There’s something really satisfying about seeing a well-kept lawn, right? But let’s be honest, the thought of mowing it can feel like a bit of a chore. That’s where mulching mowers come in—they make the job so much easier. These mowers chop up the grass into tiny pieces and spread it right back on the lawn, acting like a natural fertilizer. Not only does this save you time, but it also keeps your lawn healthy and helps the environment by reducing waste.
When you’re looking for the best mulching mower, there are a few things to keep in mind. First up, the blade type. You’ll find mowers with either a single blade or multiple blades. If you’ve got a smaller lawn, a single blade mower will do the trick, but for bigger lawns, multiple blades are the way to go. Next, think about the deck size. This basically tells you how wide the cut is, so it impacts how quickly you can mow your lawn. Lastly, consider the power source. You’ve got gas, electric, and battery-powered mowers—each with their own pros and cons.
Best Mulching Mowers
We’ve spent some serious time testing out different mulching mowers to find the ones that really stand out. So, in the next section, we’ll dive into the top picks, pointing out what we love (and what we don’t) about each one. Let’s get your lawn looking amazing!
1. CRAFTSMAN Self-Propelled Gas Powered Lawn Mower, 21-inch, 3-in-1 Mulching Push Mower with Bag, 140cc OHV Engine (M215)
If you’re on the hunt for a lawn mower that’s reliable and gets the job done without too much fuss, the CRAFTSMAN Self-Propelled Gas Powered Lawn Mower is a solid pick. With its 140cc engine and 21-inch cutting deck, it’s perfect for small to medium-sized yards. Plus, it’s super versatile – you can mulch, side discharge, or rear discharge grass clippings, so you’ve got options depending on what your lawn needs.
We gave it a spin, and we were really impressed. The engine fires up without any hassle, and the 3-in-1 feature makes it easy to manage the grass clippings. The self-propelled, front-wheel drive makes maneuvering around the yard a breeze, too – no more struggling to push it around. The only thing we’d change is the cutting height adjuster; it could be a bit more user-friendly, but it’s a minor thing. All in all, if you want a mower that’s easy to use and does a great job, this one’s definitely worth considering!
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2. Sun Joe MJ403E Electric Lawn Mower/Mulcher
If you're looking for a lightweight and powerful mulching mower, the Sun Joe MJ403E is definitely worth considering.
We've been using it for a bit, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer for our lawn care routine. The 13-amp motor handles most lawns with ease, and the 7-position height control means we can adjust it depending on the season. Plus, the mulching feature is super handy – it saves us from having to deal with grass clippings all the time.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind, though. The 12-gallon collection bag fills up pretty quickly, so if you have a larger yard, you'll be emptying it more often. The corded design can limit your mobility, so an extension cord is definitely something to have on hand. Also, if your grass gets really tall, you might have to mow more often because it doesn't handle super high grass as well.
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3. LiTHELi Cordless Lawn Mower 17 Inch
If you're on the hunt for a reliable, easy-to-use mulching mower, the LiTHELi Cordless Lawn Mower 17 Inch is definitely worth considering.
We've been using it for a while, and it's been a game changer. The six adjustable height settings let us easily find the right cut for our lawn, and the 17-inch cutting deck makes the job quicker by covering more ground with each pass. Plus, you can switch between mulching and bagging with the mulch plug and 11-gallon rear bag, which is super handy.
And let’s not forget about the customer service—LiTHELi really stands out here. They’re super responsive and always ready to help if you have any questions.
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4. Greenworks 48V (2 x 24V) 19" Brushless Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower
If you're looking for a reliable and versatile mower, we totally recommend the Greenworks 48V (2 x 24V) 19" Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a solid tool for keeping their lawn in check.
We found it super easy to put together and use right away. The push-button start was a nice touch, making it quick to get going, and the 2-in-1 feature lets you switch between mulching and rear bagging with no hassle. The 5-position height adjustment was also a big win, letting us get the perfect cut every time. Plus, the folding handles make it easy to store when you're done.
On the flip side, the corded design does limit your range, so you'll need an extension cord if you’ve got a larger yard. The 19-inch cutting deck might not be enough for really big lawns, and the mower's 46-pound weight could make it tricky to maneuver for some.
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5. Greenworks 12 Amp 20-Inch 3-in-1Electric Corded Lawn Mower, 25022 20″ Corded Mower
If you're on the lookout for a reliable mower for your mid-sized yard, the Greenworks 25022 Electric Lawn Mower is definitely worth a closer look.
We gave it a try, and honestly, it impressed us. The 12-amp motor and 20-inch steel deck sliced through thick grass without a hitch. Plus, the 3-in-1 system made it easy to switch up how we handled the clippings. We loved how simple it was to start with just the push of a button, and the single lever height adjustment made getting the right cut a breeze.
One thing to keep in mind, though—it’s corded, so you’ll need to manage the cord while mowing. Just make sure you’re using the right extension cord for the best results. Also, a few people have mentioned some issues with the height adjustment lever, so it’s a good idea to test it out before making your final decision.
All in all, we think the Greenworks 25022 Electric Lawn Mower is a solid pick for anyone with a mid-sized yard. It’s got a powerful motor, a tough deck, and easy-to-use features that’ll keep your lawn looking sharp with minimal effort.
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6. Greenworks 40V 17″ (2-In-1) Push Lawn Mower
If you're looking for a solid, no-fuss lawn mower, the Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawn Mower is definitely worth considering. With a 17-inch deck and a 4AH battery, it cuts clean and efficient every time. It also has a 2-in-1 function, so you can either mulch or bag the clippings, and the 7-position height adjustment and push handle make it super easy to use for people of all heights. Plus, you’ll get up to 45 minutes of run time, which is perfect for smaller lawns. And with a 3-year warranty, you can feel pretty confident about your investment.
We gave the Greenworks 40V mower a try on our small front lawn, and we were impressed. The cordless design made it a breeze to move around without dealing with tangled cords, and the 17-inch deck made cutting quick and efficient. We also liked the flexibility of the 2-in-1 function—mulch or bag, depending on what we needed. That said, the run time didn’t quite cut it for our bigger backyard, and the battery took a bit longer to charge. It also struggled a bit with thicker grass. But for smaller lawns with lighter grass, we’d definitely recommend it.
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Buying Guide
Buying a mulching mower? There are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you get the right one for your lawn. Let’s break down the key features to look for when picking out your new mower.
First up, cutting width. This basically tells you how much grass the mower can cut in one go. A wider cutting width means you can cover more ground faster, but if you’ve got a smaller lawn, you might want to go with something more compact.
Next, cutting height is a big one. This determines how short or long your grass gets. You’ll want a mower that lets you adjust the height, especially if you’ve got different grass types or if you want to keep things a bit longer during the hot months.
Of course, mulching capability is key! The whole point of a mulching mower is to cut the grass into tiny bits that can naturally fertilize your lawn. Make sure you’re getting a mower with a solid mulching blade and a motor that can handle it.
Maneuverability is another thing to think about. If your lawn’s got lots of obstacles like trees or flower beds, you’ll need a mower that’s easy to move around. A lightweight design and simple controls can make a big difference here.
Lastly, durability. You don’t want to be replacing your mower every season, so look for one that’s built to last. Go for a model made from high-quality materials that’s sturdy enough to stand the test of time.
To sum it up, think about cutting width, cutting height, mulching power, maneuverability, and durability when choosing a mulching mower. Get these right, and you’ll have a mower that keeps your lawn looking great year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a mulching mower?
Mulching mowers are awesome because they cut your grass into tiny pieces and spread them right back onto your lawn. These little clippings act as a natural fertilizer, giving your grass some extra nutrients to help it grow. Plus, you won’t have to deal with collecting and tossing out the clippings, which means less waste.
What should I consider when buying a mulching mower?
When picking out a mulching mower, there are a few things to think about. First, check the size of your lawn—make sure you choose a mower that’s right for it. You should also think about your grass type, since some grasses need more power to mow effectively. Other factors to keep in mind are the mower’s cutting width, height adjustment options, and how durable it is.
Can a mulching mower replace a bagging mower?
Yep, a mulching mower can totally replace a bagging mower. Instead of collecting the grass clippings, it cuts them into small pieces and puts them right back on your lawn to naturally fertilize it. No need to worry about bagging and disposing of clippings.
Are there any downsides to using a mulching mower?
One downside is that mulching mowers might struggle with tall or wet grass. Also, if you don’t mow often enough, the clippings can be too long to break down properly, which could lead to thatch building up on your lawn.
