7 Best American Lawn Mowers to Buy in 2025

This beast of a mower doesn’t just cut grass—it conquers it. With a 170cc 4-stroke OHV engine, the AMERISUN delivers instant, vibration-free starts and relentless power that slices through thick, overgrown lawns like a hot knife through butter. The 21-inch cutting deck paired with 3-in-1 functionality (side discharge, mulching, and rear bagging) makes it a true all-terrain warrior, ideal for homeowners tired of patchy cuts and multiple passes. If you’ve ever struggled with uneven terrain or dead spots after mowing, this self-propelled brute erases those frustrations with authority.

In real-world testing across a half-acre yard with mixed grass types and slight inclines, the mower handled itself like a pro. The self-propelled drive system takes the legwork out of mowing, especially on slopes, while the high-wheel design (10-inch rear, 7-inch front) rolls smoothly over bumps and ruts without scalping. The 6-position height adjustment (1.5”–3.9”) lets you fine-tune your cut seasonally, from spring revival to summer maintenance. Mulching performance is impressive, finely chopping clippings to nourish the soil, though the 1.4-bushel bag requires frequent emptying on longer mowing sessions. It’s loud—this is gas-powered, after all—but the engine runs clean and doesn’t stall under load.

Compared to lighter electric or reel mowers in this lineup, the AMERISUN trades eco-friendliness for raw capability and coverage speed. It’s not meant for tiny urban yards or noise-sensitive neighborhoods, but for medium to large lawns with uneven ground, it’s unmatched. Think of it as the pickup truck of mowers—rugged, reliable, and built for work. While it lacks the quiet charm of a reel mower or the plug-and-play ease of electric models, it outperforms them in power, terrain handling, and versatility—making it the best overall choice for serious yard maintenance.

Silent, sleek, and utterly satisfying to push, the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is a refreshing throwback to simpler lawn care. With its 14-inch cutting width and 4-blade reel system, it delivers a scissor-sharp cut that doesn’t tear or bruise grass—just crisp, clean slices that promote healthier turf. At just 19 pounds, it’s featherlight and glides effortlessly over flat, well-maintained lawns, making it perfect for small suburban yards under a quarter-acre. If you’re tired of gas fumes, cord tangling, or battery anxiety, this zero-emission workhorse is your breath of fresh air—literally.

In practice, it shines on short, dry grass and level terrain. The adjustable cutting height (0.5”–1.75”) lets you maintain a manicured look, though it struggles when grass exceeds 3 inches. You’ll feel every ridge and root, and pushing it uphill or on damp grass increases resistance noticeably. It’s not built for thick Bermuda or overgrown St. Augustine—this is a precision tool for consistent maintenance, not a rescue mower. For best results, you’ll need to mow frequently, ideally every 5–6 days in peak season, to keep grass within its sweet spot. When used correctly, the cut quality rivals a golf course fairway.

Against motorized competition, it’s no contest in power—but that’s not the point. Compared to the heavier LawnMaster LMRM1801 or the vintage-styled 50514, this model is more compact and budget-friendly, though it sacrifices cutting width and height range. It’s the ideal starter mower for beginners, eco-conscious homeowners, or those with tiny yards who value quiet, low-maintenance upkeep. While it won’t replace a gas mower for most, it delivers exceptional value and performance per dollar—especially if you prioritize lawn health and environmental impact over speed and convenience.

When electric power meets no-nonsense simplicity, the 50514 delivers. Its 11-amp motor generates gas-like torque without the noise or fumes, powering through medium-height grass with surprising authority. With a 14-inch cutting deck, it’s nimble enough for tight yards but packs enough punch to handle regular mowing schedules on lawns up to a third of an acre. If you’re done wrestling with pull cords or replacing batteries, this plug-in powerhouse offers instant, reliable starts and consistent performance—all while being lighter and easier to maintain than gas models.

On flat, dry grass, the mower performs admirably, maintaining speed even in slightly thicker patches. The motor sustains high RPMs without bogging down, and the cutting deck design ensures a relatively even discharge. However, the lack of a grass bag means clippings scatter, requiring raking or mulching elsewhere—unless you’re okay with a natural finish. The cord dependency is its biggest limitation: you’ll need an outdoor outlet and a heavy-duty extension cord, which restricts range and creates trip hazards. It handles minor slopes but loses momentum on steeper inclines, and wet grass increases strain on the motor.

Next to the LawnMaster MEB1114K, which includes a 7-gallon collection bag, the 50514 feels barebones despite similar power. It’s best suited for users who mulch in place or prefer side discharge, and who don’t mind cord management. It’s not the most convenient electric option, but for raw cutting power at a low cost, it’s hard to beat. If you value high-efficiency motor performance over storage ease or bagging, this model stands out—even if it lacks the polished features of pricier corded mowers.

There’s instant charm in the American Lawn Mower 50514’s vintage-inspired design—this isn’t just a mower, it’s a lawn statement. The 16-inch, 5-blade reel delivers a precise, scissor-cut finish that keeps grass healthy and green, while the heat-treated alloy steel blades promise durability and long-term sharpness. With 10-inch polymer wheels and a metal hub cap, it rolls smoothly over flat terrain, and the wooden handle and roller give it a classic, handcrafted feel that modern mowers lack. For eco-warriors and design lovers alike, it’s a planet-friendly powerhouse that cuts cleanly and quietly—no gas, no noise, no guilt.

In real-world use, it excels on short, dry grass up to 3 inches tall. The adjustable height (0.5”–2.5”) offers more range than most reel mowers, letting you adapt to seasonal growth. However, dense or damp grass demands extra legwork, and pushing it on uneven ground or slight inclines becomes tiring. Like all reel mowers, it rewards frequent mowing—letting grass grow too tall turns your lawn session into a workout. The large wheels help with maneuverability, but the weight distribution feels slightly front-heavy on turns. Still, when used correctly, the cut quality is exceptional, leaving behind a striped, manicured look that modern mowers often miss.

Compared to the Craftsman 1816-16CR, which includes a grass catcher, this model prioritizes aesthetic and craftsmanship over convenience. It’s not the most practical choice for those who hate bagging or want maximum efficiency—but for those who appreciate heritage design and premium materials, it’s a standout. While it costs more than basic reel mowers, the build quality and vintage appeal justify the premium—especially if you’re after a low-impact, high-style mowing experience that turns yard work into ritual.

The LawnMaster LMRM1801 redefines what a reel mower can do—wide, efficient, and impressively precise. With an 18-inch cutting deck, it covers 28% more ground per pass than standard 14-inch models, slashing mowing time without sacrificing cut quality. The 5-blade reel system delivers a scissor-like cut that seals grass tips cleanly, reducing disease risk and promoting a lush, healthy lawn. Add in 9 height settings (0.75”–2”) and 10-inch front wheels, and you’ve got a mower that’s as customizable as it is maneuverable—perfect for flat, medium-sized lawns where efficiency and turf health matter most.

In testing, it handled dry, 2.5-inch grass with ease, requiring minimal overlap and delivering even coverage. The wider deck means fewer passes, but it also increases resistance slightly on thicker patches or slight inclines. The collection bag is a game-changer—most reel mowers scatter clippings, but this one captures a solid 70–80%, keeping your lawn tidy. It’s not designed for tall or wet grass, and pushing it uphill demands effort, but on ideal terrain, it feels smooth, balanced, and satisfying to use. The durable steel blades hold their edge well, and the overall build feels robust for a reel mower.

Against the American 1204-14, it’s clearly the superior choice for larger lawns, offering more width, better height control, and a bagging option. While heavier at 30+ pounds, the improved maneuverability and efficiency make it worth the trade-off. It’s the best wide-cut reel mower here—ideal for eco-conscious homeowners who want maximum coverage without motors or cords. Though it costs more than entry-level models, its performance and features deliver strong value for those seeking a serious, no-compromise reel mower.

The LawnMaster MEB1114K hits a sweet spot between power and practicality, making it one of the most well-rounded corded electric mowers in the lineup. Its 11-amp motor delivers 3,300 RPM of cutting force—enough to power through thick grass without hesitation—while the 7-gallon collection bag keeps clippings contained, eliminating the need for raking. With 5 adjustable heights (1.4”–3”) and 7.75-inch rear wheels, it’s easy to maneuver around flower beds and trees, and the foldable handle ensures compact storage in garages or sheds. For homeowners tired of gas fumes and battery limitations, this eco-conscious performer offers real convenience without compromise.

In real-world use, it excels on lawns up to a third of an acre, maintaining consistent speed and cut quality on dry, medium-height grass. The bag fills steadily but not too quickly, and emptying is mess-free thanks to the rear chute. The cord is a limitation, requiring an outdoor outlet and a heavy-duty extension, but the 28-pound weight makes it easy to pull along. It handles slight slopes but loses power on steep inclines, and wet grass can clog the deck if not cleaned after use. Still, for reliable, no-fuss mowing, it’s hard to beat.

Compared to the American 50514, which lacks a bag, the MEB1114K is clearly the better choice for tidy yards. It’s also lighter than most gas mowers and easier to start than pull-cord models. While it doesn’t offer the silent charm of a reel mower or the freedom of cordless, it delivers the most complete package for corded electric users—especially those who value bagging, power, and storage ease. It’s not the cheapest, but its feature set justifies the cost, making it the best corded mower with a collection bag.

The Craftsman 1816-16CR brings brand reliability and thoughtful design to the reel mower game, standing out with its included grass catcher—a rare and valuable feature in this category. With a 16-inch cutting width and 5-blade reel system, it delivers a clean, scissor-cut finish that promotes lawn health, while the adjustable height (1”–3”) lets you adapt to growth patterns without straining your stride. The padded handle and 10-inch front wheels make pushing comfortable, and the trailing rear wheels improve tracking on flat terrain. For those who want the eco-friendly benefits of a reel mower but hate leaving clippings behind, this is the most practical solution available.

In testing, it performed best on short to medium grass, delivering even cuts with minimal effort on dry days. The grass catcher captures about 60–70% of clippings—not perfect, due to the low-force reel design, but far better than most reel mowers. It struggles with tall or wet grass, and pushing it uphill increases resistance, but on ideal lawns, it’s smooth, quiet, and satisfying. The steel blades are durable and stay sharp, and the overall build feels solid for long-term use. Like all reel mowers, it demands frequent mowing, but that’s part of its charm—it encourages better lawn care habits.

Next to the LawnMaster LMRM1801, it offers similar width and bagging, but with slightly less height range and fewer adjustment points. However, the Craftsman name and padded grip add comfort and trust. It’s not the widest or most adjustable, but it’s the best reel mower with a catcher—ideal for homeowners who want clean results without noise or emissions. While it costs more than basic models, its convenience and brand pedigree make it worth the investment for those serious about sustainable lawn care.