8 Best Electric Rotary Lawn Mowers to Buy in 2025

Punchy and confidence-inspiring, the BLACK+DECKER MM2000 tackles suburban lawns with a 13-amp motor and a broad 20-inch deck that eats through thick, slightly overgrown grass. The EdgeMax deck lets you trim tight along fences and beds, cutting down on post-mow string trimming. With 7 tool-free height settings (1.5–4 inches) and true 3-in-1 versatility (mulch, bag, side discharge), it’s built to solve the usual corded mower pain points: runtime anxiety, messy edging, and limited cut control.

In testing on Bermuda and fescue, it maintained blade speed well in damp, mid-length turf, and the 13-gallon fabric bag makes it easy to check fill level at a glance. It’s heavier than compact units but the carry handles and folding design help with shed storage. The cord management is straightforward—just plan paths carefully—and like most corded models, wet, very tall grass will require slower passes.

Compared to the CRAFTSMAN CMEMW213, the MM2000 trades the CRAFTSMAN’s winged blade cutting polish for better edge trimming and a slightly more refined deck design. It’s ideal for medium to large city lots where unlimited runtime and boundary precision matter more than ultimate portability. Versus the American Lawn Mower 51319, the MM2000 delivers broader height range and edging finesse for users prioritizing finish quality over lighter handling.

Clever and compact, the BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM is a 3-in-1 mower, trimmer, and edger built for micro lawns, townhomes, and tight courtyards. At just 9.9 lbs with a 12-inch deck and 8,000 RPM trimmer motor, it’s the nimble option when storage is scarce and obstacles are everywhere. The automatic feed spool keeps trimming continuous, solving the stop‑and‑bump frustration typical of budget units.

On small turf pads, it mows evenly at a 1.6-inch cutting height and transitions instantly to edging for clean sidewalk lines. The cord retention clip helps prevent accidental unplugging, though the narrow deck means more passes on anything larger than a tiny yard. Best results are on maintained grass; dense, wet patches or tall growth demand patience.

Against the LawnMaster MEB1114K, this BLACK+DECKER is far lighter and more versatile, but it can’t match the true mower stability or bagging of dedicated units. It’s perfect for first-time homeowners, renters, and anyone maintaining under 1,500 sq. ft. of grass. Compared with the American Lawn Mower 50514, you trade traditional mower feel for multi-function agility and ultra-small storage.

Deliberate and refined, the CRAFTSMAN CMEMW213 uses a 13-amp motor and 20-inch deck to deliver crisp, uniform cuts on typical suburban lawns. Its standout is the winged blade, which boosts lift for cleaner clipping circulation and more complete mulching. With 3-in-1 capability (rear bag, mulch, side discharge) and an easy-fold handle for vertical storage, it addresses the core needs of homeowners who want tidy results without fuss.

In real-world cuts on rye and St. Augustine, the blade design maintained even clipping size and reduced clumps in slightly damp conditions where flat blades struggle. Tall grass is handled in two passes—high then low—keeping motor load steady. Cord management remains the usual constraint; plan a back-to-front mowing route to avoid re-running sections.

Compared with the BLACK+DECKER MM2000, the CRAFTSMAN’s cut quality edges ahead, especially in mulching mode, while the MM2000’s EdgeMax provides superior fence-line precision. It’s best for users who prioritize finish quality and organized storage over boundary trimming tricks. Relative to LawnMaster ME1218X, the CRAFTSMAN offers a broader deck and more refined blade performance for those chasing a polished finish.

Straightforward and efficient, the American Lawn Mower 51319 brings a 13-amp motor and 19-inch deck to a lightweight push chassis that’s easy to maneuver. It offers mulching and rear bagging out of the box, plus 1–3 inch height adjustment, covering common cool-season turf preferences. If you want a clean, quiet mower with minimal maintenance, this hits the essentials without extra frills.

In testing across smaller and mid-size lots, it tracked well around beds and handled weekly cuts without bogging. The lighter weight makes it friendly on inclines and tight spaces, though the 3-inch max height limits flexibility for heat-stressed lawns needing taller cuts. Mulching quality is solid provided you avoid very wet or overgrown areas.

Versus the BLACK+DECKER MM2000, this American Lawn Mower is lighter and simpler, but it lacks the extended height range and edging-focused deck. It’s ideal for homeowners who value maneuverability and a no-nonsense setup. Compared to LawnMaster ME1218X, you get a stronger motor and larger deck for faster coverage and fewer passes.

Sprightly and practical, the LawnMaster ME1218X uses a 12-amp motor at 3,600 RPM paired with a rugged 19-inch rust-resistant deck to cover ground fast. It prioritizes simplicity with 2-in-1 functionality (mulch or side discharge) and a single-lever height adjuster offering six positions from 1.5 to 4 inches. At roughly 35 lbs, it’s straightforward to push and store.

On maintained lawns, the RPM holds steady and the wide height range helps during summer scalping prevention or early-spring cleanup. Side discharge clears heavy growth better than mulching when the grass is wet or tall. You’ll miss rear bagging for pristine cleanup, and the 12-amp motor isn’t as torquey as 13-amp competitors in dense patches.

Compared to the CRAFTSMAN CMEMW213, the LawnMaster trades mulch polish and bagging for lower weight and a taller top height setting. It suits owners who want easy adjustments and quick weekly maintenance without a collection bag. Against the American Lawn Mower 51319, you gain a 4-inch ceiling and side discharge but give up rear bagging versatility.

Compact and no-nonsense, the American Lawn Mower 50514 is a 14-inch, 11-amp corded unit purpose-built for small yards and quick touch-ups. The high-efficiency motor provides gas-like punch for its size, and the small deck slips between trees, beds, and play sets with ease. If storage is minimal and your lawn is pocket-sized, this checks the convenience box.

In practice, it delivers uniform cuts on weekly-maintained turf, excels on narrow strips, and is simple to carry between front and back yards. The petite deck means more passes, and the lower amperage doesn’t love tall, wet grass—plan a second pass for cleanup. It’s noticeably quieter than gas, making early-morning sessions neighbor-friendly.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM, this offers a more traditional mower feel and stability on small rectangles, while the 3-in-1 B+D brings edge detailing. It’s best for homeowners with tight storage and modest square footage who want a straightforward push mower. Versus LawnMaster MEB1114K, you sacrifice some cutting height range for a simpler, solid small-yard performer.

Agile and space-savvy, the LawnMaster MEB1114K pairs an 11-amp motor with a 14–15-inch cutting width and 3,300 RPM to keep tiny yards tidy. With five height positions (1.4–3 inches) and a 7-gallon collection bag, it focuses on clean clipping capture and easy disposal. The 7.75-inch rear wheels boost maneuverability around planters and corners.

In real use, it’s light at 28 lbs and folds down extremely compact for closet or wall storage. The small deck size does mean extra laps, and heavier, wet grass can stress the motor—mulch in short sessions or swap to bagging for best results. Cord retention is fine; plan a perimeter-first path to avoid runovers.

Compared to the American Lawn Mower 50514, the MEB1114K adds better height customization and a dedicated collection bag, but both are tuned for small plots. It’s ideal for condo strips, townhome lawns, and users who need compact storage above all. Against the BESTA512CM, you gain true mower stability but lose the multi-tool trimming flexibility.

Liberating and modern, the Litheli 16-inch cordless mower brings 2x20V batteries (4.0Ah each) for up to about 2,700 sq. ft. per charge, all without the tether of a cord. It features a 16-inch deck, high-efficiency motor, and six-position height adjustment from roughly 0.98 to 2.98 inches for fine-tuning across cool-season lawns. The folding, adjustable handle and carry grip make transport and storage painless.

In testing, it’s quiet, starts instantly, and performs best on weekly-maintained turf; letting grass get tall will require slower pacing or a second pass. The deck size is a sweet spot for small to mid-small yards, and battery swaps are quick if you own other Litheli tools. Runtime claimed aligns with light-to-moderate workloads; dense, wet patches can reduce coverage.

Against corded 20-inch models like the CRAFTSMAN CMEMW213, Litheli sacrifices raw deck width and continuous power for cord-free convenience and lower noise. It’s a fit for owners who value mobility, simple storage, and maintaining modest lawns without extension cords. Compared to the American Lawn Mower 51319, you get greater freedom and quieter operation in exchange for tighter height ceiling and shorter sessions.