Best Electric Lawn Mower Reviews UK 2023 – Corded or Cordless?

Last Updated on January 10, 2023

Our Favourites

Editor’s Choice: Flymo Speedi-Mo 360VC
Best Value: Einhell GE-EM 1233
Corded Choice: Bosch Rotak 36R

A well-maintained lawn can be the highlight of your garden. It is the perfect place to play games with the kids, enjoy a family BBQ or simply relax with a drink from a cool box on a summer evening. The lawn is certainly the focal point of any garden, providing a beautiful, personal space to enjoy the outdoors. However, lawns will not take care of themselves and, unfortunately, require a lot of time and work to keep them looking great. One of the most effective ways to keep it under control is by having the best electric lawn mower.

Mowing is unlikely to be high up your list of hobbies, but if you have the right electric lawn mower, this mundane chore could become at least a little more enjoyable. It also becomes a breeze to do regularly throughout the year. But with so many mowers available to choose from, how will you know which is right for your needs? In this list of electric lawn mower reviews, we take an in-depth look at the top 9 – so you can buy the right one for both you and your garden.

How We Compared Electric Lawn Mowers

To find the right electric lawn mowers we considered multiple factors including:

• Cordless or Corded Type
• Grass Cutting Width and Height Available
• How Cuttings are Managed
• Ergonomics and Ease of Use
• Storage Space

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

To find out more about our process please see here.

The Best Electric Lawn Mowers in the UK

1. Flymo Speedi-Mo 360VC (Editor’s Choice)

If you dislike having to fiddle around with settings when mowing your lawn, the Flymo Speedi-Mo 360VC electric lawnmower offers a user-friendly solution to this frustration.

Having an easy-to-access lever, this lawn mower has a 36 cm cutting width and is designed to ensure that you find switching between the five cutting settings as simple as possible. All you need to do is adjust the lever to your desired blade height and go without having to mess about with spanners or keys to make the change.

While the cutting heights are certainly a breeze to adjust, and the wheeled design is easy to manoeuvre, some people found it seized up on wet grass. Therefore, if your lawn is quite thick, this mower may not be suitable for wetter periods of the year.

That said, the collection box is one of the largest we have seen at 40L, so you shouldn’t have to empty it during use unless you have a very large or thick lawn. The box is designed to be simple to attach and remove, but this function, unfortunately, has its downsides. For example, many users found it leaks clippings onto the lawn as you go, so you may have to clean up after use.

2. Einhell GE-EM 1233 (Best Value)

If you are looking for an affordable corded electric lawn mower, then the Einhell GE-EM 1233 makes a good choice. This mower is suitable for lawns up to 300 square metres and features a powerful 1250W carbon motor to power through thick grass.

With its generous 33-inch width, you’ll need fewer passes to keep your lawn in great shape. In addition, the large wheels help to reduce wear and tear on your grass and also allow you to easily manoeuvre your lawn mower over uneven terrain.

While the grass box is not of the highest quality and can be a little fiddly, it does have a decent 30-litre capacity in addition to a level indicator, so you’ll know when it’s getting full. On top of that, the cutting height can be adjusted between 20 to 60 mm easily, thanks to the central 5-level adjustment lever. Furthermore, for simple storage in sheds and compact spaces, the handle folds down with a quick clamp system.

The main drawback to this lawn mower is that you have to keep the switch tightly pressed down while using it. This can make your hand and wrist ache over time if you have a lot of ground to cover. While assembly is fairly easy, the instructions are rather poorly written, so if putting things together is not your forte, this may not be the best lawn mower option for you.

On the whole, this is an excellent lawn mower for the price and an ideal choice for small and medium-sized gardens.

3. Bosch Rotak 36R (Best Corded)

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-range rotary mower to keep your lawn looking sharp, we recommend the Bosch Rotak 36R Electric Rotary Lawn Mower.

This feature-packed model has a powerful 1350W motor and a generous cutting width of 36cm, so it will tackle medium-sized, unruly lawns in no time. Overgrown, wet grass is no issue for this mower. The adjustable cutting height and rear roller enable you to tailor your desired look, while grass combs ensure even results, right up to the very edges of your lawn. However, the lowest cutting height may be too high for those who prefer a very short cut.

Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, this rotary mower boasts adjustable ‘Ergoflex’ ergonomic handles for improved comfort and posture, reducing the risk of strain or fatigue as you work. The handles also fold down for convenient storage. However, some users have complained that this process is a little frustrating.

Once you’ve finished mowing, there’s no need to rake up the cuttings, thanks to the integrated 40-litre grass collection box. Constructed from lightweight plastic, this box feels a bit flimsy and probably won’t stand much abuse, but it serves its purpose very well.

All in all, if you need a versatile, compact and lightweight rotary mower to keep your lawn looking its best, you can’t go wrong with this model. It offers a 2-year guarantee with an option to extend to 3 years if registered online within 28 days after purchase.

4. Bosch Rotak 32R (Best for Small Gardens)

If you struggle to reach the edge of your lawn where it meets walls and flower beds, the Bosch Rotak 32R electric lawnmower could be a great choice for you. Designed for medium-sized lawns, this is the best electric lawn mower that offers three cutting heights and useful grass combs, so you can mow your entire area and achieve cleanly cut edges without having to switch to a trimmer afterwards.

Because it is compact and lightweight at 6.8kg, you should find it easy to use the Bosch 32R without getting fatigued. The handles fold down and the collector box can be stacked, making it perfect if you don’t have a great amount of storage space.

It features three adjustable cutting heights, allowing you to tackle both well-maintained lawns and those which you may have neglected for a little while. Some people found that adjusting the blade height was a bit frustrating, so you may find it requires some practice before you get it right.

Once you get the hang of it, though, this Bosch lawnmower can produce beautiful ‘striped’ results thanks to an integrated roller at the back of the machine. However, if you have a larger or particularly long lawn, you should expect to empty the collector box often.

5. Flymo Mighti-Mo 300 (Best Cordless)

If you have a big lawn, or just hate being tethered by a power cord, the Flymo Mighti-Mo cordless lawn mower could be the best cordless lawn mower for you. Its 40V Li-ion battery lasts long enough to mow a full tennis court, so you should be able to mow your lawn two, or even three, times without the need for another charge.

Having said that, some users found the lock holding the battery in place isn’t great, so you may find it comes loose and the mower cuts out sometimes. Furthermore, it only comes with one battery, and it is worth considering that replacements are very difficult to come by.

Aside from that, it does a good job for the vast majority of medium to large-sized gardens. It features 5 different cutting heights and a 30 cm cutting width, so it can power through your area in much less time than some other models. There’s also the fact that it has a large 30L storage capacity, which means you won’t have to keep stopping to clean it out.

Furthermore, considering the size of this mower and the fact it uses a battery, it is still fairly lightweight at just under 10kg. In line with other models we have seen – it can also be folded for more efficient use of storage space.

6. Bosch Advanced Rotak 750 (Best Quiet)

Are you fed up with heavy, cumbersome, and noisy lawn mowers? The Bosch Advanced Rotak 750 could be the perfect solution for you.

Showcasing both power and efficiency with a lightweight design, this rotary lawnmower weighs just 16kg and tackles troublesome lawns effortlessly. The 1700W motor, steel blade, and 45cm cutting width allows you to cover large areas quickly. Plus, the adjustable cutting height ensures you achieve perfect results every time.

Unlike many lawnmowers, this model won’t disturb your neighbours. Innovative ‘ProSilence’ technology reduces noise levels by up to 75%. Hence, you can mow your lawn on a Sunday morning with a clear conscience. Its adjustable ergonomic design encourages proper posture and less strain on your body, too, reducing the risk of fatigue, aches, and pains.

The Bosch Advanced Rotak 750 features a 50-litre grass collection bag, which is large enough to cover most lawns in one session. However, some users have complained that the collapsible design of this bag makes emptying a little messy when it’s full.

Overall, this lightweight mower is a great choice, but it does have a few drawbacks. The 10m power cord is quite restrictive. Additionally, the instruction manual could be better, but if you’re familiar with mowers and have access to an extension lead, these issues are relatively minor.

7. Flymo Easimo (Best for Small Areas)

If you are looking for an electric lawn mower which is lightweight and designed for smaller lawns, the Flymo Easimo electric lawnmower could be the one for you. As the name suggests, it is built with ease of use in mind, featuring an ergonomic design and simple controls which make mowing strain-free.

Offering 3 cutting heights between 20-60mm, there should be enough variability to achieve the closeness of cut you are after. Switching between these blade heights is also fairly easy, simply adjust the front wheels to meet the level you require.

Even though this mower is compact and lightweight, it still features a relatively large collection box at 29L, which means you shouldn’t need to stop to empty it when mowing a small to medium sized area.

Unfortunately, this model does have some drawbacks. Chief among these is the fact that it’s very difficult to assemble, and the instructions not simple to follow. Furthermore, it’s not especially durable. Users complained that many of its parts are quite flimsy and can come apart easily. Because of this, you may find it needs replacing sooner than hoped.

8. Webb WEER33 (Best Basic)

If you prefer a simple, no fuss mower, the Webb WEER33 electric lawnmower could be what you’re looking for. This electric lawn mower doesn’t have as many features as other models we have seen, but it offers a generous 33 cm cutting width and 1300W motor – which is adequate for your small to medium sized area which just needs regular maintenance.

Cutting height can be switched between 25 and 65mm by means of an easy to use lever, so you don’t have to struggle with tools to change the blade level. The 10-metre cable provided should long enough for most gardens, but you may need an extension depending on your particular circumstances.

At first glance, the 35L collection bag appears generous for a mower designed for modest lawns. However, this is a source of disappointment. The design of the collection bag is slightly flawed, seeming to only reach around a third of its capacity before backing up and beginning to spill out. While it is easy to detach and empty, this means you will likely find yourself needing to empty it more frequently than you would prefer.

Furthermore, it doesn’t cope well with thicker grass, often clogging up and stopping. In addition, the handles are quite flimsy and are prone to coming off. Overall, this electric mower is probably better reserved for your lighter maintenance work than anything too demanding.

9. Bosch Cordless Rotak 32 LI (Best Battery-Powered)

If you’re after a cordless lawn mower which will be able to cope with a larger garden, the Bosch Cordless Rotak 32 LI electric lawnmower may be just what you are looking for. Showcasing a 36V lithium-ion battery pack, this electric lawn mower packs a charge which can last longer than its competitors.

As it is able to reach a full charge in only 90 minutes, you won’t be waiting around too long before you can get on with the gardening either. When combined with the high powered motor and 32 cm cutting width, you can mow an area up to 300㎡ easily with a single charge. Furthermore, because this Bosch lawnmower is battery powered, it is much quieter during use; so you shouldn’t need to worry about disturbing the neighbours.

The 31L collection box is big enough to cope with larger or thicker lawns. But it should be noted that some people found a design fault when emptying. It is very easy to spill the contents out onto the lawn as you remove it, so you should bear this in mind to avoid extra cleanup work. Furthermore, the collection box is made of plastic, as is the majority of the unit, which you may find lends a flimsy feel to the overall machine.

With regard to the variability of cutting lengths of this Bosch electric lawnmower, it offers a range between 30 and 60 mm. It depends upon your individual preferences, but some customers found the lowest setting to be too high. So if you prefer a close cut, you may find yourself mowing the lawn more frequently than you would like.

How Do Electric Lawn Mowers Work?

Electric lawn mowers essentially work the same as any other type of lawn mower. After all, blades will cut grass no matter how they’re powered. The main difference is that manual lawn mowers that need to be pushed will only cut the grass while you’re pushing them, whereas electric lawn mowers will begin to cut grass from the time it is switched on and the blade is close enough.

Electric lawn mowers have a small onboard engine that serves to power the blades, meaning these mowers cut grass much faster and aren’t dependent on forward motion to spin the blades.

Benefits of Electric Lawn Mowers

Aside from the fact that electric lawn mowers cut grass faster, and with less effort than non-electric mowers, there are a host of other benefits. This is especially evident when electric mowers are compared to the likes of petrol lawn mowers.

Compared to traditional petrol lawn mowers, electric lawn mowers are much easier to maintain, for a number of reasons. For example, there’s no need to constantly have to fiddle with spark plugs, oil or fuel filters to keep them running. There’s also the fact that, even though you’re spending some money on electricity-powered or battery powered mowers, you’re still saving a lot more money on petrol and oil, as well as other maintenance costs in the long run.

There’s also a big difference in noise levels between electric and petrol lawn mowers. While clearly, both types will create noise, a more traditional petrol lawn mower is much louder during use than an electric lawnmower. Therefore, an electric lawn mower is much less likely to get you in trouble with your neighbours.

Lastly, electric lawn mowers offer an eco-friendly option to their petrol-powered cousins. With no exhaust fumes to speak of, electric lawn mowers allow a much cleaner environment which is more pleasant for both you and the environment.

What Features Should You Look for When Choosing an Electric Lawn Mower?

There are a few different features you’ll need to be on the lookout for when you buy an electric lawn mower. Some features might be specific to your particular needs, but in general, you should consider the following:

1. Choose if You Need a Cordless Type or Corded Type of Lawnmower

This one seems to be a pretty basic feature to consider when you buy a lawnmower, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important. A corded electric lawn mower will save you the hassle of having to charge a battery, but it offers a lot less mobility than a cordless type. Electric mowers with cable are more difficult to use, as you are constantly tethered to the wall, and have to be careful not to run over the power cord when mowing.

Just like a cordless drill or cordless strimmer, the best cordless lawn mower can offer more freedom. On the other hand, these type of mowers also have an inevitably limited battery life. Therefore, if you have a very large lawn, you may find it runs out of power before you have finished. Furthermore, batteries do not last forever, and once it’s time they need replacing, good-quality ones can be quite expensive to buy.

2. Consider the Grass Cutting Width and Heights Available

The grass cutting width describes how wide of an area your lawn mower can cut with each pass. If you’ve got a big garden, then chances are you’ll want to buy a lawn mower with a large grass cutting width to save time, whereas if you have a small garden, this feature is less important.

Grass cutting height relates to how close a cut you are able to make by adjusting the blades. This varies across different mowers, but if you are looking to achieve a very short cut, you should look for a type of electric mower which offers at least a 20 mm blade height option.

3. Check How the Cuttings Are Managed

There are a number of ways electric lawn mowers deal with cut grass. Namely, either blowing it out to each side or storing it in an attached bag or box. There’s no right or wrong choice in this. It’s purely down to whether you have time to clean up cut grass afterwards or if you would prefer to simply empty the collected cuttings into the bin. Either type you choose, it’s worth having your mind made up before you buy your electric lawn mower.

4. Test Ergonomics & Ease of Use

Mowing the lawn is not usually perceived as the best way to spend your pastime, but regardless, it should at least be as easy and pain-free as possible. Many electric lawn mowers offer an ergonomic, lightweight design, which prevents pains and strains from having an incorrect posture when mowing. This is especially important if you suffer from back pain, or struggle with physical activities due to age or limited mobility. If you are especially tall, make sure the type of mower you choose has height adjustable handles which can be extended to allow for comfortable use. After all, having the best and most beautiful lawn is great, but not at the expense of your health.

5. Think About the Storage Space It Will Occupy

Unfortunately, not all of us are blessed with large outbuildings and copious amounts of storage space. If you are one of those people, you should make sure that the type of electric lawn mower you buy has the ability to be folded up or easily taken apart so that you don’t have to worry about where you are going to store it.

How to Use an Electric Lawn Mower

If you have never used an electric lawn mower before, you may feel a bit intimidated by this type of garden equipment. Luckily, the vast majority of electric lawn mowers are much easier to use than they appear. That being said, there are a couple of core features that you’ll have to learn how to use once you’ve bought your lawnmower.

1. Adjust the Grass Cutting Height

The first thing to establish is how to control the cutting height on your particular lawnmower. Many electric lawn mowers will have a lever on the top or side of the machine which can be used to adjust the height of the blades and control the closeness of the cut. If your lawnmower has one of these, it should be clearly visible. If not, your mower may require you to adjust the height by moving the wheels or even using a specially supplied tool.

2. Power It On

Once you have set your blade height, the next thing to check is how to power on the type of lawn mower you choose and whether or not it features a safety mechanism. The vast majority of electric lawn mowers have a button which must be pressed in order to be powered on. On the other hand, some mowers have introduced a safety feature which requires a key to be turned in order to get it started.

One of the main differences between corded and cordless electric lawn mowers is that, with a corded lawn mower, you need to be very careful that you steer the lawn mower away from the power cable so that you don’t have any nasty accidents. If you have a large garden, you may also find that the length of the supplied cable isn’t sufficient to reach all the areas you would like to get to. If this is the case, you can buy an extension cable to help you expand your range. Other than that, they’re exactly the same when in use.

With a cordless electric lawn mower, though, you’ll need to regularly check if the batteries are powered to make sure they’re holding charge and not deteriorating. The last thing you want is for the battery to fail halfway through cutting your lawn.

3. Time to Mow Your Lawn

Once you’ve got everything powered on and set to your liking, you’ll be able to use your electric lawn mower exactly the same as any other type of lawn mower. The only real difference between electric lawn mowers and other types of mowers is how they are powered and the initial set-up at the start, but so long as you use common sense and read the accompanying instructions, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Conclusion

All of the electric mowers we reviewed would be great options. One is the best cordless lawn mower, another is the best lightweight and so on. But our overall favourite has to be the Flymo Speedi-Mo 360VC.

We love how this electric lawn mower is compact but also has a generous cutting width of 36cm. With its large 40L collection box, you’ll be sure to get most, if not all, of your lawn mowed in one session. Its ergonomically designed dual lever handles allow for the lawn mower to be easily and comfortably controlled, whether you’re left or right-handed. Additionally, the grass box has a transparent window, making it easier for you to determine if it’s time to empty it.

In our opinion, the Flymo Speedi-Mo 360C has to be the best electric lawn mower on the market today.