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Looking for a good push mower to help you manicure your lawn?
Well, which 21” mower is the best on the market?
Below you will find our top 3 picks based on insight from lawn care pros and homeowners just like you on what they think the best push mower is on the market.
As well as several factors you should consider when buying your push mower.
Sound like a plan?
Well then dive in quick, your grass is only getting taller the longer you wait.
Want to hire a lawn care pro? Keep these tips in mind when ordering lawn care.
What makes a good push mower?
A good push mower will have a quality engine, be easy to adjust in height, and be built to last.
Some of the best engines for push mowers are:
Briggs and Stratton,
Kohler,
And Honda.
But the engine is only half the battle!
Here are 3 additional factors to consider when looking for the best push mower.
#1 High Wheels vs. Low Wheels
If you haven’t realized before, there are 2 different types of wheels that push mowers to come with, and this is a huge factor to consider when purchasing your push mower. And most brands will offer comparable models with high and low wheel sets.
High wheels are best for uneven land or a yard that has a lot of rocks. High-wheel mowers are also able to cut taller grass more effectively. However, there are some drawbacks to high-wheel lawn mowers, perhaps the biggest one is the increased cost.
Fortunately, if you have a small fairly even lawn, a low-wheeled mower will work just fine. For more on caring for your lawn, check out everything you need to know about lawn care.
#2 Should you get a reel mower or a rotary mower?
Many homeowners like to get a cheap reel mower if they have a small yard. These little mowers can be great if you stay on top of your lawn and cut it regularly. But if you fall behind a week or two in peak growing season, they aren’t going to serve you well.
That being said, if you want the best lawn mower, there are actually powered reel mowers that do an excellent job of maintaining your lawn.
In fact, they provide a superior cut in many ways, but like with the classic reel mower. If you fall behind, it's not going to cut overly tall grass.
Whether you go with a reel or a rotary mower largely depends on how much time you want to dedicate to perfecting your lawn. If you want the job to be over with asap, go with a rotary mower. If you want to spend time cultivating the perfect lawn, then a reel mower is for you.
But for the sake of this guide, we are going to focus on the best rotary push mower.
#3 Should I go with gas or electric?
Finally, the last thing you need to consider when selecting the best lawn mower is whether or not you want to go with gas or electric.
Nowadays, battery-powered lawn mowers are pretty comparable to gas-powered equipment both in quality and cost. So if you are split on the issue, you may want to go with a quieter battery-powered mower. Especially if you have neighbors nearby.
Pro Tip! If you do go with a battery-powered mower, be mindful of the brand you get. Batteries are not interchangeable across brands. So you want to pick a brand and stick with it when you go with battery power. Otherwise, you may wind up with a mountain of batteries and chargers clogging up your shed. So that your battery-powered mower, and battery-powered hedge trimmers have compatible batteries.
The 3 Best Push Mowers on the Market
Below you will find the best push mowers you can consider for your lawn. Both commercial and residential options.
#1 Top Pick- Best All Around- Honda Commercial Mower- $949
Hands down the top pick for a push mower is Honda’s 21” model. In fact 51% of lawn care professionals we have polled said that Honda was the go-to 21” mower. It does have a higher price point than most lawnmowers at about $949. But it is a solidly built push mower that is loved by lawn care pros and homeowners alike!
And for a commercial lawn mower, it has a relatively low price point.
#2 Best Battery Powered Mower- Ego - $399
If you are looking to go with a battery-powered mower, Ego’s push mower is a great option. They were one of the first in the battery-powered lawnmower game, and they have done a great job in advancing the technology. Ego’s push mower is light and highly collapsible.
It even offers unique features like headlights, a brushless motor, and a single height adjustment. Ego is a great battery-powered option and has a comparable price point to most push mowers at about $500.
#3 Best Budget Option- Troy-Bilt- $349
In 2019, we found that Troy-Bilt's 21” mower was the best budget lawn mower. While the cost has gone up since then, the quality of the machine is still strong.
Compared to the other options in this list, it is substantially cheaper, all while delivering a solidly built push mower that will serve you for years to come.
Runner Up #1- Ex-Mark's Commercial 21 X-Series- $1800
The first runner-up is the Ex-Mark X-series push mower. And the only reason it is not the number one pick on this list is that the $1800 price tag is a bit more than most homeowners want or need to spend.
That being said, if you want to make the investment, you won't regret it!
Runner Up #2- Toro Recycler 21- $400
The second most revered push mower among lawn care pros is Toro. Toro's 21-inch model was recommended by 40% of the lawn care providers that we polled. It's also a rather affordable model as well coming in at $400.
Comparison of Top 3 Push Mowers
| Feature | Honda Commercial Mower | Ego Battery Powered Mower | Troy-Bilt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $949 | $399 | $349 |
| Type | Gas-powered | Battery-powered | Gas-powered |
| Engine Brand | Honda | N/A | Troy-Bilt |
| Cutting Width | 21 inches | 21 inches | 21 inches |
| Height Adjustment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Special Features | Durable build, commercial-grade quality | Lightweight, collapsible, headlights, brushless motor | Sturdy build, budget-friendly |
| Ideal For | Professionals, homeowners with larger lawns | Homeowners looking for a quiet, eco-friendly option | Budget use |
| Pros | Superior engine quality, long-lasting | Quiet operation, easy storage | Affordable, reliable build |
| Cons | Higher price point | Wheel motors are louder than expected. | Fewer features compared to higher-end models |
FAQ About Push Mowers:
Which push mower is best for a large, uneven lawn?
For large, uneven terrains, high-wheel rotary mowers are recommended due to their ability to navigate rough surfaces more effectively.
Can electric mowers handle thick grass as well as gas mowers?
Modern electric mowers, especially those with powerful batteries like the Ego, are comparable to gas mowers in performance even with thick grass.
Are there push mowers suitable for very small lawns?
Yes, reel mowers are perfect for small, flat lawns and require minimal maintenance.
What is the average lifespan of a push mower?
The average lifespan of a well-maintained push mower is about 8-10 years. Regular maintenance and proper storage can extend the lifespan even further.
Selecting the Best Push Mower for Your Lawn
We've gathered insights from lawn care professionals and homeowners to present our top three push mower picks. Factors to consider include engine quality, height adjustability, and durability. Leading engine brands are Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, and Honda.
Top 3 Push Mowers:
- Honda Commercial Mower ($949): Best All-Around
- Ego Battery Powered Mower ($399): Best Battery Powered
- Troy-Bilt ($349): Best Budget Option
Before making your decision, be sure to consider the factors discussed above. While many great models are available, if you want the very best residential lawn mower, Honda is an excellent choice. You truly do get what you pay for when it comes to push mowers.
You truly do get what you pay for when it comes to push mowers.
