We recommend electric and battery lawnmowers with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 80%, and at least 80% for ease of use.

The Choice Expert Rating for catcher models consists of: 50% cutting score, 50% ease of use. For mulcher models, it's: 25% cutting score, 25% mulching score, 50% ease of use.

We test mowers for cutting short- and medium-length grass with a catcher, and long grass without a catcher. Our testers also rate the appearance of the grass after the short and medium-grass tests.

For the mowers that have a mulcher mode, our tester cuts short- and medium-length grass and assesses the appearance of the lawn after the short and medium grass cutting tests. This is part of the Choice Expert Rating for these models.

Based on: vibration through the handle bar, ease of pushing and manoeuvring, handle comfort, convenience of controls, ease of cutting height adjustment, catcher convenience, and power source.

How uncomfortable the handles are to hold based on the amount of vibration coming through the handles.

How difficult the mower is to push and manoeuvre.

How easy the handles are to use and grip.

How easy the controls are to use including pull levers, pull bars and safety switches.

How easy it is to adjust the cutting height.

The ease of using the power source (battery or electric power cord). Battery models usually score higher than corded models because of the convenience.

How easy the catcher is to attach, detach, the opening and what it's made of.

Using the battery supplied, otherwise a battery recommended by the manufacturer. For practical reasons we measure this with the mower turned on but standing still.

The noise level at a distance of 7.5m from the mower.

The noise level measured at the operator's ear level.

We time how long the battery takes to run down completely from a full charge, with the mower running but not under load (i.e. not cutting grass). Based on the width of the mower's cut and assuming our tester can mow 50m of short grass in one minute, we calculate the total area it can cut on a full charge. The actual area will vary depending on the length of grass, slope of the ground, age of the battery and so on.

Tests from 2019 and onward are not directly comparable to earlier tests, due to changes in the test site. However, a model that performs well at one site would be expected to perform similarly well at another site.

These scores are taken from our product reliability survey and do not add to the overall score. They also refer to the brand, not a particular model. We ask owners to tell us what they think of the products they own, then give each brand a satisfaction rating so you can see what people who already own this brand lawnmower think of them. "Not available" indicates we received fewer than 50 responses, which isn't enough to be statistically significant.

These scores are taken straight from our brand reliability survey, but do not add to the overall score and refer to the brand only, not that particular model. "Not available" means we received fewer than 50 responses for this brand, which is not enough to be statistically significant.

Warranty periods for the mower itself and for the motor may be different, so we've listed them both where appropriate.

Recommended retail price at time of testing, including batteries (and including where these were a separate purchase).

Battery (cordless) or electric (with a power cord).

Weight with battery installed.

Water ingress protection rating (IPX). The higher the number, the better the protection. 0 = no protection; 1 = protection against dripping water; 4 = protection against splash water; and so on up to 8 or 9.

Battery type: li-ion, lead acid or unspecified.

The battery we used in our test. Different capacity batteries may also be available.

Specified battery capacity in amp-hours (ah).

Number of cutting positions. A higher number offers greater versatility.

Lowest achievable cut height. Ranges from 8–40mm.

Highest achievable cut height. Ranges from 34–115mm.

How close the mower's cutting circle can get to an edge at the front, right and left of the mower. Measured in mm.

The lawnmower deck is usually made of steel, aluminium alloy or plastic. Each type has its pros and cons, taking corrosion, durability and price into consideration.

A list of items that ship with the product in addition to the mower, such as catcher bags, batteries and spare screws and bolts.

A catcher is handy for collecting the clippings for use in a compost bin. Many models with catchers also have a mulching function.

A mulching function cuts the grass very finely and blows the clippings back into the lawn. Most mulcher mowers can also be used with a catcher.

Extra features unique to the product.