Many of us are looking to buy electric lawnmowers since they are quiet, lightweight, and environment-friendly. There are two types of electric mowers: corded and cordless. The question is, which one should you choose?
Well, both the mower types have advantages and disadvantages. We should be aware of those so that there is no regret after buying one. In this post, we will guide you through the features, advantages, and benefits of both corded vs cordless lawn mower, and if you read through, by the end, you will be able to choose which type would be the better company for mowing your lawn.
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Corded vs Cordless Lawn Mower: Comparision Table
| Features | Corded Lawn Mowers | Cordless Lawn Mowers |
| Range | Limited to 100 feet. | Unlimited |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavy |
| Maintenance | Don’t require much maintenance | Require more maintenance than corded mowers |
| Maintenance Cost | Low; cheap cable | High; expensive batteries |
| Run Time | Unlimited run time | Limited run time; depends on battery life |
| Power | More than cordless mowers; always run at full capacity | Less than cordless mowers; power becomes low with battery life |
| Ease of Use | Aren’t easy to use; don’t let you move freely | Easy to use; let you move freely |
| Price | Much cheaper than cordless models | Lot more expensive than corded models |
Corded vs Cordless Lawn Mower: What Is The Difference?
1. Range:
The range of a corded mower is limited by its cable. So, the first thing that comes to our mind is we can increase the cable length, right? No, that’s not how it works for a corded mower. The wire’s electrical resistance will limit the power output to the mower if the wire is longer than 100 feet. Extending the range is possible with multiple outdoor electric outlets.
The 100-feet range won’t be a problem for a small yard. But if it’s too big, you might not be able to use a corded mower.
On the other hand, with a cordless mower, there’s no necessity for a cable. So, they are the best choice if you have to cut grass more than 100 feet away from an outlet.
Therefore, medium-sized yards are a good fit for cordless mowers as there’s no range issues. But on a single charge, a cordless mower will run for a certain amount of time. One charge typically lasts between 1 and 1.5 hours on most cordless mowers. So, if the yard is too large, you may not be able to get enough power from the battery to finish the work.
So, in the comparison between corded vs cordless lawn mower, cordless mowers provide a better range.
2. Weight:
Corded mowers always weigh less than cordless ones. Cordless mowers are usually weighed by their batteries, so the weight will always be lighter when there’s no requirement for a battery.
Additionally, it is easier to push, handle, and transport when the mower has less weight. Do you experience shoulder pain, back pain, or tired legs because of mowing? Well, say adios to them.
In contrast, the weight of a cordless mower increases significantly because of the added battery. Generally, the bigger and better a battery is, the heavier it will be. Therefore, pushing and maneuvering a cordless mower is hard due to its heavy weight.
So, make sure to use lithium-ion batteries if you want to reduce weight without sacrificing battery length. A lithium-ion battery of the same battery length is much heavier than a sealed lead-acid battery of the same size.
In comparison of weight between corded vs cordless lawn mower, corded mowers are more lightweight than cordless mowers.
3. Maintenance:
Electric mowers can save from a lot of maintenance issues. Corded mowers only require the maintenance of keeping them clean and ensuring their cords are in good shape.
On the other hand, cordless mowers require more preparation and maintenance than corded mowers. Without a fully charged battery, mowing won’t be satisfactory. Additionally, the battery needs to be replaced every five years or so.
In comparison between maintenance between corded vs cordless lawn mower, corded mowers have less maintenance trouble.
4. Maintenance Cost:
If you don’t have a problem with lawn size and want to save a bit of money on maintenance costs, we recommend going for a corded mower. A corded mower’s power cable is much less expensive than a big, powerful battery of a cordless mower. A corded mower can save between one and two hundred dollars in 5 years’ time.
On the other hand, the expensive batteries of cordless mowers make the maintenance cost more than corded mowers. But the good thing is changing batteries doesn’t need to be done frequently. Lithium-ion batteries used in cordless mowers typically have a 3-year warranty but actually will last about 5 years if properly charged and stored. If the mower cannot get very far, despite a fully charged battery, it is probably time to swap it out.
On average, a Lithium-ion battery costs $100-200. On the other hand, corded mowers’ maintenance cost is so little as their cable is cheap. Cordless mowers’ maintenance cost is much higher than cordless mowers due to the need to replace batteries.
So, in the comparison of maintenance cost between corded vs cordless lawn mower, corded mowers have less maintenance cost.
5. Run Time:
A corded mower is always ready to mow if there’s no electricity problem. It doesn’t need to be charged, and it doesn’t even require gas. Just plug it in, and operate as long as needed.
In contrast, cordless mowers can only run for a limited amount of time on a single charge. Battery capacity determines how long a cordless mower will run. Cordless mowers need a recharge after 60 to 90 minutes of use. For this problem, we always recommend starting mowing with an extra battery. That way, there won’t be any run time issues.
So, in the comparison of run time between corded vs cordless lawn mower, corded mowers are best for unlimited run time.
6. Power:
Corded mowers can handle thick or tall grass better than cordless mowers because a consistent supply of electricity powers the motor. When a corded mower operates, it operates at full capacity and provides the best performance.
On the other hand, tall and thick grass or weeds cannot be handled well by a cordless mower. A cordless mower’s main power source is its battery, which doesn’t have a constant power supply like a corded model. So, the output starts to drop when the charge is low.
So, in the comparison of power between corded vs cordless lawn mower, cordless mowers have better power than cordless mowers.
7. Ease of Use:
One of the major problems of a corded mower is its cord, which makes it difficult to handle. While mowing, carefulness is mandatory in order to avoid running over the cord or getting tangled up with it. There is a possibility of causing injury or damage to the mower if the cord is run over.
Handling the cord of a corded mower around the obstacles in the lawn can be a little tricky at first. It takes a bit of practice to remember where the obstacles are and how to handle the cord around them. That’s why we always suggest cleaning up the lawn as much as possible and keeping a free space between the mower and the outlet.
In contrast, having no cords to tangle around obstacles, cordless mowers enable a user to move more freely. There’s no necessity to worry about where an outlet is or how to maneuver around obstacles in the yard. Additionally, cordless mowers are safe since there’s no risk of accidentally striking the cord.
So, in an argument of ease of use between corded vs cordless lawn mower, definitely, cordless mowers are easier to use.
8. Price:
When it comes to price, the difference between corded vs cordless lawn mower is significant.
A corded lawn mower doesn’t require a battery, which means the price becomes a lot cheaper than a cordless model. Generally, corded mowers cost half as much as cordless mowers. The average price range of a corded lawn mower is 80$ – 350$.
On the other hand, cordless mowers are typically much more expensive than corded mowers because of the expensive batteries and the addition of their popularity. The cost of a cordless mower is generally twice that of a comparable corded mower. The average price range of a cordless lawn mower is 150$ – 500$.
So, in the comparison of price between corded vs cordless lawn mower, corded mowers are really affordable.
Pros and Cons of Corded lawn mower
Pros:
- A consistent, steady power supply
- Lightweight
- Low maintenance cost
- Lower price
Cons:
- Limited range
- Have trouble avoiding obstacles and becoming entangled
Pros and Cons of Cordless lawn mower
Pros:
- Expanded range
- Extra mobility
- Easy to handle
Cons:
- Runtime limitation
- Additional weight
- High maintenance cost
- Higher price
Who needs a Corded Lawn mower?
If your yard is less than 100 feet and you want to use a mower with longer running times without recharging the battery, we recommend going for a corded model. As they don’t require batteries, the buying, and maintenance costs would be much cheaper than a cordless model. So, if you are on a budget, a corded one can be the best choice.
Who needs a Cordless Lawn mower?
If you are looking for a mower that gives more control over the mowing, a cordless model is the way to go. Choosing a battery with long life will let you run it without worrying about moving outlets. If your yard is more than 100 feet and you don’t want to have any obstacles problem or carry a cord while mowing, a cordless lawn mower can be the best choice.
Final Thoughts
Both corded and cordless lawn mowers have their advantages and disadvantages. Your choice between corded vs cordless lawn mower will depend on how you use the mower and how large your yard is.
For a small-sized yard, a corded mower is the best choice if the inconvenience of a power cable is overlooked. On the other hand, a cordless mower is the best choice for a medium-sized yard and the freedom of operating the mower.
We hope all the information and the mentioned differences will help you a lot in choosing the suitable lawn mower for yourself. Happy mowing!
FAQ
Is it worth getting a battery-powered lawn mower?
Yes. You can use a battery-powered lawn mower for all your lawn care needs, and they are lightweight, easy to maneuver, also environmentally friendly.
Can I cut wet grass with an electric lawn mower?
No, we wouldn’t recommend that. If you use a corded mower, the use of it on wet grass carries a risk of electric shock. Even if you use a cordless mower, you shouldn’t expose it to water since it might be damaged from water ingress.
Are corded mowers more powerful?
Yes, between corded vs cordless lawn mower, corded mowers are more powerful because of their constant power supply. Whenever your corded mower runs, it runs at full capacity.
