Finding the best small lawn mower can feel like a challenge, as size is often thought to be synonymous with power when it comes to tools. However, modern tool tech means that lawn mower brands are managing to pack so much more into small packages – be it optimising the cutting power, or making use of every inch for a good blade.
So if you are lacking the space for what might be widely considered the best lawn mowers we are here to show you the options for that small garden and small shed. On our list, we have included a selection of mowers that are perfect for smaller plots. They all have enough power (or battery life) to handle a lawn up to around 200m2 and we have looked for lighter models where possible. Then, we have considered how easy they are to store away – a must when space is at a premium. Finally we have thought about what is a reasonable budget to spend on a mower for a small space. Most of our picks are £200 or less, though we have thrown in a slightly pricier robot mower, because even those with a small garden might relish the idea of having it taken care of for them.
See our choices below, then if you are still undecided, you can read our buying advice at the end to aid your decision.
The best small lawn mowers
The Worx 40V cordless lawn mower might seem larger than the other models on this list, but thanks to an easy fold handle, it packs down taking up barely any space in a small shed making it a great choice for those with low storage room. On top of that, you won't be missing out on power as it takes two 20V batteries to make light of overgrown lawns. The ample 30L grass box has soft sides that means it collapses so this really is a powerful mower that has been designed with space saving in mind.
What is more, the battery life won't disappoint – you get a good 40 minutes of life, more than enough for a small plot. And should you move somewhere with a bigger lawn, you can buy spare batteries to give yourself double the run time. Yes, it is pricier than some of the other mowers on the list, but we consider it an investment that will suit your small space now, but not need replacing should you need to size up.
Lightweight and powerful, this mains-powered small lawn mower is the perfect buy for small to medium gardens. Thanks to its 1200W motor and steel blade, the Bosch Rotak 32 should cut through tough long grass, while the comb will ensure no straggly bits are left around the edges. Those who pay attention to finishing touches will love the integrated rear roller, while practical gardeners should take note of its double folding handles and stackable grass box, which make it even easier to store. This is definitely a strong contender for the best small lawn mower. Sure, we may have been won over by the versatility of cordless tech, but this is lighter, better for a budget and a great choice as long as you have a socket in easy reach of your lawn.
Want to compare to more electric options? See our list of the best electric lawn mowers.
Even if you have a very small lawn, mowing it is one of those jobs you might want to delete from your week – especially in summer when there is so much more you could be doing instead. So, if you have the budget, take a look at the Flymo EasiLife 200. It is the perfect robot mower for small plots of up to 200m2 and could actually improve the quality of your lawn with more regular cuts. It leaves the clippings as mulch for your lawn!
The Flymo EasiLife can even cut wet grass which is a rarity with mowers, meaning you can have the lawn mowed at times when you wouldn't be able to do it yourself. It will also follow a cutting schedule so if you are busy it would save you hours through spring and summer. The Flymo Easilife 200 adapts this cutting schedule according to your lawn regrowth, too.
Finally, if you thought you needed the most basic of square lawns for a robot mower, think again. While you may need to neaten some edges with a strimmer, it can handle whatever shape you set with the boundary wire, and isn't deterred by slopes up to 35 per cent.
If you want a mower that is small, mobile and easy to store – all while being powerful enough for rough grass – the Bosch CityMower is for you. The name is apt, as while this mower might be outweighed in a large rural garden, it is perfect for a small urban plot with a simple lawn up to around 300m2. It has ample grass box capacity, battery life and cutting width to make light work of the job. Being cordless it is quick and easy to set up for regular mows. It is quiet too so your neighbours will be pleased.
The only thing our reviewer didn't like was that she felt some of the parts were so lightweight they felt a bit flimsy. However, this was no indicator of performance and it packed enough punch for the job. The battery easily did 25 minutes and it is part of the Power For All Alliance so the battery can be shared with other Bosch power tools.
The Flymo is the best small electric lawn mower if you don't have a big budget and want something that is easy to manoeuvre. It features a powerful 1400W motor, which should find long, thick grass a breeze and, thanks to its hover technology, there’s less movement resistance, making it a great option for people with bad backs. The mower compacts the grass into the box, which means it’s super easy to empty. Most importantly, the handles fold so it’s easy to store, the only compromise is there’s no back roller for that striped finish. In our opinion, this is the best small lawn mower if you're after a hover option.
If you have a small lawn a push mower might be perfect for the job. This Bosch option has a good range of cut heights and a back roller to give that pristine striped finish. The grass box will hold 25 litres of clippings and is very easy to empty as you go. What's more, a push mower like this doesn't require fuel or power, so in terms of being able to quickly set up and go, it is a good choice. We also love how compact this push mower is to stow away – it could even be hung from a strong hook if your shed has limited floorspace.
What is the best small lawn mower?
We think the Worx 40V Cordless Lawn Mower offers everything you need if you have a small garden. The battery life is generous as it is, but you can buy spare batteries to keep on charge so you never run out of juice. It folds down easily and has a collapsable grass box, meaning storage isn't a problem. And it has all the power and cutting width you need to tackle even an unruly lawn in no time.
That said, cordless comes at a cost, so if you aren't worried about power point issues, the Bosch Rotak 32R lawn mower is a great small garden buy. Again, it is fairly compact so storage is not going to be too much of a worry and it is super affordable. After all, you don't want to spend a disproportionate amount of money tending to a small lawn.
How to buy the best small lawn mower?
Battery powered lawn mowers are a great option for small to medium gardens, but look for one that is as powerful as a mains powered lawn mower with a good battery life to give you time to trim your plot. Some batteries are very heavy so consider the weight if you want something compact and easy to move (though note that as they are usually removable, this shouldn't be too much fuss).
For small patches of grass, consider a manual mower – modern manual lawn mowers will even have a grass collection basket to save you the effort of picking up the cut grass after you’ve finished mowing. Many leave a lovely striped finish too and we love that you can just get them out of the shed, whizz round and be done without the faff of batteries, cords or petrol.
Don't rule out a robot lawn mower either. You might thing they aren't worth the expense for a small garden, but our robot option is cheaper than many and will save you hours and hours of lawn mowing time. Sometimes convenience is worth every penny.
If weight is an issue when it comes to storing your lawn mower away, opt for the lightest option on our list, the .
Can I use a trimmer instead of a lawn mower?
If you want to follow the 'small, won't take up any room' route to its logical conclusion, it may be tempting to just use your trimmer instead of a lawn mower. After all, if it's just a small lawn, how hard can it be? Trust us: very hard work, and you won't get an even trim no matter how hard you try. Even tiny lawns needs lawn mowers, although if yours is really very small, a hand push one will probably suffice.
