Are you getting tired of the spike in the popularity of electric lawn mowers? Sick of cords and batteries holding you back? Are you wanting to go back to basics? Need a lawn mower that is guaranteed to give your grass a crisp cut?
Look no further than our list of the top ten best gas lawn mowers on the market!
Contents
What Types of Gas Lawn Mowers Can I Choose From?
There are actually a good number of different types of lawn mowers on the market. From the most standard models of push-mowers to grass-cutters straight from the future, there’s no shortage of means to get your unwanted grass taken care of. However, not all of them are gas lawn mowers; in fact, a large chunk of them are electric lawn mowers! In the realm of amazing grass-cutting machines, there are approximately three types of lawn mowers that can be powered by gasoline.
They are as follows: riding lawn mowers, push-mowers, and self-propelled lawn mowers.
Riding lawn mowers are pretty self-explanatory. They are lawn mowers that come with cushioned seats and steering wheels. This is a particularly popular model for people, as it takes the walking and pushing of lawn mowing and allows them to sit for the duration of the cutting job. However, as convenient as these babies are, they tend to be incredibly expensive when compared to push-mowers and self-propelled lawn mowers.
A casual disclaimer, folks: there won’t be any riding lawn mowers on this list. There’s so much about them that they honestly deserve a list all of their own!
Push-mowers, like riding lawn mowers, are incredibly simplistic in nature. You pull a drawstring and the mower starts. Depending on what kind of push-mower you are using, you’ll sometimes get to mow when pushing forwards and backwards. If you use a reel mower, however, you can only move forward. These bad-boys are very affordable, but keep in mind they don’t have as much power as some lawn mowers.
Self-propelled lawn mowers, on the other hand, are able to move themselves. They are built in a similar way as push-mowers, though they come with a special switch that allows you to alternate between pushing and self-propelling. Basically, these mowers are awesome for those of you who are prone to getting stiff backs. But keep in mind that they are a bit more expensive than push-mowers.
Gas Lawn Mowers Vs Electric Lawn Mowers
By this point, you might be wondering if purchasing a gas lawn mower is better than an electric lawn mower. To that wonder, we can only provide you a realistic but disappointing answer. The truth of the matter is that they’re both very good in their own rights. Whichever one is better depends completely on the eye of the beholder.
In other words, it’s up to your personal preference.
If you aren’t totally sure of which you choose, we can help you with that!
For starters, gas lawn mowers tend to be more powerful than electric lawn mowers. Because they aren’t tied down by cords or batteries, they can operate for prolonged periods of time as well as far off lengths. Batteries in cordless electric lawn mowers tend to last anywhere from twenty minutes to one hour before they need to be charged. Gasoline, like what you’d come to expect in cars, has the potential to last for a very long time without having to worry about filling up your tank; however, it should be noted that this typically depends on the size of your tank.
Electric mowers, on the other hand, are usually sought out after by those who value the condition of the environment. While gas-powered mowers have a lot of strength behind them, some models tend to spurt out nasty fumes that can really put a damper on the ozone layer. Electric lawn mowers don’t ever have that problem, as they steer clear of gasoline and oil. So these mowers are good for those who want to maintain an eco-friendly living!
TOP 10 Best Gas Lawn Mowers
Comparison Chart
Product |
Our Rating |
Type |
Power |
Cutting Width |
Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Husqvarna 7021P |
#1 Editor Choice |
Push-Mower |
160cc |
21 IN. |
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Lawn-Boy 17734 |
#2 |
Self-Propelled Mower |
149cc |
21 IN. |
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Honda HRR216K9VKA |
#3 |
Self-Propelled Mower |
160cc |
22 IN. |
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Husqvarna HU800AWDH |
#4 |
Self-Propelled Mower |
190cc |
22 IN. |
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Honda HRX217K5VKA |
#5 |
Self-Propelled Mower |
187cc |
21 IN. |
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Honda HRR216VLA |
#6 |
Self-Propelled Mower |
160cc |
21 IN. |
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Snapper CRP218520 |
#7 |
Self-Propelled Mower |
190cc |
21 IN. |
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PowerSmart DB8621P |
#8 |
Push-Mower |
159cc |
21 IN. |
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Honda HRS216VKA |
#9 |
Self-Propelled Mower |
160cc |
21 IN. |
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PowerSmart DB8620 |
#10 |
Self-Propelled Mower |
196cc |
20 IN. |
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TOP 10 Best Gas Lawn Mowers
Reviews
1 Husqvarna 7021P
Who here is really surprised that a Husqvarna lawn mower made this list today? We’d wager not many of you, considering that this brand is known for making top-of-the-line gas mowers. The Husqvarna 7021P is no exception, ladies and gentlemen. With its 160cc engine, it puts up quite a fight when compared to the self-propelled mowers on this list.
With this mower’s handy-dandy EasyStart system, starting up your gas mower is a complete no-brainer. All you do is push the switch on and pull the cord. With simple pull-strings, sometimes start-up isn’t promised. Unlike most motorized lawn mowers, your start-up is guaranteed each time with this system.
Can’t go wrong with that convenience, right?
PROS
– Lightweight
– Very well-made
– EasyStart making starting the mower simple
– Powerful engine
CONS
– A bit pricier than most push-mowers
– Struggles with tall grass
2 Lawn-Boy 17734
One of the cheap lawn mowers of our list, the Lawn-Boy 17734 is an extremely impressive piece of machinery. Despite it being just as much of a gas mower as the rest of the entrants on this list, this bad-boy never needs to have its oil changed. No, we’re not kidding with you, folks! Thanks to the efficient engineering of this beautiful lawn mower, you never have to change oil–even after numerous cutting jobs!
So what’s the catch, you ask? Why is this lovely gas mower only number two on this list and not number one? Well, for one, the Lawn-Boy 17734 isn’t the safest choice for the environment, as it spurts out noxious fumes at times. To be fair, most gas-mowers do this anyway. However, this one does it at a more frequent pace.
Secondly, the engine in this lawn mower isn’t as powerful as the other choices on this list.
This isn’t necessarily a giant problem or anything, but it can make your cutting jobs last a bit longer than they need to.
PROS
– Affordable
– Self-propelled
– Never needs an oil change
– Start-up is easy
CONS
– Not eco-friendly
– Engine isn’t as strong as other models
3 Honda HRR216K9VKA
One of the most dominant brands on the market, Honda doesn’t disappoint by bringing us their best gas mower to date; the HRR216K9VKA. Aside from it being self-propelled, this mulching mower can clean house better than a bagging lawn mower can. Now, we understand that everyone has their preferences when it comes to mulching and bagging. Some prefer one over the other, and that’s totally okay! But we can’t forget one lingering fact when it comes to this argument; mulching grass is better for the environment than bagging is.
Never forget this!
PROS
– Exceptionally good at mulching
– Engine is powerful
– Self-propelled
CONS
– Expensive
4 Husqvarna HU800AWDH
The Husqvarna HU800AWDH has the second strongest engine of the grass-cutters mentioned on our top ten list of the best gas lawn mowers on the market. This baby is a packing a 190cc engine in comparison to the PowerSmart DB8620 (which will be mentioned later on this list)’s 196cc engine. Difference aside, that’s not too terribly much of a decrease in power. 190cc is still more than enough power needed to cut your grass!
The Husqvarna HU800AWDH can also mulch grass like nobody’s business. No clogs, no shut downs–just straight up mulch and go! Not to mention that this bad-boy can tackle hills with little to no trouble at all. That would come in handy for those of you living out in the mountains or countryside!
PROS
– Choice between a Briggs & Stratton engine or a Honda engine
– Good for hills
– Ultra strong engine
– Exceptionally good at mulching
– Start-up is easy, Self-propelled
CONS
– Expensive
– Some users report a sticky blade
5 Husqvarna HU800AWDH
Lawn Mower with Clip Director and MicroCut Blades 660250″ width=”400″ height=”400″ title=”Honda HRX217K5VKA 187cc Gas 21 in. 4-in-1 Versamow System Lawn Mower with Clip Director and MicroCut Blades 660250″ src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Y9UIke%2B0L._SL400_.jpg” style=”width: 100%;”>
The Honda HRX217K5VKA is another rear-wheel self-propelled lawn mower worth talking about with your neighbors and co-workers. Thanks to its fancy system, controlling your gas lawn mower is as simple as one, to, three. Why do we say this? Because you don’t have to control the drive system with a bar.
No no, you get a thumb lever instead!
Before you ask, yes.
It is as easy to use as it sounds!
PROS
– Self-propelled
– Very strong engine
– Sharp blades
– Can handle very tough grass
CONS
– Expensive
– Heavyweight
6 Honda HRR216VLA
The Honda HRR216VLA is another impressive model representing Honda mowers. Like the other self-propelled bad-boys to grace our list, this gas lawn mower makes mowing fun and easy. Adding on to this is the electric start, which allows you to start-up with a simple key turn. Yessir, who needs those other mowers that force you to pull strings when this baby’s electric start is all you need?
Well, there are two things weighing the Honda HRR216VLA down. One is its weight (get it? Weigh down?). This gas lawn mower is nearly 100 lbs, which is crazy for a non-riding lawn mower. Secondly is the price, which can certainly be justified by both the weight and the fact it’s self-propelled. But you know, sometimes we like economically friendly options!
PROS
– Self-propelled, Good for hills
– Exceptionally good at mulching
– Self-propelled
– Fairly quiet for a gas lawn mower
– Very powerful engine
CONS
– Expensive
– Heavyweight
7 Snapper CRP218520
The Snapper CRP218520 is the only gas lawn mower on this list to be specifically designed for commercial use. Of course, don’t let this keep you from purchasing this lovely mower. It’s got all the power and finesse needed to tackle the roughest of lawns while still looking good in the process. If you can get past the price and heavyweight, we’d say it’s easily one of the prime ideas to take home on this list!
PROS
– Exceptionally good at mulching
– Great for personal and commercial use
– Electric start makes start-up a snap
CONS
– Expensive
– Heavyweight
8 PowerSmart DB8621P
Another proud representative of the gas-powered push-mowers on this list, the PowerSmart DB8621P is a cheap lawn mower that performs with the grace of a high-dollar luxury mower. While its 159cc engine might not be the absolute strongest on our top ten list of best gas lawn mowers, it’s still very powerful for a push-mower, which is often considerably weaker than self-propelled lawn mowers. After all, it’s just barely weaker than the Husqvarna 7021P (one point, as a matter of fact!). That’s barely a difference!
The sad downside to this grass-cutter is that it’s not a very efficient bagging lawn mower. The bag on it is fairly small when compared to the other gas lawn mowers on this list. This can certainly be managed, depending on your preferences. But you might find yourself emptying the bag pretty frequently.
PROS
– Inexpensive
– Lightweight
– Start-up is easy
– Strong engine
CONS
– Has a rather small bag
9 Honda HRS216VKA
The final Honda mower to appear on our top ten list of the best gas lawn mowers on the market, the HRS216VKA is a good option for those of you who have a particularly hilly yard. Not only does this baby have good traction control, it also is self-propelled. This means that you won’t have to worry about throwing out your back when you mow those pesky slopes of yours. Talk about a lifesaver, right?!
It’s also got a very nifty three-year warranty on it.
Something to keep in mind when making your final purchase!
PROS
– Good for hills
– Self-propelled
– Strong engine
– Three-year warranty
CONS
– Expensive
10 PowerSmart DB8620
The PowerSmart DB8620 is a stalwart rear-wheel contender on our list of bests. Despite being made mostly out of plastic instead of metal, this self-propelled mower makes the other mowers green with envy with its ultra-powerful engine. At nearly 200cc, we find ourselves surprised by how light this lawn mower is. You heard that right; this baby is light enough for shorter, more petite homeowners to lift!
That’s insane, considering the engine strength!
What’s even crazier is the fact that this is one of the cheap lawn mowers on this list. Self-propelled lawn mowers are usually very expensive when compared to their push-mower counterparts. Not this baby, though! This self-propelled mower is within the same price range as a lot of push-mowers. With that good of a deal, why would you want to make things more complicated by getting a non self-propelling grass cutter?
PROS
– Affordable
– Engine is super powerful
– Very light
– Self-propelled, Start-up is easy
CONS
– Not very eco-friendly
– Made of plastic materials
Concluding Thoughts
Gas lawn mowers are extremely handy for those who want the most efficient cut to their lawn. There’s nothing wrong with the electric lawn mowers on the market, but sometimes they don’t provide nearly enough power. Lawn mowers that are powered by gasoline can not only promise a perfect cut, but they can do so in much shorter time that electric grass-cutters. Sometimes ecological worries aren’t enough to steer us into Team Green.
With our top ten list of the best gas lawn mowers on the market, we’ve provided you the means to happily shop for the ideal grass-cutter for your yard. From Hondas to Powersmarts, we’ve got your back during this gruelling process. We hope you exit this page with the feeling that you’ve made a great decision in the future of your home’s preservation. Also your lawn’s; that’s the real star here!

Sarah Eberle qualified and became a member of the Landscape Institute in 1980. Over the last 26 years she has practised landscape architecture and garden design, running her own business in Devon.
During the 1990s, Sarah joined Hillier Landscapes as Design Director, where she is still a shareholder but also runs her own practice in Hampshire.
Sarah has an esteemed record in RHS shows, having won eight Gold medals, Best in Show and the George Cook award for innovation twice at Hampton Court. Sarah has also exhibited at Tatton Park and BBC Gardeners’ World Live.