One Sunday morning you wake up, prepare some coffee, and look through the front yard window. The grass has grown so much that you can’t stand looking at it.
It’s time to mow your lawn.
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Mulching Lawn Mowers
You set up the mower, turn it on, and start cutting. A few minutes pass, and you’ve mowed half the lawn. You check the bag, and it’s filled with clippings. It can’t handle any more than that.
What do you do? The obvious action would be to find a plastic bag and empty the grass catcher. But what if you could reuse those clippings instead of dumping them away?
That’s where a mulching lawn mower enters into play. Without getting rid of those clippings or even storing them, you can cut the lawn as perfectly as you want. The catch? You’ll leave the residues behind.
This will give your lawn some food for later. As the clippings start to decompose, the soil will suck them up and gain many nutrients. The benefit? Your new grass will grow a lot greener and more beautiful.
Does a mower mulcher sound like something you’d use? If yes, then check our reviews below!
7 Best Mulching Lawn Mowers Reviews in 2022
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Honda GCV200 | • The bulky motor for quick mowing • Comes with the best mulching blades | |
| Snapper XD SXDWM82K | • Offers exceptional power despite being cordless • Its battery lasts longer than the average | |
 | Greenworks 25022 | • Extremely light build for easy maneuvering • Sufficiently potent for any mowing | |
 | Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM | • Mulches grass surprisingly well • Runs smoothly on any yard | |
 | EGO Power+ LM2100 | • Its LED system is fantastic • Offers the best battery capacity | |
 | Craftsman M105 | • Starts super-fast and with no effort • Boasts a high-end and potent motor | |
 | Worx WG743 | • Its batteries charge in just 1 hour • Has a small but easy-to-maneuver deck |
Even though mulching lawn mowers are fantastic machines, they’re not easy to find. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of these mowers out there. Few will eventually meet your standards. Here, we want to focus on those.
Below, you’ll find a list of the seven best mulching lawn mowers we saw, what they offer, and how you can get more from each:
1. Honda GCV200
If you want to travel the secure path, pick a mulching lawn mower Honda. There’s simply no better alternative, considering how powerful, efficient, and durable it is.
But you came here looking for its mulching capacity. Well, you’ll be amazed at the MicroCut Twin Blades. These mulching blades boast four surfaces that release the FINEST clippings you’ll ever see. The clippings are so thin that the decomposition happens faster, nourishing your lawn a lot more.
Alongside such excellent mulching, you get discharging, shredding, and bagging. The Versamow system boasts 4 features in one, ready to tackle any mowing job you want without hesitation.
Let’s not forget it is also gas-powered, offering 201cc of power and 5.6 HP. Such a potent motor will help you clean up any lawn to perfection, quicker than any other. Add the Select Drive option for choosing the mowing speed you prefer.
And if all that wasn’t enough, you get an auto-choke system that turns it on in a single push of a button. Pulling a cord or choking the engine manually are things of the past with this one.
- The bulky motor for quick mowing
- Mulches, bags, shreds, and discharges
- Comes with the best mulching blades
- Allows you to pick the ideal mowing speed
- It will empty out your bank account
2. Snapper XD SXDWM82K
- Up to 90-minute run time with (2) Briggs & Stratton 82V MAX 2.0 Lithium-ion Batteries. Kit includes 2 lithium-ion batteries and 1 rapid charger.Drive System : Self-Propelled
- 21-Inch Steel mowing deck with 3-in-1 design to mulch, bag, or side-discharge grass clippings with ease
Those that don’t like gas mowers will find the Snapper XD an excellent alternative. Boasting 82V of battery power, it is one of the most potent cordless models you can get.
To put it in perspective, most cordless mowers offer anywhere from 40V to 60V. Having 82 volts in a single battery means up to 100% more power than others. Alongside the intelligent load-sensing technology, the mower will keep mowing at maximum potency every second of the way.
Regardless of how much power draw it offers, you get a Briggs & Stratton motor. The MAX 2.0 batteries can give over 90 minutes of operation per charge.
Given the 21-inch mowing deck made of steel, you can enjoy efficient mulching. But it also offers bagging and side-discharging if needed.
Last but not least, it starts swiftly with a push-button system, offers 7 height positions, and stores quickly thanks to its vertical break-down design. It’s a machine for potency and comfort lovers.
- Offers exceptional power despite being cordless
- Its battery lasts longer than the average
- Bags and mulches well enough
- Boasts a handy vertical storage design
- Switches automatically to energy-saving mode
3. Greenworks 25022
- Durable 20-inch steel deck.RPM : 3600
- Powerful 12 amp motor cuts through the toughest grass
The most popular of all lawn mowers and the most efficient, this corded model offers everything you could need.
Starting with a 12-AMP motor, it cuts every strand of grass without problems. With the 20-inch steel cutting deck, it covers a large enough area. And with the 3-in-1 mowing system, it works for bagging, side discharging, and more importantly, mulching.
It doesn’t stop there. You also get a 7-position height adjustment system you can use with the single push of a lever. Talking about pushing, the one-push start sets it apart, never disappointing you when turning it on.
Despite its exceptional power and ease of use, it’s still a versatile machine. Boasting 10-inch rear wheels and 7-inch front ones, it travels smoothly on any grass. And with the comfy handles, you can push it effortlessly. The storage is also a piece of cake with foldable handles.
- It is more affordable than its competitors
- Sufficiently potent for any mowing
- Extremely light build for easy maneuvering
- Moves smoothly thanks to large wheels
- Struggles to cut wet grass
4. Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM
Among prestigious brands, few can match Sun Joe when it comes to gardening products. Regarding mowers, it is a brand that sets quality apart without hurting your wallet.
This mower, for example, comes with 670 watts of power using a brushless motor. At 48V of battery capacity, it can mow even the thickest of grasses effortlessly.
Its mulching capacity comes from a 17-inch steel blade that cuts every strand as thinly as you can imagine. The clippings will stay behind, ready to be absorbed.
You still get an 11-gallon collection bag, perfect for storing all the clippings on the go. Alongside the 6-position adjustable deck and the easy-glide wheels, it offers the convenience necessary to mow without stop.
Boasting two 24V batteries at 4.0Ah each, you can enjoy 25 minutes of consistent operation. For the cost, this Sun Joe mower will surpass your expectations.
- Mulches grass surprisingly well
- It can hold a lot of grass
- Runs smoothly on any yard
- Adjusts to different heights easily
- The batteries run out pretty fast
5. EGO Power+ LM2100
- 3-in-1 function – mulching, bagging, side discharge | Product arrives assembled | Does not include battery or charger | Not self-propelled mower
- Deck – 21” | 6-position cutting height adjustments – 1.5"- 4" | Rear Wheel Size – 9-inches | Up to 45 minutes of run time on single charge with the recommended 56V 5.0 Ah ARC Lithium battery
One we couldn’t leave out of the list, the LM2100 – a monster cordless mower from the EGO Power+ series.
Suffice to say, it is a beast of a machine, starting with a 56V battery that powers up a decently potent motor. Along with a 5.0Ah of capacity, it can give over 45 minutes of operation per charge.
It’s exciting to use thanks to its large mower deck at 21 inches. Offering 6 height positions, this deck allows for quick mulching, producing clippings that won’t harm your yard’s appearance. You can also use its bagging or side-discharging features if needed.
What sets it apart from the competition is the addition of LED headlights. It becomes a practical alternative to allow you to operate it early in the morning or late in the afternoon. And with a waterproof build, you can use it pretty much anywhere at any time.
Other features worth considering include the push-button start for quick turn-on, a folding handlebar, a one-hand height adjustment, and an excellent 9-inch set of wheels.
- Its LED system is fantastic
- Offers the best battery capacity
- Has large and smooth wheels
- The mower deck is large and adjustable
- Comes with too many plastic parts
6. Craftsman M105
- 140CC OHV GAS POWERED ENGINE: Engine comes equipped with recoil and auto choke. No more fussing with a primer or choke - just pull to start!
- 3-IN-1 CAPABILITIES: Unit has side discharge, rear discharge, and mulching capabilities. Ideal for yards 1/8 to 1/4 of an acre
If we had to pick the best push mulching lawn mower, the M105 from Craftsman would make our first choice without a doubt.
Why? Well, first and foremost, because it offers a top-notch 140cc Briggs & Stratton motor. Such power is enough to get your cutting done quickly, and more importantly, as flatly and pristinely as possible.
Second because it comes with a 21-inch cutting with 6 different heights. You can adjust it to the preferred level and cut away all the grass while mulching in the process.
The third feature that sets it apart comes from its quick-starting system. And with the auto-choke and recoil functions, you can avoid the need for priming or choking to start it.
And fourth, you will love the 65-pound super-small mower, easy to push, and foldable to store in a breeze. Add the 7 and 8-inch wheels for an outstanding maneuvering experience.
- Boasts a high-end and potent motor
- Starts super-fast and with no effort
- It is light and easy to push around
- Has a practical mower deck
- Comes with a tiny grass catcher
7. Worx WG743
- [TORQUE ON DEMAND] Patented Intellicut technology adds power when the grass gets thicker, then allows you to dial it back down to conserve battery
- [6 CUTTING HEIGHTS] The single-lever adjustment lets you pick the right height to accommodate different seasons and different preferences
Some brands have been consistently overlooked year after year, despite offering outstanding results. Worx is one of those brands.
The WG743 is an excellent reason to think of Worx as an exceptional alternative. Given the 40V capacity using two 20V batteries, it is potent enough to get any mowing done.
But it’s not the power that sets it apart, but the uniquely practical engineering. The PowerShare technology, for example, allows you to use any battery and increase its power if necessary.
At the same time, it boasts an Intellicut feature. You can adjust the system to function automatically, increasing and lowering the blade speed depending on the grass thickness.
It is a small and light mower still, boasting a 17-inch deck made of plastic. Its foldable handle makes the mower a pleasure to store. And with its unique Mulch Plug feature, you can set it up to produce thin clippings that help your yard grow healthier.
- Its batteries charge in just 1 hour
- Offers efficient use of power
- Has a small but easy-to-maneuver deck
- Comes with a handy mulch plug
- Has a hard time cutting tall grass
How to Choose a Mulching Lawn Mower
While they may seem simple, you probably don’t know their intricacies. If you want to pick the right one for your mulching and mowing needs, then you better learn the details. Here, we explain what factors matter before making your final choice:
Types of Mower
These mowers all look similar, but they are powered up differently. The difference of power and way of working could make it or break it for you.
Gas
As the name says, these mowers are powered by gasoline. The motor power is measured in cubic centimeters (cc) and horsepower (HP). Gas mowers are heavy, but they can go anywhere and work for several hours non-stop, as long as there’s enough gasoline. Sadly, they require a lot of upkeep.
Electric Corded
A power cord connects to an outlet, and the machine starts. The motor is measured in AMPs. Electric mowers with a cord stand out for their lightness. You can maneuver them with ease, as long as the cable allows it. As a downside, you won’t be able to use it in places with no outlets close.
Electric Cordless
For those who want the versatility of a gas-powered mower but the lightness of a corded one, nothing beats a cordless machine. Their power is measured in volts (V). And the only negative would be that batteries run out of power quickly, so they may not offer too long an operation.
Power & Capacity
Given how the mulching lawn mower is powered, you should decide how much of that potency you’ll want.
For a decent measurement in gas mowers, we recommend no less than 100cc and 2 HP. That would be the minimum. If you want high-end results, go for at least 200cc and 5 HP.
If we’re talking corded mowers, a good measure would be anywhere from 10 to 15 AMPs. In case you’re looking for power, pick nothing less than 20 AMPs.
As for cordless, you’ll want nothing south of 20V. But if you care about power in cordless models, at least 50V should suffice to cut any yard with ease.
Deck Size & Adjustments
The mower deck is where the blade is located. For that reason, the size will tell you how long the blade will be and how wide of a cut it can make. The bigger the mower deck, the more grass the mower will get rid of.
Here, we recommend decks of at least 17 inches for a decent experience. Decks that are smaller than those are often not good at mulching, leaving thick clippings behind that don’t decompose well.
For an extra feature, pick a mower with an adjustable-height deck. It should have at least two heights to use. For the best experience, go for 7-position decks instead.
Mobility & Storage
Lastly, consider those mowers that are easy to move around and require not much effort to store. This includes mowers with wheels larger than 7 inches and those with foldable handles.
If you want a mower that stores with ease, check for special features like vertical storage or a hanging handlebar.
Mulching Lawn Mower vs Regular Mower
You must be asking yourself, “why would I choose a mulching mower when a regular one could get the job done?” Well, here are a few reasons to consider:
- Mulching mowers produce thinner and faster-to-decompose clippings
- The clippings increase the moisture and reduce temperatures on the grass
- This mulch increases nitrogen and other nutrients exponentially
- Using a mulching mower reduces your waste by reutilizing the residues
- Mulching lawn mowers save you a lot of time from the bagging and thrashing
- They may also save you some money by reducing waste fees from landfills
There’s simply no reason to dismiss a mulching mower. And what’s even better, they cost the same or even less than regular ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We explained a lot about mulching lawn mowers and went through some of the best out there. But we still left a few doubts in your head. Here, we intend to answer the most common ones:
What is mulching lawn mower?
Mulching often refers to the act of raking away the residues after mowing. In other cases, it refers to the pieces of bark from trees and wood residues. But in this case, a mulching lawn mower refers to something different. It is the clippings that mowers leave behind for the yard to benefit.
That’s why they’re called that way. As the mower cuts the grass, the clippings stay on the soil, producing fine mulch that eventually decomposes.
How do mulching mowers work?
A regular mower has a thick blade that cuts grass once, leaving behind large clippings that look awful and don’t decompose too fast. In contrast, mulching mowers have more delicate blades, specifically designed to cut the grass up to thrice, delivering super-fine clippings instead.
Do mulching mower promote thatch?
No, the clippings from mulching mowers are fine and spread better, preventing thatch. Apart from that, clippings from the top of the grass rarely produces thatch. It is the roots and the stems that do. And mulching mowers don’t cut those.
Conclusion
As you can see, a mulching lawn mower is not much of a mystery. Similar to regular ones, these mowers are actually better in many ways. And they can become your favorite gardening tool over time.
If you want to enjoy everything they offer, getting a quality model like those above would be a great idea. Don’t hesitate and pick the ones that best meet your demands. You won’t regret it!
