Choosing a new lawn mower can be overwhelming. The market offers dozens of models and types, and the decision often comes down to two factors: the size of the lawn and the desired finish. Gardeners must also consider power sources like petrol, electric, or battery, along with practical matters like storage space, weight, and budget. To help with these choices, we have identified the best lawn mowers for various garden sizes and budgets to create a manicured lawn at home.
Petrol Cylinder Mowers for a Striped Finish
Cylinder mowers cut grass like scissors, making them ideal for a bowling green finish. These machines are best for smaller, level lawns that are already in good condition. A roller attached to the cylinder creates stripes, but the mower will struggle with bumpy or rough terrain. For gardeners seeking a professional-quality finish, the Cobra Fortis 14L self-propelled petrol cylinder lawn mower features a six-blade cutting cylinder that encourages healthier grass and attractive stripes. The self-propelled drive makes mowing easier, and it is built for well-maintained, flat lawns.
For larger gardens where a flawless finish is the priority, the Masport Olympic 660 petrol cylinder mower is designed with a 26-inch six-blade cutting cylinder and a heavy-duty rear roller. This self-propelled model delivers a clean, professional cut with minimal effort. The AL-KO Premium 38.1 HM push hand-propelled cylinder mower offers a similar scissor-like cut for smaller lawns. Its five-blade cylinder and lightweight design make it easy to manoeuvre, suitable for small, well-kept lawns that do not require the power of a self-propelled engine.
Cordless Models for Flexibility and Ease
Cordless mowers are often preferable to traditional petrol alternatives due to their ease of manoeuvrability, lightweight designs, and low maintenance. They eliminate the worry of chopping through an electric cable and are considered the greenest choice for sustainable gardening. For medium-sized lawns, the Mountfield Empress 41 roller li self-propelled cordless lawn mower is designed to achieve perfect stripes. It is available for £349, down from £429, and offers a rear roller for a manicured look.
The Mountfield Empress 41 roller li self-propelled cordless lawn mower boasts a rear roller to achieve perfect stripes in your lawn and is self-propelled.
Rotary Mowers for General Use
Rotary mowers are the most popular choice for functional, family lawns. They handle longer, rougher grass better than cylinder mowers and can manage bumps and hollows. The spinning blade underneath cuts grass as it rotates, and most models include a grass collecting box. The Webb WER460SP 18″/46cm self-propelled rotary petrol lawn mower is a capable all-rounder for medium to large gardens. Its 141cc engine and 46cm cutting width speed up the process, while the self-propelled drive reduces physical strain.
For smaller to medium-sized gardens, the Flymo Speedi-Mo 360VC electric rotary lawn mower offers a lightweight option. Its 1500W motor and 36cm cutting width provide efficient performance, and the central height adjustment simplifies operation. The Mountfield SP185 139cc petrol rotary lawnmower combines a 46cm cutting width with self-propelled drive, making it a dependable choice for medium-sized gardens. It includes a robust steel deck and mulching capability to handle various lawn conditions.
Robotic Mowers for Hands-Free Maintenance
Robotic mowers have evolved from outlandish novelties to essential tools for many gardeners. Their “little and often” mowing regime helps grass stay healthy and thick. These machines require an initial setup of a perimeter wire around the lawn, after which they operate autonomously. They return to a mains-powered docking station to recharge and can be programmed to suit a schedule. Some high-end models, like the Husqvarna, can even move between front and back gardens.
For small gardens, expect to pay around £500-£600 for a model that covers 400-500 square metres. The Segway Navimow i205 AWD robotic lawn mower is a top-of-the-range option designed for all-terrain performance. It has excellent reviews for scaling 24-degree slopes, making it suitable for uneven gardens. The Bosch VisiMow 100 robotic lawnmower uses artificial intelligence to detect grass and features a hose-washable design for easy cleaning. The Mac Allister 18-500 cordless robotic mower includes a mulching feature that returns nutrients to the soil, promoting healthier grass.
Hover Mowers for Uneven Terrain
Hover mowers, such as those from Flymo, are suitable for small lawns and areas with slopes. They work by gliding over the lawn on a cushion of air, making them highly manoeuvrable. However, they do not always produce the smoothest finish, and they are less effective on damp or long grass. The Flymo EasiGlide 300 Hover Collect lawn mower features a 1700W motor and 30cm cutting width, along with a 20-litre grass collector. Its hover design glides effortlessly over uneven ground.
The LawnMaster 1800W 36cm electric hover mower offers a powerful yet lightweight option for medium-sized gardens, particularly where slopes make wheeled mowers impractical. It floats on a cushion of air and includes four cutting heights. The BLACK+DECKER electric hover mower is a lightweight solution for small gardens and awkward lawns, with a 1200W motor and 30cm cutting width that glides smoothly over slopes.
When selecting a mower, consider the cutting width. Wider mowers cover more ground in fewer passes, but they are harder to manoeuvre around corners. For small lawns, a 30-35cm width is usually sufficient. Storage space is also important; look for models with folding handles to save room. If using a cabled electric mower, ensure you use an RCD for protection. For the best results, a strimmer or grass trimmer can complement the lawn mower by reaching weeds and overgrown grass in corners or under furniture.
