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A reliable lawn mower is a key piece of lawn care equipment for small and large yards alike. Since not all yards are the same, not every lawn mower will work for everyone.
Though surely not a favourite chore, mowing the lawn is a weekly obligation during the warmer months that doesn’t have to be an annoyance.
The right lawn mower can make a world of difference in your mowing experience, and we’ll help you choose the right lawn mower for your yard size and characteristics.
Whether you’re cutting your backyard or have a side business mowing lawns for extra cash, a good mower is the most important tool of the trade.
Choosing a lawn mower isn’t as simple a task as you may first think.
There are many categories to consider when making a decision including price, size, weight, customizability, versatility, durability, maneuverability, and storage.
We dedicated 54 hours and analyzed 27 different mowers and 1068 consumer reviews to bring you a list of some of the best lawn mowers in Canada.
We evaluated each mower in all of these categories to find the absolute best range of options for a variety of yards.
Following our last update, we recommend the Greenworks 21-inch Corded for lightweight and easy to push even on a slight incline, offers a wide variety of cut heights for precision and accuracy, and is more durable than many others in its price range.
Our top pick lawn mower in 2023
This Greenworks 21-inch corded lawn mower is one of the best in its class. It is lightweight and easy to push even on a slight incline, offers a wide variety of cut heights for precision and accuracy, and is more durable than many others in its price range. It is a great all-around choice for any homeowner and any sized lawn.
Pros:
- Metal body is more durable than plastic body
- 7 cut heights for personalized height preferences
- Lengthy 3-year warranty
- Can be used with or without the grass bag
Cons:
- Can be a little difficult to maneuver
Our selection of the best models available right now:
Lawn Mower Comparative Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Top Pick
|
Greenworks 21-Inch 13 Amp Corded Lawn Mower MO13B00
|
9,2
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Gas Pick
|
Toro TimeMaster 30-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
|
9,6
|
Check Price on Home Depot |
|
Cordless Pick
|
Worx WG779 Battery Powered Lawn Mower
|
9,5
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Hand-Reel Pick
|
American Lawn Mower 1204-14 Deluxe Hand Reel Mower
|
9,1
|
Check Price on AmazonCheck Price at Walmart |
Our Electric Pick for The Best Lawn Mower
Presentation of the Greenworks 21-Inch Corded Lawn Mower Review
The Best Overall
Greenworks
If you’re looking for a corded lawn mower that delivers excellent power, adjustability, and lasting reliability, the Greenworks 21-inch corded lawn mower is our top recommendation. It’s a great pick for large lawns, small lawns, tall lawns, and short lawns.
Greenworks 21-Inch Corded Lawn Mower Video Review
What We Think of the Greenworks 21-Inch Corded Lawn Mower
The Greenworks corded lawn mower has a 21-inch clearance width that can make quick work of small to medium sized lawns. Since it needs to be plugged in, it isn’t great for large properties unless you have a 100ft+ extension cord that can go further. The 13-amp motor is powerful and easily cuts through the longer, thicker grasses and weeds that thrive during wet spring weeks and months.
The mower offers 7 grass height options ranging from ½ an inch long to 3 ¾” long, allowing users to select their favourite grass height with more precision. The steel body is much more durable than plastic alternatives, but this also means there is an increased weight that can make it a bit more difficult to maneuver, especially when traversing around obstacles in the yard.
I’m so surprised by how quiet this corded lawn mower is. This is definitely the best mower I’ve ever used. It is easy to use, switching the height is very simple, and it feels very durable and safe. I find that it has a lot of power even for 15-20cm weeds and grass. The bag fits tight to the mower so there’s no grass left behind for my dogs to eat and make themselves sick. Highly recommend!
priya c.
The mower can be used with or without the grass bag. the bag is quite effective since it is connected tightly to the mower for no spillage. It is easy to switch out bags and it holds enough for multiple grass cuttings. The handle has a comfortable 360-degree padding to make longer mowing sessions more comfortable on the hands. We’re pleased with the overall design of the mower and recommend it to all home owners with small or medium size lawns.
Greenworks 21-Inch Corded Lawn Mower Specifications
- Dimensions: 56.3” x 43.4” x 21.1”
- Weight: 56 lbs
- Colour: Green
- Material: Steel
- Clearance Width: 21”
- Cutting Heights: 7
- Cut Height Range: ½” to 3 ¾”
- Grass Bag: Yes
- Warranty: 3 years
Greenworks 21-Inch Corded Lawn Mower Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Metal body is more durable than plastic body
- 7 cut heights for personalized height preferences
- Lengthy 3-year warranty
- Can be used with or without the grass bag
Cons
- Can be a little difficult to maneuver
Our Final Opinion About the Greenworks 21-Inch Corded Lawn Mower
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
This Greenworks 21-inch corded lawn mower is one of the best in its class. It is lightweight and easy to push even on a slight incline, offers a wide variety of cut heights for precision and accuracy, and is more durable than many others in its price range. It is a great all-around choice for any homeowner and any sized lawn.
Our Gas Pick for a Lawn Mower
Presentation of the Toro TimeMaster 30-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
The Best Gas Choice
Toro
If you’re looking for a gas-powered lawn mower that goes beyond the normal call of duty to deliver exceptional performance, ease-of-use, and quality, look no further than the Toro TimeMaster 30-inch self-propelled gas lawn mower.
Toro TimeMaster 30-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower Video Review
What We Think of the Toro TimeMaster 30-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
The Toro TimeMaster gas lawn mower is one of the most expensive mowers on the market designed for residential use, but it has so many advanced features that mowing your lawn may just become your favourite chore. It is self-propelled, meaning you don’t have to push to make it go forward. Not only does this make larger lawns much easier on your body, it makes mowing on inclines much easier and safer.
The large 30-inch clearance width is also designed for larger lawns since it clears more grass with each pass than most competitors. While most gas mowers are a pain to get started, this Toro model has a ReadyStart feature equipped that doesn’t require a primer or choke. The sophistication of this mower is exceptional when you consider that the personal pace self-propulsion system adapts to your preferred walking speed.
I can’t believe the difference between this Toro mower versus my old Greenworks mower. This thing is self propelled and basically works by itself, you just need to point it in the direction you want to go. I would prefer a few more height options since clients have more than two preferences, but I am so much faster with this mower and don’t hate large properties nearly as much as I once did. 10/10 would buy again.
dillon c.
The Spin-Stop Blade Stop system allows users to pause mowing without turning off the engine by stopping the blade only. This is both more efficient and more convenient. The mower uses a Dual Force Atomic dual-blade cutting system that is up to 40% more efficient than competitors. Keep in mind that the mower weighs a hefty 140 lbs and is difficult to maneuver around objects. A disappointing feature is that there are only two cutting height options, but the overall performance and build quality of the mower make this a small sacrifice.
Toro TimeMaster 30-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower Specifications
- Dimensions: 44.3” x 32.2” x 65.7”
- Weight: 140 lbs
- Colour: Red
- Material: Steel
- Clearance Width: 30”
- Cutting Heights: 2
- Cut Height Range: 1.25” to 4.25”
- Grass Bag: Yes
- Warranty: 3 years
Toro TimeMaster 30-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Wide cut width for greater efficiency
- Self-propelled design for less fatigue on larger properties
- Dual Force Atomic dual blade cutting system is up to 40% more efficient
- Spin-Stop Blade Stop system pauses blade without shutting off engine
Cons
- Extremely expensive
Our Final Opinion About the Toro TimeMaster 30-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 1.0 out of 5.0 stars
We can’t say enough good things about this professional-grade gas-powered lawn mower. Though it may only be affordable for a select group of homeowners or business owners making a living off of mowing laws, the performance is unparalleled by lower-class mowers.
Our Cordless Pick for a Lawn Mower
Presentation of the Worx WG779 Battery Powered Lawn Mower
The Quiet Choice
Worx
If you are browsing for a lawn mower that doesn’t wake up the neighborhood, there is no better option than a battery powered machine. The WG779 cordless electric lawn mower by Worx integrates battery power with a durable frame and great value.
Worx WG779 Battery Powered Lawn Mower Video Review
What We Think of the Worx WG779 Battery Powered Lawn Mower
Worx’s WG779 battery powered mower offers one of the quietest operations of any mower on the market. Battery power removes the need for gas purchases and extensions cords and eradicates the range limitation typically seen with electric mowers. The battery life can run this mower for up to 5500 sq. ft. An eco mode for light jobs saves on battery life, while the turbo mode allows this mower to cut through long/thick grass with ease.
This mower has a 14” clearance width; although pretty average for the industry, it does suit smaller properties better since it will take more passes to get the job done. Combine the small clearance width with the limitation of battery life, and you may have a hard time using this machine for large lawns. The last thing you want to do is charge the batteries halfway through a cut, so take your yard into consideration before purchasing this model.
This cordless electric mower is the best mower I’ve ever owned. The batteries really simplify things for me, I don’t have to worry about having gas on hand or dragging a cord around. There is much less hassle and I love how quiet it is. I can cut the grass while my young children are sleeping, and it doesn’t wake them up. For me, it doesn’t get better than this battery powered mower.
Krista L.
This mower is a durable 35.3 lbs with the ability to bag or mulch the clippings from the yard. There are 3 cutting heights to allow adjustments of the mower deck, but it is not as versatile as other mowers. If you are someone who doesn’t care too much about the height of your grass as long as it doesn’t resemble a countryside, this is the mower for you. Bonus feature, this mower folds up quite compactly for simple storage.
Worx WG779 Battery Powered Lawn Mower Specifications
- Dimensions: 53” x 14.5” x 39”
- Weight: 35.3 lbs
- Color: Black and orange
- Material: Metal
- Clearance Width: 14”
- Cutting Heights: 3
- Grass Bag: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year
Worx WG779 Battery Powered Lawn Mower Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Cuts up to 5500 sq. ft per charge
- Very comfortable handle to reduce grip fatigue
- Folds for easy storage
- Eco mode for battery saving capability
Cons
Cons
- Few cutting heights
- Battery life is a limiting factor
Our Final Opinion About the Worx WG779 Battery Powered Lawn Mower
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, this Worx model is ideal for smaller yards due to the limitation of the battery life, but its eco mode and smart battery saving capabilities make this machine a no brainer for those who prefer gasless mowers. As long as you can keep track of the battery life, this mower will be great a option.
Our Hand-Reel Pick for a Lawn Mower
Presentation of the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 Deluxe Hand Reel Mower
The Eco Choice
American Lawn Mower
If you are in the market for a lightweight, simple lawn mower that is great for both you and the environment, there is no better choice than the American Lawn Mower Deluxe hand reel mower. This mower takes gas, electricity, and maintenance completely off the table.
American Lawn Mower 1204-14 Deluxe Hand Reel Mower Video Review
What We Think of the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 Deluxe Hand Reel Mower
American Lawn Mower’s deluxe hand reel mower could not offer more to its users. It comes in a brilliant orange, is very lightweight, has the clearance width of a standard mower, is made of a durable material, and can stand on its own without leaning against anything. There is nothing else we could ask for in a hand powered mower.
The compactness of this mower allows you to store it essentially anywhere; it can be stored easily in the garage, a shed, a corner of the yard, in the basement or a closet, and anywhere else you could possibly want to put it. It is very easy to move around at only 20 lbs, but it is still heavy enough to sit solidly on the ground for an even cut.
I am beyond happy with this little hand powered mower. I have a small lawn both in the front and back of my house and no exterior access to the backyard. This lightweight mower is perfect for me because I can carry it through the house easily and store it in my basement (I am shed-less and garage-less). It works really well and could not be simpler to use. Highly recommend.
Georgia E.
This more is made of an alloy steel so is highly durable. It comes with a 90 day warranty as well, just in case something breaks, or it arrives damaged or missing pieces. There are a couple quick things to note; as is typical with lawn mowers, the handle is not adjustable. If you are a taller individual, your back may tire out using this mower. Also, due to the design of the blades, sticks and stones can get caught and jam the blades, so it is important to clear your yard of debris before using this mower.
American Lawn Mower 1204-14 Deluxe Hand Reel Mower Specifications
- Dimensions: 20” x 24” x 42.5”
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Color: Orange
- Material: Alloy steel
- Clearance Width: 14”
- Cut Height Range: 0.5” to 1.75”
- Grass Bag: No
- Warranty: 90 days
American Lawn Mower 1204-14 Deluxe Hand Reel Mower Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- No maintenance
- Great for the environment (no gas or electricity use)
- Ideal for small spaces
- Durable
Cons
- Handle length may be an issue for taller people
- Yard needs to be cleared of debris to prevent jamming
Our Final Opinion About the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 Deluxe Hand Reel Mower
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, this American Lawn Mower model is the optimal combination of simplicity and hard work. Although it requires a bit of forethought (height of user and yard clearance prior to mowing), there is no better choice for small spaces or eco-conscious individuals.
Alternative Products to Consider
Presentation of the Craftsman M275 Gas Powered Lawn Mower
The Versatile Choice
Craftsman
Craftsman’s M275 gas powered lawn mower offers the highest quality motor and 3-in-1 discharge capabilities, features that put other gas mowers to shame. If you are looking for a powerful lawn mower that can be adjusted to all your preferences, look no farther than this Craftsman model.
What We Think of the Craftsman M275 Gas Powered Lawn Mower
This self propelled gas mower by Craftsman comes in a stylish candy apple red. Although its color is its most eye catching feature, this machine offers a lot to potential users. It is a wider mower with a clearance width of 21” which makes it perfect for people with larger yards and/or fewer obstacles to maneuver around. This mower is made of metal so is very durable; it will be able to withstand harsher treatment and a harder workload as a result.
There are a couple detriments that you should be aware of. First is its weight. At nearly 87 lbs this mower is on the heavier side, so if you are a smaller individual or have relevant health concerns, a lighter model would definitely be a better choice. Secondly, this mower is very expensive. Although this machine is one of the top models currently on the market, we understand that your budget does need to be considered during the decision making process.
This is the best lawn mower I have ever owned. I upgraded to this machine from an electric mower after moving to a property with a larger yard. Let me tell you, this mower has been a lifesaver. The easy height adjustments and the self propulsion really make this chore a breeze. I never thought I would enjoy cutting the grass until I purchased this machine.
Adam S.
This mower does come with a grass bag to prevent mess, and it can obviously only be used with the rear discharge feature. The mower does also have the option to mulch the grass or be used with a side discharge; it all depends on your preference and yard. Six cutting heights make this machine highly versatile so you can cut the grass exactly to your liking. A 2 year warranty should lend you a little extra confidence for this decision.
Craftsman M275 Gas Powered Lawn Mower Specifications
- Dimensions: 36.6” x 17.8” x 17.8”
- Weight: 86.8 lbs
- Color: Red
- Material: Metal
- Clearance Width: 21”
- Cutting Heights: 6
- Grass Bag: Yes
- Warranty: 2 years
Craftsman M275 Gas Powered Lawn Mower Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Powerful engine
- 3 discharge options (mulch, rear discharge, side discharge)
- Very durable
Cons
- Very expensive
- Quite heavy
Our Final Opinion About the Craftsman M275 Gas Powered Lawn Mower
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, Craftsman’s M275 lawn mower is a leader in self propelled machines. Combined with a powerful engine and versatile components, this model is the optimum choice for yard enthusiasts and everyday homeowners alike.
Presentation of the GreenWorks 25062 Reel Lawn Mower
The Best of Both
GreenWorks
For those people out there who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a standard mower or who don’t have the room to store it, but still want a bag system, the Greenworks 25062 reel lawn mower is the machine designed for you. It combines the grass bag from traditional mowers with the simplicity of manual mowers.
GreenWorks 25062 Reel Lawn Mower Video Review
What We Think of the GreenWorks 25062 Reel Lawn Mower
GreenWorks takes the best features of manual mowers and the best features of traditional mowers and throws them together in this model. An 18” clearance width makes this manual mower even more efficient than many powered mowers out there that average a 14” clearance width. This mower is made of a durable metal frame and blades that will hold up against long jobs. Although yard debris will jam the blades, you don’t need to worry about it breaking the machine.
At 30 lbs, this reel lawn mower is heavier than some other manual mowers. However, as long as the height is adjusted properly for the length of grass and evenness of terrain, you won’t have a problem moving this model around the yard. It is also very easy to store anywhere since it takes up such a small amount of space.
There is no better manual mower out there. I would choose this over a powered mower any day too. The addition of a grass bag and the extravagance of 9 cutting heights feels almost decadent. The great clearing width speeds up the yard a lot. GreenWorks really knocked it out of the park with this mower. I highly recommend this to everyone out there, it really doesn’t get better.
Florence J.
There are a few things we absolutely love about this GreenWorks machine. First off, it comes with a grass bag which is a rare find for mowers of this kind. There are also 9 different height levels; yes, you read that correctly. With that level of specification between 1.75” and 2.75” heights, your grass will look exactly the way you want it. GreenWorks really maintains the simplicity of manual mowers while including the rich features we have come to expect of powered mowers.
GreenWorks 25062 Reel Lawn Mower Specifications
- Dimensions: 25” x 43.5” x 33.8”
- Weight: 30 lbs
- Color: Green
- Material: Metal
- Clearance Width: 18”
- Cutting Heights: 9
- Cut Height Range: 1.75” to 2.75”
- Grass Bag: Yes
GreenWorks 25062 Reel Lawn Mower Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Has a grass chute
- Wide clearance width
- Impressive number of height options
Cons
Cons
- Yard needs to be cleared of debris before use
- Pricey for a manual mower
Our Final Opinion About the GreenWorks 25062 Reel Lawn Mower
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, this manual mower by GreenWorks combines the best features of manual mowers and powered mowers. This hybrid model can be used for small or large yards and boasts the highest standard of height choice. If a combination of simplicity and functionality is what you’re after, this is the mower you want.
Presentation of the Black+Decker MTC220 12-Inch Cordless Trimmer/Edger and Mower
The 3-in-1 Choice
Black+Decker
If you have a large or small lawn that requires a few different tools for a pristine look but you don’t want to purchase multiple pieces of lawn equipment, we have the answer. This Black+Decker MTC220 12-inch cordless trimmer/edger and mower is the versatile option you’ve been looking for.
Black+Decker MTC220 12-Inch Cordless Trimmer/Edger and Mower Video Review
What We Think of the Black+Decker MTC220 12-Inch Cordless Trimmer/Edger and Mower
This is one of the most unique lawn mowers on the market in that it is and is not a mower – it’s everything at once. This versatile tool can be used as a trimmer, edger, and lawn mower. It uses the standard trimmer setup with an automatic feed system for a continuous working length without needing to stop and pull out more string from the spool.
This tool is ideal for large and small lawns since it runs on battery power. Though the battery life is short at around 15 minutes of use per charge, it does come with two batteries for double the working time without a charging break. It takes about 4 hours to charge a battery, which is fairly reasonable for this size and battery life when you consider how long it typically takes to mow a lawn or trim along a driveway.
I have 3 acres of property that needs to be cut, and trimming along my long driveway or along all of my fences would kill my back with a normal whipper snapper. This little machine saves my back and is quite relaxing to use. You do need a bit of a vacuuming motion on longer grass, but I’d rather spend a little longer edging than have sore arms and back. The battery only lasts 15 minutes but it comes with two.
marvin t.
The adjustable height deck on the mower attachment offers 2 cut heights of either 1.6” or 2.4”. the pivoting handle makes maneuverability easier, but since you’re pushing the more with one hand instead of two like on a standard mower, you may notice greater difficulty achieving straight lines or walking up slight inclines. The lightweight design makes it easy for anyone to use, and is a great choice for elderly people as well as younger teenagers who can’t handle the bulk of a traditional mower.
Black+Decker MTC220 12-Inch Cordless Trimmer/Edger and Mower Specifications
- Dimensions: 40.5” x 15.3” x 7.4”
- Weight: 10 lbs
- Colour: Orange
- Material: Plastic
- Clearance Width: 12”
- Cutting Heights: 2
- Cut Height Range: 1.6” to 2.4”
- Grass Bag: No
- Warranty: 2 years
Black+Decker MTC220 12-Inch Cordless Trimmer/Edger and Mower Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Incredibly versatile
- Cordless operation
- Affordable
- Comes with 2 batteries for extended run time between charging
Cons
Cons
- Smaller cut width
- No blades
Our Final Opinion About the Black+Decker MTC220 12-Inch Cordless Trimmer/Edger and Mower
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, we’re pleased with the design, functionality, quality, and ease of use of this Black+Decker 3-in-1 mower, edger, and trimmer. You’ll never meet a blade of grass that can’t be chopped with this versatile tool, and the value to usability ratio is excellent.
Presentation of the Sun Joe MJ401E Mow Joe Electric Lawn Mower
The Best Overall
Sun Jow
If you are looking for an inexpensive lawn mower that has all the features you could need, our top pick Sun Joe MJ401E is the machine for you. It is lightweight, powerful, easy to store, and highly maneuverable. Essentially, this mower is the perfect combination of quality and budget friendliness.
Sun Joe MJ401E Mow Joe Electric Lawn Mower Video Review
What We Think of the Sun Joe MJ401E Mow Joe Electric Lawn Mower
Sun Joe’s MJ401E electric lawn mower is one of the highest rated on the market. It is ideal for smaller sized yards since its range is limited by the length of your extension cord. This mower has 3 height options between 1.2 inches and 2.5 inches. Although we like that there are 3 height options available, it does have to be adjusted manually on the underside of the mower. This may become more difficult over time and may leave you with some messy hands.
Another downside of this mower is its durability; the shell around the base of the mower is made of a forgiving plastic, so you need to be careful not to hit anything while mowing the lawn or it will bend in and interfere with the blades. This Sun Joe mower has a large removable grass bag to contain the mess of lawn maintenance; it can also be left off if you have a mulching job to do.
I am very happy with my Sun Joe lawn mower. I’ve been using it for about 2 months now with weekly yard trims and it has performed perfectly so far. Its lightweight and very easy to store and it cuts through the grass really easily. I used to struggle to push my old electric mower but this one moves great. I highly recommend it to everyone with a small enough yard to use an extension cord.
Joanne F.
This mower has a respectable 14” clearance width and weighs only 28 lbs; light enough to be carried around but sturdy enough to move through all grass types with ease. The handle on this machine is also collapsible; combined with the removable grass bag, this mower outcompetes everything else on the market in terms of ease of storage. A 2 year warranty supports our confidence in this electric mower.
Sun Joe MJ401E Mow Joe Electric Lawn Mower Specifications
- Dimensions: 36” x 16” x 38.5”
- Weight: 28 lbs
- Color: Green
- Material: Plastic
- Clearance Width: 14”
- Cutting Heights: 3
- Cut Height Range: 1.2” to 2.5”
- Grass Bag: Yes
- Warranty: 2 years
Sun Joe MJ401E Mow Joe Electric Lawn Mower Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Handle is collapsible
- Good price
- Large grass bag for clipping containment
Cons
- Height has to be adjusted manually underneath the mower
- Only 3 height options
- Not the most durable
Our Final Opinion About the Sun Joe MJ401E Mow Joe Electric Lawn Mower
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, this electric lawn mower is designed to suit the needs of everybody. It is a wallet friendly choice that offers high quality, consistent mowing and it can be used for any type of yard. It is very easy to use and can handle nearly any job thrown its way; its few inadequacies are small prices to pay for a mower of this caliber.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Lawn Mower
What are the Different Types of Lawn Mowers?
There are four main types of lawn mowers; electric powered, gas powered, riding mowers, and manual/hand reel mowers. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to consider your yard size and type before deciding which type of mower is best suited to your needs.
Extensive properties are best suited to riding mowers because of how quickly they can get the job done. These mowers have the most powerful engines and the widest clearance paths to efficiently accomplish this chore.
However, these mowers will also need more maintenance, cost more to operate due to the power demand, and they will also put quite a dent in your wallet for their initial purchase.
Electric and gas powered mowers are great options for a typical residential home. They have large enough clearance widths to be efficient, but they are also maneuverable enough to get around obstacles such as trees, gardens, decks, and other lawn décor.
Electric mowers can be corded or powered by batteries; battery powered mowers are great because the range of the machine is not limited by an extension cord, but the battery life is a limitation in itself as well.
In general, smaller yards are better for battery powered machines because you won’t need to charge the batteries between every use.
Gas powered mowers are great because they can run for a long time and you don’t need to worry about a tangled extension cord. However, these mowers will require more maintenance and you’ll always need to have gas handy.
They are also loud and typically weigh more than electric mowers, so they aren’t ideal for everybody.
The fourth type of lawn mower is the reel lawn mower. These are hand push mowers that are smaller and lighter than every other type.
They are usually significantly less expensive than traditional type mowers and they store much easier too. However, since these mowers rely on you for all their power, they are best used for smaller yards to prevent fatigue.
Why Is It Important to Cut Your Grass Regularly?
There are a couple things that make regular lawn maintenance important. First is the aesthetic.
A well manicured lawn establishes the home as one of care and attention; nothing looks better than a lush green lawn kept neat and tidy by regular maintenance.
Secondly, regular grass cutting will keep the yard healthy. Mowing the lawn will keep pests away that may damage the grass, and it will also ensure that debris is picked up regularly to prevent grass from dying out.
Pros and Cons of Powered vs. Manual Lawn Mowers
Pros of Powered Mowers
- Less work required by you to get the job done
- Typically faster because they have a wider clearance width
- More features and functionality
- More opportunity for adjustable components
Cons of Powered Mowers
- More expensive than manual mowers for both the initial purchase and the upkeep
- Require maintenance and have more parts that can get damaged
- They are noisier than manual mowers
- Heavier and more difficult to store
Pros of Manual Mowers
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver around obstacles
- Require no maintenance or fuel
- Very quiet and simple to operate
- Less expensive to purchase than powered mowers
Cons of Manual Mowers
- Require more effort from you
- Easily get jammed on lawn debris
- Typically have small clearance widths so are not ideal for medium to large properties
- Often lack features that are standard on powered machines
How to Properly Choose Your Lawn Mower
- Price.
The price of the lawnmower will most likely be one of the top three factors governing which model you are going to purchase.
The more features you want and the larger the size, the more expensive the initial investment is going to be.
While you can expect to pay a decent amount of money no matter which lawn mower you purchase, it is definitely important to weigh out the pros and cons to ensure you are not spending more money than you need to on features that aren’t important.
- Cordless vs. Corded.
When it comes to electric mowers, you can find them in both corded and cordless models. Corded models are great because they can cut for as long as they need to, whereas battery powered models are reliant on the battery life.
The last thing you want is to be in the middle of the yard and have your mower die.
Battery powered mowers do have the advantage in maneuverability though; they can go longer distances and get around obstacles way easier than corded mowers dragging around an extension cord. The best option will really depend on your yard shape and décor.
- Electric, Gas, or Manual.
There are many models for electric, gas, and manual mowers on the market. Before deciding which model you want, deciding on the overall category that is best for you and your property must e the first step.
There are many factors that go into this decision since each mower type offers different benefits and drawbacks. For help making this decision, check out our Things to Know section above.
- Clearing Width.
The optimal clearing width you should be shopping for really depends on the size of your lawn(s) and how many obstacles (moveable or not) are in the way.
If you have a relatively large property and/or lack of obstacles, a wider clearing width is definitely the way to go because you won’t have to worry so much about maneuverability and it will get the job done quickly.
Smaller yards or those with lots of décor/obstacles would benefit from a smaller clearance width because it is easier to get around things and the job will still not take an excessive amount of time.
- Weight.
The optimum weight of lawn mower is really going to depend on where you have to move the mower, the incline of your lawn, and your personal physique.
For capable individuals with a flat yard and easy access to storage, a heavier mower will not be an issue.
However, people with an incline on their property, health concerns/physical weaknesses, difficult storage demand, or just a desire to avoid heavy equipment would all appreciate a lighter machine.
- Power.
The power in a lawn mower should be an important factor you consider when shopping around. Obviously, the power in a manual mower is coming entirely from you, so those models are not included in this discussion.
Gas mowers tend to be more powerful than electric mowers as a rule, so if you have a very dense lawn or a lot of weeds to get through on a regular basis, a gas mower is definitely the way to go.
For typical lawns kept well maintained, a lower powered gas mower or electric mower will be more than adequate.
- Height Adjustments.
The need for height adjustments is entirely a personal preference. Some people like to keep their lawn a very precise length and others are happy to just have it look good.
The height adjustment options can range anywhere from 1 height to 9, and those with more tend to be more expensive. Deciding which amount is right for you will determine how important this feature is when you are shopping for your mower.
- Bag vs. Chute.
Lawnmowers with removable bag attachments do a great job of keeping a lawn tidy and avoiding the unclean look of grass clippings bunching up on the lawn and/or covering the sidewalks.
Most lawn mowers with bags can also function without them, so this feature probably won’t be a very important factor.
However, storing a lawn mower with a bag will take up extra space, so those with limited storage options may opt for a bagless/chute mower instead.
- Warranty.
Our final tip is to consider the warranty period of the lawn mower you purchase.
In this guide alone, we see them range from 90 days to 3 years, so your willingness to replace broken/damaged parts will determine how comfortable you are purchasing a lawn mower with a shorter warranty period.
We have also found that products with longer warranty periods have better durability; the warranty length seems to indicate the level of confidence a company has in its product.
You can use this correlation to help make your purchase decision easier.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of lawn mowers allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
