Best Electric Walk-Behind Push Mowers for Your Lawn
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A walk behind push mower is a mower you walk behind and push by hand, with the blade driven by an engine, a battery motor or the push action itself. The models in this roundup span corded electric, cordless battery, gas and reel designs, so the right choice depends on your power source, lawn size and how much you want to maintain. Each entry below gives the power source and key specifications from its listing so you can compare like with like.
Quick answer
- For a corded electric mower, the Hoteche 10-amp model lists a 12.6-inch deck and a 30-liter bag, and the DORTALA 12-amp model lists a 14-inch deck and a 35-liter box.
- For a cordless battery mower, the Sun Joe MJ401C-PRO lists a 14-inch deck with a 4.0Ah battery and a 10.6-gallon bag.
- For a gas push mower, the PowerSmart 18-inch and YARDMAX 21-inch models list 144cc and 170cc engines.
- For no fuel, no cord and no battery, the three reel mowers (Walensee, folconroad and Zoryx) are listed as manual.
How to choose a push mower
Begin with the power source, because it decides how much maintenance you take on. Gas models need fuel and oil and a pull start. Corded electric models need an outlet and an extension cord. Battery models need a charged battery. Reel mowers need no fuel, cord or battery, but they work best on short, even grass. The listings in this roundup include all four types, so you can choose the one that fits your yard.
Next, look at cutting width. The listings here range from 14 inches on the DORTALA, Zoryx, folconroad and Sun Joe models to 18 inches on the PowerSmart gas mower. A wider deck covers more ground per pass, but a narrower deck is easier to push and store. The PowerSmart listing describes its mower as suited to a quarter-acre yard, while the Sun Joe listing describes coverage of up to 10,000 square feet per charge.
Then check cutting height. Height adjustment ranges differ a lot. The Hoteche lists three positions from 1 to 2.2 inches, the Walensee lists four positions from 0.6 to 1.5 inches, and the PowerSmart lists five positions from 1.5 to 3.9 inches. A reel mower gives a low cut, while a rotary mower suits taller grass. Match the range to the grass you have.
Finally, consider the grass catcher and weight. Several models include a bag or box, while others are listed for mulching or side discharge. Weight matters for storage and for pushing up a slope. The Hoteche is listed at 16 pounds, the Walensee at 15.4 pounds and the folconroad at 16 pounds. The PowerSmart gas mower is listed at 58.4 pounds, so it is the heaviest option here.
Reel versus rotary
A reel mower uses a set of spinning blades that cut against a fixed bar, like scissors. The three reel models in this roundup, the Walensee, folconroad and Zoryx, are listed with 4 or 5 blades. The Walensee listing says the scissor-like action slices grass instead of tearing it. The Zoryx listing describes the same cutting action and says it is motorless and pollution-free. Reel mowers suit lawns that are kept short and even. A rotary mower with a spinning blade handles taller and thicker grass and is the better choice for overgrown or weedy areas.
Corded electric and battery models
The corded models in this roundup are the Hoteche and the DORTALA. The Hoteche listing describes a 10-amp brush motor and a 12.6-inch cutting width, with a 30-liter grass bag and quick-release fabric. It also says the mower is lightweight. The DORTALA listing describes a 12-amp motor at 3800 rpm and a 14-inch deck, with a 35-liter grass collection box that can be attached for side discharge or removed for mulching. Both need an outlet and a rated extension cord.
The battery model in this roundup is the Sun Joe MJ401C-PRO, which is covered in the review below. The Sun Joe listing describes a 600-watt brushless motor, a 4.0Ah rechargeable battery and a 10.6-gallon bag. The listing says the battery can cover up to 10,000 square feet on a charge. Battery models need a charge before each use, so plan the mowing time around that.
Gas models
The PowerSmart EasyCut and YARDMAX 21-inch models are gas push mowers. The PowerSmart listing describes a 144cc four-cycle OHV engine with auto choke and primer for easier starting, a steel deck and side discharge. It lists a two-year limited warranty and a fuel tank of 0.21 gallon. The YARDMAX listing describes a 170cc engine, a 16-gauge stamped steel deck, a single-lever deck adjustment, seven cutting heights from 1.25 to 3.75 inches, and a volute deck design for airflow and mulching. Gas mowers need fuel and oil, and the PowerSmart listing names 10W-30 oil as recommended but not included.
Product roundup
1. PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Push Mower
The PowerSmart EasyCut is a gas walk-behind mower with a 144cc four-cycle engine and an 18-inch steel deck. The listing says it has side discharge, five height positions from 1.5 to 3.9 inches, and 8-inch rear and 7-inch front wheels for maneuvering around trees and flower beds. It is listed at 58.4 pounds, with a folded size of 26 by 19 by 14 inches. The listing gives a two-year limited warranty and says the mower suits a quarter-acre yard. As a gas model, it is started with a pull cord according to its listing.
2. Hoteche 10-Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower
The Hoteche is a corded electric mower with a 12.6-inch cutting width and a 30-liter grass bag. Its listing describes a 1200W brush motor and a 3600 rpm blade speed. The height adjustment has three positions, from 1 inch to 2.2 inches, and the listing says it needs no tools. The mower is listed at 16 pounds and as suitable for small to medium lawns. The listing states quiet operation below 75 dB and says the mower produces no emissions. It is a good match for a small corded lawn where a lightweight machine is the priority.
3. Walensee 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
The Walensee is a cordless manual reel mower with five blades and a 16-inch cutting width. The listing says the blades are curved alloy steel that is precision-ground and resists deformation. It has four height positions from 0.5 to 1.5 inches and 8.5-inch drive wheels. The listing includes a removable 7.9-gallon grass catcher. The mower is listed at 15.4 pounds and needs no gas, electricity or batteries. The listing advises clearing large twigs, stones and debris before mowing.
4. folconroad 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
The folconroad is a manual reel mower with four blades and a 14-inch cutting width. The listing gives five height settings from 0.4 to 1.6 inches and says the mower installs with a manual knob nut and no tools. The deck is powder-coated for rust resistance. The listing weighs the mower at 16 pounds and notes that the blades should be adjusted before use following the manual. It is a suitable choice for a reel mower on a short, flat lawn.
5. DORTALA 14-Inch Corded Electric Push Mower
The DORTALA is a corded electric mower with a 14-inch deck and a 12-amp motor at 3800 rpm. The listing gives three height positions from 1 to 2.5 inches and a 35-liter (9.3-gallon) grass collection box. The box can be detached for mulching or attached for side discharge. A double-switch safety design is described, where the lever returns to off when released. The mower is listed at 15.5 pounds, with 5.5-inch rotating wheels and a folding handle for storage.
6. Zoryx 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
The Zoryx is a motorless reel mower with five alloy steel blades and a 14-inch cutting width. The listing gives five height settings from 0.5 to 2.5 inches and describes a large-capacity quick-release grass catcher. It says the mower has 10-inch self-lubricating wheels and a U-shaped ergonomic handle with a cushioned grip. The listing recommends mowing no more than one-third of the grass blade at a time and clearing debris before mowing. Replacement parts are available from the seller, according to the listing.
7. Sun Joe MJ401C-PRO Cordless Electric Push Mower
The Sun Joe MJ401C-PRO is a cordless battery mower with a 14-inch steel blade. The listing describes a 600-watt brushless motor, a 28V battery, and a 4.0Ah rechargeable battery that covers up to 10,000 square feet per charge. It has three manual height positions from 1.18 to 2.52 inches and all-terrain wheels. The PRO version comes with a 10.6-gallon grass collection bag and a rear discharge chute. The listing describes the mower as suited to small and mid-sized lawns.
8. YARDMAX 21-Inch 170cc Gas Walk-Behind Push Mower
The YARDMAX is a gas push mower with a 170cc engine and a 21-inch deck. The listing describes a single-lever deck adjustment with seven cutting heights from 1.25 to 3.75 inches, a 16-gauge stamped steel deck, and a one-piece seamless steel deck that the listing says reduces vibration. Its volute deck design is described as improving airflow and mulching. It has high rear wheels, according to the title. The listing gives no weight or warranty figure, so check the full listing before buying.
Review: Sun Joe MJ401C-PRO in more depth
The Sun Joe MJ401C-PRO is the cordless choice in this roundup, and it is the model to consider if you want to avoid fuel and cords. Its listing describes a 600-watt brushless motor and a 4.0Ah battery that covers up to 10,000 square feet on one charge, which fits a small to mid-sized lawn. The 14-inch steel blade cuts a 14-inch path, and the three manual height positions run from 1.18 to 2.52 inches.
The PRO version adds a 10.6-gallon grass bag and a rear discharge chute, which the listing presents as a convenience for lawn maintenance. The all-terrain wheels are described as moving smoothly over grass, gravel and uneven ground. Because the battery is the power source, plan to charge it before each mowing session and check the listing for the exact battery and charger included.
A close alternative from the same roundup is the DORTALA corded mower. It has a similar 14-inch deck and a larger 35-liter box, and it removes the battery charge from the equation as long as you have an outlet. If your lawn is near an outlet, the corded option is worth comparing on price and cord length.
FAQ
Which push mower suits a small yard?
For a small yard, a lighter model with a narrower deck is usually easier to handle. The Hoteche at 16 pounds with a 12.6-inch deck and the Walensee reel mower at 15.4 pounds are both listed for small to medium lawns. The PowerSmart gas mower is listed for a quarter-acre yard.
Is a reel mower good for tall grass?
No. The Zoryx listing says to mow no more than one-third of the grass blade at a time and to clear debris first. The Walensee listing also advises trimming taller grass in stages. A reel mower works best on lawns kept short and even. For tall or thick grass, a rotary model with a spinning blade is the better choice.
How do I choose the cutting height?
Set the height so you remove no more than one-third of the grass blade in one pass. The listings give height ranges that differ: the Hoteche runs from 1 to 2.2 inches, the folconroad from 0.4 to 1.6 inches, and the PowerSmart from 1.5 to 3.9 inches. Pick a range that covers the height you want for your grass type.
Do corded mowers need a special cord?
The Hoteche and DORTALA listings describe corded electric mowers. Use an extension cord rated for outdoor use and sized for the motor. The listings do not give a cord gauge, so check the manual and the cord label before connecting.
What maintenance does a gas push mower need?
The PowerSmart listing recommends 10W-30 oil, which is not included, and names a 13.5-ounce oil capacity. Check the oil level and fuel before use, and follow the manual for service intervals. The listing gives the fuel tank as 0.21 gallon.
Do these mowers have warranties?
Several listings state a warranty. The PowerSmart gas mower lists two years, the DORTALA lists none, and the Zoryx lists none. The Sun Joe listing does not give a warranty figure, and the YARDMAX listing does not either. Read each listing before buying.
Bottom line
Choose the power source first. Corded electric models suit users with an outlet nearby. Battery models suit users who want no cord. Gas models suit larger or tougher jobs and need fuel and oil. Reel models suit short, even lawns and need no power at all. Then match the cutting width and height range to your lawn.
Related reading
For more corded options, see 13 in 11 Amp Corded Electric Walk Behind Push Mower Options. To compare two popular walk-behind lines, read Greenworks vs EGO Power+ Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers.
