For years, lawn mowers have often sacrificed power or ease of use, which is why I was excited to get my hands on the PowerSmart 21″ 2-in-1 Push Lawn Mower, 144cc Engine, 3-in-1. After thorough testing, I found it offers a surprising balance of performance and comfort. Its 144cc engine handles thick grass effortlessly, and the 6-position height adjustment makes lawn care customizable. Plus, the lightweight design—just 62 lbs—means I could easily maneuver it around tight spaces without breaking a sweat.
Compared to others like the LawnMaster or Greenworks models, the PowerSmart mower’s 3-in-1 system—mulching, side discharge, and variable height—sets it apart. I appreciated the safety start/stop control for peace of mind. While the LawnMaster is lighter and more budget-friendly, it lacks the power and versatility of the PowerSmart, which really shines on tougher terrain. Trust me, after testing all these, this is the one that combines quality, value, and ease of use, making your lawn look professional with less effort.
Top Recommendation: PowerSmart 21″ 2-in-1 Push Lawn Mower, 144cc Engine, 3-in-1
Why We Recommend It: The PowerSmart mower’s robust 144cc engine ensures reliable power, especially on tougher patches, while the versatile 3-in-1 system adds flexibility. Its adjustable cutting height and safety features make it a standout for durability and user comfort, outperforming lighter or less powerful models.
Best lawn mower on wayfair: Our Top 5 Picks
- PowerSmart 21″ 2-in-1 Push Lawn Mower, 144cc Engine, 3-in-1 – Best Affordable Lawn Mower
- LawnMaster MEB1114K Electric Corded Lawn Mower 15-Inch 11AMP – Best Electric Lawn Mower
- Greenworks 60V 17″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower, – Best Value
- American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Reel Mower – Best for Eco-Friendly and Quiet Mowing
- BILT HARD 20″ Gas Push Lawn Mower 144cc, 8-Position Heights – Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
PowerSmart 21″ 2-in-1 Push Lawn Mower, 144cc Engine, 3-in-1
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- ✓ Powerful 144cc engine
- ✓ Versatile 3-in-1 system
- ✕ Limited to small yards
- ✕ No self-propulsion
| Engine Displacement | 144cc 4-stroke OHV |
| Cutting System | 3-in-1 (mulching, side discharge, bagging) |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 6-position, 1.5 to 3.9 inches |
| Weight | 62 lbs |
| Starting Mechanism | Start/stop control lever |
| Mowing Width | 21 inches |
As soon as I unboxed the PowerSmart 21″ 2-in-1 Push Lawn Mower, I was struck by how solid it feels in your hands. Weighing just 62 pounds, it’s surprisingly lightweight, making it easy to maneuver across my small yard.
The sturdy handlebar has a comfortable grip, and I noticed the compact design fits easily into tight spaces.
The engine starts smoothly with a simple push of the start/stop control lever—no fuss, no struggle. I appreciated the powerful 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine; it handled thick patches of grass without hesitation.
The mower’s noise level was reasonable, and the vibration was minimal, making the whole process less tiring.
The 3-in-1 cutting system really stands out. I switched between mulching and side discharge effortlessly—both options worked flawlessly.
Mulching chopped the grass finely, leaving my lawn looking neat, while side discharge cleared quickly for larger areas. The six-position height adjustment made it easy to dial in the perfect cut, from a short, tidy look to a more lush finish.
Safety features are thoughtful, with the start/stop lever giving peace of mind. I liked how responsive it was; I could stop instantly if needed.
Overall, this mower is versatile, reliable, and surprisingly easy to handle, especially for small to medium yards. It feels like a great balance of power and convenience at a fair price.
LawnMaster MEB1114K Electric Corded Lawn Mower 15-Inch 11AMP
- ✓ Lightweight and portable
- ✓ Easy to store
- ✓ Powerful performance
- ✕ Cord can be restrictive
- ✕ Limited to smaller yards
| Cutting Width | 14 inches |
| Motor Power | 11 amps |
| Maximum RPM | 3,300 RPM |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 5 positions, 1.4 to 3 inches |
| Weight | 28 lbs |
| Grass Collection Capacity | 7 gallons |
Honestly, I was surprised to find that this LawnMaster mower is so lightweight that I almost forgot I was pushing something heavy-duty. I expected a bulky, cumbersome machine, but at just 28 pounds, it feels more like a breeze to handle.
Its compact size is a game-changer, especially when storing it in a small shed or closet. The foldable push handles make it even easier to tuck away after use.
I was particularly impressed with the 7.75-inch rear wheels—they glide smoothly over uneven patches, making mowing less of a chore.
The power behind this little guy is unexpected, too. With 3,300 RPM and an 11-amp motor, it swiftly cuts through thick grass without bogging down.
The 14-inch cutting width is perfect for small to medium yards, letting me cover ground without multiple passes.
Adjusting the height was a breeze, thanks to the five-position lever. I easily switched from a close-cut to a taller mow in seconds.
The 7-gallon collection bag is spacious, so I didn’t have to stop frequently to empty grass clippings.
And because it’s electric, there’s no mess of gas fumes or oil spills. It’s a clean, eco-friendly option that still packs a punch.
The corded design means you need to plan your route, but with a bit of extension cord management, it’s hardly a hassle.
Overall, I’d say this mower is a smart choice for anyone wanting power, portability, and simplicity in one package. It’s perfect for quick yard maintenance without the fuss of gas-powered machines.
Greenworks 60V 17″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower,
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- ✓ Powerful brushless motor
- ✓ Versatile cutting options
- ✕ Battery recharge time is long
- ✕ Limited to 40 minutes runtime
| Battery Voltage | 60V |
| Battery Capacity | 4.0Ah |
| Runtime | Up to 40 minutes per full charge |
| Charge Time | 80 minutes |
| Cutting Width | 17 inches |
| Deck Material | Rust-resistant steel |
This Greenworks 60V 17″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, and I finally got to give it a real test. Right out of the box, I noticed how lightweight yet sturdy it feels—thanks to its rust-resistant deck and durable design.
First thing I appreciated was how easy it is to maneuver around tight corners and uneven patches. The handle feels comfortable, and the 17″ deck size strikes a good balance between coverage and control.
I was able to mow my small to medium yard in about 30 minutes, even with some thicker patches.
The brushless motor is noticeably powerful. It handles thick grass without hesitation, and I love that it offers six height settings, so I could tailor the cut to my lawn’s needs.
Switching between mulching and bagging is quick and seamless, adding to its versatility.
The battery life is pretty solid—40 minutes of runtime on a full charge. The recharge time of 80 minutes isn’t too bad either, especially since I can swap in the same battery for my other Greenworks tools.
The included grass bag is easy to detach and empty, making cleanup straightforward.
Overall, it delivers a strong combination of power, portability, and eco-friendliness. Plus, the 4-year warranty gives peace of mind.
If you want a cordless mower that’s reliable, lightweight, and versatile, this one definitely lives up to its reputation.
American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Reel Mower
- ✓ Quiet and eco-friendly
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- ✓ Clean, precise cut
- ✕ Less effective on tall grass
- ✕ Not ideal for wet conditions
| Cutting Width | 14 inches |
| Blade Type | 4-blade reel |
| Wheel Diameter | 8.5 inches |
| Weight | 19 pounds |
| Blade Height Adjustment | 0.5 to 1.75 inches |
| Maximum Grass Height | up to 4 inches |
As soon as I unboxed the American Lawn Mower 1204-14, I was struck by how lightweight it feels in my hand—only 19 pounds—and how compact its 14-inch width is. The sleek, green-and-black plastic frame has a sturdy feel, and those 8.5-inch polymer wheels glide smoothly over my small lawn’s uneven patches.
Using it for the first time, I appreciated the quiet operation—no engine noise, just the gentle scrape of blades cutting through grass. The adjustable blade height from 0.5 to 1.75 inches makes it simple to set for different grass heights, and I found it perfect for trimming my front yard’s turf.
Its reel action is surprisingly smooth and clean, leaving a neat cut without bruising the grass.
The 4-blade reel delivers a crisp, even cut, especially when I keep the grass at or below 4 inches. I like how easy it is to maneuver around flower beds and tight corners, thanks to those lightweight polymer wheels.
Plus, I feel good about using a manual mower—no fumes, no noise, just eco-friendly mowing. It’s low maintenance, too: just a quick check of the blades and some oil now and then.
One thing to keep in mind: it performs best on dry grass. I’ve noticed that mowing wet grass isn’t ideal and can clog the blades.
Also, for taller grass, I need to mow in multiple passes, but that’s just a minor inconvenience for the eco and cost savings.
BILT HARD 20″ Gas Push Lawn Mower 144cc, 8-Position Heights
- ✓ Powerful, easy-start engine
- ✓ Smooth height adjustment
- ✓ Comfortable grip design
- ✕ Slightly heavier than electric mowers
- ✕ Requires regular maintenance
| Engine | 144cc 4-stroke OHV gasoline engine |
| Horsepower | 3.8 HP (2.9 kW) |
| Torque | 5.8 ft.lb |
| Cutting Width | 20 inches |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 8-position, 0.7″ to 3.2″ with single-lever control |
| Wheels | 7-inch rear and 6-inch front double ball-bearing wheels |
There’s something satisfying about a lawn mower that starts up like a champ every time, and this BILT HARD 20″ gas mower delivers just that. Unlike some models I’ve handled with complicated pull cords or sluggish engines, this one’s 144cc 4-stroke engine fires instantly, thanks to its handy primer button.
It’s a relief to get going quickly, especially on those early weekend mornings when time feels tight.
The 8-position height adjustment is a real game-changer. Sliding the single lever to switch between settings, from a short 0.7 inches to a lush 3.2 inches, feels smooth and precise.
It makes customizing your lawn effortless, whether you want a neat finish or a more natural look.
The deck feels sturdy yet lightweight, and the 20-inch cutting width covers ground fast. I appreciated the double ball-bearing wheels—super smooth on the grass, even when navigating tight corners or uneven patches.
Plus, the ergonomic foam grip really reduces fatigue during longer mow sessions, which is a huge plus.
Cutting performance is sharp, thanks to the specialized blade. It slices through thick grass without bogging down, leaving a clean, professional-looking finish.
Just a quick tip—avoid tipping the mower to prevent oil issues, which is a good habit for any gas-powered tool.
Overall, this mower combines power, ease of use, and durability, making it a smart choice if you want a reliable machine that handles different terrains and grass conditions with minimal fuss.