The best push mowers allow you to cruise around your lawn with ease, while creating the perfect cut in the process. If you have a smaller yard, a push mower is often a good investment: These machines allow you to cut your lawn with far less cost and maintenance than riding mowers. Our top pick is the Ryobi Brushless Battery Push Lawn Mower for its lightweight feel, easy operation and ability to mow up to half acre in one charge. However, there are plenty of other great machines that made our list.
in electric, gas and corded models. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
You have options when it comes to this type of lawn mower. Push mowers come in electric, gas and corded models to allow you to find the power source that works best for your yard and your budget. When selecting the right push mower for you, it’s also important to consider your yard size, what kind of terrain you’ll be mowing, your physical capabilities and, of course, your budget.
“If you have a small yard, you really can’t go wrong with choosing a push mower,” says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi. Barbara Roueche, brand manager at Troy-Bilt, a leading manufacturer of outdoor power and lawn care equipment, calls push mowers “a great option for smaller yards about a half acre or less in size,” adding, “they’re also best for relatively flat lawns.”
These are the best push mower options on the market today. Consider one of these options to help put you on the right path to having a perfectly manicured lawn.
Ryobi is widely known for its high-quality electric lawn mowers, and this push mower is a top choice for most homeowners. It’s powered by a 40-volt lithium ion battery that can mow for up to 48 minutes on a single charge—enough to tackle around 1/2-acre of lawn. It’s fairly lightweight as push mowers go, weighing 56 pounds, yet it still delivers enough power to cut through even the thickest grass.
This push mower, which has a 21-inch deck, can be used to mulch or bag grass clippings, and while it’s possible to side discharge clippings with it, the attachment to do so is sold separately. The mower has a seven-position, single-point height adjustment, as well as an on-board battery storage compartment, and its collapsible, telescoping handles make it more compact to store.
Gas push mowers are ideal for powering through thick patches of grass, and this model from Troy-Bilt is equipped with a powerful 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine that starts up easily using a traditional pull cord. This mower has a 21-inch deck with the brand’s TriAction cutting system—it uses a rake bumper, specialized blade and symmetrical deck to deliver a more even cut and finely mulched clippings to feed your lawn.
This gas-powered mower has a dual-lever, six-position height adjustment and it includes a side discharge chute, in case you want to handle grass clippings that way. Its 11-inch rear wheels provide improved handling on uneven terrain, and its handle folds down for easy storage.
More people are switching to electric lawn mowers thanks to their ease of operation and maintenance, and the Ego Power+ is one of the best options out there today. This electric mower has a 21-inch deck and is powered by a 56-volt lithium battery, and it can run for up to 45 minutes on a single charge. It starts up easily with the push of a button, and there’s no need for oil changes, spark plug replacement or engine priming.
This push mower offers mulching, bagging and side discharge capabilities, and it has six cutting heights that can be adjusted via a single lever. It comes with a 2-bushel grass collection bag, and it even has LED headlights in case you want to mow at dusk.
Pros:
Up to 45 minutes runtime
Easy to use and maintain
3-in-1 grass handling
Rapid charging
Cons:
Chute clogs if grass is wet
Power source: Gas | Deck size: 21-inch | Cutting options: Side discharge, rear discharge, mulching | Weight: 56 pounds | Ideal yard size: 1/4 acre
This Craftsman mower has a self-propelled design, which means the unit will automatically propel itself forward, making it effortless to push. The gas-powered mower has a 21-inch deck and front-wheel drive, and its 159cc engine is equipped with recoil and auto choke, making it easier to start.
You can side discharge, rear discharge or mulch grass clippings with this mower, and its variable speed self-propulsion allows you to match its speed to your walking pace. It has a dual-lever cutting height adjustment with six different heights, and its large 11-inch rear wheels provide more traction on uneven terrain.
You can easily maintain a small yard with this push mower from Sun Joe. The small mower has a 14-inch deck, and it’s powered by a 28-volt lithium-ion battery that delivers roughly 25 minutes of runtime per charge—ideal for ¼-acre or less. It has three cutting heights, and it comes with a 10.6-gallon grass catcher that’s easy to remove and empty. The mower is extremely lightweight at just 29 pounds, making it easier for anyone to manage, and it’s quick and easy to start up.
Pros:
Affordable
Lightweight
Instant start button
Cons:
Bagging only
Not good in wet grass
Power source: Power cord | Deck size: 20-inch | Cutting options: Mulching, bagging, side discharge | Weight: 56 pounds | Ideal yard size: 1/4 acre
If you have a fairly small lawn, you can save money with a corded push mower like this one from Greenworks. During operation, it needs to be plugged into an outlet using an extension cord, which offers unlimited runtime and prevents the power from fading. The mower has a 20-inch deck and a 12-amp motor, and it starts up easily via a push button, letting you get right to mowing.
This corded push mower can mulch, bag or side discharge grass clippings, and it has a single-lever seven-positing height adjustment. A cord retainer prevents the extension cord from accidentally disconnecting while you mow, and the handle folds down for more compact storage.
Reel mowers like this one from Scotts don’t have an engine at all—instead, their blades are turned by the wheels as you push the mower around your yard. As you might have guessed, reel mowers are only good for small areas of lawn, as they lack the power of gas or electric models, but the benefits are that it’s affordable, eco-friendly and extremely lightweight.
This reel mower is 14 inches wide, and you can adjust its cutting height between 1 and 1.75 inches. The blades are made from a heat-treated steel that stays sharp for longer, and there’s virtually no maintenance required to keep this tool in good condition.
If you have a steep hill in your yard, you’ll likely want to look for a self-propelled mower with rear-wheel drive. “Rear-wheel drive delivers traction to the rear wheels for improved performance on hills, through rough terrain and when using a rear bagger,” explains Roueche. This 21-inch Honda mower delivers on both accounts, and it’s powered by a 200cc gas engine, too.
This self-propelled mower has hydrostatic cruise control for precise speed control, and its 4-in-1 system allows you to switch between mulching, bagging, side discharge and even leaf shredding. Its auto choke system makes the engine easy to start, and its 9-inch wheels offer better maneuverability and an overall smoother driving experience.
Pros:
Self-propelled
4-in-1 grass handling
Rear-wheel drive
Powerful engine
Cons:
Power source: Gas | Deck size: 30-inch | Cutting options: Mulching, bagging, side discharge | Weight: 140 pounds | Ideal yard size: 1/2 – 1 acre
You can make quick work of even the largest yards with the Toro TimeMaster Self-Propelled Mower. It has a generous 30-inch cutting deck made from durable steel, and it’s powered by a 223cc Briggs & Stratton engine. Its self-propelled design allows you to pick your own pace, and traction assist provides superior handling on tough terrain.
This self-propelled model isn’t cheap, but it has a number of features for added value. It has a washout port on the bottom of the deck where you can simply attach a garden hose, and its dual-force cutting system creates finer mulch to feed your lawn. The mower can mulch, bag or side discharge grass clippings, and with the brand’s blade stop system, the blades stop spinning, but the motor stays on so you can step away then continue mowing.
Pros:
Heavy-duty construction
Large cutting deck
3-in-1 grass handling
Numerous advanced features
Cons:
Table of Contents
How We Chose The Best Push Mowers
To choose our list of the best push mowers, we spoke to two lawn care experts for their input on features to look for in a quality push mower. We then looked at the most popular options on the market and narrowed the field based on elements like power, deck size, additional features and value, across a range of needs. Reviews from real owners were factored in as well, to present the most accurate and up-to-date picture of how these machines perform across a variety of lawns.
What To Look For In A Push Mower
There are several important elements to consider when choosing a push mower. Keep these in mind during your search.
Type
You can find push mowers that are powered by batteries or gas—the former tend to require less maintenance, but gas-powered mowers are typically more powerful. There are also corded options, which must be plugged in via an extension cord during operation, as well as manual reel models for extra-small yards. If you have a larger outdoor space or a lot of hills, you might want to consider a self-propelled mower instead—while more expensive, these models use power from the engine to turn the mower’s wheels, moving the machine forward on its own.
Push Vs. Self-Propelled
Some push mowers come with a self-propelled option, which is when the machine essentially walks itself. (Your job is to guide and steer it around your yard.) Self-propelled machines are a good option for people who don’t feel comfortable pushing a heavy mower around without assistance, including those who may be older or have some dexterity issues. However, many of today’s push mowers are lighter-weight than their older counterparts, making it relatively simple to move them around. Self-propelled mowers typically cost a little more so, if you can do without this feature and you’re looking to save a buck, it’s worth considering doing without.
Cutting Deck
Your mower’s cutting deck is the width of grass it can cover in one pass. Cutting decks for push mowers typically range in size from 14 to 30 inches, with 20 inches being the most common size you’ll see. A wider cutting deck means you’ll have to do fewer rows along your lawn. However, wider doesn’t necessarily mean better. More petite lawns and those with more obstacles may benefit from a smaller cutting deck. It’s also a good idea to consider the size of your garage or storage shed when choosing a cutting deck.
Size Of Yard
At baseline, push mowers are designed for smaller yards. In most cases, that means yards that are a 1/2 acre or smaller. However, most people feel more comfortable using a push mower in yards that are around a 1/4 acre. When choosing the right push mower for your yard, keep your power source in mind. If you are considering a corded mower, you’ll want to ensure that it can still reach around to target all of your grass. Many battery-powered options will also state how much yard space they can cover—be sure to check that before purchasing.
How Can I Choose A Push Mower That’s Ideal For Me?
There are a lot of factors to consider before deciding on a push mower that’s right for you. “The main thing you should consider is whether you want it to be powered by gas or electricity,” Micetich says. “You should also consider the price of the mower and whether or not you want to opt for a cordless model.” The size of your yard should factor in as well—a corded option, for example, may be a good fit for a yard that’s less than 1/4 acre, but wouldn’t work for larger lawns. Features like ergonomic grip, self-propelling and discharge options should be considered in as well.
Who Makes The Best Push Mowers?
Today’s lawn mowers are a huge improvement on machines from previous decades and, with that, there are a lot of companies that have created good, reliable push mowers that last. Look for well-known names like Ryobi, Craftsman and Troy-Bilt, along with Sun Joe, Ego, Toro and more. If you’re looking for a dependable mower with low maintenance that won’t break the bank, consider the Ryobi Brushless Battery Push Lawn Mower. It will work for most lawns.
Are Push Mowers The Most Dependable Kind Of Lawn Mowers?
Many lawn mowers are dependable, and a push mower isn’t for everyone given that you have to manually push it around your yard. It’s also not a good fit for people who have larger yards—if your lawn is an acre or more, it’s really best to look at a ride-on mower. However, push mowers are known for their dependability and easy ownership. “One of the main benefits of having a push mower is that there are fewer parts that can break or wear out over time,” Micetich says. “If you’re looking for a lawnmower that will last many years, a push mower is a great option.”
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After studying product design and journalism in college, I became a full-time freelance writer in 2016, where I found my niche in the shopping and product testing realm. To date, I’ve conducted firsthand product testing on hundreds of items, including everything from grill pans to lawn mowers, and my work has been published on websites such as USA Today, Business Insider, The Spruce, Popular Mechanics, and more.
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I am a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, relationships, home, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Women’s Health, Prevention, Health, Yahoo Life, and more. I have a master’s degree from American University, live by the beach, and hope to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.
