Cheap Small Lawn Mower: 5 Picks Compared (2026)
Five cheap small lawn mowers, including manual reel, cordless battery and corded electric models, with cutting width, power, weight and warranty terms compared.
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Top picks at a glance
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- 1
Best OverallAmerican Lawn Mower 149.5/10View on Amazon - 2
Best CordlessLitheli Cordless 13 in9.4/10View on Amazon - 3
Best CordedBLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH9.4/10View on Amazon - 4
Widest CutLawnMaster ME1218X.019.4/10View on Amazon - 5
LawnMaster MEB1216K Electric Lawn Mower 16-Inch 12AMPView on Amazon - 6
14 Inch Small Corded Lawn Mower with 12.5-Amp MotorView on Amazon - 7
PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn MowerView on Amazon - 8
LawnMaster OcuMow Perimeter Wire Free Robot Lawn Mower CutsView on Amazon - 9
Sunseeker X3 Plus Robot Lawn MowerView on Amazon - 10
DORTALA Lawn MowerView on Amazon
Finding a cheap small lawn mower comes down to matching your yard size with the right power system: manual push reel, cordless battery or corded electric. The five models below include small cutting decks from 13 to 19 inches designed for tight residential turf and smaller budgets, and we compare cutting width, power, weight and warranty terms from each listing while noting what is not stated.
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Quick picks
- Best Overall American Lawn Mower 14: Highest Acre Score here: 14 in scissor-action cut, alloy steel blades, 18 lb weight and a 2-year warranty Check price on Amazon
- Best Cordless Litheli Cordless 13 in: Battery convenience, 4.0Ah battery included, 8-gallon bag and a 3-year machine warranty Check price on Amazon
- Best Corded BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH: 10-Amp motor, comfort bike handle, winged blade, 15 in path and 6 cutting heights Check price on Amazon
- Widest Cut LawnMaster ME1218X.01: 12-Amp motor at 3600 RPM, widest deck here up to 19 in and cutting heights up to 4 in Check price on Amazon
Our acreage picks
American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC 14 in 5-Blade Reel Mower
Manual reel mower with a 14 inch cutting width, five alloy-steel blades, 10 inch wheels and an included grass catcher.
Who it's for: owners of small, relatively level lawns who want a lightweight, quiet manual mower with zero motor maintenance.
Who should skip it: anyone with tall weeds, rough ground or properties where clearing sticks before every mow is impractical.
Read the full review
The American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC is a manual push reel mower featuring a 14-inch cutting width, five heat-treated alloy-steel blades and 10-inch polymer wheels. The listing specifies cutting height adjustment from 1 to 2.25 inches across 5 positions, an 18-pound item weight and an included grass catcher for collecting clippings. It requires no fuel, oil, electrical cords or battery packs. The listing states a 2 Year manufacturer warranty.
Pros
- Stated 2 Year manufacturer warranty on the listing
- Five heat-treated alloy-steel blades provide a scissor-action cut
- Lightweight at 18 lb with 10-inch polymer wheels for maneuverability
- Operates manually with no gas, oil, batteries, charging, or power cord
Cons
- Cutting height tops out at 2.25 inches
- Manual push reel requires physical effort and extra passes in thick or tall grass
- Narrow 14-inch cutting swath requires more walking passes than wider mowers
- Requires removing sticks and mulch before mowing as recommended by the maker
Litheli Cordless 13 in Electric Lawn Mower with 4.0Ah Battery
Battery-powered walk-behind lawn mower with a 13 inch cutting width, a 4.0Ah battery, an 8-gallon bag and a 3-year tool warranty.
Who it's for: homeowners with tiny yards under 1,300 sq. ft. who prioritize cordless push mowing without cords or fuel.
Who should skip it: anyone with lawns requiring more than 15 minutes of continuous mowing or needing a cutting width wider than 13 inches.
Read the full review
The Litheli cordless lawn mower features a 13-inch cutting width, a 3400 RPM motor, an 8-gallon collection bag and a 24-pound plastic chassis. It includes one 4.0Ah (20,000mAh) lithium-ion battery rated for 15 minutes of continuous runtime or up to 1,300 sq. ft. of lawn. The title and bullets state five height adjustments from 1 in to 2.5 in, whereas the spec table contradicts this with an impossible minimum cutting height of 13 inches and maximum of 3 inches; trust the 1 to 2.5 inch range. The listing states a 3-year warranty for the machine and two years for the battery.
Pros
- Cordless battery operation eliminates power cords, gas and engine oil
- Includes a 4.0Ah rechargeable lithium-ion battery, charging cable and 8-gallon collection bag
- Stated warranty provides 3 years on the machine and two years on the battery
- Folding and adjustable handle reduces storage space and operator strain
Cons
- The spec table contains a contradiction, showing a minimum cutting height of 13 inches while bullets specify 1 to 2.5 inches
- Narrowest cutting width in this group at 13 inches
- Continuous runtime is rated for 15 minutes, covering up to 1,300 sq. ft. per charge
- Deck material is plastic rather than metal or alloy steel
BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH 15 in 10-Amp Electric Lawn Mower
Corded electric lawn mower with a 15 inch deck, a 10-Amp motor, a comfort grip bike handlebar and 6 cutting height settings.
Who it's for: yards up to 1/8 acre with outdoor outlet access where users want ergonomic bike-handle steering and steady electric power.
Who should skip it: anyone wanting a cordless tool or a verified manufacturer warranty period.
Read the full review
The BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH is a 120 V corded electric mower with a 10-Amp motor, a 15-inch cutting width and an ergonomic bike-style handlebar. Features include a push button start, six cutting height positions spanning 1 inch to 3 inches, a winged blade and an included collection bag. The listing notes it is ideal for 1/8 acre. The spec table lists weight at 7 pounds, which is exceptionally light and likely excludes components. Under warranty, the listing states 'Blend' rather than a concrete period, so no warranty term is stated.
Pros
- 10-Amp motor provides constant corded power without charging pauses or gas fumes
- Comfort grip bike handlebar enhances steering and maneuverability on small lawns
- Winged blade design improves clipping collection into the included collection bag
- Six adjustable cutting heights ranging from 1 inch to 3 inches with push button startup
Cons
- No concrete warranty term is stated, as the listing only enters Blend in the warranty field
- Requires an electrical extension cord and proximity to a 120 V power outlet
- The 7-pound weight figure in the spec table appears unrealistically low for a 15-inch mower
- The listing states it is ideal for 1/8 acre, limiting suitable yard scale
LawnMaster ME1218X.01 12-Amp 19 in Electric Lawn Mower
Corded electric lawn mower with a powerful 12-Amp motor, a 19 inch deck, 3600 RPM speed and 2-in-1 mulch or side discharge.
Who it's for: property owners who want the widest cut and highest cutting height (up to 4 inches) in a budget corded mower and prefer mulching or side discharge.
Who should skip it: anyone seeking a rear collection bag or a listing with consistent specifications and a stated warranty.
Read the full review
The LawnMaster ME1218X.01 corded mower provides a 12-Amp motor operating at 3600 RPM with 6.7-inch wheels and a one-touch height adjustment lever from 1.5 to 4 inches across 6 positions. It offers 2-in-1 mulching and side discharge functions. The listing displays notable contradictions: the title and spec table list a 19-inch cutting width, while the bullet points specify an 18-inch cutting width inside a 19-inch deck. Furthermore, bullet text quotes 35 lbs while the spec table lists 28.3 pounds. No warranty term is stated.
Pros
- Powerful 12-Amp electric motor runs at 3600 RPM for dense grass
- Broadest cutting deck in this lineup with 18 to 19 inches of clearing path
- 2-in-1 mowing functions support mulching or side discharge without bagging
- Six cutting positions spanning 1.5 inches to 4 inches with a one-touch lever
Cons
- No warranty term is stated on the listing
- The listing contains a width contradiction, stating an 18-inch cut in bullets but a 19-inch deck and cut in the title and spec table
- Weight is contradictory across the listing, given as 35 lbs in bullets and 28.3 pounds in the spec table
- Does not include a grass collection bag, offering only mulching or side discharge
LawnMaster MEB1114K 11-Amp 15 in Electric Lawn Mower
Compact corded electric mower with an 11-Amp motor, 3,300 RPM speed, 7.75 inch rear wheels and a 7-gallon collection bag.
Who it's for: homeowners with small yards who want a corded electric mower with an included grass catcher and larger rear wheels.
Who should skip it: buyers who want a verified warranty or an unambiguous specification sheet.
Read the full review
The LawnMaster MEB1114K is a corded electric mower powered by an 11-Amp motor rated at 3,300 RPM. It features 7.75-inch rear wheels, a metal deck, a 7-gallon collection bag, a 28-pound weight and folding push handles. The listing has internal contradictions: the title and spec table call it a 15-inch mower, whereas bullets and style name specify a 14-inch cutting width. Additionally, the bullets state 5 height positions from 1.4 to 3 inches, but the spec table lists 6 positions from 1 to 3 inches. The listing does not state a warranty term.
Pros
- 11-Amp electric motor delivers 3,300 RPM for clean residential cuts
- 7.75-inch rear wheels aid navigation around small lawns and obstacles
- Includes a 7-gallon collection bag to gather clippings neatly
- Folding push handles collapse for compact storage in sheds or garages
Cons
- No warranty term is stated on the listing
- Listing shows a cutting width contradiction, naming 15-inch in title and spec table but 14-inch in bullets and style name
- Contradictory cutting height specifications, with bullets citing 5 positions from 1.4 to 3 inches and spec table citing 6 positions from 1 to 3 inches
- Weighs 28 lb, which is heavier than the 18-pound reel and 24-pound cordless models
Other machines to compare
LawnMaster MEB1216K Electric Lawn Mower 16-Inch 12AMPCheck price on Amazon
14 Inch Small Corded Lawn Mower with 12.5-Amp MotorCheck price on Amazon
PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn MowerCheck price on Amazon
LawnMaster OcuMow Perimeter Wire Free Robot Lawn Mower CutsCheck price on Amazon
Sunseeker X3 Plus Robot Lawn MowerCheck price on Amazon
DORTALA Lawn MowerCheck price on Amazon
Side-by-side specs
| Model | Acre Score | Power source | Cutting width | Cutting height | Weight | Collection | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Lawn Mower 14 | 9.5/10 | Manual reel | 14 in | 1 to 2.25 in | 18 lb | Grass catcher | 2 Year |
| Litheli Cordless 13 in | 9.4/10 | Battery (4.0Ah) | 13 in | 1 to 2.5 in | 24 lb | 8-gal bag | 3 yr tool, 2 yr battery |
| BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH | 9.4/10 | Corded (10 Amp) | 15 in | 1 to 3 in | 7 lb | Bag included | Not stated |
| LawnMaster ME1218X.01 | 9.4/10 | Corded (12 Amp) | 18 to 19 in | 1.5 to 4 in | 28.3 to 35 lb | Mulch or discharge | Not stated |
| LawnMaster MEB1114K | 9.3/10 | Corded (11 Amp) | 14 to 15 in | 1.4 to 3 in | 28 lb | 7-gal bag | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 9 October 2026.
Acreage and terrain fit
American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC
Litheli Cordless 13 in
BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH
LawnMaster ME1218X.01
LawnMaster MEB1114K
Cheap small lawn mower buying guide
Shopping for small cheap lawn mowers requires balancing cutting swath, power source and physical effort. When yard boundaries are compact, an inexpensive small lawn mower saves storage room and maintenance overhead compared to bulky equipment.
Manual reel vs corded vs cordless electric
A manual reel mower uses five heat-treated alloy-steel blades to slice grass with scissor-like precision. It requires no fuel, motor upkeep, charging cords or wall plugs. Corded electric mowers run on 10 to 12-Amp motors plugged into a standard 120 V outlet, delivering continuous runtime but tethered to an extension cord. Cordless battery mowers provide free movement across turf but operate within set battery limits, such as the 15 minutes of continuous work rated for the Litheli 4.0Ah pack.
Cutting width and deck materials
Deck widths among these picks span from 13 inches to 19 inches. Narrow decks excel at sliding through narrow garden gates and edging between flower beds. Wider decks, like the 18 to 19-inch deck on the LawnMaster ME1218X.01, clear more square footage per pass. Deck materials vary between lightweight molded plastic and alloy steel or metal frames.
Motor amps, battery capacity and runtime
The corded models provide 10-Amp to 12-Amp motors running at 3,300 RPM to 3600 RPM. The BLACK+DECKER listing marks its 10-Amp mower as ideal for 1/8 acre. For cordless mowing, the Litheli package includes a 4.0Ah battery rated for lawns up to 1,300 sq. ft. Reel mowers depend entirely on user push power.
Clipping management: collection bags vs mulching
Models here include rear collection bags or grass catchers ranging from 7 to 8 gallons in volume. The LawnMaster ME1218X.01 skips a rear bag, instead offering 2-in-1 mulching and side discharge functions.
Small push mowers vs riding mowers
For properties under an acre, a compact walk-behind push mower is easier to maneuver and store than larger machines. If your property expands, explore our guide to riding mowers or maintain cutting blades using our guide on blade sharpeners.
Mowing time on small yards
How quickly you finish depends on cutting width and walking pace. To calculate mowing durations across property sizes, see our detailed guide on how long it takes to mow an acre.
Lawn size, deck width and speed in; minutes per mow out. Or work backward from the time you want to spend.
Walk the area first and clear stones, sticks, wire and toys. Wear eye and hearing protection, long pants and sturdy closed footwear, mow across slopes with a walk-behind (not up and down), and never pull a running mower toward you. Keep kids and pets well away. Refuel only with the engine off and cool. See CPSC lawn mower safety. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
The Acre Score explained
The Acre Score weighs five factors: performance (cutting width, motor power or reel blades, and cut quality), build quality (deck construction, wheels, and listing specification consistency), value (stated features relative to equipment category), safety (operator controls such as stop mechanisms and electrical design) and warranty (stated term in years or months). A factor the listing does not state scores zero.
| Product | Acre Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Lawn Mower 14 | 9.5 | 27 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 3 |
| Litheli Cordless 13 in | 9.4 | 26 | 18 | 20 | 0 | 3 |
| BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH | 9.4 | 29 | 19 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| LawnMaster ME1218X.01 | 9.4 | 29 | 18 | 19 | 0 | 0 |
| LawnMaster MEB1114K | 9.3 | 28 | 18 | 18 | 0 | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
FAQ: mowing large lots
What is the cheapest small lawn mower you can buy?
Manual push reel mowers and basic corded electric mowers represent the most affordable mower categories. A 14-inch manual reel model requires no fuel, replacement batteries or electrical cables, making it economical over its lifespan.
Can a cheap small lawn mower handle tall grass?
Small mowers are designed for regularly maintained turf. Reel mowers require removing sticks and debris prior to mowing and need extra passes through thick growth. Corded electric models with 11-Amp to 12-Amp motors provide higher blade speeds up to 3600 RPM to handle moderate growth up to their stated cutting heights.
Is a manual reel mower better than an electric small mower?
A manual reel mower is lighter, quieter and needs zero motor maintenance. However, it requires physical pushing effort and cannot mow over sticks or tall weeds. A corded or battery electric mower spins blades at high speed, making passes easier across uneven turf.
How much yard area can a small electric mower cut?
The BLACK+DECKER 10-Amp corded mower is listed as ideal for 1/8 acre. The Litheli cordless model rates its 4.0Ah battery for up to 1,300 sq. ft. per charge.
More mowing guides
- Best Lawn Mower Battery (2026): 5 Top Picks Compared
- How Long Does It Take to Mow an Acre? Times by Mower Type
- How to Check if Your Mower Is Recalled
- California Gas Mower Ban Explained (CARB Small Engine Rule)
- Best Mower Blade Sharpener: 4 Picks for Riders and Large Lawns
Read our guide on how long it takes to mow an acre or check the walk-behind and robotic mowers hub for more yard tools.
