If you want to make your lawn healthier and more beautiful, you may want to consider buying a mulching lawn mower. A mulching lawn mower cuts grass into small pieces and then spreads them over your lawn, which can help to fertilize the soil and keep your lawn looking lush and green. The best mulching lawnmowers also have powerful engines and sharp blades that handle thick grass and tough weeds.
Finding the best mulching lawn mower can be difficult because so many options exist. You will need to consider factors such as the size of your lawn, the type of grass you have, and the features you need, such as adjustable cutting heights and easy-to-empty grass bags. You will also need to compare prices and read reviews to find the best value for your money.
We have reviewed many mulching lawnmowers and can help you find the one that is right for you. Whether you need a small, lightweight mower for a small yard or a larger, more powerful model for a larger lawn, we recommend the best options for your needs and budget.
We have considered factors such as performance, durability, and ease of use to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect mulching lawn mower for your lawn care needs.
Table of Contents
- Top 6 Best Lawn Mowers for Mulching
- Best Overall: RYOBI 40V HP Brushless Cordless Battery Walk Behind Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- Best Push: Kobalt 40-Volt Brushless 20-in Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
- Best Self-Propelled: EGO Power+ LM2156SP 21-in 56 Volt Select Cut XP Mower
- Best Corded Electric: Greenworks 25022 20-Inch 3-in-1 Electric Corded Lawn Mower
- Best Gas: YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- Best for Tall Grass: PowerSmart DB2321CR Gas Lawn Mower
- How To Choose The Best mulching lawn mower
- Frequently Asked Questions About Mulching Lawn Mowers
- 1. What is a mulching lawn mower?
- 2. What are the benefits of using a mulching lawn mower?
- 3. Can a mulching lawn mower handle tall or wet grass?
- 4. Do I need a particular type of blade for mulching?
- 5. Can a mulching lawn mower also bag or side discharge?
- 6. What types of grass are best suited for mulching?
- 7. How often should I mow with a mulching lawn mower?
- 8. Are mulching mowers more expensive than regular mowers?
- 9. Can I mulch leaves with a mulching lawn mower?
- 10. How do I clean a mulching lawn mower?
- 11. Can I mulch in the rain?
- 12. Do I need to sharpen the blades of my mulching lawn mower?
- 13. How do I adjust the mowing height on a mulching lawn mower?
Top 6 Best Lawn Mowers for Mulching
Best Overall: RYOBI 40V HP Brushless Cordless Battery Walk Behind Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
This Ryobi mower claims the “Best Overall” title with good reason.
It boasts a powerful 21-inch cutting deck and dual blades, providing a superior mulching performance. The dual-blade system finely shreds grass clippings, returning essential nutrients to your lawn. This not only saves time but also promotes a healthier, greener lawn.
Its self-propelled feature ensures effortless operation, making it suitable for users of all levels. The adjustable cutting height and easy-start system add to its user-friendliness.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice, the Ryobi Dual-Blade Mower is a top choice. It’s worth recommending for its efficiency and durability.
Pros:
- Powerful dual-blade system for excellent mulching
- Self-propelled for ease of use
- Adjustable cutting height
- Easy-start system
- Durable construction
Cons:
- On the heavier side
- No side discharge option
Best Push: Kobalt 40-Volt Brushless 20-in Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
The Kobalt 40-Volt Push Mower is the best choice for those who prefer a manual push mower. Its 20-inch cutting deck is perfect for smaller lawns. The key highlight is its whisper-quiet operation, thanks to the battery-powered 40-volt system.
This mower’s lightweight and compact design makes it easy to maneuver and incredibly eco-friendly with zero emissions. It’s an excellent fit for small- to medium-sized lawn users who appreciate a quieter, hassle-free mowing experience.
Pros:
- Quiet, eco-friendly operation
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Compact design for storage
- Suitable for small to medium-sized lawns
- Cordless convenience
Cons:
- Limited to smaller lawns
- Manual push operation
Best Self-Propelled: EGO Power+ LM2156SP 21-in 56 Volt Select Cut XP Mower
The EGO Power+ Select-Cut Mower is the “Best Self-Propelled” choice with remarkable features. Its 21-inch cutting deck and dual-blade system offer excellent mulching performance.
This mower stands out with its Select-Cut multi-blade cutting system, allowing users to switch between mulching, bagging, and side discharge, providing unmatched versatility.
The self-propelled function makes mowing effortless, and its long-lasting battery ensures you can complete the job without interruptions.
The EGO Power+ Mower combines convenience, versatility, and performance, perfect for users with more extensive lawns.
Pros:
- Versatile Select-Cut system
- Self-propelled for ease of use
- Long-lasting battery
- Large cutting deck
- Weather-resistant construction
Cons:
- Pricier than some competitors
- Heavier due to the battery
Best Corded Electric: Greenworks 25022 20-Inch 3-in-1 Electric Corded Lawn Mower
The Greenworks 20-inch Corded Lawn Mower is the “Best Corded Electric” due to its impressive mulching capabilities. Equipped with a 3-in-1 design, it can mulch, bag, or side-discharge grass clippings.
The 20-inch cutting deck and powerful motor provide efficient mulching, turning clippings into nutrient-rich mulch that promotes a healthier lawn. Its corded electric operation ensures consistent power, making it perfect for those with smaller to medium-sized lawns.
Pros:
- Effective 3-in-1 mulching options
- Powerful motor for efficient mulching
- Eco-friendly, corded electric operation
- Suitable for small to medium-sized lawns
- Compact storage
Cons:
- Limited by cord length
- Not suitable for large lawns
Best Gas: YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
The Toro 22-inch Gas Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is hailed as the “Best Gas” choice for mulching.
With an expansive 22-inch deck and a self-propelled system, it offers effortless mulching on various terrains.
The powerful gas engine ensures consistent performance. Its adjustable cutting height and Recycler cutting system result in finely mulched clippings, enriching your lawn’s health.
Pros:
- Expansive cutting deck and self-propelled
- Powerful gas engine for consistent performance
- Adjustable cutting height
- Recycler cutting system for fine mulching
- Suitable for medium to large lawns
Cons:
- Gas-powered, which may not be eco-friendly
- They can be heavier than electric mowers
Best for Tall Grass: PowerSmart DB2321CR Gas Lawn Mower
The Troy-Bilt 21-inch Gas Push Lawn Mower stands out as the “Best for Tall Grass.”
Its 21-inch cutting deck and powerful gas engine make tackling tall and thick grass a breeze. The TriAction cutting system ensures even and effective mulching. This mower is ideal for users with challenging grass conditions and uneven terrain.
Pros:
- Effective for tall and thick grass
- Powerful gas engine for challenging conditions
- TriAction cutting system for even mulching
- Durable construction
- Suitable for uneven terrain
Cons:
- Requires manual push
- Not the best choice for small, flat lawns
How To Choose The Best mulching lawn mower
Mulching lawn mowers are designed to chop grass clippings into fine pieces that can be left on the lawn as natural fertilizer. This article will discuss what to consider when choosing the best mulching lawn mower.
1. Mulching Capability
The mulching capability of a mower is essential to ensure that the grass clippings are cut into small pieces and distributed evenly on the lawn.
2. Deck Size
The deck size of a mower determines how much grass can be cut in a single pass. A larger deck size will cover more ground and reduce mowing time.
3. Blade Quality
The quality of the blade is important for efficient mulching. The blade should be sharp and durable to cut the grass clippings into fine pieces.
4. Engine Power
The engine power of a mower determines how well it can handle tough mowing conditions, such as thick grass or uneven terrain. A more powerful engine will provide better performance.
5. Cutting Height Adjustment
The ability to adjust the cutting height of a mower is essential to ensure that the grass is cut at the right height for the type of grass and the season.
6. Durability
A durable mower will last longer and provide better value for your money. Look for mowers with sturdy construction and high-quality materials.
Choosing the best mulching lawn mower requires considering mulching capability, deck size, blade quality, engine power, cutting height adjustment, and durability. By considering these factors, you can choose the right mower for your lawn care needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mulching Lawn Mowers
Mulching lawnmowers are becoming increasingly popular among gardeners and homeowners. Here are some frequently asked questions about mulching lawnmowers and their answers.
1. What is a mulching lawn mower?
A mulching lawn mower is a type of mower that finely chops grass clippings and deposits them back into the lawn, acting as a natural fertilizer.
2. What are the benefits of using a mulching lawn mower?
Mulching lawn mowers provide several benefits, including healthier lawns, less time and money spent on lawn care, and less waste to dispose of.
3. Can a mulching lawn mower handle tall or wet grass?
Yes, most mulching mowers are designed to handle tall or wet grass. However, choosing a mower with enough power and sharp blades is important.
4. Do I need a particular type of blade for mulching?
Yes, mulching blades are designed with a unique shape that chops grass clippings into finer pieces for better lawn health. Be sure to choose a mower with the appropriate mulching blade.
5. Can a mulching lawn mower also bag or side discharge?
Yes, many mulching mowers offer the option to bag or side discharge grass clippings, giving you flexibility in your lawn care routine.
6. What types of grass are best suited for mulching?
Mulching is suitable for most types of grass, including Bermuda grass, fescue, and bluegrass. However, it’s essential to maintain lawn care practices such as regularly mowing and keeping the blades sharp.
7. How often should I mow with a mulching lawn mower?
It would be best to mow with a mulching lawn as often as you would with a regular mower, typically every 1-2 weeks, depending on the grass growth.
8. Are mulching mowers more expensive than regular mowers?
Mulching mowers can be more expensive than regular mowers, but they often provide long-term cost savings in terms of less need for fertilizer and less waste to dispose of.
9. Can I mulch leaves with a mulching lawn mower?
Yes, mulching lawn mowers can mulch leaves and grass clippings, but adjusting the height and mowing in a dry condition is important.
10. How do I clean a mulching lawn mower?
Cleaning a mulching lawn mower is similar to cleaning a regular mower. Be sure to disconnect the spark plug, remove any grass or debris, and wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.
11. Can I mulch in the rain?
It’s not recommended to mulch in the rain as wet grass clippings can clog the mother and cause damage to the blades. It’s best to wait until the grass is dry before mowing.
12. Do I need to sharpen the blades of my mulching lawn mower?
Yes, it’s important to regularly sharpen the blades of your mulching mower to ensure optimal performance and a clean cut for the grass. Blunt blades can damage the lawn and reduce mulching effectiveness.
13. How do I adjust the mowing height on a mulching lawn mower?
Most mulching mowers come with adjustable mowing height settings. Refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions on adjusting the mowing height.