Stop Bagging Your Clippings: The Best Mulching Lawn Mowers We’ve Tested

While you can bag your lawn clippings to create a clean-looking yard, a smarter option is to let a mulching lawn mower do the work for you. Rather than collecting waste in a bag that requires emptying, these mowers cut grass blades into tiny bits you simply leave on your lawn. And mulching grass isn’t just easier; it also reduces the need for fertilizer since the clippings break down quickly and return nutrients to the soil.

After spending 2 weeks evaluating multiple top models based on ease of use, mulching capability, noise, and standout features, we chose the Ego Power+ 21” Select Cut as our favorite for its exceptional cut quality, intuitive TouchDrive speed control, and interchangeable blade system that makes it easy to adapt to changing conditions throughout the season. Read on to learn more about how this and some of the rest of the best mulching lawn mowers did on our tests and what to look for when choosing the right one for your yard.

1. BEST OVERALL: Ego Power+ 21” Select Cut Self-Propelled Mower
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Toro 22” Recycler Personal Pace Gas Lawn Mower
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3. UPGRADE PICK: Stihl RMA 448 Battery-Powered Lawn Mower
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4. BEST FOR SMALLER YARDS: Greenworks 80V 21″ Cordless 4-in-1 Push Lawn Mower
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5. BEST FOR LARGER YARDS: Bad Boy 80V Brushless 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
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Best Mulching Lawn Mower at a Glance

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. 

Our Ratings

The Ego Power+ Select Cut Mower earned our Best Overall award for its top-tier mowing experience, fair price point, and notable upgrades. Like earlier iterations we’ve tested, it offers excellent cutting capability and power, plus an upgraded self-propel system and a specialized multi-blade deck. It also features TouchDrive, a speed adjustment dial that sits in the center of the console with activation switches in the palm part of the hand grip. 

In our tests, TouchDrive was one of our favorite features. Whether we were on hills or flat ground, this feature made it incredibly easy to adjust the drive speed without stopping to adjust a poorly positioned lever or dial. While an automatic pace-matching drive would be ideal, this setup worked quite well. We also really liked the specialized dual-blade kit, which lets you change out the bottom blade to match the conditions and your intent. The mulching blade comes preinstalled, but there’s also a high-lift bagging blade and an extended-run blade that are easy enough to swap in as needs change over the mowing season. 

What our tester says: “I’ve tested several generations of Ego Power+ lawn mowers over the years, and this is my favorite so far. It’s easy to use, delivers a quality cut, and maintains the brand’s proven track record for dependability.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Ego mulching lawn mower at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Acme Tools.

Our Ratings

Thanks to its 163cc gas-powered engine, 22-inch Vortex mowing deck, and Personal Pace drive system, the Toro Recycler gas lawn mower delivered consistently excellent cutting results in our tests. But gas mower fans will find a lot to appreciate beyond cut quality alone. It also starts on the first pull every time (no choking or fuel lever adjustments required), it’s engineered to never need an oil change (just check the level periodically and top it off as needed), and it comes at a very reasonable price. 

Still, we think the cut quality is this machine’s real highlight, as its results were consistently clean regardless of walking speed, grass thickness, or whether we were mulching or bagging. It also ran more smoothly and quietly than many of the gas mowers we’ve tested. The only feature we didn’t love was the deck height system, which is a bit time-consuming since you have to adjust each wheel individually. Realistically, though, this likely won’t be an issue as most users will set it and forget it.

Get the Toro mulching lawn mower at Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, or Acme Tools.

Our Ratings

With its thoughtful design and refined feature set, the Stihl RMA 448 was an easy choice for our Upgrade Pick. In our tests, the first thing that stood out was its “mono-comfort handlebar” (new to the American market), which looks a little odd but makes it incredibly easy to access the grass catcher, mulch plug, and height adjustment. That single-point height adjustment is also among the smoothest we’ve used—raising the deck and locking it in place required minimal effort. Even the hard-sided grass catcher was impressive, despite seeming a bit bulky at first glance. In use, it both reduced dust exposure during operation and was easier to clean than soft-sided versions. Add in 4-in-1 clipping management (mulch, bag, side discharge, and rear discharge) and intuitive, well-placed controls, and this mower was genuinely pleasant to use.

The RMA 448’s performance matched its design. The multi-blade cutting system delivered excellent cut quality across everything from well-kept turf to weeds up to 24 inches tall (with no stringy clippings left behind). And those results were in eco mode no less, which helped extend battery life beyond Stihl’s own claims of 75 minutes per charge while also automatically boosting power when resistance increases. The self-propel system handled slopes and wet grass well, even though the lowest speed setting felt a little slow. Yes, it costs more than comparable battery mowers, but the cut quality, battery performance, and build quality are worth it. 

Get the Stihl mulching lawn mower at Ace Hardware, Acme Tools, or Stihl. 

Our Ratings

This 80-volt push mower from Greenworks earned its place as our favorite push mower for a whole host of reasons, chief among them its high-quality build, excellent cutting performance, and competitive price. In terms of build, the heavy-duty 21-inch steel deck is durable enough to handle rougher terrain, and the brushless motor provides twice as much torque as a standard motor. This model also features the brand’s SmartCut sensor, which automatically boosts power when encountering thick, tall, or wet grass; a single-lever height adjustment that moves all four wheels simultaneously across seven positions; and EZ Fold handles that let you store it vertically.

However, this is a push mower, and its almost 63 pounds require more muscle to move than self-propelled options, especially on slopes or across larger properties. Still, the included 80-volt 4.0Ah battery provides plenty of runtime for our ⅓-acre yard (it can handle up to a half acre or 38 minutes per charge), the 4-in-1 disposal system (mulching, bagging, side discharge, and Turbo Leaf Pickup mode) covers just about any mowing situation, and LED headlights make early morning or evening mowing safer and easier. For those with relatively flat properties seeking a powerful, low-maintenance machine, it delivers on every front. 

Read our full review: Greenworks 80V 21″ Cordless 4-in-1 Push Lawn Mower

What our tester says: “After having not used a push mower for years, I was surprised how much I liked this one. Even though it requires a little more physical effort to maneuver, it also felt easier to control and a bit smoother than many self-propelled models I’ve tested.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Greenworks mulching lawn mower at Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, Best Buy, or Greenworks.

Our Ratings

With an 80-volt 5Ah battery that offers up to 60 minutes of runtime per charge (plus dual ports if you want to pick up a second battery), Bad Boy’s 21-inch mulching mower is an ideal model for 1- to 2-acre properties. The powerful self-propelled drive maintains a consistent 2,800 to 3,200 RPM blade speed regardless of conditions, and the 3-in-1 clipping system (mulching, bagging, and side discharge) lets you adjust your approach over the season. It also features a Smart Cut sensor to push more power to the blades in thick, tall, or wet grass so it never gets bogged down. 

In terms of downsides, the main one is weight. At 90 pounds, this model is heavier than most battery-powered mowers, and while the rear-wheel drive system is great on slopes and uneven terrain, it only engages when you’re going forward, so you’ll need to use a little effort to pull its weight back in tight spaces. That said, it produces fine clippings when mulching, the 1.7-bushel grass bag holds a substantial amount when bagging, and the ergonomic handle allows single-handed operation no matter which disposal method you use. 

Get the Bad Boy mulching lawn mower at Tractor Supply Co.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Mulching Lawn Mowers

To build this list, we started by researching over two dozen lawn mowers that mulch, narrowing our focus to models with enough power to handle the extra demands of mulching (at least 140cc for gas lawn mowers and 40 volts for battery-powered ones). Deck and lawn mower mulching blade design are equally important, so we prioritized machines explicitly built for mulching, including those with multiple blades. We also favored models that offer side-discharge and bagging options, since most homeowners don’t mulch every time they mow.

From there, we put each lawn mower mulcher through its paces in our own yards, evaluating mulching performance, cut quality, and ease of use across multiple cutting heights. We noted clumping, uneven clipping distribution, and any lines left behind; assessed how easy each model was to push, maneuver, adjust, and store; and rated them on noise and the effectiveness of any additional features. Only the models that performed well across all of those criteria made our final list. 

Our Testing Scores

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. 

Types of Mulching Mowers

• 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: A self-propelled mulching lawn mower looks similar to a push mower, but it has a belt that runs from the blade’s driveshaft to the wheels to power forward movement. Controls located on the handlebar allow the operator to modulate the speed of the wheels. 
• Riding: A mulching riding mower has a seat for the operator and a steering wheel that allows them to steer the mower. Riding models are available as zero-turn mulching mowers or tractor varieties. They come equipped with larger 12- to 24-horsepower engines to power the drive wheels and the mowing deck. 

Deck Size 

The mowing deck houses the blade or blades that cut the grass. Lawn mower and mulcher decks vary in size from the 20-inch versions found on many push lawn mowers to the large 46-inch ones on riding mowers. 

The size of the yard determines what size deck is appropriate. A 20-inch deck is suitable for small to medium-sized yards of about ½ acre. Larger yards of up to ¾ acre require a mower with a deck of at least 22 inches. Lawns greater than ¾ acre would benefit from a riding mower that has a deck that is 28 inches or wider. 

Mulching Capability (Deck and Blade Design)

The deck houses either single or double blades, depending on its size. Unlike standard decks, dedicated mulching decks are shaped to keep clippings circulating longer, giving the blade(s) more opportunity to cut them into finer pieces before they fall back into the yard. 

The blades themselves are also curved differently from standard blades to generate more lift and keep clippings airborne through multiple passes. This matters because finer clippings break down faster, return nutrients to the soil more effectively, and are far less likely to clump or smother the grass beneath them.

Power Source

Mulching mowing machines come with three different power source options: gas, electric, and battery-powered. A gas mulching lawn mower will have an engine that ranges 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 lawn mower that mulches grass should be equipped with a 140cc engine to produce the power needed to cut clippings into smaller pieces. 

Electric mower mulching models 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 ¼ 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. A battery or electric mulching mower will be easier to start but won’t produce the same amount of power as gas-powered lawn mowers. 

Bagging and Side Discharge Options

While mulching is the most efficient way to manage clippings, a good mulching mower will likely offer other disposal options for times when mulching isn’t ideal, including bagging and side discharge. Bagging collects clippings in an attached grass catcher, which is useful when grass is too long or wet to mulch (overly long clippings don’t break down as quickly and can mat on the lawn’s surface). Side discharge expels clippings out the side of the deck, allowing you to cover a lot of ground quickly, especially in overgrown areas or rough patches. Many mowers make it easy to switch between modes with a simple lever or plug. 

Some mulching mowers are also designed to do double duty in the fall, including the Greenworks 80V 21″ Cordless 4-in-1 Push Lawn Mower on this list. It features a rear-discharge option the brand calls Turbo Leaf Pickup, that lets you mulch leaves into fine pieces that decompose to add nutrients rather than needing to be raked and bagged.

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 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, and some 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 lawn mower with mulcher blades, 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 through grass clippings, which help feed it.  

Q. Should the clippings be mulched every time the lawn is mowed? 

Yes, most of the time, mulching when mowing is the best option as it returns nutrients to your lawn and doesn’t create yard waste. However, consider bagging when the grass is tall or covered in leaves. 

Q. Do you need special mowing blades to mulch grass?

No, you do not strictly need special blades, but they deliver the best results. Standard blades can mulch grass if you install a mulch plug to close the discharge chute. However, a mower with a mulching blade (or 3-in-1 blade) features a more curved design and a longer cutting edge. This shape recirculates the clippings under the deck, cutting them multiple times into a fine, natural fertilizer rather than just lifting them out for bagging. 

Q. Will a mulching mower put decorative strips on my lawn like on TV?

No, a mulching mower alone won’t make the decorative lawn stripes you see on TV. Striping comes from bending grass blades in different directions so they reflect light differently, which typically requires attaching a striping lawn roller to your mower.  

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 them and how well you maintain them.

Q. Does mulching cause thatch?

No, contrary to popular belief, mulching a lawn does not contribute to additional thatch.

Meet the Tester

Michelle Larson still remembers the smell of her dad’s shoes after he mowed the lawn when she was a kid: half grass, half gas. Now that she’s taken over the task for herself, her goal is to find mowers that are easy to use and built to last. When she’s not in her yard, you can find her working with words or playing with weights. 

Additional research provided by Tony Carrick.

 

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