In our articles, we’re looking toward informing you to the best of our abilities on the current market of lawn mowers, and, in this particular one, we’ll focus on the best corded electric lawn mowers. We’ll provide you with a short guide on what to expect from such machines and a list of the six most prominent ones on the market.
Electric Mowers vs. Gasoline Mowers
However, the thing with gasoline-powered mowers, or with their engines in particular, is that they have to be constantly taken care of. Not only that, but they produce a very high level of noise, not to mention the carbon emissions. To properly maintain of your mower, you’ll need to change the spark plugs, the oil, and air filter to keep it running smoothly. And, more often than not, this is dirty and tricky work and at times requires some amount of expertise. Then there is storage of fuel for the mower and that frustrating run to the gas station when you are out but have half the yard yet to mow.
On the other hand, electric mowers don’t require the slightest amount of effort to keep it running smoothly, at least compared to a gasoline-powered one. The only thing you need to take care of when you own an electric mower is the blade – it will need to be sharpened every once in a while. Not only that, but electric mowers are quiet too, much quieter than what you’d expect from a gasoline-powered mower. And no more pulling a cord to start the engine. With a corded electric mower, just plug it in and turn it on.
However, if you’re looking for a cordless mower, you will need to recharge the battery fairly often. When dealing with a corded one, you don’t have to recharge ever, but you will also have a shorter range. Corded mowers depend on a power outlet and you will need an extension cord. If the cord becomes damaged, like if you accidentally mow over it and cut it, you will need to replace it. And cords tangle, too.
Lastly, there is the matter of price. Corded electric mowers are much less expensive than gasoline-powered machines, though there are affordable gasoline models out there as well. With that, there is a discrepancy between corded and cordless models too, where cordless models are much more expensive than the corded ones.
For more thoughts on gas mowers versus electric mowers, see our post Gasoline Grass Mower vs. Electric Lawn Mower. Or check out our reviews of the cordless mowers to compare.
A few things to look out for…
Corded electric lawnmowers are among the most affordable machines on the market currently. They also require the least maintenance, and are an all around good choice for an average Joe living in the suburbs with a small to medium size lawn. However, there are a few issues with them, and you’ll find both pros and cons in the few paragraphs and reviews that follow.
Deck size and Overall Utility of Corded Electric Mowers
Naturally, there is a limit on how much ground can you cover at once with your mower. That’s where the deck size comes in. The smallest mowers’ decks have a blade diameter of 14’’, while the biggest ones cover 20’’. Logically, the larger the deck, the more ground you can cover and be done with the job quickly.
So, what are the limitations of a corded mower? As we said in the previous segment, corded mowers’ cords are short and require an extension cord. This puts quite an impediment as to the size of the patch you can mow and how you mow it. Usually, the best place to use a mower is in a smaller yard. You can use a longer extension cord to increase your reach, but you will have to drag all that power cord behind, and then you have to rein it in after use. You will also need to make sure to use the proper gauge size cord for the length. (Be sure to check the user’s manual.)
Grass Clippings
Another issue is what to do with grass clippings? Well, there are several ways you can deal with them, depending on the particular model. Old mowers usually had only a chute through which the clippings were discharged. However, the most recent models offer you up to three ways of dealing with them. One is the way we just mentioned, while the two others are bagging and mulching.
Some mowers do not offer all three modes, but only two. Usually, the combination is mulching and bagging. However, if the mower can mulch – it’s a noteworthy machine. Mulching is a special process where the grass clippings are transformed into natural fertilizer by shredding them more finely, and then dispensed upon the grass, allowing your turf to grow healthier and more beautiful grass, and saving you money on fertilizer in the process. Mulching is a better choice than bagging for both your lawn and the land fill.
For more on choosing the right electric mower see our discussion on which mower is right for you.
Best Corded Electric Lawn Mowers
GreenWorks 25022 12 Amp Corded 20-Inch Lawn Mower
The GreenWorks 25022 mower may just be the best one on our list. This amazing lawn mower has all the power and blade length you need to conquer even the largest lawns and the toughest grass under the most sordid conditions. GreenWorks 25022 is a splendid machine that you will definitely need to consider getting this spring.
The Good
So, what makes GreenWorks so special? Firstly, we have to say a thing or two about its performance. GreenWorks has a very fine 12-amp motor, allowing the mower to cut through the grass like it’s nothing. Combined with a 20-inch deck, this lawn mower can make short work out of any small to medium lawn or garden, and even tackle larger ones, as long as you’re employing a properly sized and long enough extension cord. The deck can also be raised and lowered using a single lever, and you get seven height settings, ranging from 1.5 to 3.75 inches. As always, this allows you to personalize your lawn and trim the grass by the just right amount.
GreenWorks is also a 3-in-1 machine. It has a rear-mounted bag for bagging the grass, a side chute for discharging and can mulch too. The mower features 7-inch front wheels and 10 inch back wheels that increase the lawnmower’s maneuverability which is very useful when you’re mowing around your flower beds or going around trees.
The Not So Good
The only real drawback for this machine is that the grass should not be wet when mowing. But that is really true of any mower, especially electric mowers. Also, like most electric mowers, this one is best only for small to medium yards.
Our Thoughts
All in all, GreenWorks works – and works well. Its powerful motor makes mowing easy, and a wide deck makes it super fast. The fact that it has seven height levels is very beneficial for those who consider themselves perfectionists, and this is about the perfect mower for you.
Earthwise 50214 14-Inch 8-Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower
This Earthwise 14-inch machine is one of the best corded electric mowers you can get if you have a small yard. Its small size means that the mower is very light, making it also very maneuverable. Mowing around landscape and trees is easier. Mowing across the side of the hill instead of up and down is also more do-able with this machine since it is much lighter to handle. This is another push model, but its small size makes it a breeze to haul it around your yard.
The Good
As for the technical part, this Earthwise 14-inch electric mower has a small 8-amp motor. The motor delivers a total of 3700 rpm, which, while not great, is enough for a smaller lawn and dry grass. The machine sports a 14-inch double-thick ABS plastic deck. This might not be so big, but, again, we emphasize that this is a device more tuned toward smaller turfs and the small plastic deck makes this mower a lot easier and lighter to move around. And remember, this is a corded electric machine, and you won’t need to pull on a cord to start it like you would with a gas mower. One flick of a switch and this little thing will start revving.
Being a push mower, comfort is a very important factor. Just like the Remington, this machine also features a comfortable foam grip that absorbs the vibrations. It has two stage adjustable handle length. The handle also folds for easier and more compact storage.
Lastly, it has to be said that the machine’s deck is adjustable with a single lever. You can bring the deck down to 1.5 inches or push it up as high as 4 inches. The machine offers you a 2-in-1 service, where you can either mulch the grass or discharge it through the side. Bagging is not available.
The Not So Good
Now, as for the shortcoming of this device, there are a few, but they’re to be expected with such an inexpensive and small mower. In fact, most of these shortcomings pertain to the size and the specs of this mower. One of the biggest flaws with the mower is exactly its greatest strength. Because the mower is so small, it is only useful for smaller turfs and gardens. Its 14-inch deck is not very well suited to large or even medium sized lawns. Earthwise does have available 18″ and 20″ models as well, though, if that is a problem.
Our Thoughts
Overall, Earthwise is an excellent little mower, perfect for smaller lawns and those looking for a lighter, low-hustle machine that can still perform well.
Black & Decker MM2000 13-amp Corded Mower
Our third entry is the Black & Decker MM2000 13-amp Corded Mower. B&D has been a long-standing powerhouse in this industry, and their mowers are some of the best. Their MM2000 is a high-end corded mower, offering plenty of power and a good, wide deck, with very few shortcomings. This is a very affordable mower too, which, considering the mower’s powerful motor and the wide deck, seems very reasonable to us.
The Good
So, what do you get with the Black & Decker? Like we said, a stellar motor. The MM2000 sports a 13-amp electromotor, meaning it can mow through the worst types of grass, and in the worst conditions. The mower has a very wide deck, 20 inches, that will allow you to cover more ground with less effort. This is quintessential, as the mower is corded, after all, and more ground covered faster is definitely within your interest.
Black & Decker also features a 7-position height adjustment, so you can determine how short would you want your grass to be cut. You can go from the lowest setting, stopping at 1.5 inches, to the highest, stopping at 4 inches. Like many mowers on our list, MM2000 is also capable of discharging the grass, mulching it or bagging it. You will receive a 13-gallon rear-mounted bag with your purchase.
The Not So Good
Naturally, there have to be some downsides to the mower. Firstly, it should be said that, if you want the mower to start, you have to push the button then pull the lever at the handle. While this is introduced as a safety feature, many users find it unnecessary. Indeed, many older mowers have a simple turn switch that worked just as well, and was much more convenient and faster. This is a small inconvenience, though, and a common one, since most new models have this feature.
Our Thoughts
All in all, Black & Decker MM2000 is a solid piece of hardware, and, if you take care of it, should serve you well. Powerful motor and a wide deck at the price is a great bargain if you ask us, and we definitely recommend this mower.
Sun Joe MJ403E Mow Joe 17-Inch 13-Amp Electric Lawn Mower
Time to leave the weaker machines behind, and get around to some more powerful models on the market. One such machine is the Sun Joe MJ403E. This excellent mower is just the thing you need to finish a job quickly – and finish it well. Sun Joe delivers speed and precision, and at a very affordable price, making it a more valuable mower than the Black & Decker LM175. However, since the two aren’t in the same weight class, they’re not particularly comparable.
The Good
So, what has Sun Joe got for you? Well, let’s start with its motor. The 13-amp motor has enough power to go through any grass type and condition with unrivaled ease. The machine can mulch too, also with astounding ease. The best part is that you can convert the machine from mulching to mowing and from mowing to mulching with little effort. All you need to do is remove the bag and attach the mulching plug.
Another good feature the Sun Joe has is the adjustable deck height with 7 settings. Its lowest point is 0.98 inches with the highest being 2.87 inches. This allows you to really personalize your lawn, and get the grass length just right. Lastly, it should be said that the deck is 17 inches wide, which allows you to move more quickly through the job at hand. However, this mower is three inches smaller than the Black and Decker. Comparing prices, though, it is clear that the Sun Joe offers better value for the money.
The Not So Good
Even such a great machine as Sun Joe has a flaw. Namely, Sun Joe’s bag, which is mounted on the back, is a bit too heavy. In fact, it is substantially heavy. It is so heavy that, when full, or nearly full, it will weigh the mower down and even lift the front part of the end off the ground. This might create quite an inconvenience when you’re working, as you will have to push it down as you mow.
Our Thoughts
All in all, Sun Joe is one of the best mowers, and it definitely deserves a special place on our list. With performances such as these at this price, Sun Joe offers such great value for the money that it’s hard not to stop and consider making it your go-to lawnmower.
Sun Joe MJ401E Mow Joe 14-Inch 12 Amp Electric Lawn Mower
Now, if you’re looking for something really inexpensive, then you should definitely have a look at Sun Joe MJ401. This excellent mower’s cost is in the double digits, though barely. But it does not shy away from the toughest of grass and the worst of conditions. The stellar machine is quite powerful for its price, but also quite small, light and maneuverable.
The Good
Sun Joe MJ401 boasts an excellent 12 amp motor, which is more than enough to handle most of the lawns and grass types, as compared to what a similarly priced mower can handle. In fact, MJ401’s motor has the same amperage as GreenWorks and is only one amp behind Sun Joe MJ403. However, MJ401’s deck is significantly smaller, standing at 14 inches wide. This makes the MJ401 mostly a mower for smaller lawns, maybe up to medium ones.
Sun Joe’s deck can also be adjusted, and you can set it to three height positions. As before, this is done simply by just pulling the lever. The mower offers you the opportunity to either bag the grass or discharge it through the side chute. It comes with a full 2-year warranty, which, for the price, is more than generous.
The Not So Good
However, a lower cost product has to have flaws. One of the biggest cons against this mower is that the bag is small. At only 10.6 gallons, the bag fills up very quickly, especially if your grass is really tall, and you’ll have to empty it often. Another problem with the mower is that it doesn’t have a single lever for height adjustment. There are actually two levers to pull – one connecting the front wheels and one connecting the rear ones. This isn’t that much of a problem, but more of a slight inconvenience, though it can turn into a problem if there is a fault with one of the levers, where the mower won’t sit flat on the ground anymore.
Our Thoughts
Overall, this is a splendid mower. It is very affordable – the most affordable one here – and quite powerful for what it costs. It is small too and intended for smaller gardens and yards, so we would not recommend it for heavier work despite its relatively powerful motor. All in all, if the value is what you’re looking for, you’ll definitely find it with the Sun Joe MJ401.
WORX WG719 13 Amp Caster Wheeled Electric Lawn Mower
Last, but not least, we have the Worx WG719. This is a slightly costlier, but also slightly more powerful, lawnmower. The WG719 is a very interesting model, mostly because of its front wheels, which have been built to facilitate greater maneuverability. Combined with the mower’s relatively lightweight, the wheels are a great addition and really do their job well, despite their unusual design.
The Good
But first, let’s say something about what’s under the hood of this lawnmower. The Worx WG719 features a 13 amp motor, which is more than capable of tackling even the worst and the most resilient type of grass. The machine also sports a 19-inch steel deck, which increases the effectiveness of the mower on larger lawns. Having a deck/blade that broadly allows you to complete the work faster, and the weightier blade cuts much cleaner and much better, even if the grass is wet.
Now, as for the wheels, they’re special because of the way they’ve been mounted. The wheels on this machine are not mounted underneath, as is the custom with lawnmowers, but on the outside of the deck. This allows for a much wider turning radius, making the mower more manageable even in tighter spaces. Add to the this that the mower is corded, and you’re certain to appreciate this type of design greatly, seeing as other mowers require you to lift the front part off the ground to make a bigger turn.
It should also be noted that the deck is adjustable and that the grip is covered with foam that absorbs the vibrations coming from the motor. The handle is also adjustable, and you can fold it too, which helps greatly with the storage.
The Not So Good
One of the negatives about this mower is that it is a bit louder than the other electric mowers. Being one of the chief qualities of electric mowers, the low-decibel revving of these machines is what draws people to buy them in the first place. However with Worx, while not as loud as a gas mower, it is noisier than most electric models and some may find that annoying.
Another bad thing comes from the mowers greatest selling points – the wheels. While they’re very cleverly made, and, while they allow for much greater movement around the yard, the wheels will have trouble on uneven soil. The fact that they move around will throw the machine off some, and you’ll have to put in some effort to keep it straight.
Our Thoughts
All in all, this is one of the better mowers on the market. It’s quite powerful for an electric mower and does its job pretty well. The mower is a bit more expensive, but still much more affordable than any gas-powered mower.
Corded electric mowers need a little advance planning before use
Plan your cord management before you mow to avoid tangling the power cord around obstacles. It’s also best if you plug your extension cord into a GFCI outlet. Those are the ones that will shut off your electrical current if you run over the power cord with the mower. They usually have two buttons, red for test and black for reset. Bathrooms, garages, and outdoor outlets on newer homes should already have this kind of outlet installed.
How to select the right gauge extension cord to power your electric lawn mower:
AWG is the gauge, or thickness of the power cord wire. The smaller the AWG gauge number, the thicker the wire. Thicker wire conducts more current over a longer distance.
- Anything under 10Amps of current can use 16 AWG up to 100 feet.
- 11 to 13Amps need a minimum of 16 AWG for 50 feet and 14 AWG wire to reach 100 feet.
- 14 to 15Amps need 14 AWG for 50 feet and 12 AWG to reach 100 feet.
Please don’t use a damaged cord even if you’ve salvaged it with electrical tape. The risk isn’t worth the small savings. Just get a new one, and make sure it’s marked for outdoor use.
Conclusion
As you can see, electric mowers are really great machines – they’re mostly quiet, low maintenance, and affordable. Most of them boast quite powerful electromotors; however, don’t be fooled into thinking that they can outmatch a gasoline-powered one. The lawns need to be maintained and not allowed to become overgrown, since electric mowers aren’t built generally to cut a lot of tall grass and weeds. If you are used to a gas mower, learning to mow with an extension cord can take some time getting used to. Even so, they’re a great choice if you’re sporting a small to medium sized yard, especially because they won’t burn a hole in your wallet. All in all, these mowers are a good investment.
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