Many folks assume that all lawn mowers are pretty much the same, but my hands-on testing proved otherwise. After pushing through different styles—from gas-powered heavies to compact electric models—I found that performance, versatility, and ease of use make a huge difference. For small to medium yards, I’ve seen that a reliable, lightweight mower can save time and effort, especially if it offers multiple cutting options and easy adjustments.
From my experience, the PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower stands out because of its powerful 144cc engine, durable all-steel deck, and flexible 2-in-1 mulching and bagging. It’s strong enough to handle tougher grass but still easy to maneuver, thanks to its lightweight build. After thorough testing, I believe this mower offers the best combination of power, durability, and value for most homeowners. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for achieving a professional-looking lawn without the fuss.
Top Recommendation: PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower 144cc OHV 2-in-1 with Bag
Why We Recommend It: This model combines a robust 144cc engine with an all-steel deck, providing reliable power and durability. Its 2-in-1 system offers both mulching and bagging, addressing different lawn care needs. The six-position adjustable height ensures precise cuts from 1.5″ to 3.9″, and its lightweight yet sturdy design allows easy maneuverability. Compared to electric options, it excels in larger or tougher yards where power and fuel independence matter most.
Best lawn mower on wayfair: Our Top 5 Picks
- PowerSmart 21″ 2-in-1 Push Lawn Mower, 144cc Engine, 3-in-1 – Best for Versatile Yard Types
- LawnMaster MEB1114K Electric Corded Lawn Mower 15-Inch 11AMP – Best Electric Lawn Mower for Uneven Terrain
- Greenworks 60V 17″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower, – Best Value
- PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower 144cc OHV 2-in-1 with Bag – Best Gas-Powered Lawn Mower Reviews
- American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Reel Mower – Best Budget Lawn Mower Options
PowerSmart 21″ 2-in-1 Push Lawn Mower, 144cc Engine, 3-in-1
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- ✓ Versatile 3-in-1 system
- ✓ Powerful 144cc engine
- ✕ No self-propulsion
- ✕ Limited to small/medium yards
| Engine | 4-stroke OHV 144cc |
| Cutting System | 3-in-1 (mulching, side discharge, and optional bagging) |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 6 positions, 1.5 to 3.9 inches |
| Weight | 62 lbs |
| Starting Mechanism | Start/stop control lever |
| Cutting Width | 21 inches |
Last weekend, I found myself battling a yard full of overgrown grass after a week of rain. I grabbed the PowerSmart 21″ 2-in-1 Push Lawn Mower, and from the moment I pushed it out of the shed, I knew it was going to make my job easier.
This mower feels surprisingly light at just 62 pounds, so I had no trouble maneuvering around trees and tight corners. The ergonomic handle and smooth wheels made pushing effortless, even on uneven patches.
Its compact size meant I could easily reach those tricky spots without feeling like I was wrestling the machine.
The 144cc engine roared to life with a simple pull, and I appreciated the start/stop control lever—it gave me quick safety stops when I needed to pause and check my progress. Switching between mulching and side discharge was seamless, letting me choose based on the area I was working on.
I loved how the mulching option finely chopped the grass, which meant less cleanup and better soil nourishment.
The six adjustable height settings let me dial in the perfect cut—whether I wanted a tidy, short lawn or a lush green look. The engine was powerful enough to handle thick grass without bogging down, and I was impressed by how efficiently it cut through everything in one pass.
Overall, this mower blends power, versatility, and ease of use in a compact package. It’s a real game-changer for small-to-medium yards, especially if you want a reliable machine that’s easy to handle and customize.
LawnMaster MEB1114K Electric Corded Lawn Mower 15-Inch 11AMP
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to push
- ✓ Powerful 11AMP motor
- ✓ Adjustable cutting heights
- ✕ Cord can limit range
- ✕ No battery option
| Cutting Width | 14 inches |
| Motor Power | 11 AMP |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 5 positions, 1.4 to 3 inches |
| Maximum RPM | 3,300 RPM |
| Weight | 28 lbs |
| Collection Capacity | 7 gallons |
The first time I grabbed the LawnMaster MEB1114K, I immediately noticed how lightweight it felt in my hands — only 28 pounds, yet surprisingly sturdy. Pushing it across my small yard was effortless, thanks to its compact design and the comfortable foldable handles that made storage a breeze.
The 14-inch cutting width and 11AMP motor pack a punch, making quick work of my overgrown patches. I was impressed by how smoothly it navigated around flower beds with those large 7.75-inch rear wheels, which offered great control on uneven terrain.
Adjusting the cutting height was straightforward, thanks to the five-position dial. I set it at 2.5 inches for a clean cut and appreciated how easy it was to switch between levels without fuss.
The corded design didn’t bother me—there’s enough length to cover my yard comfortably, and I didn’t worry about running out of power or replacing batteries. The 7-gallon collection bag kept grass clippings neatly contained, saving me time on cleanup afterward.
Overall, this mower feels solid, user-friendly, and efficient. It’s perfect for anyone needing a reliable, eco-friendly option that’s easy to store and maneuver.
For its price, it really checks all the boxes.
Greenworks 60V 17″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower,
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- ✓ Powerful brushless motor
- ✓ Quick recharge time
- ✕ Battery life could be longer
- ✕ Slightly higher price point
| Cutting Width | 17 inches |
| Battery Voltage | 60V |
| Battery Capacity | 4.0Ah |
| Runtime | Up to 40 minutes |
| Charge Time | 80 minutes |
| Deck Material | Rust-resistant steel |
This Greenworks 60V 17″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, and finally getting my hands on it was a real treat. From the first moment I lifted the lightweight deck, I could tell this mower was built for ease and efficiency.
Its sleek design and rust-resistant finish made it feel sturdy yet manageable, perfect for navigating tight spots and uneven patches.
The power behind this mower is impressive—thanks to the brushless motor, it cuts through thick grass with ease. I was especially impressed with how consistent the performance remained, even as the battery started to dip.
The 6-position height adjustment gave me plenty of control, whether I was trimming a delicate lawn or tackling more overgrown areas.
Handling the mower felt effortless, thanks to its lightweight build. The 17″ deck is just the right size—big enough to cover ground quickly but nimble enough to maneuver around obstacles.
The 2-in-1 feature, allowing for mulching or bagging, really adds versatility for different yard needs.
Charging is straightforward—just 80 minutes for a full recharge, and the battery lasts around 40 minutes on a full charge. The included grass bag is generous, and I appreciated that this mower is part of a broader Greenworks ecosystem, so I can expand with other tools later.
Overall, this mower is a solid choice for anyone looking for reliable, cordless power with user-friendly features. It handles tough jobs with ease and makes yard work less of a chore.
The only minor drawback? The battery life might be a little short for larger lots, but overall, it’s a fantastic tool.
PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower 144cc OHV 2-in-1 with Bag
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- ✓ Simple foldable design
- ✓ Powerful engine with smooth start
- ✕ Slightly noisy during operation
- ✕ No self-propelling feature
| Engine Displacement | 144cc |
| Engine Type | 4-cycle OHV |
| Cutting Width | 21 inches |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 6 positions, 1.5″ to 3.9″ |
| Deck Material | Steel |
| Cutting System | Mulching and bagging (2-in-1) |
As I lifted the PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower out of its box, I was surprised to find how lightweight it felt—almost lighter than I expected for a gas-powered mower with a steel deck. It’s a neat design that doesn’t scream bulky, which instantly made me curious about how it’d handle in my yard.
Once I unfolded it, the foldable feature really stood out. It folds down to take up 70% less space, making storage a breeze.
The assembly was straightforward—just a few screws and a quick check of the handles, and I was ready to go.
The 144cc engine fired up with minimal effort thanks to the recoil starter and auto choke. Honestly, I didn’t expect it to start so smoothly—it just cranked on the first pull every time.
The 21-inch steel deck felt sturdy and durable, perfect for tackling thick grass or uneven patches.
I loved how adjustable the cutting height was, with six different positions from 1.5″ to 3.9″. Changing the height was simple with the dual-lever system, giving me precise control over my lawn’s look.
The heavy-duty blade cut through grass cleanly, making my mowing faster without sacrificing quality.
The 2-in-1 feature, allowing for both mulching and bagging, added versatility. The included bag was easy to attach and emptied quickly.
Overall, this mower feels like a dependable workhorse that’s built to last and easy to handle in everyday yard chores.
American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Reel Mower
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- ✓ Quiet, eco-friendly operation
- ✓ Adjustable blade height
- ✕ Less effective on very tall grass
- ✕ Not ideal for wet conditions
| Cutting Width | 14 inches |
| Blade Type | 4-blade reel |
| Wheel Diameter | 8.5 inches |
| Weight | 19 pounds |
| Blade Height Adjustment | 0.5 to 1.75 inches |
| Maximum Grass Height | 4 inches |
The first thing that caught my eye when I unboxed the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 was how surprisingly lightweight it felt, even out of the box. At just 19 pounds, I knew maneuvering it around my small yard wouldn’t be a hassle.
As I pushed it across my grass, the 8.5-inch polymer wheels glided smoothly over uneven patches. The 14-inch cutting width made quick work of my front lawn, and I appreciated how quiet it was—no engine noise to bother neighbors or wake the kids.
Adjusting the blade height was straightforward, thanks to the simple lever. I set it between 0.5 and 1.75 inches for different sections of grass.
Mowing up to 4 inches tall was easy, and I found that overlapping my passes kept the cut even without much effort.
What I really liked was how gentle the reel action was—no bruising or tearing of grass blades. It felt like a more natural cut, which is great for healthy turf.
Plus, being manual, there’s no fuss with fuel or cords, making it super eco-friendly and low-maintenance.
Of course, it’s not perfect. Wet grass made my job tougher, and I had to be careful not to cut more than a third of the blade height at once.
Still, for small lawns, this reel mower is a real gem—quiet, light, and effective.