Push: The lawnmower is pushed manually.

Self-propelled: The motor also drives the wheels to make pushing easier – useful for large lawns or hilly areas. These are usually single-speed but some allow you to select between two or three speeds.

Catcher: No mulching option.

Catcher/mulcher: Can be used in either mode.

We recommend petrol mowers with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 85% overall, and at least 75% for ease of use.

The CHOICE Expert Rating is made up of: cutting score – catcher (25%), cutting score – mulcher (25%) and ease of use (50%). For catcher-only models, the overall score is made up of cutting score – catcher (50%) and ease of use (50%).

We test lawnmowers 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.

We test lawnmowers that have a mulching mode on short and medium length grass, and rate them on cutting performance and the appearance of the lawn afterwards. 'NA' or 'Not applicable' means that model has no mulching mode.

This score rates the lawnmowers based on: vibration through the handle bar, ease of pushing and manoeuvring, handle comfort, convenience of controls, ease of adjusting the cutting height, catcher convenience, and power source.

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

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 of the mower.

How easy the mower is to start. Key start engines are typically easier to start rather than the pull-cord models.

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

Noise measured at a distance of 7.5m.

Noise measured at the operator's ear level.

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 scores between tests in different years are not always strictly comparable due to the need to use different testing sites. However, the test method is same, so a model that performs well at one test site would be expected to perform similarly at a different site.

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.

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 of lawnmower think of them. "Not available" indicates we received fewer than 50 responses, which isn't enough to be statistically significant.

Some models have different warranty periods for different components.

Recommended retail price at time of testing.

Where the manufacturer claims it was put together.

Steel; durable but can be more prone to rusting.

Alloy; can be more expensive but tends to be more rust-resistant and may be lighter.

Plastic; lighter and won't corrode, but may not be as durable.

All petrol mowers can be started via a pull cord mounted on the handle or motor body. Some also have electric ignition, which makes starting easier. Look for the key start filter to narrow those down.

The brand of motor installed in the lawnmower.

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

The lowest height of the cut the mower can achieve. Ranges from 8–45mm.

The maximum cut height the mower can achieve. Ranges from 34–110mm.

The width of the cutting blades – the wider the cut, the fewer passes needed to mow the lawn.

Lets you clean the underside of the mower without turning it on its side.

The handle can be quickly and easily folded for storage, or in some cases for adjusting its height.

Deflects clippings and debris to one side so they don't fly straight back at the user. Useful if you want to want to mow without mulching and without the catcher.

The mower is started with a key, toggle or button rather than a pull cord.

Air is drawn into the motor at a distance via a snorkel, reducing the amount of dust drawn into the air filter and extending the life of filter and motor alike.

A mode or optional attachment that lets the mower operate as a chipper for shredding small branches.

Whether the mower comes standard with an extra side chute attachment.