Which Lawn Mower is Best? Gas, Battery, or Corded Electric Comparison – Beauty Cooks Kisses

Choosing the right lawn mower can be a real headache, especially with so many options out there: gas, a battery, and corded electric. I’ve been through my fair share of them, and I’m here to share my honest experiences with my post on lawn mower comparison to help you figure out which one might be best for your yard.

My Experience with Corded Electric Mowers

I’ve used Ryobi’s corded electric mowers for years. My smaller 13-inch Model # RYAC130-S worked well initially, even for my small yard, and came with a grass catcher and mulching capability. However, I kept having issues with the blade falling off this one. I lost the original nut and, even with replacements, they’d periodically loosen. I got into the habit of checking and tightening the nut after every use.

Then I upgraded to Ryobi’s 16-inch Model # RYAC160. I only used it about four times before it suddenly died. While things can just break, Ryobi does seem willing to work with customers, which is a plus.

My experience makes me think of my mom’s old Sunbeam mower. She had it for decades. My brother couldn’t even budge the bolts when he tried to remove its twin blades! That mower finally gave out after roughly 20 years. Maybe that’s why Sunbeam, and even Hamilton dryers she owned, are no longer around – their products lasted too long!

Pros of Corded Electric Mowers

They are generally lighter and easier to maneuver than gas.

No gas or oil to store is needed for these mowers along with less maintenance.

Unlimited run time as long as you have a power source to operate these mowers.

Cons of Corded Electric Mowers

To use, you are limited by the length of your cord and access to outdoor outlets.

The cord can be a hassle to manage and can get in the way.

Power can be an issue if your cord isn’t heavy-duty enough.

Durability can be a concern based on my personal experience.

Exploring Battery-Powered Mowers

The idea of a battery-powered lawn mower without a cord seems much nicer in comparison to my corded electric. Nonetheless, I’m used to dealing with a cord, but the freedom would be great. They often look sleek, too.

However, a couple of things make me hesitant. Many models claim a run time of only about 45 to 70 minutes. I often spend longer than that mowing, especially since I stop frequently to clear branches, rocks, or fruit from the lawn. While I do pause, 45 – 70 minutes still doesn’t feel like a lot. The biggest sticking point for me, though, is the cost of extra batteries, which can easily be well north of $100, sometimes even $199 or more! In addition, batteries inevitably lose their capacity to hold a charge over time.

While battery technology is constantly improving, the upfront cost and long-term battery life are definite considerations, especially if you have a larger yard.

Pros of Battery-Powered Mowers

You got to love the cordless freedom and excellent maneuverability.

Quieter operation and zero emissions.

Low maintenance is something to think about.

Cons of Battery-Powered Mowers

High cost of replacement or extra batteries.

Limited run time per charge.

Battery capacity degrades over time.

Disposal of old batteries can be a concern.

Pros of Gas-Powered Mowers

They are powerful and suitable for large yards or thick grass.

Unlimited run time (just refuel).

Can handle tough conditions and offer a wider range of features.

Something to appreciate is improved starting mechanisms and storage options on newer models than previously.

At just less than $500 to close to $600, this Toro is a reasonably priced, decent gas mower, comparable in cost to many battery-powered options.

Take the Toro Recycler with Smart Stow 22-inch Gas Self-propelled lawn mower, for example. Some models features an electric start, making it incredibly easy to get going. My brother used Toro mowers as a kid for a neighbor’s yard and never had trouble starting them, and they’re even easier today! This particular Toro model also offers great storage convenience, with a handle that folds easily, allowing you to store it vertically against a wall. Just remember to always read the instructions before use!

A quick tip for the Toro is to fill the gas to the level specified in the manual, and never overfill, especially if you plan to store it vertically, as gas could seep out. Also, the manual recommends changing the oil after about five hours for the initial use, as it comes with a bit of oil for shipping protection.

Many gas mowers, including the Toro, offer excellent mulching capabilities. The Toro, with its specially designed cutting chamber and blade, is designed to finely chop clippings, returning valuable nutrients to your lawn. You also typically have options for bagging or side discharge. We mulched with a previous mower for years, and it worked really well, but the Toro seems to do an exceptionally great job based on videos I’ve seen.

Cons of Gas-Powered Mowers

This type of lawn power requires fuel and oil storage.

Higher maintenance (oil changes, spark plugs, filters) also is something to keep in mind.

Cutting your lawn with this mower is noisy and does produce emissions.

This mower is heavier than electric models.

So, Which Lawn Mower is Best for You?

Ultimately, the best lawn mower for you depends on a few key factors. First, consider the size of your lawn. If you have a larger yard, a gas-powered mower will likely be the most practical choice due to power and run time. For smaller to medium yards, a corded electric can work if you have convenient outdoor outlets and don’t mind managing the cord.

I’m still a bit wary of battery-powered mowers due to their current battery costs and run time limitations, though I admit the technology is rapidly improving. What might be best today could change very quickly in the future.

Think about your yard’s size, your access to power, and your comfort level with maintenance and fuel. Once you weigh those factors, you’ll be able to make the best decision for your mowing needs. Hopefully, this post I shared on lawn mower comparison will help narrow down your choices.