8 Best Traditional Lawn Mowers to Buy in 2025

Punchy and confident, the PowerSmart 21-inch stands out with a reliable 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine and a rear-wheel-drive self-propel system that eats through uneven lawns. The 21-inch steel deck trims wide paths efficiently, and the 3-in-1 setup lets you switch between bagging, mulching, or rear discharge without fuss. If hills, thicker turf, and time-saving are your concerns, this feels engineered to solve them.

In testing on medium to large yards, its 10-inch rear wheels and traction-forward design held speed on slopes and didn’t fishtail in damp areas. The single-lever 6-position height adjustment (1.5–3.9 inches) made seasonal tweaks easy, and the 1.4-bushel bag strikes a good balance between capacity and weight. It’s not the lightest mower, and tight turns require a bit more wrist, but cut consistency stayed steady across typical suburban grass mixes.

Compared with the AMERISUN 21-inch gas push mower, this PowerSmart’s self-propel is the big win for hills and larger lots, while AMERISUN’s push setup is simpler and a touch more compact. Against manual reel options like American Lawn Mower’s 1204-14, you’re trading quiet minimalism for power and throughput. Ideal for homeowners who prioritize speed, traction, and flexible clippings management; it offers more capability than the AMERISUN for challenging terrain without jumping to a heavier class.

Refreshing and whisper-quiet, the VEVOR 14-inch reel mower brings back traditional lawn care with a 5-blade UNS1566 steel reel that snips grass cleanly like scissors. The 0.6–1.75 inch height range delivers a tidy, manicured finish for fine turf, and the included catcher bag keeps post-mow cleanup manageable. It’s a smart antidote to gas headaches if your lawn is small and you value peace and low maintenance.

On well-kept lawns under 4 inches, the reel rolls smoothly, and the large wheels plus cushioned U-handle reduce fatigue, especially for seniors or casual users. If the reel encounters branches or debris, a quick pullback clears it—though you’ll get the best performance by pre-clearing sticks and mowing more frequently. Tall or wet grass will bog it down; plan multi-pass sessions for overgrown patches.

Compared with the American Lawn Mower 1204-14, the VEVOR’s 5-blade setup provides slightly finer clipping action and includes a catcher out of the box, while American’s 4-blade model is lighter and even simpler. Versus any gas option like PowerSmart, you give up versatility and speed, but gain zero emissions and lighter upkeep. It’s perfect for small, flat lawns and owners who prioritize quiet, precision, and low effort; it undercuts the American 1204-14 on convenience thanks to the catcher.

Confident and straightforward, the AMERISUN 21-inch push mower pairs a 144cc OHV 4-stroke with an auto-choke start, so you’re cutting in seconds. The reinforced 21-inch steel deck chews through larger swaths, and the 3-in-1 system (bag, mulch, side discharge) adapts to seasonal lawn care without extra tools. If you want gas reliability minus self-propel complexity, this checks the right boxes.

In real-world use, the 7-inch fronts and 10-inch rears with dual ball bearings track smoothly over bumps and tree roots. The single-lever 1.5–3.9 inch height control made it easy to switch from spring scalps to summer lengths, and the 1.4-bushel bag is adequately sized for weekly cuts. Pushing on steeper grades will raise your heart rate, and it’s louder than electric, but the cut quality remains consistent across typical residential lawns.

Compared to the PowerSmart self-propel, AMERISUN trades hill-climbing ease for a lighter, more budget-conscious push platform. Versus the American Lawn Mower manual reel, you gain speed, versatility, and better performance in taller grass, while losing the quiet simplicity. Best for medium yards with mostly flat terrain where you want gas power without drivetrain weight; it offers more raw push performance than the corded LawnMaster for thick growth.

Zippy and clean-running, the LawnMaster ME1218X leverages a 12A motor at 3600 RPM with a 19-inch rust-resistant deck for fast, tidy cuts. The 6-position one-touch height adjustment (1.5–4 inches) gives you precise control, and its 35 lb weight keeps handling light and approachable. If you want plug-and-mow convenience without gas or battery hassles, this corded unit hits the sweet spot.

On small to medium lawns within cord reach, it maintained even cuts and didn’t bog on average-density turf when the blade was kept sharp. The 2-in-1 setup allows mulch or side discharge, and the 6.7-inch wheels pivot nimbly around beds and fences. Cord management remains the primary limitation, and damp, thick grass can slow it—work in dry conditions for best results.

Compared with the American Lawn Mower 51319 (19-inch, 13A), the LawnMaster is lighter and slightly more maneuverable but loses out on rear bagging flexibility. Versus the Greenworks 48V cordless, you trade battery freedom for unlimited runtime and lower upkeep. Ideal for compact yards with accessible outlets; it undercuts the Greenworks on maintenance while keeping performance steady.

Agile and modern, the Greenworks 48V system pairs dual 24V batteries for up to 45 minutes of runtime and a 17-inch lightweight poly deck that glides around tight landscaping. Startups are instant with a push button, and the 2-in-1 design supports mulching or rear bagging for everyday lawn care. For homeowners tired of cords and gas, this hits the balance of convenience and control.

In testing across typical suburban lawns, it handled weekly cuts well and kept pace on light slopes thanks to its low weight and responsive blade speed. The 5-position single-lever height control adapts to seasonal changes, and storage is a breeze given the compact deck. Dense or wet grass will tax runtime, and the 17-inch width means extra passes on larger yards—best to mow more frequently.

Compared with the LawnMaster ME1218X corded model, Greenworks trades unlimited runtime for cordless freedom and better maneuvering around trees and obstacles. Against the AMERISUN gas push mower, you give up brute torque but gain quiet operation and near-zero maintenance. It’s ideal for small to mid-size lawns where mobility matters; it offers more convenience than the LawnMaster while maintaining respectable cut quality.

Classic and precision-focused, the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 uses a 4-blade reel to shear grass cleanly without tearing, promoting a healthier, greener finish. At just 19 pounds with 8.5-inch polymer wheels, it’s easy to push and maneuver, especially in tight courtyards or townhome strips. For purists seeking a traditional manual mower, this is the essence of low-maintenance lawn care.

On small, flat lawns with grass under 4 inches, it delivers a crisp, uniform cut in the 0.5–1.75 inch range. Overgrown or wet turf will require multiple passes or pre-trimming, and increasing overlap helps when the lawn gets ahead of schedule. Like all reels, debris can interrupt flow—clear sticks and stones first for smooth operation.

Compared with the VEVOR 5-blade reel, this American model is lighter and slightly easier to push, though it lacks the included catcher. Versus Greenworks’ cordless, you forgo speed and versatility but gain total quiet and zero emissions. Ideal for meticulous homeowners who mow weekly and want a clean, low-cut look; it’s a simpler, lighter alternative to the VEVOR with fewer accessories.

Efficient and practical, the American Lawn Mower 51319 pairs a 13A motor with a 19-inch deck to cover ground quickly while keeping noise low. The package includes both mulch and rear bag options, giving you flexibility for seasonal cleanup or lawn feeding. If your yard lives within an extension cord’s reach, this is a capable, straightforward cut solution.

In use, the mower performed best on dry, weekly-maintained lawns with height options from 1 to 3 inches. The lightweight chassis is easy to steer around gardens, and the bagger captures clippings cleanly when you need a neater finish. As with most corded units, heavy, wet grass can slow the blade, and cord routing requires attention to avoid retracing steps.

Compared to the LawnMaster ME1218X, this model’s rear bagging gives it the edge for tidy finishes, though the LawnMaster is lighter to maneuver. Against Greenworks’ cordless, you trade mobility for continuous power and simpler upkeep. It’s a strong fit for small to mid-sized lawns where a clean bagged cut matters; it offers more cut-management flexibility than the LawnMaster.

Compact and nimble, the LawnMaster MEB1114K is built for small yards, pairing an 11A motor with a 14–15-inch cutting width to weave through tight spaces. The 5-position height range (1.4–3 inches) is quick to adjust, and the 28 lb weight keeps starts and stops almost effortless. If you’re trimming postage-stamp lawns or side yards, this is the convenient corded pick.

In practice, it maintained a tidy finish on regular weekly cuts, and the 7.75-inch rear wheels improved stability around uneven pavers and beds. The included 7-gallon collection bag helps keep clippings under control, while its folding handles make storage genuinely compact. Heavier, damp grass can bog the motor; aim for dry conditions and frequent mowing.

Compared with the LawnMaster ME1218X, this model is smaller and more maneuverable but requires more passes on broader lawns. Versus the Greenworks cordless, you lose mobility but gain unlimited runtime and a lighter chassis. It’s best for small properties, townhomes, or narrow strips where agility matters most; it’s a more space-saving choice than the ME1218X while retaining essential adjustability.