Table of Contents
Shopping for a lawnmower should be taken seriously. The lawn is a British institution, the first mention of which dates back to 1260. It deserves the same careful tending as any flower in the garden. “Even gardeners and lawn obsessives are prone to forgetting that grass is a plant that needs caring for in the same way as any other,” says David Hedge-Gowers, chairman of the Lawn Association and author of Modern Lawn Care: The Complete Guide to a Happy and Healthy Lawn.
In order to ensure it receives proper care, you need a high-quality lawnmower (and a good garden hose). But from the vast array of models on the market, how can you tell which lawnmower is right for you? From traditional petrol-powered mowers to battery-operated models and robot mowers – the fastest-growing category in the industry – there are many to choose from. I asked the experts where to begin on your hunt for the perfect mower. You can read their verdicts below, but if you’re in a hurry here’s a quick look at the top five:
Which are the best lawnmowers in 2024? At a glance
If you’re looking to invest in your garden, take a look at our articles on the best rattan garden furniture, the best patio heaters and the best fire pits.
What are the different types of lawnmowers available?
James Broadhouse (known by his “turf industry influencer” moniker Jimmy the Mower) has been a groundsman for the past 12 years, and “uses a variety of mowers, from small battery operated pedestrian ones to ride-on diesel models,” so he’s well-placed to comment on the pros and cons of different types.
Rotary lawnmowers
“When you’re at home with a lawn that’s used by pets and children, best go for a rotary mower for a good finish,” he says. A rotary mower has a single high-speed rotating blade that cuts grass with a chopping motion. They’re better able to cope with uneven terrain and tough grass than their perfectionist sibling, the cylinder mower.
Cylinder lawnmowers
“Cylinders are the pinnacle of mowing machines, as they usually have six or more blades so you get a really fine cut,” he says. “But they’re harder to maintain, and work best on fine, quality turf.” A cylinder lawnmower (sometimes also referred to as a ‘reel’) has a cylinder of blades set on a horizontal shaft at the front of the mower which rotate and cut your grass with a scissor-like motion.
They mow neatly and efficiently and can give you a superior finish, but are limited to areas of flat lawn as they can’t cope with varied topography or long grass.
“We advise that most people should opt for a rotary mower,” says Robert Garner of lawn care company Lawnsmith. “It’s like wine – you likely wouldn’t be able to taste the difference between a semi expensive and very expensive bottle of wine unless you were an expert, and we conclude that you won’t be able to tell the difference between the finishes from rotary and cylinder mowers, and rotary mowers are easier to maintain and are height-adjustable.”
Hover lawnmowers
The third type is a hover lawnmower, which creates a cushion of air between the lawnmower and the grass which the lawnmower ‘hovers’ on. This floating effect replaces a need for wheels. These are the best lawnmowers for uneven ground or anyone who likes getting the job quickly because they’re easier to manoeuvre. Hover lawnmowers also tend to be the most lightweight.
The best lawnmowers
1. Mountfield Princess 38Li Cordless Lawn Mower
Best lawnmower for small gardens, 10/10
We like: it’s light and easy to manoeuvre
We don’t like: it’s not quite heavy-duty enough for larger gardens
