seven settings, via a big orange push switch just below the handles that's clearly marked from miminum speed (the pace of a slow stroll) to maximum speed (a fairly swift walking pace).

All in all, the WORX WG749E did a great job of cutting the grass and a superb job of collecting grass cuttings and mulching. The self-propel mode also made the mower extremely easy to use as it glided smoothly across the lawn with only steering needed from the user.

A couple of times when the mower hit longer grass we felt the 'IntelliCut power-as-needed technology' kick in, which seemed to push the mower on to handle the change in terrain.

We found the grass collection box was just about full by the time we'd cut all of our small garden, so if you have a medium-sized lawn you may find yourself emptying the grass box a couple of times each mow. However, thanks to the lightweight grass box and great access for removal this is very easy to do.

As far as battery usage goes, we managed to cut the grass on our 60sqm garden around 2.5 times before the batteries on the WORX WG749E needed recharging.

Ease of use

The WORX WG749E 46cm Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is definitely one of the easiest to use lawn mowers I've tested. Its self-propel functionality makes cutting the grass a far easier task than with a non-self-propelled mower – and that was on our relatively flat lawn, on a sloping lawn the self-propel function would make really light work of mowing.

I'd previously tested the EGO LM1702E-SP 42cm Self-Propelled Lawnmower, and I personally found the operation of the WORX WG749E much simpler to grasp. However, my Dad also tested both mowers and he prefered the controls of the EGO, as you don't need to adjust both hands on the handlebars to fold down the upper orange bail bar as you do with the WORX model, so this may be personal preference.

In comparison to the EGO self-propelled lawn mower, the only thing I felt the WORX model lacked in terms of ease of use was a clear battery charge display. There are lights which illuminate next to the battery compartment to show you how much charge is left in the batteries whilst the mower is in use, but they're small and not very bright so you tend to have to bend down to check the reading – especially in bright sunlight.

However, we all found the grass collection box on the WORX WG749E far nicer to remove and refit than the slightly awkwardly designed EGO grass box. The WORX WG749E collection box is super light, and super easy to remove and hook back into place. The only thing it lacks is any means of alerting you to when it's getting full.

The fact that the handle of the WORX WG749E folds down so that the mower is vastly reduced in size – and then that it can be stood vertically – is also a real bonus for easier storage. It means that the mower can be pushed neatly against the wall of the shed or garage when its not in use so it isn't taking up floorspace, and also means it fits into a car boot if you need to transport it.

Verdict

All in all I was really impressed by the WORX WG749E 46cm Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower.

Like any self-propelled lawn mower, it's more expensive than a standard cordless mower, but if you have a sloping garden that requires some muscle to mow or mowing in general leaves you out of puff then I think that extra expense is well worth it for the ease it offers.

In fact, I would go as far as to say that the WORX WG749E was so low-effort and easy to use that it made me actually look forward to grass cutting, when usually it's the garden chore I'm least enthusiastic about.

The WORX WG749E perhaps doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the EGO LM1702E-SP 42cm Self-Propelled Lawnmower – the battery charge reader isn't quite as snazzy and there are no headlights, plus its footprint is a little larger – and the build quality and design touches possibly aren't quite on a par, but it does still feel like a well-designed and practically well thought out machine.

And, whilst it maybe doesn't quite have quite the wow-factor of the stylish one-handled Stihl Self-Propelled Cordless Lawnmower range, the WORX WG749E is a lot more affordable than both the Stihl and the EGO models, and I think it offers great performance and great value for its price.

The only niggles we encountered during testing were very minor – just the lid of the battery compartment which would be better if it was hinged to stay open, and the battery charge indicator that could be easier to read when the mower is in use.

Other than that, I think this is a brilliant self -propelled mower that offers a great balance of performance and value for money.

If you have a lawn bigger than a postage stamp, you are going to need a lawn mower to keep your grass in check. And for many, a new cordless mower will be top of their wish list.

Unlike traditional electric models with their restrictive cabling, or heavy petrol mowers that need careful maintenance, cordless lawn mowers are easy to manoeuvre, easy to look after and have powerful, reliable batteries that can be replaced without you having to buy a whole new mower, meaning they're arguably more sustainable.

The Worx WG743E cordless lawn mower promises to be an excellent workhorse that's perfect for medium-to-large lawns up to 500 sq m. It's powered by two 20V lithium-ion batteries, has an impressive seven cutting heights, and collects up to 45 litres of grass in the supplied bag. It will also mulch when the provided attachment is inserted.

But would it, ahem, 'make the cut' as one of our best lawn mowers on test? We put it through the ringer through some very changeable spring weather conditions to find out.

Worx WG743E cordless lawn mower specifications

• Battery: 2 x 4.0Ah Lithium-ion batteries
• Coverage: Up to 500 sq m on a single charge
• Charge time: 70mins
• Voltage: 40W
• Cutting height: 20mm-80mm (7 cutting heights)
• Cutting width: 400mm / 40cm
• Cutting options: Rear discharge, mulching, and cut and collect
• Grass collector: 45L
• Deck material: Plastic
• Dimensions: ‎1440mm x 450mm x 1050mm
• Weight: 15.2 kg (with batteries); 13.9kg (without batteries)
• Warranty: 3 years (registration required)

How we tested it

My partner and I tested this on four different lawns – our front garden, our neighbour's front garden, our back garden and a friend's back garden. We rated it out of five stars for each of the following criteria to get to our final grade.

• Ease of assembly: Did any parts need to be attached, and if so, was this a simple job?
• Ease of use: Could we easily operate the mower? Was anything fiddly or overly complicated? Was it easy to attach extra parts like the grass collection bag? Was it easy to change the mower height?
• Performance: How well did the lawn mower cut, mulch and collect grass? Did it struggle in longer grass? Did it give even results on shorter grass?
• Noise: How loud was the mower?
• Battery charging and life: How long did the batteries take to charge? How long did they last?
• Storage: Did the lawn mower fold up for easy storage? Was it easy to collapse and fold out?
• Maintenance: Could the blades and batteries be removed/replaced easily? Was any other maintenance required?

We also directly compared it to our current day-to-day cordless lawn mower, the Stihl RMA339C cordless lawn mower, which we've owned for a few years. It is available at a similar price point and covers slightly less ground on a single charge at 400 sq m.

Unboxing the Worx WG743E cordless lawn mower

The Worx WG743E cordless lawn mower comes in a large orange cardboard box with most of the parts wrapped loosely in bubble wrap to protect it in transit. Everything is packed in quite tightly, the handle coming in three parts.

Inside the box is the mower's body, the handlebar in three sections, the 45-litre grass collector, a cardboard box containing the two batteries and a double charger, and a small bag of bits for set up.

The bag contains several bolts for attaching the handle to the body of the mower, the handle for the grass collector, and two clips that can be used to secure the power cable that links to the safety key and bail handle to the handle frame, so that it doesn't get in the way. It also contains a 20-page instruction manual and a warranty booklet.

A small amount of assembly was required. This was relatively simple – probably a one-person job, although my partner and I did together and having the extra pair of hands did come in useful. Most of the steps are intuitive and we found ourselves taking only cursory glances at the instruction manual.

The main issue to make sure we weren’t putting things on the wrong way. One thing we did initially get wrong was clipping the handle onto the grass collector – we had it the wrong way around and it wouldn’t slot into place.

Once corrected, it needed quite a bit of of force to get it in. I would question why it wasn’t attached at the factory. Possibly because it might get damaged in transit? But I feel it was quite tricky to attach if you didn’t have much brute strength.

Attaching the main handle bar was easy enough, though it did help to have two pairs of hands – one to hold the bar sides to the correct height while the other screwed the bolts that attach the top of the handle. There is a choice of two holes, so you can adjust the height by a couple of inches to one that suits you best.

You'll also need to tighten two more screws at the base of the handle, where it attaches to the mower. These come attached to the main mower unit, so need to be removed beforehand.

Overall, unboxing, assembling and setting up for the first use took us around 15 minutes. One last little issue we had was that we nearly forgot to clip the edges of the grass bag to the metal bars. It’s an easy step to miss unless you read the instructions carefully.

Mowing the lawn with the Worx WG743E cordless lawn mower

Before you start using the Worx, you have two jobs to do. The first is to insert your batteries. Now there are two, which take fractionally longer to load than our Stihl, which has just the one (compatible with other tools in Stihl's AK range).

Worx explains that this is because they can be used in their wide-ranging Powershare system, either singly or together, so you don't need to keep buying (and storing) lots of different batteries.

One thing we really liked was the power test button, which allowed us to check the remaining charge before we started mowing and without needing to remove the batteries. If you've finished the back lawn and are wondering if you have enough juice to do the front, too, this is super handy.

Your next job will be to set the cutting length. This is done by pulling a lever by the front wheel. This again needs a little strength to do, but I managed fine, though it’s a two-handed job.

I was pleased to see that the level didn't drop when mowing, which I've experienced happening on other machines in the past. It seemed to hold in place securely.

Our back lawn isn't in great condition and we are due to reseed it in parts, but had grown quite long. We took it quite short – level 3 (40mm). Our neighbour mows her lawn more frequently and doesn't like to have it too short, so we kept it at level 5 (60mm).

There are three options for discharging your grass clippings from the mower – they can be dumped straight out of the mower, dispatched into a 45-litre grass box or mulched and dumped onto your lawn, again from the back.

We tried all three options. To switch you need to remove or add either the grass bag or the mulching wedge insert, seen below. This is all easy enough to do – but as we say, just make sure the bag is clipped up together properly or it won't attach. It's not, however, as simple as flipping a switch, which some premium mowers allow.

We were super impressed with the power and precision of the Worx, which sliced through grass and some stubborn weeds with ease. We were particularly impressed with its edge-to-edge performance, meaning we didn't need to reach for the strimmer to tidy up the tricky borders beside our raised beds.

We found the Worx to be as loud but a little more high pitched than our Stihl, but certainly no louder than neighbouring mowers.

In our medium-sized back garden, we emptied the grass box twice in total, which was comparable to our existing mower but we would have liked the bag to have been bigger.

Ease of Use

Starting the machine was probably the thing we liked the least about it. To do so, you need to plug in a key. This is attached to the mower with a nylon loop. Holding this in place while simultaneously holding the handle down to operate the mower didn't feel natural and took a fair amount of coordination.

Another concern here is that if the cable were to snap or accidentally be cut off, it’s an easy thing to lose. Also, if the key was to snap, you would be unable to use the mower. It’s a small potential vulnerability that we’d be mindful of, especially if you don’t tend to be that careful with your lawn mower.

I found manoeuvring the lawn mower relatively easy. It's quite lightweight for its size and was easy to run up and down a tidier long lawn in a straight line. It was a trickier proposition on a smaller front garden as you couldn't really build momentum in your mowing action before needing to turn. Therefore, I'd say this is definitely a better choice for a medium to large garden, rather than a plot of under 50 sq m.

And while we avoided cutting wet grass as much as possible, due to very poor weather conditions, at one point we had no choice but to cut grass that was slightly damp. This didn't seem to be too much of an issue for the Worx. Grass clumped a little but not badly around the blade and over the deck, and was easy to pull away.

Storing the Worx WG743E cordless lawn mower

The good news is that the Worx WG743E cordless lawn mower folds down for easy storage. The not-so-good-news is that it's a bit of a faff, in all honesty. You have to unscrew four wingnuts that hold the handle in place and then collapse the handle down in two movements. This was fiddly and we also felt that doing this every couple of weeks over the summer would weaken the handle and the bolts over time.

The handle flailed around a bit as we put it away – we had to find the right balance. We also worried that the loosened bolts might fall off and get lost while in storage.

We much prefer the mechanism on our Stihl lawn mower, which has a lever that releases the handle to fold. There’s no tightening and untightening, and the handle and parts feel just as secure folded as they do fully constructed.

That said, we were impressed at how compact the Worx was once folded down – certainly smaller than the Stihl, with the ability to stand upright, making it an excellent choice if you've got limited space.

Batttery performance on the Worx WG743E cordless lawn mower

Battery life on the Worx was excellent, though we will put that in the context of our six-week testing period. Over time, the performance of lithium-ion batteries can drop, so we'd need to test for longer to be confident. That said, we were able to mow all four lawns once on one charge, which was hugely impressive.

The charging time, too, was better than expected. The manufacturer's spec lists a charging time of 70 minutes for the two batteries, but we noticed that the batteries fully charged in under an hour. So if you are panic mowing before rain arrives and need to recharge the batteries, you won't be waiting too long.

How does the Worx WG743E cordless lawn mower rate online?

We checked Amazon to see what customers thought of the Worx WG743E cordless lawn mower. Of 359 global ratings, it scored a fabulous average of 4.3 stars. Customers liked the lawn mower's battery life and the fact it is lightweight and easy to move around the lawn. They also seemed impressed at the evenness with which it cut the grass, build quality and its choice of mowing heights.

Negative reviews often mentioned poor battery life (contrary to what we found), items arriving damaged and the fact the machine made a higher-pitched noise (something we noticed) than other lawn mowers, which they found irritating.

Should you buy the Worx WG743E cordless lawn mower?

We recommend this lawn mower to anyone with a medium-sized lawn of 150 to 400 sq m. It's great for long, narrow gardens as you can get a great rhythm as you mow up and down. We also like that it cuts to a nice clean edge, so you can use it to cut against a raised bed or border. In fact, it's exceptional in this regard.

It's harder to move around a small lawn due to its size, though it does fold down small, so it is good if you don't have much storage space for garden equipment.

We did find you needed good coordination to use it, holding the key and handle down at the same time, so it may not suit anyone with a lack of strength or dexterity in their arms and hands. We also found folding it down for storage fiddly.

The Worx WG743E cordless lawn mower is a good, robust buy that will please many garden owners. However, our slight niggles with operation and storing it mean it's not convinced us to part with our existing Stihl machine in its favour.

Let’s be honest; lawn mowers aren’t cheap. But while they’re a worthwhile and necessary investment, it’s important to know how to clean a lawn mower to ensure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

Yes, the best lawn mowers can last for decades if you give them the TLC they need, and this will ultimately have a knock-on effect on your garden. With this nifty garden gadget at your disposal, you can take stock of the most important lawn care tips and maintain a lawn mowing calendar. This should leave you with a healthy and luscious lawn all year round.

But it’s safe to say that lawn mowers are put through the wringer on a regular basis. The blades become worn down, they get covered in mud and grass, and the grass collection box can even become mouldy. So, cleaning a lawn mower regularly - and most importantly, before you store it for winter - can keep it in check.

How to clean a lawn mower

‘Now that gardening jobs are in full swing, it is important to make sure you maintain all tools to ensure their longevity,’ explains Nick Ee, product and training manager at BLACK+DECKER.'

'Cleaning a lawnmower is particularly important as it gets the most wear and tear throughout spring and summer. If left and not maintained properly, old grass cuttings and debris can create moisture resulting in rust, which shortens the lawn mower's lifespan and performance.’

So, follow this step-by-step to clean yours.

What you'll need

Step-by-step

1. Choose the right time

When was the last time you cleaned your lawn mower? If you can’t remember, it’s definitely time to add it to your to-do list. After all, it’s important to clean your garden tools on a regular basis.

The best time to clean your lawn mower is immediately after you’ve used it and before the grass dries. During this cleaning session, simply brushing away the grass clippings from the underside of the lawn mower should be enough.

However, experts suggest giving your lawn mower a deeper clean after around 25 hours of use or at least once a year. You should also aim to sharpen your lawn mower blades once a year and change your lawn mower oil if necessary, too.

2. Turn your lawn mower on its side (if possible)

The first step when cleaning a lawn mower is understanding the lawn mower you own. Jim Kirkwood, garden expert at Worx, ‘Depending on the type of mower you own, the cleaning process may look a little different, and you should always check your manufacturer’s instructions before starting.’

Ideally, you should then turn your lawn mower on its side. However, it’s important to note that you should NEVER turn a petrol lawn mower on its side while there is still petrol in the tank. Either empty the tank and remove the spark plug first or skip to step 3 for more information.

If you have an electric lawn mower, you can simply turn it off, unplug it completely, remove the grass collection box, and then turn it on its side so that you can see the underside of the lawn mower.

If you have a battery-powered lawn mower, all you have to do is remove the grass collection box and the battery before turning it on its side. This is to ensure that it doesn’t accidentally turn on while you’re cleaning it.

3. Clean the underside

When your lawn mower is on its side, you can then get to work on cleaning away the grass clippings and dirt underneath it.

Jim says, ‘To clean underneath the deck, put on your gloves and wipe away any debris with your plastic brush, taking particular care around the blades. Failure to remove grass from around the motor can cause your mower to overheat.’

If you wanted to, you could then rinse down the underside with a garden hose, using low-pressure water to wash away any leftover debris. In fact, that’s why some lawn mowers - including many petrol lawn mowers - come complete with a hose connection specifically for this cleaning task.

Simon Hill, Service Manager at STIGA UK says, ‘Many of our petrol lawnmowers are equipped with a wash point, enabling you to connect a hose pipe to the machine which will wash the underside of the deck casing and blade. The upper part of the machine can be cleaned with a damp cloth and some detergent, when doing this, it's essential not to get any water on any of the electrical components.’

And if you find that this doesn’t quite do the trick, you could use a mixture of soap and water to clean any stubborn areas. Nick explains, ‘Use a stiff brush or sponge with soapy water to scrub the lawn mower to remove any left-over dirt that could be hiding and make sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards.’

4. Check the cutting blades

No lawn mower would be complete without the cutting blades, which is why you should check them throughout the year. Failure to do so could lead to insufficient mowing and even patchy grass.

‘To clean the blades, simply wipe them down with your dry cloth to remove any excess grass clippings that have built up,’ explains Jim.

But that’s not all. You should also keep an eye out for any blade dullness or wear and tear, as you may need to give your lawn mower blades some extra TLC, too.

Claire Baglin from Toolstation says, ‘A dull lawn mower blade can actually damage a lawn. Rather than cleanly slicing the grass tips, a dull blade can cause rough cuts that can tear the grass sods out of the ground completely, creating bald patches.’

‘There are three tell-tale signs that mower blades need sharpening: Dents or nicks on the blade surface, uneven grass height after cutting, and brown, frayed grass edges.’

In this instance, you should sharpen your lawn mower blades with something like this SHARPAL 103N All-in-1 Knife and Garden Tool Blade Sharpener from Amazon. But it’s important to make sure that sharpening is the right option.

Claire says, ‘If there is any damage beyond slight dents or scratches, it’s best practice to replace the blades.’

5. Clean the grass collection box

When you’ve cleaned the underside of your lawn mower, you can then turn your attention to the grass collection box. If left untouched, the build-up of grass clippings can result in mould and grime. So, it’s best to empty it after every use and then give it a deeper clean every once in a while.

The easiest way to do this is to brush away any large clumps of grass clippings and then use a garden hose to rinse it out. Then, dry it with a microfibre cloth before placing it back on the lawn mower.

Don’t be tempted to swap the garden hose for one of the best pressure washers, though. Your lawn mower is one of the many things you should never clean with a pressure washer.

6. Give it another once-over

To finish, give the whole lawn mower another once-over. Jim says, ‘Whilst the mower is on its side, check the wheel bearings for any trapped grass that may slow it down. Once finished, place the mower in its upright position and clean the exterior with your cloth’

With the brush, brush off any loose grass clippings, dried dirt, or pollen, and then use a wet microfibre cloth to wipe the whole thing down.

‘Once fully clean, be sure to store your lawn mower in a dry and protected place such as your garage or a garden shed,’ adds Jim.

FAQs

How should I clean my lawn mower?

Before cleaning your lawn mower, you need to make sure that it’s either turned off at the mains, the battery is removed, or the petrol tank is empty. Then, turn it on its side and brush the underside of the lawn mower.

Aim to remove all of the grass clippings from the blades and the deck, and give the blades a once-over while you’re there. It may be that you need to sharpen your blades or replace them entirely.

You can then brush grass clippings out of the grass collection box before rinsing with a hose. Finish by wiping down the exterior of the lawn mower with a brush and a wet cloth.

Is it okay to hose down a lawn mower?

While you can hose down certain elements of a lawn mower - such as the grass collection box and deck - it’s not advisable to hose down a lawn mower completely. This could cause serious damage.

So, always check the manufacturer’s instructions before using a hose on a lawn mower.

Now you know how to clean a lawn mower, you have no excuses!

The Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A battery-powered lawn mower is a cordless lawn mower ideal for small—to medium-sized lawns and people who struggle with storage space in their shed or garage. It has a runtime of around 25 minutes, four different cutting heights and a mulching option. Plus, it folds away for vertical storage, making it a strong competitor to some of the best lawn mowers.

I tested this lawn mower on a wet lawn with at least four weeks of growth, assessing cutting and mulching quality, ease of use, battery power and storage. I also checked how easy it was to assemble and operate.

Find out how the Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A battery-powered lawn mower performed during my at-home tests and discover its extra features, such as the automatic power boost on long grass. I’ll also share how to clean and maintain this cordless mower so it performs well and lasts longer than its generous 2-year warranty.

Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A battery-powered lawn mower specifications

• Suitable for: Small to medium lawns
• Power: Cordless (battery-operated)
• Cutting options: Cut & collect and mulching
• Deck material: Plastic
• Weight: 11.8kg
• Dimensions: 31cm x 36cm x 80cm
• Cutting width: 34cm
• Cutting height: 25mm to 65mm (4 cutting heights)
• Battery life: Around 25 minutes
• Grass collector: 30L
• Decibels: 74 dB
• Warranty: 2 years

Unboxing the Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A Lawn Mower

The Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A battery-powered lawn mower arrives in a big cardboard box with lots of plastic bubble wrap to protect the mower during shipping. This box is unlikely to be recyclable, but at least your lawn mower will arrive intact. The box itself and the thick pieces of cardboard wedged inside to keep the mower stable are recyclable.

The mower itself comes ready assembled, which makes set-up a breeze. The handlebars are folded down, so all you have to do is release them using the orange circular locks on either side, turning these to the locked position once your handlebars are up. They’re also telescopic, so you can adjust the height of the handlebars to your preference by loosening and then tightening the orange lock knobs on each side at the base of the handlebars.

The Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A also comes with a grass collector, mulch plug, battery charger, battery and safety key, a manual, and a sturdy hook (complete with screws) for hanging the lawn mower in your garage or shed when not in use.

The rechargeable battery doesn’t come with much charge, so you’re unlikely to be able to use the lawn mower straight away. It takes around an hour and a half to fully charge the battery, giving you around 25 minutes of run time.

The manual also features a QR code that you can scan to access handy videos on setting up, including how to insert the battery, start the lawn mower and store it correctly. You also get access to the Husqvarna Connect app, which has maintenance and troubleshooting support, how-to videos and local dealership details.

Attaching the grass collector is easy and quick—simply lift the rear cover, remove the mulch plug (it takes a bit of strength to pull it out), and attach the grass cutter to the top edge of the chassis. The grass collector itself is made of plastic and mesh, so it folds down neatly when not in use.

I liked how easy it was to attach the battery, and the little orange safety key is a great addition. The battery will not operate the mower unless you insert and rotate the key.

Without charging the battery, unboxing, assembling and setting up for the first use takes around five to ten minutes, which is super quick. You can also use the battery with other Husqvarna tools as well as Flymo, Gardena and Bosch tools, as it’s part of the POWER FOR ALL ALLIANCE, which is excellent for the environment and great for your shed space!

The Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A battery-powered lawn mower is nicely designed with a glossy black, grey and orange colourway.

All the essential knobs, handles and switches are picked out in orange, and everything feels sturdy, intuitive and easy to use.

The telescopic, fold-down handles are also great for compact, vertical storage. It’s light and easy to lift, weighing just 11.8kg. Combined with the slim dimensions and the lifting handles at the front and rear, it's perfect for moving from front to back gardens and up narrow passageways if needed or even for transporting in the boot of your car.

Mowing the lawn with the Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A

Another great safety feature on the Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A battery-powered lawn mower is the start inhibitor on the handlebars. You need to pull it out before pressing on the handlebars to start the mower, and it automatically clicks back into place when you release them, cutting off the power.

The lawn mower is a walk-behind, so you’ll need to push it yourself, but it’s light and easy. It also features an automatic power boost that increases the blade speed when mowing longer grass - I could hear this kick in on my rambling, overgrown lawn. Compared with other battery lawnmowers that often cut out when tackling longer grass, this is a fantastic feature and came in very handy when cutting my grass, which, as you can see, had got pretty long while I was away on holiday.

There are four cutting heights ranging from 25mm to 65mm. For the first mow, I chose cutting height 3. Switching between each cutting height using the orange lever is super easy.

I was impressed with the results. At no point did the mower cut out, resulting in a tidy trim, even if it was still a little long. But I wanted to leave some height for the next test—mulching. Manoeuvring the mower around my small lawn was easy and quick, and it made short work of the edges of the lawn, which overlapped onto wood edging, leaving a clean and neat finish. Given that my lawn was very damp from weeks of rain, I was pleasantly surprised.

Swapping the grass collector for the mulch plug is pretty straightforward, but you do have to ensure the mulch plug is firmly installed. Listen for the ‘click’ as you push it in. Mulching disperses the grass clippings back into your lawn, protecting it from weeds and adding moisture, so it’s a good idea to do it regularly.

While the 34 cm cutting width was ideally suited to my small lawn, gardeners with larger lawns may prefer something broader. My grass collector got full pretty quickly, too, almost overflowing at the end of my first cut, so bear that in mind if you’re mowing particularly long grass or have a medium to large lawn.

I loved the lawn's finish after the mulching. It was neat and tidy again, and there were zero clippings to compost! The dog seemed to agree.

Ease of Use

The Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A battery-powered lawn mower gets full marks from me on ease of use. It’s so light that it’s easy to switch directions or turn corners, and the extra safety features, such as the battery key and start inhibitor, make it a great lawn mower for families or homes with pets.

The handles at the front and back mean you can move it around easily or lift it to enjoy the vertical storage option. While I haven’t yet got my drill out to install the handy hook, I plan to store it vertically in my shed.

While the battery life isn’t very long, at around 25 minutes, this is more than enough for most small to medium-sized lawns. Plus, an LED battery level indicator shows how much battery life you have left. I mowed my small lawn three times, and there was still some power in the battery.

Another thing to mention is how quiet the Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A battery-powered lawn mower is. At just 74dB in operation, it’s around the same volume as a vacuum cleaner, so you can be sure you won’t wake the neighbours on a Sunday morning.

Overall, it’s smooth, easy to use with soft-grip handles, and easy to store. If I had any niggles about it at all, it would be nice to have an accessory for cleaning damp clippings from the cutting deck. I used an old paintbrush to do the job instead.

Maintenance

Husqvarna advises cleaning the lawn mower's plastic parts with a clean, dry cloth and using a brush to remove leaves, grass and dirt from the cutting deck. You should always make sure that the battery and battery charger are clean and dry before putting the battery into the charger or the mower. If the battery terminals get dirty, you can clean them with a soft, dry cloth or compressed air.

Husqvarna also advises owners to check the blade regularly to see if it is damaged or blunt and to have a professional sharpen, replace and balance the blade if necessary.

How does it rate online?

While it’s hard to find user reviews of the Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A battery-powered lawn mower (it’s not available on Amazon, for example, and you can’t leave a review on the Husqvarna website), it’s performed very well on review sites.

Gardener’s World awarded it a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy in 2023 for ease of use, giving it an excellent rating of 4.9 stars out of 5. Which? consumer reviews site also gives it a respectable score of 70%. They say it tackles grass ‘with aplomb’ and is easy to use, while Gardener’s World says it’s ‘great for small gardens’.

Should you buy the Husqvarna Aspire lawn mower?

The Husqvarna Aspire is the ideal lawn mower for anyone looking for a reliable, sturdy, cordless mower that can tackle long grass on small to medium lawns.

From set up to operation, it’s easy, quick, and light and small enough to be whisked around your lawn. The cutting quality is excellent, and having a mulching option is super handy. It’s also quiet enough not to disturb the neighbours.

The Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A battery-powered lawn mower is also ideal for anyone short on storage. With telescopic, fold-down handles, a collapsible cutting collector and a sturdy hook for vertical storage, you don’t need to take up valuable floor space in your shed or garage.

While it won’t suit larger lawns, the 25-minute run time is ideal for small to medium gardens, and the automatic boost in power for long grass is a fantastic additional feature. The fact that you can swap out the battery to use on other Husqvarna tools, as well as Flymo, Bosch and Gardena, seals the deal for me

The Hyundai HYM510SP Petrol Lawn Mower is a self-propelled lawn mower ideal for medium to large lawns. It has a powerful Hyundai IC200VE 196cc engine with low fuel consumption, six different cutting heights, and four options for grass pick-up, from mulching and discharging clippings to grass collection, making it a strong competitor to some of the best lawn mowers.

I tested this lawn mower on two different lawns, cycling through the options and evaluating its performance in damp conditions. I also assessed how easy assembling and setting up was, especially for a novice petrol mower owner.

Read on to find out how the Hyundai HYM510SP Petrol Lawn Mower performed and how well it rates online from previous purchasers. Plus, discover how to clean and maintain this petrol mower so it performs well and lasts a long time.

Hyundai HYM510SP Petrol Lawn Mower product specifications

• Engine size: 196cc
• Engine type: 4-stroke OHV single-cylinder
• Rated power: 4.2kW
• Drive: Self-propelled
• Starting system: Recoil
• Cutting height: 25mm-75mm (6 cutting heights)
• Cutting width: 510mm / 51cm
• Cutting options: Rear discharge, side discharge, mulching and cut & collect
• Grass collector: 70L
• Deck material: Steel
• Dimensions: 1580 x 550 x 1050mm
• Weight: 37kg
• Warranty: 3 years

Unboxing the Hyundai HYM510SP Petrol Lawn Mower

The Hyundai HYM510SP Petrol Lawn Mower comes in a large cardboard box with just a small amount of plastic bubble wrap to protect it in transit. The lawn mower is also wedged with thick cardboard to keep it immobile, so everything is well-packaged and secure.

Inside the box is the mower's body, the handlebar in two sections, the 70L grass collector, which folds flat, the side discharge chute, and a small bag of tools and items for set up, including bolts, a cable tidy, and rear discharge supports. You’ll also find a quick starter guide, a larger, more detailed manual, and 600ml of engine oil to get you started (although you’ll need to source unleaded petrol).

I was pleased to see that the mower was almost ready to go. All I had to do was assemble the handlebars and attach them to the lower deck of the mower with the bolts in the holes provided. There are two height positions, with the bottom hole being the tallest and the top hole being the shortest. 

Next, there’s some simple but essential cable attachment work. The handlebar has two cables, one to control the power and operation and one to control the self-propel function. Using the more detailed manual, it’s easy to find the right lever holes for these. I also needed to secure the recoil start handle to the cord loop on the side of the handlebar.

There is also a quick-start guide included, but I preferred to work from the manual, which had more detailed instructions and images. If you know your way around a petrol mower, you can probably use the quick-start guide quite easily. 

Once that’s all done, the next step is deciding how you’ll be mowing your lawn. You can have your clipping mulched, discharged from the side or rear, or collected in the grass box. We tested all four options during our review.

Adding oil and fuel is also easy, though a plastic funnel would have been helpful for the oil. I used my own, but not everyone has one of these to hand.

Overall, unboxing, assembling and setting up for the first use took me around an hour, but those with more petrol mower experience will find it easy and probably a lot quicker. I liked that I didn’t need to get a single tool from my toolbox during set-up!

I also really liked the design of the Hyundai HYM510SP Petrol Lawn Mower. It’s got a sporty, race-car feel to it, and it’s solidly built and reassuringly heavy. The steel deck is top quality, and the plastic parts feel sturdy and well-made. I also like that the handlebar is steel, and the grass-clipping box is lightweight. It’s made from canvas and plastic and folds down when not in use for easy storage. It’s easy to hook it to the rear of the mower to collect clippings. 

All the essential components are visible and accessible, from the fuel tank caps and oil caps to the exhaust and the primer bulb. But if you’re not sure, the manual points them out, too.

Mowing the lawn with the Hyundai HYM510SP Petrol Lawn Mower

If you’re not used to a petrol mower, starting one can seem daunting, but it gets easier. Essentially, to operate the mower, you need to pull the OPC lever back towards the main handle and pull the recoil cord to get the motor running. Then, you press the drive lever into the handle to self-propel function. Of course, you don’t have to use the self-propel, but it seems pointless not to use it!

Onto cutting quality. I tested the Hyundai HYM510SP Petrol Lawn Mower on two separate gardens - a medium-sized mossy lawn first (my in-laws’) and a small, dog-damaged, grassy lawn (my own). 

You can select one of 6 cutting heights, anywhere from 25mm to 75mm in height, so you have plenty of options depending on what you prefer. It’s easy to switch between cutting options by moving the lever to the side of the mower. We went for a medium length on the in-laws, which had already been mowed a few weeks before. The results were great - very even and healthy-looking grass.

On my own lawn, I opted to give it a good scalping at the shortest cutting height as I’m about to overseed it. 

You can have your clippings discharged at the rear or side of the mower, mulched and discharged, or collected in the 70L grass box. We tried all four options, and it was super easy to switch. The mulching feature makes the clippings ultra-fine, which is great for improving your lawn.

The generous 51cm/20” cutting width makes mowing easy, too, while the large grass collection box means you don’t have to stop all the time to empty it.

Ease of Use

It took me a few tries to get the hang of starting the engine. It’s worth pointing out that the machine will stop dead as soon as you take your hand off the handlebar. It’s a great safety function, but not everyone appreciates having to restart it every time they step away from their machine. 

I also found that it’s a heavy beast of a machine to move around a split-level lawn or manoeuvre up and down steps, so that’s worth being aware of. I needed an extra pair of hands to raise the mower just one or two steps.

The rear-wheel drive self-propel function also takes some getting used to. If you’re not careful, you may end up running just to stay with your mower! A gentle touch is needed while you get used to the mower's speed and the force with which it can move forward. Impressive, though. This is an impressive and powerful machine, though.

This is not a petrol mower for small lawns. It’s large, heavy, and has a very powerful propelling function, which is overkill for a small lawn. But it’s perfect if you have a large lawn and you’re looking for a mower to speed up your cutting and take the strain out of pushing a mower around. 

However, you may struggle to find room for this mower if you're short on outside storage space. Its overall footprint, even with half of the handle folded over the mower body, is 1.3m by 0.54m. So, ensure you measure up your storage options before purchasing. 

Maintenance

Despite cutting damp grass during testing, I didn't notice any clumping of grass clipping around the base of the blade. If you do want to clean it, though, Hyundai suggests removing grass and mud after each use, wiping the machine down with a damp cloth, and using a scraper for larger build-ups. 

It also suggests touching up internal chassis parts with rust-proof paint, like this Hammerite metal paint from Amazon and using a spray oil such as WD40 on exposed parts and the cutting deck.

There is also a hose attachment with the Hyundai HYM510SP Petrol Lawn Mower that allows you to use your garden hose to swill out the base of the machine, which is a super handy feature. 

How does it rate online?

The Hyundai HYM510SP Petrol Lawn Mower scores well on the Hyundai site and Amazon, with an impressive 90% of happy customers giving it 4 or 5 stars. Customers like the lawn mower's power and value and say it ‘breezes through the grass with ease’ - even in wet conditions. They also like how it can power up steep slopes and hilly gardens, taking the grunt work out, while one user praises it as ‘the rolls royce of petrol lawn mowers.’ 

Negative reviews, of which there are very few, tend to focus on customer service or faulty parts. However, some users point out how heavy it is and how difficult it can be to move it up and down steps, for example. 

Should you buy the Hyundai HYM510SP lawn mower?

I recommend this lawn mower to anyone with a large, steep or hilly lawn. The propelling function is powerful, and the cutting quality is excellent. This mower looks and feels like it will stand the test of time.

The ease of assembly and setup combined with the powerful forward motion makes it a great starter petrol mower for anyone concerned about switching from an electric or a battery-operated mower. 

However, there is no point in purchasing this mower if you have a small or small-to-medium-sized lawn. It’s like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. It suits large gardens with plenty of room to manoeuvre around and plenty of length to take advantage of that self-propelled thrust.

It’s also worth double-checking your storage space before you invest in this mower. It has a large footprint even when the handlebar is folded over, and it’s not a mower you can hang on a wall. So get your measuring tape out before splashing out. 

Neatly constructed from lightweight, high-quality components, I'm of the personal opinion that the Stihl RME 235 is simply one of the best lawnmowers for small lawns. Reaching tight spaces and accommodating diverse users are this lawnmower’s superpowers - just don’t try using it on a medium or larger lawn.

There’s no doubt about it: a bigger mower with a greater cutting width and bigger grass collector would be a better bet for larger lawns. But the reality is that many of us would actually be better off downsizing our mower. Per the ONS, the median private garden size in the UK is just 188 m², while households in central London have just 16 m² to tend. 

Stihl’s RME 235 Electric Lawn Mower may be small, but it’s perfectly capable of mowing small lawns. Why go through the bother of storing (and lifting) a monster mower, when you could be zipping around with a conveniently light and manoeuvrable model? 

Our only question mark over the RME 235 was whether its mowing and usability would match its advantages in size and weight. I tried a test sample of the mower to use on my small-ish front lawn, so that I could find out whether Stihl’s lightweight mower offers heavyweight performance. 

 Stihl RME 235 Electric Lawn Mower specs

• Motor: 1.2 kW 
• Weight: 13 kg 
• Cutting width: 33 cm 
• Deck material: Plastic 
• Height adjustment: Side
• Cutting height: 25-65 mm 
• No. of cutting heights: 5 
• Foldable handlebar: Yes (partially)
• Collection capacity: 30 litres
• Power source: mains (wired)
• Power cable length: 10 metres
• Intended lawn area: up to 300 m²

Who tested this lawn mower?

First impressions of the Stihl RME 235 Electric Lawnmower 

When I first got hold of the Stihl RME 235 in its box, it was immediately apparent that the mower was smaller and lighter than most other lawnmower samples that I've tested. 

There’s quite a lot of packaging included. Thankfully, the great majority of this is recyclable – and the components inside proved to be in great condition. 

Relative to some other mowers I’ve tried, the RME 235 requires a fair amount of assembly. I needed about 30-45 minutes to put together the handle and grass collection box. 

The mower does come together nicely through the setup process. There are some clever design solutions, like the plastic clips which secure the power cable along one of the bars and minimise strain on the wire. 

The star screws supplied, which fasten some of the mower’s parts together, have pretty shallow threads within their heads. This makes it quite difficult to turn them using the supplied star key. I'm glad I only had to do it once. 

With all that said, the mower looks great once it’s fully assembled – like a nippy, little race car, ready to take a spin on the lawn. 

Mowing performance  

Overall, I was pretty impressed with the mowing performance of the RME 235. 

The lowest cutting heights (1 and 2) are particularly effective for cutting the grass to an even height. This is great news if you like your lawn to be evenly cropped – although for optimal biodiversity and for helping the cause of rewilding, I’d recommend using a higher cutting height at least some of the time. The RSPB advises that a cutting height of 35-50 mm is better for wildlife. 

On areas of lawn where the ground is uneven, the RME 235’s cutting performance is a little less reliable than usual. This is true of most mowers, but the effect might be exaggerated by the lightness of the RME 235. Users should be conscious of whether they are lifting the mower during use, and of how this affects the contact between lawn and blade. I'd recommend mowing with a light touch: push gently, and allow the weight of the mower to rest on the ground, in order to cut as evenly as possible.

I tested the RME 235 on fairly damp grass, as well as in dry conditions. While the mower didn’t cut grass damp grass quite as effectively as it mowed drier grass, it proved capable of doing a satisfactory job, either way. The lawn was left looking smartly cut, with most cuttings gathered effectively into the collection box.

Manoeuvrability and ease-of-use 

If you’re interested in buying the Stihl RME 235, that probably means you’re looking for a mower that’s small, light and easy to store. 

At 13 kg, the RME 235 is significantly lighter than the average electric lawnmower – including some very good models such as the Bosch AdvancedRotak 750 (16kg) and the Stihl RMA 443 TC (23kg). Clearly, this could be really important for users who sometimes struggle to use heavier garden equipment – especially if there are steps leading to the shed/storage space.

Another benefit in terms of accessibility is that the trigger on the mower handle is easy to press down. This could be helpful for users who have small-to-medium-sized hands. 

This mower’s small footprint means it is relatively good at poking into tight spaces, which is handy if you have obstacles in or around the lawn area, such as potted plants or paving stones.

As this is a corded electric lawn mower, you obviously have the impediment of a power cable to deal with while you mow. This is clearly a disadvantage, versus using a cordless electric or petrol-powered mower. But on a positive note, choosing corded means you’re probably saving on price and getting a less complicated product. 

The 10-metre power cable supplied with the mower is long enough to cater for the small lawns which the RME 235 is designed to mow. However, you may need to run an extension cable to the lawn’s edge. 

Storage and maintenance  

The RME 235 is pretty convenient to store, thanks to its relatively small size. However, there have been a few missed opportunities to make the mower even handier to store in the tightest spaces. The mower uses a solid grass collection box rather than a partially soft one, and the handle is only foldable at its halfway point. Both of these design choices increase the requirement for storage space. 

Folding down the handle of this mower is a slightly fiddly process – you have to partially unscrew the plastic pegs on the inside of each bar, and then fold the handle at the pivot point.

For long-term storage over winter, I'd be tempted to temporarily remove the mower’s handle assembly and lay it down beside the mower, to free up space in the shed. 

It's easy to clean the RME 235. I simply disconnected it from the mains, rested it on its side, scraped out any leftover cuttings using a garden cane, brushed the underside with a damp brush, and then dried it very carefully with a cloth. Going through this process helps to prevent rust and extend the lifespan of the mower. 

With all that said, the RME 235 is easier to store and clean than most electric lawnmowers are – which makes it a good choice for customers who have relatively little storage space to spare. 

Should you buy the Stihl RME 235 Electric Lawnmower?  

The Stihl RME 235 Electric Lawnmower is an excellent option for mowing small lawns – particularly for users who prize a lightweight build and nifty handling.

We would recommend this mower, in particular, to users whose lawns are small, who have limited space in the shed, or who don’t particularly enjoy lifting heavy equipment. If this describes you, the RME 235 could be your ideal lawn mower.

Of course, it’s worth factoring in other people’s opinions, In online ratings and reviews, customers were generally positive about the RME 235. Ratings on Amazon average out at around 4-stars – which matches our own assessment. Customers praised the mower’s build quality and cutting performance. 

 About this review, and the reviewer  

Pete Wise is a writer and reviewer from Leeds. His work has been published by titles including Ideal Home, The Guardian, BBC Good Food and The Independent. When he’s not busy writing, Pete can often be found lazing on a sun lounger in his garden, reading, listening to music, or doing nothing at all. 

In line with our guidelines on how we test products that we recommend, Pete tested this lawn mower at home before coming to the conclusions in this review. 

Greenworks might not be as well-known for lawnmowers as a brand such as Flymo or Bosch, but they do offer quite a large range when it comes to the best lawn mowers. They come in 24V, 40V, 48V (which actually uses two 24V batteries) and 60V. Greenworks, unlike other manufacturers started out making battery-powered tools, rather than moving into the technology from other areas. 

The Greenworks G24X2LM36 Cordless Lawn Mower fits into the middle of the Greenworks range and at 48v is powerful while allowing you to stay on Greenworks’ 24V battery system. With a 36cm cutting diameter, this mower is designed for medium-sized gardens and people who need a bit more ‘grunt’ than they could get with a smaller mower. 

We tested it on a few different lawns to find out how well it performed and we were quite pleased with the results. It did a good job with just a single cut and left a tidy result that was only marred by its tyre tracks. We also like how easy battery power makes mowing the lawn and doubt that there will be very many people who lament the loss of an electrical cable trailing around behind them. However, there are a few build quality issues that we think you need to factor in before you commit. 

Greenworks G24X2LM36 Cordless Lawn Mower Specifications 

• Voltage: 48V (2 x 24V) 
• Motor: Brushed 
• Weight: 18 kg 
• Cutting width: 36 cm 
• Variable speed: No 
• Deck material: Plastic 
• Cutting actions: Mulching, rear collection 
• Height adjustment: Central 
• Cutting height: 20-70 mm 
• No. of cutting heights: 5 
• Foldable handlebar: Yes 
• Collector bag: 40 litres
• Runtime (2Ah): Up to 14 min 
• Runtime (4Ah): Up to 28 min

Who tested this lawn mower?

Unboxing the Greenworks G24X2LM36 and first impressions

When you open the box of the Greenworks G24X2LM36 Cordless Lawn Mower you are greeted with the body of the mower, the handle bar in two sections, two batteries and two chargers. The grass box, although it’s probably more accurate to call it a bag (more on that later) was laid on top. There is also the standard documentation covering the mower, batteries and chargers. 

We thought everything was well packed and protected without there being too much excess packaging.  We were slightly disappointed to see a lot of plastic packaging, especially around the smaller items. Companies such as Ryobi supply their batteries in card boxes (that can be recycled) and we would have preferred to see that rather than plastic bags and bubble wrap. 

We thought the build quality was adequate, although the mower does not really feel like a premium product. Most parts felt fairly solid, but we did feel that the quality of the plastic let the mower down. It was very scratchy and soft and will mark up quickly. We also noticed that the finish on areas such as the battery cover were not as good as they could have been. 

One thing that we did think was quite interesting about the Greenworks G24X2LM36 Cordless Lawn Mower was the fact that the mower came with two chargers. The mower runs on two batteries which both have to be used at the same time, unlike other mowers where you can use one or both. So two chargers allow you to charge the batteries simultaneously. 

Getting started with the Greenworks G24X2LM36 lawn mower 

The great thing about the Greenworks G24X2LM36 Cordless Lawn Mower is that it needs very little assembly. Big sigh of relief! The body of the machine is complete and the only other thing required is to connect the two parts of the handle together and then lock it in place. Unlike other mowers we have tried such as the ****, there were no tools required and the entire process only took us about five minutes. 

We were slightly disappointed at the screws and plastic nuts that held the upper section of the handle bar to the lower section. These felt and bit small and fiddly and one of them took a bit of messing about with to get it in place. In this case, bigger might have been better. 

Once the handlebar had been assembled and locked in place, all that was left was to attach the grass box/bag. While many mowers have rigid plastic boxes (Stihl and Flymo) or a combination of rigid plastic and canvas (Ryobi and Cobra), this was entirely canvas (lined with flexible plastic) wrapped around a square frame. So it's probably best described as a box-shaped bag and it hooks on very easily with the flap at the rear of the mower resting on the top, which is pretty standard across all the main manufacturers.

What its like to use 

Using the Greenworks G24X2LM36 Cordless Lawn Mower is very straightforward, just pop in a couple of batteries and you’re off. The experience is very comparable to any other battery-powered mower on the market. 

One thing we noticed immediately was the deep grooves left by the wheels in the lawn, which where still visible 24 hours later. While this did not cause any damage, it does give an indication of the weight of the mower. This is an issue that would be made even worse if you opted for the heavier batteries. We actually think if a mower weighs this much then it might as well use it to its advantage and have a roller on the back to put stripes on the lawn. 

One thing we had very mixed feelings about was the foam-covered handle bar. We like this as an idea and think that it will make mowing more comfortable. However, the quality of the foam covering is not particularly impressive and we do not think it will last for much of the life of the mower.  We were also not overly impressed by the trigger handle to operate the mower. It felt flimsy and poor quality and has quite a ‘waggle’ on it.  

An area that also proved slightly difficult to use was the grass box. It has a full width opening without any kind of lip at the bottom which means that, when it’s full and you come to unclip it, grass immediately spills out. We found that it was impossible not to spill clippings each time we removed it.

Ease of use

Overall, the Greenworks G24X2LM36 Cordless Lawn Mower is very easy to use and it takes no effort to get an even cut first time. It is operated using a green handle with a safety lock on the right of the handle bar and, while it was a bit flimsier than we would have liked, it was perfectly acceptable. 

One feature we were very pleased to see was the blade height adjuster. A small lever by the front wheel allows the cut height to be raised or lowered in a few seconds. This is both far easier and far safer than having to take the blade off and add or remove spacers.

On balance, we don’t like the handlebars. There is nothing wrong with them per se, in fact they are made from thicker steel than the Flymo Easiglide Plus 330V and their height and angle can also be adjusted quite easily. However having to undo two fiddly bolts to fold them down is annoying and we vastly prefer the handle bars on the Ryobi 40cm Cordless Brushless Lawn Mower which feature a folding telescopic design that can be adjusted using two plastic clips. We think this sort of design is more user-friendly and should be adopted by other manufacturers. 

In terms of storage, we don’t feel Greenworks G24X2LM36 Cordless Lawn Mower was the best mower we’ve seen. Models such as the Flymo Easistore 340R (the clue is in the name) can be folded down and stored vertically. The Greenworks doesn’t offer this and, while the handles do fold down to reduce the overall size, it still has a large footprint compared to other models. If you have limited space in your shed or garage, we think this is something you should consider.

 Additional accessories 

We think the most important accessory you will need with this mower, if you don’t already have them, is the larger-sized batteries. We think that, over time, they will work out to be a lot more convenient than the smaller ones.  

How does it rate online?

The online reviews for the Greenworks G24X2LM36 Cordless Lawn Mower were largely very positive. On Amazon, the mower received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars across 692 reviews at the time of writing. Many people praised the convenience of battery power over mains electric or petrol.

There were a few comments about the weight. Some people were concerned about the tracks left on the lawn while others thought it made the mower feel ‘reassuringly solid’, so it really does depend on your priorities.

The main criticism (aside from the few people who had problems with orders) were down to the short life of the batteries. There were also a number of comments regarding the build quality, including one person who had managed to snap off the plastic flap on the back of the mower. 

Final verdict: Should you buy the Greenworks G24X2LM36 lawn mower?

We actually thought the user ratings for this lawn mower were higher than we expected. Not that we thought it deserved only 1 or 2 stars, far from it, but we did think it was quite an average product overall. We are only prepared to give it 3.5 out 5. 

We tested it on several different grass types and felt that it performed satisfactorily. It gave a clean cut the first time and did not feel overly taxed. Its grass collection was quite good and certainly a lot better than you would expect to see from a comparatively-sized hover mower. 

We have concerns about the quality of the plastics used and the durability of areas such as the foam on the handlebars. We just can’t see these areas lasting well over prolonged use. We have also seen mowers of a comparable size that store better with better-designed handlebars. 

If you are already on the Greenworks battery system then, while it does have its issues, there is nothing particularly serious and certainly not enough to warrant committing to a new battery system. It will give you a good cut and, so long as you are aware of the limitations of battery life, it will serve most people with small to medium sized gardens well. 

However, if you are not on the Greenworks battery system then it may be worth continuing to look around, unless you are offered a very good deal. There are other mowers on the market that feel better made and have better features. There are also other battery systems which power more tools and give you more choice than Greenworks currently offer.  

About this review, and this reviewer

In line with how we test at Ideal Home, this Greenworks mower was tested at home by gardening expert Steve Bradley before he came to the conclusions in this review.

Greenworks is one of the few companies that started out making battery-powered garden equipment, rather than moving into it from another power source, such as mains electric or petrol. While they might not be as well-known as Flymo or Stlhl, when it comes to the best lawn mowers, they do have quite a large range. Greenworks actually supply their tools on three different voltages: 24V, 40V and 60V. This is made slightly more complicated because they also offer tools that take two 24V batteries together and run at 48V, so it's really three and a half ranges. 

This offering is from the 40V range and represents the middle of the pack when it comes to Greenworks mowers. Not as powerful as the 60V, but more powerful than their smallest model which runs on 24V. 

We tested this mower on a variety of different grass types and felt that it was a capable machine. It made a good job of the grass and it feels like it would be well suited to medium and larger gardens. However, we did think it was a very heavy machine and there were a few build quality issues that did let it down. We also think you need to consider which battery system you want to go on, because there is a lot of choice. 

Greenworks G40LM41 40V 41cm Lawn Mower Specifications 

• Voltage: 40V 
• Motor: Brushed 
• Cutting width: 41 cm 
• Deck material: Plastic 
• Mulching: Yes 
• Sound power level: 90,3 dB 
• Sound pressure: 86 dB 
• Runtime (2Ah): < 23 min 
• Runtime (4Ah): < 46 min 
• Vibration level: < 2.5 m/s2 
• Weight: 18 kg 
• Max. cutting height: 80 mm 
• Drive system: Push 
• No. of cutting heights: 5 (min cutting height 25 mm) 
• Collector volume: 50 L 
• Side discharge: No 
• Foldable handlebar: Yes 
• Sound power level uncertainty: 1,97 dB 
• Sound pressure level uncertainty: 3 dB 
• Rec. cutting area (4Ah): < 600 m2 
• Rec. cutting area (2Ah): < 300 m2 
• Vibration level uncertainty: 1,5 m/s2

First impressions 

The first thing you notice about the Greenworks G40LM41 40V 41cm Lawn Mower, even before it is out of the box, is the weight. This is a very heavy machine and you may want to get a friend to help you set it up. The packaging, in line with other products from Greenworks is very smart, showing images of the mower on the side and graphics explaining the various features of the machine. As ever, Greenworks are very keen to emphasise the ‘green’ in everything they do. 

When you open the box up, the mower is very well packed and there is cardboard reinforcement to protect and separate the components. There was more plastic packaging than we would have liked to see where “green” is the emphasis and we hope that this will be reduced in the future.

As well as the mower, you also get two 40V batteries and a charger, with both UK and EU adapters. We like the inclusion of two batteries, because it means that you can use one while the other is on charge and then swap them over without having to wait. 

One thing we immediately noticed before we even removed the mower from the box was the quality of the plastic. Or, to be more accurate the lack of quality. The top of the mower is covered with a piece of Greenworks’ signature bright green plastic and this was already showing signs of stress. We are not sure if it was damaged during transit or if this was a production fault. However, on closer inspection of the mower we discovered various scuffs and marks on the plastic simply because it was so soft. This was an immediate red flag and does not inspire confidence in the longevity of the mower. 

We were also concerned about the foam on the handlebars. While we like the idea of putting foam on the handlebar to make mowing more comfortable, we really don’t think that it will last for much of the life of the mower.

Getting started

We were very pleased to see that the Greenworks G40LM41 40V 41cm Lawn Mower needed very little assembly. The main body of the mower is complete and the upper and lower handlebars come laid on top. No tools are required, you just have to push a couple of bolts through the bars and they are already in position. When setting up the handle bars, you have two choices for length and you choose the angle of incline.  

The grass collector is somewhere between a box and a bag. It is made of canvas type material wrapped over a square frame. It requires no assembly at all and simply clips to the back of the mower. Like most mowers, a flap on the rear of the machine lifts up and rests on the grass collector. There is also the option of a ‘mulch plug’ instead of grass collection. 

The Greenworks G40LM41 40V 41cm Lawn Mower’s easy assembly was something we were pleased to see, because not everyone has their own tool kit or wants to spend too long putting things together. Even the most un-technically minded person will not need to spend more than 10 minutes from start to finish.  

The only other thing to do before you start is to charge the battery. Again, there is no real room to get this wrong. The charger plugs into a cable, the cable plugs into a wall socket and a green LED tells you when the battery is full. 

What its like to use 

We tested the Greenworks G40LM41 40V 41cm Lawn Mower on a variety of different grasses and thought that it performed quite well. It made a good job of the different grass types we tried it on and it didn’t feel like it was struggling with anything we threw at it. However, the blade did not cut as close to the edge of the machine as we would have liked, which means putting garden edge ideas into action is difficult. 

Over more prolonged use, we did find that it was quite heavy, especially on an incline and we also noticed that it left deep, noticeable tracks in the lawn as it went. We would have preferred that, given the weight, there could have been a roller on the back so we could make the neighbours jealous with some fancy lawn stripes. 

Operating the Greenworks G40LM41 40V 41cm Lawn Mower is very straightforward. There is a safety switch on the handle that needs to be depressed before squeezing the bar switch on the handlebar and then you are top and running. We were slightly unimpressed that the switch worked using an exposed ‘brake cable’-type wire. Very functional but gives the mower a cheap feel and would have been better with some sort of sheath over it. 

You have the option of either collecting grass in a box/bag on the back of the mower or letting it fall using a ‘mulch plug’ that comes included. Clipping on the grass box/bag is very easy and takes literally seconds. 

One thing that we did find interesting was the adjustment of the mower cutting height. The majority of mowers we have tested have a handle, often like a small version of the shifter in an automatic car, which allows you to select the cut height you want. It works by raising or lowering the body of the mower to achieve this. The Greenworks G40LM41 40V 41cm Lawn Mower mower, however, has a release button that when pressed allows the mower height to be adjusted by pushing down on it, or not. A marker on the side of the mower shows you which cutting level you are at. We are not saying that this is better or worse than other methods we have seen, just that it was new to us. 

Emptying the grass box was a bit of an issue. Greenworks and Ryobi have full width openings on their grass boxes with no lip at the base. This means that when the box is removed from the mower, a small amount of grass always falls out. Pretty trivial, but very annoying if you are left with a pile of grass on the patio. We have seen smaller openings on grass boxes made by Flymo and Stihl and have found these less messy to use. We also found the metal bars that stick out either side to clip the box the mower we quite sharp and could be easy to scratch yourself on.

When it comes to putting the mower away after you have finished, its simply a case of folding down the handles so they rest on top of the body of the machine. Just make sure that the mower is in the final position when you fold down the handles, we tried to pull ours into the shed on its wheels and managed to scuff the flap on the back. 

Ease of use 

The single biggest benefit of this mower, in terms of ease of use, is the battery power. The fact that this mower is for larger gardens means that its main alternatives would be powered by petrol rather than by mains electricity. 

Battery power avoids the hassle of buying petrol, mixing oil and general routine maintenance. It also makes using the mower a more pleasant experience. There is no pull cord to start and there is no vibration or exhaust when the mower is running. While the motor will generate some heat, it will be negligible compared to that produced by an internal combustion engine. Overall, better for you and kinder to your neighbours. The trade-off, however, is it won’t be as powerful as a petrol engine would be. 

Monitoring the battery power is you go is easy. You simply lift the cover and push the button to check the charge. While this is not as convenient as being able to check the charge on the handlebar, as you can with the Cobra MX41 40V, it is far better than having to take the battery out to test it like you have to with the Ryobi 40cm Cordless Brushless Lawn Mower. 

About the biggest issue, in terms of ease of use with this mower, is the weight. It is a heavy machine to push and, while for some users this may not be a problem, we do think that many people will struggle. We were also left to wonder whether, even if you can push a mower of this weight, does it actually cancel out the benefit of the wider cutting diameter? We suspect it may actually be less effort overall to push a lighter mower, with a smaller blade, up and down the garden a couple of extra times to achieve the same result.  

We thought the handlebars on this mower were fairly easy to use, although not the best in class. The clips used to fold and unfold them are easy and quick to use and (we thought) a better design than the smaller Greenworks G24X2LM36 we tried. However, we still preferred the telescopic design offered by Ryobi and think that this is currently about the best design on the market. We did, however, like the soft foam grip on the handlebar and felt that it made pushing the mower a more pleasant experience than a bare metal bar.

We were a little disappointed that the Greenworks G40LM41 40V 41cm Lawn Mower did not pack down smaller for storage. While the handles do fold down, other models such as the Flymo Easistore and the Ryobi 40cm Cordless Brushless Lawn Mower can be stood on end, whereas the Greenworks G40LM41 40V 41cm Lawn Mower cannot. However, this is probably academic as anyone buying a bigger mower is far more likely to have more space in which to store it. 

Accessories 

The accessories you need this mower will largely depend on what it came with when you bought it, as there seem to be a number of different options. Ours was packaged with two batteries and a charger included so there isn’t really anything else you’d need.

If you buy one without a battery, and you are not already on the Greenworks battery system, then obviously you will need to buy one separately. 

 How does it rate online?

Our research showed that the mower received a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon across 57 global reviews. Many people praised the mower for being good for medium sized gardens. A few, surprisingly to us, commented on what a light machine it was. However, at one of them said that this was compared to a petrol mower, so it is a matter of context. There was also praise about the price of the machine against competitors from other brands. The main criticism of the mower was about the battery life. A lot of people felt that they did not get long enough out of a fully charged battery and thought that this let the mower down. 

Final verdict - Should you buy the  Greenworks G40LM41 40V 41cm Lawn Mower?

Having tested the Greenworks G40LM41 40V 41cm Lawn Mower fully on a variety of different lawns, we were only prepared to give it 3.5 out of 5. On the plus side, we thought it made a good job of the grass and the collection of lawn clippings was also acceptable. We liked that it came with the option of either using a mulch plug or a grass box. We thought the battery life was acceptable, and it depends entirely on what you are using the mower for. For the average gardener giving a medium lawn a frequent cut, it will be absolutely fine. Even a large lawn should be fine split between the batteries. However, if you are trying to cut down foot high grass over several acres, you are going to want a bigger machine.  

The thing that really let down the mower for us was the build quality. We just can’t get past our concerns about the poor-quality plastics. While this mower is not priced at the top end of the market, we still don’t want to see plastic that it is so soft it is marked before it is even out of the box. We’ve also seen better design features on a a number of competitor models such as grass collectors and handlebars. 

As ever, this mower cannot be viewed in isolation, because buying it means buying into Greenworks proprietary 40V battery system. Buying into any company’s battery system will influence your choice of gardening tools for the next few years, so it is important to look at the rest of the range before making a decision. 

It is also worth noting that Greenworks don’t just have one battery system, they have three: 24V 40V and 60V. So, if you are tempted to go for a Greenworks product, make sure you go on the right battery system for your needs. 

About this review, and this reviewer

In line with how we test at Ideal Home, this Greenworks mower was tested at home by gardening expert Steve Bradley before he came to the conclusions in this review.

Aldi has launched a new electric lawn mower for under £100 and shoppers are flocking online to order one ahead of the warmer weather.

As the weather warms up and our gardens are finally seeing the light of day again, bringing out the best lawn mower is a must-have to keep on top of lawn care and maintenance – and with our favourite budget store's help, you can focus on lawn ideas without having to break the bank either.

Aldi electric lawn mower

If you've been in a toss-up deciding whether it's worth getting a manual lawn mower but have chosen to stick with an electric one, then we think Aldi's electric lawn mower is one worth nabbing while it's still early.

The Electric Lawn Mower 44cm is available on the Aldi website and in-store for an affordable price point of only £99.99 – a fraction of the price of the top lawnmowers on the market, however, it doesn't mean it's any less capable.

Aldi says that the 1800W electric lawn mower has an approximate 44cm cutting width and boasts a 10cm length cable, allowing you to reach all areas of your garden with ease.

Featuring an impressive 55-litre grass collection bag and a height-adjustable and foldable handle, lawn maintenance no longer has to be a dreaded garden task every time it comes around. 

Reviewers are raving about the lawn mower, which has kept its place as a trending buy on the Aldi website, with over 100 sales just today alone with five-star reviews across the board. The mower has even been dubbed by a reviewer as 'outstanding value for money.'

Shoppers claim that the mower is easy to use and excellent value for money at an extremely competitive price point (not to mention the 3-year warranty). If you're looking for a new lawn mower, it might be worth popping down to Aldi to see whether it's worth the hype for yourself.

Aldi is also selling a Petrol Lawn Mower for £199.99 as an online exclusive if electric isn't quite your style, and it has equally been met with praise from shoppers alike.

As with any Specialbuy item, once it's gone, it's gone, so if you're keen, you better go quickly to check it out. If you've been putting off maintaining your lawn and getting your garden spring and summer ready, consider this your sign to start.

Is it worth getting a manual lawn mower? Cutting our grass can be a time-consuming task, so it's important to consider the pros and cons of this mower style before you buy one.

Before many of the best lawn mowers on the market entered the room with their electric, petrol and cordless bragging rights, there was the manual mower, or hand mower. Still, many gardeners dub manual mowers their favourite kind of model to this day.

But is it worth getting a manual lawn mower? To find out, I've weighed the benefits and drawbacks, and I even put the Bosch AHM 38G to the test to give manual mowers a whirl myself.

Pros of a manual lawn mower

They cost little to buy and run

As well as costing far less than an electric or petrol mower to buy, manual lawn mowers have no ongoing fuel costs.

The Bosch AHM 38G I tested, costs as little as £59.99 on Amazon at the moment, and while you can get a cheap electric mower for under £100, electricity will cost you a small amount (probably around 5p/hour) for every use.

Petrol mowers will need approximately two-thirds of a litre of fuel for every hour of mowing, meaning they cost more to run – around £1 an hour at current petrol prices.

Petrol mowers also need regular servicing, and although all mowers will need new blades or sharpening at some point, the lower additional costs still make a hand push mower the cheapest to run and buy.

No wires, no problem

The corded vs cordless lawn mower debate is an ongoing one, and while I already have a cordless mower, there is even less faff getting a manual mower out and set up.

You only have to attach the grass box (unless dispersing clippings for mulch), and you're ready to go. No plugging it in, no checking batteries are charged, and you don’t even have to turn it on. If you have a long garden like mine, this freedom does take the faff out of a weekly mow.

Easy to use and maintain

This mower type is human-powered, and you are the 'on' button. So as long as you have the energy to push the mower up and down your lawn, and know how to mow a lawn, you are good to go.

They are fairly light and easy to use and store – you might find you can hang it neatly in your shed which is a bonus. And, maintenance is minimal. You just have to use a stiff brush to flick grass off after each mow and occasionally sharpen the blades.

It's quiet

Another brilliant thing about manual lawn mowers is that they aren't noisy, because they don't have an engine.

'If the user wants something more eco-friendly, low-cost cost and quiet, a manual mower could be an option,' agrees Ryan Petterson, UK product manager at Husqvarna. 'These are some of the key benefits, whilst they also tend to be low maintenance and lightweight.'

The cut with a reel mower is really neat

Hand push mowers use a reel cutting system instead of a rotary blade. This is a barrel with blades around it and a blade on the body of the machine. As you push, the barrel and blades rotate, catching any grass in their path and cutting them much like a pair of shears. The result is a cleaner cut than a rotary blade, which severs the top of the grass, helicopter style.

The second your rotary blade loses sharpness, it tends to push and mangle the grass, rather than neatly cut. Not only does this look messier, but makes your grass more vulnerable to disease.

My push lawn mower has a roller too, so if you like a nice stripy finish, you will be impressed by the results – even on longer grass.

If you are going to mow, this is the most sustainable way to do it*

No fuel, generally made from metals that can be recycled, and easy to repair, push mowers offer a sustainable way to mow if you must. After all, we know we should leave our lawn a little longer for pollinators, so if you are a bit more laissez-faire with your lawn, an affordable manual mower for when need must is not a big investment.

(*Okay, so a scythe is arguably more sustainable from a material standpoint. But also terrifying and nowhere near as neat.)

Cons of a manual lawn mower

Can be hard work (especially on a big lawn)

Manual by name and nature, you will find yourself having to put a bit of weight behind your push mower. Unlike a powered rotary mower, this type of mower’s blade is powered and turned by you pushing it. On the nice even bits of my lawn, this was a breeze. However, once I reached some slightly bumpier bits, it was a bit more of a jerky operation. It certainly gives you a good workout, but isn’t recommended for those with mobility concerns.

Luckily, my lawn is fairly small, but I can see this being quite exhausting in a large space that isn’t frequently tended to. If you want to keep the job easy, mowing little and often is the secret to success with a hand push mower.

Can clog on long or thick grass

When I made the mistake of leaving the lawn a little bit long, I found the grass had a tendency to wrap itself around the barrel and wheel axels. I could fix this wearing thick gloves and using a stick to push the grass out of the way, but it did lead to a slightly stop-start operation.

Likewise, patches of thick grass really needed me to put my back into it. You have to give the mower a good push to get enough force to shift the barrel to clip anything brush like. My cordless mower also clogs, but has the power to handle an unruly lawn and can easily be adjusted to do a pre-mow to thin it out a bit first.

'Manual lawn mowers are less effective on tall, thick or uneven grass and tend to have narrower cutting widths, meaning larger lawns can take a lot longer,' says Ryan from Husqvarna.

You can't mow over sticks

Technically, you should clear your lawn of debris with any mower, as it will dull the blades and can launch sticks and stones at your face mid-mow. However, a powered mower can handle the odd stick or thin branch that falls from my cherry tree.

The manual mower was not so accommodating. I cleared the lawn first, but inevitably missed a large twig and won't make that mistake again. It got lodged in the blades, and it did feel slightly risky getting it out.

Conclusion: is it worth getting a manual lawn mower?

A manual lawn mower is definitely worth the relatively small expense if you are looking to keep your lawn neat on a budget. It is a very traditional method of grass cutting and does require some legwork, but if you get into the habit of regularly maintaining your lawn, the results are very pleasing.

They are convenient if you have a smaller lawn or trouble reaching power points, and better than noisy petrol if you live in a built-up area. In fact, they are very quiet and the clacking noise they make is probably a very niche form of ASMR.

I wouldn’t recommend them for anyone who will find it hard to push for mobility reasons, or those with a very uneven lawn. They demand a little muscle. So if this sounds like you, either go for an affordable cordless lawn mower… or embrace the wilder look insects love instead and don’t mow at all.

So, am I still using it? The short answer is no. The longer explanation is, I have a great cordless lawn mower that is perfect for a quick job and can cope better with the fact that I often leave the lawn for long periods (by both choice and circumstance). But, the Bosch AHM 38G has found a happy home with my other half’s mum who has a small lawn and had risked electrocution far too many times cutting through electric mower cables. She is equally impressed with the cutting results and happily uses it every week or so, meaning no cut is too arduous.

Do you think you will return to the late 1800s and switch to a hand push mower?

Robotic lawnmowers have become much more accessible and affordable since the first examples started nibbling tech lovers’ lawns in the mid-noughties. 

Nowadays, you can get hold of a quality robotic lawnmower for roughly double the price of a regular iteration of the best lawn mowers. For many gardeners, the massive saving on time and effort that a robot mower can bring is well worth the added investment. 

In this review, our product tester gets to grips with the Flymo EasiLife GO 250, a  highly-rated, low-maintenance robotic lawnmower that’s ideal for tending small or medium-sized lawns up to 250㎡. The downside? It comes in at £639.99. 

Let’s find out whether this robotic mower really does make life easier, and whether that price tag is worth paying.

Flymo EasiLife GO 250 Robotic Lawn Mower product specs

• Cutting width: 16cm
• Cutting height: 20-50mm
• Maximum lawn area: 250㎡
• Slope tolerance: 25%
• Max noise level: 58db
• Dimensions: 51.8 x 33.7 x 21.5 cm
• Mower weight: 12.44kg

Who reviewed this robot lawn mower?

Setting up the Flymo EasiLife GO 250 Robotic Lawn Mower

Before you start using the EasiLife GO 250, there’s a fair amount of setup to complete. You’ll need to prepare multiple components, including the charging dock where the robot will power up, the boundary wire that will mark out the area where the robot can mow, the robotic lawnmower itself, and its companion app. 

The setup process starts with the charging dock. Think carefully about where to place this dock. It needs to be in a location where it can be supplied by an outdoor power socket, in such a way that the power cable does not cause a trip hazard or impede a driveway. There’s no possibility of using the mower without a constant mains power supply, as both the charging dock and the boundary cable need to be powered at all times. Also, consider the security of the robot: can it stay outside in your chosen place, without a high risk of theft? By the way, it takes a bit of force to click together the two parts of the charging dock, so don’t be shy about it.

Setting up the connection between the charging dock and the power supply is a simple case of connecting a few cables. Once the dock is connected to the mains, you can slot the robot lawnmower into its charging position, allowing it to power up while you lay the boundary wire.

The boundary wire is a crucial component that ensures the robot only cuts where you want it to cut. It’s an electrical wire that plugs into the charging base, so that it can emit a signal that tells the mower not to travel beyond it. There are two ways to install the boundary wire: stake it out (we chose this option) or bury it. You may need a soft-faced hammer or mallet to drive in the stakes, depending on the hardness of your soil. The front of the robot will actually cross the boundary wire by about 20 cm, so leave a good amount of distance between the wire and delicate plants or objects.

You also have the option to install a guide wire to help the mower find tucked-away parts of the garden, such as narrow strips of lawn.

Once set up, the robot must be charged for a good few hours, before it’ll be ready to use. If you try to make it mow with a low battery, it will just lurk sullenly in its dock.

All things considered, setting up the Flymo EasiLife GO 250 is fairly laborious, but straightforward so long as you follow the instructions. You’ll need a hammer or mallet, wire cutters, and a pair of pliers (all sold separately) to complete setup. The payoff for this initial work is that you’ll save an almighty amount of effort on mowing the lawn in the long run!

Using the Flymo EasiLife GO 250

The great joy of using the Flymo EasiLife GO 250 (and indeed, the whole point of it) is that you don’t need to put very much effort into its daily operation.

We found that the most convenient way to use the mower was via its connected smartphone app, ‘Flymo EasiLife’. The app could perhaps be a little clearer, but it does give you plenty of useful options to manage your mower. These include scheduling mowing sessions (up to 2 per day, which should be more than enough), and starting a quick mow on the spot. We found that by scheduling mowing sessions at various time slots throughout the week, we could ensure that the robot kept the lawn thoroughly mowed at all times, while avoiding inconvenient times of day.

The robot itself feels really well built, looks cute (an important quality in any household robot), and is easy to operate manually via the buttons on its upper side, if you prefer not to use the app. It mows extremely quietly. People in your garden will barely notice the noise – let alone your neighbours.

It’s important to note that the EasiLife GO 250 doesn’t actually collect grass. Rather, it cuts the grass frequently and allows the short cuttings to settle back into the lawn. Not only does this approach save you the effort of emptying cuttings into the garden waste bin; it also “greencycles” your lawn, supplying the soil with a steady supply of nutrients and reducing the need to apply additional fertilisers. The only downside is that the lawn might not look quite as crisp as it would if the cuttings were collected.

We were impressed with the job that the EasiLife GO 250 did of cutting our reviewer’s lawn. During its scheduled mowing sessions, the robot gradually travelled across the lawn, again and again, in an apparently random pattern. The lawn soon started to look much neater, with the grass cut to a nice, even height. 

The mower did a good job of adjusting its course when it bumped into an obstacle (such as our unsuspecting reviewer’s leg), and it stayed within the area marked out by the boundary wire. The robot did get snagged on the boundary wire at one point, but this was because we hadn’t staked the wire down tightly enough. By using plenty of stakes to pin the wire tightly to the ground, you should be able to avoid this type of problem.

Maintaining the Flymo EasiLife GO 250

Superbly waterproofed, weatherproofed and resilient to wear-and-tear, this hardy little robot is a joy to take care of.

It’s a good idea to check the mower’s wheels and blades once every now and then, to ensure there’s no cut grass or detritus causing a blockage. Use a soft brush to clean the components and leave them clear. 

The EasiLife GO 250 lives outside, and as a result it is bound to get marked by rain, dirt and unruly wildlife from time to time. In our testing period, this happened within a few days of placing the robot and charging dock on the lawn. So, to keep the robot in sparkling condition, you’ll have to wash it regularly. The easiest option is to simply rinse the machine with a low-pressure garden hose. Remember to prop it up and wash the underside while you’re at it.

Putting the EasiLife GO 250 away during the winter, after grass stops growing, is highly recommended to prolong the robot’s lifespan.

Should you buy the Flymo EasiLife GO 250?

The Flymo EasiLife GO 250 really does make life easier in the long run, with reliable, unobtrusive mowing performance and easy configuration via the Flymo EasiLife smartphone app. Initial setup requires a fair bit of effort and consideration – but once everything is properly configured, the robot handles its job beautifully. Provided that you have an outdoor power socket and a suitable place for the charging dock, this robotic mower can keep your lawn in great shape with minimal input and upkeep.

About this review, and the reviewer

Pete Wise is a freelance writer and product reviewer from Leeds. He reviewed this robot lawn mower in his garden over a period of a few weeks, as part of Ideal Home's commitment to how we test products that we advise to you. 

Looking for the best lawn mower for your garden? With so many models out there, we know how difficult it can be to choose one.

That's why we made it our mission to track down the cream of the crop. A panel of reviewers and I have tried and tested these nine mowers from leading brands in our own gardens, from dry, bumpy lawns to small, even ones. We've taken notes on performance, ease of use, design and reliability, and broken the categories down by mower type (cordless, petrol, and even self-propelling mowers feature on this list!). With the right model, you'll have those lawn ideas shaping up in no time.

Once you've chosen your lawn mower, you can expand your lawn care kit further with one of the best cordless strimmers we've tried. But first, these are the lawn mowers we rate highest on the market right now.

Quick list

How to choose the best lawn mower

We all love the smell of a freshly cut lawn, but first, you'll need the right mower for the job.

The type of lawn mower you need will come down to the size and complexity of your garden. There are a few different power types, too, from petrol to battery-operated. Nowadays, the most common lawn mower type (and best for general use) is the cordless electric lawn mower, which offers fuss-free mowing.

'The power source of the mower can be a deciding factor, whether you want the quieter performance of a battery mower, the small-scale option of a corded mower, or the trusted petrol power,' explains Ryan Patterson, residential segment manager at Husqvarna UK.

These are the differences between the main types of lawn mowers.

• Petrol lawn mower: This classic offers a lot of power for cutting longer grass as well as wetter lawns, while having a large range and long life. The downside is buying and mixing fuel, noise and vibration.
• Main electric lawn mower: These offer lots of power, like a fuel mower, but without the smell or hassle. You are limited by a cable, which often means the need for an extension lead, external socket and a whole lot of cable moving.
• Battery lawn mower: This offers a truly mobile mower for hassle-free mobility. These can limit you on power and life before needing a charge.
• Manual lawn mower: Also known as push mowers, manual lawn mowers are worth buying if you'd prefer to mow without using electric, batteries or petrol. You simply push them to operate the blades.
• Robot lawn mower: These battery-powered mowers will do the cutting for you. They are best on large open areas only, don’t get into edges, and spread rather than collect the grass waste.
• Rotary lawn mower: You can also get rotary or push mowers, but for the purpose of this guide, we are focusing on cutting-edge (yes, pun intended, again) tech only.

Key lawn mower features

• Mulching plug: Some mowers come with a mulching plug, while others include a collection bag which collects the grass clippings and needs to be emptied after every use.
• Collection bag size: If you go for one of the best lawn mowers with a collection bag, you'll need to consider its size. A larger collection bag means fewer stops to empty, but this will also affect the weight of the mower. So, if you’re not going for a self-driving model, you'll need to think about how much physical effort you’re willing to put in.
• Self-propelled or push: A self-propelled lawn mower might be a better choice for medium and larger lawns, especially if you're tackling hills and slopes as well. A mower that you push manually can be a more cost-effective option, though, and brilliant if you're working with a flat garden.
• Blade diameter: The diameter measurement of the lawn mower blades determines the width of the cut. The wider you go, the faster you can mow the lawn. However, if you go too large, it might prevent you from mowing in tighter spaces, such as between trees, and where you can store your mower.

Best lawn mowers – tried and tested by the IH team

Best lawn mower overall

Husqvarna's Aspire lawn mower is perfectly designed for those looking for a reliable cordless mower that can easily tackle even overgrown grass on small to medium lawns.

Our reviewer Joanne Lewlsey thought it was super easy to set up and quick and light enough to make light work of your lawn. It has excellent cutting quality, and its mulching option is super handy. And if you're worried about what time is acceptable to mow your lawn, worry no more, as the Aspire is quiet enough not to disturb the neighbours.

Not only that, but the Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A battery-powered lawn mower is also a great choice for anyone with storage issues. The mower's telescopic, fold-down handles, collapsible cutting collector and sturdy hook mean it can be stored vertically, freeing up valuable floor space in your shed or garage.

Its 25-minute run time is ideal for small to medium gardens, and it features a genius automatic power boost when tackling long grass. Plus, our reviewer loved the fact that the battery can also be used on a host of other Husqvarna tools, as well as Flymo, Bosch and Gardena.

Our Husqvarna Aspire LC34 P4A lawn mower review has the full details.

Best cordless lawn mower

I was really impressed with the Gtech Cordless Lawnmower CLM50 when I tested it a few months ago, because it made cutting a small lawn a breeze. If you're trying to decide between a corded and cordless lawn mower, the benefits of the latter are huge: for one, there's no lead, which means there's no trip hazard; and I find them so much easier to manoeuvre around the garden than their corded counterparts.

The design is sleek, and what I really loved was the easy-to-use cutting height toggle on the front of the mower. It's so easy to adjust the cutting height, and with six different options to choose from, it's suitable for a wide range of mowing needs.

I managed to mow my small lawn in no time at all, and it was really easy to navigate across the grass. The battery lasted more than enough time, and it included a handy power level light on the front. The collection box was easy to attach and detach and bigger than other cordless mowers we've tested in the past, providing plenty of room for grass clippings.

The only downside is that it's slightly pricier than other cordless models when it isn't on sale. It's also a little heavier to lift when moving it into storage, which could be difficult for users with limited mobility.

That said, the performance, design and overall user experience made the Gtech Cordless Lawnmower CLM50 well worth the price tag.

Our Gtech Cordless Lawnmower CLM50 review has the full details.

Best lawn mower for small lawns

The STIHL RMA 239 Cordless Lawn Mower is a stellar choice for those with small to medium-sized gardens seeking efficiency without the hassle of cords. Joanne found that the 37cm cutting width and six adjustable height settings, ranging from 20mm to 70mm, allow for a tailored mowing experience.

The 40-litre grass collection box is both spacious and easy to empty, ensuring a seamless mowing session. During testing, the mower delivered an impressive performance, providing a clean and precise cut. The battery life is commendable, with its ample runtime to cover the intended lawn size without frequent recharges.

One of the standout features is its user-friendly design. The folding mono-handlebar not only enhances manoeuvrability but also makes storage a breeze, especially for those with limited space. While assembly might require an extra pair of hands due to its design, once set up, the mower is straightforward to operate. Its lightweight build further adds to the ease of use, allowing for effortless navigation around garden obstacles.

The one downside is that assembling it can be a bit of a faff, often requiring two people to manage the fiddly bits. Additionally, it doesn’t come with a built-in cleaning tool for the cutting deck, which would have been a handy addition for maintenance.

Our STIHL RMA 239 Cordless Lawnmower review has the full details.

Best lightweight lawn mower

While it may not be suitable for rough terrain or large lawns, Joanne found that the Gardena Handymower is ideal for those with limited storage space and a small to medium-sized garden. Gardena says it makes mowing as easy as vacuuming your home, and we're here for that.

Battery-powered, it's a great alternative to a hefty electric or gas-powered lawn mower. It's important to note, though, that you have to buy the battery separately, making it a little pricier than first thought. However, as part of the Power For All Alliance, the universal battery you get will work across various garden appliances and brands.

With three cutting heights to choose from, we found it coped well with longer-growth grass, even when it was slightly wet, producing a clean cut. It features a single mulching blade, and there's no grass clipping bag or box to clean out, since the clippings are small enough to fall back into the grass.

Our Gardena Handymower review has the full details.

Best hover lawn mower

I've got a new prospective favourite hover mower: the Flymo EasiHover 300.

Joanne previously reviewed the Flymo EasiGlide 300 Lawn Mower, which was an earlier version of the EasiHover and, at one time, our favourite budget mower, but this new model is the first cordless version. Hover mowers are renowned for their ease of use – they float on a cushion of air, which means you can ditch restrictive wheels and move the mower freely around your lawn and make light work of slopes, tight corners and bumpy areas.

My Flymo EasiHover has just arrived, and I can't wait to try it out – but from the impression I got seeing the mower in-person at a recent press event, I feel confident that it's set to be the best hover lawn mower on the market. It's ideal for small lawns up to 100m², and the quick-hold handles mean it's easy to store, too.

The only downside, as with the other hover mowers we've tested, is that the Flymo EasiHover only has a narrow cutting height range of 10-30mm – so if you prefer longer grass but want to go for the cordless aspect of a lawn mower, it's best to look at our favourite cordless mower, the Gtech CLM50 Cordless Lawn Mower, that we mentioned earlier on.

Best petrol lawn mower

This large-based self-propelled petrol lawn mower from Hyundai takes all the years of experience and quality of previous models and makes it even better. And it replaces the previous Ideal Home Approved HYM510SPE.

Equipped with a powerful 196cc engine, it offers six adjustable cutting heights and four grass disposal options, including mulching and various discharge methods. During testing on two distinct lawns, the mower demonstrated impressive cutting performance, even in damp conditions. It has a huge 70L collection capacity,

Joanne remarked that assembly was straightforward, making it accessible for users familiar with petrol mowers. However, its substantial size and weight make it less suitable for smaller gardens or those with multiple levels, as manoeuvring can be a bit of a challenge.

The mower’s large footprint means you'll also need ample storage space. However, overall, for gardeners with large lawns seeking a powerful and efficient mowing solution, the Hyundai HYM510SP packs a punch.

Our Hyundai HYM510SP Petrol Lawn Mower has the full details.

Best budget lawn mower

If you're looking for a powerful hover motor on a budget, the LawnMaster 1800W Electric Hover Lawn Mower is the best we've tested. Our reviewer Joanne found it a smart, space-saving choice for medium to large-sized gardens – and at just £150 full-price, it's a steal.

One of the most impressive things about this mower is that it makes light work of bumpy, uneven lawns (thanks to the fact that it floats on a cushion of air above your grass), and it effortlessly handled tough, dry grass in Joanne's garden. It even includes a mulching function for the collected clippings. The generous 15-metre cable also means that the LawnMaster Electric Hover Mower can cover medium to large-sized gardens without restriction.

The only pain points Joanne found were that assembly was a bit fiddly solo, and you can't adjust the size of the handlebars to suit different heights. The mower also struggled slightly on rutted ground at points during testing – but overall, it provides a smooth cut over a bumpy, compacted lawn.

Read more in our LawnMaster 1800W Electric Hover Mower review.

Best quiet lawn mower

Thanks to new ProSilence tech, this 1,700-watt mower is 75 per cent quieter than previous models at a meagre 89 dB.

It isn’t just subtle when it comes to noise, though. Even changing the height is a simple pleasure with a one-touch system that takes you between 20 and 80mm across seven steps.

The ErgoSlide control system is a welcome wonder that makes finding the right height and angle simple. There are also a few triggers to activate the lawnmower, so you can change hand positions as you need. The collection grass bag holds a hefty 50 litres, and there is also a LeafCollect system.

This makes collecting leaves – even in large amounts – a simple process. The 10-metre cable is long, but most people will still need an extension cord for true freedom of movement. But with a super-smooth action, working around the garden is a really easy task, making this perfect for larger and smaller gardens alike.

Best self-propelled lawn mower

The Worx WG749E cordless self-propelled lawn mower is a great choice for those seeking efficiency and ease in lawn maintenance. Our reviewer Amy Lockwood found that its self-propelled feature significantly reduces the effort required, especially on sloped terrains, making it ideal for small to medium-sized lawns up to 500m².

The mower boasts a 46cm cutting blade, powered by two 4.0Ah batteries, ensuring a clean and precise cut. Assembly is straightforward, with adjustable handle heights and a simple mechanism to set the cutting height between 20mm and 80mm. The 55L grass collection bag is lightweight and easy to detach and reattach, though it lacks an indicator to signal when it’s full.

Storage is a breeze, thanks to its foldable handle, allowing the mower to be stored vertically, saving valuable space in your shed or garage. However, the battery compartment lid could benefit from a hinged design for easier access, and the battery charge indicator is not easily visible during use, which could be improved for better user experience.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Worx WG749E offers excellent value for its price point, delivering strong performance and practical design features that make lawn care less of a chore.

Our WORX WG749E 46cm Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower review has the full details.

Lawn mower comparison at a glance

How we test lawn mowers

At Ideal Home, we believe that in order to give our verdict on the best lawn mowers, we need to have tested them ourselves. That's why we've tested the mowers on this list extensively, spending several hours on the first mow getting to know all of the features. There are several of us on the reviewing team, each with varying levels of strength and height (I'm on the taller side, so I can speak for the pros and cons of the handlebars, for example!).

We also tested the mowers in a range of different garden types and conditions, from Joanne's small, uneven lawn after a dry period to my own long, level grass in early spring.

Our expert testing process means you can trust that every mower in our roundup has been put through its paces, tackling real-life gardens to assess cutting efficiency, manoeuvrability, and battery life where applicable. We’ve also considered noise levels, storage convenience, and value for money to help you find the perfect fit for your outdoor space.

Where we can, we've also sought to keep hold of these lawn mowers for long-term testing over several months, so that we can provide feedback on just how well they deliver value after years of use. Below, you can find out more about exactly who has tested the lawn mowers in this buying guide.

FAQs

Can you cut wet grass?

Every year, I find myself wondering if I should cut wet grass, but the short answer is that you shouldn't.

It can actually do exactly the opposite of what you're trying to achieve: give your grass an uneven cut, even tear it, rather than a smooth finish. It can also damage your grass out of season, leaving it vulnerable to a host of common lawn diseases.

How much should I spend on a lawn mower?

If you're wondering how much to spend on a lawn mower, the sweet spot is generally £250-400, but it depends on your needs (and there are, of course, exceptions, like the budget mowers on this buying guide).

Typically, more expensive models are bigger, with broader cutting widths, and therefore more suitable for larger gardens, but you can find affordable models which boast an array of impressive features, too.

Another consideration is the brand. In reality, you’re often going to get a longer lifetime from an established brand and, especially for petrol mowers like Hyundai's HYM530SPER, better performance.

Is an electric or petrol lawnmower better?

Electric and petrol lawn mowers both have their merits, but we asked Husqvarna UK's Ryan for his thoughts.

'While petrol mowers can house powerful engines, which are especially useful for cutting over long periods, developments in battery technology have made this a much closer conversation,' he said.

'Battery power mowers can now cater for small to large lawns, depending on the mower and battery power. They’re also much more sustainable, quieter to operate and more cost-effective in the long run.'

Battery-operated models can be easier to operate, too, not to mention quieter and better for the environment.

Which lawnmower is the best for a sloped garden?

If you're working with a sloped garden, it's worth investing in a hover mower, which can glide more easily over bumps and slopes, or a self-propelled mower.

'A self-propelled mower would be recommended as this can utilise the in-built drive system to help the mower tackle hills, slopes and undulations with ease,' says Ryan from Husqvarna UK.

Flymo's product director, Darren Feasey, also recommends certain robot mowers for a sloped garden.

'Some robot mowers can handle slopes of up to 35%, but if your garden has steeper hills, a hover mower may be for you,' he says. 'As they glide on a cushion of air while mowing, they do not carry weight in the front of the mower, making them easier to navigate down slopes.'

That's our pick of the best lawn mowers right now, but we'll be updating this guide throughout the year with our latest reviews.