Last Updated on October 2, 2023 by Kyle Whitley
Have you ever used an electric lawnmower? When they were first introduced in the market, everyone wanted to switch to them. However, for those gardeners that did trade in their gas-powered lawnmower for an electric mower, things didn’t go as planned. They quickly discovered that it wasn’t the right move. Which is better gas or electric lawnmower?
Electric mowers were full of faults when they were first introduced and their motors couldn’t compete with the efficiency of gas-powered motors. However, two decades later, manufacturers ironed out the issues that troubled electric lawnmowers, which made this type of mower a great choice for cutting grass.
If you are looking to buy a new lawnmower to cut the grass in your yard, you might wonder whether you should buy a gas-powered one or settle for an electric alternative. Both gas lawnmowers and electric mowers have their own pros and cons. We’ll make the decision easy for you by comparing gas and electric lawnmowers.
Gas Lawnmowers
Gas lawn mowers have improved over the last few years and the emissions they now produce are cleaner. It is easy to keep them full of gas which extends mowing time. There are models currently available that feature a push-button start while others are self-propelled.
Gas-powered lawn mowers have more torque and can thus cut the toughest of grass. They are generally suitable for homeowners with a large lawn. Tall grass and thicker grass are not an issue with most gas-powered mowers.
Gas lawn mowers are also powerful enough to handle uneven terrains and slopes. Engines of gas lawn mowers last long with regular maintenance. The initial cost of these mowers is lower while their steel construction makes them rugged and more durable.
Locating and purchasing a gas lawn mower is pretty easy. There is an abundance of gas models available in pretty much every home center, local hardware store, and big box retailers. Below are a few of the major manufacturers of gas mowers:
Toro
One downside to owning gas mowers relates to its construction. These gas mowers are heavier, which makes them harder to push. Moreover, some people find the pull-start difficult. Not only that, but the engine requires maintenance and won’t last long if you don’t take good care of it. Gas models are very powerful and with that power comes more noise – gas engines generate 95 to 100 dB of noise. In addition to noise pollution, gas engines are also responsible for air pollution due to the emissions they generate.
Pros of Gas Lawnmowers
- More durable deck materials
- More powerful
- Can last a long time proper maintenance
- Long run-time
Cons of Gas Lawnmowers
- Heavier
- Difficult to push
- Exhaust emissions
- Difficult to start
- Loud
- Require more storage space
- Fuel Costs
Electric Lawnmowers
When comparing gas or electric lawnmower, we have to take into consideration while there is a single type of gas mower. There are two types of electric lawn mowers. There are corded or plugin lawn mowers that require access to a standard 120v outlet to power the mower. Then there are cordless electric lawn mowers that use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to power the mower. So when comparing between a gas or electric lawnmower there are a few more considerations to way for the electric mowers.
Corded or Plugin Electric Mowers
A lot of work has been done on electric lawnmowers to make them more user-friendly, economical, and efficient. They are now available in many different options, including cordless designs that run on battery power.
Still, some people prefer using a corded lawn mower because it allows them to remove the hassle of charging the battery. Corded lawn mowers can be used for hours without a break and come in handy if you have a big lawn. Corded models tend to be cheaper than a battery-powered mower.
An electric mower will have instant torque like most other electric powered equipment. Cordless electric lawn mowers have plenty of power and actually rival that of gas mowers.
Electric lawn mowers make less noise than their gas-powered counterparts and run at 75 dB in general. Thus, you won’t have to wear earplugs when using this type of mower. Electric mowers also don’t much of any type of maintenance. You do have to sharpen or replace mower blades.
Unlike gas lawn mowers, there is no need for carburetor maintenance, spark plug replacements, or oil changes. If you’re short on space, you could opt for electric lawn mowers that fold up and can be stored vertically. Electric lawn mowers are also environment-friendly as there are no harmful emissions.
Finding an electric mower for your cutting needs in the past might have been an issue. Now, however electric mowers models are readily available in most home centers and big box retailers.
These are few caveats of owning an electric mower. Maneuvering the corded mower around trees and shrubs can be a bit difficult and you can accidentally run over the cord. When you are buying this type of mower, you will have to buy an extension cord separately. You also need an outside outlet for operating a corded electric mower and cords generally run about 100 ft.
Pros of Electric Lawnmowers
- Lightweight
- No engine maintenance
- No harmful emissions
- Easy to start
- Easy to store
Cons of Electric Lawnmowers
- Mower deck could be made of less durable materials
- Slightly less power than gas
- Electrical Cords to deal with
- More expensive
Cordless Electric Lawnmowers
A majority of users prefer using cordless electric lawn mowers. Cordless, battery powered lawn mowers are lightweight, portable, and offer a run-time of at least 30 minutes, which should be enough for one session. If your lawn is bigger and you need to work longer, then you can purchase additional lithium batteries. The battery life is generous and you might not have to replace the battery of your electric lawn mower for at least 2 years.
Battery-powered electric lawn mowers are more convenient but they have a limited cutting time – an average of 30-60 minutes on a single charge. You can easily overcome this by purchasing multiple batteries.
One thing to remember is that the initial cost of a cordless electric mower will be a little higher than what you might see with an entry level gas mower or corded electric mower.
Each battery typically lasts for around two to three years and then you have to replace it. Moreover, they might not be powerful enough for wet grass. Electric lawn mowers with plastic decks are not as durable, so we advise going with metal ones if you want the lawn mower to last a while.
All of the same benefits of corded electric models apply to cordless models as well. There is little to no maintenance. You mainly have to clean the deck, sharpen, or replace the blades. These mowers are also as quiet as corded models.
Pros of Cordless Electric Lawnmowers
- Little to no maintenance
- No harmful emissions
- Push button start
- Easy to store
- Ability to cut anywhere in your yard
Cons of Cordless Electric Lawnmowers
- Could be made of less durable materials (ie nonmetal decks)
- Slightly less power than gas
- Battery Life
- More expensive than corded electric lawnmowers and entry level gas mowers
Below is a list of some of the major manufacturers of both corded and cordless lawnmowers:
Final Verdict – Gas or Electric Lawnmower?
Both electric and gas lawnmowers have their own perks and caveats. Electric lawnmowers are more environment-friendly, offer quiet operation, and allow you to cut the grass efficiently. On the other hand, gas lawnmowers are more powerful but generate a lot of noise and pollution. Overall, electric lawnmowers are a better and more suitable option for homeowners.
Cordless electric lawnmowers are the best choice because they offer portability and convenience. All you have to do is charge them and then take them on the field. You won’t have to worry about connecting a cord with them or harmful noise and gas pollution. They would run efficiently and you will be able to use them to trim down the grass of your garden.
We hope that the information we provide above is helpful. In case you have any questions or if something is unclear, feel free to reach out to us.
