Should I buy a gas or electric lawn mower?
Electric Mowers: Best for Most Homeowners
Electric mowers come in corded and battery-powered versions. Battery models are the most popular now because they're quiet, emit no fumes, and start with a push button. They work well on yards up to about half an acre, depending on the battery and grass conditions. Corded electric mowers are cheaper and lighter but limit you to an extension cord's reach, usually 100 feet or less.
Maintenance is minimal: no oil changes, spark plugs, or air filters. You mainly need to keep the blade sharp and charge the battery. Battery life varies by brand and use, but most packs last several years before needing replacement. Replacement batteries can cost $100 to $300 or more, so factor that into the total cost.
- Quiet operation (often under 75 decibels)
- No gas, oil, or spark plugs
- Push-button start
- Best for yards under 1/2 acre
- Battery replacement adds long-term cost
Gas Mowers: Power and Runtime for Big Jobs
Gas mowers, especially self-propelled models, handle large lawns (over half an acre) and thick, tall, or wet grass with ease. They run as long as you have fuel, so you're not limited by battery charge. They typically have more torque for mulching or bagging heavy clippings.
The trade-offs are noise, weight, and maintenance. You'll need to change the oil, replace spark plugs and air filters, and manage fuel that can go stale. Gas mowers also produce emissions and require more storage space. Prices for a decent gas push mower start around $250 to $400, while self-propelled models run $400 to $700 or more.
- Unlimited runtime with refueling
- More power for thick grass
- Louder and heavier
- Requires regular engine maintenance
- Produces exhaust fumes
How to Decide
Start with your yard size. If it's under half an acre and relatively flat, a battery electric mower is usually the better choice. If you have a large lot, steep slopes, or frequently mow wet, thick grass, a gas mower may save you time and frustration. Also consider your tolerance for maintenance and noise, plus whether you have a place to store and charge a battery.
Budget matters too. Electric mowers often cost less upfront for comparable cutting width, but you may need extra batteries for larger yards. Gas mowers have a lower entry price but higher ongoing costs for fuel, oil, and tune-ups. If you're unsure, many retailers offer trial periods, and reviews from owners with similar lawns can help.
- Under 1/2 acre: go electric
- Over 1/2 acre or hilly: consider gas
- Wet or thick grass: gas has the edge
- Noise-sensitive neighborhood: electric
- Check battery replacement costs
Common mistakes
- Assuming electric mowers are always weaker: modern battery models can match many gas push mowers for typical suburban lawns.
- Forgetting that gas mowers need winterizing and regular oil changes, which adds time and cost.
- Buying a corded electric mower without measuring your yard's distance to an outlet, leading to frustration with extension cords.
