Top Rated Lawn Mowers

We found the best 2008 lawn mower review at Consumer Reports, where a team puts 45 gas and electric lawn mowers through rigorous standardized tests. This report covers walk-behind lawn mowers, including self-propelled and push gas mowers, along with both cordless and corded electric, and manual reel lawn mowers.

This review rates each lawn mower on its ability to cut grass evenly, as well as its performance in all three modes of handling grass clippings: Mulching, bagging and side-discharging. In addition, mowers are tested for maneuverability and rated for overall ease of use. Even though this is the most comprehensive review we found, it does have some gaps. The review fails to report each lawn mower's noise level or environmental impact. Only three manual reel mowers are reviewed, very briefly, and the new 19-inch Neuton electric lawn mower isn't tested.

Best-value self-propelled lawn mower • Lawn-Boy 10795 Insight Platinum ($530 estimate.)

Reviews top-rate the recoil-start self-propelled Lawn-Boy mower for side-discharging clippings and say it also does a good job of bagging them (it doesn't do as well at mulching). Though it doesn’t meet the strictest emissions standards in California (called CARB), the Lawn-Boy mower uses a Honda four-cycle OHV engine, which is the most "green" type of non-CARB compliant gas engine. Single-lever height adjustment and a folding handle add convenience. Its variable speed and eight-inch wheels help tackle hilly terrain. The mower has a long five-year warranty and a rust-proof deck.

Gas push mower • Cub Cadet 11A-18MC ($230 estimate)

Like most gas push mowers, this Cub Cadet model isn't available in California because it doesn't meet the higher emissions standards there. Though its four-cycle OHV engine is more efficient than most, the engine itself is made in China. Nonetheless, reviews say this basic lawn mower performs well and is easy to use. It has a steel deck and carries a two-year warranty. This model is also sold as the Cub Cadet CC-500.

Lawn experts recommend mulching grass clippings and leaves whenever possible. Reviews praise this top-ranked Honda self-propelled gas mower for both mulching and bagging grass clippings. Instead of choosing one or the other mode, you can set the mower to bag a certain percentage. This electric-start lawn mower meets even California's strict standards for emissions, but it’s available in the other 49 states as well. The mower carries a three-year warranty and has a rustproof deck, but it's expensive -- and hard to find, except from specialty dealers.

Among corded electric lawn mowers, we found the best reviews for the Black & Decker MM875. Although you have to deal with a power cord, electric mowers are quiet and almost maintenance free. Reviewers like the rotary blades on Black & Decker electric mowers, plus conveniences like one-lever height adjustment. The handle folds down for storage, and the polymer deck has a lifetime warranty. Maximum cord length is 100 feet, so it's best for small lawns.

According to reviews, the cordless Black & Decker CMM1200 actually does a better job than most corded electric mowers, mulching more effectively and cutting more evenly. It can mow up to about 1/3 acre on one battery charge. The CMM1200 has a folding handle, one-lever height adjustment and a polymer deck with lifetime warranty. The downside is that it costs more than a corded mower, and you'll need to buy a new battery in a couple of years.

Owners say that manual reel mowers require little maintenance and are the ultimate in quiet. They are also fun to use as long as your lawn is relatively small, flat and weed-free. Reviewers like the 5-bladed Scotts Green Classic reel mower for its 20-inch cutting width and maximum cutting height of 3 inches, recommending it for upright grasses such as fescue. (Reviews recommend 7-bladed reel mowers for low, tough grasses such as Bermuda, Zoysia or St. Augustine.)

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top rated lawn mowers