Comparison: Best Mulching With A Lawn Mower (Updated | Oct 14th)
Choosing the best mulching lawn mower depends on your lawn’s size, grass type, and maintenance preferences. Mulching mowers recycle clippings into nutrient-rich organic matter, reducing waste and promoting healthier grass. This comparison explores key features—like blade design, deck adjustability, and ease of use—to help you find a model that balances performance and convenience. Whether you prioritize eco-friendly practices, efficiency, or durability, we’ll guide you through options suited to different budgets and lawn care needs, ensuring your choice supports sustainable, thriving turf without overpromising results.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for long battery:
PowerSmart 21 in. Gas Lawn Mower with 144cc OHV Engine -
Best for best value:
Greenworks 60V 17" Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower -
Best for best overall:
BILT HARD 21 Inch Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower -
Best for self-propelled:
CRAFTSMAN Self-Propelled Gas Powered Lawn Mower -
Best for premium build:
PowerSmart 21" 3-in-1 Gas Push Lawn Mower with 140cc 4-Stroke Engine – Wide Cutting Deck -
Best for heavy-duty deck:
AMERISUN Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower -
Best for best budget:
Greenworks 40V 16" Cordless Lawn Mower -
Best for portable:
WORX 40V 14" Cordless Lawn Mower for Small Yards -
Best for smart mowing:
WORX 40V 17" Cordless Lawn Mower for Small Yards -
Best for replacement blades:
MTD Genuine Parts (490-100-M067 Mulching Blades-for 21-Inch Lawn Mowers (1995 and After) Fits Various Troy-Bilt
Product Comparison: Best Mulching With A Lawn Mower
Long battery
PowerSmart 21 in. Gas Lawn Mower with 144cc OHV Engine, 2-in-1 Push Mower with Mulching & Side-Discharge
PowerSmart
- 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.
- High Rear Wheels: Durable 10-inch rear wheels and 7-inch front wheels are designed for easy, smooth mowing with less efforts.
Best value
Greenworks 60V 17" Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower, 2-in-1 Mulching/Bagging, 4.0Ah Battery and 3A Charger(40min Runtime)
Greenworks
- Powerful Electric Lawn Mowers – Experience the freedom of cordless mowing with this 60V battery powered lawn mower, delivering up to 40 minutes of runtime on a fully charged 4.0Ah battery. Recharge quickly with a full charge time of just 80 minutes.
- Advanced Brushless Motor – The high-efficiency brushless motor provides superior power and extends the mower’s longevity. It ensures consistent performance, allowing you to tackle even the toughest mowing tasks with ease and reliability.
- Versatile Cutting Options- 6-position height adjustment ranges from 1.5" to 3.15". The 2-in-1 feature enhances versatility, allowing for both mulching and rear bagging, adapting to your lawn care needs in various environments.
- Lightweight and Durable Design- The 17" rust-resistant deck is designed for easy maneuverability and long-lasting use. Its lightweight construction ensures effortless handling, making it perfect for navigating tight spaces and uneven terrain.
- Complete Ecosystem Value- Battery-powered lawn mower includes battery, fast charger, grass bag & 4 year tool + 4 year battery warranty Works with 75+ Greenworks 60V tools(trimmers, blowers, chainsaws…)—expand your cordless toolkit.
Best overall
BILT HARD 21 Inch Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, 201cc 4-Cycle OHV Engine, 3-in-1 Functions (Bagging, Mulching and Side Discharge) with 8-Positions Adjustable Cutting Height, Easy Start
BILT HARD
- Efficient & Versatile Mowing Solution – Our 21-inch self-propelled lawn mower features a 3-in-1 steel deck with mulching, side discharge, and rear bagging capabilities, providing an extensive mowing path for maximum efficiency. The no-choke, no-primer design ensures easy starting without the hassle of manual adjustments.
- Self-Propelled Functionality – Equipped with rear-wheel drive and a single-speed self-propelled feature, this mower moves smoothly and effortlessly, making it ideal for large cutting areas. The comfortable, foam-wrapped, angled handle reduces hand fatigue, making lawn maintenance a breeze.
- Reliable Performance – Powered by a robust 201cc 4-stroke OHV engine that delivers 9.0 ft·lb of torque, this gas-powered lawn mower ensures efficient and reliable performance every time.
- 8-Position Cutting Height Adjustment – This gas powered lawn mower offers a single lever that synchronizes the height adjustment of all four wheels, allowing you to customize the cutting height from 1.2" to 3.75" to perfectly match your lawn's requirements.
- Superior Service – BILT HARD is committed to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service. We stand behind our lawn mower. If you have any questions or are not satisfied, please feel free to contact us. Our support team is ready to assist you.
Self-propelled
CRAFTSMAN Self-Propelled Gas Powered Lawn Mower, 21 Inch, 3-in-1 Mulching Push Mower with Bag, 6 Adjustable Heights, 140cc OHV Engine (M215)
CRAFTSMAN
- SELF PROPELLED GAS LAWN MOWER: Effortlessly maneuver through your yard with our gas lawn mower that allows you to choose your preferred propulsion speed for a smooth and easy lawn care experience
- POWERFUL 159CC OHV GAS ENGINE: Our self-propelled gas push mower boasts a powerful engine complete with both recoil and auto choke features, ensuring reliable performance and hassle-free operation
- 3-IN-1 CAPABILITIES: Offers side discharge, rear discharge, and mulching capabilities, providing multiple options for managing grass clippings according to your preferences and landscaping needs
- FRONT WHEEL DRIVE: Whether you need to tip up around obstacles, execute seamless turns, or smoothly maneuver, our lawn mower allows you tackle mowing tasks with efficiency and precision
- DUAL-LEVER ADJUSTABLE CUTTING HEIGHT: With six different height settings to choose from, you have the flexibility to achieve your desired grass length, ensuring a perfectly manicured lawn
Premium build
PowerSmart 21" 3-in-1 Gas Push Lawn Mower with 140cc 4-Stroke Engine – Wide Cutting Deck, 6 Height Adjustments, Mulching Capability
PowerSmart
- High-Performance 140cc Engine – Experience powerful and efficient mowing with our 140cc 4-stroke engine, designed for superior torque and minimal maintenance—no oil and gas mixing required!
- Versatile 3-in-1 Cutting System – Tackle any yard with the 3-in-1 functionality that lets you choose between side discharge, rear bagging, and mulching, ensuring your lawn looks its best in every season.
- Wider 21" Cutting Deck – Maximize your mowing efficiency with a spacious 21" cutting deck, allowing you to cover more ground in less time with precision and ease.
- 6-Height Adjustments for Custom Cuts – Customize your lawn's appearance with 6 adjustable cutting heights, ranging from 1.5 to 3.9 inches, ensuring a professional and consistent cut every time.
- Rugged and Durable Design – Built to withstand the test of time, this mower features a sturdy steel deck and a reliable frame, ensuring peak performance and a long service life for all your landscaping needs.
Heavy-duty deck
AMERISUN Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, 170cc OHV Engine with High-Velocity Cooling, 21" Steel Deck, 1.4-Bushel Grass Catcher, 6-Position Height Adjustment, 3-in-1 Mulching & Discharge System
AMERISUN
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE 170CC OHV ENGINE WITH FORCED AIR COOLING Tackle thick, uneven grass with ease thanks to the powerful 170cc OHV engine. The forced air-cooling system keeps the engine running efficiently even under heavy load.
- WIDE 21-INCH STEEL DECK FOR FASTER MOWING Built with a durable 21-inch steel deck, this mower covers more ground per pass, reducing mowing time while withstanding rough terrain.
- 3-IN-1 FUNCTION WITH 1.4-BUSHEL GRASS CATCHER Choose between mulching, side discharge, or collecting clippings with the large 1.4-bushel rear bag. Efficient grass disposal made easy.
- 6 CUTTING HEIGHTS & ENHANCED MOBILITY Switch easily between six height levels (1.5""–3.9"") using a single lever. Large 7"" front and 10"" rear wheels ensure stable movement across all types of yards.
- FOLDABLE HANDLE & USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN The ergonomic foldable handle allows compact storage, while simple assembly and intuitive controls make it beginner-friendly and low-maintenance.
Best budget
Greenworks 40V 16" Cordless Lawn Mower, Ultra-Light Push Mower with 4.0Ah Battery & Charger(75+ Tool Compatibility, 45Min Runtime)
Greenworks
- Effortless Power for ½ Acre Yards- Experience gas-like performance without the hassle—35 minutes of continuous runtime from a single 4.0Ah battery (full charge in 2 hours). Perfect for small to medium lawns up to ½ acre.
- Ultra-Lightweight Design (35% Lighter)- 16" cutting deck with ergonomic handles and push-button start makes maneuvering effortless—ideal for users prioritizing comfort and ease of storage.
- Smart Cut Adjustment System- Single-lever 5-position height control (1.25"-3.375") adapts to any grass type. 2-in-1 mulching/rear-bagging system maximizes clippings management.
- Zero Maintenance, Maximum Savings- No gas/oil costs, emissions, or engine tune-ups. Save $200+ annually vs gas mowers with whisper-quiet operation (<75dB).
- 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.
Portable
WORX 40V 14" Cordless Lawn Mower for Small Yards, 2-in-1 Electric Mower Cuts Quietly, Compact & Lightweight Push Lawn Mower with 6-Position Height Adjustment WG779 – 2 Batteries & Charger Included
WORX
- QUICK-START 40V POWER: Cordless lawn mower delivers robust 40V power with (2) 20V 4.0Ah batteries, ideal for cutting up to 1/8 acre. Starts fast—simply push a button and pull the bail handle. Quickly charge both batteries with included dual charger.
- SAME BATTERY, EXPANDABLE POWER: The same PowerShare batteries that run this push lawn mower can conveniently be used with 140+ power tools, outdoor power equipment, and lifestyle products from the WORX PowerShare platform.
- INTELLICUT: Patented sensor technology automatically adjusts cutting speed to match the grass conditions. Intellicut increases cutting speed when it detects dense grass for smoother mowing, but slows down in less demanding turf to save on battery.
- COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT: Just under 30 lbs., this lightweight lawn mower is easy to push up hills. The compact 14" deck effortlessly cuts narrow areas. The fully collapsible handle saves storage space and the easy-carry handle ensures smooth portability.
- 6-POSITION CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT: Single lever rapidly raises and lowers the cutting deck from 1.5" to 3.5" so your cordless mower is always cutting at the ideal height for your lawn.
- 2-IN-1 BAGGING/MULCHING: Choose the way you cut with your lawn mower. Use the included mulch plug to nourish your lawn with fresh clippings or bag it up in the 0.85-bushel collection bag. The full-bag indicator lets you know when to empty.
- QUIET MOWING: Skip the noise of gas and embrace the quieter operation of a battery powered lawn mower. With a low 87.8-decibel level, it cuts strong but stays quiet to be easier on your ears—and more peaceful for your neighbors.
- CHARGE-LEVEL INDICATOR: Designed to optimize the electric lawn mower cordless power, the onboard battery indicator quickly updates you on the charge status so you'll know when it's a good time to recharge.
Smart mowing
WORX 40V 17" Cordless Lawn Mower for Small Yards, 2-in-1 Electric Mower Cuts Quiet, Compact & Lightweight Push Lawn Mower with 7-Position Height Adjustment – 2 Batteries & Charger Included
WORX
- QUICK-START 40V POWER: Cordless lawn mower delivers robust 40V power with (2) 20V 4.0Ah batteries, ideal for cutting up to 1/8 acre. Starts fast—simply push a button and pull the bail handle. Quickly charge both batteries with included dual charger.
- SAME BATTERY, EXPANDABLE POWER: The same PowerShare batteries that run this push lawn mower can conveniently be used with 140+ power tools, outdoor power equipment, and lifestyle products from the WORX PowerShare platform.
- INTELLICUT: Patented sensor technology automatically adjusts cutting speed to match the grass conditions. Intellicut increases cutting speed when it detects dense grass for smoother mowing, but slows down in less demanding turf to save on battery.
- COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT: At only 35 lbs., this lightweight lawn mower is easy to push up hills. The compact body is ideal for narrower pathways. The fully collapsible handle saves storage space and the easy-carry handle ensures smooth portability.
- 7-POSITION CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT: Single lever rapidly raises and lowers the cutting deck from 1.5" to 4" so your cordless push mower is always cutting at the ideal height for your lawn.
- QUIET MOWING: Skip the noise of gas and embrace the quieter operation of a battery powered lawn mower. With a low 89-decibel level, it cuts strong but stays quiet to be easier on your ears—and more peaceful for your neighbors.
- 2-IN-1 BAGGING/MULCHING: Choose the way you cut with your cordless mower. Use the included mulch plug to nourish your lawn with fresh clippings or bag it up in the 1.2-bushel collection bag. The full-bag indicator lets you know when to empty.
- CHARGE-LEVEL INDICATOR: Designed to optimize the electric lawn mower cordless power, the onboard battery indicator quickly updates you on the charge status so you'll know when it's a good time to recharge.
Replacement blades
MTD Genuine Parts (490-100-M067 Mulching Blades-for 21-Inch Lawn Mowers (1995 and After) Fits Various Troy-Bilt, MTD, Yard Machines, and Other Top Models, Natural
MTD Genuine Parts
- 21 INCH MULCHING BLADES: Engineered to perfectly fit 21-inch lawn mowers manufactured from 1995 on, ensuring precise cutting performance by effectively mulching grass clippings into fine particles
- COMPATIBILITY: Crafted with durability in mind, they are compatible with a wide range of top mower models including Troy-Bilt, MTD, Yard Machines, Huskee and Bolens, and more
- 3-IN-1 BLADE: This versatile blade excels in mulching, bagging, and side discharge functionalities, providing complete flexibility for managing grass clippings according to your lawn care needs
- STAR CENTER HOLE: Designed with a star-shaped center hole ensuring a secure and stable fit on compatible mower shafts, facilitating easier installation and removal when maintaining or replacing blades
- REPLACEMENTS: These lawn mower blades can be used as a direct replacement for: 942-0741, 942-0741A, 742-0741, and 742-0741A; an ideal substitute without compromising fit or function
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which mowers offer 3-in-1 mulching capabilities?
CRAFTSMAN (B09SJ7182X) and PowerSmart (B0FMDRK3K6) provide 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side-discharge.
Are cordless mowers suitable for mulching?
Yes, Greenworks (B0DC12WH48, B00BBQVL5U) and WORX (B07BY88V1Q, B084TM6RN5) cordless models include mulching functions.
Which gas mowers have self-propelled mulching?
BILT HARD (B0F7FTFD3X) and AMERISUN (B0FCS2SK8L) gas mowers feature self-propelled mulching.
What blade type is best for mulching?
MTD Genuine Parts (B079LF6CF6) offers specialized 21-inch mulching blades for optimal performance.
Which mower has the widest mulching deck?
CRAFTSMAN (B09SJ7182X), BILT HARD (B0F7FTFD3X), and PowerSmart (B0CYZYMTRG, B0FMDRK3K6) all have 21-inch decks for efficient mulching.
Do all listed mowers include mulching blades?
Mulching blades are standard on most, but MTD (B079LF6CF6) provides replacement blades for 21-inch models.
Which cordless mower has the highest voltage for mulching?
Greenworks (B0DC12WH48) operates at 60V, the highest voltage among cordless options for mulching.
