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If you’re ready to upgrade to a new lawn mower but aren’t sure you want a traditional gas-powered model, consider going electric. Not only would you be able to bid goodbye to jerking a pull cord, replacing fouled spark plugs, and storing flammable fuel, you’d be doing your part to reduce carbon emissions. But electric mowers do have their downsides when it comes to power, price, and even safety. So read on to understand the pros and cons, figure out what features to look for when shopping, and get the 411 on our three picks for the best electric lawn mower according to all of the reviews.
So read on to understand the pros and cons of electric mowers, to figure out what features to look for when shopping, and to find out why we chose the following five models as the best choices for today’s homeowner:
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Why You Might Want an Electric Mower
Electric mowers cut the grass the same way gas-powered mowers do: Spinning rotary blades chop off the top of the grass leaves as you push the mower across the lawn. While gas mowers operate via small combustion engines, electric lawn mowers rely on power from either extension cords or rechargeable batteries. Corded electric mowers have been around for years, and they’re great for mowing small lawns, but with recent advances in battery power storage, cordless electric mowers—the new kids on the block—are carving a niche in residential lawn care.
If you’re accustomed to operating a gas mower, you may be pleasantly surprised by an electric model’s benefits and options. But you’ll find a few drawbacks as well.
+ No engine maintenance, such as changing spark plugs, engine oil, or filters.
+ No flammable gasoline stored in your garage or shed.
+ Whether using a plug-in or battery model, it will cost between $5 and $10 to operate an electric lawn mower for a single four- to six-month growing season. Fuel to operate a similar size gas mower costs between $15 to $25 per season.
+ Environmentally friendly electric mowers do not produce carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, or other fossil-fuel fumes.
+ Quiet. An electric lawn mower produces 65 to 75 decibels of noise, which is equivalent to a washing machine or a two-person conversation. Gas mowers generate between 95 to 100 decibels of noise, comparable to a loud motorcycle.
– Corded electric mowers are limited to the length of the cord, typically about 100 feet from an exterior power outlet.
– Mowing time for cordless models depends on how long the batteries hold a charge. Typically, you can operate a battery powered mower for between half an hour to an hour before it requires a recharge, and it takes approximately eight to 12 hours to recharge. If your yard is large, you could be charging the battery halfway through.
– Electric lawn mowers, not quite as powerful as gas mowers, can be challenged by thick lawns, where the carpet of grass is so dense you can’t see soil when you separate the top of the blades. Thick grass creates more resistance, causing the mower blades to bog down or leave entire clumps uncut. To compensate, electric mower owners raise the mowing height or mow more often (every two to three days), cutting off only the top quarter, or less, of the grass blades.
– Electric mowers should not be operated in wet grass due to the risk of shock.
– Inadvertently mowing over the cord could cause electric shock.
– Cordless electric mowers tend to be more expensive, on average, than gas mowers. The average push gas mower runs $100 to $350, while the average cordless electric mower runs $200 to $450. Corded electric models are the least expensive, however, ranging from $90 to $150.
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Shopping Considerations for the Best Electric Mower
While most models within the category offer similar options, a few features are really worth paying attention to when distinguishing the best electric lawn mowers from the competition.
The Best Electric Mowers
With the help of reviewers who’ve already discovered the benefits of electric mowers, we’ve identified five of the best electric lawn mower models on the market today. Keep reading for tips on where to begin your shopping.
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1. BEST ELECTRIC MOWER FOR SMALL- TO MEDIUM-SIZED YARDS: Greenworks 16-inch Cordless Lawn Mower ($267.88)
With a 16-inch swath cut and a 40-volt Lithium-ion battery system, the Greenworks 16-inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower will mow up to 7,000 sq. ft. on a single charge, suiting it perfectly for small- to medium-sized yards. The mower features a push-button start and graduated wheel size (6-inch front wheels and 7-inch back wheels) to make maneuvering the mower a snap; plus, it offers both mulching and rear-bagging. Grass-cut height is adjustable from 1¼- to 3⅜-inch, and its SmartCut technology speeds up the blades when the machine senses thicker-than-average grass. At the end of an afternoon’s work, the handle folds down for easy storage, and its G-MAX battery can be charged to use next time or with other G-MAX yard tools. Amazon buyers rate the Greenworks mower 4.4 out of 5 stars for quality, the ability to cut easily through dense grass, and for quiet operation.
Available from Amazon.
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2. BEST ELECTRIC MOWER FOR LARGE YARDS: Yard Force 22-inch 3-in-1 Cordless Mower ($829.99)
Give away that old gas-guzzling mower, toss out those fuel cans, and throw out that oil-changing pan—you won’t have any need for them when you have the Yard Force 22-inch 3-in-1 Cordless Mower. Designed with a generous 22-inch swath cut, the Yard Force will make quick work of larger yards and will mow up to a half-acre of lawn on a single charge. The mower comes with two 120-volt lithium-ion batteries (to be used at the same time) for superior turf-cutting power. Amazon buyers award this powerful mower an enthusiastic 4.8 stars, citing its self-propulsion (which is rare for electric mowers), high-quality design, and wide swath width. This powerful mower comes with a push-button start, single-lever height adjustment from 1½ to 4 inches, and a folding handle for easy storage. Rear-bagging, side-discharge, and mulching options are available.
Available from Amazon.
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3. BEST BUDGET ELECTRIC MOWER: Earthwise 14-inch Corded Electric Mower ($102.79)
Going green—and keeping your yard looking great—is affordable when you choose the Earthwise 14-inch Corded Electric Mower. This budget-friendly corded mower features the option of discharging grass clippings to the side or mulching. Its 14-inch swath cut makes it a good option for small yards; just remember that you’ll be restricted by the length of the extension cord you use. The Earthwise features a push-button start, and it comes with a secure cord retention hook that manages excess cord so it doesn’t get tangled or in the way of the mower. The mower’s handle folds down for compact storage and Amazon buyers, who give the Earthwise mower 4.3 stars, find the machine is lightweight, easy to push, and powerful enough to cut through dense grass.
Available from Amazon.
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4. OVERALL BEST CORDED MOWER: Greenworks 18-inch Corded Mower ($147.53)
With enough power to effortlessly cut through tall grass and an ample 18-inch swath width, the Greenworks 18-inch Corded Mower takes top honors in our corded category and earns an enviable 4.6 stars from Amazon buyers. The mower offers seven cutting heights, ranging from 1¾ to 3¾ inches and it comes with oversized 7-inch wheels that make maneuvering a cakewalk. It also features a push-button start and a cord-retention hook. The Greenworks will make fast work of small yards, mowing distance is limited to the length of your extension cord. Side-discharge and mulching options are available, and the mower’s handle folds down for compact storage.
Available from Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
5. OVERALL BEST CORDLESS MOWER: Greenworks 21-inch Cordless Mower ($499)
If you’re looking for a powerful cordless electric mower with a generous swath cut, you’ll love the Greenworks 21-inch Cordless Mower. It uses two 80-volt G-MAX lithium-ion batteries (included, and compatible with other G-MAX powered lawn tools) and will power through nearly an acre of lawn on a single charge. This electric mower turns on easily with a push-start button, and it features the brand’s SmartCut technology, which senses when the grass becomes denser and speeds up the blades. Large, 7-inch front wheels and 10-inch rear wheels make it easy to mow and maneuver. More than 500 Amazon buyers endorse the Greenworks mower, giving it a resounding 4.4 stars for its ability to cut through tall grass without bogging down and for maneuverability.
Available from Amazon.
This content was originally published here.