The seemingly endless cycle of summer yard maintenance often motivates homeowners to think about buying a new lawn mower, one that will make the job faster and easier, and maybe even be greener for the planet. A battery-powered mower would seem to tick all of those boxes, and with today’s growing selection of battery mowers, it only makes sense that consumers would be curious about them.
When battery-powered mowers first hit the market, they made quite a splash—no cords, no gas, no sweat! Yet, even as battery options have taken up some share of the market in recent seasons, gas-powered mowers are still reliable, go-to machines—and many models have seen key upgrades that make mowing easier. Why is that so? Well, battery run time remains a big concern: When you get a maximum of between 30 and 60 minutes on one charge, you run the risk of having to stop work in the middle of a mow—and it takes about an hour for the battery to recharge.
Also, gas-powered mowers have undergone significant technological improvements in just the past five years that have made them even more attractive. Common notions about “old-fashioned” gas mowers and “newfangled” battery mowers no longer apply. So, to help you pick the best mower for your lawn, let’s separate truth from hype right here.
I’ve been mowing lawns for years, and I’ve seen how the debate between gas and battery mowers plays out in real life. One thing I’ve noticed is that homeowners often get swayed by the eco-friendly hype of battery mowers without digging into the practical side. For instance, a friend of mine bought a battery mower thinking it’d be a breeze, but he was frustrated when it died halfway through his half-acre yard. Gas mowers, with their recent upgrades, don’t leave you stranded like that. Plus, the tech improvements mean they’re not the loud, smoky machines they used to be. If you’re curious about the latest advancements, check out betterwithbriggs.com for some solid info.
MYTH #1: If healthy grass is your goal, it doesn’t matter what kind of mower you use.
It’s a rule of (green) thumb: The better the cut, the healthier the grass. The latest gas-powered mowers offer improved cut quality, thanks in part to the blade design. In an effort to maximize battery life, though, some battery-powered models alter the blades’ length and lift, which can impact the cut quality. Another consideration: Gas mowers lose little to no power when slicing through long, thick grass or damp grass, whereas cutting tougher turf on a battery-powered mower can cause performance (not to mention battery run time) to suffer.
Let’s talk about why cut quality matters so much. A clean, even cut promotes grass health by reducing stress on the plant, which can prevent disease and encourage stronger root growth. Gas mowers, with their consistent power output, handle dense or wet grass like champs—I’ve mowed through some pretty gnarly patches in my yard after a rainy week, and my gas mower didn’t even flinch. Battery mowers, on the other hand, sometimes struggle, especially if the grass is tall or thick. A study from the University of Georgia’s turfgrass program found that uneven cuts from underpowered mowers can increase lawn vulnerability to weeds by up to 20%. If you’ve got a lawn with heavy growth or tricky terrain, sticking with a gas mower might save you some headaches and keep your grass looking sharp.
MYTH #2: Battery mowers cost more because they’re better machines.
On average, battery mowers cost about $50 more than their gas-powered counterparts. Then, of course, for a more accurate cost comparison, you need to factor in machine features, fuel costs for gas mowers, and replacement battery prices for battery-powered mowers. A self-propelled gas mower, for example, can retail as low as $269 compared to a self-propelled battery mower at $499. But the calculations can’t stop there—you also need to account for each mower’s life expectancy. Gas mowers are more durable; they simply last longer. In terms of engine life, a gas mower will run for 10 years or more, while a battery-powered mower will need to be replaced after about five years, on average. What’s more, as the battery ages, its run time degrades up to 6 percent a year (or sometimes even more, depending on the size of the battery, yard size, average annual use, yard conditions, and storage).
When I was shopping for a new mower last year, I crunched the numbers, and the long-term costs really surprised me. Sure, battery mowers seem like a sleek, modern choice, but those replacement batteries aren’t cheap—often $100 or more every few years. Meanwhile, my gas mower’s been chugging along for nearly a decade with just basic upkeep. Fuel costs are a factor, but I spend maybe $20 a season on gas for my small yard. A 2023 Consumer Reports analysis backs this up, showing that gas mowers can save you hundreds over a decade compared to battery models when you factor in battery replacements and electricity costs. If you’re on a budget or plan to keep your mower for the long haul, gas-powered options are tough to beat for value.
MYTH #3: Gas-powered mowers are a hassle to maintain.
It used to be the case that those of us who wanted the power and cut quality of a gas mower had to put up with messy, time-consuming oil changes. Not anymore, thanks to recent innovations like the Just Check & Add™ Technology available on new Briggs & Stratton engines. This feature allows you to simply check oil levels and fill as needed—no oil change necessary, ever!
I’ll be honest—maintenance was my biggest gripe with my old gas mower. Spilled oil, greasy hands, the whole mess. But these new engines? Total game-changer. I’ve been using a Briggs & Stratton model with their Just Check & Add feature for a couple of seasons now, and it’s as simple as popping the cap and topping off the oil. No trips to the mechanic or wrestling with oil filters. For those worried about maintenance, here’s a pro tip: keep your mower covered or stored in a dry spot to prevent rust, and clean the undercarriage after each use to avoid grass buildup. It takes maybe 5 minutes and keeps things running smoothly. This kind of innovation makes gas mowers way less of a chore than they used to be.
MYTH #4: Battery mowers are easier to start and stow.
Homeowners may be attracted to a battery mower for its fast starts and easy storage. Battery mowers are activated by inserting a key and pushing a button or pulling a lever, and many models are also collapsible, so they don’t take up much room. But before you rush off and buy a battery-powered mower, know that for newer gas mowers, clunky starts and bulky storage have become things of the past. For example, there’s no need to yank a pull cord on gas mowers equipped with a push-button start. And some gas mowers offer a foldaway feature that lets you store the machine upright in small spaces, without risk of fuel or oil leaks. You literally mow and stow.
I used to envy my neighbor’s battery mower because it started with a button while I was yanking a cord like it was 1995. But my new gas mower has a push-button start, and it’s just as easy—fires up every time. Plus, the foldaway feature is a lifesaver since my garage is packed with kids’ bikes and tools. I can tuck it into a corner without worrying about spills. If storage is a concern, here’s a practical tip: measure your storage space before buying. Some gas mowers with foldable handles can fit in spaces as small as 2 by 2 feet. Also, check out models with quick-release handles for even easier stowing. Gas mowers have caught up big time in convenience, so don’t assume battery models have the edge here.
MYTH #5: If you care about the environment, you’ll go for a battery mower.
It’s true that battery mowers have zero emissions, but remember this: Recharging batteries uses electricity, which may come from coal-powered plants. Additionally, there’s the dilemma of having to dispose of the battery when it dies. Ecologically minded consumers should also be aware that today’s gas-powered mowers are much cleaner in terms of emissions than models sold just 10 years ago. In fact, in accordance with emissions standards, they’re 35 to 75 percent cleaner, depending on the model and age of the machine. And because noise pollution is also an issue, know that gas engines have come a long way in that department, too. Mowers powered by Briggs & Stratton engines with Quiet Power Technology, for instance, are up to 50 percent quieter than standard gas models.
I’m all for doing my part for the planet, but the eco-friendly argument for battery mowers isn’t as clear-cut as it seems. I looked into it, and in my area, about 40% of electricity comes from coal, so charging a battery mower isn’t exactly guilt-free. Plus, disposing of lithium-ion batteries can be a hassle—some recycling centers don’t even take them. On the flip side, modern gas mowers have made huge strides. My Briggs & Stratton model is so much quieter than my old one; I can actually have a conversation while mowing now. A 2022 EPA report noted that newer gas mowers emit significantly less volatile organic compounds, making them a solid choice for eco-conscious folks who want power without the guilt. If you’re torn, consider your local power grid and recycling options before deciding.
It’s clearer than ever to me why gas-powered mowers have dominated the market for so long. To learn more about the latest innovations available on today’s high-tech, high-performance gas lawn mowers, visit betterwithbriggs.com.
This content has been brought to you by Briggs & Stratton. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com.