The best gas lawn mowers will make light work of even the most extensive lawns. They also have serious power and stamina, enabling them to tame lawns that lesser mowers simply can't handle. Not only that, but these types of lawn mowers don't have the range issues of battery mowers, and unlike corded mowers, there's no cable to watch out for either. Cutting the grass becomes a pleasure rather than a chore with the best mower at the best price.

In this guide, you'll find the best gas-powered lawn mower suitable for your yard. While we have used a variety of gas mowers in our time, we haven't been able to test every model in this guide in person. Instead, we have honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge to refine our list.

Whether you're looking for a gas mower on a budget or want the absolute peak of petrol-powered perfection to make lawn care a breeze, you'll find them here – and we've got all the key information about each one, including cutting widths, weight, stripe options, self-drive, and even how much storage space they need.

The Quick List

Below, we’ve provided an overview of the important details you need to know about each product immediately, so you can buy quickly if you're in a hurry. If something catches your eye, use the links to delve deeper into the analysis provided for each product further down the page.

The Best Gas Lawn Mowers We Recommend in 2026

Gardening Know How is on a mission to review everything we feature in our buyer's guides. Still, while we work hard to make this a reality, some of our guides still feature rankings based on our team's considerable expertise and research.

While we haven't been able to test all of the units in this guide in person, we've honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best features to help you make the right decision for your garden, all for the best price.

The Best Gas Lawn Mower Overall

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

Our review of the Troy-Bilt XP 21 in. 163cc 3-in-1 RWD Self-Propelled gas lawn mower found it to be perfect for small-to-medium yards. Its no-choke start system and self-propel feature make mowing effortless. Mulching and bagging are also easy.

Setup: The lawn mower was pretty easy to set up. It arrived mostly assembled, so our reviewer just had to attach the handle and choose the discharge chute. Adjusting the handle and adding oil and gas was easy, but it was hard to adjust the back wheels because the lever mechanism was hard.

In the first test, they added the side discharge chute to the deck (and left the plug in the back) since they mulch their grass.

Design: This Troy-Bilt lawn mower features a 21-inch deck and is perfect for small to medium yards. Its rear-wheel drive gives it better traction on slopes. The 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine starts easily thanks to ReadyStart technology, so you don't need a choke. There are six-deck positions for cutting heights between 1.25 and 3.75 inches. It has an adjustable handle, and you have to hold the blade control down to start and keep it running.

The self-propelled machine has dual levers for speed, a 2.3-bushel grass bag, and a side discharge chute.

Performance: Our reviewer loved that this lawn mower starts easily and the self-propelled feature makes it manageable despite its weight. The mower handles slopes well and prevents slipping. However, the lever makes lifting it hard. They mostly used the side discharge chute or mulched the clippings, both of which worked great. They tried mulching leaves, which shrunk them well. After attaching the grass bag, it worked well.

The Best Budget Gas Lawn Mower

The PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower is a budget-friendly mower designed to keep small lawns looking neat without unnecessary complexity. Its lightweight design and folding handle make it easy to maneuver, transport, and store, making it a practical choice for homeowners with limited storage space.

There's been a lot of positive feedback on the PowerSmart EasyGlide, with many users praising its straightforward setup, reliable pull-start engine, and ease of use. Despite its affordable price, the mower delivers dependable performance for routine lawn care, making it a popular option for homeowners with smaller yards.

When it comes to features, the EasyGlide offers more versatility than many entry-level gas mowers. It supports mulching, rear bagging, and side discharge, allowing users to choose the mowing method that best suits their lawn. It also features a six-position cutting height adjustment system with a range of 1.5 to 3.9 inches, making it easy to adapt to different grass lengths and conditions.

Performance is best suited to flat lawns up to a quarter acre. The 144cc OHV engine provides reliable cutting power, while the mower's lightweight construction helps it navigate around flowerbeds, trees, and other obstacles. Assembly is simple, and most users report being able to get the mower up and running quickly. While it lacks premium features such as self-propelled drive, it remains a capable and affordable option for routine lawn maintenance.

Based on customer reviews, the PowerSmart EasyGlide has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Amazon. Owners frequently highlight its value for money, easy starting, and maneuverability. However, some reviewers feel the build quality is less robust than that of premium brands, and a number of customers who experienced issues with their mower reported dissatisfaction with the manufacturer's customer support.

The Best Gas Lawn Mower for Large Yards

The Toro TimeMaster 21219 might be a great option if you're looking for a powerful lawn mower that saves you time and effort. With a Briggs & Stratton engine, this self-propelled mower can handle even tough lawns. With the self-propelled system and Traction Assist feature, you can tackle larger lawns more easily and comfortably.

Despite its many benefits, the Toro TimeMaster 21219 is expensive, even with special offers. It's not affordable for everyone, but if you value your time and want a well-maintained lawn, you might want it.

This mower has a Dual-Force Cutting System, Atomic blades, a two-point height-of-cut adjustment, a Quick Stow handle, a washout port, and a Spin-Stop Blade Stop System. With the Personal Pace with Traction Assist, you'll always have control, even on challenging terrain. Plus, it has a three-year warranty and a guaranteed-to-start warranty.

The Toro TimeMaster 21219 has a powerful Briggs & Stratton 223cc OHV engine that delivers great performance. The 30-inch deck allows you to cut efficiently and cover more ground, and Traction Assist and Personal Pace make it easy to maneuver. It's perfect for residential use, especially for yards ranging from half an acre to a full acre in size. If you have a larger yard or need to mow frequently, you might want to check out commercial-grade mowers.

There are many positive reviews for the Toro TimeMaster 21219, with many praising its time-saving features. Some users have complained about fuel consumption, clogging, and occasional problems. Many customers are happy with the machine's performance and features and have given it positive feedback regarding its professional cut and speed.

The Best Mid-Range Gas Lawn Mower

Despite lacking some of the fancy features of more expensive models, the Toro Recycler 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower is a reliable and affordable mower. With a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, it can bag, mulch, and side discharge. Thanks to its self-propelled rear-wheel-drive system, it's easy to maneuver and well suited to small- to medium-sized lawns.

Toro Recycler has earned a strong reputation for dependable performance. The 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine provides reliable power, while the self-propelled drive system helps reduce effort when mowing. The mower features a two-point height-of-cut adjustment, a durable steel deck, and a handle that folds down for easier storage. A washout port makes cleaning the deck after use straightforward.

The Toro Recycler uses a pull-start system but is designed for easy starting and dependable operation. Thanks to its reliable engine, most users report that it starts quickly and performs consistently throughout the mowing season. While some components may not feel as premium as those found on more expensive models, the mower's ease of use and practical design make it a popular choice.

Customer reviews for the Toro Recycler are generally very positive, with many owners praising its cutting performance, self-propelled drive system, and ease of use. Users frequently highlight its value for money and dependable operation, while some note that premium models offer more advanced features. Overall, it remains a popular option for homeowners looking for a capable and affordable gas lawn mower.

The Best Gas Riding Lawn Mower

It's hard to beat the Cub Cadet Ultima Z2 50 when it comes to riding lawnmowers. This bright yellow, 50-inch-deck model with two bright LED front headlights illuminates your path even in low light. The back tires are chunky, so it's easy to maneuver in a variety of weather conditions.

The Cub Cadet Ultima Z2 50 is the best gas lawn mower for those with more than two acres and a generous budget.

Featuring dual hydrostatic transmissions, this Cub Cadet model is designed to offer a smooth riding experience with 7.5 MPH forward and 3.5 MPH reverse zero-turn controlled ground speeds. With adjustable lap bars and ergonomic hand grips, you can operate this machine with ease. You can adjust the deck height with a foot-operated lift and dial knob from 1 to 4.5 inches.

Thanks to the high-back 18-inch seat with suspension, you'll be comfortable during long mowing sessions. With its minimal assembly requirements, the Cub Cadet Ultima Z2 50 comes fully crated, so you can get started right away. This model has a 3.5-gallon fuel tank, so you can mow for a long time.

The Cub Cadet Ultima Z2 50 has a 4.4-star rating on Home Depot, and 82% of verified customers would recommend it. Users have expressed their satisfaction with the machine's ability to mow larger areas, especially in taller grass, faster than smaller push mowers. There were some complaints about tires losing air too fast, but it wasn't an everyday occurrence. They also praised the smooth, comfortable ride quality.

How to Choose the Best Gas Lawn Mower for Your Yard

When choosing the best gas lawn mower, you'll need to consider several criteria:

• Engine power: Often, the engine size of a mower directly impacts the cutting power. That's the most crucial consideration for many. If you're looking for a self-propelled model to help you, you'll want one with a powerful engine. To give you an idea, anything over 160cc will get you the power you want.
• Self-propulsion: Gas lawnmowers have built-in self-propulsion technology, so you don't have to push all that hard to get your lawn mowed. You'll have a less strenuous mowing experience with self-propulsion, but you won't be able to eliminate pushing completely.
• Mulching: You can buy mowers that mulch, bag, and side discharge all at once, so you'll deal with your grass cuttings as you go. Many lawns benefit from mulching, so consider it if that's your thing.
• Blade width: Your mower's blade width tells you how many passes it takes to mow your lawn, which means the blade you need depends on your yard's size. It's cheaper to push your mower around if it has a wider blade, but if you have a small yard, it might not make much sense to size up.
• Noise level: Gas mowers aren't the quietest, but you can reduce noise by choosing a smaller engine for your backyard so you don't annoy your neighbors.
• Cutting height and positions: Low-cost models require you to manually adjust the cutting position with a screwdriver so you can get specific with how tall your grass is.

How Does a Gas Lawn Mower Work?

A gas lawn mower uses a small internal combustion engine that powers the cutting blades and drives the mower forward. The process begins when fuel, typically unleaded gasoline, is mixed with air in the engine's carburetor. In the engine, this mixture is compressed by the pistons in the cylinders. A spark plug ignites it when you start it, pushing the piston down.

This movement turns the crankshaft connected to the mower's blades. Usually, gas mowers come with a self-propulsion system, so you don't have to push them to move forward. The blades rotate at high speeds, cutting the grass across the lawn.

This is accomplished through a drive belt connected to the rear wheels, engaged when the operator pulls a lever or presses a button. Gas lawnmowers also feature various cutting height adjustments so that you can set the blades at different heights depending on the type of grass and the look of your lawn.

Depending on the mower's deck design, clippings can either go into a bag for collection or back on the lawn as mulch, which can provide nutrients to the soil. For optimal performance, you have to take care of it. Checking and changing your oil, cleaning the air filter, and ensuring your fuel is fresh can prevent engine problems. Using fuel stabilizers can keep the gasoline from going stale over time, which can cause engine damage.

How Is a Gas Lawn Mower Better Than an Electric One?

Gas mowers are generally more powerful than electric models, so they're better at handling thick grass, uneven terrain, or large lawns. They also usually cost less than high-quality battery-powered electric mowers. Unlike electric mowers, which have limited battery life or power cords, gas mowers can run as long as fuel. This means they're perfect for larger yards or long periods of time.

With proper maintenance, gas mowers can handle tougher conditions, while electric mowers rely on batteries that run out. Gas mowers also don't require charging or access to an electrical outlet, so they're better for remote areas or properties without easy access to power.

What Type of Gas Should I Use in My Gas Lawn Mower?

A gas lawn mower usually runs on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. This fuel works fine for most small engines. It's best to use ethanol-free gasoline or fuel with the lowest ethanol content if you want to avoid ethanol blends with more than 10% ethanol. E10 can damage your engine and degrade performance over time.

Read your lawn mower's owner's manual for specific fuel requirements. Using the wrong fuel can void your warranty and cost you a lot of money. Most lawnmowers don't benefit much from premium fuel (higher octane), so stick to regular unleaded gas unless your mower says otherwise. If available, ethanol-free gas can help minimize issues caused by ethanol, like corrosion and fuel line clogging.

Does a Gas Lawn Mower Work Well on Uneven or Hilly Ground?

Electric or manual mowers might have trouble on sloped or uneven landscapes, so gas-powered mowers are ideal for them. The rear wheels on many gas mowers designed for such conditions make them more maneuverable and stable, so they glide over bumps and dips more easily.

Especially good for hilly terrain, self-propelled gas mowers don't require much effort to push them uphill, so it's easier and less tiring to push them. The durable construction and robust engines of these mowers allow them to withstand tough terrain conditions, like rocks or uneven surfaces.

Gas mowers are also great for maintaining sloped lawns. They come with hydrostatic transmissions or other advanced features that make them more efficient and controllable on steep slopes.

However, gas mowers are usually heavier than electric models, which can make it harder to maneuver on steep inclines if self-propulsion isn't available.

How Much Does a Gas Lawn Mower Cost?

In general, entry-level gas mowers cost $200-350. They usually have smaller cutting decks (around 20 inches) and less advanced features. These mowers are ideal for small to medium-sized lawns and are designed for homeowners who don't need many extras. Troy-Bilt and Craftsman are good brands in this price range.

Mid-range gas mowers often cost between $350 and $700 and come with features like self-propulsion systems, adjustable cutting heights, and bigger cutting decks. Honda and Toro provide a variety of mowers that fall into this category and are good for medium to large lawns.

A high-end gas lawn mower can cost $700 or more. These models often have bigger cutting decks (over 22 inches), advanced features like electric start, variable speeds, and robust engine performance. Brands like Cub Cadet and STIHL are known for their premium offerings, which are designed for larger properties.

Regular maintenance can add to the overall cost of ownership, but it's essential for optimal performance and longevity of a gas lawn mower.

How Long Do Gas Lawn Mowers Last?

It's better to buy a mower from a reputable brand than one that's cheap. Typically, a well-maintained residential mower lasts 1000 to 1,500 hours, whereas a commercial mower lasts 2,000 to 2,500 hours. On the other hand, lower-end residential mowers may only last 450 to 500 hours.

Mower lifespan also depends on how much you use it. If you use a mower just a couple of times a week during the growing season, it usually lasts longer than one used often. If you use a mower for 35 cuts a year, it won't wear out as much compared to one mowed more often.

Gas lawn mowers need proper maintenance to last a long time. Changing the oil, cleaning the air filters, and making sure the spark plugs are in good shape can prevent many common problems that lead to premature failure. You can also prevent engine problems caused by stale fuel by using high-quality fuel and adding fuel stabilizers.

Store your mower in a dry, sheltered place to prevent rust and damage from the elements. At the end of the season, run it dry of fuel to prevent fuel-related issues.

When Is the Best Time To Buy a Gas Lawn Mower?

Late summer or early fall is the best time to find a lawn mower deal. Retailers often clear out inventory to make room for winter products, so lawn mowers get a lot of discounts. It's a great time to shop for high-quality models at a great price, and many stores are holding clearance sales on older models, making it a great time for budget-conscious shoppers.

During holiday sales, like Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Fourth of July, retailers often offer discounts on lawn equipment, so you'll get a good deal. Many retailers offer promotional pricing to attract customers around these holidays, so watch for advertisements and online deals.

Many manufacturers release new models in the spring, around March or April. As new models arrive, older models may see price drops, allowing you to buy a reliable mower at a great price. Buyers who don't care about having the latest features will love it.

Last but not least, if you live in a region where the growing season lasts longer, you might want to buy a mower earlier so you can take advantage of the entire season.