As an expert in the field of lawn mowers, I have over 10 years of experience, including 6 years of testing and reviewing various types of mowers such as electric, petrol, cordless, and robotic. Maintaining a well-manicured lawn is crucial for any UK gardener, and choosing the best lawn mowers in the UK can significantly impact the quality of your lawn and the ease of your gardening experience. With an overwhelming number of options available on the market, it can be challenging to make an informed decision. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide outlining 8 essential steps to help you select the perfect mower in the UK.
By considering factors such as the size of your lawn, type of mower, cutting width, adjustable cutting height, weight, cutting options, additional features, and brand and warranty, you can confidently choose the best lawn mowers in the UK that meet your gardening preferences and budget.
Let’s dive into the 8 steps to choosing the best lawn mowers in the UK.
8 Steps To Choosing The Best Cordless Lawn Mower Video Guide
Step 1 – Determine the size of your lawn
Determine the size of your lawn – this will help you decide on the type of mower you need. Measure the length and width of your lawn in centimetres to get an accurate size. For example, if your lawn is 10 metres long and 5 metres wide, the total size of your lawn would be 500cm x 1000cm.
Based on the size of your lawn, you can decide on the type of mower you need. For smaller lawns, a push mower or electric mower may be sufficient. For larger lawns, a petrol mower or ride-on mower may be necessary. It’s important to choose a mower that is appropriate for the size of your lawn to ensure efficient and effective mowing.
Please see my video on How to Easily Measure Lawn Area Using Google Maps.
Step 2 – Decide between petrol, electric or cordless
Decide between petrol, electric or cordless – petrol mowers are more powerful, while electric and cordless mowers are more eco-friendly and easier to maintain.
Petrol mowers are typically more powerful and can handle larger lawns with thicker grass. They are also more portable as they don’t require a power outlet. However, they tend to be heavier and noisier than electric or cordless mowers. They also require regular maintenance such as oil changes and spark plug replacements.
Electric mowers are quieter and more eco-friendly than petrol mowers. They are also easier to maintain as they don’t require fuel or oil changes. However, they are limited by the length of their power cord and may not be suitable for larger lawns.
Cordless mowers are similar to electric mowers but are powered by a rechargeable battery. They are more portable than electric mowers and don’t require a power outlet, but they may not have as much power as petrol mowers and may require frequent recharging.
Ultimately, the choice between petrol, electric or cordless mowers depends on your personal preferences and the size of your lawn. Consider the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.
Step 3 – Consider the cutting width
Consider the cutting width – this will determine how quickly you can mow your lawn. The cutting width refers to the width of the blade on the mower and is measured in centimetres. For example, a cutting width of 40cm means the blade is 40cm wide. The deck size will be slightly larger to accommodate the blade, so bare this in mind when planning storage of your new mower.
Petrol mowers generally have larger cutting widths than electric battery mowers, ranging from 40cm to 60cm or more. This makes them ideal for larger lawns, as they can mow more grass in less time. However, larger cutting widths also mean that the mower is heavier and may be more difficult to manoeuvre.
Electric battery mowers typically have smaller cutting widths, ranging from 30cm to 40cm. This makes them ideal for smaller lawns or gardens with narrow pathways. However, they may take longer to mow larger lawns due to their smaller cutting width.
Ultimately, the cutting width you choose depends on the size of your lawn and your personal preferences. If you have a large lawn, a petrol mower with a larger cutting width may be more efficient. If you have a smaller lawn, an electric battery mower with a smaller cutting width may be sufficient.
Step 4 – Look for adjustable cutting height
Look for adjustable cutting height – this will allow you to adjust the height of the blades to suit your lawn. The cutting height refers to the height of the grass after it has been mowed and is measured in millimetres. Different types of grass require different cutting heights, so it’s important to choose a mower that allows you to adjust the cutting height.
Ideally, you should look for a mower that has a single height adjustment lever. This makes it easier to adjust the cutting height evenly across the entire lawn. Some mowers may have individual height adjustment levers for each wheel, which can be more difficult to use.
Different mowers may have different ranges of cutting height. For example, some mowers may have a cutting height range of 20mm to 70mm, while others may have a range of 10mm to 60mm. Consider the type of grass you have and the desired height of your lawn when choosing a mower with an appropriate cutting height range.
Step 5 – Check the weight of the mower
Check the weight of the mower – make sure it’s comfortable for you to use and manoeuvre. The weight of the mower is an important factor to consider, especially if you have a large lawn or need to manoeuvre around obstacles such as trees or flower beds.
Lighter mowers are easier to manoeuvre, but may not be as stable on uneven terrain. Heavier mowers are more stable and can provide a smoother cut, especially if they are fitted with a rear roller. A rear roller can also create a striped effect on the lawn, which is desired by some gardeners.
When choosing a mower, consider your own strength and ability to manoeuvre the mower. If you have a small lawn, a lighter mower may be sufficient. If you have a larger lawn or prefer a striped effect, a heavier mower with a rear roller may be more appropriate.
Step 6 – Look for additional features
Look for additional features such as grass collection bags, mulching capabilities and self-propulsion. In addition to the cutting options, there are several other features to consider when choosing a mower.
Grass collection bags are attached to the mower and collect the grass clippings as you mow. This is a convenient feature for those who prefer a tidy lawn without clippings left behind. Some mowers also have a larger capacity grass collection bag, which means fewer trips to empty it.
Mulching capabilities allow the mower to cut the grass into fine pieces and spread them back onto the lawn as a natural fertiliser. This is an eco-friendly option that can save time and money on fertilisers.
Self-propulsion is a feature that allows the mower to move forward on its own, without the need for pushing. This is useful for those with larger lawns or for those who may have difficulty pushing a heavy mower.
In addition to these features, consider the cutting options available on the mower. There are four main cutting options:
Cut & Collect: This option cuts the grass and collects it in a grass collection bag attached to the mower. This is the most common cutting option and is suitable for most lawns.
Mulching: This option cuts the grass into fine pieces and spreads them back onto the lawn as a natural fertiliser. This can save time and money on fertilisers and is eco-friendly.
Side Discharge: This option cuts the grass and discharges it out of the side of the mower. This is useful for mowing long grass or for mowing rough terrain.
Rear Discharge: This option cuts the grass and discharges it out of the rear of the mower. This is useful for mowing long grass or for mowing rough terrain, but can leave clumps of grass on the lawn.
Consider the features and cutting options available on the mower and choose the one that best suits your lawn and gardening preferences.
Step 7 – Read reviews and compare prices
Read reviews and compare prices – this will help you find the best value for your money. Before making a purchase, it’s important to read reviews from other customers who have used the mower. This can give you an idea of the mower’s performance, durability, and ease of use.
There are many websites that offer reviews of mowers, including of course, this website. On my website, I provide in-depth reviews and sometimes videos of various mowers, including pros and cons and a scoring system that clearly shows the strengths and weaknesses of a particular mower. This can help you make an informed decision when choosing a mower.
In addition to reading reviews, compare prices from different retailers to find the best value for your money. Look for sales or discounts that may be available, but be sure to consider the overall quality and reputation of the retailer before making a purchase.
By reading reviews and comparing prices, you can find a mower that meets your needs and fits within your budget.
Step 8 – Consider the brand and warranty
Consider the brand and warranty – choose a reputable brand with a good warranty to ensure your mower lasts for years to come. When choosing a mower, consider the brand and the warranty that comes with it. A reputable brand with a good warranty can give you peace of mind and ensure that your mower lasts for years to come.
On your website, you not only provide in-depth reviews of various mowers, but you also score the warranty and support that the manufacturer provides. This can be a valuable resource when choosing a mower, as it ensures that you are aware of any potential issues or limitations with the warranty or support.
Consider the reputation of the manufacturer and the quality of their mowers. Look for a manufacturer that has a good track record of producing reliable and durable mowers. Additionally, choose a mower that comes with a warranty that covers any potential defects or issues that may arise.
By choosing a reputable brand with a good warranty, you can ensure that your mower lasts for years to come and that any potential issues are covered by the manufacturer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the perfect mower in the UK requires careful consideration of several factors. By following these 8 steps, you can ensure that you choose a mower that is appropriate for the size of your lawn, fits within your budget, and meets your gardening preferences.
It’s important to consider the type of mower, cutting width, adjustable cutting height, weight, cutting options, additional features, reviews, and brand and warranty when making a decision. By taking the time to research and compare different mowers, you can find one that suits your needs and provides reliable performance for years to come. Remember to also check out my in-depth reviews and scoring system on this website to make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
I know there’s a lot to think about when it comes to choosing a lawn mower, but it really is worth taking the time to weigh up your options. If you’re still unsure, I have lots of helpful information throughout this website to make it easier for you. Why not try out my tool where you can simply enter your requirements and I’ll recommend the best matched mowers for you. Together, we’ll find a great lawn mower for you and your garden!
As a seasoned expert in the field of garden power tools, I have dedicated over a decade to working with and reviewing a wide variety of lawn mowers. My extensive experience has allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the benefits and limitations of different types of mowers and garden tools.
Over the years, I have honed my skills in writing informative articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications. This has given me the ability to not only recognise what makes a good lawn mower, but also to help you choose the perfect garden tool for your specific needs and requirements.
With my wealth of knowledge and expertise, I am confident that I can provide you with valuable insights and recommendations when it comes to selecting the right lawn mower for your lawn. So, whether you're looking for a battery cordless, electric, petrol, or robotic mower, you can trust in my expertise to guide you towards the best option for your garden.
