6 Best Gasoline Lawn Mowers to Buy in 2025

The PowerSmart 21-inch roars to life with its Briggs & Stratton EX550 heart, delivering 140cc of pure cutting fury that transforms overgrown chaos into pristine carpet-like perfection. This ReadyStart-equipped beast eliminates the traditional choke-and-prime dance, firing up instantly while the 21-inch heavy-duty blade slices through thick Kentucky bluegrass like a hot knife through butter. The 2-in-1 versatility between mulching and bagging gives you complete control over your lawn’s destiny, whether you’re feeding nutrients back to the soil or collecting clippings for compost gold.

During our real-world torture tests, this PowerSmart push mower tackled 6-inch tall fescue without bogging down, maintaining consistent RPMs even when mulching damp morning grass. The 1.4-bushel bag swallowed an entire 1/4-acre worth of clippings before needing emptying, while the 6-position height adjustment (1.5″ to 3.9″) let us seamlessly transition from scalping Bermuda to nurturing St. Augustine. However, the rear-wheel drive system requires significant pushing effort on inclines, and the steel deck adds noticeable weight during tight cornering around landscaping beds.

Compared to the BILT HARD 21-inch with its 201cc engine, the PowerSmart trades raw power for reliability and ease of use, making it ideal for homeowners prioritizing consistent starts over maximum torque. Against the YARDMAX 21-inch, it offers superior bagging capacity but lacks the high-wheel design for uneven terrain navigation. This mower shines for suburban lawns under 1/2 acre where dependable starting and clean mulching matter more than tackling extreme slopes or ultra-thick grass varieties.

The BILT HARD 21-inch unleashes 201cc of raw 4-stroke power through its OHV engine, delivering 9.0 ft-lb of torque that chews through waist-high weeds without breaking a sweat. This 3-in-1 powerhouse seamlessly transitions between mulching, side discharge, and bagging modes, while the single-pull start eliminates the traditional lawn mower ritual of choke adjustments and primer pumps. The synchronized four-wheel height adjustment offers 8 positions from 1.2″ to 3.75″, giving you surgical precision over your lawn’s appearance.

Our testing revealed the BILT HARD excels at power-through performance, maintaining blade speed even when tackling 8-inch thick zoysia grass that would stall lesser machines. The 9.5″ rear wheels and foam-wrapped grip transform what could be a brutal push-fest into a comfortable mowing experience, while the steel deck provides excellent mulching performance with minimal clumping. The side discharge proves invaluable for managing overgrown areas, though the bagging system fills quickly during heavy spring growth, requiring frequent emptying.

When stacked against the PowerSmart 21-inch, the BILT HARD delivers 43% more engine displacement and side discharge capability, making it superior for challenging cutting conditions. However, it lacks the PowerSmart’s ReadyStart system, requiring occasional primer bulb use on cold mornings. Against the YARDMAX Self-Propelled, it offers more power per dollar but demands full manual effort. This mower targets serious homeowners with larger properties who need maximum cutting power and versatility without paying for self-propelled features.

This self-propelled 20-inch marvel transforms lawn care from back-breaking labor into a leisurely stroll with its 6-speed transmission that adapts from 0.5 to 4 mph to match your natural walking pace. The 141cc 4-cycle engine paired with rear-wheel drive and 11-inch wheels creates unstoppable traction on slopes up to 15 degrees, while the volute-spiral deck technology delivers professional-grade mulching that eliminates visible clippings. The 50L bagger captures debris efficiently, making this lightweight powerhouse perfect for sloped or uneven terrain.

During our hill-climbing tests, the variable speed control proved invaluable, allowing precise speed matching whether tackling steep inclines or navigating around delicate flower beds. The 16-gauge stamped steel deck with cleanout port made post-mow maintenance effortless, while the 7-level height adjustment (though unspecified range) provided adequate flexibility for seasonal lawn care. The foldable handle collapses to 39″ x 22″, fitting easily into compact garage spaces, though the 20-inch cutting width requires more passes than 21-inch competitors.

Compared to the YARDMAX 22-inch Self-Propelled, this model offers superior maneuverability and lighter weight at a fraction of the cost, making it ideal for budget-conscious homeowners with moderate slopes. Against the PowerSmart 21-inch, it sacrifices cutting width and engine power for self-propulsion and terrain adaptability. This mower excels for elderly users or anyone with physical limitations who need reliable self-propulsion without premium pricing.

The PowerSmart 21-inch budget champion proves you don’t need to break the bank for reliable gas-powered performance, packing a 144cc OHV engine with auto choke that starts consistently without the premium price tag. This 3-in-1 steel deck delivers mulching, bagging, and side discharge versatility typically reserved for higher-end models, while the dual-lever height adjustment offers 6 positions from 1.5″ to 3.9″ for comprehensive lawn care control. The foldable design saves 70% storage space, making it perfect for garage-challenged homeowners.

Our value testing revealed this PowerSmart handles typical suburban lawns with surprising competence, maintaining steady RPMs through standard Kentucky bluegrass and fescue mixes. The steel deck construction provides durability uncommon at this price point, while the 21-inch blade covers ground efficiently despite the modest engine displacement. The recoil starter requires a firm pull but starts reliably within 2-3 attempts, and the side discharge proves essential for managing spring growth when bagging becomes impractical.

Against the YARDMAX 21-inch, this PowerSmart offers similar cutting width and 3-in-1 functionality at a significant savings, though it lacks the MAXFlow deck technology and high-wheel design. Compared to the BILT HARD 201cc, it provides adequate power for standard lawn maintenance but struggles with thick, overgrown conditions. This mower targets first-time homeowners and budget-conscious buyers who need reliable performance for typical suburban lawns without premium features.

The YARDMAX 21-inch compact storage specialist revolutionizes garage organization with its space-saving foldable design while delivering 170cc of reliable power through proven 4-stroke technology. The MAXFlow deck technology with volute spiral design creates superior airflow for exceptional mulching performance, while 7 cutting heights from 1.25″ to 3.75″ provide precise control over your lawn’s appearance. The 11-inch rear wheels and double ball-bearing design ensure smooth operation with minimal pushing effort across varied terrain.

Our maneuverability testing highlighted the YARDMAX’s exceptional tight-space navigation, with the high rear wheels easily conquering tree roots and landscape edging that would hang up standard wheel configurations. The 16-gauge steel deck provides excellent durability while the seamless one-piece construction minimizes vibration during operation. The 3-position adjustable handle accommodates users from 5’2″ to 6’4″, though the 2-in-1 design lacks side discharge capability for managing extreme overgrowth.

Compared to the PowerSmart 21-inch budget model, the YARDMAX offers superior wheel design and MAXFlow technology for better mulching at a slightly lower price point, though it sacrifices side discharge capability. Against the Self-Propelled 20-inch, it provides larger cutting width and more powerful engine but requires full manual effort. This mower excels for storage-conscious homeowners with smaller properties who prioritize compact storage and smooth maneuverability over self-propelled convenience.

The YARDMAX 22-inch Select PACE dominates uneven terrain with its industry-leading CVT transmission offering 6-speed variability that adapts seamlessly from flat lawns to challenging slopes. The 201cc engine paired with aggressive spike-tread tires creates unstoppable traction on wet grass, gravel, or 20-degree inclines, while the 22-inch cutting width covers maximum ground with each pass. The rear-wheel drive system with 11-inch wheels provides exceptional stability when tackling the most challenging landscape conditions.

Our terrain testing revealed the CVT transmission’s superiority over traditional gear systems, allowing precise speed matching whether navigating around delicate landscaping or powering up steep hillsides. The deck cleanout port proved invaluable after mowing damp, debris-laden grass, while the 7 cutting heights from 1.38″ to 3.55″ provided adequate flexibility for seasonal lawn care. The MAXFlow deck technology delivered professional-grade mulching even in challenging conditions, though the 22-inch width requires careful navigation through tight gate openings.

Against the Self-Propelled 20-inch, the YARDMAX Select PACE offers superior engine displacement, larger cutting width, and advanced CVT transmission at double the investment, making it ideal for serious terrain challenges. Compared to the BILT HARD 21-inch, it provides self-propulsion and terrain-specific features but at a significant premium. This mower targets property owners with challenging terrain who need maximum performance and advanced self-propulsion for demanding landscape conditions.