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Battery (cordless) and electric lawnmowers are convenient for smaller yards: you don't need to store petrol, and the latest models actually cut the grass pretty well. We test and review the latest mowers to help find the best lawnmower for you. Our buying guide explains which features to look for and how we test explains our rigour.
Our expert testers put battery and electric lawnmowers, including catcher and mulcher models, through their paces on short, medium-length and long grass. Our rigorous testing helps you choose the model that's:
Our interactive comparison tool helps you find out which brands have long battery running time and fast charging time. Our Recommended list will help you see quickly which models come out on top.
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List of brands we tested in this review.
Recommended or average retail. Includes batteries (including where these were a separate purchase).
enter value/s in increments of 1 between 219 and 1049
We recommend currently available models that score at least 85% overall and at least 70% for ease of use, and electric models that score at least 75% overall.
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A mulching function cuts the grass very finely and blows the clippings back into the lawn. Many models with a mulching function can also be used with a catcher instead.
A catcher is handy for collecting the clippings for use in a compost bin. Many models with catchers also have a mulching function.
enter value/s in increments of 1 between 32 and 52
Number of cutting positions. A higher number offers greater versatility.
enter value/s in increments of 1 between 3 and 13
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Dust and water ingress protection rating (IPX). The higher the number, the better the protection. 0 = no protection; 1 = protection against dripping water; 4 = protection against splash water; and so on up to 8 or 9.
The lawnmower deck is usually made of steel, aluminium alloy or plastic. Each type has its pros and cons, taking corrosion, durability and price into consideration.
Overall score for catcher models: 50% cutting score, 50% ease of use. For mulcher models: 25% cutting score, 25% mulching score, 50% ease of use.
enter value/s in increments of 1 between 0 and 0
Rated for vibration through the handle bar, ease of pushing and manoeuvring, handle comfort, convenience of controls, ease of adjusting the cutting height, catcher convenience, and power source.
We test mowers for cutting short- and medium-length grass with a catcher, and long grass without a catcher. Our testers also rate the appearance of the grass after the short and medium-grass tests.
We measure the noise level at a distance of 7.5m from the mower.
We measure the noise level at the operator’s ear level.
A Similar model is identical in most aspects except for a few. This means that a majority of its test results are identical so you can reasonably expect to get the same results from the model we tested, but for those aspects which aren't identical, we'll note these as "Not Tested" in the Compare tables.
A Tested model refers to a model that is still current and available in the Australian market. You should be able to order this model through your local retailer, or find it online.
These models can't be found in retailers or online or are no longer manufactured. You may still find these models on second hand websites, or in second hand dealers. Test methods may change over time, so criteria which can't be directly compared will contain an N/A.
An Identical model is exactly that. Performance characteristics will be identical and the only difference will be something trivial such as colour, which won't have an impact on performance.
These are models we haven't yet tested but that are available.
