Mulching provides multiple benefits. It saves time and effort while rewarding the lawn with essential nutrients that will help it to become lush and verdant.
Best of all, it is free fertiliser. We take a look at the options for the best lawn mower for mulching.
Our TOP Mulching Mower Picks
Best Mulching Lawn Mower to Buy
Here are our top picks for the best lawn mower for mulching:
- Our TOP Mulching Mower Picks
Best Mulching Lawn Mower to BuyHere are our top picks for the best lawn mower for mulching:
GardenTek 15"/38cm Corded Electric 1600w/230v Roller Mulching Lawn Mower
HENSITA EGO LM1903E-SP 47cm Self Propelled Cordless Mower 56v
Cobra MX4140V 41cm (16in) Cordless Lawnmower
Murray 2x18V (36V) Lithium-Ion 44cm Cordless Lawn Mower IQ18WM44
Honda HRX 537 HZ 53cm (21"), Hydrostatic, Self Propelled Lawnmower
LawnMaster 1800W Electric Lawn Mower
Bosch Lawnmower AdvancedRotak 750
NEXUS NX46SP NX46SP-18 self-propelled Petrol Lawn MowerHyundai 38cm 1600W Electric Lawnmower with Rear Roller
- EGO LM1914E-SP Self-Propelled Cordless Lawnmower
- Cobra MX4140VX 41cm Cordless Lawnmower
- Greenworks GD40LM46SP 46cm Self-Propelled Cordless Lawnmower
- Honda HRX 537 HZ
- LawnMaster 1800W Electric Lawn Mower
- Bosch Lawnmower AdvancedRotak 750
- Hyundai 46cm Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower
Hyundai 38cm 1600W Electric Lawnmower with Rear Roller
Key features:
- Power source: Corded electric, 10m cable
- Power: 1600W
- Cut width: 38cm
- Lawn size: up to about 225m²
- Weight: 12.5kg
- Grass bag: 40L
- Rear roller: Yes
- Cut heights: 5
The Hyundai 38cm 1600W is the current version of the Hyundai roller mulching mower that led this list. The Hyundai 38cm mulches through a mulching plug that chops clippings fine enough to feed back into the lawn. The Hyundai 38cm also collects into a 40L bag when you would rather clear the clippings.
The rear roller leaves classic British stripes. At 12.5kg the mower is easy to push, and the handles fold over the deck for storage. With close to 4,000 Amazon ratings, the Hyundai 38cm is one of the most reviewed budget mowers in the UK.
Pros:
- Mulching plug included
- Rear roller for stripes
- Light and easy to push
- Strong value for money
Cons:
- Limited by the 10m power cable
- Best for small to medium lawns
EGO LM1914E-SP Self-Propelled Cordless Lawnmower
Key features:
- Power source: EGO 56V battery, kit with battery and charger
- Self-propelled: Yes
- Brushless motor: Yes
- Cut width: 47cm
- Cut height: 7 positions from 20mm to 80mm
- Grass box: 55L
The EGO LM1914E-SP is the current version of the EGO self-propelled mower that was on this list. The EGO LM1914E-SP drives its own wheels, so you steer rather than push. The 47cm deck covers large lawns quickly.
The brushless motor runs quietly and gets more mowing from each charge. The 55L grass box is one of the largest on this list for the days you would rather collect than mulch. Check the listing to confirm a mulching plug is in the box.
Pros:
- Self-propelled drive
- Brushless motor
- Battery works across the EGO 56V range
- Large 55L grass box
Cons:
- The most expensive cordless mower on this list
Cobra MX4140VX 41cm Cordless Lawnmower
Key features:
- Power source: 40V battery, 4Ah battery and charger included
- Cut width: 41cm
- Cut height: 7 positions from 25mm to 75mm
- Grass bag: 50L
- Mulching plug: Included
- Deck: Steel
The Cobra MX4140VX replaces the Cobra MX4140V on this list. The Cobra MX4140VX is a 41cm cordless mulching mower for medium lawns. Cobra puts the mulching plug in the box, so you can feed clippings back into the lawn from the first cut.
A central lever sets 7 cutting heights, and a front grass comb lifts the grass for a cleaner cut at the edges. The steel deck is tougher than the plastic decks found on most budget cordless mowers. The 50L bag handles the cuts you would rather collect.
Pros:
- Mulching plug included
- Battery and charger included
- Steel deck
- 7 cutting heights
Cons:
- No rear roller
- Few Amazon reviews so far for this new model
Greenworks GD40LM46SP 46cm Self-Propelled Cordless Lawnmower
Key features:
- Power source: Greenworks 40V battery, sold separately
- Self-propelled: Yes
- Brushless motor: Yes
- Cut width: 46cm
- Cut height: 7 positions from 25mm to 80mm
- Grass bag: 55L
- Coverage: up to 300m² on a 2Ah battery, up to 600m² on a 4Ah battery
The Greenworks GD40LM46SP is a 46cm self-propelled cordless mower for medium to large lawns. The large 25cm rear wheels drive themselves, so you only guide the mower. The Greenworks GD40LM46SP offers 3-in-1 cutting: mulch, side discharge or collect into the 55L bag.
This listing is the bare tool. If you already own a Greenworks 40V battery, it is the cheapest way to get a self-propelled Greenworks. If you do not, budget for a battery and charger on top. Greenworks backs the mower with a 3 year guarantee.
Pros:
- Self-propelled with large rear wheels
- Mulch, side discharge or collect
- Big 55L grass bag
- 3 year guarantee
Cons:
- Battery and charger cost extra
Honda HRX 537 HZ
Key features:
- Power source – Petrol
- Power – 187cc
- Cut width – 53cm
- Weight – 45kg
- Cut height – 7 Positions from 20 to 100mm
While I love the Briggs & Stratton engines there is no doubt that Honda knows a thing or two about quality durable engines. They are powerful and will keep going strong if looked after.
Be aware that this is one of the best mulching lawn mowers you can buy but it is a sizeable investment. You get some amazing features and outstanding power but you will pay for them.
It has an electric key start which is convenient as well as adds to the safety and security of your investment.
The height adjustment is easy and offers a brilliant range of seven options ranging from 20 to 100mm. This is a much better range than most mowers on the market. It will allow for precise control of your lawn height according to the weather conditions, the type of grass, and the look you are going for. Height adjustment is quick and easy.
One of the main advantages of this lawn mower is the hydrostatic drive function. This feature optimises the blade speed irrespective of your pace. This not only makes operation easier but ensures an even and neat cut. It is self-propelled with a variable speed.
Power is no issue and the 187cc4-stroke OHV engine can handle large lawns with ease. The engine is complimented by a 53cm cut width. It has steel blades that are hardened and effective. The entire construction is robust and built for performance and durability.
It is also designed to reduce vibration and noise output. Despite the size and power, you will not disturb the family or neighbours too much.
The Versamow variable mulching system is one of the features that makes this a leading mulching lawn mower. The twin-blade design ensures fine clippings that are ideal for optimal mulching. You can choose to collect or mulch, just switch between options with a simple lever. If you do want to collect, this mower has a massive and well-designed 88L grass bag.
Pros:
- Self-propelled with variable speed
- Hydrostatic drive function
- Excellent range of cut height options
- Versamow mulching system
- Key start
- Quality 7-year warranty
Cons:
- Comes with a hefty price tag
- Rather heavy
- No rear roller
LawnMaster 1800W Electric Lawn Mower
Key features:
- Power source – Corded electric
- Power – 1800W
- Cut width – 40cm
- Weight – 15kg
- Cut height – 6 Positions from 20 to 70mm
This is a popular option that comes in at an incredible price. Don’t let that fool you. The many positive reviews speak for themselves.
The 1800W LawnMaster has a decent 1800W power and the T-Drive adjusts the torque to keep a regular blade speed. The 40cm cut width allows this machine to be effective in medium to large gardens up to around 400m2.
It has a robust alloy steel construction. The power cable is only 10m so you might need an extension cord for larger areas.
You have six cutting height options from 20 to 70mm which should be perfect for most needs. The blades are carbon steel and provide a neat, efficient cut. It even has a rear roller for the striped Wimbledon look.
It comes with a 42L collection bag as well as a mulching plug. The handles fold back for ease of transport and storage. LawnMaster has good safety features, including a mechanical brake.
Pros:
- Exceptional value for money
- Light and nimble
- Rear roller
- Good safety features
Cons:
- 10m Cable
- Some may prefer a larger grass bag
Bosch Lawnmower AdvancedRotak 750
Key features:
- Power source – Corded electric
- Power – 1700W
- Cut width – 44cm
- Weight – 16kg
- Cut height – 7 Options
Another affordable option, also from a trusted brand, is the Bosch AdvancedRotak 750. It has a 44cm blade so can handle medium to large gardens. It has a powerful motor yet it is relatively quiet thanks to the ProSilence feature, a Bosh trademark. This technology reduces noise output by as much as 75 percent, so you do not disturb the household or the neighbours.
The cut height is easy to adjust and offers seven choices, from 25 to 80mm.
Another Bosch feature that most appreciate is their ErgoSlide handles. They are comfortable and easy to adjust. This makes the mower versatile and it can be used by anyone.
One more feature they offer is their LeafCollect system. The blade will shred or collect leaves. Some times of the year, this comes in very handy. It is also great at edges. You get a lot of bang for your buck with this machine and the value for money is impressive.
Pros:
- Powerful
- Quiet operation
- Ergonomic and comfortable to operate
- Reliable
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- The 10m cord is a bit limiting
Hyundai 46cm Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower
Key features:
- Power source: 139cc 4-stroke petrol engine with auto choke
- Self-propelled: Yes, rear-wheel drive
- Cut width: 46cm
- Cutting modes: Mulch, collect, side discharge and rear discharge
- Grass box: 60L
- Deck: Steel
The Hyundai 46cm self-propelled petrol mower gives you four ways to deal with clippings: mulch them, collect them, or throw them out of the side or rear. The Hyundai 46cm suits medium lawns and gentle slopes, where the rear-wheel drive takes the effort out of mowing.
The 139cc engine has an auto choke, so it starts with a simple pull. The 60L grass box is the largest on this list, which means fewer trips to the compost heap. The steel deck is built for years of use.
Pros:
- Self-propelled
- 4-in-1 cutting modes including mulching
- Huge 60L grass box
- Auto choke for easy starting
Cons:
- Petrol engines need servicing
- Louder than electric mowers
How to Buy the Best Mulching Lawn Mower
If you want to mulch the lawn as you cut, you need to decide on the best lawn mower for the job. Consider these important factors before investing in the best mulching lawn mower.
Power
To get a fine mulch you need a fair amount of power. A less powerful motor will not cut the grass blades small enough to make quality mulch.
Naturally, if your lawn area is large or has steep slopes you will also need more power.
Power Source
Your main options are petrol, corded electric and cordless. All have advantages and disadvantages:
Petrol
Pros:
- More power
- Effective at mulching
- Great for large areas and slopes
- Freedom of movement
Cons:
- A bit noisy
- Require servicing
- Somewhat heavier
Corded electrical
Pros:
- Quiet
- Efficient
- Easy to use
- Little to no servicing is required
Cons:
- Limited by the length of the cord
- No as much power as petrol
Cordless
Pros:
- Freedom of movement
- Light and easy to move
Cons:
- Limited by the battery life
- Some are limited in power
Another option is robot lawn mowers. While these do not generally have a mulching feature, they cut regularly so can still be used for mulching. Once set up, they are easy to use and require very little effort.
Mulching Mechanism
Not all lawn mowers that offer mulching work in the same way. Some are specifically designed to mulch. The blade design, settings and other aspects make this an inbuilt feature. Other mowers need a mulching plug. This is easy to fit and allows for effective mulching by blocking the exit channel so the fine grass clippings remain on the lawn.
Note that some mulching lawn mowers come with the mulching plug while with some models it is an additional purchase and therefore an extra cost.
Build Quality and Materials
This will impact the durability of your mulching lawn mower. Steel or alloys are harder and tougher but tend to be heavier. Modern plastics used by some manufacturers are lighter and still durable. The quality of the workmanship is also an important factor to consider.
Warranty
A good warranty is a sure sign that the brand has faith in the quality of the mower. It will give you peace of mind that if something goes wrong you will be looked after.
Mulching Mower vs Regular Mower
Advantages of Mulching
We have discussed the benefits of mulching but to break it down:
- Grass clippings are free fertiliser for your lawn
- It saves time as you mow as there is no need to rake up or empty grass clippings
- Mulching reduces the need for water as mulch slows evaporation
- It increases worm activity which also adds nutrients as well as aerating the soil
- Weed growth is reduced as the mulch stops or slows weed germination
Disadvantages of Mulching
- Mulching could spread weeds that have germinated
- The nutrients could help weed growth for existing weeds
- The mulch does not always break down rapidly
- The worms, while beneficial, can be a problem for some
- You might need to mow more frequently
How to Mulch Correctly
- Ensure the blades are sharp and clean
- Do not mow more than a third of the grass in one session
- Mow more frequently
- Only mulch dry grass
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mulch plug on a lawn mower?
On compatible lawn mowers, a mulch plug is inserted to close the chute to the grass bag.
What is the best mower height for mulching grass?
The first rule is to never cut more than one-third of the grass height in one go. For effective mulching, set the height to roughly 4 to 5cm.
Conclusion
The Hyundai GardenTek stood out as our best lawn mower for mulching. It is a good combination of value, durability, power, and features.
Now you know what to look for in the best mulching lawn mowers and some of the leading options, you can safely invest in the one that is best for your needs.
If you have any questions or comments, please let us know below.
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Charl is a full-time writer with a range of passions and expertise in lawn mowers and other garden power tools. After many years in the corporate rat race, he decided to follow these passions. When not writing, Charl can be found in his garden, tending to or propagating plants, keeping the lawn near perfect, and enjoying the outdoors with his dogs. He is also fascinated by emerging technology and tries to squeeze in a round of golf as often as possible.
