Gas vs. Electric Lawn Mowers: Which Brand Wins?

Picture this: it’s a sunny Monday, your lawn’s looking shaggy, and you’re staring at a showroom full of gas vs. electric mowers, wondering which one won’t make you regret your life choices by next week. I’m Emma Andersen, a 41-year-old lawn mower repair shop owner from the Pacific Northwest, and after a decade fixing top lawn mower brands, I’ve seen it all. From gas-powered beasts that sound like a rock concert to sleek battery models that hum quietly enough to keep your neighbors happy, the choice between gas and electric mowers is no small decision. I once had a customer roll into my shop with a gas mower so loud it rattled my toolbox, swearing he’d never switch to electric—until I showed him a battery-powered model that cut his lawn just as well without the earplugs. Not sure where to start? Read our guide on types of lawn mowers for a full breakdown. Whether you’re weighing power, environmental impact, cost, or maintenance, I’m here to break it down with the kind of practical advice you’d get chatting over coffee in my workshop. Let’s dive into the gas vs. electric showdown, with specific brand examples to help you pick a winner for your yard.

Power: Which Mower Packs the Punch?

When it comes to raw cutting power, gas mowers have long been the kings of the lawn. They’re built to tackle thick grass, stubborn weeds, and uneven terrain without breaking a sweat. Take the Honda HRX217VKA, for example—its GCV200 engine delivers 200cc of muscle, slicing through overgrown patches like a hot knife through butter. I’ve seen this model power through a client’s neglected half-acre yard that looked more like a jungle than a lawn. Similarly, Toro’s Recycler 21466 with its 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine is a reliable workhorse, especially for larger yards or ones with tough conditions like wet grass or slopes. Gas mowers shine when you need relentless torque, and brands like Craftsman (think the M250 with a 160cc engine) hold their own for mid-sized lawns with dense grass.

But don’t count electric mowers out—they’ve come a long way. Battery-powered models, in particular, have stepped up their game. The EGO Power+ LM2156SP, with its 56V ARC Lithium battery, delivers torque that rivals many gas mowers, cutting cleanly through most suburban lawns under an acre. I had a customer last summer who swore her small, weedy yard needed a gas mower—until she tried the EGO and was shocked at how it handled her overgrown patches without stalling. Ryobi’s 40V HP Brushless RY401140US is another standout, with a brushless motor that maximizes power efficiency, making it ideal for quarter-acre lawns with moderate challenges. Corded electric mowers, like the Greenworks 12 Amp 20-Inch, are no slouches either, offering consistent power for small, flat yards—though you’ll be dancing around that cord like it’s an obstacle course.

The catch with electrics? They can struggle with super-thick grass or large, uneven yards where gas mowers thrive. Corded models are limited by their reach (usually 100 feet with a good extension cord), and battery mowers depend on charge time—most last 30-60 minutes, depending on the amp-hour (Ah) rating. For instance, the DeWalt 2x20V MAX DCMWP234U2 offers about 45 minutes of runtime, plenty for a small lawn but not enough for a sprawling one. If your yard’s a beast, gas is still king, but for most homeowners, electric models are more than up to the task.

Winner: Gas for brute force on tough or large lawns (Honda and Toro lead the pack). Electric for most home yards, with EGO and Ryobi stealing the show for battery power and Greenworks for corded reliability.

Environmental Impact: Cutting Grass, Not Corners on the Planet

If you’re trying to keep your lawn green and the planet greener, electric mowers are the obvious choice. Battery-powered models like the Makita XML08PT run on 36V lithium-ion batteries, producing zero emissions while you mow. Corded electrics, such as the Sun Joe MJ401E, are even cleaner since they draw power directly from the grid—especially if your area leans on renewable energy sources like solar or wind. Compare that to gas mowers, which burn fossil fuels, emit exhaust, and require oil changes that can lead to spills if you’re not careful. I’ve cleaned up enough oil messes in my shop to know that’s a hassle you don’t need.

That said, gas mower brands are making strides. Honda’s GCV170 engine, found in models like the HRC216HDA, is designed to burn cleaner with better fuel efficiency, reducing emissions compared to older models. Toro has also introduced low-emission engines in its Super Recycler line, like the 21387, which cuts down on fumes while maintaining power. Still, even the greenest gas mower can’t match an electric’s near-zero environmental footprint during use.

There’s a nuance to consider, though: battery production for electric mowers isn’t perfect. Mining lithium and cobalt for batteries has an environmental cost, and disposing of old batteries requires proper recycling to avoid harm. But day-to-day? Electric mowers are kinder to the air you breathe and the quiet your neighbors crave. I once had a client who switched to a DeWalt 2x20V MAX because his eco-conscious teenager kept nagging him about emissions—now they both love the quiet, clean cut.

Winner: Electric mowers, no contest (Makita and DeWalt for battery; Sun Joe and Greenworks for corded). Gas trails behind, but Honda and Toro are improving.

Cost: Upfront Price vs. Long-Term Wallet Drain

Let’s talk dollars and sense, because mowers hit your wallet in more ways than one. Gas mowers tend to have a higher upfront cost for quality models. A solid entry-level gas mower, like the Troy-Bilt TB110 with a 140cc engine, starts around $250, while premium options like the Honda HRX217HYA can run $600-$800. Then come the ongoing costs: fuel (about $2-$3 per gallon, depending on your area), oil changes ($10-$20 per season), spark plugs ($5-$10 yearly), and air filters ($10-$15 annually). If you mow weekly during a 20-week season, expect to spend $50-$100 a year on maintenance and fuel. Skip that upkeep, and you’re looking at repair bills—trust me, I’ve seen carburetors so gummed up with old gas they cost $200 to fix.

Electric mowers vary widely. Corded models are the budget champs: the Greenworks 12 Amp 20-Inch retails for $150-$200, and the Sun Joe MJ401E can be snagged for as low as $120. Battery-powered mowers start higher—Ryobi’s 20-Inch 40V RY401110 runs about $250, while premium models like the EGO Power+ LM2156SP or Makita XML08PT hit $400-$600. The hidden cost with battery mowers is the battery itself. A replacement for a 40V Ryobi battery might cost $100-$150 every 3-5 years, depending on use. Higher-capacity batteries, like EGO’s 7.5Ah, can run $200 or more. Corded mowers skip that expense but require a good extension cord ($20-$50).

Maintenance costs for electrics are lower. No fuel, no oil, no spark plugs—just a sharp blade ($20-$30 to sharpen or replace yearly) and a clean deck. I had a first-time homeowner bring me her Ryobi 40V mower, thrilled with how little upkeep it needed compared to her dad’s old gas model. She even baked me brownies as a thank-you for showing her how to pop off the blade for cleaning. Over time, electric mowers save you money unless you’re constantly replacing batteries due to poor storage habits (hint: keep them in a cool, dry place).

Winner: Corded electric for the lowest total cost (Greenworks and Sun Joe are steals). Battery-powered (Ryobi for budget, EGO for premium) and gas (Troy-Bilt for affordable, Honda for high-end) are pricier but close, depending on your needs.

Maintenance: Keeping Your Mower Happy

Here’s where my repair shop experience kicks in—I’m a stickler for maintenance because I’ve seen what happens when you’re not. Gas mowers are like high-maintenance friends: they need constant attention to perform. Here’s the rundown:

• Fuel: Use fresh gas (less than 30 days old) or add a fuel stabilizer ($5-$10 a bottle) to prevent clogs. Old gas is the number-one reason I see carburetors in my shop.
• Oil: Change it every season or after 25 hours of use ($10-$20 for oil and a filter). Skip this, and your engine’s toast.
• Spark Plugs and Air Filters: Replace yearly ($15-$25 total). A clogged filter chokes your engine; a bad plug makes starting a nightmare.
• Blade and Deck: Sharpen the blade annually ($20 at a shop or DIY with a $10 file) and scrape grass buildup from the deck to prevent rust. I’ve spent hours chiseling off grass gunk that looked like it’d been glued on for years—don’t be that person.

Brands like Honda make maintenance easier with accessible oil drains and user-friendly manuals. Toro’s Recycler series is solid but still demands the same care. Craftsman models, like the M105, are budget-friendly but can be finicky if you slack on upkeep.

Electric mowers? They’re the low-maintenance dream. Battery-powered models like EGO or Ryobi need you to:

• Store the battery properly (cool, dry, not fully discharged) to extend its life.
• Sharpen the blade yearly—same as gas.
• Clean the deck to avoid grass buildup (a putty knife works wonders).

Corded mowers, like Greenworks or Sun Joe, are even simpler—just check the cord for wear and replace it if frayed ($20-$30). I once fixed a corded mower for a client who’d “repaired” it with electrical tape—let’s just say it sparked more than enthusiasm when I plugged it in. Electric mowers save you time and headaches, especially if you’re not a fan of wrench-turning.

Winner: Electric for minimal fuss (EGO and Greenworks are my go-tos). Gas needs more TLC, with Honda being the least painful.

Brand Breakdown: Who’s Leading the Pack?

Let’s get specific—here’s how the top brands stack up in gas and electric categories, based on my decade of wrench-turning and customer feedback.

Gas Mower Brands

• Honda: The gold standard. Models like the HRX217VKA ($600-$800) offer unmatched reliability, smooth engines (GCV200), and features like variable speed control. Easy to maintain, built to last, but pricey.
• Toro: A close second. The Recycler 21466 ($400-$500) balances power (163cc engine) with user-friendly features like self-propulsion. Great for mid-sized yards, though maintenance is standard for gas.
• Troy-Bilt: Budget-friendly but solid. The TB110 ($250-$300) is a no-frills option for smaller lawns. Not as refined as Honda, but gets the job done if you keep up with upkeep.
• Craftsman: Hit-or-miss. The M250 ($400) has decent power (160cc), but cheaper parts can lead to breakdowns if neglected. Good for cost-conscious buyers who’ll maintain it.

Battery-Powered Electric Brands

• EGO Power+: Top-tier performance. The LM2156SP ($500-$600) delivers gas-like power with a 56V battery and self-propulsion. Long runtime (up to 60 minutes with a 7.5Ah battery) and durable build.
• Ryobi: Great value. The 40V HP Brushless RY401140US ($300-$400) offers strong cutting power and a budget-friendly price. Batteries are interchangeable with other Ryobi tools, a big plus.
• Makita: Quiet and efficient. The XML08PT ($500-$600) uses dual 18V batteries for up to 45 minutes of runtime. Perfect for eco-conscious folks who want a premium feel.
• DeWalt: Rugged and reliable. The 2x20V MAX DCMWP234U2 ($400-$500) is a solid mid-range option with good torque and a sturdy deck. Batteries work with other DeWalt tools.

Corded Electric Brands

• Greenworks: Affordable and reliable. The 12 Amp 20-Inch ($150-$200) is a budget star for small yards. Lightweight and low-maintenance, but the cord limits the range.
• Sun Joe: Dirt cheap but functional. The MJ401E ($120-$150) is great for tiny lawns with minimal obstacles. Simple design, minimal upkeep.

A Shop Story to Drive It Home

A few years back, a guy named Tom rolled into my shop with a Craftsman gas mower that sounded like it was auditioning for a monster truck rally. He loved its power for his quarter-acre yard but was fed up with the noise, fuel costs, and constant oil checks. I let him test a Ryobi 40V battery mower on my shop’s test patch—a scruffy mix of grass and weeds. He was skeptical until it sliced through the mess with one push of a button, no earplugs needed. Tom traded in his gas guzzler, and last I heard, he’s still raving about how quiet his lawn-mowing sessions are. That’s the moment I knew electric mowers had caught up—they’re not just for tiny lawns anymore.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (Trust Me, I’ve Seen Them All)

Over my years in the shop, I’ve seen homeowners make the same blunders. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Old Fuel in Gas Mowers: Gas older than 30 days can clog your carburetor. Use fresh fuel or a stabilizer, or you’ll be paying me to clean it out.
• Ignoring Blade Maintenance: A dull blade tears grass, leaving your lawn looking ragged. Sharpen it yearly—DIY with a $10 file or take it to a shop for $20.
• Poor Battery Storage: For battery mowers, don’t let the battery sit fully discharged or in a hot garage. Store it at partial charge in a cool, dry spot.
• Skipping Deck Cleaning: Grass buildup under the deck causes rust and reduces performance. Scrape it with a putty knife after a few mows—I’ve seen decks so caked they weighed an extra 10 pounds.
• Buying Overkill: Don’t get a gas mower for a tiny yard or a cheap corded model for a sprawling one. Match the tool to the job.

My Two Cents: Making the Right Choice

So, gas or electric? If you’ve got a big, unruly yard (half-acre or more) with thick grass or slopes, a gas mower like Honda’s HRX217 or Toro’s Recycler will serve you well—just commit to the maintenance. For most homeowners with smaller or medium-sized lawns, electric is the way to go. Battery-powered mowers like EGO’s LM2156SP or Ryobi’s 40V offer power, convenience, and quiet operation without the hassle of fuel. If you’re on a tight budget or have a tiny, flat yard, a corded Greenworks or Sun Joe is hard to beat for simplicity and price.

No matter what you choose, treat your mower right. Sharpen that blade every spring, clean the deck regularly, and store it properly—trust me, I’ve seen enough neglected mowers to know it makes a difference. A good mower is like a reliable partner: take care of it, and it’ll take care of your lawn for years. If you’re still on the fence, swing by my blog or my workshop in the Pacific Northwest—my cat, Whiskers, might even give your choice a once-over while I’m sharpening blades.

Happy mowing, and may your lawn always look like a million bucks (without costing it)!