Achieving the Perfect Cut: A Guide to Lawn Mowers

As spring breathes new life into our gardens,the quest for a perfectly manicured lawn begins. Selecting the right lawn mower is crucial for achieving that pristine, verdant carpet. Recent tests conducted by Stiftung warentest, featured in their 4/2025 issue, evaluated 13 different models, highlighting the best and worst performers in the market. This comprehensive analysis offers valuable insights for homeowners seeking to upgrade their lawn care equipment.

The Hallmarks of an Excellent Lawn Mower

A top-tier lawn mower delivers a consistent, clean cut, ensuring each blade of grass is evenly trimmed. Efficient collection is also paramount, with clippings effectively deposited into the collection basket, leaving no unsightly residue on the lawn. According to the Stiftung Warentest, the Stihl “RMA 239.1 C” emerged as the test winner, achieving a “good” rating (2.1) for its superior performance.

Conversely, subpar mowers leave behind uneven, frayed grass, resulting in an unkempt appearance. The tests revealed that some models struggled substantially, with two receiving only a “sufficient” rating and two others deemed “poor.” these underperforming mowers often faltered when faced with high, dry, or damp grass conditions.

A top-tier lawn mower delivers a consistent,clean cut,ensuring each blade of grass is evenly trimmed.
Stiftung Warentest

Navigating the Challenges: Common Lawn mower Issues

Beyond cutting performance, the tests also uncovered practical challenges associated with certain models. Some collection baskets were prone to clogging, potentially requiring frequent emptying – up to 30 times for a 500-square-meter lawn. Moreover, safety concerns were raised regarding the risk of pinched fingers or head injuries from handle strikes on some devices. These factors underscore the importance of considering user-friendliness and safety features when selecting a lawn mower.

Corded vs. Cordless: Weighing the Options

the Stiftung Warentest evaluation included five corded and eight cordless lawn mowers.Notably, four of the top five performers were battery-powered models. The Gardena “Powermax 1800/37 G2,” priced at approximately 190 euros,was the only corded mower to receive a “good” rating.While corded mowers offer the advantage of continuous power, their range is limited by the cable length, and care must be taken to avoid running over the cord. However, they are generally more budget-amiable than their cordless counterparts.

Cordless lawn mowers provide enhanced mobility, effortlessly navigating around trees and obstacles. They also operate more quietly and produce zero emissions, contributing to a more pleasant and environmentally friendly lawn care experience. Battery life is a critical consideration, as it should align with the size of the lawn. While manufacturers provide estimates, independent testing revealed that most models could handle areas exceeding 400 square meters on a single charge.

Charging time is another factor to consider, with tested devices ranging from 45 to 185 minutes for a full charge. for larger lawns or those seeking uninterrupted mowing, faster chargers and additional batteries are available, albeit at an additional cost. the Einhell “GP-CM 36/450” stands out as the most affordable “good” rated battery mower, priced at 350 euros.