If you love the scent of freshly cut grass but are not so keen on the smell of a petrol lawn mower, opting for the best electric lawn mower is an excellent investment. Whether you're buying your first lawn mower or a replacement, we have picked the best corded and cordless electric lawn mowers to fit every budget and garden size to ensure you have made the right choice. With our top picks, you can revive your lawn to its former glory - and prepare for outdoor parties.
Electric lawn mowers are best suited for small to medium-sized gardens, so if you're lucky enough to have a luscious garden and are in need of a convenient and cost-effective grass-cutting option, then an electric lawn mower will be great for you. We've selected the best electric lawn mowers to buy in the UK and an easy guide on what you should look out for when investing in this gardening essential. Pair with a cordless strimmer - and you're golden.
Best electric lawn mowers at a glance:
• Best cordless electric lawn mower for larger gardens: Yard Force 40V 37cm Cordless Lawn Mower – view on Amazon UK
• Best lightweight cordless electric lawn mower: WORX WG779E.2 36V Cordless 34cm Lawn Mower – view on Amazon UK
• Best overall corded electric lawn mower: Bosch Rotak 36R Electric Lawn Mower – view on Amazon UK
Cordless lawn mowers are also known as battery-powered lawn mowers. Rechargeable battery-powered lawn mowers, which use lithium-ion batteries, offer the best of all worlds. They're light and easy to manoeuvre, you don't have the drawback of the trailing cable, and their motors don't need any maintenance nor produce any emissions. And, as we all get more used to recharging our battery-powered cars, battery lawn mowers will become the easy choice. Their batteries can usually be shared among other products in the manufacturer's range for added versatility.
There are two types of electric lawn mowers - corded and cordless. Corded lawn mowers are best for smaller gardens and require to be connected to an electrical outlet, and you will likely need an extension cord, too. If you are looking for a cheaper option, corded electric lawn mowers are your best bet. However, the electric cable can be a nuisance, limiting how and where you can use the mower and dangerous if you accidentally damage or cut through it. For more lawn care tips, scroll down to our FAQs, where we hop to answer your cutting-edge questions about lawn mowers.
Best electric lawn mowers
Best cordless electric lawn mower for larger gardens
Yard Force/AmazonThis cordless electric lawn mower is lightweight and manoeuvrable and designed with comfort and ease in mind. The Yard Force LM G37A offers a wide range of cutting heights and easily folds away. The 40V battery only takes 50 minutes to charge, and when fully charged, it can cover 400 square metres making it ideal for most sized lawns.
Users report this gives you over 45 minutes of use from a single charge. Reviewers like the design and position of the handle, saying this, and the fact that this lawn mower is so manoeuvrable, means it allows for single-handed use in awkward places.
Reviewers also love the fact you can check the battery power level at the press of a button. This tool is fitted with a 40-litre grass collection bag which indicates when it is full. This mower has been created with excellent airflow, compacting the grass clippings for less emptying and longer mowing times.
Pros
- Quick to charge in under an hour
- Comes with a 40-litre collection bag
- Lightweight and manoeuvrable design
Cons
- Not a super powerful motor
Best lightweight cordless electric lawn mower
Worx/AmazonThis WORX WG779E.2 36V is a light, easy-to-use mower, with a three-year warranty at a fantastic price. One reviewer states this cable-free mower has been as revolutionary to their garden as their cordless vacuum was to their house. The Powershare batteries are interchangeable with other Worx 20V products, saving you money in the future if you buy more Worx tools. You can charge both batteries at once in two hours or charge one in an hour.
There is a 30-litre grass bag and six cutting heights to choose from. Loaded with features, including turbo and eco modes, it cuts right to the edge and folds flat for storage and can cover 230 square metres, making it perfect for medium-sized lawns.
This mower is capable of creating neat stripes on your lawn, something reviewers love for the attractive aesthetics. Users report that this can handle wet grass, a particular challenge for more lightweight mowers, and note that the turbo mode is especially useful for this.
Pros
- Charge both batteries at the same time
- Different power modes including a powerful turbo option
- Three-year warranty for peace of mind
Cons
- Small collection bags for bigger gardens
Best overall corded electric lawn mower
Bosch/AmazonThis Bosch Rotak 36R Electric Lawn Mower is ideal for small and medium-sized gardens and will ensure that your grass is perfectly trimmed every time. It is lightweight, compact, and has cutting-edge precision.
Reviewers are happy with the low noise levels this lawn mower emits, but some have expressed concern with the build quality of the grass cutting collection box, suggesting it might be on the flimsy side.
The 36cm cutting width is perfect for small to medium-sized lawns, and you can also adjust the cutting height from 2cm up to 7cm for more scope. It is comfortable and easy to manoeuvre and push around, and the grass box can hold 40 litres of clippings, so you can get the job done in one go. Reviewers praise this mower for being good value for money.
Pros
- It is comfortable and easy to manoeuvre
- 40-litre collection bag
- Good for cutting right to the edge of lawns
Cons
- Corded, so can be harder for larger gardens
Best value corded electric lawn mower
Webb/Tooled Upwww.tooled-up.com
The Webb Classic WEER33 Electric Rotary Lawn Mower has excellent features for a budget-friendly price and will ensure a superb finish on your lawn while being easy to manage. It's straightforward to assemble, and according to reviewers, to clean.
This lawn mower gets the thumbs up from households with younger children thanks to the fact it has a safety switch that requires a dual action operation for operator safety, meaning it's unlikely that little ones could activate it. Reviewers also like how easy it is to change the height levels.
This folds up for space-saving storage. The foam handle is comfortable and can be adjusted to a range of heights. This relatively quiet lawn mower can cut grass right up to the edge of walls and fences. Plus, it is the second most lightweight option on this list, making it easy to manoeuvre.
Pros
- Comfortable foam handle
- Easy to adjust between different heights
- Very lightweight at less than nine kilograms
Cons
- Only a 10-metre power cable
Best small cordless electric lawn mower
Gardena/Tooled Upwww.tooled-up.com
This agile, cordless, and high-performance electric lawn mower will keep your small lawn in perfect condition throughout the seasons. The pivoting handle helps it get into tight spots by fences or around obstacles. Plus, the carrying handle means that the Gardena Battery HandyMower can be transported and stored easily after the job is done.
This lawn mower is so compact it gets fabulous reviews from people unable to handle a more unwieldy machine, with many reviewers stating their elderly relatives love this mower in order to help them manage their gardening without having to call in outside help.
If you are looking for an affordable option that is lightweight and easy to store, this would be an excellent pick. Plus, there is minimal assembly needed with some reviewers claiming they managed it in under 20 minutes - you simply screw the handle into the body, and once the battery is charged, it's ready to go.
Pros
- Compact, small, and easy to handle
- Good for getting into tight spots
- Weighs in at less than five kilograms
Cons
- Not so great for larger gardens
Best lightweight corded electric lawn mower
Gardena/AmazonRecommended for a lawn area of up to around 300 square metres, this lightweight and easy-to-use Gardena Powermax 1200/32 Electric Lawn Mower is reported to deliver excellent results for small and medium-sized lawns, although reviewers advise ditching the overly large instruction manual and just use common sense to assemble it.
Reviewers are impressed with this lawn mower's cutting power which Gardena states is thanks to the specially hardened blade which the company says helps to ensure optimal cutting results.
The Cut and Collect system allows efficient cutting and catching, and the foldable frame allows easy transport and space-saving storage. The ergonomic handle has a two-sided bar switch which makes operation easy. This boasts an impressive 10 different cutting heights which reviewers say is simple to use thanks to the dial mechanism you use to change the height.
Pros
- Lightweight at just over eight kilograms
- Foldable for space-saving storage
- Ten different cutting heights
Cons
- Better for small gardens
Best easy-to-use electric lawn mower
Flymo/AmazonThis powerful Flymo Chevron 32VC Electric Wheeled Lawn Mower is ideal for smaller lawns and first-time lawn mower buyers. It packs in an impressive 1,200-watt motor for efficient grass cutting, and it even compacts as it collects, meaning you’ll spend less time emptying the grass box, while the rear roller adds a stylish striped effect to the lawn as well as providing stability over edges.
It’s easy to switch between the five cutting heights thanks to the intuitive central height adjuster lever. Reviewers like the fact that when you’re done mowing, this mower is simple to pack away thanks to the lightweight build, convenient carry handle, and handy cable storage system.
Overall, this lawn mower gets a four-star-plus rating on Amazon for being lightweight, easy to use, simple to assemble, and for great manoeuvrability.
Pros
- Lightweight and manageable at eight kilograms
- Useful integrated cable storage
- Powerful for the size of the machine
Cons
- Grass box can be hard to put together
Best for lower noise emission
Mow Direct/Stigawww.mowdirect.co.uk
The Stiga Combi 340 C Electric Lawn Mower has a robust 1,600W motor and six adjustable cutting heights along with a decent 40-litre grass collection bag. Manufactured by the renowned Swedish brand Stiga, this premium lawn mower prioritises usability, something reviewers impressed with this mower rate highly.
With its low noise operation and lightweight polypropylene cutting deck, pushing it is easy and shouldn't annoy the neighbours too much. Enhanced manoeuvrability on uneven terrain is facilitated by the front and rear wheels, equipped with grooved treads.
A convenient viewing window on the grass collector bag allows for quick monitoring of its fill level so you can see when you're getting near that 40-litre capacity. In addition to collection-mode, you can change the settings on this machine to mulch or rear-discharge, letting those nutrient-rich cuttings help your lawn to flourish.
Pros
- High spec and powerful for the price
- Light and easier to push
- Quieter for residential areas
Cons
- Polypropylene cutting deck
Best budget lawn mower for comfort
Einhell/OnBuywww.onbuy.com
The Einhell Expert GE-EM 1233 Electric Lawn Mower is a versatile corded electric mower. It offers user-friendly operation with five adjustable cutting heights and a powerful 1,250W motor capable of tackling a range of terrains and even damp grass.
With its manageable weight of 11 kilograms, it's a relatively lightweight option which goes down well with customers who can't handle a heavier machine. The rectangular carry handle also facilitates easy manoeuvring. It's a good option for small to medium-sized lawns.
This model features adjustable handlebars that can be effortlessly folded for compact storage, making it a versatile choice for various needs. Reviewers appreciate the fact the instruction booklet has photographs to help explain the assembly process.
Pros
- It is suitable for medium-sized lawns
- Large wheels make it easier to push
- Easy to set up with a well-rated instruction booklet
Cons
- Handlebar may be too low for some
How we chose the best electric lawn mower
All of these electric lawn mowers have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered size, power, and functionality in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching electric lawn mowers to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
Our pick for the best electric lawn mower
In terms of cordless electric lawn mowers, our top pick is the Yard Force 40V 37cm Cordless Lawn Mower. Not only does it cover a lot of space in one session, but it is manoeuvrable, lightweight, and compact, great for transporting and storage solutions.
If it is a corded electric lawn mower you're after then the Bosch Rotak 34R Electric Lawn Mower wins. It is lightweight, compact and has cutting-edge precision, and has a large capacity and cutting range.
Buyers Guide
When considering battery power there are two things to consider: the battery's voltage (V) and its amp hours (Ah).
Voltage - Choosing battery voltage size is a bit like choosing a car's engine size: a higher voltage will generally mean higher power and performance. But, as with cars, a larger voltage doesn't always translate to better performance, as this can be affected by the size and weight of the mower. Those with a higher voltage are better equipped at tackling long and wet grass.
Amp hour - This is analogous to the size of a car's fuel tank; the larger the amp hours, the longer the battery will last between charges. Higher Ah batteries can tackle larger lawns before becoming flat. For instance, a 2.5Ah battery should cut up to 400sq m (480sq yd) on a single charge. However, more amp hours do not equate to greater power output.
Battery charge - Lithium-ion batteries charge relatively quickly – in as little as 30-40 minutes. Depending on Ah size, they'll run long enough on one charge to complete mowing. They don't suffer from 'battery memory' issues, so can be recharged before they're flat, don't need to be fully charged before use, and won't lose charge in the shed over winter.
If you have a large lawn and want to complete your mowing in one session, it may be worth buying a second battery; some mowers come with two, while others offer super-fast chargers. Mowers with the latest sensory technology can sense the load on the motor and operate at the optimum level for each task, for instance, boosting power for long/damp grass and extending battery run time during lighter cutting tasks.
Cutting width - Look for a cutting width to suit your lawn size. A larger mower, with wider cutting width, will reduce the number of passes needed to mow the lawn, but may be heavier to carry and awkward to manoeuvre. As a guide:
Small lawn (up to 250sq m/300sq yd): 30-35cm (12-14in) cut.
Medium lawn (250-580sq m/300-700sq yd): 35-43cm (14-17in) cut.
Large lawn (more than 580sq m/700sq yd): 43-55cm (17-22in) cut.
Push or power? - One very recent development in the world of battery-powered lawn mowers is the availability of self-propelled and robot mowers – previously only available with top-of-the-range petrol models. Self-propulsion makes mowing easier and more manageable, as it removes the hard work and fatigue by pulling itself along. They're perfect for larger lawns and slopes; you simply walk behind the mower to control its direction. Obviously, as power is needed for this, batteries don't last as long from a single charge as those used with an equivalent push mower.
Electric lawn mower FAQs
Other features to consider...
Deck Material - Strong, robust metal decks add to the overall weight. Non-metal decks, usually made from polypropylene, are lightweight, damage-resistant, and resilient.
Comfort Handles - Soft, comfortable and height-adjustable handles make mowing easier on your back and hands, especially when cutting for a long time.
Carry Handles - Well-spaced carry handles make the machine balanced, lighter and easier to carry.
Blade Height Adjuster - This needs to be easy to adjust and offer a choice of cutting heights. Most lawns should be cut 2.5-4cm (1-1½in) high for much of the year. Unlike your hedges, which can be any height you like, thanks to the ever-so-handy tool known as the hedge trimmer.
Clippings Collection - Grass collectors cut down the time needed to look after the lawn. Larger collectors need emptying less regularly.
Grass Combs - Side grass combs help ensure neat results along edges, fences, and walls.
Rear Roller –This is needed if you want traditional lawn stripes. The heavier the machine and roller, the better the stripes.
Mulching Function - Some mowers cut the grass so finely, that you can leave the clippings where they fall. This way, you may not need to fertilise your lawn. You can read more on this subject in our lawn fertiliser guide.
Are electric lawn mowers better than petrol lawn mowers?
Electric mowers are cheaper than gas mowers and are usually powerful enough to tackle most lawns. However, if you have long, thick grass or try to cut it when it's wet, this can overtax a low-power electric mower. Petrol lawn mowers tend to be better for large lawns.
With a corded electric mower, you won't run out of power, but the length of the extension cord restricts you, so electric mowers are better for small yards under 300m².
What to read next:
Robot lawn mowers worth investing in to make grass cutting easy
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Ellen Kinsey is a Senior Health & Wellness Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in sustainable living and health. She lives and breathes all things natural health, cooking and nature.