How to choose the best lawn mower for your garden?

1. Lawn size and terrain

1.1 Lawn size

The size of your lawn is always the primary starting point. 
For cozy green spaces up to 100m², a manual cylinder mower offers precision and a clean cut without the need for power.  
Alternatively, compact battery models are lightweight and perfect for these dimensions. 

Push lawn mowers or self-propelled battery models are ideal for medium-sized gardens from 150-500m². These models usually offer a good balance of power and maneuverability. 

For large (500-1000 m²) to extra large (+1000 m²) lawns efficiency becomes crucial. Self-propelled models are highly recommended to reduce fatigue. For very large areas, consider petrol models or battery-powered options with wider cutting decks.

Recommended action: Assess your lawn's dimensions to determine the right balance of power and propulsion. Opt for agile, lightweight models in small, complex spaces, while prioritizing self-propelled features and wider cutting decks to maximize efficiency and reduce fatigue on expansive terrains.

1.2 Terrain

In addition to the size of your lawn, you also have to consider the terrain. If your ground is uneven or sloping, a self-propelled mower (traction) is essential to make the work easier. 

For gardens with flowerbeds, bushes, or walls, maneuverability is key. An innovative handlebar, like STIGA’s Fulcrum handlebar, allows you to offset the handle with a simple click, letting you mow along walls and under hedges without scratching the machine or yourself.

Recommended action: Prioritize self-propelled models to effortlessy handle slopes and uneven ground. For complex layouts, look for adjustable handlebars that improve maneuverability, allowing you to cut closer to walls and obstacles without damage.

Selecting the right power source depends on your preference for maintenance, noise, and runtime. 

Corded electric mowers are lightweight, compact, and easy to use. These models are plug-and-play, making them ideal for smaller lawns where a power outlet is accessible. 

Battery-powered, cordless mowers offer the power of petrol without the fumes, noise, or maintenance. They allow for cable-free mowing and the batteries are often shareable across different tools. 

For heavy-duty tasks and larger lawns where unlimited runtime is required, we recommend a petrol lawn mower. Their powerful engines provide the necessary power for tough grass conditions.

If you prefer a hands-off approach, consider an autonomous robot. These autonomous robot mowers use GPS-RTK technology to navigate without cables, caring for lawns from 600 m² up to 14,000 m²

Read more about choosing the right robot mower here [link to article "how to choose a robot mower"]

Recommended action: Balance your need for power against maintenance preferences: choose corded models for simple, small-scale tasks or petrol for heavy-duty endurance. For a quieter, cable-free experience, opt for battery versatility, or select an autonomous robot for a completely hands-off, intelligent solution.

The cutting width is essential. Afterall, the wider the deck, the faster you finish. A deck width of 30–34 cm is best suited for small, complex gardens, while 38–46 cm are ideal for medium lawns to balance speed and storage space. Opt for a generous width of 48–53 cm for large lawns to reduce the number of passes required.
When it comes to cutting height, look for a centralized adjustment. This feature allows you to change the cutting height of all wheels with a single lever or button, typically ranging from 22 mm to 80 mm.

Top tip: Do not cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time to ensure the lawn grows healthy and evenly.

Recommended action: Match the cutting width to your lawn's scale to maximize efficiency, selecting wider decks to reduce mowing time on large areas. Prioritize centralized height adjustment to effortlessly modify the grass length with a single lever.

It's also worth to consider some additional features and nice-to haves, like grass collection. This ensures a tidy finish. Pay attention to the size of the collector bag. It should be large enough for your lawn size to minimize emptying trips. Hybrid bags with "bag full" indicators let you know exactly when to stop. 

Also mulching is great feature for your lawn mower. This technique chops grass into tiny particles that fall back onto the soil, acting as natural fertilizer. Mulching technology reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and watering. 

Are you or your neighbours sensitive to noise? Battery-powered mowers generally operate under 96 dB and are therefore significantly quieter, limiting vibrations and allowing you to work in peace without disturbing neighbours. 

And last but not least you should also choose the right build quality for your needs. Opt for Polypropylene, if you want a lightweight and rust-proof machine, or choose galvanized steel for maximum durability and robustness for professional-grade results.

Recommended action: Enhance your mowing experience by selecting features like efficient collection for a tidy finish or mulching to naturally nourish the soil. Consider battery power for noise-sensitive environments and choose between lightweight polypropylene or robust steel decks based on your durability needs.

Do you have a small lawn? Look for lightweight, compact, or foldable models. There are models available, that allow the handlebar to fold away completely for efficient vertical or horizontal storage. 
For steep, hilly lawns we recommend a mower, that has a self-propulsion feature in order to handle inclines without physical strain. And why not make your lawn care even more convenient by opting for a push-button electric start rather than a pull cord? For a neat, striped look select a mower equipped with a rear roller, which smooths the grass after cutting to produce an even, striped surface.