Maintaining a small lawn requires a mower that’s nimble, efficient, and perfectly sized for the task. A 20-inch model is often the ideal choice, offering a balance between a manageable cutting width for navigating around garden beds and a large enough deck to get the job done quickly. Whether you prioritize the freedom of cordless operation, the consistent power of a corded model, or the quiet simplicity of a manual reel mower, there’s a perfect option for your yard.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting the best 20-inch lawn mowers available. We’ve curated a list that includes powerful battery-powered kits, reliable corded electric mowers, and eco-friendly manual options. Each model is designed to deliver a clean cut and make lawn care less of a chore, helping you achieve a well-kept lawn with ease.
The Best 20-Inch Lawn Mowers for a Perfect Cut
- SKIL 40V Brushless 20″ Push Mower Kit
- CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded
- Scotts 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower
- Greenworks 48V 20″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower
- Greenworks 40V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- Greenworks 40V 19″ Brushless Push Lawn Mower
- American Lawn Mower 14″ Corded Electric Mower
- EGO POWER+ Cordless Push Lawn Mower
- Greenworks 20-Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Mower
SKIL 40V Brushless 20″ Push Mower Kit
This SKIL mower kit is an excellent all-in-one solution for those ready to switch to cordless convenience. It comes with a powerful PWR CORE 40 6.0Ah battery and a fast Auto PWR JUMP charger, so you can start mowing right out of the box. The digital brushless motor is designed for high-performance cutting and long-term reliability, all while operating quietly and without the maintenance of a gas engine.
Starting the mower is incredibly simple with the push-button start, eliminating the pull-cord frustration associated with gas mowers. The kit includes both a mulch plug and a grass bag, giving you flexibility in how you manage your clippings. This is a robust and user-friendly option for maintaining a small to medium-sized lawn.
CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded
If you prefer the consistent, unlimited runtime of a corded mower, this CRAFTSMAN model is a reliable and powerful choice. Its 13-amp motor provides ample strength to power through challenging grass without the worry of a battery running out. The 20-inch steel deck is built to last and offers a good cutting width for efficient mowing.
This mower features a versatile 3-in-1 design, allowing you to choose between rear bagging for a clean finish, mulching to nourish your lawn, or side discharge for handling longer grass. The winged blade is engineered to improve cutting performance and airflow for a more even cut. It’s a straightforward, powerful tool for well-defined lawn areas.
Scotts 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower
For the ultimate in quiet, emission-free mowing, the Scotts reel mower is a time-tested solution. This manual mower requires no gas, oil, or electricity, making it an eco-friendly and economical option. It provides a clean, scissor-like cut that is often considered healthier for turf grass.
The 5-blade ball bearing reel is made from heat-treated alloy steel designed to stay sharp for a long time. With a quick-snap height adjustment from 1 to 3 inches, you can easily set your desired cutting length. Its lightweight design and 10-inch dual tracking wheels make it easy to maneuver around small and flat lawns.
Greenworks 48V 20″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower
This Greenworks mower offers a unique 48V power system by combining two of its 24V POWERALL batteries. This setup delivers exceptional, gas-like power while keeping you within the versatile 24V tool ecosystem. You can expect up to 45 minutes of run time, making it suitable for larger small lawns or those with thicker grass.
The highly efficient brushless motor ensures maximum torque, quiet operation, and a longer motor life. An added LED headlight is a useful feature for mowing in lower-light conditions. With the dual-port rapid charger and two 4.0Ah batteries included, this kit provides a powerful and flexible cordless mowing experience.
Greenworks 40V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
For those who want to reduce physical effort, this self-propelled model from Greenworks is an excellent choice. The front-wheel drive system helps propel the mower forward, making it much easier to handle, especially on slopes or uneven terrain. It is powered by a 40V 5.0Ah battery that provides ample run time for most small to medium lawns.
The durable 21-inch steel deck and brushless motor work together to deliver a powerful and clean cut. A single lever adjusts the cutting height across seven positions, and the 3-in-1 design gives you mulching, bagging, and side-discharge options. This mower combines power, convenience, and ease of use.
Greenworks 40V 19″ Brushless Push Lawn Mower
This Greenworks push mower is a compact and efficient tool for maintaining smaller lawns. Its 19-inch steel deck is easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and the brushless motor provides reliable power with up to 30 minutes of run time from the included 4.0Ah battery. It’s a solid entry in the cordless mower category.
You can easily tailor the cut to your lawn’s needs with the seven-position single-lever height adjustment. The 2-in-1 function allows you to mulch clippings back into the lawn or side-discharge them. This model is a great balance of performance, portability, and the convenience of cordless operation.
American Lawn Mower 14″ Corded Electric Mower
This American Lawn Mower model is an ultra-compact and lightweight option, perfect for very small lawns, patios, or touch-up work. The 11-amp motor delivers gas-like power for its size, ensuring you have enough strength to cut through grass without any hassle. Its simple plug-and-go operation is very user-friendly.
While it has a smaller 14-inch cutting width, this makes it exceptionally easy to store and handle. It’s an ideal solution for those with minimal storage space or for maintaining a small, pristine patch of grass without the need for a larger, more expensive mower.
EGO POWER+ Cordless Push Lawn Mower
The EGO POWER+ mower is renowned for its performance that rivals gas-powered models. It delivers high torque for tackling tough mowing conditions and provides up to 35 minutes of run time on a single charge with the included 56V 4.0Ah ARC Lithium battery. The high-efficiency brushless motor is built for durability and smooth operation.
This mower is part of the extensive EGO 56V platform, meaning the battery is compatible with a wide range of other outdoor tools. It’s a premium option for homeowners who want powerful, gas-free performance and are invested in a comprehensive cordless tool system.
Greenworks 20-Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Mower
For those who want the hassle-free operation of a corded electric mower with a full 20-inch cutting path, this Greenworks model is a compelling option. The 12-amp motor supplies consistent power, allowing you to mow for as long as you need without interruption, as long as you have access to an outlet.
Corded mowers like this one are typically lighter than their battery-powered counterparts and require no charging time. This makes them a cost-effective and reliable choice for small lawns with clear boundaries. It’s a straightforward, effective tool for maintaining a neat and tidy lawn with minimal maintenance.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a 20-Inch Lawn Mower
When I’m looking for a new mower for my own small yard, the first thing I consider is the power source. Each type has its own pros and cons that really affect my weekly routine. Gas mowers are the traditional powerhouses. They offer a lot of cutting power and complete freedom from cords, which is great if you have a lot of obstacles. The downside is the maintenance; you have to deal with oil, spark plugs, and stale gas at the end of the season.
Electric corded mowers are super convenient for small, flat lawns. They start with the push of a button, are very quiet, and require almost zero maintenance. The big catch is the cord. I’ve definitely tripped a breaker or run over my own cord more than once. You need to be mindful of your path and have a good, heavy-duty outdoor extension cord.
Battery-powered mowers give you the best of both worlds: no cord and no gas. They’re quiet, eco-friendly, and start instantly. The limiting factor is the battery life. For a small lawn, a single charge is usually plenty, but you need to check the estimated run-time. I always look for a model that comes with a second battery or has a quick charger, just in case the grass is a little too long one week.
Beyond the engine, I pay close attention to the deck construction. A steel deck is incredibly durable and can handle bumps into fences or trees, but it’s also heavier and can rust over time. A plastic or polymer deck is much lighter, rust-proof, and usually cheaper. For a small lawn where I’m maneuvering a lot, the lighter weight is often a worthwhile trade-off.
The cutting height adjustment is another feature I use all the time. Having easy, single-lever adjustment is a game-changer. It lets me quickly adapt to the season—cutting shorter in the spring and letting it grow a bit taller in the summer heat without stressing the grass. I avoid mowers where I have to adjust each wheel individually; it’s just a hassle.
Finally, I think about the collection system. A good bag is essential if you want a clean, clippings-free lawn. But for me, mulching is often the way to go. It returns nutrients to the soil, acting as a free fertilizer, and I don’t have to stop to empty a bag. Many of the best 20 inch lawn mowers for small lawns offer a 3-in-1 system, giving you the flexibility to mulch, bag, or side-discharge depending on the task at hand. Choosing the right one comes down to your specific yard and how you like to maintain it.
FAQ
Is a 20-inch mower big enough for my yard?
Absolutely. A 20-inch cutting deck is the sweet spot for small to medium-sized urban and suburban lawns. It’s narrow enough to easily navigate through tight gates, around garden beds, and between trees without a lot of back-and-forth. If your lawn is under a third of an acre and has a typical number of obstacles, a 20-inch mower will handle it efficiently. It strikes a perfect balance between maneuverability and getting the job done without taking all afternoon.
What is the advantage of a mulching mower?
The main advantage is that it saves you time and effort while feeding your lawn. When you mulch, the mower cuts the grass clippings into tiny pieces and blows them down into the turf. These fine clippings decompose quickly, returning valuable nitrogen and other nutrients back to the soil. This means you don’t have to bag and dispose of the clippings, and you can often reduce how much fertilizer you need to use. It’s a win-win for your lawn and your back.
How long does a battery-powered mower last on a single charge?
This varies a lot by model and battery capacity (measured in Amp-hours or Ah). On average, most modern lithium-ion batteries will power a mower for 45 to 60 minutes. For the vast majority of small lawns, this is more than enough. Always check the manufacturer’s stated run-time. If your yard is on the larger side for a 20-inch mower, look for a model that either has a very long run-time or comes with a second battery so you can swap it out mid-job if needed.
Are gas mowers being phased out?
While they aren’t being phased out entirely yet, their dominance is certainly fading, especially for residential use in smaller areas. Stricter emissions regulations and the rapid improvement in battery technology have made electric mowers a much more powerful and viable option. For a small lawn, a battery mower is often the more convenient and quieter choice. However, gas mowers still hold an edge for very large properties or for professionals who need all-day run-time and maximum power.
What basic maintenance does a lawn mower need?
No matter what type you have, a little maintenance goes a long way. For all mowers, you should regularly clean the underside of the deck to prevent grass buildup and keep the blade sharp for a clean cut. A dull blade tears the grass, making it look brown and susceptible to disease. For gas mowers, you also need to change the oil, replace the air filter, and use a fuel stabilizer or drain the gas for winter storage. For battery mowers, just keep the battery terminals clean and store the battery in a cool, dry place.