Even if you limit the size of your lawn and let the grass grow a bit longer, you’ll have to mow it eventually. The mower you choose depends on the size of your property, the amount you want to spend, and how much energy you want to exert. Here are the pros and cons of the four types of mower as well as some recommended models from Consumer Reports’ mower tests.
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Reel mower
Price range: $70-$200
Best for: Small lawns. They don’t pollute. They’re quiet, inexpensive, and relatively safe.
But: Cutting tends to be uneven. Also, be prepared for a hard slog if you let grass grow higher than a few inches.
Calories burned per hour (by a 150-pound person): 434
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Push mower
Price range: Gas, $150-$350; electric, $160-$690
Best for: Level lawns smaller than a half-acre. Electrics start with a button.
But: You’ll do all of the pushing when mowing. Gas units need maintenance.
Calories burned per hour: 362
Recommended gas mower: Craftsman 37432, $220
Recommended electric mower: EGO LM2000, $500
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Self-propelled mower
Price range: Gas, $250-$800; electric, $380-$500
Best for: Most lawns. They mow more evenly and are better for slopes.
But: Self-propelled mowers tend to need more repairs than push mowers.
Calories burned per hour: 325
Recommended gas multiple speed: Honda HRX2175VYA, $800
Recommended gas single speed: Toro 20339, $350
Recommended electric mower: Black & Decker SPCM1936, $450
Recommended wide-deck: Toro 20199, $1,000
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Lawn tractor or rider
Price range: $1,200-$4,000
Best for: Lawns of one-half acre or more; lawn tractors are better for slopes.
But: You’ll need roughly 4x6-foot storage space. Add-ons may use more fuel.
Calories burned per hour: 181
Recommended tractor: John Deere X300, $3,000
Recommended wide-deck tractor: Craftsman 20445, $1,500
Recommended zero-turn-radius rider: Troy-Bilt Mustang 17WFCACS, $2,300
Recommended rear-engine rider: Troy-Bilt TB30R 13BC26JD, $1,000
More great choices
Find more mower picks of every type in our full mower Ratings and recommendations.
—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)
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