You want a mower that fits your yard, your storage space, and how much effort you’re willing to put into each cut. That means sorting gas, cordless, push, and self-propelled models by how they handle thick grass, sloped ground, and weekly upkeep. The eight picks below cover small yards, larger lawns, and the in-between spaces where a mower can feel either helpful or like a chore.
Quick Look At The Shortlist
PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower
Greenworks 80V 21 in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
SENIX 20-Inch Gas Lawn Mower
PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower
PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn Mower
PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn Mower
YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE Lawn Mower (YG2860)
EGO Power+ 21-Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower LM2134SP-2
More Details On Our Top Picks
That 21-inch deck gives you a practical middle ground for average suburban lawns, and the steel body adds a sturdier feel than lighter plastic-bodied options. The 144cc four-stroke OHV engine is a small gas engine with overhead valves, a layout that usually favors simpler routine use and steadier performance in thicker grass. You also get mulch, bag, and side discharge in one setup, so you can switch between a cleaner finish and faster mowing without changing machines.
The trade-off is plain enough: a push mower like this asks more from you on slopes and in long sessions than the self-propelled Greenworks or YARDMAX models. Still, for a homeowner who wants one gas mower that handles yard cleanup, weekly trims, and the occasional overgrowth spell, this feels like a sensible all-rounder.
What We Like
- Three cutting modes make it easier to match the job, from tidy mulching to fast side discharge.
- Steel deck construction tends to feel more confidence-inspiring than very light housings during regular use.
- Six height settings help you adapt to seasonal growth and uneven patches without much fuss.
- The 21-inch width covers ground at a decent pace for standard yards.
Things To Consider
- Push operation can feel tiring on longer routes or sloped lawns.
- Gas maintenance usually means more attention to fuel, storage, and seasonal upkeep than an electric mower asks for.
- Those who want the lightest possible handling may prefer a narrower deck or a self-propelled option.
Feature Snapshot
Who It Suits Best
Homeowners with medium-size lawns and a plain need for flexible gas mowing will get the most from this model.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Greenworks 80V 21 in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower works better for hilly yards and anyone who wants less pushing.
Self-propelled mowing changes the feel of yard work fast, and that’s the main draw here. You guide the mower while the drive system helps move it forward, which takes a lot of strain out of long runs and uneven terrain. The included 4.0 Ah battery is a rechargeable pack rated in amp-hours, so it gives you a sense of runtime capacity rather than engine size.
Compared with the gas units above, this Greenworks model cuts the fuel routine out of the picture, which is a real relief for people who want a cleaner storage setup. The honest trade-off is battery management, since larger or thick lawns put more demand on any cordless mower, but for many suburban yards this is the easiest machine to live with.
Strong Points
- Self-propelled drive reduces the push effort on hills and longer mowing sessions.
- Cordless operation means no fuel mixing or gas can storage around the garage.
- The 21-inch deck helps cover more ground with each pass.
- Battery and charger in the box simplify first-time setup.
- Works well for homeowners who want a quieter-feeling routine than a gas mower usually brings.
Worth Noting
- Battery runtime can feel tighter on larger, dense lawns than on smaller suburban yards.
- Cordless equipment usually asks for charging discipline, especially during busy mowing weeks.
- Upfront weight still matters, even with self-propelled help, so storage steps and tight turns deserve a look.
Quick Facts
Who Will Love This
You’ll appreciate this most in a yard with hills, narrow turns, or mowing sessions that feel too long with a push mower.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower suits you better when you want fuel-powered running time and easy side-discharge flexibility.
This SENIX keeps things straightforward, which suits yards where you want a gas mower without a pile of extra complexity. The 20-inch deck trims a bit of width from the larger models above, so it can feel easier to guide around tighter corners and fence lines. A 144 cc four-cycle engine gives you a familiar gas format, and the lighter overall feel should appeal to people who want less bulk.
The trade-off is mostly in flexibility, since the listed cut-height range is shorter than the more adjustable PowerSmart options. For small to medium lawns that get regular attention, that’s often enough, and the simpler layout can be easier to store and move between the shed and the yard.
Highlights
- 20-inch width feels a touch more nimble than the 21- and 22-inch picks.
- Gas power keeps you away from battery charging schedules.
- Four-cycle engine design is familiar and easy to understand for first-time gas-mower owners.
- Lightweight framing makes it friendlier for garages with limited floor space.
Areas To Watch
- Three cut-height settings leave less room for fine tuning than six-position models.
- Push operation still asks for more effort on slopes and in thicker grass.
- Regular gas-engine care is part of the ownership picture, including storage and upkeep.
Core Details
Best Suited To
Small-yard homeowners who want a no-nonsense gas mower and do not need a wide spread of height settings will get the most from this one.
Look Elsewhere When
PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower fits better for you when extra deck width and more cutting flexibility matter more than compact handling.
Some mowers are built around one clean idea, and this PowerSmart leans into versatility. You get mulching and side discharge, which is helpful for yard owners who switch between a tidy finish and a faster cut depending on grass length. The 21-inch width keeps it in the useful middle ground, not too small for open space and not so wide that it feels awkward in tighter routes.
Compared with the EasyGlide version, this model drops the bagging option and keeps the focus on simple gas mowing with a little less fuss. That makes sense for people who mostly mulch their clippings or use side discharge after longer gaps between cuts. The honest read is that it’s less flexible than the three-way models, but it still covers most routine jobs well.
Upsides
- Mulching helps return fine clippings to the lawn instead of collecting them.
- Side discharge can move taller grass along without bogging down the workflow.
- Six height settings make seasonal changes easier to manage.
- 21-inch deck size works well for common suburban lot sizes.
Small Caveats
- No bagging setup means you’ll need another plan for clippings if you prefer collection.
- Push format can feel more demanding than a self-propelled mower during longer sessions.
- Gas upkeep remains part of the ownership routine.
Details At A Glance
The Right Fit
You’ll like this most for regular lawn care where mulching or side discharge is enough and a bagger would mostly sit unused.
Swap It Out When
PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower is the smarter choice for you if bagging matters and you want the extra grass-handling mode.
An 18-inch deck changes the feel of the yard right away, especially around tight beds, narrow side paths, and smaller storage sheds. This EasyCut keeps the same 144cc four-stroke OHV engine and three-way grass handling as the larger PowerSmart EasyGlide, but the smaller footprint makes it easier to maneuver. That matters more than people expect once the lawn has a few awkward corners.
You lose some coverage speed compared with the 21-inch models, and that’s the real trade-off here. Still, for compact lawns, the smaller size can be an advantage rather than a compromise, particularly for homes where storage space is at a premium.
Best Bits
- 18-inch width is easier to handle in tight yard layouts.
- Three-way cutting setup gives you flexibility similar to the bigger EasyGlide model.
- Steel deck adds a tougher feel for regular use.
- Six height settings help you keep the cut consistent through the season.
Room For Improvement
- Smaller deck means more passes on wider lawns.
- Push format still asks for steady effort over longer stretches.
- Gas mower upkeep remains part of ownership.
Feature Rundown
Who Should Grab It
You’ll get the most from this mower in a compact yard where easy storage and nimble turning matter as much as cut quality.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE Lawn Mower (YG2860) suits larger, rougher lawns better because the drive system takes more of the workload.
This version strips the feature set down in a way that makes sense for smaller yards and uncomplicated routines. You still get the 144cc four-cycle engine and side discharge, plus five height positions, but the design leans more toward direct, basic mowing than the fuller-featured EasyCut above. That difference matters most to people who care more about function than extras.
The side-discharge-only approach means less cleanup hardware to think about, which many homeowners appreciate in a small backyard. The compromise is obvious, though, because you lose mulching and bagging choices, so this one suits a narrower set of mowing habits.
Reasons To Buy
- Simple layout keeps operation straightforward for first-time gas-mower users.
- 18-inch deck is manageable in tight storage areas and small lots.
- Five height positions still give some control over seasonal growth.
- Side discharge works well for quick passes through active grass growth.
Softer Spots
- No mulching or bagging options, so clipping handling stays basic.
- The smaller deck means more overlap on wider lawns.
- Gas maintenance still asks for attention over time.
At A Glance
Made For
Small-yard owners who want a no-frills gas mower with basic height adjustment will feel right at home here.
Another Choice May Suit
PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn Mower with 3-in-1 grass handling works better for you if bagging and mulching matter.
Where the earlier mowers lean toward straightforward yard care, the YARDMAX feels built for tougher ground and longer mowing runs. Its 22-inch deck and 201cc engine give it more presence on paper, but the real story is the Select PACE system, which is a variable-speed drive setup that lets the mower’s pace match your walking speed more naturally. That kind of control matters on uneven lawns, especially where a fixed-speed drive can feel awkward.
The high-wheel front-wheel-drive layout helps with traction and turning, and the three-in-one discharge adds familiar mowing flexibility. The trade-off is size and complexity, since this is less of a compact garage companion and more of a serious yard tool, though that’s exactly the point for many larger properties.
Bright Spots
- Variable-speed drive helps the mower feel more responsive in changing yard conditions.
- 22-inch cutting width covers more lawn with each pass.
- High wheels can make rough or uneven ground easier to manage.
- Front-wheel drive supports better traction during normal use.
- Three-in-one grass handling keeps the mower versatile.
Honest Caveats
- Heavier-duty design takes more storage room than the smaller 18-inch picks.
- More moving parts can mean a steeper learning curve for first-time owners.
- Gas upkeep and seasonal storage remain part of ownership.
Spec Overview
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
This belongs with homeowners who mow larger or bumpier lawns and want a machine that can keep up without feeling dainty.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
Greenworks 80V 21 in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is the cleaner fit for you if cordless handling and simpler storage matter more than raw gas power.
This EGO sits near the polished end of the field because it combines cordless electric use with self-propelled help. For homeowners who want to skip fuel handling but still avoid pushing across a full yard, that combination feels very well judged. The 21-inch deck keeps the coverage practical, and the LM2134SP-2 model name helps distinguish it from the brand’s other mower versions.
Compared with the Greenworks cordless pick, this one is also self-propelled, so your walking effort drops even further. The trade-off is that premium-feeling convenience usually brings more system complexity, and you’ll want to think about battery habits and storage space. For many suburban lawns, though, it lands in a sweet spot between low maintenance and easy handling.
Standout Traits
- Self-propelled drive takes the strain out of routine mowing.
- Cordless setup removes gas cans, pull starts, and exhaust fumes from the routine.
- 21-inch deck is a practical size for standard yards.
- Good fit for owners who want cleaner garage storage than a gas mower usually requires.
Points To Note
- Battery-powered tools still need charging discipline.
- More system complexity can mean more to think about than with a basic push mower.
- Storage space and weight matter once a battery platform gets larger.
Core Details
Built With In Mind
Homeowners who want easy pushing, cleaner storage, and cordless operation in a standard-size lawn will see the strongest fit here.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE Lawn Mower (YG2860) is the better call for rougher terrain and heavier mowing demands.
How To Choose The Right Power Lawn Mowers
Deck Width And Yard Size
Deck width is the cutting span under the mower, and it changes both speed and maneuverability. A 21- or 22-inch deck helps on open lawns, while an 18- or 20-inch deck feels easier around trees, fence posts, and narrow side yards. Wider isn’t automatically better, because a big deck can become awkward in cramped storage areas or tight landscape layouts.
Match the deck to the lawn you mow most often, not the lawn you wish you had. For a modest suburban lot, the middle sizes in this roundup are usually the sweet spot. For a compact yard, the smaller PowerSmart EasyCut models make daily handling less of a chore.
Drive Style And Effort Level
Push mowers rely on your own pace, so they suit flatter lawns and shorter mowing sessions. Self-propelled models use a drive system to move forward with you, which helps on hills, bumpy ground, or long stretches of grass. The difference feels small on paper and large in real use.
That’s why the Greenworks and EGO picks matter for tougher terrain or anyone who wants to save energy. A push mower still makes sense for smaller yards and simpler upkeep, especially when storage room is tight. The honest read is that effort level matters as much as engine size.
Gas, Cordless, And Ownership Rhythm
Gas mowers usually bring longer run time and a familiar cut feel, but they also ask for fuel, seasonal care, and more garage attention. Cordless electric models trade that routine for battery charging and runtime planning. Neither path is universal, because your mowing habits shape the better fit.
Weekly cutters on average lawns often like the simplicity of cordless systems. Homeowners dealing with thicker grass or longer intervals between cuts may lean toward gas power, especially the larger YARDMAX or the 21-inch PowerSmart models. Storage space, noise tolerance, and how often you mow all belong in the same decision.
Cut-Height Range And Grass Handling
Cut-height settings control how high the blade sits above the ground, which matters during hot spells, early-season growth, and uneven patches. More positions give you finer control, while fewer settings keep the machine simpler. Three positions can be enough for basic yard care, but six positions give you more room to adjust.
Grass-handling choices matter just as much. Mulching returns fine clippings to the lawn, bagging collects them, and side discharge moves cut grass away quickly when the yard is overgrown. Pick the setup that matches your cleanup habit, because that choice changes how much extra work you do after mowing.
What To Weigh Before You Decide
Mistakes Worth Dodging
Many people focus on engine size alone and overlook how the mower actually fits the yard. A strong engine does little good in a cramped storage shed or on a lawn with lots of tight turns. Another common miss is buying a push model for a sloped property, then wondering why the work feels heavier than expected.
It also helps to look past the headline cutting width. A 22-inch deck sounds efficient, but in a narrow side yard that extra width can feel more awkward than helpful. Match the machine to your paths, gates, and storage space as much as to the grass itself.
The Upgrade Payoff
Higher-tier mowers usually cost more because the drive systems, battery platforms, deck size, and materials tend to be more refined. Self-propelled control, larger cutting spans, and stronger chassis parts are the sorts of features that make mowing less tiring and more consistent. That extra spend makes the most sense for larger lawns, frequent mowing, or rougher terrain.
For a small, flat yard, a basic push mower often does the job without extra complexity. For a bigger property or a weekly schedule, the comfort and speed of a stronger model can feel worth the step up. You’re really paying for easier ownership, not just for a more impressive spec sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do gas mowers still make sense in 2026?
Yes, especially for thicker lawns, larger properties, and people who want longer run time without charging breaks. Gas models still bring more upkeep, so they suit a hands-on ownership style.
What size deck works best for a normal suburban lawn?
A 21-inch deck is a strong middle-ground choice for many standard yards. Smaller decks feel easier in tight spaces, while larger decks help on wide-open ground.
Are self-propelled mowers worth it for flat yards?
They can be, especially for longer mowing sessions or anyone who wants less physical effort. On a small, level lawn, a push mower may feel simpler and just as sensible.
What matters more, engine size or mower design?
Design usually matters more in daily use. Drive style, deck width, and how the mower handles clippings often affect the experience more than a bigger engine number.
Which type is easier to store in a garage?
Smaller push mowers usually take up less room and are easier to tuck away. Cordless models also cut down on fuel storage, which can simplify the garage setup.
Closing Thoughts
The right power mower depends on how your yard actually behaves, not just on specs in a product listing. A compact push model fits smaller spaces, a self-propelled pick helps on hills, and a cordless mower trims away a lot of routine hassle. You’ve got good options here, whether you want simple gas power or a smoother electric routine. Focus on your lawn size, your storage space, and how much effort you want to spend each weekend, and the choice gets much clearer.
