Top Electric Lawnmowers for 2025: Expert Reviews and Eco-Friendly Tips
Maintaining a neat lawn while reducing environmental impact is easier than ever with modern electric mowers. While transforming your lawn into a wildflower meadow is ideal for pollinators, many homeowners still prefer a grassy area for aesthetics or family activities. Electric models offer a cleaner, more energy-efficient alternative to traditional petrol mowers, and we've rigorously tested five top options to help you choose the best.
Why Trust Our Lawnmower Reviews
With decades of experience mowing lawns and reviewing garden products, our tester brings a wealth of knowledge to this evaluation. From childhood memories of noisy petrol mowers to professional testing on sunny afternoons, the insights are grounded in practical, hands-on use. Each mower was loaned by manufacturers and tested under real-world conditions, with any uncollected units donated to charity.
How We Tested the Lawnmowers
Testing took place in a challenging garden environment with patchy grass and uneven terrain. Each mower was assessed on multiple height settings, typically around 40mm, to simulate common lawn care needs. We measured battery life using a makeshift rig, monitored charging times, and evaluated noise levels with a smartphone app. Additional factors like cutting width, grass box capacity, and edge-cutting performance were also scrutinized.
Best Overall and Best Cordless Lawnmower: Makita DLM432PT2
Price: £415 at Alan Wadkins ToolStore
Known for power tools, Makita excels with this cordless model featuring dual 18V batteries and a 43cm cutting blade for efficient mowing. It delivered robust performance on both long grass and routine trims, with a battery life exceeding 57 minutes—the longest in our tests. The charger refills batteries in just 51 minutes, though it can be noisy. Downsides include a finicky grass box attachment and a one-year warranty.
- Cutting width: 43cm
- Weight: 15.6kg
- Battery life: 57 minutes 25 seconds
Best Budget Lawnmower: Einhell GC-EM 1600/37
Price: £130 at Argos
For those seeking affordability, this corded model eliminates battery costs and offers solid performance. It's easy to use with a 10m cable and adjustable cutting height from 20-60mm, though maneuvering with a trailing cord requires caution. The cutting quality matches pricier rivals, and it comes with a three-year warranty, making it a reliable choice for cost-conscious gardeners.
- Cutting width: 37cm
- Weight: 11.8kg
- Warranty: 3 years
Best Value Cordless Lawnmower: Worx WG737E
Price: £259.99 at Amazon
Ideal for small gardens, this cordless mower provides excellent value with features like a clear charge indicator and a mulching accessory included. Its 37cm blade cuts effectively up to edges, though the four-hour recharge time is a drawback. With a three-year warranty, it's a practical option for regular use.
- Cutting width: 37cm
- Battery life: 50 minutes 46 seconds
- Warranty: 3 years
Other Notable Models
The Stihl RMA 239 C (£419) stands out for easy storage with a folding design and a clever grass collection system, but its awkward starting process hindered its ranking. The Bosch AdvancedRotak 36V-40-650 (£510) offers a large 50-litre grass box and quiet operation at 70dB, yet its high price and cumbersome handle design placed it behind the top picks.
Essential Lawnmower Knowledge
Understanding mower types is key: rotary mowers are common for home use, while cylinder models offer precision. Electric options include cordless (battery-powered) and corded (plug-in) variants, both eco-friendlier than petrol. To extend your mower's life, wipe it down after use, sharpen blades annually, and consider professional servicing for petrol models.
Renting vs. Buying a Lawnmower
Renting can be a smart choice for infrequent mowing or limited storage. Services like HSS and Speedy Hire offer petrol mowers from £35/day, while Library of Things in London rents electric models for £15/day. Peer-to-peer platforms like Fat Llama provide budget-friendly options nationwide, typically around £10/day. For weekly mowing over 30 weeks, buying may be more economical, but renting supports eco-friendly, low-frequency cutting.
By opting for electric mowers and mindful lawn care, you can maintain a beautiful garden while minimizing environmental impact. Whether you choose a high-end cordless model or a budget corded option, these recommendations ensure a tidy lawn with ease.
