Maintaining a small lawn shouldn’t require the hassle of gas, oil, or a bulky machine. Corded electric lawn mowers offer a perfect solution, providing consistent, emission-free power without the runtime limitations of batteries. They are typically lighter, quieter, and significantly easier to start and maintain than their gas-powered counterparts, making lawn care a simpler, more pleasant chore.
For those with smaller yards, the key is finding a mower that is easy to maneuver, store, and operate. The primary consideration is ensuring your mower’s cord can reach the farthest point of your lawn with a safe, heavy-duty outdoor extension cord. This roundup focuses on the best corded electric mowers that combine power, convenience, and compact design to keep your small lawn looking its best.
The Best Corded Electric Lawn Mowers for Small Yards
- BLACK+DECKER Lawn Mower, Corded, 13 Amp
- Greenworks 12 Amp 20″ Corded Lawn Mower
- BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Mower, Trimmer & Edger
- Greenworks 13 Amp 21-Inch Electric Lawn Mower
- Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO Electric Lawn Mower
- Greenworks 10 Amp 16-inch Corded Mower
- American Lawn Mower Company 14″ 11-Amp Mower
- iON16LM-HYB Hybrid Cordless or Electric Lawn Mower
- Greenworks 10 Amp 14-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower
BLACK+DECKER Lawn Mower, Corded, 13 Amp
For those who need reliable power for a small to medium-sized lawn, the BLACK+DECKER BEMW213 is a strong contender. Its 13 Amp motor provides consistent energy to handle thick grass and overgrowth without stalling. The corded design means you never have to worry about running out of battery power mid-mow, offering unlimited runtime as long as you have an outlet.
The 20-inch cutting deck is a standard size that balances coverage with maneuverability. A key feature is the winged blade, which is engineered to optimize both cutting performance and grass collection. This mower is a straightforward, effective tool for maintaining a well-kept lawn with minimal fuss.
Greenworks 12 Amp 20″ Corded Lawn Mower
The Greenworks 25022 combines power and versatility in a user-friendly package. Its 12 Amp motor and 20-inch steel deck work in tandem at 3600 RPM to cut through challenging grass with ease. The push-button start eliminates the pull-cord struggle, making it incredibly simple to begin your lawn care session.
This mower offers a 3-in-1 system, giving you the choice to mulch for lawn health, rear-bag for a clean finish, or side-discharge for longer grass. Adjusting the cut is simple with the single-lever height adjustment that controls all four wheels at once. When you’re finished, the handle folds down with a cam lock mechanism for compact storage.
BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Mower, Trimmer & Edger
If you’re short on storage space and need multiple lawn tools, the BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM is a unique all-in-one solution. This compact machine functions as a mower, a string trimmer, and an edger, eliminating the need for three separate tools. Its lightweight design, at under 10 pounds, makes it exceptionally easy to carry and use for various tasks.
It’s an ideal choice for very small lawns or yards with many tight corners and garden edges. The automatic feed spool (AFS) for the trimmer function feeds more line as needed, so you don’t have to stop and bump the unit to advance the string. This tool is all about maximizing functionality while minimizing footprint and effort.
Greenworks 13 Amp 21-Inch Electric Lawn Mower
For small lawns where you want to finish the job as quickly as possible, the Greenworks MO13B00 offers a larger 21-inch cutting deck. Powered by a robust 13 Amp motor, it covers more ground with each pass, reducing your mowing time. The durable steel deck is built to last and handle the rigors of regular use.
Like its 20-inch sibling, this model features a versatile 3-in-1 system. You can choose to mulch, bag, or side-discharge your grass clippings based on your preference and lawn conditions. This mower is an excellent balance of increased efficiency and the reliable, maintenance-free operation of a corded electric motor.
Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO Electric Lawn Mower
The Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO is a compact and practical mower designed for maximum storage convenience. Its standout feature is the collapsible handle, which allows the mower to take up significantly less space in your shed or garage. Despite its smaller 14-inch cutting path, it is driven by a powerful 13 Amp motor.
It comes with a large 10.6-gallon collection bag to reduce how often you need to stop and empty it. The cutting height is easily adjusted with a 3-position control, and the durable steel blade ensures a clean cut. This mower is a great fit for those with very limited storage who still want ample power.
Greenworks 10 Amp 16-inch Corded Mower
The Greenworks 25142 is an excellent lightweight and narrow mower for very small or intricate lawns. Its 16-inch hardened plastic deck is both durable and easy to maneuver around trees, garden beds, and other obstacles. The 10 Amp motor provides sufficient power for typical grass while keeping the overall weight manageable.
This model offers a 2-in-1 feature, allowing you to either rear-bag or mulch your clippings. Its smaller size and lighter weight make it one of the easiest mowers to push and control, which can be a significant advantage for those with physical limitations or for simply making a quick job of a postage-stamp lawn.
American Lawn Mower Company 14″ 11-Amp Mower
This mower from the American Lawn Mower Company is a straightforward, no-frills tool that gets the job done. Its 11-Amp motor is designed for high efficiency, providing gas-like power for cutting all types of grasses without the maintenance associated with gas engines. The 14-inch cutting width makes it highly maneuverable.
It’s a simple, reliable machine perfect for someone who wants the basic function of a lawn mower without extra features. If your primary needs are a clean cut and easy operation, this model from a trusted brand in manual reel mowers brings that same simplicity to the electric mower market.
iON16LM-HYB Hybrid Cordless or Electric Lawn Mower
The iON16LM-HYB offers the ultimate flexibility for small lawn care. Its unique hybrid technology allows you to choose between corded electric operation for unlimited runtime or cordless use with the included 40V lithium-ion battery for complete freedom from cords. This is ideal for lawns where an outlet is not easily accessible for every section.
You can start your mowing session cord-free and then switch to the cord for the remainder if the battery runs low. With a 16-inch cutting path and a sturdy steel blade, it provides a practical solution for those who want the convenience of cordless without the risk of being unable to finish the job.
Greenworks 10 Amp 14-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower
This compact 14-inch mower from Greenworks is designed for the smallest of lawns and tight spaces. The 10 Amp motor delivers enough power for routine mowing while the narrow cutting deck allows for excellent maneuverability around patios, flower beds, and other landscape features. Its smaller size also makes it easier to store.
As a dedicated mower, it focuses on doing one job well. It’s a simple, efficient tool for someone with a very defined mowing area who values a compact and lightweight machine. For quick clean-ups and small, flat lawns, this model provides a straightforward and effective mowing solution.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Corded Electric Lawn Mower for a Small Lawn
When I first started looking for a mower for my own small yard, I was overwhelmed by the options. But after years of testing and talking with other homeowners, I’ve learned that a few key factors make all the difference. For a small lawn, a corded electric mower is often the perfect choice. It’s lightweight, starts with the push of a button, and doesn’t require the same maintenance as a gas model. The main thing to consider is your power source, which is the cord itself. You need to be realistic about the size of your yard and the location of your outdoor outlets. A 100-foot extension cord can give you a surprising amount of reach, but you have to be mindful of not running over the cord itself.
The next big decision is the mower’s cutting width. For a compact lawn, a narrower deck, around 14 to 16 inches, is usually ideal. It makes the mower more maneuverable around tight corners, garden beds, and other obstacles. A wider deck might seem like it would get the job done faster, but it can be a hassle to store and harder to push in a small, intricate space. I also pay close attention to the mower’s weight. Since I have to lift it over a small step to get to my back yard, a lighter model is a must for me. Many modern electric mowers are made from polymer materials that are both lightweight and durable.
Another feature I always check is the cutting height adjustment. Look for a single-lever system that lets you change the height on all four wheels at once. It’s a small detail that saves a ton of time compared to adjusting each wheel individually. For small lawns that might have variable growth, this is incredibly convenient. Finally, think about the grass collection system. A good mulching feature is fantastic because it returns nutrients to the soil and eliminates the need to bag clippings. If you prefer a tidy look, a rear-bagging system is standard, but make sure the bag is easy to remove and empty. When searching for the 9 best corded electric lawn mowers for small lawns, I prioritized models that excel in these specific areas: easy storage, simple operation, and excellent maneuverability for navigating limited spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long of an extension cord do I need for a corded mower?
This is probably the most common question I get. The answer depends entirely on the size and layout of your lawn. For a truly small lawn, a 50-foot heavy-duty (14-gauge or lower) outdoor extension cord might be sufficient. However, I usually recommend a 100-foot cord for most people. This gives you plenty of slack to move around without constantly unplugging and re-plugging. The most important thing is to use a cord rated for outdoor use and to choose a thicker gauge (like 12 or 14) to prevent power loss over the distance, which can make your mower less effective.
Is a corded mower powerful enough for my grass?
Absolutely. Modern corded electric mowers are plenty powerful for most types of grass found in residential lawns. They provide consistent power without the dips you might get from a battery. The key is to mow regularly and not let the grass get too tall and wet. If you try to cut down several inches of overgrown grass in one pass, you might overwhelm the motor. For standard weekly maintenance on a healthy lawn, a corded mower has more than enough muscle to get a clean cut.
What are the main advantages over a battery-powered model?
For me, the biggest advantage is never having to worry about battery life. With a corded mower, you have unlimited runtime as long as you have an outlet. This means you can take your time without the anxiety of the battery dying halfway through the job. Corded models are also generally less expensive than their cordless counterparts and you don’t have to deal with the eventual battery degradation and replacement cost. For a small, defined area, the cord is a minor inconvenience for the benefit of constant, reliable power.
How do I avoid running over the power cord?
This was my biggest fear when I first started using one! The trick is to always start mowing with the cord trailing behind you and to the side, away from the mower’s path. As you mow, be mindful of your pattern. I always mow in rows away from the outlet, so the cord is always behind the mower. Some people also find it helpful to drape the cord over their shoulder. It becomes second nature after a couple of uses, and I haven’t cut a cord in years by following this simple method.
Are corded electric mowers difficult to store?
Not at all. This is one of their best features for small-space living. Most corded mowers are lightweight and many have a folding handle. This allows you to store them upright in a garden shed or garage, taking up a minimal amount of floor space. Compared to a bulky gas mower, the storage footprint is significantly smaller, which is a huge benefit when you’re looking for the 9 best corded electric lawn mowers for small lawns and limited storage.