The 10 Best Mulching Lawn Mowers

Buyer GuideGarden Tools

This review has been updated 11 times since it was first published in March of 2021. These mulching lawn mowers will not only cut the grass, but will turn it into a natural fertilizer at the same time. In addition to side discharge and bagging options, they are available in designs that accommodate different sizes of yard. They can help you enhance your soil and improve the health of your other plants.

10. Jonsered L2821

Setting the Jonsered L2821 (about $349) apart from much of the competition is the dependable 160cc Honda engine and dual-trigger control system that supports seamless operation with either hand. Furthermore, an integrated water hose connection allows for easy cleanup of the main deck.

All-terrain rear wheels
9 cutting positions
Takes several cord pulls to start

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9. Husqvarna 7021P

Outputting nearly 7 pounds of gross torque per foot, and leveraging both 12-inch rear wheels and double ball bearings, the Husqvarna 7021P (around $380) provides the necessary balance, power, and stability to trim grass around trees, bushes, and over extremely uneven ground.

Ergonomically-designed push handle
Holds nearly 1 quart of fuel
Choke lever is rather flimsy

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8. Sun Joe MJ403E

Simplify any garden cleanup tasks in small areas using the Sun Joe MJ403E (about $138). A 13-amp motor powers a 17-inch wide trimming path, while the detachable grass bag and compost plug facilitate quick conversion between its mowing and mulching functions.

Grass indicator window
Instant push-button startup
Confusing assembly instructions

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7. Worx Intellicut

Get your landscaping off to a productive start with the Worx Intellicut (about $226). The dual interchangeable power modules are compatible with a variety of gardening tools from the same company and provide up to 40 volts of sustained energy.

Lightweight and compact design
Great option for small yards
Clippings bag doesn’t hold much

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6. Earthwise Electric

Eliminate harmful gasoline, oil, and fumes outdoors with the environmentally-friendly Earthwise Electric (around $170). It sports a convenient V-shaped folding handle with a cushioned grip, which serves to minimize operator fatigue during those long mowing jobs.

Integrated cord retention hook
Safety blade control
Plastic parts emit a strong odor

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5. DeWalt DCMW220P2

The high-output motor, single-lever height adjustment, and twin 20-volt batteries in the DeWalt DCMW220P2 (around $351) give it the required torque to chop through extremely thick grass effortlessly. It is backed by a 3-year limited warranty.

Handles fold for upright storage
Very durable construction
Takes a while to charge

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4. Snapper Ninja

The commercial-grade Snapper Ninja (appx. $659) utilizes a rear-wheel-drive system to provide a smooth, walk-behind operation and superior traction on particularly hilly terrain. Its blade has 6 cutting surfaces capable of producing finely-ground mulch for use as a natural fertilizer.

Reliable briggs and stratton engine
High-performance spin-on oil filter
It’s quite expensive

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3. GreenWorks Pro

The combination of a high-torque brushless motor, a 21-inch steel cutting deck, 7-inch front wheels, and extra-large rear tires on the GreenWorks Pro (appx. $460) all work together to provide a great performance and maneuverability in backyards of almost any shape or size.

Discharges from the side
Relatively quiet
Comes with 2 batteries

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2. Powerworks 60V

Using an efficient lithium-ion battery, the Powerworks 60V (appx. $452) can run continuously for up to 70 minutes, making it capable of covering about half an acre. The folding handles allow for convenient vertical storage in sheds and garages.

Single-lever height adjustment
4-year warranty
Requires very little maintenance

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1. Snapper XD

Equipped with a self-propelled, variable-speed transmission, the Snapper XD (around $599) offers an easy, push-button startup and innovative load sensing technology designed to automatically adjust its power output to meet the demands of its cutting blades.

Energy-efficient brushless motor
21-inch steel deck
Bag holds over 2 cubic feet of grass