Best Push Lawn Mowers for Most Home Lawns Today
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The best push lawn mower 2026 shoppers can choose depends first on power source, because that decides how much fuel, charging or manual effort each cut takes. This guide compares eight push mowers from our product pack in three groups: gas walk-behind models, cordless battery models from Greenworks and EGO, and manual reel mowers from American Lawn Mower and Great States. Every fact comes from the product listing. Where a listing gives two different numbers for the same feature, we say so instead of choosing one.
Quick answer
- For a gas mower, the PowerSmart EasyCut 18-inch lists a 144cc engine and a two-year limited warranty.
- For cordless use, the Greenworks 40V 16-inch, Greenworks 40V 17-inch, Greenworks 48V 17-inch and EGO LM2112 all list 4.0Ah batteries, with runtimes up to 35 or 45 minutes depending on the model.
- For no fuel, no battery and no cord, the American 14-inch, American 18-inch and Great States 14-inch reel mowers are the manual options in this group.
- Check the height range in the bullets and the specs before you buy, because several listings disagree with themselves.
How to choose a push mower
Start with the power source. A gas mower carries its own fuel and needs oil, while a battery mower needs a charged pack and a charger, and a reel mower needs only you and the grass. Gas and battery mowers are the better match for lawns that are long or thick, while reel mowers suit smaller, flatter lawns that are cut often. The American reel listings say they work best on grass under about four inches tall, so a lawn left to grow for weeks is a poor match for a reel design.
Next, look at cutting width. A wider deck covers more ground per pass but is heavier and harder to steer around beds and trees. The 14-inch reel mowers and the 15.67-inch Greenworks 40V 16-inch are the narrowest in this group, while the EGO LM2112 with its 21-inch deck is the widest. A narrow deck suits a small yard with many turns; a wide deck suits open lawns with few obstacles.
Then check height range. A wide range lets you cut high in summer and short in spring, and it matters more for reel mowers, which can scalp or miss grass when set too low for the lawn’s condition. Finally, weigh the mower. Listed weights run from 9.3 pounds for the Great States reel to 58.4 pounds for the PowerSmart gas model, and the difference shows up on every slope and every trip up the driveway.
Cutting width and height at a glance
The table below uses the bullet text for height ranges where the listing gives both bullets and specs, because the bullets describe the adjustment the buyer actually uses. Where the listing does not state a value, the table says “not stated.”
| Model | Power | Cutting width | Height range (listing) | Weight (listing) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerSmart EasyCut 18-inch | Gas, 144cc | 18 inches | 1.5 to 3.9 inches | 58.4 pounds |
| Greenworks 40V 16-inch | Battery, 40V | 15.67 inches | 1.25 to 3.75 inches (specs) | 37.5 pounds |
| Greenworks 40V 17-inch | Battery, 40V | 16.14 inches | Six positions; specs range is printed in reverse order | not stated |
| Greenworks 48V 17-inch | Battery, 2 x 4.0Ah | 16.14 inches | 1 3/8 to 3 3/4 inches (bullets) | 42.5 pounds |
| EGO LM2112 | Battery, 56V | 21 inches | 1.25 to 4 inches (bullets) | not stated |
| American 1204-14 | Reel, manual | 14 inches | 0.5 to 1.75 inches (bullets) | 19 pounds (bullets) |
| American 1815-18 | Reel, manual | 18 inches | 1/2 to 2 3/4 inches (bullets) | 27 pounds |
| Great States 304-14 | Reel, manual | 14 inches | 0.5 to 1.75 inches | 9.3 pounds |
The eight push mowers in this roundup
Each block below uses only what the listing states. Read the listing’s own bullets before you order, since the pack shows some numbers that do not agree from one field to the next.
1. PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn Mower
This is the only gas walk-behind in the group. The listing describes a 144cc 4-cycle OHV engine with auto choke and a primer for starting, plus a pull-cord start. The 18-inch steel deck is side-discharge, and the five height positions run from 1.5 to 3.9 inches. The listing names flat terrain and a quarter-acre yard as the intended setting, and it gives a folded size of 26 by 19 by 14 inches, which helps if storage space is tight. Oil is not included; the listing recommends 10W-30 and gives an oil capacity of 13.5 fluid ounces and a fuel tank of 0.21 gallons. The specs list a two-year limited warranty. At 58.4 pounds it is the heaviest model here, so consider how you will move it up steps or across a slope.
2. Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Lawn Mower
This cordless mower ships with a 4.0Ah battery, a charger and a grass collection bag. The listing says it cuts up to one-third of an acre on a full charge, with runtime that depends on grass condition and how the mower is used, and the specs give a battery average life of 35 minutes. The 15.67-inch cutting width comes with five height positions and a two-in-one system for mulching or rear bagging. The bullets say the mower is 35 percent lighter than steel-deck models; the specs list 37.5 pounds, which is the figure to compare with other mowers. The listing gives a three-year limited tool and battery warranty and says the battery works with more than 75 Greenworks 40V tools, including trimmers, blowers and chainsaws.
3. Greenworks 40V 17-Inch Push Lawn Mower
This brushless 40V mower includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger. The bullets say it runs up to 35 minutes on one charge and that it suits small to medium yards up to a quarter acre. A single lever sets one of six cutting heights, and the two-in-one system lets you choose mulch or bag. The listing describes the mower as quiet and free of gas, oil and pull cords, with push-button start. The bullets state a three-year limited tool and battery warranty. The height figures in the specs appear in reverse order, with a maximum of 1.25 inches and a minimum of 3.13 inches, so confirm the height range on the product page before you buy. The listing gives 51.96 by 19.09 by 40.94 inches as its dimensions and 16.14 inches as its cutting width.
4. Greenworks 48V 17-Inch Push Lawn Mower
This mower runs on two 4.0Ah batteries in a 24V x 2 system, and the bullets say it runs up to 45 minutes on a full charge, varying with grass and technique. Its 17-inch poly deck is described as rust-resistant and 40 percent lighter than steel. The single-lever height adjustment offers five positions from 1 3/8 to 3 3/4 inches in the bullets, and the mower can mulch or bag. The item highlight names a dual-port rapid charger. The bullets state a three-year warranty for tool and battery, while the warranty field in the specs reads two years, so check the current terms on the listing. The specs list 42.5 pounds and a 16.14-inch cutting width. The bullets say the battery works with more than 200 Greenworks 24V tools.
5. EGO Power+ LM2112 Electric Lawn Mower
This cordless 56V push mower has the widest deck in the group at 21 inches. It includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger. The bullets say it delivers up to 6.0 foot-pounds of cutting torque and runs up to 35 minutes on one charge. The brushless motor is described as low-vibration, and the mower offers three functions: mulching, bagging and side discharge. Seven height settings run from 1.25 to 4 inches in the bullets, although the specs show 1.5 inches as the minimum. The listing also mentions LED headlights, an adjustable handle height and an IPX4 weather-resistant rating. A full section on this model follows the roundup.
6. American Lawn Mower 1204-14 Push Reel Mower
This is a 14-inch, four-blade reel mower in red, with 8.5-inch polymer wheels. The bullets give its weight as 19 pounds, while the spec field lists 1 kilogram, so the bullet figure is the one to check against your own needs. The adjustable blade height runs from 0.5 to 1.75 inches according to the bullets. The listing says the reel cuts without bruising grass blades and that the mower can handle grass up to four inches tall, though it is less effective on taller growth. The listing also advises mowing no more than one-third of the grass blade at a time, and it advises against mowing wet grass. It needs no fuel, battery or cord, which the listing presents as a quiet, low-maintenance choice for small lawns.
7. American Lawn Mower 1815-18 Push Reel Mower
This is an 18-inch, five-blade reel mower in black, listed at 27 pounds in the specs. The bullets describe adjustable height from 1/2 inch to 2 3/4 inches and say the mower suits dry grass under four inches for a single pass, with multiple passes needed for taller grass. The bullets name the mower as suited to flat lawns and to small or medium yards. The bullets also mention a five-year manufacturer protection plan, but the specs list a one-year limited warranty. Compare both on the listing before you buy, since the two figures do not match.
8. Great States 304-14 Push Reel Mower
This 14-inch, five-blade reel mower in red weighs 9.3 pounds according to the specs, which makes it the lightest model in this roundup. Its cutting height runs from 0.5 to 1.75 inches, and the bullets and specs agree on that figure. The blades are heat-treated alloy steel, and the listing says they stay sharp longer. The T-style handle has a cushioned grip, and the mower assembles without tools. The listing gives a 90-day limited warranty. The bullets name 8.5-inch composite wheels, but the specs give a wheel size of 10 inches, so check the listing if wheel size matters for your lawn.
Review: EGO LM2112 in depth
The EGO LM2112 is the most fully specified battery mower in this group, and it is the model to consider if you want a cordless mower with a wide deck and a long run time. The listing ties its 21-inch cutting width to a 56V 4.0Ah battery, and the bullets say the battery gives up to 35 minutes of run time on one charge. The brushless motor is described as delivering long runtimes and low vibration, and the listing states up to 6.0 foot-pounds of cutting torque, which it compares with gas mowers.
The mower’s three functions are mulching, bagging and side discharge, so you can change how clippings leave the deck depending on the lawn. The listing’s seven height settings run from 1.25 to 4 inches in the bullets. The specs show a minimum of 1.5 inches, so if the lowest setting matters to you, confirm it on the listing. The dimensions in the specs are 67.5 inches long, 22.4 inches wide and 36.2 inches high, and the material is listed as metal alloy. The listing does not state the weight, so it is worth checking against your own storage space and how you will carry it.
Two comparisons from the pack help place this mower. The Greenworks 48V 17-inch in the roundup has a 16.14-inch deck and lists two 4.0Ah batteries with up to 45 minutes of run time, which may suit a yard where the deck width matters less than total runtime. The PowerSmart EasyCut 18-inch is the gas option, with an 18-inch deck and no battery to charge, but it needs oil and fuel. The EGO fits a buyer who wants a battery mower with a wide deck and a list of weather and lighting features, including LED headlights and an IPX4 rating.
Who each type of push mower suits
A gas mower suits a larger lawn where you will not mind fuel and oil. The PowerSmart listing names a quarter-acre yard and flat terrain, so it is best matched to a lawn of that kind rather than steep ground. Its weight is the main limit, and the listing’s pull-cord start means the starting routine is part of the job.
A cordless mower suits a lawn that you cut often and where a quiet, fume-free machine matters. The three Greenworks mowers and the EGO all include a charger in the box. The listings give different runtimes, so pick the battery that matches the largest area you will cut in one session. A second battery doubles the time you can mow before charging, which the Greenworks 48V model handles by design.
A reel mower suits a small, flat lawn cut regularly. The Great States 14-inch is the light choice at 9.3 pounds according to its specs, while the American 14-inch lists 19 pounds in its bullets. The American 18-inch covers more ground per pass and is better for a bigger flat yard, though its weight is nearly three times the Great States.
Maintenance facts from the listings
Each power type asks for different routine care. For the gas model, the listing recommends 10W-30 engine oil, which is not included, and gives an oil capacity of 13.5 fluid ounces. Keep the fuel tank in mind when you plan a longer mowing session, since the listed tank size is 0.21 gallons. For the battery models, charge the pack before each session and follow the charger instructions, and check the runtime figure in the listing against the size of your lawn.
Reel mowers need the most attention to cutting habits rather than to fuel. The American 1204-14 listing advises mowing smaller amounts more often instead of letting grass grow long, and it advises against mowing when grass is wet. Keep blades clean and dry after use, and store the mower where it stays dry.
Mistakes to avoid when choosing a push mower
The most common mistake is buying on deck width alone. A 21-inch deck looks like the best choice until you try to push it around flower beds, through a gate or into a garage. Measure your gate and storage space first, then match the deck to the route you will walk.
A second mistake is ignoring the height range. Use the bullet range as your guide, and check the spec range for any mismatch before you order.
A third mistake is mowing a lawn that has grown past the mower’s limit. The reel listings say they work best on grass under about four inches, and the American 1815-18 listing says taller grass needs multiple passes. Mow often and take off no more than a third of the blade at a time, which the American 1204-14 listing recommends.
Finally, do not assume every battery mower uses the same battery. The Greenworks 40V models and the EGO use different voltage packs, and a battery from one brand does not fit another. Check the battery system in the listing before you buy a second pack or a second tool.
FAQ
Which push lawn mower is best for a small yard?
For a small, flat yard cut regularly, the reel mowers in this roundup are a good match. The Great States 304-14 is the lightest, at 9.3 pounds in the specs, with a 14-inch cutting width and a height range from 0.5 to 1.75 inches. If you want a battery mower instead, the Greenworks 40V 16-inch lists 37.5 pounds and a 15.67-inch deck, which is a reasonable middle choice.
Can a reel mower handle tall grass?
The listings say reel mowers work best on grass up to about four inches tall. The American 1204-14 listing notes it is less effective on taller growth, and the American 1815-18 listing says taller grass needs more than one pass. For long grass, a gas or battery mower with a higher height range is the better choice.
How long does a battery mower run on one charge?
The listings give different figures. The Greenworks 40V 16-inch and the Greenworks 40V 17-inch both give a battery average life of 35 minutes in their listings, and the Greenworks 48V 17-inch says up to 45 minutes on two batteries. The EGO LM2112 says up to 35 minutes on its 4.0Ah battery. All of these depend on grass condition and how the mower is used.
Does the PowerSmart gas mower need oil when I buy it?
Yes. The listing says oil is not included and recommends 10W-30. The listing also gives an oil capacity of 13.5 fluid ounces, so buy the oil before the first use.
Which warranties do the listings state?
The PowerSmart lists a two-year limited warranty. The Greenworks 40V 16-inch and 40V 17-inch list three-year limited tool and battery warranties in the bullets. The Greenworks 48V 17-inch bullets state a three-year warranty while its specs read two years, so check the listing. The American 1815-18 bullets list a five-year protection plan while its specs read one year. The Great States 304-14 lists a 90-day limited warranty in the specs. The EGO LM2112 listing does not state a warranty term in the pack data.
Is a wide deck always better?
No. A wider deck covers more ground per pass, but it weighs more and turns less easily around obstacles. The EGO has a 21-inch deck and the American 1204-14 has 14 inches. Choose the deck to fit your yard shape and your storage space rather than the widest number.
Bottom line
For most home lawns, pick the power source first. Choose a gas mower if you want a long-running machine and do not mind fuel and oil, a battery mower if you want quiet and no fumes, and a reel mower if your lawn is small, flat and cut often. Then confirm the height range and weight on the listing, because several listings in this group give different numbers in their bullets and their specs.
Before you mow, read our lawn mower safety checklist for homeowners. If you want a closer look at one battery model, see the Greenworks 48V 17-Inch Push Mower Review.
