Buying Advice · Updated May 2026
Choosing a Mower by Garden Size
Garden size is the single most important factor in choosing a mower. Get this right and everything else falls into place.
Mower recommendations by lawn size
| Lawn size | Best mower type | Deck width | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 100 m² | Corded electric or small cordless | 30-33 cm | £80-£200 |
| 100-300 m² | Cordless (18-36 V) | 33-38 cm | £150-£350 |
| 300-600 m² | Cordless (36-56 V) or petrol push | 38-43 cm | £250-£500 |
| 600-1,000 m² | Self-propelled petrol, large cordless, or robot | 43-51 cm | £400-£1,500 |
| 1,000 m²+ | Ride-on or robot mower | 76-107 cm | £800-£3,500 |
Under 100 m² - front lawns and courtyards
A corded electric is honestly the most practical choice here. You're two minutes from a power socket, the mow takes 10 minutes, and you save £100+ vs cordless. If you hate the cable, a small 18 V cordless like the Bosch CityMower does the job.
100-300 m² - the typical UK semi
This is cordless territory. A 36 V mower with a 33-38 cm deck will finish in 20-30 minutes on a single charge. The Gtech CLM 2.0 and Bosch UniversalRotak 36-550 are the sweet spot.
300-600 m² - larger detached gardens
You need at least 36 V cordless with a 40 cm+ deck, or a petrol push mower. Self-propelled becomes worth the extra at the top end of this range. The Ryobi RY18LMX40A or a Mountfield petrol are solid picks.
600-1,000 m² - country houses and large gardens
Self-propelled is essential. Either a 56 V cordless like the EGO LM2122E-SP, a self-propelled petrol, or a robot mower. This is the crossover zone - any power type works if you pick the right model.
1,000 m²+ - estates and large rural properties
Ride-on mower or a large-area robot mower. Pushing anything across 1,000+ m² weekly is not realistic long-term. See our ride-on guide or large-lawn robot guide.