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 lawnmower is an excellent investment. Whether you're buying your first lawn mower or a replacement, we have picked the best corded and cordless electric lawnmowers 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 lawnmowers 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 Lawnmower – 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 Lawnmower – 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 lawnmowers 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/AmazonDescription
This 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 400m² making it ideal for most sized lawns. This tool is fitted with a 40-litre grass collection bag which indicates when it is complete and is created with excellent airflow, compacting the grass clippings for less emptying and longer mowing times.
Customer review: "I have just recently moved house, and the new Garden Lawn was overrun. I was unsure which type of Lawn mower to get (either petrol or electric), but after using it, I am so glad I made this choice! It has left a fantastic stripe effect on the Lawn, which you can see in the images above. It was incredibly easy to assemble."
Pros
- Quick to charge
- Comes with a 40-litre collection bag
Cons
- Not a super powerful motor
Best lightweight cordless electric lawn mower
Worx/AmazonDescription
This WORX WG779E.2 36V is a light, easy-to-use mower, with a three-year warranty at a fantastic price. 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 230m² making it perfect for medium-sized lawns.
Customer review: "Great to be cable free. Also good that to do so I don't have to suffer the smell of petrol fumes with this. I got my areas of lawn done in 25 minutes which was an amazing 20 minutes quicker than faffing around with my corded mower and constantly having to move the cable so I don't run over it. There was enough battery life left to attach to my Worx strimmer and do all the edging and corners."
Pros
- Charge both batteries at the same time
- Variety of features
Cons
- Small collection bags for bigger gardens
Best overall corded electric lawn mower
Bosch/AmazonDescription
This Bosch Rotak 36R Electric Lawnmower 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. The 36cm cutting width is perfect for small to medium-sized lawns, but you also can 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 (the largest on this list), so you can get the job done in one go.
Customer review: "Excellent value for money. The item was sent very quickly. Was easy to assemble and I am very pleased with it. It cuts much better than the Flymo I had before, I particularly like the way you can alter the cutting length. I have had back problems before and this is much easier to push across the grass than my previous mower. As has been previously stated it cuts into the edge much more effectively. The grass box does look flimsy but it's fine and its size is a bonus; I only have to empty it at the end. For the size of garden we have, it is more than adequate; small to medium. For less than a hundred quid this is good value."
Pros
- It is comfortable and easy to manoeuvre
- 40-litre collection bag
Cons
- Corded, so can be harder for larger gardens
Best value corded electric lawn mower
Webb/AmazonDescription
The Webb Classic WEER33 Electric Rotary Lawnmower has excellent features and will ensure a superb finish on your lawn while being easy to manage. It's straightforward to assemble and folds up for 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.
Customer review: "A good solid mower. I waited a while before reviewing it until I used it several times, and, so far, it's doing a perfect job. One minor nuisance is the cable holder is on the sidebar and keeps sliding halfway down the handle. It would have been better hanging from the horizontal bar at the top of the handle, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. Also, it's straightforward to clean compared to my old mower. No awkward places underneath where grass cuttings get trapped."
Pros
- Foam handle
- Adjustable
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Some reviewers found adjusting the cutting height a little tricky
Best small cordless electric lawn mower
Gardena/Tooled Upwww.tooled-up.com
Description
This agile, cordless, and high-performance electric lawn mower will keep your lawn in perfect condition throughout the seasons. The pivoting handle helps it get into tight spots by fences or around stones. Plus, the carrying handle means that the Gardena Battery Lawnmower HandyMower can be transported and stored easily after the job is done. 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, you screw the handle into the body, and once the battery is charged, it's ready to go.
Customer review: "My first impression is that this is a quality well made and very well designed mower. Assembly is extremely easy and takes no more than twenty minutes. The instructions come in a booklet form along with about 10 other languages, photographs help explain the simple procedure in putting it together."
Pros
- Compact and small
- Good for getting into tight spots
Cons
- Not so good for large gardens
Best lightweight corded electric lawn mower
Gardena/AmazonDescription
Recommended for a lawn area up to around 300m², this lightweight and easy to use Gardena Powermax 1200/32 Electric Lawn mower from PowerMax delivers excellent results for small and medium-sized lawns. 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.
Customer review: "At this price, I wasn't expecting much but in the event, I am pretty impressed. Quick to assemble and it cuts nicely and is easy to adjust the cutting height. Great for small lawns."
Pros
- Lightweight
- Foldable for storage
Cons
- Better for small gardens
Best easy-to-use electric lawn mower
Description
This powerful Flymo Chevron 32VC Electric Wheeled Lawn Mower is ideal for smaller lawns and first-time lawn mower buyers. It packs in an impressive 1200-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 central height adjuster lever, and when you’re done, the mower is simple to pack away thanks to the lightweight build, convenient carry handle and handy cable storage system.
Customer review: "Bought it to replace my old broken one which was the exact same model. I bought it as it is the lightest for manoeuvrability and I knew I could handle it. Worst part was putting the grass box together."
Pros
- Lightweight
- Cable storage
- Powerful for the size
Cons
- Grass box is hard to put together
Best for lower noise emission
Mow Direct/Stigawww.mowdirect.co.uk
Description
The Stiga Combi 340 C Electric Lawnmower has a robust 1,600W motor and six adjustable cutting heights along with a substantial 60L grass collection bag. Manufactured by the renowned Swedish brand Stiga, this premium lawnmower prioritises usability. With its low noise operation and lightweight polypropylene cutting deck, pushing it is easy. Additionally, a convenient window on the grass collector bag allows for quick monitoring of its fill level. Enhanced manoeuvrability on uneven terrain is facilitated by the front and rear wheels, equipped with grooved treads.
Pros
- High spec and powerful for the price
- Light and easier to push
- Quieter for residential areas
Cons
- No review
Best budget lawn mower for comfort
Ebay/Einhillwww.ebay.co.uk
Description
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 1250W motor capable of tackling a range of terrains and damp grass. With its manageable weight of 11 kg, it's a relatively lightweight option. The rectangular carry handle facilitates easy maneuveuring. It's a good option for small to medium-sized lawns. Plus, this model features adjustable handlebars that can be effortlessly folded for compact storage, making it a versatile choice for various needs.
Customer review: "Very good service Many thanks."
Pros
- It is suitable for medium-sized lawns
- Large wheels make it easier to push
- Easy to set up
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 Lawnmower. 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 Lawnmower 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 fertliser 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 you're restricted by the length of the extension cord, 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
Subscribe to Modern Gardens magazine and get the most out of your outdoor space. Discover everything you need to know to make your outside space look fantastic, quickly and easily, with hundreds of simple ideas, designer tricks, affordable products and expert advice in every issue of Modern Gardens. View our latest subscription offers to save on shop prices.
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.