Electric Lawn Mowers: Cordless and Corded Choices for Small Yards

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An electric mower can suit a small lawn, but the first decision is whether a cord can reach the whole yard safely. We compared exact manufacturer documentation for two push mowers. HandyTested has not measured cutting quality, battery runtime or noise. The under-$300/2025 URL remains for existing links; a promotion is not a permanent price guarantee.

Quick picks

Cordless with a battery and charger in the kit: Greenworks 40V 16-inch 25322.
Corded for a small lawn near a suitable outlet: BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH 15-inch.

Compare the mowers

Model	Power	Deck	Clippings
Greenworks 25322	40V battery, 4.0 Ah kit	16 in.	Mulch or rear bag
BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH	120V cord, 10A	15 in.	Collection bag

The Greenworks maker lists up to 40 minutes per charge under its conditions; grass height, moisture and battery age can change actual runtime. Neither is self-propelled.

Greenworks 40V 16-inch 25322: avoid the extension cord

Greenworks documents a 16-inch deck, five height settings, mulching and rear bagging. The specific 25322 package includes a 4.0 Ah 40V battery and charger. Its 40V platform batteries are not interchangeable with the brand’s other voltage families. The manufacturer lists 37.8 pounds and advises against mowing wet grass or slopes greater than 15 degrees.

Best for: a small yard where cord routing is inconvenient. Trade-off: charge time and battery capacity matter; verify the listing includes both battery and charger, rather than a bare mower. The stated runtime is not a promise for thick grass.

Check Greenworks 25322 kit listings on Amazon → (paid link) (search results; confirm included battery and charger).

BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH: corded simplicity

BLACK+DECKER lists a 10A motor, 15-inch cutting width, six height settings from 1 to 3 inches, collection bag and bike-style grip. The maker lists a 38.2-pound product weight. It needs a properly rated outdoor extension cord and a route that keeps the cable behind and away from the blade.

Best for: a compact, unobstructed lawn with an accessible outlet. Trade-off: cable reach and management can be more limiting than the nominal deck width; do not improvise adapters or use a damaged cord.

Check BEMW472BH listings on Amazon → (paid link) (search results; confirm the exact model).

How we chose

We checked current manufacturer product pages for exact model, kit contents, deck, power and clipping modes. The old article’s EGO 56V and Snapper 82V choices were not supported as durable budget picks, so they are not repeated. The older Greenworks 25022 has an official replacement-blade page but its historical deal article alone does not prove current mower availability. Sun Joe MJ401E and MJ401E-PRO specifications also differ; we did not merge them into one recommendation.

Safety and ownership

Before mowing: inspect the lawn for stones and debris, keep people away, and never remove guards. Stop the blade and disconnect power or remove the battery before clearing a blockage or servicing. Follow the exact owner manual.

With a cord: CPSC advises an appropriate-gauge extension cord and a mowing pattern that keeps it away from the blade. Use an outdoor-rated cord and a protected outlet as directed by the mower manual. Do not mow wet grass.

Total cost: compare the complete battery kit, future battery replacement, blades and collection bags. These Amazon links are model-specific searches, not verified direct product listings; inspect the final seller offer.

Frequently asked questions

Can the Greenworks 25322 use an 80V Greenworks battery?

No. Greenworks says its voltage families are not interchangeable. Check the 40V platform and physical fit.

Is the BEMW472BH cordless?

No. It is a 120V corded mower and requires an appropriate extension cord.

Is a 16-inch deck enough for every lawn?

No. Deck width alone does not determine suitability; mowing time, terrain, grass and access to power also matter.