A simple push of a button and you’re ready to go: Easy startup is just one of the reasons to consider an electric mower.
“Electrics are relatively maintenance-free, obviously they don’t have a gasoline engine so they’re much easier to start, and they’re much quieter,” said Frank Spinelli of Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports tests electric mowers to see how well they mulch, bag and discharge your grass clippings. They also test how well they handle.
“Between a gas and an electric mower you’re gonna notice that electrics are much easier to push. They’re lighter and they’re easier to maneuver,” said Spinelli.
They even fold up for easy storage. But CR says some are less effective at mowing than others.
Although the lightweight of this Kobalt mower makes it easy to push, pull and turn, it has some limitations. CR tests find it’s “subpar” at mulching, leaving clumps in its path. Clumps can cause the grass beneath to brown, so you may need to rake them. The Kobalt does not have a side discharge.
This Black+Decker does a good job side discharging, and in mulching mode, leaving teeny bits behind to replace the nutrients in your lawn. But it really shines at bagging - collecting up to 25 pounds of clippings in its roomy bag.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
This Husqvarna also does a terrific job bagging. Another plus - the 40 volt lithium battery can power other tools in the Husqvarna line - like a leaf blower, string trimmer and chainsaw.
When it’s time to clean up one thing electric mowers don't have is a washout port for the clippings that get stuck to the underside. They are light enough to flip on their side and clean out manually, but to prevent accidental starting, you should remove the batteries first.
CR says these battery-powered mowers are best for small suburban lots, that is, lawns under a third of an acre. The battery typically runs for about a half hour, depending on the height and density of your grass.
