Are Petrol or Electric Lawnmowers Better​?

March 13, 2025 | Nate Cord

To put it simply, whether or not petrol or electric lawnmowers are better will depend on a number of personal factors, such as your lawn size, convenience and how much power you require. You might also want to consider their environmental impact if that’s an important factor to you.

For example, while petrol lawnmowers are popular for their strength and ability to tackle large lawns with a perhaps tougher terrain, electric models offer a quieter, more eco-friendly, and low-maintenance alternative.

There are pros and cons of both, and we are here to help you decide which one best suits your individual needs, because, let’s be honest, with so many on the market it’s a bit confusing trying to figure out which one is truly the best choice.

First things first…

What Are Electric Lawnmowers?

Electric lawnmowers are a type of mower run on electric motors rather than fuel, and they come in two main varieties: corded and cordless (battery-powered).

• Corded electric lawnmowers must be plugged into an electrical outlet via an extension cord to allow a continuous power supply.
• Cordless (battery-powered) electric lawnmowers on the other hand are solely powered by rechargeable batteries, which provide mobility without the restriction of a cord. The only downside is the battery life – like all things electric, they will stop once the battery dies.

Shop our range of electric lawnmowers here.

What Are Petrol Lawnmowers?

Petrol lawnmowers on the other hand, are, you guessed it, lawnmowers that use petrol as fuel to power their engines.

This type of lawnmower comes in various types, but they are mainly categorised based on their starting mechanisms – recoil lawnmowers and electric start lawnmowers.

• Recoil lawnmowers use a recoil starter mechanism to start the engine. The primary feature of this type of mower is the pull cord, which, when pulled, engages the engine and starts the mower. Browse our wide range of quality recoil lawnmowers here.
• Electric start petrol lawnmowers are equipped with an electric starter motor and a battery, whereby the user simply presses a button or turns a key.

For more information on the different types of lawnmowers, check out our lawnmower buying guide.

Are Petrol or Electric Lawnmowers Better​?

The best way to determine whether a petrol or electric lawnmower is right for you is to look at the pros and cons of both. Whether you prioritise performance for tougher terrain or prefer an eco-friendly, low-maintenance option, understanding these features will help you choose the perfect mower for your garden.

Let’s get into it…

Pros of Petrol Lawnmowers

• High power output – The most significant advantage of choosing a petrol lawnmower is their high power output, making them ideal for large gardens and tougher mowing conditions.
• They can handle tough, uneven terrain – Their powerful engines can cut through thick, overgrown grass with ease, which just wouldn’t be as clean if you were to use a lower-powered electric model on this type of lawn. Their robust construction and larger wheels also make them much better suited for rough or uneven terrains, such as sloped gardens or bumpy ground.
• No cords of battery limits – Another reason why many people choose petrol lawnmowers is due to their unlimited run time. Unlike corded electric models that are restricted by cable length or cordless versions that rely on battery life, a petrol mower will run as long as you have fuel available. This makes them ideal for extended mowing sessions without interruptions.

Cons of Petrol Lawnmowers

• They are often the noisier alternative – Petrol lawnmowers tend to be significantly louder than electric models due to their combustion engines. The noise level can be disruptive, especially in residential areas, and prolonged exposure may require hearing protection.
• They produce emissions – One of the biggest drawbacks of using a petrol lawnmower is the fact that they produce carbon emissions, contributing to air pollution and making them less environmentally friendly compared to electric alternatives. If you’re focused on making environmentally friendly choices, this might be a big deciding factor for you.
• They are heavier – As they have powerful engines and a sturdy construction, users find that petrol lawnmowers are typically heavier and therefore harder to manoeuvre than electric models. And while yes, self-propelled options help reduce the effort required, they still do require more strength to handle compared to lightweight electric alternatives.

Browse our range of petrol lawnmowers, here.

Pros of Electric Lawnmowers

• They produce zero emissions – Unlike the above, electric mowers produce zero direct emissions, making them a much more environmentally friendly option. Another benefit of this is that they operate at a much lower noise level, making them absolutely ideal for residential areas where noise pollution might be a concern.
• They are pretty low maintenance – As electric lawnmowers don’t require oil changes, fuel refills or air filter cleaning like their petrol counterparts, they are considered pretty low maintenance. The only basic upkeep needed is cleaning the blades, checking for debris buildup, and every so often needing to sharpen the cutting edges.
• Easy start & lighter – Electric mowers start instantly with the push of a button, which makes them super convenient, especially for people who may struggle with pulling cords. What’s more, as electric mowers are generally lighter, they’re much easier to maneuver.

Cons of Electric Lawnmowers

• They may struggle with thick/wet grass and uneven terrain – whether you opt for corded or battery-powered electric mowers, they’ll generally have less cutting power compared to petrol models. For this reason, you might find yourself struggling when it comes to cutting thick or wet overgrown grass, as the motor may not generate enough torque to cut efficiently. The same goes for uneven terrain.
• Corded mowers might be restrictive & battery models have limited runtime – Corded electric mowers require a constant power supply, so you need to stay within reach of an electrical outlet, and battery-powered mowers provide more freedom but come with limited runtime, typically ranging from 30 to 60 minutes per charge.

Quiet, sustainable and easy to use, our electric lawnmowers here at Generators Direct offer hassle-free operation and reliable cutting performance.

So, which type is better?

In conclusion, no type of lawnmower is better than the other, as it all boils down to your personal preference and circumstances. When taking all of the above points into consideration, generally speaking, small to medium-sized lawns would benefit most from (corded or cordless) electric lawnmowers due to better ease of use.

For lawns on the larger side or with tough terrain, we would generally recommend petrol due to its power and unlimited runtime.

And if the environment is a large deciding factor for you, electric wins since it produces no emissions.

Looking for a Quality Petrol or Electric Lawnmower?

If you’re looking for a premium lawnmower, whatever the type, we at Generators Direct can help! We offer a range of petrol, electric and battery lawnmowers from a range of top-rated brands.

All of our products are manufactured, tested and certified to industry standards, and come with a price promise – you won’t find prices cheaper anywhere on the web, but if you do, we’ll match them. In addition to this, all orders come with free mainland UK shipping and after sales support from our experts.

If you require additional advice or have a question for our team, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us using this form or via phone at +441639849847.