Hero Image

Buy the Right Lawn Mower: A Complete Guide for 2025

Buying a lawn mower seems simple—until you start comparing models, features, engine types, and price points.

Whether you're mowing a small patch of grass or maintaining a sprawling suburban lawn, the right mower can save you time, money, and frustration.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know before buying a lawn mower in 2025, including types, key features, pricing, and expert tips to help you make the best choice for your yard.

Step 1: Assess Your Lawn

Before diving into brands and specs, ask yourself:

  • What size is your lawn?
  • Under ¼ acre = small
  • ¼–½ acre = medium
  • Over ½ acre = large
  • What’s the terrain?
  • Flat? Sloped? Uneven?
  • Do you prefer push or ride?
  • Manual labor or sit-back convenience?
  • Is noise, emissions, or maintenance a concern?
  • Electric vs gas will matter here.

Step 2: Understand the Main Types of Lawn Mowers

1. Push Mowers (Gas or Electric)

  • Best for: Small to medium-sized lawns
  • Pros: Affordable, maneuverable, simple to store
  • Cons: Requires more effort on hills

🔧 Subtypes:

  • Reel mowers: Manual, no engine—eco-friendly
  • Electric corded: Quiet and lightweight, but range-limited
  • Electric cordless (battery-powered): Great for quiet, low-maintenance mowing

2. Self-Propelled Mowers

  • Best for: Medium to large lawns with hills
  • Pros: Mower moves forward on its own—less pushing effort
  • Cons: Pricier than basic push mowers

💡 Tip: Look for variable-speed models for better control.

3. Riding Lawn Mowers

  • Best for: ½ acre or more
  • Pros: Covers a lot of ground quickly with minimal physical effort
  • Cons: Higher upfront cost, needs more storage space

🛠️ Options:

  • Rear-engine riders: Compact and budget-friendly
  • Lawn tractors: Versatile with towing capabilities
  • Zero-turn mowers: Fast and agile—ideal for manicured lawns

4. Robotic Lawn Mowers

  • Best for: Tech-savvy homeowners with small to mid-sized lawns
  • Pros: Automated, quiet, and hands-off
  • Cons: Expensive and requires setup boundary wires

Example: Husqvarna Automower® or WORX Landroid

Step 3: Key Features to Consider

  • Cutting Width: Wider decks (20"–54") = fewer passes
  • Cutting Height Adjustments: For fine-tuning your lawn’s appearance
  • Mulching Capability: Recycles clippings into natural fertilizer
  • Bagging vs Side Discharge: Choose based on how you handle clippings
  • Engine Power (for gas): Measured in CCs—higher = more powerful
  • Battery Life (for electric): Check volts and runtime per charge
  • Maintenance Needs: Gas mowers require oil changes, spark plugs, etc.
  • Storage: Foldable handles or vertical storage saves garage space

Step 4: Budget Guide

  • Manual Reel Mower: $80–$150
  • Simple, eco-friendly, best for very small lawns
  • Electric Push Mower: $180–$350
  • Corded or battery-powered, ideal for small to mid-size yards
  • Gas Push Mower: $250–$500
  • Powerful and reliable, good for thicker grass and longer runtime
  • Self-Propelled Mower: $350–$750
  • Easier on slopes or large yards, mower drives itself
  • Riding Mower: $1,200–$4,000+
  • Best for large properties; includes tractors and zero-turn models
  • Robotic Mower: $900–$2,500
  • Smart, hands-free mowing for small to medium flat lawns

💸 Pro Tip: Battery-powered mowers may cost more upfront, but save money on fuel and maintenance over time.

Top Brands to Watch in 2025

  • Honda: Reliable gas engines and durable decks
  • EGO Power+: Leading in cordless electric power
  • Toro: Well-rounded and feature-rich
  • Greenworks: Great value for electric models
  • John Deere: Legendary for ride-on mowers
  • Craftsman: Affordable and accessible at big-box retailers

Where to Buy Lawn Mowers

  • Big-box stores: Lowe’s, Home Depot, Walmart
  • Online: Amazon, Acme Tools, manufacturer sites
  • Local dealers: Great for support and service on riding mowers
  • Secondhand: Check Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist—but inspect carefully

Final Thoughts: Pick What Works for Your Lawn

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to lawn mowers. The key is balancing your lawn size, effort level, and budget. A small city yard might only need a compact battery mower, while a sprawling yard with hills could benefit from a self-propelled or riding option.

Take time to compare specs, read reviews, and test in person if possible—because the right mower doesn’t just cut grass, it saves time and enhances your outdoor life.

Sources