Finding the right basic lawn mower can make a world of difference when it comes to maintaining your yard. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, a reliable and easy-to-use mower is essential. We’ve scoured the market and tested various models to bring you a curated list of the best basic lawn mowers that offer great value, performance, and user-friendliness. Get ready to discover your perfect lawn care companion!
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 Best Basic Lawn Mower Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. LawnMaster CLM2413A Cordless 13-Inch Lawn Mower 24V Max with 2X4.0Ah Battery and a Charger
★★★★☆ Rating: 4.2/5
The LawnMaster CLM2413A is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a lightweight and easy-to-handle mower. It’s perfect for smaller to medium-sized yards and makes yard work feel less like a chore. You’ll appreciate its quiet operation and the convenience of going cordless.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 13-inch cutting width suitable for smaller yards.
- ✓ Powered by a 24V MAX* li-ion battery for ample runtime.
- ✓ 5-position cutting height adjustment from 1 to 2.55 inches.
- ✓ Lightweight design for easy maneuverability.
Why We Recommend It
This mower is a great entry-level choice for anyone seeking a hassle-free lawn care experience. Its user-friendly design and reliable performance make it a standout basic lawn mower. It gets the job done efficiently without any fuss.
Best For
Ideal for homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns, townhouses, or those who prioritize ease of use and lightweight design.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very lightweight and easy to push and maneuver.
- Quiet operation compared to gas mowers.
- Simple assembly and operation.
- Comes with battery and charger.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for very thick or tall grass.
- Cutting width is modest, making it less ideal for large areas.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review:
The mower arrived in a smallish box, which was surprising to me, but the mower is still a good sized mower. The mower itself was very lightweight and the instructions were very easy to understand is putting the handle together and preparing the mower for use. I charged the batteries for their first use.
Customer Review:
The price on this battery mower was great and I then I noticed Amazon had a returned mower from which turned out to be a brand new mower without the original box. I chose this mower after watching several UK reviews on Youtube. This version of the mower does not have rear roller and only one cutoff.
2. LUXTER 9-Inch Cordless Mini Lawn Mower with Brushless Motor and Adjustable Cutting Heights
★★★★☆ Rating: 4.0/5
For those with very small yards or specific trimming needs, the LUXTER 9-Inch Cordless Mini Lawn Mower is a surprisingly capable little machine. Its compact size and lightweight design make it incredibly easy to handle, perfect for detailed work or quick touch-ups.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Powerful 6000RPM brushless motor for efficiency and longevity.
- ✓ 3-position cutting height adjustment.
- ✓ Extremely lightweight at only 9.2lbs.
- ✓ Detachable pole for compact storage.
Why We Recommend It
This mini mower is a fantastic choice for precision tasks and ultra-compact spaces. If you need something easy to store and operate for small jobs, the LUXTER stands out. Its brushless motor is a nice touch for enhanced durability.
Best For
Perfect for gardeners with tiny yards, balconies, or those who need a supplementary tool for precise lawn edging and trimming.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very compact and lightweight.
- Easy to assemble and operate.
- Brushless motor for better performance.
- Adjustable cutting height.
Cons:
- Limited cutting width makes it unsuitable for larger lawns.
- Battery life might be a concern for slightly larger areas.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review:
I think this would be a great gadget in the right circumstances for it! I’m glad it exists. It didn’t work for my needs and I wound up sending it back with no issues, but someone needing a light mower to break out and do a small space once in a while, this would fit the bill nicely!
Customer Review:
Im not sure if I received a faulty but I followed instructions and lawn mower did notTurn on, very disappointed I was excited to try it.
3. Litheli 13.2-Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower for Lawns up to 1300 Sq.Ft.
★★★★☆ Rating: 4.1/5
The Litheli 13.2-Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower is an excellent budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on performance for its price point. It’s designed for ease of use and efficient mowing, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Capable of mowing up to 1,300 sq. ft. on a full charge.
- ✓ Features 5 mowing height adjustments for versatility.
- ✓ High-performance motor for reliable cutting.
- ✓ Low-maintenance and quiet operation.
Why We Recommend It
For its price, the Litheli mower offers a robust set of features and solid performance. It’s a dependable basic lawn mower that’s easy to manage and delivers a clean cut, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune for a good mower.
Best For
Homeowners with small to medium yards looking for an affordable yet effective cordless electric mower.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great value for the price.
- Easy to assemble and maneuver.
- Decent cutting capacity for its size.
- Quiet and eco-friendly operation.
Cons:
- Battery life might require supplemental charging for larger areas.
- Charger blocks are not included.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review:
Purchased for a newly seeded grassed area & for the elderly person who was going to use it. Minimal assembly is needed & easy. It comes with the battery & charging cord but not the charger but we ordered the charger from the company. Maneuverability is very easy. Much quieter than gas powered mower.
Customer Review:
Only used this mower once. So far, so good. It arrived almost fully assembled, and was very easy to attach the handle and wheels. It comes with two rechargeable batteries which are easily charged with a Type C charger. The charging cords are included, but not the charging blocks. I had two on hand already.
4. Walensee 20-Inch 5-Blade Cordless Manual Reel Lawn Mower with 9-Position Height Adjustment
★★★★☆ Rating: 4.3/5
If you’re looking for a truly basic, eco-friendly, and exercise-inducing lawn mower, the Walensee 20-Inch Manual Reel Lawn Mower is a classic choice. It requires no gas, no oil, and no electricity, offering a straightforward way to keep your lawn tidy.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Scissor-like cutting action for a clean, healthy cut.
- ✓ Wide 20-inch cutting width for quicker mowing.
- ✓ Large 10-inch drive wheels for smooth operation.
- ✓ 9-position adjustable cutting height from 1.0 to 2.5 inches.
Why We Recommend It
This reel mower is a fantastic option for maintaining smaller, well-kept lawns. It’s a durable, no-frills basic lawn mower that promotes physical activity and offers a sustainable way to mow. It’s ideal if you enjoy a manual approach to yard work.
Best For
Small to medium lawns, homeowners who prefer manual tools, or those looking for an eco-friendly and quiet mowing solution.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly and no fuel costs.
- Very quiet operation.
- Provides a healthy cut that’s good for grass.
- Good exercise!
Cons:
- Requires physical effort to push, especially on uneven terrain.
- May struggle with very tall or thick grass.
- Assembly instructions could be clearer.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review:
This is a preliminary review, because I wanted to compare the real-world usage of this Walensee reel mower to my 18” Great States reel mower (ASIN B0007ZK5V2) that I purchased four years ago and rarely use. But it’s winter, and it’s been raining almost constantly since I received this mower for review.
Customer Review:
Overall a very solid manual lawn mower with 16 inch cut. First, it arrived in a box inside another box and is pretty heavy. 2nd, Really easy to assemble, but no directions enclosed and that would have been nice and could imagine confusion for some. 3rd, blades are sharpe and height is adjustable. 4th, I like the self-lubricating mechanism on the wheels.
5. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 304
★★★★☆ Rating: 4.1/5
The Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 304 is a classic manual reel mower known for its simplicity and effectiveness. It’s a great option for maintaining a neat lawn without the complexities and costs associated with motorized mowers.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 14-inch cutting width.
- ✓ 5-blade reel with durable alloy steel blades.
- ✓ T-style handle with a comfortable cushioned grip.
- ✓ Adjustable cutting height.
Why We Recommend It
This Scotts reel mower offers a straightforward, eco-friendly approach to lawn care. It’s a reliable and easy-to-use basic lawn mower for those who appreciate manual tools and a quiet, clean cut. It’s built to last and provides a good workout.
Best For
Small to medium lawns, eco-conscious homeowners, and those seeking a simple, no-fuss mowing solution.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Quiet and environmentally friendly.
- Provides a healthy cut for grass.
- Comfortable handle for better grip.
- Affordable and low maintenance.
Cons:
- Requires physical exertion to operate.
- Not ideal for very large lawns or rough terrain.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review:
It’s a little noisy, but it cuts very good. I would recommend to raise the blade to the highest setting as I did, or it could cut your grass shorter than you want it. The price was good and it works very good. I like how when you’re done mowing, u pull it and it goes easy and fast, the blade doesn’t get bogged down.
Customer Review:
Just moved into a house (renting) in an HOA, so it was time to start mowing the lawn. Renting a lawnmower from the store seemed like a good option but we both knew that after a few times, it would eventually cost more than just buying our own, but I have never mowed a lawn and I really didn’t want to. This Scotts mower was perfect for a beginner.
6. Litheli U20 Handy+ 13-Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower with 5 Height Adjustments
★★★☆☆ Rating: 3.7/5
The Litheli U20 Handy+ 13-Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower is designed for ultimate convenience and storage. Its compact, foldable design makes it a breeze to tuck away, even in smaller garages or sheds, while still offering a capable mowing experience.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Mows up to 1,300 sq. ft. on a full charge.
- ✓ Features 5 mowing height adjustments.
- ✓ Ultra-compact, foldable design for easy storage.
- ✓ Lightweight construction.
Why We Recommend It
This Litheli model is a top pick for apartment dwellers or those with limited storage space. It proves that a basic lawn mower can be both functional and incredibly space-saving. It’s easy to use and maintain, making lawn care simple.
Best For
Small yards, limited storage spaces, and users who prioritize a lightweight and foldable design.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent foldable design for storage.
- Very lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- Quiet operation.
- Good for small yards.
Cons:
- Can struggle with very thick or tall grass.
- Battery can pop up on uneven terrain.
- May shut down in challenging conditions.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review:
Awesome compact mower for my tiny yard. I love that it is battery operated, it has a bag that is easily detached and cleaned out, and the BEST part is that I can fold the handles and fit the whole thing under a card table in my garage! I use it on the highest blade setting, but it can clip very short.
Customer Review:
I like that it weighs so little and it has a narrow wheel base. Basically it is a very light duty unit and not suitable for thick and high grass. I dont know how to keep the battery from popping up every time I go over thick grass. I am now mowing at the highest setting and it still shuts down when it hits thick spots.
7. WORX 14″ Cordless Lawn Mower, 2 in 1 Electric Mower Cuts Quietly, Compact & Lightweight Push Lawn…
★★★★☆ Rating: 4.2/5
The WORX 14″ Cordless Lawn Mower offers a blend of power and convenience, featuring a 2-in-1 system that handles mulching and bagging. It’s designed for users who want a quiet, efficient, and powerful cordless experience without the hassle of cords or gas.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 40V power (using two 20V batteries) for efficient cutting.
- ✓ IntelliCut technology for automatic speed adjustment.
- ✓ 2-in-1 mulching and bagging capability.
- ✓ Compatible with WORX PowerShare batteries.
Why We Recommend It
This WORX mower is a solid choice for a basic lawn mower that provides modern features like intelligent cutting and battery versatility. It offers a quiet and effective mowing experience, making it a great addition to any homeowner’s toolkit.
Best For
Homeowners with medium-sized yards who value quiet operation, smart features, and battery compatibility.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful 40V system.
- IntelliCut feature is very useful.
- Versatile 2-in-1 functionality.
- Batteries are interchangeable with other WORX tools.
Cons:
- Can be a bit heavier than some other basic models.
- Bag capacity might be small for some users.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review:
I was surprised at how sturdy this mower is. I never used a battery powered mower and had doubts about how well it would work and how long the batteries last, but I found that it worked as well as any mower I’ve had and the batteries weren’t depleted even by the time I finished mowing. Note that this is a basic mower and not designed for very thick grass.
Customer Review:
After the professional mowing company I’ve been using for several years raised their prices significantly during the pandemic to better cover their rising gasoline costs, I decide to revolt by buying this little battery mower and mow my average size lawn myself. This thing paid for itself in no time and works great for my needs.
Complete Buying Guide for Best Basic Lawn Mower
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best basic lawn mower, we looked at several key factors to ensure we recommended truly valuable products. First, ease of use is paramount – a basic mower should be simple to assemble, start, and operate, even for beginners. We also considered cutting performance, ensuring the mowers could handle typical lawn conditions effectively. Battery life (for cordless models) or fuel efficiency (for gas models, though less common for basic) was crucial for completing the job without interruption. Finally, durability and build quality were assessed to ensure the mower would last through several seasons.
Budget Planning
Basic lawn mowers generally fall into a more affordable price range compared to their high-end counterparts. You can expect to find excellent options for under $300, with some manual reel mowers being significantly less. Cordless electric mowers, while offering more convenience, might lean towards the higher end of the “basic” spectrum, often ranging from $200 to $400 depending on battery inclusion and features. Manual reel mowers are the most budget-friendly, often available for under $100.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right basic lawn mower depends on your lawn size, your budget, and your personal preferences. Whether you opt for the simplicity of a manual reel mower, the convenience of a cordless electric, or a reliable gas-powered model, the key is to find a mower that fits your needs and makes lawn maintenance manageable. We hope this guide helps you make an informed decision!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is considered a “basic” lawn mower?
A: A basic lawn mower typically refers to a model that offers essential functionality without advanced features like self-propulsion, variable speed control, or specialized cutting modes. They are generally simpler to operate, more affordable, and ideal for smaller to medium-sized yards.
Q: Are manual reel mowers still a good option?
A: Yes, manual reel mowers are an excellent option for homeowners with small, well-maintained lawns who prefer an eco-friendly, quiet, and exercise-friendly solution. They are also very budget-friendly and require minimal maintenance.
Q: How do I choose between a corded electric, cordless electric, or gas mower?
A: For basic needs and smaller yards, cordless electric mowers offer the best balance of convenience and power without the limitations of cords. Manual reel mowers are the simplest and most eco-friendly for very small areas. Gas mowers are typically more powerful but also noisier and require more maintenance, often going beyond the “basic” category.
Q: What cutting width should I look for in a basic lawn mower?
A: For basic lawn mowers, cutting widths typically range from 14 to 20 inches. A 14-16 inch mower is usually sufficient for small to medium lawns, while a 20-inch mower can speed up the process slightly.
Q: How important is battery life for cordless mowers?
A: Battery life is very important if you’re choosing a cordless electric mower. Ensure the mower’s battery runtime is sufficient to cover your entire lawn on a single charge. If not, consider models with swappable batteries or a longer-lasting battery pack.
Choosing the right basic lawn mower doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding your lawn’s needs and considering the features that matter most to you, you can find a reliable mower that makes yard work a breeze. Explore your options, consider the models we’ve highlighted, and get ready to enjoy a beautifully maintained lawn with less effort!