Consumer Reports has found plenty of winners among the newest crop of gas and battery-powered walk-behinds. Standout models from recent years include push and self-propelled options from Ego, Greenworks, Honda, Ryobi, Snapper, Toro, Troy-Bilt, and other manufacturers.
One reason we were able to recommend so many models has to do with mulching, the process of cutting clippings into fine pieces. “We’re seeing noticeably better mulching performance for both gas and battery push mowers,” Trezza says. “They’re more able not only to cut your grass well but also to better mulch it and disperse it on your lawn.”
But not every walk-behind mower measures up. Several that left behind ugly clumps have an Overall Score of 60 or lower on CR’s 100-point scale. Others, without a mulching feature at all, score at the bottom of our ratings.
When you start to shop, keep in mind that some mower brands are associated only with Home Depot or Lowe’s, while others are sold only through independent dealers. Some brands may sell certain models at a big home improvement chain, while others go through dealers.
“Shop around, checking a few different stores,” says Courtney Pennicooke, the Consumer Reports product analyst who covers lawn mowers.
To see more options, check out our complete lawn mower and tractor ratings, which include ratings from over 160 models we’ve tested. If you’re not sure which type of lawn mower is right for your needs, start with our lawn mower buying guide for the lowdown on all your options.
Following our recommended picks, we’ve listed several models that fall at the bottom of our ratings.
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