The best lawn mower for small gardens 2024

It doesn't matter if you have a small garden, these lawn mowers will make it look tip top.

Lawn mowers small garden

by Hannah Mellin |
Updated on

The best lawn mowers for small gardens are a great option for those who are not blessed with a large garden space. Lawn mowers are a game-changer, but they are known to be big and bulky to store and heavy to lug around a small patch of grass and many of them are built to withstand hard tasks and large lawns. Fortunately, there are some more compact models designed for small lawns to keep them just as neat.

When considering a small lawn mower, there are several factors to bear in mind, including the size of your lawn, the terrain you'll be mowing, the cutting width and height and whether you want an electric lawn mower or petrol, cordless, or manual model.

Best lawn mower for small gardens at a glance:

• Best overall: Bosch Rotak 34 R Corded Rotary Lawnmower - View offer on Amazon UK
• Best electric lawn mower: Flymo Chevron 32VC Electric Wheeled Lawnmower - View offer on Amazon UK
• Best manual lawn mower: Bosch AHM 30 Manual Garden Lawn Mower - View offer on Amazon UK

Despite being small in size, these lawn mowers achieve perfect results – foregoing the need for edging tools. And along with a good lawn fertiliser, it's all you need to keep your grass looking good. That said, if you are dealing with an overgrown garden, a cordless strimmer is the tool of choice to reach for first as this packs the power and functionality for heavy-duty cutting.

Additionally, it's also important to consider the maintenance requirements of each mower, such as blade sharpening, and grass box emptying and whether you have the space in your garden or shed to store it. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a guide to the best lawn mowers for small gardens available to buy in the UK. So, if the grass is getting the better of you and and you need some lawn care tips – here is everything you need to know about the best lawn mower for your small patch of lawn.

Best lawn mowers for small gardens

Best overall

 Bosch Rotak 34R Electric Lawnmower Bosch/B&Q
Price: £102.85

This compact Bosch Rotak 34 R Corded Rotary Lawnmower cuts right to the edge and the Powerdrive motor ensures reliable cutting performance, even in difficult situations, such as in long grass.

It is very lightweight, only 11.1 kg, making it easy to manoeuvre around objects and your garden. The fact that it is so simple to handle gets it many plaudits from reviewers, especially those that would find a heavier machine hard to manage.

Thanks to the integrated grass combs this mower creates clean results along edges, driveways, fences, and walls. Reviewers are so impressed with the ability to cut to the edge of lawns, that they state they no longer need their strimmers.

Pros

  • Cuts right to the edge, no need for a strimmer
  • Offers a decent 40-litre capacity grass box for the size of the mower
  • Three-year manufacturer guarantee for peace of mind

Cons

  • Grass catcher is a bit flimsy
Weight:11.1 kg
Cutting height:20mm
Cutting blade size:340mm
Grass collection capacity:40L
Power:1,300 W 
Cutting heights:N/A

Best electric lawn mower

Flymo Chevron 32VC Electric Wheeled LawnmowerFlymo/Amazon
Price: £99.99

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 1,200-watt motor for efficient grass cutting with reviewers sharing that it can even cut damp grass well.

This mower compacts the grass cuttings as it collects them, meaning you’ll spend less time emptying the 29-litre grass box. The rear roller can help you add a stylish striped effect to your lawn as well as provide 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.

Pros

  • Lightweight at less than nine kilograms
  • Integrated cable storage to make it tidier to put away
  • Powerful for the size and weight of the machine

Cons

  • Grass box is hard to put together
Dimensions:H99 x W36.5 x D125cm
Weight:8.34kg
Cable length:10m
Power:1200W
Grass storage capacity:29L
Cutting width:32cm
Cutting heights:5 (20-60mm)

Best manual lawn mower

Bosch manual lawn mowerBosch/Amazon
Price: £99.99

Simple, quick, and easy for mowing small areas, the Bosch AHM 30 Manual Garden Lawn Mower is a traditional push-along mower that works in the most basic way to trim grass as you move it. Reviewers rate this as excellent for tiny lawns.

This pushable lawn mower doesn't need electricity or petrol to be powered and features an efficient cutting system cylinder with four blades curved in hardened steel. Reviewers are impressed with the results this manual mower produces, saying it cuts grass well.

This mower has large wheels that can cope with uneven terrain and a simple handle design that makes it easy to push along.

Pros

  • Sharp blades mean this is ideal to use when grass is damp
  • No need to worry about wires, battery charging, or petrol
  • Easy to manoeuvre and compact to store

Cons

  • A little tricky to assemble
Dimensions:54D x 49W x 38H cm
Weight:6.9kg
Cutting width:38 cm
Number of positions:5
Grass storage capacity:N/A
Cutting heights:12 – 40 mm
Power:AC

Best petrol lawn mower

wksmoor 127cc 40cm Petrol LawnmowerHawksmoor/Tool Station

Said by reviewers to be very good quality for the price, this mower is ideal for anyone looking for great value. Petrol lawn mowers are known for being big and fierce but this Hawksmoor 127cc Petrol Lawn Mower will not only work wonders in a larger garden but smaller ones too.

This has a cutting width of 40cm which should make short work of smaller gardens. There's a choice of five cutting heights from 25mm to 75mm, you’ll always be sure of a neat finish whatever the effect you're trying to create.

Unlike heavier petrol lawn mowers this has a robust but lightweight polypropylene deck to make it more manoeuvrable. The 45-litre collection box should have enough capacity to manage a small lawn in one go, although if you do need to empty it part way through mowing it's super simple to detach.

Pros

  • Robust but easy to manoeuvre thanks to the lightweight deck
  • Effective with a decent 40cm cutting width
  • Not too noisy for a petrol-powered lawn mower

Cons

  • Basic but great for medium and small gardens
Weight:21
Engine size:127.1cc
Cutting width:40cm
Grass storage capacity:45L 
Cutting heights: 5 (25-75mm)
Power:127cc OHV 4-stroke petrol engine
Cable length: N/A

Best value lawn mower

Flymo Turbo Lite 270 Corded Hover Mower Flymo/Argos

Designed with smaller gardens in mind, the Flymo Turbo Lite 270 Corded Hover Mower has a 27cm cutting width. This electric hover mower utilises a powerful 1,400W motor which floats on a cushion of air whilst cutting the grass, making it very easy to manage.

The mower features dual lever handles so you can operate it with either hand. It easily folds down for storage and can be wall-mounted for a space-saving solution.

Weighing in at just over five kilograms, we, and many reviewers, love how lightweight the Flymo Turbo Lite is - perfect for those who don't want to, or can't, lug around a heavy lawnmower.

Pros

  • Lightweight and easily manoeuvrable at 5.1 kilograms
  • An ideal choice for smaller gardens
  • Slim width and space-saving storage design as it folds down

Cons

  • Some bits of the mower are reported to be flimsy
Weight:5.1kg
Blade width:27cm
Cutting heights: 4 (1.1cm-3.1cm)
Cable length:10m
Grass storage capacity:N/A
Power:1400 watt

Best cordless lawn mower

Worx Cordless 34cm Rotary Lawnmower and 25cm Grass TrimmerWorx/Amazon

When you've got a small garden or outdoor space, having to work around power cables can cause anxiety, but this WORX Cordless Lawn Mower, with its rechargeable batteries, will make sure you'll never have to worry, something reviewers concerned about damaging cables really appreciate.

As far as the batteries go, you get a dual port charger so you can juice up the two required batteries in around two hours. Once those batteries are at full capacity, you should be able to mow a 200-square-metre lawn on a single charge.

This mower can achieve cut-to-edge designs and there is a super simple-to-use six cutting height adjustment that lets you pick the right height to accommodate different seasons and different preferences super easily. This comes as a set with WORX's handheld grass strimmer, so you get all the tools you need to maintain your lawn.

Pros

  • Charge lasts long enough to cut a 200 square metre lawn
  • Rear roller for stability and to create tidy stripes
  • Dual batteries and charger included in the bundle

Cons

  • Some reviews say the plastic handle is not sturdy
Weight:4.5kg
Cutting width: 30cm
Dimensions:50D x 30W x 40H cm
Number of cutting heights:3
Grass storage capacity:N/A

Best mower and trimmer bundle

Einhell GE-CM 18/30 Li Cordless Lawnmower & FREE Grass TrimmerEinhell/Wickes

If your small garden is mainly lawn, you may want to invest in a lawnmower and a trimmer to keep things looking tip-top. The Einhell GE-CM 18/30 Li Cordless Lawnmower and Grass Trimmer is a wise investment, a budget bundle that gives you all the tools you need to keep your garden looking great.

The lawn mower is powered by a brushless motor and is made from high-grade, impact-resistant plastic. It has a 30cm cutting width and can trim your grass to three different heights. This can mow a 150 square metre lawn on one charge with a full charge taking less than an hour to complete.

The grass trimmer uses the same battery as the lawn mower. It is lightweight for fatigue-free operation and comes complete with 20 plastic blades to keep you stocked up for many seasons to come.

Pros

  • Great value lawn mower and grass trimmer bundle
  • The mower has an adjustable axial cutting height of three levels
  • Grass trimmer comes complete with 20 replacement blades

Cons

  • You need to ensure you've charged the battery before use
Dimensions:N/A
Power:18V Battery
Weight:11.40 kg
Grass storage capacity:30L
Cutting widths:30 cm
Cutting heights: 3

Best lightweight budget mower

Flymo EasiMow 300R Electric Rotary Lawn MowerFlymo/Currys

The Flymo EasiMow 300R Electric Lawn Mower is powered by a 1,000W engine and weighs in at just 8.5kg. This mower creates a clean and even cut and achieves close-edge cutting along borders so no separate trimming is required.

Reviewers appreciate the large 30-litre grass box for fewer trips to the garden waste bin or compost heap. An integrated back roller can help you create a desirable striped effect on your lawn.

As far as usability goes, this mower's start lever spans the entire top of the handlebar, making it easy to use for left and right-handed users. The power cable is ten metres long, so gives plenty of reach for smaller outdoor spaces.

Pros

  • Lightweight and compact. weighing in at less than nine kilograms
  • Easy to use for both left and right-handed users
  • Edge-cutting ability to save the need for strimming

Cons

  • Only three cutting heights
Dimensions:H95.5 x W37.6 x D101cm
Power:1000W
Weight:8.4kg
Grass storage capacity:30L
Cutting width:30cm
Cutting heights:20-60mm

Best small lawn mower for versatility

McGregor 32cm Corded Rotary LawnmowerMcGregor/Argos

Another electric option, this McGregor 32cm Corded Rotary Lawnmower may be compact but it boasts powerful performance with a 1,200W motor, a 32cm cutting width, and five cutting heights which reviewers say are easy to change.

In addition, the carbon steel cutting blade is powered by Torque Drive which makes short work of dense or longer grass. Plus, the rear roller adds a professional striped finish to lawns of any size.

The collapsible 33-litre grass collector box has an indicator to alert when it's complete, while the soft grip handle provides ergonomic comfort. This affordable lawn mower is perfect for those on a budget looking for a powerful, versatile mower with some great features.

Pros

  • Powerful motor with Torque Drive to cut through tough grass
  • Five adjustable cutting heights for the perfect finish
  • Collapsible grass box with handy full indicator

Cons

  • Grass collector can be tricky to fit
Dimensions:H95 x W35 x D109cm
Power:1200W
Weight:9.47kg
Grass storage capacity:33L
Cutting width:32cm
Cutting heights:2cm-6cm

How we chose the best lawn mower for small gardens

All of these lawn mowers for small gardens 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 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.

FAQs

Do I need a strimmer or lawn mower?

In theory, you could use just a cordless strimmer to cut a smaller lawn, but it would take a lot of time and effort. The benefit of a lawn mower is that it covers ground more effectively. You will also get a smoother and more uniform finish with a lawn mower, rather than hacking at your grass with a strimmer.

What type of lawn mower is easiest to use?

This is a matter of opinion. You could argue that a manual, push-along lawn mower offers the most simple operation - just grab it out of the shed and go. Cordless lawn mowers give you the freedom of no cables to worry about, but you do need to ensure they are charged up before use. Petrol lawn mowers can be daunting for some who aren't confident dealing with the fuel side of things. Corded, electric mowers are the most popular category, just watch out for the cable. Or, you could go all out and invest in a hands-free robot lawn mower!

What features to consider when buying a small lawn mower?

Comfort handles: Soft, comfortable handles that can be adjusted to your height can make mowing less strenuous on your back and hands, especially when mowing for long periods.

Carry handles: Look for well-spaced carry handles that make the machine more balanced, lighter, and easier to carry. Some smaller models can fold down and are incredibly easy to store.

Blade height adjuster: A good blade height adjuster should be easy to adjust and offer a range of cutting heights. For most lawns, a cutting height of 2.5-4cm (1-1½in) is recommended for much of the year.

Clippings collection: Grass collectors can significantly reduce the time needed to maintain your lawn. Larger collectors will require less frequent emptying.

Grass combs: Side grass combs can help ensure a neater result along edges, fences, and walls.

Rear roller: If you want those traditional lawn stripes, look for a mower with a rear roller. The heavier the machine and roller, the better the stripes will be.

Mulching function: Some mowers cut the grass so finely that you can leave the clippings where they fall. This mulching function can save you time and effort while returning valuable nutrients to your lawn.

Are small lawn mowers less powerful than bigger models?

Smaller lawn mowers normally are less powerful than their bigger rivals because they need to compromise on engine size, but that doesn't mean they can't tackle hard tasks in your garden.

What to read next:

Best budget lawn mowers around £100

Grass seeds for a healthier greener garden in 2024

Best lawn mowers for large gardens that make light work of your space

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Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, A Modern Kitchen, Yours and Take A Break. She has been working in the Journalism industry for over a decade and has written for an array of brands including John Lewis, Daily Mirror and Grazia. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's renovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in the garden with her sausage dog Waffle.

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