Does the thought of mowing your lawn feel like a huge chore? You want a neat yard, but choosing the right tool can feel overwhelming. The world of 21-inch lawn mowers is packed with different features, power sources, and price tags. It’s easy to get lost trying to figure out which one truly fits your yard size and your budget.
Many homeowners face the headache of buying a mower that’s too weak for thick grass or one that has too many complicated bells and whistles they don’t need. You want reliability and ease of use, not another machine that breaks down halfway through the job. Finding that perfect balance between power and simplicity is key to actually enjoying your weekend.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what makes a great 21-inch mower. You will learn about the best engine types, essential features to look for, and which models offer the best value for your money. By the end, you will feel confident picking the perfect machine to keep your grass looking sharp.
Let’s dive in and explore the top contenders in the 21-inch lawn mower market right now!
Top 21 Lawn Mower Recommendations
- [80V 21” SELF-PROPELLED LAWN MOWER] - Get more done, faster, with Greenworks electric lawn mowers. This 80V lawn mower cuts up to 1/2 acre with a fully charged 4.0Ah battery (varies based on grass condition and operator technique)
- [BRUSHLESS MOTOR / DURABLE STEEL DECK] - This electric mower features a durable 21" deck, and a highly efficient brushless motor that provides more torque, quiet operation, and longer life
- [SELF-PROPELLED] – Rear wheel drive and variable speed control for maximum traction, maneuverability, and control
- [LED HEADLIGHT] – High visibility LED lights allow for early morning and late evening mowing. 3x quieter than gas!
- [4-IN-1 SYSTEM] – Mulch, bag, side discharge, and turbo leaf pickup
- Powerful & Efficient OHV 144cc Engine: Equipped with a robust 4-stroke OHV 144cc engine, this lawn mower delivers unmatched performance and reliability, ensuring a clean and efficient cut every time.
- Versatile 3-in-1 Cutting System: Choose between mulching and side discharge options to suit your lawn care needs. Mulching finely chops grass clippings to enrich your soil, while side discharge allows for quick and easy cleanup of larger areas.
- Lightweight & Easy Maneuverability: Weighing just 62 lbs, this lawn mower is a breeze to push and maneuver around your garden. Its compact design makes it perfect for tight spaces and small yards, ensuring no corner is left uncut.
- Customizable Cutting Height for Perfect Results: With 6-position height adjustment, you can easily customize the cutting height from 1.5 to 3.9 inches to achieve the perfect lawn finish. Whether you prefer a short, neat look or a lush, green carpet, this mower has you covered.
- Safety First with Start/Stop Control Lever: Designed with your safety in mind, the start/stop control lever allows for easy and immediate stopping of the mower in case of emergencies. This feature prevents accidents and injuries, giving you peace of mind while you work on your lawn.
- Gas Powered Engine: A 144cc 4-cycle OHV engine equipped with recoil starter and auto choke for easy start, delivers strong power.
- 2-in-1 Steel Deck: All-steel deck built to last, combine mulching and bagging capabilities in 1.
- 21" Cutting Blade: The heavy-duty blade delivers better cutting effect, allowing you to mow more in less time.
- Adjustable Cutting Height: Dual-lever height adjustment with 6 cutting positions allows you to choose your cut from 1.5" to 3.9".
- Easy to Assemble: Foldable design saves 70% storage space, making it more convenient to unfold and use.
- 【4QL Powerful Engine】144CC 4QL gas engine with more explosive power, lawn and slope operation in one go, efficiently complete large mowing tasks and enhance the mowing experience.
- 【8"/11" High Wheel Design】Front 8-inch and rear 11-inch high wheel design greatly improves the passability of rugged terrain, from short lawn to rugged slopes can be easily dealt with, adapting to a variety of terrains. terrains.
- 【2-in-1&21 inch Cutting Width】The 21-inch mower effectively increasing the area covered in a single operation and dramatically improving operational efficiency compared to 20-inch, and combines grass and side discharge functions in one, more convenient.
- 【6 Position Cutting Height Adjustable 】6 levels of mowing height adjustment, from 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches, to adapt to various grass heights. You can adjust the height as needed to make your mowing easier.
- 【Quick Installation & Warranty】According to the instruction manual, you can easily install. Gas lawn mowers are covered by a warranty within 2-year that gives you peace of mind after the sale.
- Lightweight & Easy to Maneuver: Only 20.5 lbs with a compact 13” deck, easy to lift, steer, and store. Perfect for small yards, slopes, and tight spaces—ideal for all users
- Up to 25 Minutes Runtime: Powered by a 21V 4.0Ah battery for steady performance on small to mid-sized lawns. For extended runtime, use backup battery (ASIN: B0D4TH3J3X, sold separately)
- 5-Level Height Adjustment: Adjust cutting height from 0.98" to 2.56" with one touch. Customize your lawn’s look easily—no tools required
- Powerful Brushless Motor: Advanced brushless motor delivers stronger torque, quieter operation, and longer lifespan with less heat and maintenance
- Mulching & Bagging 2-in-1 Design: 8-gallon grass bag for clean collection or detach for natural mulching. Easy to remove, empty, and clean
- High Efficiency: Equipped with a high-performance 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine and a auto choke for easy starter, delivers reliable power and efficiency.
- 2-IN-1 Steel Deck: All-steel deck built to last, combine mulch and side-discharge capabilities.
- 21" Blade: The 21" heavy-duty cutting blade delivers better cutting effect, allowing you to mow more in less time.
- Adjustable Cutting Height: 6-positions dual-lever height adjustment allows you to choose your cut from 1.5" to 3.9".
- Easy to Store: Compact design saves 70% storage space, making it more convenient to unfold and use.
- POWERFUL & EFFICIENT BRUSHLESS MOTOR – Enjoy longer runtime, quieter operation (3x quieter than gas), and superior torque with a durable 21-inch steel deck for a flawless cut every time.
- SELF-PROPELLED WITH VARIABLE SPEED – Effortless mowing with rear-wheel drive and adjustable speed control for maximum traction and maneuverability on any terrain.
- LED HEADLIGHT FOR NIGHT & EARLY MOWING – Tackle your lawn anytime with bright LED lights—perfect for early mornings or late evenings without disturbing neighbors.
- 4-IN-1 VERSATILE MOWING SYSTEM – Mulch, bag, side discharge, or turbo leaf pickup—customize your lawn care to match your needs
- COMPLETE ECOSYSTEM VALUE - Includes battery, fast charger, grass bag & 3year tool + 3year battery warranty Works with 75+ Greenworks 40V tools(trimmers, blowers, chainsaws...)—expand your cordless toolkit.
- Powerful 4-Stroke OHV B&S Engine: Equipped with a reliable B&S 125cc engine, this mower delivers consistent and efficient cutting performance, ensuring your lawn is always in pristine condition.
- Versatile 2-in-1 Mulching & Side Discharge: Choose between mulching to enrich your lawn's soil or side discharging for a clean, even cut. This dual functionality gives you the flexibility to tailor your lawn care to your specific needs.
- Effortless Maneuverability & Lightweight Design: Weighing in at just 62 lbs, this PowerSmart push lawn mower is a breeze to handle, making it perfect for navigating tight spaces and maneuvering around garden obstacles with ease.
- Customizable Cutting Height with 6-Position Adjustment: Tailor your lawn's look with 6-position height adjustment, ranging from 1.5 to 3.9 inches. Achieve the perfect cut and finish for your lawn, whether you prefer a short, neat look or a lush, full appearance.
- Safety Features: Includes essential safety features such as a start/stop control lever, safety shields, and clear safety instructions to prevent accidents and injuries.
The Essential 2021 Lawn Mower Buying Guide
Choosing the right lawn mower in 2021 means looking beyond just the price tag. Your yard size, grass type, and how much effort you want to put in all matter. This guide helps you find the perfect cutting machine for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
Modern mowers offer features that make yard work much easier. Pay close attention to these:
Power Source: Gas vs. Electric
- Gas Mowers: These offer the most power and run time. They are great for very large yards or thick grass. They require more maintenance, like oil changes.
- Corded Electric Mowers: These are lightweight and quiet. They need an extension cord, which limits how far you can go.
- Battery (Cordless) Mowers: These are the fastest growing segment. Look at the battery voltage (V) and amp-hours (Ah). Higher numbers mean longer run times and more power.
Cutting Options
A good mower should handle your grass clippings well:
- Bagging: Catches clippings in a bag. Good for neat lawns.
- Mulching: Finely chops the grass and drops it back onto the lawn. This feeds your grass naturally.
- Side Discharge: Shoots the clippings out the side. Best for very tall or wet grass where you don’t want to stop often.
Drive System
For walk-behind mowers, the drive system changes how hard you work:
- Push Mowers: You provide all the power. Good for small, flat yards.
- Self-Propelled Mowers: The engine drives the wheels. Look for variable speed control so you can match the mower’s speed to your walking pace.
2. Important Materials in Mower Construction
The materials used affect how long your mower lasts and how much it weighs.
Deck Material
The cutting deck is the housing around the blade. Quality decks resist rust and damage.
- Steel Decks: Strong and common. Heavy-duty steel lasts longer.
- Aluminum Decks: Lighter than steel and will never rust. They are often found on higher-end models.
Blade Quality
Blades must be made of hardened steel. Sharper, thicker blades cut cleaner. Dull blades tear the grass, which makes the lawn look brown.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is often about user convenience and durability.
Ease of Starting
Electric mowers start with a button push. Gas mowers can be frustrating. Look for features like “Easy Start” systems if you buy gas. A good electric mower starts instantly every time.
Adjustability
Your mower needs to match your height. Quality mowers have easy-to-adjust handle heights. Also, check the deck height adjustment. You should be able to change the cutting height easily, often with a single lever.
Noise Level
Gas mowers are loud; hearing protection is a must. Electric mowers are much quieter. If you have early morning mowing times, an electric model improves neighborhood relations.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about your specific yard when you shop.
Small Yards (Under 1/4 Acre)
A lightweight, corded electric or a smaller battery mower works perfectly. You value maneuverability over raw power.
Medium Yards (1/4 to 1/2 Acre)
A high-voltage (40V or higher) battery-powered self-propelled mower is often the best choice. It offers freedom without the hassle of gas maintenance.
Large Yards (Over 1/2 Acre) or Yards with Hills
A powerful gas mower or a high-end, high-voltage battery mower with large capacity batteries is necessary. Self-propulsion is crucial here to save your energy.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for ’21 Lawn Mowers
Q: What is the best deck size for a typical suburban yard?
A: For yards around a quarter-acre, a 20 to 21-inch deck size offers a good balance between cutting speed and maneuverability.
Q: Do battery mowers have enough power to cut thick grass?
A: Yes, many modern 60V or 80V battery systems provide power equal to or greater than smaller gas engines. They handle thick grass well, but you might need an extra battery for very large areas.
Q: How often should I sharpen the blade?
A: Sharpen your blade at least once per mowing season. If you mow frequently or hit sticks often, sharpen it twice a year.
Q: What is the main advantage of a mulching setting?
A: Mulching returns natural nutrients to your lawn, acting like a slow-release fertilizer. It also saves you the time of emptying a heavy grass bag.
Q: Are self-propelled mowers worth the extra cost?
A: If your yard has any slopes or is larger than a small flat patch, yes. They significantly reduce fatigue on your arms and legs.
Q: How do I know if a gas mower is reliable?
A: Look for mowers with reputable engine brands like Honda or Briggs & Stratton. These engines are easier to find parts for later on.
Q: What maintenance does an electric mower need?
A: Electric mowers need very little. You clean the deck, check the battery charge level, and sharpen the blade. No oil changes or spark plugs are needed.
Q: Can I use my existing yard battery for my new mower?
A: This depends on the brand’s battery platform. Many brands (like Ryobi or EGO) use the same battery across their entire line of tools, which saves money.
Q: What does “PSI” mean on a mower?
A: PSI stands for Pounds per Square Inch. This term is usually used for pressure washers, not mowers. For mowers, focus on battery voltage (V) or engine size (cc).
Q: Should I buy a mower with a wash port?
A: A wash port allows you to connect a hose to the deck while it is stationary. This makes cleaning caked-on grass underneath much easier and helps prevent rust.