Gas Vs Electric Lawn Mower: Which Is Best For Your Yard?

Choosing a lawn mower seems like a simple and straightforward task, but then comes the age-old debate: gas or electric? However, just like most things in life, when it comes to lawn mowers, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Picking a lawn mower for your yard is not just a question of how well it slices through the grass. Your choice is going to impact long-term costs of maintaining the equipment, neighborhood noise, and even the air you breathe. Nevertheless, arguably one of the most critical factors when choosing a mower for your lawn is its size. If the size of your yard is under 1/2 acre, go with an electric mower. 

You can start by measuring the square footage of your lawn and taking note of obstacles and slopes — this information will come in handy later. You can choose between cordless or corded lawn mowers based on your preference. For yards between 1/2 and 2 acres, an electric mower is still a good option, but look for models that have swappable battery packs. Corded lawn mowers are usually not a good option for these yard sizes. However, for yards larger than 2 acres, go for a gas mower or battery ride-on equipment. In most cases, gas mowers are almost always a better option on larger yards because they offer longer run times and support faster refueling.

The terrain of your yard also matters a lot when choosing a mower. If you have depressions in your yard, for instance, you will need something that can push through with force, especially on slopes. Gas mowers do better in such situations because they run longer and can easily push through obstacles. Electric mowers have improved over the years, but ride-on electric mowers are still quite expensive. Another thing you want to consider is the running and maintenance cost. Electricity is cheap in most places, and even charging your mower daily will only add a few dollars to your bill. Also, they have fewer parts compared to gas mowers. 

It means fewer parts that can go bad, and that also reduces their running cost. Gas mowers, on the other hand, need routine engine care: oil changes, spark plugs, air filters, etc. They only make sense if you mow large areas with rugged terrain and mow them frequently. For small backyard landscaping maintenance, electric mowers often come out on top with low drama, low cost, and high reward. And last but not least, when picking a mower for your yard, you have to consider whether you hate your neighbors or not. 

Electric mowers are quieter, and they produce no on-site exhaust. On the other hand, gas mowers make more sense for rural areas and larger properties where their noise might go unnoticed and their smoke won't end up fuming the entire neighborhood. In short, match the mower to your situation. Go electric if you have a small to medium yard and want low running costs and quiet operation. But if you manage larger, more demanding terrain and need longer runtime, a gas mower might make more sense.