10 Best Corded Electric Lawn Mowers 2020
Corded lawn mowers are perfect for small to medium-sized yards. As long as the machine has a mains power supply, there is no limit to the amount of mowing you can do. Emissions standards are pushing consumers to go electric. And electric motors are a greener alternative to gasoline engines.
We take a look at the 10 best corded electric mowers available on the US market in 2020 and and I provide a guide to help you make the right decision when choosing the perfect corded mower.
The list below are my top picks for the best corded electric mower with a link to a full review of each. As with all garden tools there are pros and cons of each, and I tell you what they are with each of my top pick mowers.
Best Corded Electric Lawn Mowers and Why for 2020.
Last update on 2020-08-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. American Lawn Mower Company 50514 Review
Summary
If you have a relatively small yard and you want a quick and affordable lawn mower the American Lawn Mower Company 50514 Corded Electric Lawn Mower is a popular and highly rated choice. Despite being really well priced it is a tough and effective model that stands out in this category.
Key Features:
- Powerful 11-Amp motor
- Large 14″ cutting width
- 5 position height adjustment from 1″ to 2.5″
- 2-in-1 rear discharge/bag and mulching
- 16 Gallon grass bag with grass level indicator
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Light and easy to move
- User-friendly operation
- Fast and efficient
- Easy to assemble
- Comfortable ergonomic handles
- Single lever height adjustment from 1″ to 2.5″
- 16 Gallon Hard Top Grass Bag
- Cuts evenly
- Relatively quiet
- 2-Year warranty
Cons:
- 14 Inch cut width may take a bit of time in some areas
- Not suitable for larger yards
- No side discharge
Who is this American Lawn Mower Company 50514 mower good for?
The American Lawn Mower Company 50514 is ideal for those that:
- People with a small to medium sized yard (3,500 square feet or less).
- Those that require a 14” cutting width.
- Those looking for a quieter option to a gas mower.
- People that like the option to mulch the grass cuttings.
- Those that require a large 16 gallon grass collection bag.
- Those that require a powerful 11 Amp motor for longer/thicker lawns.
- Requires very little work to assemble the mower.
- Those looking for great value for money.
- Those looking for an easy to operate electric corded mower.
- People that require good after-sales service with a 2 year warranty.
2. Earthwise 50520 20-Inch 12-Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower Review
Summary
The Earthwise 50520 20-Inch corded lawn mower has a 20” deck that is suitable for small to medium-sized lawns around 1/8 Acre and has the ability to bag, mulch and side discharge the cuttings. The mower has a 12-amp electric motor and 4 cutting heights from 1.75 inch to 4 inch and it includes safety features to prevent accidental starting. This is a relatively light-weight model at just 50 lbs that will fold down into a small and compact package for easy storage.
Key Features
- Rating: 9.8/10
- Lawn Size: Small to Medium
- Power: 12-Amp Motor
- Deck Size: 20 Inch
- Number of cutting heights: 7 (1 1/2 in to 4 in)
- Weight: 50 Pounds
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 7-level deck height.
- Large 9.5 inch rear wheels.
- Steel deck.
- 3-in-1 options.
- Mulching feature.
- Side-discharge chute.
- Foam covered handrail.
- Safe, push-button start.
- Striper bar on the rear.
Cons:
- A little heavy.
- An all-mesh grass box is prone to damage.
Who is this Earthwise 50520 20-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower good for?
The Earthwise 50520 20-Inch 12-Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower is ideal for those that:
- People with a small to medium sized yard (4,500 square feet or less).
- Those that require a large 20” cutting width.
- People that like the option to mulch the grass cuttings.
- People that like the option to side discharge the grass cuttings.
- Those looking for a quieter option to a gas mower.
- Those that require a powerful 12 amp motor for longer/thicker lawns.
- People who require a wide range of cutting heights.
- People that require a mower that folds down for easy storage.
- Those looking for an easy to operate electric corded mower.
Click here for a full in-depth review of the Earthwise 50520 20-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower.
3. Greenworks 14-Inch 9 Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower MO09B01 Review
Summary
The Greenworks’ 14 inch corded lawn mower is suitable for small to medium-sized lawns. The mower has a 9-amp electric motor and has the ability to collect, mulch and rear discharge the cuttings. There are 5 cutting heights on this Greenworks 14 inch from 5/8 inch to 2 5/8 inch and it includes safety features to prevent accidental starting. This is a light-weight model at just 33.3 lbs that has a respectable 10-gallon collection bag and the machine will fold down into a small and compact package for easy storage.
Key Features
- Rating: 9.5/10
- 9 Amp Motor
- Good Sized 14 inch Deck
- Number of Cutting Heights: 5 (5/8 inch to 2 5/8 inch)
- Weight: 33.3 Pounds
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- A single lever to change the height.
- Push-button safety start.
- Mulching feature.
- Rear discharge.
- Double folding handlebar.
- Lightweight.
- Quiet.
Cons:
- Plastic connection rod to the rear wheels to change the height.
- A plastic deck will not last as long as metal.
- Small wheels at the rear where the weight of the grass bag is may mark the lawn in wetter conditions.
Who is this Greenworks 14-Inch MO09B01 mower good for?
The Greenworks 14-Inch 9 Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower MO09B01 is ideal for those that:
- People with a small to medium sized yard (3,500 square feet or less).
- Those that require a 14” cutting width.
- Those looking for a quieter option to a gas mower.
- People that like the option to mulch the grass cuttings.
- Those that require a powerful 1000W motor for longer/thicker lawns.
- Requires very little work to assemble the mower.
- Those looking for great value for money.
- Those looking for an easy to operate electric corded mower.
- People that require good after-sales service.
Click here for a full in-depth review of the Greenworks 14-Inch 9 Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower.
4. Greenworks 20-Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower 25022 Review
Summary
The Greenworks (25022) corded lawn mower has a 20 inch steel deck and is suitable for small to medium-sized lawns. The mower has a 12 amp electric motor and has the ability to collect, mulch and side discharge the cuttings. There are 7 cutting heights on this Greenworks 20 inch from 1 1/2 inch to 3 3/4 inch and it includes safety features to prevent accidental starting. This mower has larger 10 inch rear wheels for improved stability and a huge 56 lbs. grass collection bag.
Key Features
- Rating: 9.6/10
- Lawn Size: Small — Medium
- Power: 12-Amp Motor
- Deck Size: 20 Inch
- Number of Cutting Heights: 7 (1 1/2 inch to 3 3/4 inch)
- Weight: 56 Pounds
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large 20 Inch deck/blade.
- Steel deck.
- Powerful 12 amp motor.
- 10 inch rear wheels.
- Mulching feature.
- Rear deck height lever.
- Wide throttle bar.
- Side-discharge flap.
Cons:
- Little heavy.
- Not self-propelled.
Who is this Greenworks 20-Inch 25022 mower good for?
The Greenworks 20-Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower 25022 is ideal for those that:
- People with a small to medium sized yard (4,500 square feet or less).
- Those that require a 20” cutting width.
- People looking for a mower with larger rear wheels for stability.
- Those looking for a quieter option to a gas mower.
- People that like the option to mulch the grass cuttings.
- People that like the option to side discharge the grass cuttings.
- Those that require a powerful 12 amp motor for longer/thicker lawns.
- Requires very little work to assemble the mower.
- Those looking for great value for money.
- Those looking for an easy to operate electric corded mower.
5. Greenworks 18-Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower 25012 Review
Summary
The Greenworks’ 18 inch 25012 corded lawn mower is suitable for small to medium-sized lawns. The mower has a 12-amp electric motor and has the ability to mulch and side discharge the cuttings. There are 7 cutting heights on this Greenworks 18 inch from 1 3/4 inch to 3 3/4 inch and it includes safety features to prevent accidental starting. This is a light-weight model at just 46 lbs that will fold down into a small and compact package for easy storage.
Key Features
- Rating: 9.5/10
- Lawn Size: Small – Medium
- Power: 12-Amp Motor
- Deck Size: 18 Inch
- Number of Cutting Heights: 7 (1 3/4 in to 3 3/4 in)
- Weight: 46 Pounds
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Single height control lever at the rear. 7-cutting heights.
- Steel deck.
- 18 inch blade.
- Compact when folded.
- Mulching function.
- Side discharge.
- Control bar across the length of the machine.
Cons:
- No grass collection bag, nor is it possible to add one.
Who is the Greenworks 18-Inch Mower 25012 good for?
The Greenworks 18-Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower 25012 is ideal for those that:
- People with a small to medium sized yard (4,500 square feet or less).
- Those that require an 18” cutting width.
- Those NOT looking to collect the grass cuttings.
- Those looking for a quieter option to a gas mower.
- People that like the option to mulch the grass cuttings.
- People that like the option to side discharge the grass cuttings.
- Those that require a powerful 12 amp motor for longer/thicker lawns.
- Requires very little work to assemble the mower.
- Those looking for great value for money.
- Those looking for an easy to operate electric corded mower.
- People who require a comprehensive 4 year warranty.
6. Sun Joe MJ403E Mow Joe 17-Inch 13-Amp Electric Lawn Mower/Mulcher Review
Summary
The Sun Joe MJ403E corded lawn mower has a 17” deck that is suitable for small to medium-sized lawns between 1/4 – 1/2 Acre. The mower has a 12-amp electric motor and has the ability to mulch and collect the grass cuttings. There are 7 cutting heights on this Sun Joe MJ403E from 1 3/4 inch to 3 3/4 inch and it includes safety features to prevent accidental starting. This is a light-weight model at just 31.5 lbs that will fold down into a small and compact package for easy storage.
Key Features
- Rating: 9.6/10
- Lawn Size: Small – Medium
- Power: 12-Amp Motor
- Deck Size: 17 Inch
- Number of cutting heights: 7 (1 in — 2 7/8 in)
- Weight: 31 Pounds
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Mulching.
- 7 cutting heights.
- Powerful motor.
- Safety button.
- Light weight.
- Collapsible for easy storage.
Cons:
- Hollow molded plastic wheels.
Who is this Sun Joe MJ403E Mow Joe Mower good for?
The Sun Joe MJ403E Mow Joe 17-Inch 13-Amp Electric Lawn Mower/Mulcher is ideal for those that:
- People with a small to medium sized yard (4,500 square feet or less).
- Those that require a 17” cutting width.
- Those looking for a quieter option to a gas mower.
- People that like the option to mulch the grass cuttings.
- People that like the option to side discharge the grass cuttings.
- Those that require a powerful 13 amp motor for longer/thicker lawns.
- People who require a wide range of cutting heights.
- Those looking for great value for money.
- People that require a mower that folds down for easy storage.
- Those looking for an easy to operate electric corded mower.
- People who require a comprehensive 2 year warranty.
7. BLACK+DECKER Lawn Mower, Corded, 13-Amp, 20-Inch MM2000 Review
Summary
The BLACK+DECKER MM2000 Lawn Mower has a 20” deck that is suitable for small to medium-sized lawns between 1/4 – 1/2 Acre. The mower has a 13-amp electric motor and has the ability to mulch, collect and side discharge the grass cuttings. There are 7 cutting heights on this BLACK+DECKER MM2000 from 1 1/2 inch to 4 inch and it includes safety features to prevent accidental starting. This mower has a large 13 gallon collection bag and will fold down into a small and compact package for easy storage.
Key Features
- Rating: 9.4/10
- Lawn Size: Small to Medium
- Power: 13-Amp Motor
- Deck Size: 20 Inch
- Number of cutting heights: 7 (11/2 inch to 4 inch)
- Weight: 46.2 Pounds
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large 10 inch rear wheels.
- Side-discharger.
- Mulching feature.
- Safety button.
- Powerful 13-amp motor.
- EdgeMax™ side combs.
- Large collection bag.
- Light-weight.
- Quick-release folding arms.
- Rubber coated wheels.
Cons:
- Plastic deck, though it does reduce the weight.
- The rear flap can get in the way when reversing.
Who is this BLACK+DECKER MM2000 Mower good for?
The BLACK+DECKER Lawn Mower, Corded, 13-Amp, 20-Inch (MM2000) is ideal for those that:
- People with a small to medium sized yard (4,500 square feet or less).
- Those that require a large 20” cutting width.
- People that like the option to mulch the grass cuttings.
- People that like the option to side discharge the grass cuttings.
- Those looking for a quieter option to a gas mower.
- Those that require a powerful 13 amp motor for longer/thicker lawns.
- People who require a wide range of cutting heights.
- People that require a mower that folds down for easy storage.
- Those looking for an easy to operate electric corded mower.
- People that like a mower with good support and spare parts from a trusted brand.
8. BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower, 10 Amp, 15-Inch (BEMW472BH) Review
Summary
The BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH Lawn Mower has a 15” deck that is suitable for small to medium-sized lawns around 1/8 Acre. The mower has a 10-amp electric motor and has an easy central push button start. There are 6 cutting heights on this BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH inch from 1 inch to 3 inch and it includes safety features to prevent accidental starting. This mower has a large 10 gallon collection bag, weighs 38.9 lbs. and will fold down into a small and compact package for easy storage.
Key Features
- Rating: 9.6/10
- Lawn Size: Small to Medium
- Power: 13-Amp Motor
- Deck Size: 15 Inch
- Number of cutting heights: 6 (11/2 inch to 4 inch)
- Weight: 38.9 Pounds
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ergonomic steering.
- Winged blade.
- Safety shut-off button.
- Large rear wheels.
- Central deck height lever.
- EdgeMax™ Grass comb.
- A large grass collection bag.
- Quick-release foldable handlebar.
- Robust throttle grip.
Cons:
- The mower does not mulch.
- No side-discharge flap.
Who is this BLACK+DECKER Lawn Mower (MM2000) good for?
The BLACK+DECKER Lawn Mower, Corded, 13-Amp, 20-Inch (MM2000) is ideal for those that:
- People with a small to medium sized yard (around 1/8 Acre or less).
- Those that require a compact 15” cutting width.
- People looking for an ergonomic design handle.
- Those looking for a quieter option to a gas mower.
- Those that require a powerful 10 amp motor for longer/thicker lawns.
- People who require a wide range of cutting heights.
- People that require a mower that folds down for easy storage.
- Those looking for an easy to operate electric corded mower.
- People that like a mower with good support and spare parts from a trusted brand.
Click here for a full in-depth review of the BLACK+DECKER Lawn Mower (MM2000).
9. Sun Joe MJ404E-360 16-Inch 12-Amp 360-Degree Turning Radius Electric Lawn Mower Review
Summary
The Sun Joe MJ404E-360 corded lawn mower has a 16” deck that is suitable for small to medium-sized lawns around 1/8 Acre and is supplied with a 9.25 gallon grass collection bag. The mower has a 12-amp electric motor and single front wheel that turns 360 degree to allow for tighter turns. There are 4 cutting heights on this Sun Joe MJ404E-360 16 inch from 1.2 inch to 2.4 inch and it includes safety features to prevent accidental starting. This is a light-weight model at just 24.3 lbs that will fold down into a small and compact package for easy storage.
Key Features
- Rating: 9.5 /10
- Lawn Size: Small to Medium
- Power: 12-Amp Motor
- Deck Size: 16 Inch
- Number of Cutting Heights: 4 (11/5 in — 2 2/5 in)
- Weight: 24.3 Pounds
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- 360 degree front wheel for tight turns.
- Large rear wheels.
- Wide lifting blade.
- Fill indicator on the grass box.
- Comfortable dual grip, vertical and horizontal grip positions. Deck clearance to cut grass over the crest of a pathway.
- Easy to store.
- Compact
Cons:
- 3 wheels a wheel makes it less stable.
- Small grass box.
- This is a narrow mower, will take time to cut a medium-sized lawn.
Who is this Sun Joe MJ403E Mow Joe Mower good for?
The Sun Joe MJ403E Mow Joe 17-Inch 13-Amp Electric Lawn Mower/Mulcher is ideal for those that:
- People with a small to medium sized yard (5,000 square feet or less).
- Those that require a compact 16” cutting width.
- Those that require a mower that can turn sharply and has good maneuverability.
- People with level lawns with no steep slopes.
- Those looking for a quieter option to a gas mower.
- Those that require a powerful 12 amp motor for longer/thicker lawns.
- Those looking for great value for money.
- People that require a mower that folds down for easy storage.
- Those looking for an easy to operate electric corded mower.
- People who require a comprehensive 2 year warranty.
Guide to buying a Corded Electric Lawn Mower
Corded lawn mowers are perfect for small to medium-sized yards. As long as the machine has a mains power supply, there is no limit to the amount of mowing you can do. Emissions standards are pushing consumers to go electric. And electric motors are a greener alternative to gasoline engines.
No-one wants to buy something for the first time without knowing about the promises and the perils. Here are nine pointers to help you choose the right corded mower.
- Cord
- Motor
- Self-propelled
- Clippings
- Wheels
- Deck
- Blade
- Storage
- Safety
- Go Green
Corded Electric Lawn Mowers – what to look for.
Cord
It would seem like an obvious thing to point-out on a corded lawn mower. But it is the number of machines that come with short or poor-quality cables. You do not want to get your mower home, unpack it, and take it out to the garden, to discover that you need to buy an extension.
It is worth measuring the distance from the closest wall socket to the furthest part of the lawn — to see what length of cable you will need. And you also do not want to have so much cable that it bunches up over the lawn for you to trip over or cut through. If you are going to be purchasing a longer extension cable, you need to make sure that you buy the right gauge/rated for the power of the mower (13 -15 Amps). It would also be worthwhile purchasing an extension cable with a built-in safety thermal cut-out should the cable overheat.
Motor
Motor power requirements depend on the type of lawn you have, and how often you think you are going to mow. A small 8-amp motor will be enough for short grass. If you are the type of person that prefers a couple of months of growth, then you need something more powerful.
Self-Propelled
Self-propelled models will help if your property is on a slope, and you need help with moving a heavy mower laden with grass. Self-propelled models do add an extra level of complexity and cost to the machine, and it is not as common to see it on corded models.
Grass Clippings
Lawn mowers will either collect the grass clippings in a bag or will disperse them back over the lawn. It is common for smaller mowers to use mesh or a hybrid of mesh and solid plastic grass bins — which are lightweight and foldable. But it is worth looking for a machine that will perform mulching, where the mower spreads fine cut grass over the lawn as a fertiliser. Mulching is also better for the environment. If you want to learn more about the benefits of mulching, then please see my article “The Benefits of Mulching Grass”
Wheels
Corded lawn mowers tend to have light-weight wheels at the front, which helps to reduce their cost. It is common for manufacturers to go too far with economizing and end up making something that is thin and fragile. As the rear wheels take on more weight, they will start to sink into the grass — so the larger the diameter, the better.
Deck
Most manufacturers use ABS plastic or steel for their decks. A plastic deck will protect the operator from flying stones and other debris, but ABS will weaken from exposure to the sun. Though metal will dent and bend, it will take a lot of effort to puncture it. You want a strong deck material to shield you from a more powerful motor spinning a large blade.
Blade
The longer the blade, the bigger the motor and the machine will need to be. But also, the bigger the blade, the more grass the blade cuts with each rotation. A 14-inch blade is small, fine for a 100 square foot lawn. When you approach 1000 square feet, those valuable blade inches begin to show their worth.
Blades are a consumable, as with any lawn mower. In rare cases, the blade is plastic, and even though these will get through grass, larger debris will eat them away. Steel blades will not last forever either but are, in some cases, reversible and all can be sharpened to prolong their life. Since these are parts that can cost a lot, it is worth investigating beforehand how much the replacements are and if readily available.
Storage
The biggest benefit of a corded mower is size. These machines are perfect for folding up and hanging from a wall, or for placement up on a shelf. Corded lawn mower needs little in the way of ongoing maintenance, and there is no need to prepare the motor for long storage periods.
Safety
Safety needs to be considered and can be an issue when it involves changing the height of the deck and blade from the lawn. It is better to have a lever that controls all four wheels in the centre of the machine rather than having to turn the mower over to adjust the height. Another important safety measure is an operator bar, which stops the electric motor if the driver releases their grip from the mower.
Go Green
Green is better, and it does not get much greener than a corded lawn mower. Mains electricity is the most economical way to power any machine. Any mower can be a hazard in the hands of the wrong person. But when connected to a GFCI supply, a corded lawn mower is one of the safest choices you can make.
