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The 8 Best Lawn Mower for Small Gardens

Finding the best small lawn mower for your lawn can seem like a daunting task especially if you have a small lawn. However, modern technology has made it possible to pack much more power into small packages – be it optimizing the cutting power or making good use of every inch of the blade.

If you lack space, then you should consider investing in compact mowers that are ideal for use on smaller plots. They have enough power to handle a lawn of up to 200 m2 with much ease. We have shortlisted and reviewed the lighter models for your convenience.  

American Lawn Mower Company 1204 14 Reel Lawn Mower Best Lawn Mower for Small Gardens 2
American Lawn Mower Company 1204 14 Reel Lawn Mower via Amazon.com

How To Choose the Perfect Lawn Mower for Small Gardens?

Buying a best lawn mower for small gardens may not seem to be easy as there are hundreds of brands to choose from.

You need to go through a lot of parameters before shortlisting the best model for your needs. To assist you with this decision, here are some of the parameters you need to look to before making the move.

Size matters

Whether you own a large lawn or a compact one, choosing the wrong size can be a total disaster. Though a mower with large width can mow quickly, if they are propelled manually then you can have a hard time pushing it.

Measure your lawn if necessary. The general rule is that for smaller lawns the cutting width should be around 28-35 cm and for larger ones it should be above 40 cm upwards.

The cheapest option is not always the best

Investing in quality products will always pay the dividend in the long run. Judging a mower purely on price can prove to be a disaster. Instead, look into the build, features offered, guarantees, and other aspects. Set a budget and invest in a quality model that would serve you well.  

Don’t opt for push mowers if your lawn is on an incline

Homeowners often make the mistake of buying a manually propelled mower that they cannot push to the slopes in their garden. If your garden has slopes, then it would be better to opt for a self-propelled machine.

These models come with a wide range of drives fitted. Some feature a simple one-speed gear and some feature several gears including reverse. Choose the right one for you. 

Don’t buy a cylinder if you need to invest in a rotary mower

You need to examine the kind of grass you have in your terrain while planning to purchase a lawnmower. Cylinder mowers are not suitable for lumpy gardens.

If you have varying grass kinds throughout, then a rotary mower would be more suitable for your needs. However, if you have a formal lawn, then a cylinder mower would be the right option for you.

Rotary lawnmower– These mowers function by rapidly spinning a blade to cut grass and it spins horizontally from east to west.

It relies on sucking and tearing action for cutting the grass with one blade that rotates extremely fast. The design is simple and adapts well to small engines that are electric or gas-powered.  

Rotary lawnmowers are heavy, powerful, and are well adapted to a wide variety of grass conditions including lawns with dandelions and weeds.

This mower is heavy to push but also comes with motorized wheels. A high speed blade chops the grass on impact due to its very high speed.   

Cylinder pushes lawn mower – This mower comes in many varieties and can either be manual or motorized. The mower has vertical wheels that brush up and cuts the grass leaving an even and neat cut.

A cylinder lawn mower has 5-12 exposed blades at the front that slices the grass blades against a fixed bottom plate like a pair of scissors.

Usually, a cylinder lawnmower comes with five to twelve exposed blades present at the front of the mower. The blades rotate the trappings and slice the grass blades against a fixed bottom plate like a pair of scissors. The more blades on the equipment, the better the cut is.

A Cylinder mower works best on short or low cut grass and is not suitable for cutting long grass. If you cannot keep the grass low, then it will mean frequent mowing twice a week.

The downside is that this kind of cutting system is that although the cut is superior to the rotary mower, the blades here require periodic and exact adjustment for maintaining the quality of the cut.      

Electric vs. petrol

It is crucial to choose the right power source for your lawnmower. Electric mowers are lightweight, clean, easy to use, and are also maintenance-free.

These are usually designed for small lawns and gardens. Petrol lawnmowers are more powerful and are robust. These require a fair amount of regular topping and maintenance.

Hand propelled mowers are simple to use and also give you a good workout. These are suitable for smaller lawns and are suitable for you if you have a lot of energy and time on your hands. 


8 Best Lawn Mower for Small Gardens

Once you have identified the features you are looking for, you can go ahead and choose the best model for your lawn that fits the bill. We have reviewed the top 5 models for small gardens.

1. WORX 4WG743 Cordless Lawn Mower

WORX WG743 Cordless Lawn Mower Best Lawn Mower for Small Gardens

The Worx cordless lawn mower comes with an easy fold handle and barely consumes any space in a small shed. It is an ideal choice if you have a small storage room.

It takes two 20V batteries to tend overgrown lawns. The 2-in-1 bag & mulch lawnmower from Word has all the power and advantages of a traditional mower without any drawbacks.

Battery-powered mowers are more efficient, quieter, and cost-effective. With double power and runtime, this mower delivers gas-like performance. You can easily mow 1/8 acre per charge.

The batteries take 2 hours to charge. This modern mower can with all the modern features. Intellicut for instance provides extra torque when the grass is thicker and lets you dial it back down to conserve energy when the terrain is smooth.

The six cutting height positions ranging from 1.5”-4.0”. The cut-to-edge placement of blades allows you to get closer to the garden or house for less trimming later.         

Pros
  • Comes with patented Intellicut technology which adds more power while cutting thicker grass and dial it back for conserving the battery life
  • Single-lever adjustment allows you to pick the right height for accommodating different preferences and seasons
  • Worx Power Share is compatible with all Worx 20v and 40v tools, lifestyle products, and outdoor power
  • The cut-to-edge design gets closer than other mowers to fences and landmarks on your lawn for less trimming lawn
  • Comes with a mulcher attachment already installed
Cons
  • Because of the compact size, the model resembles a toy

2. LawnMaster ME1218X Electric Lawn Mower

LawnMaster ME1218X Electric Lawn Mower Best Lawn Mower for Small Gardens

This Electric 2-in-1 mower features a powerful 12A motor and a cutting width of 18 inches. It has a high impact and wouldn’t rust over time. The system is simple to start. The one-touch height adjustment feature makes it an easy solution to all your lawn cutting needs.

This mower provides an efficient and clean alternative to gas-powered mowers. The wheels are easy to control and are also labor-saving.

Pros
  • Comes with a 19-inch rust-resistant deck
  • Features a powerful motor of 3600rpm speed
  • Comes with 6 cutting positions from 1.5”-4”
  • The wheels are easy to rotate and easy to control
  • Is lightweight and easy to operate
  • Is ideal for users who don’t have much experience in mowing a lawn
Cons
  • Doesn’t perform well against overgrown grass

3. Black+Decker 3-in-1 Lawnmower

BlackDecker 3 in 1 lawnmower Best Lawn Mower for Small Gardens

This 3-in-1 compact mower comes with a sturdy motor that produces up to 3,100 strokes per minute. The top-handle jigsaw provides a sturdy footplate for ensuring accuracy in the cut. The variable speed dial controls the maximum speed while the accelerator takes care of the operating speed.

The Jigsaw is engineered with a low-vibration plunging design for ensuring smooth operation and accuracy. It features a large heavy-gauge steel footplate.

The multidirectional blade clamp delivers a superior grip of the blades. The tool-less blade change system makes it easier to insert and remove the blade.

Pros
  • Converts easily from mower to trimmer to edger
  • Comes with batteries for extended run time
  • Adjustable height deck & trimmer and pivoting handle
  • AFS automatic feed system ensures continuous work
  • Ideal for lawn size under 750 square feet
  • Gear drive delivers consistent power in most grass types
Cons
  • Mowing tall, thick, and wet grass is going to drain the battery quicker

4. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 Reel Lawn Mower

American Lawn Mower Company 1204 14 Reel Lawn Mower Best Lawn Mower for Small Gardens

This push manual lawn mower is versatile enough to cut through grass yet maneuverable and lightweight. This lawnmower with a sturdy blade can last for several years.

This easy-to-use mechanical lawnmower can easily cut grass up to 4 inches tall. Moreover, it is easy to assemble and comes with blades that can be adjusted to help cut grass to the desired length.  

The durable cushioned handle provides comfort to the users and a perfect grip when in motion. It produces powerful cutting action, is low maintenance, and is light in weight. The 4 blade reel ensures maximum maneuverability.

Pros
  • Comes with an adjustable blade height of 0.5”-1.75”
  • The cutter blades are made from heat-treated alloy steel and remain sharp for years
  • Is noise and pollution-free
  • Is easy to use, lightweight, and low maintenance
  • Can cut grass up to 4 inches tall
  • No worries about fuel, maintenance, and repairs
Cons
  • If your ground isn’t perfectly level, then it can get hard to move this mower around

5. Greenworks Cordless Self-propelled Lawnmower

Greenworks Cordless Self propelled Lawnmower Best Lawn Mower for Small Gardens

Greenworks 24V lithium-ion mower comes with an easy to assemble setup. It is powerful for a small yard and managing it is a breeze.

The batteries pack 48V delivering exceptional and better performance than gas-powered mowers. It comes with 70 minutes run-time and with 4 fully charged 4Ah USB batteries.

It also comes with a dual-port charger. The highly efficient brushless motor provides more torque, longer life and also ensures quieter operation. The 4-in-1 setup allows rear bagging, mulch, and side discharge.

Pros
  • Comes with a solid metal chassis
  • Is easy to assemble and super quiet
  • Is self-propelled and can easily climb hills with a 20º incline
  • 4-in-1 mowing versatility
  • Sustainable solution with no gas or oil emission
Cons
  • Release button assembly seems flimsy

6. Goplus 14” Corded Electric Lawn Mower

Goplus 14 Corded Electric Lawn Mower Best Lawn Mower for Small Gardens

This 14-inch corded electric mower is an ideal option for individuals who do not wish to exert extra effort while using this mower. It is compact and lightweight and easy to maneuver around on a small lawn. It weighs just 15 pounds and is the easiest to push around.

Despite being relatively simple in comparison to other electric mowers, Goplus lower comes loaded with plenty of features to offer convenience to the users. 

It comes with a push-start button, a foldable handle ensuring an easy story, and a hard-top grass collection box. The grass box can collect grass is 30L.

The mower has three cutting height options: 1-inch, 1.6-inches, and 2.2-inches which is suitable for cutting all kinds of grasses. It is a great choice if you want to clean your garden more quickly.

Pros
  • The wheels are easy to push through tall and thick grass
  • The ergonomic handle promises a comfortable and natural grip to the users
  • 14-inch cutting deck promises a great balance of maneuverability and cutting capacity
  • Easy push-button start makes it easy to operate
  • No gasoline or no messy oils needed in operation
  • Hard-top grass catcher detaches for ensuring convenient disposal
  • The weight of this mower is just 15 lbs.
Cons
  • Small cutting width

7. PowerSmart 21-inch Lawn Mower

PowerSmart 21 inch Lawn Mower Best Lawn Mower for Small Gardens

This is one of the best gas-powered mowers for small yards. Its 21-inch cutting deck will help you mow your lawn in no time. The 170 cc OHV engine can easily trim wet grass and slopes.

Measuring just 60 pounds, it is light in weight for a gas mower but is much heavier than electric and reel mowers.

PowerSmart DB2321C folds pretty easily and also ensures compact storage. The model presents more cutting height options than other mowers that have been listed so far.

It comes with five heights ranging between 1.18 and 3 inches. It has a standard side-discharge chute and mulching capability for grass clippings. 

Pros
  • Comes with a 21-inch mowing deck allowing you to finish your yard job with much ease
  • 144 cc powerful gas engine ensures continuous power to help you accomplish the task
  • The self-propelled mower comes with a 5-position height adjustment option
  • The 2-in-1 lawnmower has a mulching capacity
  • Side discharge easily passes thick grasses
  • The handle can be quickly folded thereby ensuring tidy storage
  • The product comes with a 3-year limited warranty
Cons
  • Is much heavier in comparison to electric and reel mowers

8. Sun Joe MJ401C Cordless Push Lawn Mower

Sun Joe MJ401C Cordless Push Lawn Mower Best Lawn Mower for Small Gardens

If you love using cordless mowers that are inexpensive and compact, then investing in Sun Joe MJ401C would be your best bet.

This mower is priced around $160 and comes with a 28-volt battery which is needed to power it. With a cutting width of 14-inch, this mower is just perfect for small yards.

Sun Joe MJ401C is ideal for small yards and can cut about a quarter of an acre with a single battery charge. It is easy to use and comes with a convenient push-button start.

The smooth-moving wheels make the mower convenient to push around the yard. This machine is ideal for use in small to medium lawns and is also environment-friendly.

The durable steel blade cuts grass with precision in a single pass. It features convenient 3-position manual height control to quickly tailor your turf to just the right height.

The clippings can be collected with a 10.6-gallon bag and can be detached for quick and easy disposal. The mower is driven by a powerful rechargeable 28v lithium-ion battery that can mow a 10,000 sq. ft. lawn on a single charge. 

Pros
  • Powerful lawn mower for small to medium lawns
  • Battery-powered mower
  • Durable steel plate cuts grass in a single pass crisply
  • 28v rechargeable lithium-ion battery
  • Tailor cutting height with 3-position manual height adjustment
  • Comes with a grass catcher for easy disposal
  • Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
  • Small cutting width
  • Battery runtime less than an hour

Conclusion

We have listed all the best compact mowers currently that are easy to manage to do not consume much space. They are suitable for working on small lawns and are easier to get started with.

Of all the models listed, the Worx mower is one of the best models you can invest in. it is packed with all the features you would need to tend your small lawn.

The battery life is generous and fixes an unruly lawn in no time. The design is ergonomic and also works flawlessly even if your lawn is on an incline. With a simple setup process and a user-friendly design, this mower is all you need to tend your small lawn.