The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Lawn Mower for a Small Yard
Publushed by:
RebeccaLast updated:
December 29, 2021
Push Reel Lawn Mower
- Materials: Alloy steel
- Cutting width: 14 inches
- Optimal grass height: 4 inches
WINNER ELECTRIC
3-in-1 Electric Corded Mower
- Weight: 56lbs
- Cutting width: 20 inches
- Optimal grass height: 4 inches
BEST CORDLESS
Cordless Lawn Mower
- Materials: Plastic
- Weight: 29.1lbs
- Power type: Battery
Small yards can mean less maintenance but they’re not entirely free from the hassles of regular mowing.
The best way to keep them looking clean and green is with a mower made specifically for their smaller size, making the job easier for you and the purchase of a new mower a lot more affordable.
What is the best lawn mower for a small yard? The best type of lawnmower for a small yard is one that’s smaller in size itself, but it still needs to have enough power to get the job done.
Some of the most common models are gas-powered, self-propelled, manual, and electric, so it depends on your preference as to what you use.
If you’re on the hunt for the best lawn mower for small yard spaces, this guide will cover everything you need to know. We’ve got compact lawn mower options powered by electricity, battery, and gas, so you can find your perfect grass cutting companion.
Small yards only need a simple mower to keep them looking fresh but it’s not as easy as that when you’re in the market for a new one.
To help you out, we’ve hand-picked our favorites in all categories including manual, electric, push mowers, and reel mowers, giving you the best of the best to choose from.
The Best Manual Lawn Mower For a Small Yard
For a long time, manual lawn mowers were given a bad rap, but today, they’re considered the king when it comes to small yards.
If you want the crispness and old fashioned charm that only a reel mower can deliver, check out our favorite in this category.
Best Manual Lawn Mower: Push Reel Lawn Mower
Short summary
American Lawn Mower Company’s 14 inch Push Reel Lawn Mower is made with tough 8.5 inch polymer wheels and a mower blade made of heat-treated alloy steel.
This manual reel mower has the ability to cut through four inches of grass and a lightweight feel of just 20lbs, so it’s an environmentally friendly way to keep your small yard clean.
If a manual lawn mower is your weapon of choice, there’s none better than the American Lawn Company’s Push Reel Mower.
This mower has a 14-inch cutting width which is ample for small yards and it features an adjustable blade height of between 0.5 and 1.75 inches to get whatever length you like.
There were some things to get used to, like the larger wheels and moving obstructions out of its way, but the benefits of simplicity and precision are what set it apart.
American Lawn Company has designed this mower to be tough and it’s made with heat-treated alloy steel parts and tough polymer wheels that mean it’ll last a lifetime, even if it only has a 90 day limited warranty.
This mower is the perfect size for smaller yards and even if you’ve let the grass grow too long, it’ll still be able to trim four-inch lengths without a hassle.
The scissor action cut and mechanical design make it an environmentally friendly option you can feel good about, so if you want something simple, sharp, and safe for the planet, the Push Reel Mower from American Lawn Company is our favorite.
Quick Facts
- Materials: Alloy steel
- Weight: 20lbs
- Cutting width: 14 inches
- Optimal grass height: 4 inches
- Power type: Manual
Pros
- People found it surprisingly lightweight and easy to push around, even on uneven terrain.
- Having no engine inside means minimal maintenance so you’ll spend less on repairs over the years.
- The quality of the mower and its steel frame means it could potentially last a lifetime with the right care.
- Assembling the mower only took 10 minutes and required minimal knowledge to get it done.
- An environmentally friendly and emission-free option you can feel good about, and no cost for gas or batteries in the future.
Cons
- You’ll need to rake the lawn before mowing because even small twigs and branches are enough to stop this mower.
- The wheels of the mower stick out a little which makes it hard to get right up to the edge, so you’ll have to use a string trimmer to finish up.
The Best Electric Lawn Mower for a Small Yard
The corded versus cordless mower debate has raged on for decades, but when you’re dealing with a small yard, having a corded style can be the smartest approach.
These electric mowers of today are more efficient for small spaces and come with loads of benefits that others don’t, so check out which ones we love in this category.
Best Overall: Greenworks 3-in-1 Electric Corded Mower
Short summary
The Greenworks 3-in-1 is our favorite in the electric category and features a push start button and unlimited running time thanks to its AC corded power.
With a 12 amp motor and larger 20 inch steel cutting deck, it makes light work of your yard, and it comes with three options for the cut grass of side discharge, mulching, or bagging.
If you want a lawn mower that’s easy to use, the single push-button start and large rear wheels on the Greenworks 3-in-1 Electric Corded Mower are perfect for you.
People found it simple to maneuver over all kinds of grass and it has a seven-position height adjustment that lets you adapt to whatever length you want your lawn to be, and makes sure you can maneuver it comfortably.
Having no gas, oil or emissions was a major selling point and made people feel better about playing their part for the planet.
You can choose between mulching, bagging, and discharging the grass once it’s cut, but if you’re dealing with tougher grass, the bagging option seems to be the only one that works.
Impressively, Greenworks covers this lawn mower with a four year warranty and one year coverage on the battery.
The durable steel deck is built to last and the handle is ergonomically designed for comfort while you mow.
If you want even more reach, you’ll need to splurge on a quality extension lead that can get you 100 feet from the power source, but those with small yards might find the original one is enough.
Quick Facts
- Materials: Steel
- Weight: 56lbs
- Cutting width: 20 inches
- Optimal grass height: 4 inches
- Power type: Electric corded
Pros
- Has a larger 20 inch cutting width which means less effort to mow your lawn when compared to others.
- With three options on where the cut grass goes, you can tailor this mower to suit your specific requirements.
- No emissions from gas and no need to charge batteries make this eco-friendly and efficient.
- The larger rear wheels mean you can maneuver it easily over tricky spots and it works for uneven terrain as well.
- Easy to use with a push-button and suitable for beginners, elderly people, and those recovering from injury.
Cons
- People with stubborn grass found the mower was only effective on the bagged grass setting.
- You’ll need to pay for an additional 14-gauge extension cord to get this mower to reach up to 100 feet which adds a bit to the final cost.
Runner-Up: American Lawn Mower Company Corded Electric Mower
Short summary
American Lawn Mower Company has developed a lightweight 11-Amp motor corded electric mower that’s perfect for small yards.
With mulching and rear discharge options, 14 inches of cutting width, plastic and alloy steel construction, and an overall weight of 20lbs, it’s one of the simplest options for a walk behind mower.
For a lightweight and simple alternative to cut the grass with, the 14″ Corded Electric Mower from American Lawn Mower Company is the way to go.
The electric lawnmower offers adjustability with 1.0-2.5 inch cutting adjustments and a height adjustment for the folding handle, so you can make it whatever you need it to be.
As a corded lawn mower, there are no oil or emissions created here and it’s a planet friendly option you can feel good about.
The two in one rear discharge and bagging options give you more chance for customization, but if you’re dealing with a larger sized small yard, you’ll probably have to change the 16-gallon grass bag more than once.
American Lawn Mower Company has covered this device with a two year limited warranty, and because of the plastic parts that accompany the alloy steel, there are some concerns about longevity.
However, for a small yard with normal grass, you’ll find the low maintenance features of this mower to be the perfect fit.
The overall weight is just 20lbs and it assembles in mere minutes, making it just as easy to get going as the mowing experience itself.
Quick Facts
- Materials: Plastic and alloy steel
- Weight: 20lbs
- Cutting width: 14 inches
- Optimal grass height: 2.5 inches
- Power type: Electric corded
Pros
- An incredibly lightweight option that everyone will find easy to push around no matter their physical condition.
- Having an adjustable handle height means you can comfortably adapt the mower to whoever is using it.
- No emissions were created by this lawn mower so it's one of the most eco-friendly options we've found.
- Assembly took just a few minutes out of the box and it starts with a simple button push for even greater ease.
- Two options for bagging and mulching lets you change up however you need to use the mower that day.
Cons
- When using the catch bag, you'll find it fills up easily, and even with a smaller yard, you'll have to empty it at least once.
- This isn’t as powerful as a gas powered mower or something larger so it’s best left to low maintenance yards with easy grass.
- There are a few plastic parts in this lawnmower which makes some people uneasy about how long it'll last.
The Best Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
A cordless electric mower gives you portability with lower emissions, making it a smart combo when you’re dealing with a smaller yard.
If you want to go the cordless route, we’ve got the only mowers you need to add to your wish list.
Quick links
Best Overall: Worx Power Share Cordless Lawn Mower
Short summary
Worx has created the king of the battery powered mowers with their Power Share design, operating with two 20V rechargeable batteries and on board battery indicator.
With six height adjustments, mulch or bag option, and intuitive Intellicut feature, this is a powerful mower for small yards.
Worx’s Power Share Cordless Lawn Mower is a lightweight but powerful option for small yards, featuring two 20V batteries and a whole lot of torque.
Designed with their Intellicut feature, you’ll be able to automatically increase the power when you need it, and then bring it back down so it remains energy efficient and capable no matter how you’re using it.
Worx includes everything you need to mow including a .85 bushel collection bag, mulch plug, and the two 20V batteries with a dual charger.
The mower features an on-board battery indicator as well, so there’s no risk of starting the job with only a quarter capacity of power left. You’ll also be able to see how much grass is stored with a full bag indicator, so you won’t have to second guess a thing.
There are six height adjustments that you can work with, all adjustable with a simple lever, and you get the option to mulch or bag the grass clippings.
With a plastic deck, it can be a little worrying about longevity but Worx covers this mower with a three year warranty which eases the mind a bit.
The Power Share Cordless Lawn Mower remains one of our favorites for affordability, power, and performance, especially when it comes to small yards.
Quick Facts
- Materials: Plastic
- Weight: 29.1lbs
- Cutting width: 14 inches
- Power type: Battery
Pros
- This mower hits the sweet spot for weight making it the perfect combination of lightweight but sturdy.
- Having two batteries and a double charging port takes care of so many issues that battery powered mowers usually have.
- You can see how long is left of the battery thanks to the on board indicator so you’ll never run out half way.
- The Intellicut feature ups the mower’s torque when it comes across stubborn grass.
- An eco-friendly option that doesn’t use oil and gas to run, while still giving you a powerful lawn mower.
Cons
- The plastic deck can feel flimsy when compared to a steel one and it makes some people worry about its lifespan.
- The 14 inch cutting deck also means this is one of the smallest in terms of width and can take longer to finish the lawn with.
- Price-wise, this is an expensive option for a cordless lawnmower and might be out of some people's budgets.
Runner-Up: Sun Joe Cordless Push Mower
Short summary
Sun Joe’s Cordless Push Mower is a 14 inch lightweight lawn mower that runs on a 28V rechargeable battery, for absolute simplicity.
The mower features a three position adjustable ABS plastic deck, detachable grass catcher, and safety key, all in an easy-to-use 23lb package.
The Cordless Push Mower from Sun Joe is an affordable entry into the small lawn mower market, and it comes with loads of the features you’d expect in a more expensive one.
With a 28V 4 Ah rechargeable lithium-ion battery, removable safety key, 10.6 gallon grass bag, it’s got everything you need to take care of your small yard.
The 14 inch cutting deck is made with ABS plastic, which not everyone loved, but it helped to regulate the weight.
This cordless mower is easy to push and only needs a single pass to cut the grass, as long as there’s nothing too wet or thick in front of it.
You’ll only have three heights to adjust it between though, which means it’s lacking in this area and might not be suitable for all types of lawn.
Sun Joe’s customer service also makes them a popular choice and although it’s one of the cheapest mowers on the market, it still features a full two year warranty which is nothing to sneeze at.
If you’re looking for a light and easy mower for light and easy grass, but one that features all the bells and whistles, the Cordless Push Mower from Sun Joe is it.
Quick Facts
- Materials: ABS plastic
- Weight: 23.1lbs
- Cutting width: 14 inches
- Power type: Battery
Pros
- One of the cheapest mowers on the market that still function well, so it’s great for small yards and small budgets.
- A safe option that can’t be started accidentally so good peace of mind for people with children.
- The ideal weight for a lawnmower so it feels stable on the ground without being too hard to push around.
- • A good choice for eco-friendly gardeners thanks to no oil or gas required which means no emissions being made.
- People loved how quiet this mower was and that they were able to mow their grass at any time without bothering the neighborhood.
Cons
- You can only adjust this mower to three different heights so it’s not as versatile as others we’ve reviewed.
- Less battery power than previous mowers so lawns with more than ¼ acre will want to upgrade.
- The ABS plastic construction means it’s not going to be as durable as alloy steel mowers.
The FAQs You Need to Choose the Right Mower
Before you jump in and get yourself a brand new mower, it’s best to arm yourself with all of the facts.
These are a few FAQS that can help you figure out exactly what you need from a lawnmower for your small yard and how to choose one that suits the size requirements.
What Is The Best Type Of Mower For Smaller Yards?
Corded and electric mowers should have an amp rating of 12 and gas-powered mowers an engine size over 120cc to be sufficient for a smaller yard.
There’s no specific type of mower you need as long as it has enough power and will be able to fit in the smaller dimensions of your yard.
What Is Considered A Smaller Yard?
There’s no specific dimension that constitutes a small yard as it depends on the region and type of dwelling.
Some people consider anything less than a quarter acre to be small and others believe anything under 5,000 square feet to be small, so it’s all relative to what’s common in your area.
What Are The Alternatives To Mowers For The Smaller Yard?
If you’d rather not use a lawnmower in your small yard, you might employ other options like a string trimmer, scythe, hedge trimmer, or shears to get the job done.
The effectiveness of these methods would depend on how much grass there is to cut and your physical ability to use them.
How Often Should You Mow A Smaller Yard?
A smaller yard should be mowed just as regularly as a standard-sized yard, depending on the growth rate of the grass and what they find attractive for the type of grass they have.
Most people aim to mow their lawns every seven to 10 days or when the grass starts to creep towards the one-inch length.
Mow Your Own Way
Not all mowers are designed to take on tough terrain or sprawling backyards, so finding a lawnmower perfectly suited to your small space is the way to go.
With our recommendations and some knowledge on choosing the right mower, you’ll have an efficient and easy way to keep your lawn in check.
WINNER ELECTRIC
Greenworks 3-in-1 Electric Corded Mower
- Weight: 56lbs
- Cutting width: 20 inches
- Optimal grass height: 4 inches
