UPDATED: Jan 1, 2023
Whether you’re venturing into the world of lawn care for the first time or a seasoned homeowner in the market for an upgrade, having the right yard equipment is essential. A lawn mower is an investment that can last you years, so it’s important to do your research before choosing.
There are generally two directions you can go when choosing which lawn mower will meet your needs: gas and electric. Both come with different features to consider and their own set of pros and cons. Keep reading to see how gas vs electric lawn mowers stack up and find which one works best for you.
Eco-friendliness is typically what first comes to mind when comparing electric vs gas lawn mowers. While your carbon footprint is a key difference between the two, there are other notable differences to weigh.
From the way gas and electric lawn mowers work to the maintenance required of each, it’s best to understand your options to make an informed choice that works for you.
Old-school lawn mowers use gasoline to fuel their blades and give your lawn a fresh cut. Electric lawn mowers, on the other hand, run on electricity and are available in both battery-operated or corded models. They also tend to be lighter, though you can still choose from a variety of self-propelled models.
Since burning gasoline emits hydrocarbon gasses, electric lawn mowers are also usually seen as a greener choice for the environmentally conscious homeowner. But electric lawn mowers don’t always suit every yard. Since batteries die and cords offer limited range, electric lawn mowers may be best for small to medium sized lawns.
Gas-powered lawn mowers are all cordless since they run on, well, gasoline. But with a tank to hold fuel and an all-around weightier engine, they tend to be heavy, making a self-propelled model almost essential. But heavier materials do have an upside: durability.
Gas lawn mowers generally have a longer lifespan than electric models and are better suited for tackling larger yards or thicker grass. A little gas also goes a long way and you can refill your tank as needed to get the job done.
Before choosing which lawn mower is best for you and your yard, there are some things to think about. Remember, a lawn mower is likely to be your most-used piece of yard equipment, so it’s a good idea to know your needs and pick accordingly.
Here are some questions to ask yourself to help choose the best lawn mower for your yard:
The cost of a lawn mower varies by type and the features that are included. Generally speaking, gas-powered lawn mowers will cost more than electric models.
Here’s a rough breakdown of what costs you can expect:
Lawn Mower Type | Cost Range |
---|---|
Reel mower |
$57 - $402 |
Electric push mower |
$80 - $2,036 |
Gas push mower |
$140 - $567 |
Gas self-propelled mower |
$169 - $2,080 |
Electric self-propelled mower |
$328 - $831 |
Source: Lawnstarter
Let’s go over what each lawn mower type has to offer and which may best suit your lawn care goals.
Whether an electric or a gas-powered mower works best for you depends on your unique home and lawn care needs. Electric mowers tend to work best for small yards while gas-powered mowers can better handle thicker grass and more square footage. Shop around for different mowers to get one which suits your needs – don’t pay more for features you’re not likely to use.
Interested in more eco-friendly landscaping or home maintenance tips? Check out our Homeowner Guide.
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