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While you can bag those lawn clippings to create a clean-looking yard, a smarter option is to use a mulching lawn mower. Lawn mowers with mulch functions can cut grass blades into tiny bits that nourish the yard. Not only does mulching eliminate the need for you to bag grass clippings, but it also reduces the amount of fertilizer needed to treat the yard.
Mulching lawn mowers come as walk-behind and ride-on mowers that are powered by either a gas engine or electric motor. They have decks specially designed to cut clippings into tiny pieces before returning them to the lawn. Read on to learn about the design features found on these specialized mowers and why the models below are some of the best mulching lawn mowers on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Toro 21-Inch Recycler/Rear Bagging Lawn Mower
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Troy-Bilt TB110 21-Inch Push Lawn Mower
- UPGRADE PICK: Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-Inch Cross Cut Mower Kit
- BEST BATTERY-POWERED: Ego Power+ 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower
- BEST SELF-PROPELLED: Honda HRN216VKA 21-Inch Walk-Behind Mower
- BEST FOR SMALL YARDS: Greenworks 25022 20-Inch 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower
- BEST FOR LARGE YARDS: Toro 30-Inch Personal Pace TimeMaster Mower
How We Chose the Best Mulching Lawn Mowers
We researched some two dozen lawn mowers with mulching capabilities to produce our list that shows the best mulching lawn mower for each of several categories. Since mulching requires more power than standard cutting, we selected mowers with ample power. For gas lawn mowers, we selected models with at least a 140-cubic-centimeter (cc) engine. For battery-powered models, we chose models with at least a 40-volt battery.
Since deck and blade design is also important, we selected mowers explicitly designed to produce the fine grass clippings needed to effectively provide nutrients to create a healthy lawn. These included mowers with technologies designed specifically for mulching, including multiple blades, special venting, or integrated rakes. Since most owners don’t mulch their lawn with every cutting, we also chose mowers that offer versatility with side-discharge and bagging cutting options.
Our Top Picks
The list below includes mowers designed for producing the fine grass clippings needed to mulch a yard. The best mulching lawn mower for each category is listed, including gas and electric mowers for yards large and small.
Best Overall
Toro 21-Inch Recycler/Rear Bagging Lawn Mower
Toro’s aptly named Recycler sets itself apart from other walk-behind lawn mowers with a design that makes it ideal for producing fine grass clippings. The Recycler has a vent that allows air to circulate in the mowing deck, keeping the clippings airborne so the blade can cut them multiple times before returning them to the lawn. These finer clippings break down more quickly than larger clippings, allowing them to better nourish the lawn.
In addition to its mulching ability, this self-propelled mower also gives the user other cutting options with a bagging system and attachment for side discharging. A 140cc gas engine provides ample power for its 21-inch cutting deck and rear-wheel drive, and it’s also easier to maintain thanks to an engine that never requires an oil change.
Product Specs
- Type: Self-propelled
- Power: Gas
- Deck size: 21 inches
Pros
- Mulching system creates fine grass clippings; suitable for thick grass varieties
- Oil-change-free engine design for user-friendliness
- Includes bagging and side-discharge options for easy cleanup
- Powerful 140cc engine can take on heavy-duty usage; rear-wheel drive provides added assistance
Cons
- Gap can form between the bagger and mower
- Rear-wheel drive may not be ideal for some users’ preferences
Get the Toro Recycler mulching lawn mower at The Home Depot or Toro.
Best Bang for the Buck
Troy-Bilt TB110 21-Inch Push Lawn Mower
This Troy-Bilt is the best mulching push mower at a budget price for those who don’t mind supplying the power to move this mower forward. Troy-Bilt’s cutting system uses a rake on the front of the mower that lifts the blades upright, preparing them for an even cut. The clippings then circulate in the mower’s symmetrical deck, allowing the blades to cut the excess grass into smaller pieces that will break down in the lawn to serve as nutrients.
In addition to its mulching option, Troy-Bilt’s gas mower also comes with a bag that has a wide opening to prevent clogs. Larger 11-inch rear wheels make the mower easier to push over uneven and rough terrain. A 140cc gas engine powers the mower’s 21-inch deck.
Product Specs
- Type: Push
- Power: Gas
- Deck size: 21 inches
Pros
- Large 21-inch cutting deck produces finer clippings for mulching; can be used on thick grass varieties
- Ample power with 140cc engine; suitable for small- to large-scale mowing tasks
- Includes bagging system for easy cleanup
Con
- Some users reported issues with leaking oil; may need some tinkering
Get the Troy-Bilt mulching lawn mower at The Home DepotorTroy-Bilt.
Upgrade Pick
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-Inch Cross Cut Mower Kit
Those who love a lot of power and versatility in their mulching lawn mower can rely on this model from Ryobi. This self-propelled brushless lawn mower runs for over 70 minutes when both of the 40-volt 6-amp-hour batteries have been fully charged, making it capable of cutting and mulching yards of up to three-quarters of an acre. For added versatility, this unit allows you to select which battery you want to use while the mower is in use so the unit can switch over when one battery becomes drained.
Made with a 21-inch cutting deck, cross-cut double blades, and seven cutting heights (1.5 to 4 inches), this model is perfect for residential use and cutting through weeds and thick grass varieties. Plus, the unit has an on-board clippings catcher that throws debris out the side of the mower.
As for user-friendliness, this option comes with a foldable design for storing, LED headlights, adaptive variable speed, a quiet operating volume, and the batteries can be interchanged with many other Ryobi products that accommodate the 40-volt platform.
Product Specs
- Type: Self-propelled
- Power: Battery-powered
- Deck size: 21 inches
Pros
- Self-propelled brushless mower is easy to use and powerful enough for large and small yards
- 2 batteries onboard; you can switch between the batteries for a long 70-minute runtime
- Cross-cut double blades and a clippings catcher for effective use
- 7 cutting heights integrated into the design; range from 1.5 to 4 inches
Cons
- Not suitable for cutting grass in yards over ¾ acre
- May not be as durable as some other options available
Get the Ryobi mulching lawn mower at The Home Depot.
Best Battery-Powered
Ego Power+ 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower
Ego tops the list of battery-powered mulching lawn mowers thanks to the power and runtime its battery and motor produce. The Ego Power+ comes equipped with a 56V 5Ah rechargeable lithium-ion battery that gets a whopping 45 minutes of runtime on a single charge. That’s impressive given that the Power+ is equipped with a 21-inch mowing deck.
Cycling through the three cutting settings on the Power+ is easy, thanks to a large ergonomic handle located on the top of the mowing deck. Other user-friendly features include a push-button start and LED headlights. The Ego Power+ also folds into a small box shape that stands upright, making it easier to store than most walk-behind mulching mowers.
Product Specs
- Type: Push
- Power: Battery-powered
- Deck size: 21 inches
Pros
- Up to 60 minutes of runtime on a single charge; can tackle both small and large yards
- Design makes it easy to switch between cutting options for excellent user-friendliness
- Folds up for easy storage in a garage or shed
Con
- Doesn’t mulch as well as a gas-powered mower
Get the Ego Power+ mulching lawn mower at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware.
Best Self-Propelled
Honda HRN216VKA 21-Inch Walk-Behind Mower
Perhaps no brand makes a mower better capable of mulching than Honda. Whereas most walk-behind mowers use one blade, Honda supplies this 21-inch self-propelled gas mulching mower with two. And while many other 21-inch gas lawn mowers have a 140cc engine, Honda powers those blades with a large 170cc engine. The result is a machine that’s better able to cut clippings into tiny pieces.
In addition to mulching, this gas mower is also capable of bagging and side discharge. There’s also a dual-lever system that makes it easy to move between its seven blade-height options. With great power comes a higher price tag; Honda’s self-propelled mulching mower is one of the most expensive models on the market.
Product Specs
- Type: Self-propelled
- Power: Gas
- Deck size: 21 inches
Pros
- Twin blades create finer grass clippings for thicker grass varieties
- Large 170cc engine can take on both small- and large-scale mowing tasks
- Easy-to-change blade height for ample adjustability
- 3 cutting options to best suit the grass type and user preference
Con
- Some users have reported uneven cutting heights
Get the Honda mulching lawn mower at Acme Tools.
Best for Small Yards
Greenworks 25022 20-Inch 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower
For those who don’t have a lot of acreage, the Greenworks corded lawn mower could be just the ticket. It requires no gasoline, emits no fumes, and has a powerful battery life with its quiet 20-amp motor. It has a small 20-inch deck that can accommodate properties that are up to a quarter acre in size and raises between 1.5 to 3.75 inches high with a single lever.
This 56-pound machine has an included bagger for rear disposal, side disposal, and mulching for three-in-one action. Need more? This pick also has a push-button start, a cord retainer, 10-inch wheels, and a durable steel deck. Plus, this top pick can fold down into a compact size for storing, and the batteries are compatible with multiple other Greenworks tools. The only downside of this option is that it may require a 16-gauge 50-foot or 14-gauge 100-foot extension cord for proper operation.
Product Specs
- Type: Push
- Power: Corded electric
- Deck size: 20 inches
Pros
- Powerful 20-amp motor emits no fumes, require no gas, and runs quietly
- Suitable for properties that are up to ¼ acre in size
- 3-in-1 disposal system; included bagger for rear disposal, side disposal, and mulching
- Comes with multiple easy-to-use onboard features
Cons
- May not be as durable as other models on the market
- Battery life may start to decrease over time
Get the Greenworks mulching lawn mower at Amazon, Walmart, or Greenworks.
Best for Large Yards
Toro 30-Inch Personal Pace TimeMaster Mower
You won’t find many walk-behind lawn mowers that can cut as wide a swath of grass as Toro’s aptly named TimeMaster. Its massive 30-inch deck makes it suitable for large yards that would otherwise require the services of a riding lawn mower. One might think that such a broad deck would have difficulty cutting clippings down to the minute size needed for mulching. That’s not the case with the TimeMaster, which has two blades powered by a massive 223cc gas-powered engine.
In addition to its broad deck, the TimeMaster comes equipped with useful additional features. One can disengage the blade without turning off the engine, making it easier to remove obstacles, and the self-propelled wheels automatically modulate their speed to match the operator’s pace.
Product Specs
- Type: Self-propelled
- Power: Gas
- Deck size: 30 inches
Pros
- Wide 30-inch deck cuts mowing time down; cuts more grass per pass
- Massive 223cc engine powers twin blades for better mulching capabilities
- Easy-to-adjust wheel speed for added versatility
- Folding design makes it easier to store in a garage or shed
Con
- Gas tank is smaller than some included with other mulching lawn mowers; may require frequent refilling
Get the Toro TimeMaster mulching lawn mower at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., or Ace Hardware.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Mulching Lawn Mower
Choosing the appropriate type of mower for the job and the right size deck is key to selecting the best mulching lawn mower. Ahead, learn more about the different lawn mower types and how to choose the right power source and deck size.
Type
- Push: This type of walk-behind mower requires the operator to provide the necessary physical power to move the lawn mower forward. The best mulching push mower will have larger rear wheels that make the mower easier to push up inclines and over uneven terrain.
- Self-propelled: This type of mower looks similar to a push mower, only there is a belt that runs from the blade’s driveshaft to the wheels that provides power to move the mower forward. Controls located on the handlebar allow the operator to modulate the speed of the wheels.
- Riding: A riding mower has a seat for the operator and a steering wheel that allows them to steer the mower. Riding mulching mowers come in zero-turn and tractor models. They come equipped with larger 12 to 24 horsepower engines to power the drive wheels and the mowing deck.
Deck Design
The mowing deck houses the blade or blades that cut the grass. Decks vary in size from the 20-inch decks found on many push lawn mowers to the large 46-inch decks on riding mowers. The size of the yard determines what size deck is appropriate. A 20-inch deck is suitable for small to medium-size yards of about a half acre. Larger yards of up to three quarters of an acre require a mower with at least a 22-inch deck. Lawns greater than three quarters of an acre would benefit from a riding mower that has a deck that is 28 inches or wider.
The deck houses either single or double blades, depending on the size of the deck. These decks have an opening that discharges the clippings out the side of the mowing deck. To trigger the mulch function, the user simply closes the opening with a cover. With the discharge opening closed, the clippings circulate inside the mowing deck, allowing the blade to cut them multiple times before they fall into the yard.
Power Source
Mulching lawn mowers come with three different power source options: gas, electric, and battery-powered. Gas lawn mowers have engines that range from 125cc to 230cc, depending on the size of the mowing deck. Riding mowers have larger engines that range from 12 to 24 horsepower. A good 20-inch mulching lawn mower should be equipped with a 140cc engine to produce the power needed to cut clippings into smaller pieces.
Electric mowers come in both corded and battery-powered models. Since corded lawn mowers are tethered to a power cord, they are suitable for smaller lawns of less than a quarter acre. Battery-powered, or cordless mowers, use a powerful rechargeable lithium-ion battery to power the mower blade and drive wheels. These mowers typically allow for up to 45 minutes of runtime before needing a recharge, making them suitable for small to medium-size lawns. Battery and electric-powered motors are easier to start but don’t produce the same amount of power as gas-powered lawn mowers.
Additional Features
Mulching lawn mowers come with additional features that make them easier to operate. Many walk-behind mowers have controls that allow the operator to adjust the deck height without adjusting each wheel individually. Many mowers also have levers that make it easy to change the clipping settings from mulching to bagging to side discharge.
Mulching lawn mowers are also equipped with technologies that make them easier to start. Battery-powered mowers have push-start features, and many gas-powered mowers have pull starters that require less force to get the engine going.
Some self-propelled mowers will automatically modulate the wheel speed to match the operator’s pace. Battery-powered mowers come equipped with LED lights for nighttime mowing.
Tips for Using a Mulching Lawn Mower
You can do a few things to get the most out of your mower’s mulch settings. First and foremost, mow at the proper height. Only cut a third of the height of the grass blade. This will ensure that the clippings are small enough for your mower to mulch them effectively. Mower blades need to cut the clippings multiple times, so keep the mower blade sharp. Also, it’s easier for a lawn mower blade to cut dry grass, so only mulch when the lawn is dry. Finally, if you’re mulching your grass clippings instead of bagging them, you’re returning nutrients to your yard. That means you can use less fertilizer.
- Only mow a third of the height of your lawn.
- Mow when it’s dry.
- Keep the mower blades sharp.
- Use less fertilizer.
FAQs
If you’re wondering how mulching can help improve the health of your yard or whether you need to equip your mower with a special blade, read on for answers to these and other commonly asked questions.
Q. What does mulching do for your lawn?
Mulching returns nutrients to your lawn in the form of grass clippings, which helps feed it.
Q. Is it better to mulch or bag when mowing?
Most of the time, mulching is the best option as it returns nutrients to your lawn and doesn’t create yard waste. However, bagging is the best option if the grass is tall or covered in leaves.
Q. Do you need special mowing blades to mulch grass?
Most lawn mowers come with blades suitable for mulching or bagging grass. Users typically do not need a special blade for mulching.
Q. Will a mulching mower put decorative strips on my lawn like on TV?
You can use a mulching mower to create decorative stripes on your lawn. But, as with any mower, you’ll need a lawn roller to achieve the striped look you see on a Major League Baseball field.
Q. How long does a mulching lawn mower last?
Most lawn mowers last for about 10 years, although that depends on how often you use it and how well you maintain it.
Q. What is “thatch”?
In yards, thatch is a layer of organic material that collects around the base of the grass blades that can prevent new grass from growing. When thatch becomes too thick, the lawn must be dethatched by raking it out or using a dethatcher. Contrary to popular belief, mulching a lawn does not contribute to additional thatch.
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