Taking on lawn care for the first time can feel a bit overwhelming. With so many types of mowers available, from quiet manual reels to high-tech robotic models, finding the right starting point is key. The best entry-level mower for you depends on the size of your yard, your physical preferences, and how much maintenance you’re willing to handle. This guide is designed to cut through the noise and help you find a machine that makes maintaining your lawn simple and satisfying. We’ve curated a list of ten excellent mowers that are perfect for new owners looking for reliability and ease of use. Our goal is to help you find a perfect match for your grass-cutting needs without any confusion.
The Best Entry-Level Lawn Mowers for a Perfect Lawn
- LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower
- Fiskars Push Mower – 17″ Cut Width Manual Reel Mower
- YARDMAX 21 in. 170cc 2-in-1 Gas Push Lawn Mower
- Robotic Lawn Mower with GPS Assisted Navigation
- American Lawn Mower Company 50514 14″ Corded Electric Mower
- BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower, String Trimmer & Edger
- WORX 40V 14″ Cordless Lawn Mower for Small Yards
- Snapper XD 82V MAX Cordless Electric 21″ Push Lawn Mower
- RYOBI Lawn Mower 20 in. 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless
- Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower
For new homeowners with a small, flat lawn, the LawnMaster Push Reel Mower offers a classic, eco-friendly cutting experience. Its five-blade reel provides a scissor-like cut that cleanly slices grass blades, which is better for the health of your lawn compared to the tearing action of some power mowers. This results in a cleaner, greener-looking lawn.
Maneuverability is a key benefit, with an 18-inch cutting deck and 10-inch front wheels that make navigating around garden beds and tight corners simple. You can also customize your cut height with ease, choosing from nine different positions ranging from 3/4-inch to 2-inches to find the perfect length for your grass type.
Fiskars Push Mower
The Fiskars Push Mower is a step-up manual option designed for efficiency and ease of use. Its innovative StaySharp Cutting System is engineered to provide 50% more cutting power, making it easier to get through patches of tough grass. The InertiaDrive Reel technology also means this mower requires 30% less effort to push than many other reel mowers.
This mower eliminates the hassles of gas, oil, cords, and loud engine noise, offering a peaceful mowing experience. The precision-ground, hardened steel blades are built to stay sharp through heavy use, providing lasting value and a consistently clean cut without any maintenance beyond basic cleaning.
YARDMAX 21 in. 170cc 2-in-1 Gas Push Lawn Mower
If you have a larger lawn or tougher grass, the YARDMAX Gas Push Mower delivers reliable power. Its 170cc engine is ready to handle demanding mowing conditions. The heavy-duty, 16-gauge stamped steel deck is built for durability, ensuring this mower will be a tool you can count on for years.
Convenience is a major focus with this model. A single-lever deck adjustment allows you to quickly change the cutting height across all wheels at once. The MAXFlow Deck Technology uses a volute spiral design to improve airflow under the deck, which leads to better mulching and a more even discharge of clippings.
Robotic Lawn Mower with GPS Assisted Navigation
For the tech-savvy new owner who values their free time, this robotic lawn mower is a game-changer. It uses a reliable physical boundary wire to navigate your yard, ensuring strong performance regardless of your lawn’s layout. This system allows it to handle shaded areas and complex landscapes effectively.
Set it and forget it; this mower operates in most weather conditions and can navigate slopes and narrow passages. With a cutting width of 9.45 inches, it is designed to consistently maintain lawns of up to 0.8 acres, quietly trimming a little bit each day to keep your lawn looking immaculate with minimal effort on your part.
American Lawn Mower Company 50514 14″ Corded Electric Mower
This corded electric mower from American Lawn Mower Company is a fantastic, no-fuss option for small yards. Its powerful 11-amp motor provides gas-like power to cut through all types of grasses without the maintenance required by a gas engine. You get instant start-up with the simple push of a button.
As a corded model, you never have to worry about battery life or running out of power halfway through your mow. It’s a lightweight and straightforward machine that is easy to store and perfect for someone who wants the convenience of electric power without the cost of a battery system.
BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower, String Trimmer & Edger
Maximize your investment and minimize storage space with this versatile 3-in-1 tool from BLACK+DECKER. It functions as a corded mower, a string trimmer, and an edger, making it an ideal all-in-one solution for maintaining small lawns and achieving crisp, professional-looking edges along walkways and garden beds.
Weighing just 9.9 pounds, it is exceptionally easy to handle and maneuver. The adjustable handle and height positions allow for comfortable use, while the automatic feed spool (AFS) seamlessly advances the trimmer line as needed, so you can work without interruption.
WORX 40V 14″ Cordless Lawn Mower for Small Yards
The WORX WG779 is a compact and lightweight cordless mower perfect for small yards. It comes with two 20V 4.0Ah batteries and a dual charger, providing ample power to cut up to 1/8 of an acre. Starting is effortless—just push a button and pull the bail handle.
A standout feature is the Intellicut technology, which uses sensors to automatically adjust the cutting power based on grass density. This provides a smoother cut in thick grass and conserves battery life in thinner areas. The batteries are part of the WORX PowerShare platform, meaning they are compatible with over 140 other tools and products.
Snapper XD 82V MAX Cordless Electric 21″ Push Lawn Mower
For those with medium-sized lawns who want cordless freedom and robust performance, the Snapper XD is an excellent choice. The kit includes two 82V MAX lithium-ion batteries and a rapid charger, offering up to 90 minutes of run time. The 21-inch steel deck provides a familiar, wide cutting path.
This mower features a versatile 3-in-1 design, allowing you to mulch, bag, or side-discharge clippings based on your preference. Intelligent load-sensing technology monitors the power demand and adjusts output accordingly, ensuring maximum efficiency and consistent cutting performance throughout your mowing session.
RYOBI Lawn Mower 20 in. 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless
RYOBI’s 40V brushless cordless mower strikes a great balance between power, runtime, and durability. The brushless motor technology is more efficient and longer-lasting than traditional brushed motors, providing more power for the battery charge. This makes it a reliable workhorse for a typical suburban lawn.
With a 20-inch cutting deck, it covers a good amount of ground with each pass. Like many modern electric mowers, it offers a quiet, instant start and requires virtually no maintenance compared to gas models. It’s a solid, user-friendly option for anyone looking to transition to the convenience of battery-powered lawn care.
Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
The Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawn Mower is a fantastic lightweight and maneuverable option for smaller lawns or properties with many obstacles. Its 16-inch cutting deck makes it easy to navigate around trees, flower beds, and yard decorations. As a cordless model, it offers the freedom to mow without being tethered to an outlet.
Part of the Greenworks 40V ecosystem, this mower allows you to use the same batteries across a wide range of their tools, from string trimmers to chainsaws. This interoperability can be a major cost saver and convenience for new homeowners building their collection of outdoor power equipment.
Buying Guide: How to Pick Your First Lawn Mower
Buying your first lawn mower can feel like a big decision. I remember staring at the options, completely unsure where to even begin. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be complicated. For most new owners, the best choice comes down to understanding your yard and your own preferences. Let’s break down the main things you should consider before you pick one of the 10 best entry level lawn mowers for new owners.
First, think about your lawn’s size and terrain. If you have a small, flat yard (under a quarter-acre), a simple push reel mower or a basic electric corded mower could be perfect. They’re lightweight, quiet, and require very little maintenance. For a larger lawn, a cordless electric mower gives you the freedom to move around without a cord, but you need to make sure the battery life matches your yard’s size. If your yard is over half an acre or has hills, a gas-powered mower might be the way to go for the extra power and runtime.
Next, consider the power source. Gas mowers are powerful and offer total freedom, but they require more upkeep like oil changes and dealing with fuel. They can also be louder and heavier. Electric mowers are much simpler. Corded models are limited by the cord’s length but have unlimited runtime. Cordless models run on batteries, so you’re free to roam, but you have to watch the battery charge. For a truly small and level lawn, a push reel mower is a quiet, eco-friendly option that gives you a great cut and a bit of exercise.
Don’t forget about the mower’s features. A mulching function is fantastic for new owners. It chops the grass clippings finely and returns them to the lawn as natural fertilizer. A side-discharge is good for cutting very tall grass, while a bagging option is neat if you don’t want clippings on the lawn. Also, look at the deck material—steel is durable but can rust, while aluminum is lighter and rust-proof. Finally, check the height adjustment. A single-lever that adjusts all wheels at once is a huge convenience over having to adjust each wheel individually.
FAQ
What is the easiest type of lawn mower to maintain?
For the least amount of maintenance, an electric mower is your best bet. Corded models are the absolute simplest—just plug them in and go. There’s no engine oil to change, no spark plugs to replace, and no gas to deal with. Cordless electric mowers are almost as easy; you just need to charge the battery and keep the deck clean. While gas mowers are powerful, they require a consistent maintenance schedule that can be intimidating for a first-time owner.
How important is the mower’s cutting width?
The cutting width determines how many passes you’ll need to make across your lawn. A wider deck (like 21 inches instead of 18) means you can cover more ground with each pass, significantly reducing your mowing time on a larger yard. For a small, postage-stamp-sized lawn, a narrower deck is perfectly fine and can be easier to maneuver around tight corners and garden beds.
Can I use an electric mower on a wet lawn?
It’s not a good idea to mow a wet lawn with any type of mower, but it’s especially risky with an electric model. Wet grass can clump and clog the mower’s deck, leading to an uneven cut and potentially straining the motor. More importantly, combining water and electricity is always a hazard. For your safety and the health of your lawn, it’s always best to wait for the grass to dry.
Is a more expensive mower always better for a beginner?
Not necessarily. While expensive mowers often have premium features, a beginner might not need or even use them. Many budget-friendly models from reputable brands offer fantastic reliability and all the essential functions you need to get started. The key is to buy from a brand known for quality and good customer support, rather than just going for the cheapest possible option, which might break down quickly.
What should I do with the grass clippings?
Leaving the clippings on the lawn (a process called grasscycling or mulching) is actually highly recommended. The fine clippings decompose quickly, returning valuable nutrients and water back to the soil, which can reduce your need for fertilizer. If the grass is too long and clumps, or if you simply prefer a clean look, then bagging is the way to go. You can add these clippings to your compost pile.