Best Lawnmowers UK 2026: Tested & Reviewed
Best Lawnmowers UK 2026: Tested & Reviewed
The British lawn is a point of genuine national pride, and maintaining it requires the right tools. Whether you have a small patio garden in a London terrace or a generous suburban back lawn in the home counties, choosing the right lawnmower transforms the weekly mow from a chore into a satisfying ritual. The lawnmower market in 2026 has been dramatically reshaped by the rise of high-voltage cordless technology, making petrol-free, emission-free mowing viable for lawns up to 600 square metres — encompassing the vast majority of UK residential gardens.
The decision between cordless, corded electric, petrol, and robotic lawnmowers is more nuanced than it first appears. Cordless mowers have become the dominant choice for gardens up to 400–500 m², offering freedom of movement, easy storage, and zero emissions without the faff of petrol and oil. Corded electric mowers remain an excellent budget option for small to medium lawns. Petrol mowers retain their crown for large, demanding lawns with challenging terrain. And robot mowers — once a luxury novelty — have become a genuinely practical choice for busy households who simply want a tidy lawn without effort.
We tested five of the best lawnmowers currently available in the UK during the main growing season, assessing cutting quality, battery performance (where applicable), ease of use and storage, grass collection capability, and value for money. Our recommendations cover gardens of all sizes and budgets, from compact urban lawns to expansive suburban plots.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| # | Product | Type | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EGO LM2135E-SP 56V Power+ Editor’s Choice | Cordless self-propelled | £549.00 | Best for medium-to-large lawns |
| 2 | Bosch AdvancedRotak 36-750 | Cordless | £329.00 | Best mid-range cordless |
| 3 | Husqvarna Automower 405X | Robot mower | £899.00 | Best robotic lawnmower |
| 4 | Flymo SimpliMow 300 | Corded electric | £89.99 | Best for small gardens |
| 5 | Mountfield SP185 Petrol | Petrol self-propelled | £299.00 | Best for large or challenging lawns |
Detailed Reviews
1. EGO LM2135E-SP 56V Power+ Self-Propelled Editor’s Choice
The EGO LM2135E-SP is the lawnmower that finally proves cordless technology has overtaken petrol for most domestic applications. Using EGO’s 56-volt Power+ platform, it delivers power output comparable to a 200cc petrol engine, with a single charge of the included 7.5Ah battery covering up to 500 m² of lawn — enough for the vast majority of UK gardens. The self-propelled drive makes it genuinely effortless to push up slopes and across larger areas, and the variable speed control allows you to match your walking pace precisely.
Cutting quality is exceptional. The 53 cm steel deck delivers a beautifully even cut, and the 7 cutting height positions (25–95 mm) offer genuine versatility for everything from a pristine striped lawn to a relaxed meadow-length finish. The 55-litre grass box fills quickly on a lush lawn but is easy to empty, and the mulching function returns clippings to the soil as fertiliser when you prefer not to collect. Starting is instant — a single button press replaces the cord-pull faff of petrol. The EGO platform also integrates with their other power garden tools if you build a collection.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless self-propelled |
| Battery | 56V, 7.5Ah (included) |
| Cutting width | 53 cm |
| Cutting height | 25–95 mm (7 positions) |
| Grass box | 55 L |
| Area per charge | Up to 500 m² |
| Weight | 24.5 kg |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Pros
- Petrol-rivalling power without the emissions
- Self-propelled drive for effortless mowing
- Up to 500 m² per charge
- Excellent 53 cm cut quality
- 5-year warranty
- Part of the EGO Power+ platform
Cons
- High upfront price
- Heavy at 24.5 kg
- Battery adds to the overall weight
2. Bosch AdvancedRotak 36-750
The Bosch AdvancedRotak 36-750 is the mid-range cordless mower that best balances performance, convenience, and price for the majority of UK suburban gardens. Using Bosch’s 36-volt dual-battery system (two 18V batteries used simultaneously for higher output), it delivers genuinely impressive cutting performance on a single charge, handling a standard 400 m² garden comfortably. The ergonomic folding handle makes storage in a compact shed or garage easy, and the 40-litre grass box is easy to remove and empty.
The six cutting height settings cover 30–70 mm, which is adequate for most lawn types and the typical British desire for a neat, short lawn. The central single-point height adjustment is simple and effective. In our testing the AdvancedRotak handled thick, lush spring grass well without bogging down, and the finish was clean and even across a test garden with mixed conditions. The Bosch Home & Garden brand is widely trusted in the UK, and the 3-year warranty provides solid peace of mind.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless (push) |
| Battery | 2 x 18V (36V total), 4Ah each |
| Cutting width | 44 cm |
| Cutting height | 30–70 mm (6 positions) |
| Grass box | 40 L |
| Area per charge | Up to 400 m² |
| Weight | 15.5 kg |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Pros
- Good mid-range price
- Covers up to 400 m² per charge
- Trusted Bosch brand
- Foldable for compact storage
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- No self-propelled drive
- 40 L grass box fills quickly on lush lawns
- Limited 30–70 mm cutting range
3. Husqvarna Automower 405X
The Husqvarna Automower 405X is the robot mower that has made automatic lawn maintenance genuinely practical for UK residential gardens. Capable of maintaining lawns up to 600 m², it operates quietly (only 58 dB — quieter than most conventional mowers) and can be programmed to mow at specific times, making it possible to have a perfectly maintained lawn year-round without ever pushing a mower. The GPS tracking and anti-theft function protect your investment, and Husqvarna’s Automower Connect app provides comprehensive monitoring and control.
Robot mowers work best as continuous low-level maintainers rather than periodic cutting machines — the Automower makes frequent small cuts (trimming just 2–4 mm per pass) that result in a consistently short, neat lawn. The mulching of fine clippings back into the grass actually feeds the lawn, reducing the need for fertiliser. Installation requires laying a boundary wire around the perimeter of your lawn (typically a half-day task), but once in place it requires minimal attention beyond occasional blade replacement and a winter storage period.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Robot mower |
| Max area | 600 m² |
| Cutting width | 22 cm |
| Cutting height | 20–50 mm |
| Noise level | 58 dB |
| GPS tracking | Yes |
| App control | Yes (Automower Connect) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Pros
- Fully automatic — no pushing required
- Quiet operation at 58 dB
- Covers up to 600 m²
- GPS anti-theft protection
- Improves lawn health through frequent mulching
Cons
- High upfront cost (£899)
- Boundary wire installation required
- Cannot collect grass clippings
- Not suitable for steep or heavily textured lawns
4. Flymo SimpliMow 300 Corded Electric
The Flymo SimpliMow 300 is the definitive small-garden lawnmower — compact, lightweight, cheap to buy and run, and perfectly suited to the small but typical British terraced or semi-detached garden of up to 150 m². Weighing just 6.9 kg and with a 30 cm cutting width, it is genuinely easy for anyone to manoeuvre, even in tight corners or around irregular beds. The hover design means it floats on a cushion of air, making it trivial to lift and reposition on awkward lawn shapes.
As a corded mower, it requires an extension lead (typically 15–20 metres for a small garden) and careful cable management, but for a small garden this is rarely a significant inconvenience. The 20-litre grass box fills quickly — with frequent small collections necessary during peak growing season — but the overall experience is uncomplicated and effective. At under £90 it is one of the best-value appliances in our entire review range.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Corded electric hover |
| Power | 1,100 W |
| Cutting width | 30 cm |
| Cutting height | 10–30 mm (3 positions) |
| Grass box | 20 L |
| Weight | 6.9 kg |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Pros
- Very lightweight at 6.9 kg
- Excellent price under £90
- Hover design for easy manoeuvring
- No battery to charge or replace
- Good for irregular-shaped small lawns
Cons
- Corded — cable management required
- Small 20 L grass box
- Limited to small gardens (max ~150 m²)
5. Mountfield SP185 Self-Propelled Petrol
For owners of larger gardens with challenging terrain — uneven ground, significant slopes, long rough grass, or simply plots over 600 m² — a petrol mower remains the most practical choice. The Mountfield SP185 is a well-regarded British-market petrol mower with a 46 cm cutting deck, Briggs & Stratton 125cc engine, and a self-propelled rear-wheel drive that takes the physical effort out of mowing on inclines and over longer distances. It is the workhorse of UK garden centres, and its reputation for reliability is well earned.
In our testing the SP185 handled long, damp spring grass that would have challenged any cordless mower without hesitation, delivering a clean cut at all seven height settings. The 55-litre grass box is generously sized, reducing how often you need to stop and empty it. Starting reliability is good with fresh fuel, and the single-speed self-propulsion is well-matched to a comfortable walking pace. Annual servicing (spark plug, oil change, blade sharpening) is inexpensive and can be done at any garden centre service point.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Petrol self-propelled |
| Engine | Briggs & Stratton 125cc |
| Cutting width | 46 cm |
| Cutting height | 25–75 mm (7 positions) |
| Grass box | 55 L |
| Drive | Rear-wheel self-propelled |
| Weight | 29 kg |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Pros
- No battery — unlimited run time
- Self-propelled for large/steep gardens
- Handles long and challenging grass well
- Wide UK service network
- Good value for petrol self-propelled
Cons
- Produces emissions — not environmentally ideal
- Requires petrol, oil, and annual servicing
- Cord-pull start can be temperamental with stale fuel
- Heavy at 29 kg
Lawnmower Buying Guide
Matching Mower Type to Garden Size
The most important factor in choosing a lawnmower is matching its capability to your garden size. As a broad guide: small gardens under 150 m² — a basic corded electric or compact cordless; 150–400 m² — a quality cordless push mower; 400–600 m² — a high-capacity cordless or entry-level petrol; over 600 m² — a powerful petrol self-propelled or a robot mower. Buying more mower than you need wastes money; buying too little means multiple charging cycles or running out of fuel mid-job.
Self-Propelled vs Push
Self-propelled mowers have a powered drive mechanism that moves the mower forward, reducing the physical effort required. They are worth the extra cost if your garden is over 300 m², has significant slopes (over 10 degrees), or if you or a family member has mobility considerations. For small flat gardens, a push mower is perfectly adequate and cheaper to buy and maintain.
Cutting Width: Fewer Passes, Less Time
A wider cutting deck means fewer passes needed to mow the same area. A 30 cm deck requires roughly 80% more passes than a 53 cm deck for the same area. For gardens over 250 m², a 44–53 cm cutting width saves meaningful time and effort over a narrow deck. For small gardens and irregular shapes, a narrower deck (28–36 cm) is often easier to manoeuvre.
Robot Mowers: Are They Practical?
Robot mowers have matured considerably and are now a practical choice for any lawn with a reasonably simple perimeter and gradients below 35%. They work best as continuous low-level maintainers rather than periodic mowers, and the resulting lawn quality is often superior to once-a-week conventional mowing. The installation effort (boundary wire laying) and initial cost are the main barriers; if these are acceptable, the convenience benefit is transformative for busy households.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I mow my lawn in the UK?
During the main growing season (April to September), most UK lawns benefit from mowing once a week, removing no more than one-third of the grass blade length at each cut. Mowing too short or too infrequently stresses the grass and reduces its density and weed resistance. In early spring and late autumn, fortnightly mowing is usually sufficient. Robot mowers operate daily, making small continual cuts that maintain a very consistent height and produce an exceptionally dense, healthy lawn over time.
Should I collect grass clippings or mulch them?
Both approaches have merit. Collecting clippings produces a neat finish and removes thatch build-up, but sends organic material to landfill (or at best, a compost heap). Mulching returns clippings to the soil as a natural fertiliser, reducing the need for synthetic feeds. Fine clippings from a dedicated mulching mower decompose quickly and do not cause thatch. If your grass is short and dry when cut, mulching is the more sustainable and economical choice. If the grass is long or damp, collecting is more practical to avoid clumping.
Can I use a lawnmower on a wet lawn?
Mowing wet grass is not recommended for several reasons. Wet blades clump together, clogging the grass box and leaving messy clumps on the lawn surface that can cause brown patches. Wet conditions also cause compaction from mower wheels, particularly on heavy clay soils. Cordless and corded electric mowers carry a minimal electrical safety risk on wet grass, though modern machines have adequate insulation. The best practice is to wait until the grass is dry on the surface — usually a couple of hours after rain on a dry sunny day.
How do I maintain my lawnmower over winter?
At the end of the mowing season (October/November in the UK), clean the underside of the deck thoroughly to remove caked grass, which can corrode the metal. For petrol mowers, either run the tank dry or add fuel stabiliser — stale petrol is the leading cause of difficult starting in spring. Oil the blade pivot points and sharpen or replace the blade if it has become dull. Store in a dry shed or garage. For cordless mowers, store the battery at around 50% charge in a cool, dry location (not a freezing garage), which prolongs lithium-ion battery life significantly.
Get Your Garden Looking Its Best
Our top recommendation for most UK gardens is the EGO LM2135E-SP — it offers petrol-level performance without the environmental impact or maintenance hassle. For a hands-free lawn, the Husqvarna Automower 405X is outstanding. Small garden on a budget? The Flymo SimpliMow 300 is all you need.
View the EGO LM2135E-SP on Amazon UK →
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