Best gas lawn mowers 2023: magnificent mowers for luxurious lawns

The best gas lawn mowers will make light work of even the largest lawns. That's because they have serious power and serious stamina, too, enabling them to tame lawns that lesser mowers simply can't cope with. Not only that, but you don't have the range issues of battery mowers, and unlike corded mowers, there's no cable to watch out for either. With the right mower at the best price, cutting the grass becomes a pleasure rather than a chore.

In this guide, we'll find the perfect gas mowers for every kind of yard. Whether you're looking for the best gas mower on a budget or want the absolute peak of petrol-powered perfection, you'll find them here – and we've got all the key information about each one, including cutting widths, weight, stripe options, self-drive and even how much storage space they need.

While gas lawnmowers deliver serious stamina and plenty of power, there is one trade-off: because they have petrol engines, you need to consider their consumption and maintenance, too. Look after yours properly, and it'll last a lifetime, but if you just want a mower you can chuck in the shed and pull out every few months without thinking about it, you might want to check out our guides to the best electric lawn mowers and the best robot lawn mowers.

When you're considering a gas lawn mower, it's worth thinking about whether you want self-driving, which is fun, easier on your body, and ideal for bigger lawns but costs a bit more, too, and how adjustable you want it to be. For example, if you like to let your grass grow long before cutting it down to size, you'll need a mower with a good range of height adjustment; if you prefer to cut often, then you might prefer a wider range of low-cut cutting heights. 

The quick list

The best gas lawn mowers we recommend in 2023

While we've reviewed many of the products in this guide, there are a few that we're still in the process of testing. For these gas lawnmowers, we've provided an overview of the important specs and features you need to know – plus, we've provided a summary of user reviews to help you make the right decision for you and your garden. 

The best gas lawn mower overall

The Toro Timemaster 21199 has a wider cutting path, able to cut your lawn in no time. The Briggs & Stratton engine provides the power you need to tackle even the toughest lawns, while the self-propelled system and Traction Assist give you total control over your mower, ensuring a perfectly manicured lawn.

Of course, with all these features, the Toro Timemaster 21199 doesn't come cheap. It's priced well over a thousand dollars, even with special offers, so it may not be within everyone's budget. However, if you're serious about having a well-manicured lawn and want to save valuable time, this top-end mower is worth considering.

Features: This self-propelled machine adapts to your walking pace, allowing you to work at your speed. It features a Dual-Force Cutting System and Atomic blades, providing a professional-looking cut and mulch of the grass, and the two-point height-of-cut is perfect for controlling your mowing height.

Other features include a quick-stow storage handle, washout port, and Spin-Stop Blade Stop System for safety. The Personal Pace with Traction Assist ensures full control even on tricky terrain. To top it off, the mower has a three-year warranty and a three-year guaranteed-to-start warranty.

Performance: This mower is a powerful machine that can tackle even the toughest lawns with its Torque Briggs and Stratton 223cc OHV engine. The 30-inch deck makes for a smooth, swift, and wide cut, while the Personal Pace and Traction Assist feature ensures full control over the mower, making it easy to push for most people.

It's ideal for residential use, especially for yards from half an acre to a full acre in size. If you have a larger area or need to use the mower more often than once a week, you may want to consider investing in a machine intended for commercial use. With a 1.2-quart tank, the Toro Timemaster 21199 can provide about 45-60 minutes of runtime, which should be sufficient for most larger backyards.

User reviews: The mower has received overwhelmingly positive reviews on Toro's website and Home Depot. With over 550 reviews on Toro's website, most of which are five-star rated, customers love the time-saving and ease-of-use features. However, some have reported that the mower uses up fuel too quickly. Meanwhile, Home Depot has over 2,000 reviews for this top-rated machine, with most five-star reviews praising the professional cut and speed. Some downsides include the machine clogging and the occasional faulty machine.

Read our full Toro TimeMaster 21199 review

The best mid-range gas lawn mower

The Troy-Bilt TB160 may not have all the fancy features of more expensive mowers, but it does the job. With a great engine and basic functions of bagging, mulching, and discharging, the TB160 is hard to ignore at its affordable price point. Plus, it's lightweight and easy to maneuver even on small lawns, despite not being self-propelling.

While it lacks some bonus features like an electric start-up key, many customers have used their Troy-Bilt TB160 for decades without problems. And with the 160cc Honda motor under the hood, you can trust that this mower is well-made and will easily power through your lawn. 

Features: It may not be self-propelled, but the mower is lightweight and easy to glide over rough terrain with its large 11-inch rear wheels. The ergonomic handle is also a plus, as it folds down for easy storage. Dual-lever height adjusters give you six different positions for cutting height, and cleaning the deck after use is a breeze with the wash port. Plus, you get a 2-year warranty.

Performance: While the Troy-Bilt TB160 still requires a pull-start, it has an auto choke built-in, making it simple to get going. Most users report that it starts on the first or second attempt, which is a huge plus. The engine itself is durable and performs well. However, some mower parts are cheap and may wear out over time. Despite this, the lightweight design makes it easy to transport if necessary.

User reviews: The gas mower has received a high rating from Home Depot customers, with an impressive 4.5 stars out of 5 and an 89% recommendation rating. More than 630 out of 722 reviews were given 4 or 5-star ratings, which is a great indication of the mower's quality. 

The powerful 160cc Honda engine is a standout feature, with many users reporting that it starts quickly and runs smoothly. Customers are also thrilled to buy a mower with a Honda engine for under $300. According to one Home Depot customer, "You're getting a Honda motor for $269. Period."

Read our Troy-Bilt TB160 review

The best budget gas lawn mower

The Troy-Bilt TB100 gas lawnmower has all the essential features to get the job done, and it's priced to fit any budget. With its powerful engine, the Troy-Bilt TB100 can handle tough terrain, leaving any lawn neat and tidy. And its lightweight design and folding handles make it easy to move and store when not in use.

But don't just take our word for it - users have raved about the TB100's performance, ease of use, and overall value for money. Of course, some feel that the budget price tag comes at the cost of quality and performance, but if you have a small backyard and don't need all the bells and whistles that come with more expensive models, this mower could be the perfect fit.

Features: While the Troy-Bilt TB100 is a budget-friendly option, it does lack some features that more advanced mowers offer. No bag is included, so cuttings are mulched and left on the ground, and there is no self-propelled technology or cruise control. 

However, the mower is lightweight at just 60 lbs and folds up for easy portability. The wheel height is adjustable through six positions, allowing a cutting height range of 1.25 to 3.75 inches.

Performance: Putting together this mower is a breeze. Just add oil and gas, and you're all set. It's great for small to medium-sized lawns, and its large rear wheel easily tackles longer grass. Its lightweight design makes it perfect for maneuvering around flower beds and tight spaces. While it may not have all the features of more expensive models, the Troy-Bilt 100 is an affordable and reliable option for those looking to keep their lawn well-maintained.

User reviews: According to customer reviews on Home Depot, the Troy-Bilt 100 lawn mower has received a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, with a recommendation ranking of 90%. Many customers are happy with the mower's performance, although some have reported defects that required returning the product.

One common complaint is that the oil inlet and dipstick are difficult to access due to their location in a cutaway area. This can be frustrating, especially for those with larger hands. However, some customers have successfully used pliers to release the oil inlet.

Read our Troy TB100 review

The best gas riding lawn mower

The Cub Cadet ZT1 is a top-class riding lawn mower. Powered by gas, the bright yellow 50-inch decked model is a sight to behold, with two bright front LEd highlights to help you mow in lower light conditions. It also has chunky rear tires to grip and turn in different weather conditions.

If you’ve got a yard greater than two yards, a generous budget, and want the best gas lawn mower that money can be, the Cub Cadet ZT1 is ideal.

Features: This Cub Cadet is designed to offer a smooth riding experience, thanks to the rear-wheel transmission that helps with the 7.5 MPH forward and 3.5 MPH reverse zero-turn controlled ground speeds.

Performance: The machine is operated by adjustable lap bars and ergonomic hand grips, while a foot-operated deck lift and dial knob help you to choose the perfect cut with 15 qt. in. deck height adjustments from 1 to 4.5 inches. If you’re mowing for long periods, you should be more than comfortable sitting in the ergonomic and adjustable 18-inch high-backed seat with suspension. The Cub Cadet ZT1 comes fully crated with minimal assembly, so you can get mowing almost immediately. Thanks to its 3.5-gallon fuel tank, you'll be able to keep mowing, too.

User reviews: The Cub Cadet ZT1 gas zero-turn riding lawn mower is generally reviewed favorably by users. On the Home Depot, 89% of verified customers said they'd recommend the mower. Users were thrilled with how quickly they could mow larger areas compared to a smaller push mower – especially in taller grass – and felt the ride quality was smooth and comfortable. The few negative reviews mentioned the tires becoming flat quickly, but this was a rare complaint.

The best gas lawn mower for large yards

The Beast 26 in. 208 cc is one of the cheaper gas lawnmowers in our guide, and while that means it lacks features like LED headlights or rugged tires, all the components of a great product are here. 

Features: The mower comes with a brake clutch which can be used to stop the cutting blade from rotating while keeping the engine running, which means you can empty the mulch bag without having to restart it using the pull cord.

Performance: With a 26-inch cutting deck, this mower is ideal for yards around 1/4 - 1/2 acre in size, and it’s incredibly quick and easy to maneuver around thanks to its low weight of 111 lb. A self-propelled mower like this will save you energy as it mechanically pushes through thicker grass and works steadily over uneven terrain.

In terms of design, the mower sports a simple black and orange colorway. It includes a 3-in-1 rear bag with side discharge and mulching, plus a foldable handle for easier storage. The cutting heights range between 1-4 inches, making this a great model for precise trimming. For an affordable, no-nonsense gas lawn mower, the Beast 26 in. 208 cc is a great buy.

User reviews: 100% of users on the Home Depot website would recommend this product, even though it received 4.3 out of 5 stars overall. There aren't hundreds of product reviews for the Beast 26 in. 208 cc yet. Those customers who did comment said that the mower was a great option without breaking the bank and that the 26-inch cutting deck noticeably reduced mowing times. 

The best gas lawn mower for small-medium yards

California Trimmer reel mowers have been around for over eighty years and are renowned for creating beautiful lawns. Experts will often recommend a reel mower, as they're better for lawn health and can create a neat, golf pitch-like cut. Indeed, many reviewers of the Classic Standard mower said it left their lawn looking like a manicured golf course!

This option is worth the investment if you're looking for a shorter, neater cut than many gas lawnmowers.

Features: Regarding specs, this mower has a 9-inch wide, deep tread drive roller that propels the mower while protecting the grass – so no tears or clods of mud should be left afterward. The 20-inch cutting width isn't the highest in our guide, but it’s well-suited to 1/4 - 1/2 acre yards.

Performance: You can choose from 15 cutting settings, ranging between 3/8 to 1-7/8 inches, to cut various grass types. The catcher included with the mower will also collect the cut grass for you. The mower’s 118cc Honda GX120 OHV 4-cycle engine features automatic mechanical decompression, which will start more easily. A 32 oz. bottle of engine oil comes included with purchases from Home Depot. 

User reviews: This self-propelled reel lawn mower by California Trimmer has an impressive 4.8 stars out of a possible 5 on the Home Depot. While some users said it was a learning curve to operate it, most praised how well-built and sturdy it was. There were also many mentions of how beautiful the lawn looked after use – "it leaves the lawn as golf green" – which is just what you want to hear if you're considering purchasing it yourself.

How to choose the best gas lawn mower

Engine power: The most crucial consideration for many, often the engine size of a mower will directly impact the cutting power. If you want a self-propelled model to help you, opting for a powerful engine will make your experience much smoother. To give a number, anything over 160cc will be assured to pack the power you need.

Self-propulsion: One of the benefits of gas lawn mowers is that self-propulsion technology is often built in, meaning that you don’t need to exert all of your efforts to even get your mower mowing. Self-propulsion will make your mowing experience less strenuous but won’t completely eradicate the need to push. 

Mulching: Lots of mowers are sold as having the capability to mulch, bag, and side discharge all at once, which means that your grass cuttings will be dealt with as you move along. Many lawns can benefit from mulching, so it’s worth this feature if that applies to you. 

Blade width: In short, the width of the cutting blade on your mower will set how many passes it takes to mow your lawn, meaning that the blade you need will depend on how big your yard is. If you have a wider blade, you’ll need to spend much less time pushing your mower around, but there might not be much point sizing up if you only have a small yard.

Noise level: Gas mowers aren’t the quietest mowers out there, but you can cut down on noise by opting for a smaller engine for your backyard, ensuring you stay on the good side of your neighbors.

Cutting height and positions: You can change the cutting position of your mower on its wheel, which will allow you to get specific with how tall your grass is. Less expensive models will require you to manually change this with a screwdriver.