The best electric lawn mower is perfect for anyone looking for a quiet, easy to use and environmentally friendly lawn mower for a small price! And for everyone who likes to make their neighbors jealous with their beautiful lawn.
In this article, I will guide you to select and buy a electric lawnmower that suits your needs. I will also recommend and review the best electric lawnmowers on the market right now.
Electric lawn mower buying guide: How to choose the best electric lawn mower
Electric lawn mowers differ from battery mowers, petrol mowers and robot mowers in many ways and they have many advantages. You can find out exactly what these benefits are and everything you need to know to buy the best electric lawnmower in this buying guide!
Let’s start with why you should buy an electric lawnmower.
Why buy an electric lawnmower?
An electric lawn mower has a power cable that you plug into the socket. The required energy is obtained by the mower directly from the power network. This power supply drives the motor that puts the lawnmower to work.
This power supply ensures that the electric lawnmower has no limited operating time. You need to refill a petrol mower and you need to charge a battery mower and robot mower.
In addition, an electric lawn mower is usually lighter and smaller and therefore more manoeuvrable and easier to use. An electric mower does not have a combustion engine that petrol mowers have and no battery that increases the weight and takes up more space.
Also, electric lawnmowers do not emit any harmful or environmentally unfriendly substances, they are usually relatively cheap and require little maintenance . 🔧
The only drawback is that the working range is limited due to the cable, but using an extension cord increases the working range.
Furthermore, a robot mower wins in terms of ease of use and a manual mower costs less money and is more environmentally friendly due to the lack of an engine.
Types of electric lawnmowers
We divide electric lawn mowers into three types based on their mowing technique: rotary mowers, reel mowers and hover mowers.
Most electric lawnmowers are rotary mowers. These mowers have blades that rotate at high speed proportional to the ground (horizontal). The air stream pulls the grass up and the blades knock the top of the grass off.
Electric reel mowers are equipped with a cage or cylindrical construction. In the so-called cage there is a roller (which moves like a wheel on the road) with spiral blades. There is a cutting plate at the bottom of the cage.
As the roller with the blades rotates, the grass between the blades and the bedknife is cut like scissors. ✂️
A reel mower cuts the grass more precisely than a rotary mower. This makes a cylinder mower more suitable for cutting the grass very short , resulting in a neater result. The role of a reel mower also creates a job pattern.
A rotary mower is more suitable for long grass. A cylinder mower has difficulty with this, so you have to mow regularly. Rotary mowers are also better at driving over uneven surfaces.
A hover mower is even more suitable for uneven surfaces. This mower is almost the same as a rotary mower and therefore has the same blade mechanism. The difference? A hover mower has no wheels, but literally floats above the ground.
A hover mower creates a cushion of air between the mower and the ground so that the mower experiences little resistance and is easy to maneuver.
It is also possible with this mower to mow the edges of the lawn or around bushes. This is not recommended with a circle and cylinder mower and you are better off with the best grass trimmer.
The mowing mechanism
The most important part of any mower is the cutting mechanism. In addition to the mowing technique, the cutting width, material and cutting height of the mowing mechanism are important to take into account.
Cutting width
The cutting width is the width of the grass strip that you mow in one mowing motion.
A lawnmower with a narrow cutting width is more suitable for uneven surfaces and mowing in corners or along edges.
A large cutting width ensures that you mow more grass in one strip, so you have to walk up and down less often to mow the entire lawn.
The ideal cutting width is proportional to the size of the lawn. A small lawnmower is more effective for difficult to mow areas, but also more labour-intensive. A small cutting width is recommended for small lawns. For large lawns, a larger cutting width is better.
The cutting width usually varies between 30 and 60 cm. You calculate how many strips your lawn consists of by dividing the width of the lawn by the cutting width, but to give you an idea of the correct proportions, I have a table below with a guideline for you.
| Lawn surface | Recommended cutting width |
|---|---|
| Less than 50 m² | Up to 33 cm |
| From 50 to 250 m² | 33 to 37 cm |
| From 250 to 500 m² | 37 to 42 cm |
| From 500 to 1000 m² | 42 to 45 cm |
| From 1000 to 1500 m² | 45 to 50 cm |
| Larger than 1500 m² | Larger than 50 cm |
Material
The blades of electric lawnmowers are made of metal or plastic.
Metal knives are sharper than plastic knives and give a better result. Metal is also more suitable for wet grass. If the metal blades become blunt, they do not necessarily need to be replaced, but you can sharpen the blades.
Plastic blades cannot be sharpened, work less well on wet grass and wear out faster. They are cheaper than metal knives.
Adjustable cutting height
The cutting height is the height from the ground to the blades. There are electric lawn mowers where you set the cutting height yourself. These mowers have different positions.
Everyone has their own opinion about what they like, including about the length of the lawn, but the most beautiful and healthiest lawn can be achieved with different cutting heights based on the season and the substrate.
For example, it is no problem to trim the grass well in the summer and to keep the grass a little longer in the winter so as not to damage the roots.
Even when the surface is soft, the lawnmower will sink a little and you can set the cutting height higher to cut the grass as high as a lawnmower on a hard surface.
An adjustable cutting height is not only useful for the lawn, but in some cases also for the mower itself. A reel mower has more difficulty mowing tall grass, but by first setting the cutting height high and then lower and lower, you solve this problem.
A good lawnmower is adjustable in height and preferably set between three and ten centimeters. Also check whether the cutting height can be adjusted without too much effort.
Ability
Electric lawnmowers usually have a power between 700 and 2000 watts. The power of an electric lawnmower is the amount of energy (in this case, watts) that the mower uses per unit of time (per second). The power says something about the ‘power’ and the energy consumption of the lawnmower.
If the lawnmower has more energy to use, it can use more power. Compare it with our body: when we have a lot of energy, we run faster than when we have little energy.
But the more energy an electric lawnmower consumes, the more electricity it consumes. This leads to a higher energy bill.
A good balance is important. A lawnmower with more power will go through stiff grass more easily and last longer before the lawnmower overheats, because unfortunately electric lawnmowers are sensitive to this. Overheating causes the engine to wear out faster.
The power depends on the type of grass, but more power is also required if there is wheel drive (more on that later) and a large lawn.
The noise level
An electric lawnmower is relatively quiet. Typically, an electric lawnmower produces less than 90 decibels. That is on average less than a petrol lawnmower and this is because an electric lawnmower does not have a combustion engine.
The hood over the mowing mechanism also dampens the noise. For example, a rotary mower is usually quieter than a cylinder mower, because a rotary mower has a closed roof.
Don’t collect, do collect or mulch?
Where does the grass clippings go? That’s up to you! Choose between not collecting, collecting or mulching.
Some electric lawnmowers eject the grass clippings onto the lawn. To prevent the grass below from getting too little light and air, you should rake up and dispose of the grass clippings.
A collection container for the grass clippings saves you all this work. The grass clippings end up in the bin and all you have to do is empty the bin from time to time.
Perhaps even more useful is a mulching feature. Mulching is an environmentally friendly system that saves you even more work and also helps to care for and maintain your lawn.
A lawnmower with this function shreds the grass clippings into very small pieces and scatters them over the lawn. You don’t have a bin to empty and you don’t have to rake up the litter either. In fact, it’s better to leave it alone. 🍃
The grass clippings digest quickly and serve as fertilizer for the grass plants. They also protect the underlying grass against heat, regulate the humidity and partly keep out weeds. As a result, bald spots appear less quickly and the grass remains more beautiful and healthier.
However, mulching is necessary weekly to get an optimal result. Also, mulching is not suitable for long grass.
A combination of a collector and a mulching function is ideal. You decide when to mow ‘normally’ and when to mulch. If you wait too long to mow and the grass is too long, simply use the collection method instead of the mulching function.
The push bar
Every electric lawnmower has a push bar, also known as a push bar. This is the handle with which you control the mower. If the handle is too high or too low, you may experience problems with your shoulders or back. That is why an adjustable handle is recommended.
You set the handle to the appropriate height, and if you give someone else the job of mowing the lawn, at least they don’t have the excuse that the mower’s handle is too high or low. 😉
A foldable handle is also useful for storing the mower. Although electric lawnmowers are usually smaller than traditional petrol mowers, larger models still take up a lot of space.
And if you do opt for an electric lawn mower with an adjustable or folding handle, make sure that the handle is sturdy and the parts are of good quality, so that it can withstand adjustment and folding.
The material of the chassis
Electric lawnmowers have a construction (chassis) made of steel, aluminium, cast iron or plastic. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages.
Steel is strong and durable, but susceptible to rust. Aluminum is lighter and more resistant to rust, but will eventually suffer from corrosion from the acidic grass. Cast iron resists rust well, but again is quite heavy.
Plastic does not rust and is lightweight, but it is the least wear-resistant, cannot withstand shocks and discolours in the sun.
In short: the ideal material does not exist. The best material depends on your usage. If you often mow wet or damp grass, remove the mowing waste from the mower after each mowing or opt for an electric lawn mower with a plastic construction.
I also recommend removing the stones and pieces of wood on the lawn before mowing to extend the life of your lawnmower.
Other purchase criteria
The above information and buying criteria mainly relate to the function and effectiveness of an electric lawn mower. The purchase criteria below are more about ease of use: certainly not superfluous. 😁
Manual or self-propelled?
You may think that an electric lawnmower drives itself and you only control it. Unfortunately that is not always the case. The motor is initially purely for driving the blades and not the wheels.
Without the so-called wheel drive, you push the lawnmower forward on its own. 💪
A self-propelled or self-propelled lawnmower usually has more power, because driving the wheels consumes part of the energy. This mower takes no effort to push; you just correct the direction. This is especially nice if you have a large lawn or a lawn with many slopes.
Wheel size
If you don’t have a flat lawn and a self-propelled electric lawnmower isn’t what you want, pay attention to the wheel size. If the lawn mower’s wheels are small, you’ll need more power and finesse to push or pull the mower.
Larger wheels make the lawnmower easier to move over uneven surfaces. This is because larger wheels have more grip. Wide tires and tires with profile also help here.
The receptacle
The capacity of a collection box of an electric lawnmower differs per model and varies between 20 to 50 litres. It is best to remove the box after every mowing because it is organic and decaying material.
The content is especially important for larger lawns. The smaller the content and the larger the lawn, the more often you empty the collector during mowing.
Also see how you remove the grass clippings and whether this is difficult or easy. For example, read the reviews. Emptying an annoying bin once or twice is not that disturbing, but after ten times it can drive you pretty crazy. 😅
The power cable
The power cord is one of the main parts of an electric lawnmower. First of all, the cord length is important to pay attention to. It is so nice if you can reach the entire garden with your lawnmower from the desired socket.
A cord of at least six meters is desirable, but the larger your lawn, the longer the ideal cord length.
Fortunately, a cord that is too short is not the end of the world; extension cords exist to solve this problem.
The quality of the power cable is more important, as this determines its lifespan. Cables without a so-called strain relief are not only easy to pull out of the socket, but they are also more susceptible to internal cable breaks, which leads to power loss.
A cable holder contributes to the ease of use and the lifespan of the power cable. The cable won’t get in the way and you won’t just mow over it.
Dimensions and weight
A large and heavy lawnmower is more difficult to maneuver and store than a small and light lawnmower. But a lawnmower with a powerful engine, a collector and a large cutting width is automatically heavier than an electric lawnmower that does not have this. It’s a matter of weighing up.
Maintenance and correct use
An electric lawnmower requires relatively little maintenance, but there are some actions that will extend the life of your electric lawnmower!
Maintenance before use
Check these points before mowing the lawn. These points are not only important for the lifespan and operation of your lawnmower, but also for your own safety. 🦺
Check the power cord of the electric lawnmower. Check that there is no damage. Damaged power cables may cause a short circuit.
View the mower deck and blade. Remove any large clumps of grass in the mower deck and inspect the blade for damage.
Remove stones, branches and other obstacles from the lawn. These objects will damage your lawnmower and dull your mower’s blades. In addition, the high speed at which the blades rotate can shoot stones into the air, which creates dangerous situations.
Maintenance after use
When you’re done mowing the lawn, prepare your lawnmower for your next mowing session. You do this as follows:
First of all, always remove the plug from the socket and wait until you are sure that the blades have stopped turning.
Then you remove all the grass and dirt from the lawnmower, both from the outside and from the cutting deck and the blades. Grass contains harsh acids that will attack the mower and if the grass is damp, it will increase the chance of rust if you let it sit.
Do not use water, but rather a dry cloth or soft brush.
Finally, check the cable again and make sure all screws and bolts are tight. If necessary, replace the cable and tighten bolts and screws.
Prepare for winter
The mowing season ends approximately in October. The temperature is lower and the grass no longer greets you. What do you do with your electric lawnmower? Store it, but in the right way, and that way is described below. 👇
Clean and dry the lawnmower. Remove all dirt and grass and wipe the mower with a dry cloth. If necessary, use compressed air to hose down the mower. This is a safe way to clean electrical appliances.
Check the blades. It is best to sharpen these every year, but at least sharpen them when they are blunt. A dull blade can damage your lawn quite a bit and that is just the opposite of what you want to achieve with your lawnmower.
If the blades are damaged (holes or dents) or corroded, they need to be replaced.
Also look at the bolts, screws and cable again. If everything is in order, it’s time to lubricate the lawnmower. Lubricate the mechanism and the wheels.
Everything done? Then it’s time to store the lawnmower. Store the electric lawnmower in a shady and dry environment and you’re done!
Additional tips
In addition to the steps already mentioned, I have a few more tips for you to get the most out of your electric lawnmower and enjoy it for as long as possible. 😄
- Do not use the electric lawnmower on areas larger than recommended. The chance of overheating is then greater, which can cause it to burn out.
- If the grass is high or it is a very hot day, it is better to take a break now and then to reduce the chance of overheating. In warm periods it is also better to mow in the early morning or late evening for the same reason.
- Always work with the cable behind you. Hang the cable over your shoulder if necessary, so that you avoid stepping on the cable or going over it with the lawnmower.
- Always store the machine, even outside the winter, in a dry , shady place and prevent moisture from reaching the motor.
And the best result ? You achieve this by driving your lawnmower transversely to the direction of the previous mowing.
Safety and proper use
You probably not only care about the long life of the electric lawn mower, but also that it lasts for you, right? Then read these tips to get started as safely as possible. 👀
Safety starts with the CE mark. Make sure that the electric lawn mower has this and maintain the mower according to the manual.
Earlier you read that you should remove stones, branches and other obstacles from the lawn, but do not skip this step. It wouldn’t be the first time someone has been injured by a rock flying through the mower.
For the same reason, make sure that others, especially children, keep a safe distance and wear protective clothing yourself. You don’t need to wear a protective suit, but sturdy shoes. No bare body parts and gloves are recommended.
If you have a loud electric lawnmower, hearing protection is recommended. Sound from 80 decibels can be harmful and with sounds of 120 decibels or higher, you run the risk of direct hearing damage.
Take extra care on slopes, especially with heavy mowers. Also, do not open the lawnmower when it is switched on and never carry out maintenance when it is still plugged in.
It is also important to maintain your lawnmower properly and on time. You do this according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and with the help of the tips in this article.
Recommend and review the 5 best electric lawnmowers
1. VONROC Electric lawnmower – 1300W – 32cm cutting width – 30L collector + filling indicator – Adjustable cutting height
Number of positions: 3
Noise level: 85dB
Height adjustable: Yes
Cutting width: 320 mm
With collection tray: Yes
Mulching function: No
Yield: 350 m²
Power: 1300 W
2. Bosch ARM 32
Number of positions: 3
Noise level: 96 dB
Height adjustable: Yes
Cutting width: 32
With collection tray: Yes
Mulching function: No
Yield: 150 m²
Power: 1200 W
3. Makita ELM3320
Number of positions: 3
Noise level: 75dB
Height adjustable: Yes
Cutting width: 33
With collection tray: Yes
Mulching function: No
Yield: 400 m²
Power: 1200 W
4. Powerplus POWEG63703
Number of positions: 3
Noise level: 96 dB
Height adjustable: Yes
Cutting width: 32
With collection tray: Yes
Mulching function: No
Yield: 75 m²
Power: 1000 W
5. Wolf Garten Select 3200 E
Noise level: 93 dB
Height adjustable: Yes
Cutting width: 320 mm
With collection tray: Yes
Mulching function: No
Yield: 150 m²
Power: 1000 W
Frequently asked questions about electric lawn mowers
Still have a question after reading the buying guide? Hopefully it’s in between. If not, let us know!
⚔️ Is it necessary to sharpen the blades of an electric lawnmower and if so, how?
It is recommended to sharpen the blades of an electric lawnmower at least once a year or sooner when they are blunt. You need an angle grinder, iron file or multi-tool for this. How you sharpen the blades differs per lawn mower. Therefore, carefully read the instructions for your mower.
🆚 Is an electric lawn mower better than a battery lawn mower?
An electric lawnmower is usually cheaper, more powerful and lighter than a battery lawnmower. In addition, an electric lawn mower does not have a limited operating time and a battery lawn mower does. The advantage of a cordless lawnmower is that you do not have a limited working area and do not drag a cable with you.
🌱 Is lawn mowing necessary?
Mowing the grass allows light to reach the bottom of the lawn. This gives new blades of grass the opportunity to develop. More grass grows and a green and dense lawn is created. If you don’t mow the lawn, the grass will be less green, bald spots will appear and you will be more bothered by weeds.
How often do you mow the grass?
How often you mow the grass depends on the weather. For example, grass grows fast in spring and summer and you mow relatively often. In winter and autumn, it hardly grows or does not grow at all and you hardly mow the grass. Also, in very hot weather, it is better to keep the grass longer to protect the soil from heat.
Which electric lawn mower should I buy?
That’s entirely up to you and your budget; everyone is unique. What I do have for you is a handy table with – in my opinion – the most important specifications of the best electric lawnmower. This is how you make the best choice!
| Noise level | Efficiency | Capacity | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | VONROC Electric lawn mower – 1300W – 32cm cutting width – 30L collector + filling indicator – Adjustable cutting height | 85 dB | 350 sqm | 1300 W |
| 2 | Bosch ARM 32 | 96 dB | 150 sqm | 1200 W |
| 3 | Makita ELM3320 | 75 dB | 400 sqm | 1200 W |
| 4 | Powerplus POWEG63703 | 96 dB | 75 sqm | 1000 W |
| 5 | Wolf Garten Select 3200 E | 93 dB | 150 sqm | 1000 W |
Conclusion
Since 1827, the lawnmower has come a long way. Fortunately, otherwise we wouldn’t have the luxury of an electric lawnmower these days. The huge choice of electric lawnmowers is also luxurious. It’s just not easy unfortunately.
Fortunately, there are buying guides for that that tell you to think about things like mowing mechanisms and push handles. I hope this article gives you the knowledge to purchase the best electric lawnmower. Thank you for reading! 😊