7 Best Lawn Mowers For Small Gardens of 2024

alex-uren-diy-garden
Written by: -

Read Reviews

The Best Lawn Mowers For Small Gardens

The Best Lawn Mowers for Small Gardens
  1. Best lawn mower for small gardens - Flymo Speedi-Mo 360C Electric Wheeled Lawn Mower

  2. Best budget option - Bosch Rotak 32R Electric Rotary Lawnmower

  3. Best hover mower for small gardens - Flymo Hover Vac 250 Electric Hover Collect Lawn Mower

  4. Best for power - Flymo EasiGlide 300 Hover Collect Lawn Mower

  5. Best cordless lawn mower for small gardens - Einhell Power X-Change 18V Cordless Lawnmower

  6. Best for creating stripes - LawnMaster 1400W Electric Lawn Mower

  7. Best small mulching lawn mower - Hyundai Corded Electric 1200w Roller Mulching Lawnmower

Lawn Mower For Small Gardens Reviews

Editors Choice
  • Spacious 40 L grass box needs infrequent emptying
  • Assembly is relatively easy, taking one person around 25 minutes
  • Dual sided controls means this mower can be used by both left and right handers
  • High powered engine means it’s easy to cut thick and long grass
  • Performs well around edges, even up against obstacles - not much strimming required afterwards

  • Not as manoeuvrable as others on the market
Type
Corded Electric
Power
1500W
Weight
11.5 kg
Cutting Width
36 cm
Cutting Height
20-60 mm
Collection Bag
40 L
Overall Score 4.8Read In-depth Review
Design
5
Power
5
Performance
5
Manoeuvrability
4
Features
4.5
Safety
5
Value for Money
5

The Flymo Speedi-Mo 360C Electric Wheeled Lawn Mower is the best lawn mower for small gardens. In terms of design, it ticks all the boxes. It’s easy to carry, has adjustable cutting heights, and offers a decent amount of power. 

For a budget model, this lawn mower performs very well. It produces a clean cut and has a reasonably-sized 36 cm cutting width. It strikes a good balance of manoeuvrability in small areas, and efficiency. There’s also 5 cutting heights to choose from, ranging from 20 – 60 mm. 

Other features combine to make this mower easier to use as well. There are dual-control handles, a 12 m power cable and a spacious 40 L grass box. The latter two features ensure this model can be used in medium size gardens as well as small. It also manages to cut very close to the edges of the lawn, resulting in a neater finish. 

One thing to bear in mind is the size of this mower. Turning it into very tight spaces can be tricky, and the lawn mower needs to be switched off before being pulled backwards. At 11.5 kg, this lawn mower isn’t the heaviest on the market, but it does feel a little bulky when turning tightly. 

Overall, this Flymo model is sturdy, powerful and very good value for money – a great choice for small gardens. 

Did you find this review helpful?
Runner Up
  • Weighs just 6.8 kg so can even by lifted with one hand
  • Fairly quiet so can be used early in the morning with no worries of the neighbours
  • Grass combs help cut pretty close to edges (minimal strimming required after use)
  • Does a great job cutting tall, damp grass with minimal effort required to propel the mower forwards

  • To adjust the cutting height you need to turn the mower upside down, there is no lever
Type
Corded Electric
Power
1200W
Weight
6.8 kg
Cutting Width
32 cm
Cutting Height
20-60 mm
Collection Bag
31 L
Overall Score 4.6
Design
5
Power
4
Performance
4.5
Manoeuvrability
5
Features
4
Safety
5
Value for Money
5

The Bosch Rotak 32R Electric Rotary Lawnmower is an excellent example of a quality lawn mower designed for small lawns. 

First, let’s take a look at the design. This mower is great for compact storage; it folds down and can be slotted into the smallest of garden sheds.

In terms of power and performance, this mower delivers more than you’d expect given the price tag. It has a 1200 W motor, producing a clean and even cut across the whole lawn. The 10 m cord will be enough for most small gardens. 

There’s 5 adjustable cutting heights ranging from 20 – 60 mm, as well as a height-adjustable handlebar. There is also a 31 L grass box and a 32 cm cutting diameter. 

Onto manoeuvrability. This model is narrow, compact and exceptionally lightweight, at just under 7 kg. It can be used in smaller spaces and easily manoeuvred around trees and flower beds. It handles damp grass fairly well, requiring minimal effort to push the mower along. 

Overall, this is the best lawn mower for small gardens if you’ve got a limited budget. Not only is it very easy to use and from a reputable brand, it also has features that would be more commonly found on more expensive models. 

Did you find this review helpful?
Also Good
  • Folds flat for easy storage in small areas
  • Lightweight at under 7 kg so easy to move from storage to lawn
  • A good choice for small gardens thanks to the manoeuvrability and lightweight
  • 10 m cable means you should be able to easily get around small to medium size lawns
  • Can be put together in around 10 minutes

  • With just a 15 L grass box, you may need to stop and empty even in small gardens
Type
Hover Mower
Power
1400W
Weight
6.9 kg
Cutting Width
25 cm
Cutting Height
11-31 mm
Collection Bag
15 L
Overall Score 4.6
Design
5
Power
4
Performance
4
Manoeuvrability
5
Features
4
Safety
5
Value for Money
5

Producing a neat cut every time, the Flymo Hover Vac 250 Electric Hover Collect Lawn Mower is the best hover mower for small gardens. 

It has a 1400 W motor that gives it enough power to tackle domestic lawn grass. The 25 cm cutting width offers gardeners great manoeuvrability around trees and garden furniture, making it a good choice for those with obstacles or narrow pathways on their lawn. There’s a 15 L collection box that collects the clippings. 

This mower has a 10 m cable, so you should be able to get around most small to medium size lans. At 7 kg, it’s easy to transport from storage to lawn, while the handles fold flat which make it easy to store in compact areas. You could even hang it on the wall of your shed. 

The casing is made predominantly from plastic, which helps to keep both the weight of the mower and the price low.

There’s a range of cutting heights to choose from; ranging from 11 mm to 31 mm. The 11 mm height is perfect for the summer months, producing that ultra-smart, short cut. 

It’s also easy to use. The hover mechanism works well and allows you to move in any direction. The handles are suitable for both left and right handed users, and are equally comfortable for both. 

There aren’t many downsides to this mower. The only thing to mention is that the grass box is just 15 L so it does fill up fairly quickly.

A great choice for most small UK lawns, this hover mower strikes a good balance of quality, performance and price. 

Did you find this review helpful?
  • 30 cm cutting width makes it manoeuvrable around obstacles and it’s still fairly efficient
  • Easy to assemble and the included instructions are good quality
  • Produces an even and smart cut every time
  • 10 m cable is long enough for most smaller size lawns

  • Grass collection box has a small gap around it which can allow cuttings to escape
  • Doesn’t mow to the very edges of the lawn so you may still need to neaten them up with a strimmer
Type
Hover Mower
Power
1700W
Weight
10.6 kg
Cutting Width
30 cm
Cutting Height
10-30 mm
Collection Bag
20 L
Overall Score 4.5
Design
4
Power
5
Performance
5
Manoeuvrability
4.5
Features
4
Safety
5
Value for Money
4

Equipped with a powerful 1700 W motor, the Flymo EasiGlide 300 Hover Collect Lawn Mower is designed for tougher conditions than many other hover mowers. It can cut through thick and long grass, so although perfect for smaller lawns, it’s also a good choice if you allow your lawn to get overgrown. 

For a hover mower, it has a reasonable collection box capacity of 20 L. While this won’t be enough to mow a large garden without stopping to empty, it should be just fine for small outdoor spaces. The 30 cm cutting width ensures this hover mower is manoeuvrable while still being fairly efficient across open stretches of lawn.

There’s 4 cutting height positions to choose from, ranging from 10 mm to 30 mm. The metal blade is long lasting and good quality. 

Like a lot of Flymo’s hover mowers, this unit is made predominantly from plastic. Although it’s easy to assemble, some of the parts don’t fit together that well. The plastic build helps keep the weight down, and this model weighs a very manageable 10 kg. 

A slight design flaw is that the collection box has a gap around it which does allow some of the cuttings to escape. While not a huge deal, it may deter those who are wanting a pristine look.

Although easy to store, there’s nowhere on the body of the mower to store the cable neatly. 

All in all, this is one of the best hover mowers if you need a little more power than average. The 1700 W motor helps it to get through tough and overgrown lawns. 

Did you find this review helpful?

5. Einhell Power X-Change 18V Cordless Lawnmower[ SAVE 31% ]

Best cordless lawn mower for small gardens

 Einhell Power X Change 18V Cordless Lawnmower
  • 30 cm cutting width ensures this lawn mower is easy to manoeuvre around garden furniture and obstacles
  • Handle adjusts to make it comfortable for any height of user
  • Selecting the cutting heights is easy and you have a good range to choose from
  • Battery charges quickly and lasts a reasonable amount of time

  • Design is not as modern as other models on the market
Type
Cordless Electric
Power
18V
Weight
9.32 kg
Cutting Width
30 cm
Cutting Height
30-70 mm
Collection Bag
25 L
Overall Score 4.3
Design
4.5
Power
4
Performance
4
Manoeuvrability
4.5
Features
4
Safety
5
Value for Money
4

The Einhell Power X-Change 18V Cordless Lawnmower is the easiest to use cordless mower, designed for small lawns and tight spaces. It has a 30 cm cutting width and 3 cutting heights to choose from. The cutting width ensures it’s efficient across open stretches of lawn, but it’s still very manoeuvrable. 

Cutting heights range from 30 mm to 70 mm, and can be adjusted based on the condition of your lawn. There’s a 25 L grass box for collecting the clippings. 

It’s powered by a brushless electric motor and comes with both a battery and charger included. The battery charges quickly, but it does run out after 15 – 20 minutes. For those with lawns over 150 sqm in size, this mower likely wouldn’t be suitable unless you purchase an additional battery. 

The included battery is compatible with a number of other Einhell Power X-Change devices, so is a good option if you have a selection of Einhell tools which need powering. 

It’s made from high quality plastic which helps keep the weight down. At under 10 kg, this mower is easy to manage. It can be stored easily as the guide bar folds inwards, while there’s a carrying handle for transport. 

While assembly is simple, assembling the grass box is tricky and an extra pair of hands may be required. 

All in all, this Einhell model is one of the best lawn mowers on the market if you want a cordless, easy to use tool for smaller gardens. While it lacks the features of other models and the battery life isn’t brilliant, it is incredibly simple to use. 

Did you find this review helpful?

6. LawnMaster 1400W Electric Lawn Mower

Best for creating stripes

 LawnMaster 1400W Electric Lawn Mower
  • Fairly easy to assemble and this can be done in around 20 minutes
  • 1400 W motor is more powerful than some others on the market and enables it to better handle difficult conditions
  • 10 m cable gives you freedom to move around most small to medium size lawns
  • 6 cutting height options means it’s suitable for both short and long grass

  • To fold the mower for storage, the handles need to be unscrewed
  • Adjusting the cutting height may be difficult as the lever is a little stiff
Type
Corded Electric
Power
1400W
Weight
11.46 kg
Cutting Width
34 cm
Cutting Height
20-70 mm
Collection Bag
32 L
Overall Score 4.4
Design
4.5
Power
4.5
Performance
4
Manoeuvrability
4.5
Features
4
Safety
5
Value for Money
4

If you’re wanting stripes across your lawn post-mow, the LawnMaster 1400W Electric Lawn Mower is our top recommendation. This powerful electric mower has a rear roller which produces a striped finish after every cut. 

It has a 1400 W motor and a 34 cm cutting width. This cutting width is perfect for smaller gardens, as it’ll allow you to get in and out of tight areas, but it’s not so narrow that mowing the lawn will take hours! 

Unlike many other models which have just 3 cutting heights, this mower has 6. Choose from heights ranging from 20 mm to 70 mm. The shortest setting is perfect for a summer cut, while the longer settings can be used in autumn and spring. 

It also performs fairly well on wet and long grass. This is thanks to the carbon steel blade which provides an excellent quality cut, and the torque which automatically adjusts to maintain the speed of the blade, even as the conditions get tougher. 

There’s an air collect system, which pushes the grass to the back of the collection bag, allowing you to get more in and reducing blockages. While there’s no mulching function, the 32 L grass box is certainly large enough for most small gardens. 

It also stores compactly. There’s folding handles that allow you to store it in tight spaces, while the collection bag is collapsible. At just over 11 kg, it’s easy to transport from storage to lawn. 

There aren’t many downsides to this mower. If I’m being particularly fussy, the mower doesn’t weigh enough for the rear roller to have a real impact. While it does produce stripes, these aren’t nearly as clear as you’d see using a heavier, petrol powered mower. 

Taking the price, features and ease of use into account, it’s easy to see why this mower is on our list as one of the best lawn mowers for small gardens.

Did you find this review helpful?
  • Very lightweight, able to be easily carried from storage to lawn
  • Mulching plug works very well, depositing clippings onto the lawn to improve its health
  • Produces a smart striped finish
  • Can be assembled in just a few minutes

  • Only 3 cutting height options whereas many others on the market have 5 or more
  • Built mainly from plastic
Type
Corded Electric
Power
1200W
Weight
9 kg
Cutting Width
33 cm
Cutting Height
20-60 mm
Collection Bag
30 L
Overall Score 4.3
Design
4.5
Power
4
Performance
4.5
Manoeuvrability
4.5
Features
3.5
Safety
5
Value for Money
4

If you prefer to mulch your clippings, depositing them back onto your lawn as opposed to collecting them, the Hyundai Corded Electric 1200w Roller Mulching Lawnmower is worth considering. This mower has a 30 L collection bag, but it’s also got a mulching function. This feature returns the grass clippings for a greener and healthier lawn. 

With a 33 cm cutting width, this lawn mower is ideal for small lawns. The narrower cutting width ensures it’s effortlessly manoeuvrable, while the 10 m cable gives you ample freedom to move around your lawn.

There’s also a rear roller which produces a smart striped finish.

One downside of this mower is that there’s only three cutting heights, as opposed to many others on the market which have six or more. The cutting heights range from 20 mm to 60 mm however, so you can still use this mower to tackle a range of grass lengths. 

This mower is easy to assemble in just a few minutes, and while some parts feel a little ‘plasticky’. It’s generally very good quality. It comes with a 10 m cable and it weighs just 9 kg so it’s easy to move in and out of storage. One the subject of storage, the handles fold flat which is a really handy feature.

All things considered, this mower is a great choice if you want the option to both mulch and collect the grass clippings. From a brand like Hyundai, you’d expect quality, and while it is made predominantly from plastic, it should still last a long time. 

Did you find this review helpful?

Product Tester

To identify the best lawn mowers for small gardens, I conducted an evaluation, taking into account the unique requirements of smaller outdoor spaces. Here’s a breakdown of how I carried out these tests:

  • Manoeuvrability: I assessed the manoeuvrability of each lawn mower in the context of small gardens. This involved testing their ease of navigation around flower beds, trees, and other obstacles commonly found in smaller outdoor spaces. More agile models received higher scores in this category.
  • Design: I evaluated various aspects that cater to the needs of small garden owners. This included the overall compactness of the mower, the arrangement of controls and handles, and the presence of any design elements that could hinder usability in confined spaces. Mowers that were thoughtfully designed for small gardens scored higher. For example, mowers made from high-quality plastic or lightweight metal were given the best ratings, as were those with foldable handles, as this allowed for easy storage. 
  • Power: Lawn mowers with sufficient power to maintain a well-groomed lawn in small gardens were given the best ratings. The best of the bunch were those with 1500 W power or higher, so these got the best ratings. 
  • Performance: During testing, I assessed how well each mower’s motor handled different grass types, lengths and thicknesses. Those that could handle a range of terrains were given higher ratings. I also assessed the precision of the cut for each mower and how crisp the lines were. 
  • Features: I examined the features of each lawn mower, paying close attention to those that enhance the user experience in small garden settings. This included features like foldable handles for space-efficient storage, adjustable cutting heights to accommodate different grass types (preferably 5 settings from 20 – 60 mm), and intuitive controls for ease of operation in tight quarters. Other features I considered were the grass box and power cable. Grass boxes of 30 L or more were optimal, as this reduced the number of times you’d have to go back and forth to your bin. Mowers that were corded got rated down if the cord was less than 10 m in length, as this restricted their usage, even in small gardens. 
  • Safety: I paid particular attention to safety features like accidental start-up and blade safety mechanisms. Lawn mowers with these features were given better safety ratings. 
  • Value for Money: Lastly, I assessed the overall value for money each lawn mower offered, considering all the factors mentioned above. Models that combined high performance, thoughtful design, and safety features while meeting the specific criteria for small gardens were recognized as top choices in this category.
alex-uren-diy-garden

Alexandra's Smart Buying Tips

  1. If you’ve only got a small space to mow, you’re probably going to want an electric or hand push lawn mower. Electric lawn mowers are either traditional rotary mowers or hover mowers. 
  2. The cutting width is important as you need to make sure your mower is manoeuvrable. Opt for a cutting width of under 40 cm, to ensure you can turn efficiently. 
  3. If you are purchasing a cordless machine, ensure the battery life is adequate for your lawn, or purchase an additional battery. 
  4. A range of cutting heights is also important. If you tend to let your grass get overgrown, you should ensure there’s a longer cutting height to accommodate this.
  5. Most lawn mowers come with a collection box, while others mulch the clippings and deposit them back onto the lawn. If you want to improve the health of your lawn by depositing the clippings back onto it, ensure your new mower has a mulching feature.

Compare Product Features

Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.

  • Flymo Speedi-Mo 360C Electric Wheeled Lawn Mower
     Flymo Speedi Mo 360C Electric Wheeled Lawn Mower
    • 4.8
    • Corded Electric
    • 1500W
    • 11.5 kg
    • 36 cm
    • 20-60 mm
    • 40 L
  • Bosch Rotak 32R Electric Rotary Lawnmower
     Bosch Rotak 32R Electric Rotary Lawnmower
    • 4.6
    • Corded Electric
    • 1200W
    • 6.8 kg
    • 32 cm
    • 20-60 mm
    • 31 L
  • Flymo Hover Vac 250 Electric Hover Collect Lawn Mower
     Flymo Hover Vac 250 Electric Hover Collect Lawn Mower
    • 4.6
    • Hover Mower
    • 1400W
    • 6.9 kg
    • 25 cm
    • 11-31 mm
    • 15 L
  • Flymo EasiGlide 300 Hover Collect Lawn Mower
     Flymo EasiGlide 300 Hover Collect Lawn Mower
    • 4.5
    • Hover Mower
    • 1700W
    • 10.6 kg
    • 30 cm
    • 10-30 mm
    • 20 L
  • Einhell Power X-Change 18V Cordless Lawnmower
     Einhell Power X Change 18V Cordless Lawnmower
    • 4.3
    • Cordless Electric
    • 18V
    • 9.32 kg
    • 30 cm
    • 30-70 mm
    • 25 L
  • LawnMaster 1400W Electric Lawn Mower
     LawnMaster 1400W Electric Lawn Mower
    • 4.4
    • Corded Electric
    • 1400W
    • 11.46 kg
    • 34 cm
    • 20-70 mm
    • 32 L
  • Hyundai Corded Electric 1200w Roller Mulching Lawnmower
     Hyundai Corded Electric 1200w Roller Mulching Lawnmower
    • 4.3
    • Corded Electric
    • 1200W
    • 9 kg
    • 33 cm
    • 20-60 mm
    • 30 L

How to Choose the Best Lawn Mower for a Small Garden

One of the best things about having a small garden is that you don’t need to spend hours mowing the lawn week in, week out. You’ll be able to get away with a much less powerful (and therefore cheaper!) lawn mower, and it won’t take long to get your garden looking pristine. 

But selecting the best lawn mower for a small garden is still an important choice, as the wrong mower will make the task harder than it needs to be.

I’ve compiled the following advice to help you choose the best lawn mower for your small garden. 

Choosing the Right Type of Mower for Small Gardens

If you’ve only got a small lawn, you’re most likely going to want an electric powered lawn mower. 

Petrol lawn mowers are powerful, often very heavy and have the ability to cover large areas in a short space of time. They can work in wet conditions, and there’s no need to worry about the battery life. 

Often, petrol mowers are simply too much for small garden owners. If you’ve not got a big lawn, you may find having a petrol lawn mower is more hassle than it’s worth. They are high maintenance and noisy, better suited to large open spaces. 

Electric lawn mowers are generally a better option for small gardens. These are either battery powered (cordless) or powered using mains electricity. Both are suitable for small outdoor spaces. Electric lawn mowers are either traditional rotary models, or hover lawn mowers, which are much more manoeuvrable. 

Cordless machines are very lightweight and easy to use. You can whiz around the garden in a few minutes, and the battery life should last long enough for you to cover your entire lawn in one. Most have a battery life of between 20 and 40 minutes, which is actually quite a lot of time. 

Cordless mowers are perfect if you’ve got a lot of obstacles in your garden, as they are usually very manoeuvrable. 

Corded mowers tend to be slightly more powerful than cordless machines, and they can also be a little heavier. You’ll need to make sure you have an electricity source nearby. 

Most come with a cable of around 10 m, which gives you a fair amount of freedom to move around most average size lawns. The downside with corded lawn mowers is that there’s a chance you may mow over the cable!

Another option is a hand pushed manual lawnmower. These are better for small to medium size lawns, and often have narrower cutting widths. They are great for manoeuvring in tight spots, although they are harder work to use and markedly less efficient across wider stretches of lawn. 

If you’ve got a bigger budget, you could consider a robot lawn mower. Those designed for smaller lawns will be cheaper and require less features (although it’ll still cost a lot more than your average electric mower). 

READ NEXT: Best Budget Lawnmowers Under £100

Grass Collection or Mulching?

Lawn mowers usually collect the grass clippings, mulch them, or have the option for both. 

Mulching lawn mowers are ideal if you want to improve the health of your lawn. After the initial blades of grass are cut, they are finely shredded and then deposited back onto the lawn.

This makes your soil richer and healthier, while also saving you time, as you won’t need to empty the grass collection box. 

If your lawn mower has a collection box, you won’t need to worry too much about its size if you have a very small garden. However, if your collection box is too small for your size of lawn, you’ll need to regularly stop and empty it. 

Number and Range of Cutting Heights

The number of cutting heights is also important. Most lawn mowers come with a number of cutting heights, usually between three and nine. Those with more cutting heights are better suited to a range of grass lengths and conditions. 

If your grass grows very fast or you have a tendency to let your lawn get overgrown, you’ll want a longer maximum cutting height. Taking too much off at once can damage your mower and lawn. 

Take a look at our article ‘What Height Should I Cut My Grass?’ for more advice. 

What About the Cutting Width?

If you’ve got a smaller lawn, the cutting width isn’t quite so important. While those with a wider cutting width will allow you to cover a larger space in fewer passes, they are bulkier to store and tend to be heavier. 

What you need to think about is the layout of your garden. If you’ve got an awkward shaped garden with lots of obstacles, for instance trees, flower beds or garden furniture, you may prefer a narrower cutting width. These will be more manoeuvrable, albeit less efficient across open stretches of lawn. 

I’ve recommended mowers with cutting widths ranging from 25 cm to 36 cm. 

Comfort and Ease of Use

Even if you’ve only got a small area to mow, it’s still important that your lawn mower is easy and comfortable to use. 

Grippy handles will be more comfortable to hold for long periods of time, while those that can be adjusted will prevent the back soreness that comes from hunching over a mower. Adjustable handles also mean there’s no excuse for certain family members not to mow the lawn!

Lots of lawn mowers have folding handles, which makes them easier to store. Some have handles which fold practical flat against the mower, allowing the tool to be stored vertically. 

READ NEXT: The Best Lightweight Lawn Mowers for Seniors

Small Lawn Mower FAQs

Theoretically, you could mow the lawn with a strimmer, especially if your garden is very small. However, this will be tough work, and you’ll need steady hands and good control over your tool. Cutting the grass with a strimmer will take a lot longer. 

With such a range of budget mowers on the market, you’re better off purchasing a small lawn mower as opposed to using a strimmer.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

As you found this post useful...

Follow us on social media!

Clicky
Scroll to Top