6 Best 21 Inch Lawn Mower Blades of 2025

The EGO POWER+ 21″ blade is a precision-engineered powerhouse built exclusively for EGO’s high-performance electric mowers, delivering a clean, consistent cut that enhances both lawn health and mowing efficiency. With its factory-sharpened steel construction and optimized aerodynamic design, this 3-in-1 blade excels at mulching, bagging, and side discharging—making it a versatile all-in-one solution for homeowners who demand zero compromises. Unlike generic replacements, it’s specifically tuned to match the RPM and torque profile of EGO’s brushless motors, eliminating vibration and ensuring seamless integration.

In real-world testing across mixed grass types—from thick St. Augustine to fine fescue—the blade maintained a smooth, even cut even at lower speeds, thanks to its balanced weight distribution and reinforced tip design. The 21-inch span and 2.25-inch width generate strong lift, pulling grass upright before slicing it cleanly, while the mulching curve efficiently recirculates clippings for finer decomposition. It performs flawlessly on EGO’s LM2100 and LM2102SP decks, but its limited compatibility means it won’t fit third-party or gas-powered units, which may frustrate users with mixed mower fleets.

Positioned as the premium pick for EGO owners, this blade outclasses budget alternatives in durability and cut quality, though it comes at a higher cost. Compared to the Maxpower universal option, it offers superior fit and finish, with no need for washers or adapters. It’s the ideal choice for eco-conscious homeowners invested in the EGO ecosystem who prioritize performance, reliability, and long-term lawn health over upfront savings.

The Maxpower 331951B is a budget-savvy workhorse that punches above its weight with universal fitment and solid performance across a wide range of 21-inch mowers. Its 21-inch, 2.25-inch wide steel blade comes with a full set of reducing washers—ranging from 3/8-inch to 5/8-inch—making it adaptable to nearly every major brand, from Husqvarna to Craftsman. This true 3-in-1 design handles mulching, bagging, and side discharge with confidence, and its aggressive lift profile ensures strong airflow for efficient clipping management.

During testing on a mid-tier gas-powered mower, the blade delivered a clean, even cut on damp, overgrown grass with minimal clogging, thanks to its high-lift design and optimized curl. The 1-inch center hole with included adapters simplifies installation across different spindle types, though it’s explicitly not recommended for battery-powered mowers due to potential imbalance at higher RPMs. While it lacks the hardened edge of premium blades, it holds its sharpness reasonably well over several mowing seasons with routine maintenance.

When stacked against the EGO OEM blade, the Maxpower trades some refinement for exceptional versatility and affordability. It’s not built for high-speed electric decks, but for gas-powered mower owners seeking a reliable, no-fuss replacement, it’s a standout value. For those maintaining multiple mowers or needing a quick, dependable fix, this blade offers maximum compatibility at a minimal cost.

The Oregon 6PK 198-049 blades are a professional-grade mulching solution built for durability and superior grass processing in demanding conditions. With a 0.134-inch thickness and 15/16-inch air lift, these blades are noticeably sturdier than standard replacements, resisting warping and maintaining edge integrity even in thick, wet grass. Designed specifically for MTD, Cub Cadet, and Troy-Bilt 21-inch decks, they deliver exceptional mulching performance, finely chopping clippings into nutrient-rich mulch that decomposes quickly.

In real-world use, the bow-tie center hole (5/16-inch) ensures a secure, wobble-free fit on compatible spindles, while the 2.25-inch width and 21-inch length generate strong suction to keep grass standing upright during cutting. Over multiple mowing cycles, the blades showed minimal wear, and their hardened steel construction resisted nicks from hidden debris. However, their dedicated mulching focus means they’re less efficient for bagging or side discharge, where high-lift blades perform better.

Compared to the Maxpower 331528B, Oregon’s version offers better durability and consistency, especially in heavy-duty applications. While it costs more, the six-pack format makes it a smart buy for seasonal replacements or fleet maintenance. Ideal for serious homeowners and landscapers using MTD-platform mowers who prioritize long-term performance and mulching excellence over multi-functionality.

The Maxpower 331528B is a no-nonsense, direct-fit mulching blade engineered for MTD, Cub Cadet, and Troy-Bilt 21-inch mowers, offering a cost-effective way to restore peak cutting performance. It directly replaces OEM numbers 742-0741 and 942-0741, eliminating guesswork during installation, and features a bow-tie center hole that locks securely onto the spindle for vibration-free operation. With a 2.25-inch width and 21-inch span, it generates solid lift and airflow, promoting effective grass recirculation for fine mulching.

In practical testing on a Cub Cadet SC100, the blade handled thick summer growth with minimal clogging, thanks to its moderate lift and optimized curl. It’s not as aggressively curved as high-efficiency mulching blades, so clipping size is slightly larger, but it still performs well in mixed conditions. The paint-coated edge helps prevent rust during storage and protects hands during installation, though it wears off after initial use. While it lacks the hardness of Oregon’s offerings, it’s a dependable, budget-friendly option for routine maintenance.

Against the Oregon 6PK, the Maxpower blade is less durable but significantly cheaper, making it ideal for casual users who mow average-sized lawns and want a reliable, easy swap. It’s the go-to choice for Cub Cadet and MTD owners who need a quick, compatible replacement without investing in premium packs.

The Grasscool 21-inch mulching blade is a highly specialized performer built for Troy-Bilt, MTD, and Cub Cadet owners seeking a reliable, multi-functional upgrade that won’t break the bank. With a 1-1/8-inch lift and bow-tie center hole, it delivers strong airflow and secure mounting on compatible decks, while its 3-in-1 design allows seamless switching between mulching, bagging, and side discharging—rare in budget mulching blades. The 9/64-inch thickness steel is heat-treated for durability, and rigorous testing (including Rockwell hardness and balance checks) ensures consistent performance.

In field tests on a Troy-Bilt TB210, the blade handled overgrown weeds and damp grass with surprising efficiency, thanks to its aggressive curl and high-lift design. The paint-coated edge prevents rust and improves grip during installation, and the finely sharpened teeth produce small clippings that decompose rapidly. While it’s not as robust as Oregon’s 6PK, it offers better versatility with solid mulching and improved bagging capacity. However, users must verify bow-tie spindle compatibility—installation fails if the center hole doesn’t match.

Against the Maxpower 331528B, the Grasscool blade offers 3-in-1 flexibility and better build quality at a slightly higher cost. It’s the best choice for Troy-Bilt owners who want multi-functionality without sacrificing mulching performance. A smart balance of value, compatibility, and real-world effectiveness.