Best gas lawn mowers 2024: for powerful grass-cutting performance, chosen by experts

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. Cutting the grass becomes a pleasure rather than a chore with the right mower at the best price.

In this guide, you'll find the best gas-powered lawn mower which is suitable for your yard. It may still be winter, but the first cut of the year is fast approaching, and you'll want to get ahead of the game (and the neighbors) to make that cut count.

While we have used a variety of gas mowers in our time, we haven't been able to test every model in this guide in person. Instead, we have honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge to refine our list. Whether you're looking for a 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.

Keep reading to find out more about the six gas lawn mowers we recommend in 2024 then, if your open to other power types, check out our list of the best lawn mowers as you may be surprised by the power on offer from other models.

The quick list

Below, we’ve provided an overview of the important details you need to know about each product immediately so you can buy quickly if you're in a hurry. If something catches your eye, use the links to delve deeper into the analysis provided for each product further down the page.

The best gas lawn mowers we recommend in 2024

Top Ten Reviews is on a mission to review everything we feature in our buyer's guides. Still, while we work hard to make this a reality—or where this isn't possible—some of our guides still feature rankings based on our team's considerable expertise and research.

While we haven't been able to test any of the units in this guide in person, we've instead honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best features to help you make the right decision for your home, all for the best price.

The best gas lawn mower overall

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The Troy-Bilt XP 21 in. 163cc 3-in-1 RWD Self-Propelled gas lawn mower is perfect for small-to-medium yards. Its no-choke start system and self-propel feature make mowing effortless. Mulching and bagging are also easy.

Setup: The lawn mower was pretty easy to set up. It arrived mostly assembled, so our reviewer just had to attach the handle and choose the discharge chute. Adjusting the handle and adding oil and gas was easy, but it was hard to adjust the back wheels because the lever mechanism was hard.

In the first test, they added the side discharge chute to the deck (and left the plug in the back) since they mulch their grass.

Design: This Troy-Bilt lawn mower features a 21-inch deck and is perfect for small to medium yards. Its rear-wheel drive gives it better traction on slopes. The 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine starts easily thanks to ReadyStart technology, so you don't need a choke. There are six-deck positions for cutting heights between 1.25 and 3.75 inches. It has an adjustable handle, and you have to hold the blade control down to start and keep it running.

The self-propelled machine has dual levers for speed, a 2.3-bushel grass bag, and a side discharge chute.

Performance: Our reviewer loved that this lawn mower starts easily and the self-propelled feature makes it manageable despite its weight. The mower handles slopes well and prevents slipping. However, the lever makes lifting it hard. They mostly used the side discharge chute or mulched the clippings, both of which worked great. They tried mulching leaves, which shrank them well. After attaching the grass bag, it worked well.

Read more: Troy-Bilt XP 21 in. 163 cc 3-in-1 RWD Self Propelled TB310B review

The best gas lawn mower for budget-conscious buyers

The Troy-Bilt TB100 gas lawnmower, with its powerful engine, will handle tough terrain and leave your lawn neat. Its lightweight design and folding handles make it easy to transport and store.

There's been a lot of positive feedback on the Troy-Bilt TB100, with many people praising its performance and ease of use. Despite concerns about potential compromises in quality and performance due to its budget-friendly price, this mower seems like a great option for people with small yards without extra features.

Regarding features, the Troy-Bilt TB100 may not offer as much as more advanced models. It doesn't come with a bag for collecting cuttings, so you just mulch them and let them fall. Additionally, it doesn't have self-propelled technology or cruise control. Despite that, it's still lightweight at 60 lbs and folds up easily. A useful feature is the adjustable wheel height, which offers six positions and a range of 1.25 to 3.75 inches.

When it comes to performance, assembling the mower is easy—just add oil and gas, and it's ready to go. It's great for small to medium-sized lawns, and its big rear wheel can handle longer grass well. The lightweight design makes it maneuverable around flowerbeds and tight spaces. Despite not having all the features of pricier models, the Troy-Bilt TB100 is a good and affordable way to keep your lawn looking good.

Based on reviews, Troy-Bilt TB100 gets 4.2 out of 5 stars and a 90% recommendation from Home Depot. Many customers have praised the product, but there have been reports of defects that needed to be returned. People with bigger hands complain about the oil inlet and dipstick being hard to access because they're in a cutaway area. Using pliers has worked for some customers.

The best gas lawn mower for large yards

This Toro Timemaster 21199 might be a great option if you're looking for a powerful lawn mower that saves you time and effort. With a Briggs & Stratton engine, this self-propelled mower can handle even tough lawns. With the self-propelled system and Traction Assist feature, you can get a perfectly manicured lawn at your own pace.

Despite its many benefits, the Toro Timemaster 21199 is expensive, even with special offers. It's not affordable for everyone, but if you value your time and want a well-maintained lawn, you might want it.

This mower has a Dual-Force Cutting System, atomic blades, a two-point height-of-cut adjustment, a quick-stow handle, a washout port, and a Spin-Stop Blade Stop System. With the Personal Pace with Traction Assist, you'll always have control, even on challenging terrain. Plus, it has a three-year warranty and a guaranteed-to-start warranty.

The Toro Timemaster 21199 has a powerful Briggs and Stratton 223cc OHV engine that delivers great performance. The 30-inch deck allows you to cut efficiently and wide, and Traction Assist and Personal Pace make it easy to maneuver. It's perfect for residential use, especially for yards ranging from half an acre to a full acre in size. If you have a larger yard or need to mow frequently, you might want to check out commercial-grade mowers.

There are many positive reviews for the Toro Timemaster 21199, with many praising its time-saving features. Some users have complained about fuel consumption, clogging, and occasional problems. Many customers are happy with the machine's performance and features and have given it positive feedback regarding its professional cut and speed.

The best lightweight gas lawn mower

Despite lacking all the fancy features of more expensive models, the Troy-Bilt TB160 is a reliable and affordable mower. With a 160cc Honda engine, it can bag, mulch, and discharge. Though it's not self-propelling, it's lightweight, easy to maneuver, and perfect for small lawns.

Despite lacking some extras like an electric start-up key, Troy-Bilt's TB160 has been around for decades without problems for many users. A 160cc Honda motor ensures durability and versatility in the lawn mower. The mower also has 11-inch rear wheels that glide smoothly over rough terrain and an ergonomic handle that folds down so it's easy to store. Dual levers adjust the height, and the wash port makes cleaning the deck after use easy. A 2-year warranty makes it even better.

The Troy-Bilt TB160 requires a pull-start but has an auto choke for easy starting. Thanks to the reliable engine, most users find it starts on the first or second try. Because of their lower quality, some components may be less durable. However, the lightweight design makes it easy to transport.

Out of 722 reviews, over 630 were 4 or 5 stars, indicating high satisfaction with the mower. It's got an impressive 4.5-star rating and an 89% recommendation rate at Home Depot. The 160cc Honda engine is praised for being quick and smooth to start. Getting a Honda mower for under $300 is also nice, emphasizing great value. A Home Depot customer said, "You're getting a Honda motor for $269."

The best gas riding lawn mower

It's hard to beat the Cub Cadet ZT1 when it comes to riding lawnmowers. This bright yellow, 50-inch decked model with two bright LED front headlights illuminates your path even in low light. The back tires are chunky, so it's easy to maneuver in a variety of weather conditions.

Cub Cadet ZT1 is the best gas lawn mower for those with more than two acres and a generous budget.

Featuring a rear-wheel transmission, this Cub Cadet model is designed to offer a smooth riding experience with 7.5 MPH forward and 3.5 MPH reverse zero-turn controlled ground speeds. With adjustable lap bars and ergonomic hand grips, you can operate this machine with ease. You can adjust the deck height with a foot-operated lift and dial knob from 1 to 4.5 inches.

Thanks to the high-back 18-inch seat with suspension, you'll be comfortable during long mowing sessions. With its minimal assembly requirements, Cub Cadet ZT1 comes fully crated, so you can get started right away. This model has a 3.5-gallon fuel tank, so you can mow for a long time.

Almost all of Home Depot's verified customers have recommended the Cub Cadet ZT1 gas zero-turn riding lawn mower. Users have expressed their satisfaction with the machine's ability to mow larger areas, especially in taller grass, faster than smaller push mowers. There were some complaints about tires losing air too fast, but it wasn't an everyday occurrence. They also praised the smooth, comfortable ride quality.

How to choose the best gas lawn mower

When choosing the best gas lawn mower, you'll need to consider several criteria. 

Engine power: Often, the engine size of a mower directly impacts the cutting power. That's the most crucial consideration for many. If you're looking for a self-propelled model to help you, you'll want one with a powerful engine. To give you an idea, anything over 160cc will get you the power you want.

Self-propulsion: Gas lawnmowers have built-in self-propulsion technology, so you don't have to push all that hard to get your lawn mowed. You'll have a less strenuous mowing experience with self-propulsion, but you won't be able to eliminate pushing completely. 

Mulching: You can buy mowers that mulch, bag, and side discharge all at once, so you'll deal with your grass cuttings as you go. Many lawns benefit from mulching, so consider it if that's your thing. 

Blade width: Your mower's blade width tells you how many passes it takes to mow your lawn, which means the blade you need depends on your yard's size. It's cheaper to push your mower around if it has a wider blade, but if you have a small yard, it might not make much sense to size up.

Noise level: Gas mowers aren't the quietest, but you can reduce noise by choosing a smaller engine for your backyard so you don't annoy your neighbors.

Cutting height and positions: Low-cost models require you to manually adjust the cutting position with a screwdriver so you can get specific with how tall your grass is. 

Gas lawn mower FAQs

How does a gas lawn mower work?

A gas lawn mower uses a small internal combustion engine that powers the cutting blades and drives the mower forward. The process begins when fuel, typically unleaded gasoline, is mixed with air in the engine's carburetor. In the engine, this mixture is compressed by the pistons in the cylinders. A spark plug ignites it when you start it, pushing the piston down.

This movement turns the crankshaft connected to the mower's blades. Usually, gas mowers come with a self-propulsion system, so you don't have to push them to move forward. The blades rotate at high speeds, cutting the grass across the lawn.

This is accomplished through a drive belt connected to the rear wheels, engaged when the operator pulls a lever or presses a button. Gas lawnmowers also feature various cutting height adjustments so that you can set the blades at different heights depending on the type of grass and the look of your lawn.

Depending on the mower's deck design, clippings can either go into a bag for collection or back on the lawn as mulch, which can provide nutrients to the soil. For optimal performance, you have to take care of it. Checking and changing your oil, cleaning the air filter, and ensuring your fuel is fresh can prevent engine problems. Using fuel stabilizers can keep the gasoline from going stale over time, which can cause engine damage.

How much does a gas lawn mower cost?

In general, entry-level gas mowers cost $150-300. They usually have smaller cutting decks (around 20 inches) and less advanced features. These mowers are ideal for small to medium-sized lawns and are designed for homeowners who don't need many extras. Troy-Bilt and Craftsman are good brands in this price range.

Mid-range gas mowers often cost between $300 and $500 and come with features like self-propulsion systems, adjustable cutting heights, and bigger cutting decks. Honda and Toro provide a variety of mowers that fall into this category and are good for medium—to large lawns.

A high-end gas lawn mower can cost $500 or more. These models often have bigger cutting decks (over 22 inches), advanced features like electric start, variable speeds, and robust engine performance. Brands like Cub Cadet and STIHL are known for their premium offerings, which are designed for larger properties.

Regular maintenance can add to the overall cost of ownership, but it's essential for optimal performance and longevity of a gas lawn mower.

How long do gas lawn mowers last?

It's better to buy a mower from a reputable brand than one that's cheap. Typically, a well-maintained residential mower lasts 1000 to 1,500 hours, whereas a commercial mower lasts 2,000 to 2,500 hours. On the other hand, lower-end residential mowers may only last 450 to 500 hours.

Mower lifespan also depends on how much you use it. If you use a mower just a couple of times a week during the growing season, it usually lasts longer than one used often. If you use a mower for 35 cuts a year, it won't wear out as much compared to one mowed more often.

Gas lawn mowers need proper maintenance to last a long time. Changing the oil, cleaning the air filters, and making sure the spark plugs are in good shape can prevent many common problems that lead to premature failure. You can also prevent engine problems caused by stale fuel by using high-quality fuel and adding fuel stabilizers.

Store your mower in a dry, sheltered place to prevent rust and damage from the elements. At the end of the season, run it dry of fuel to prevent fuel-related issues.

When is the best time to buy a gas lawn mower?

Late summer or early fall is the best time to find a lawn mower deal. Retailers often clear out inventory to make room for winter products, so lawn mowers get a lot of discounts. It's a great time to shop for high-quality models at a great price, and many stores are holding clearance sales on older models, making it a great time for budget-conscious shoppers.

During holiday sales, like Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Fourth of July, retailers often offer discounts on lawn equipment, so you'll get a good deal. Many retailers offer promotional pricing to attract customers around these holidays, so watch for advertisements and online deals.

Many manufacturers release new models in the spring, around March or April. As new models arrive, older models may see price drops, allowing you to buy a reliable mower at a great price. Buyers who don't care about having the latest features will love it.

Last but not least, if you live in a region where the growing season lasts longer, you might want to buy a mower earlier so you can take advantage of the entire season.