Maintaining a small, manicured lawn doesn’t require the heavy-duty power of a gas-guzzling machine. For many homeowners, a corded electric lawn mower is the perfect solution, offering a lightweight, low-maintenance, and quiet alternative. They provide consistent power without the hassle of charging batteries or mixing fuel, making them an incredibly convenient choice for smaller properties.
However, with numerous models on the market, selecting the right one for your yard’s specific needs can be a challenge. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting the best corded lawn mowers available, focusing on key features like cutting width, motor power, and unique functionalities to help you achieve a pristine lawn with ease.
The Best Corded Lawn Mowers for Small Yards
- LawnMaster MEB1114K Electric Corded Lawn Mower 15-Inch 11AMP
- CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah
- BLACK+DECKER Lawn Mower, Corded, 13-Amp, 20-Inch
- BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower, String Trimmer & Edger
- BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower with Bike Handle, 15-Inch
- LawnMaster MEB1216K Electric Lawn Mower 16-Inch 12AMP
- LawnMaster ME1218X Electric Lawn Mower 12AMP 19-Inch
- Greenworks 40V 14″ Cordless Lawn Mower, 4.0Ah Battery
- SOYUS Electric Lawn Mower Corded, 13 Inch 10-Amp
- Greenworks 10 Amp 14-Inch Corded Lawn Mower
LawnMaster MEB1114K Electric Corded Lawn Mower 15-Inch 11AMP
The LawnMaster MEB1114K is a fantastic option for those seeking a balance of power and maneuverability. Its 15-inch cutting width is ideal for navigating around garden beds and tight corners in small yards. With 3,300 RPM from its 11 AMP motor, it has the strength to handle standard grass with ease.
This mower is also an environmentally conscious choice, operating without gas or batteries. You can customize your lawn’s look with five different cutting height positions, ranging from 1.4 to 3 inches, allowing you to find the perfect length for your turf.
CRAFTSMAN Electric Lawn Mower, 20-Inch, Corded, 13-Ah
For small yards that grow thick and fast, the CRAFTSMAN 20-inch mower is a powerful ally. Its robust 13 Amp motor and wide cutting deck allow you to cover more ground quickly, reducing your mowing time. The winged blade design is engineered for improved cutting performance, ensuring a clean and even cut every time.
This model offers excellent versatility with its 3-in-1 functionality. You can choose to rear-bag clippings for a tidy finish, mulch them to nourish your lawn, or use the side discharge for longer grass conditions.
BLACK+DECKER Lawn Mower, Corded, 13-Amp, 20-Inch
The BLACK+DECKER MM2000 combines wide-area coverage with user-friendly features. The corded design provides unlimited runtime, so you never have to stop mid-task to recharge a battery. Its 13 Amp motor delivers reliable power for tackling thick grass and overgrowth, making it a dependable choice for various lawn conditions.
A standout feature is the tool-free height adjustment. A single lever lets you easily change the cutting height across seven different settings, from 1.5 inches to 4 inches, giving you complete control over your lawn’s appearance.
BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower, String Trimmer & Edger
If you’re short on storage space, the BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM is a game-changer. This innovative 3-in-1 machine functions as a corded mower, a string trimmer, and an edger, eliminating the need for multiple tools. Its compact and lightweight design, at just 9.9 pounds, makes it easy to handle and maneuver.
It features an automatic feed spool (AFS) for the trimmer function, which feeds more line without the need to stop and bump the unit. This all-in-one tool is perfect for small yards and touch-ups, providing a comprehensive lawn care solution.
BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower with Bike Handle, 15-Inch
For superior maneuverability, the BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH features a unique comfort-grip bike handlebar. This design reduces friction and offers enhanced control, making it exceptionally easy to navigate around obstacles in a small lawn. The 10 Amp motor provides ample power for its 15-inch cutting path.
This model also excels at grass collection. Its winged blade is engineered to yield 30% better clipping collection, meaning less grass left on your lawn and more in the bag for a cleaner cut.
LawnMaster MEB1216K Electric Lawn Mower 16-Inch 12AMP
Step up in power with the LawnMaster MEB1216K. It boasts a strong 12 AMP motor and an increased 16-inch cutting width, allowing you to cover more area with each pass. The motor spins at 3,500 RPM, providing the extra muscle needed to get through denser patches of grass efficiently.
Like its smaller sibling, it operates without emissions and offers five cutting height positions between 1.4 and 3 inches. This mower is a great middle-ground option for those who need a bit more power and width without moving to a larger, heavier model.
LawnMaster ME1218X Electric Lawn Mower 12AMP 19-Inch
The LawnMaster ME1218X is designed for high efficiency with its expansive 19-inch cutting deck. Powered by a 12 AMP motor that reaches 3600 RPM, it can make quick work of larger small yards. The deck is made from high-impact, rust-resistant material for increased durability.
This mower provides a 2-in-1 function, allowing you to either mulch or side discharge clippings. It also offers greater flexibility with six cutting positions, adjustable from 1.5 inches up to 4 inches with a single lever.
Greenworks 40V 14″ Cordless Lawn Mower, 4.0Ah Battery
While this list focuses on corded mowers, the Greenworks 40V model is a noteworthy cordless alternative for those who prioritize freedom of movement. It comes complete with a 4.0Ah battery and charger, offering up to 45 minutes of runtime, which is often ample for a small yard.
This mower is part of the Greenworks 40V ecosystem, meaning the battery is compatible with over 75 other tools. Its 14-inch cutting width is well-suited for compact lawns, and it provides a gas-free, quiet mowing experience.
SOYUS Electric Lawn Mower Corded, 13 Inch 10-Amp
The SOYUS mower is a compact and practical choice for very small yards and precise mowing. Its 13-inch blade, powered by a 10 Amp motor spinning at 3,100 RPM, is effective for maintaining a healthy turf. A significant benefit is the included 8-gallon collection bag, which minimizes how often you need to stop and empty clippings.
This model offers three adjustable cutting heights and features a foldable handlebar, making it incredibly easy to store in a shed, garage, or even a closet without taking up much space.
Greenworks 10 Amp 14-Inch Corded Lawn Mower
Greenworks is a trusted name in electric outdoor power equipment, and their 14-inch corded mower is a solid, no-fuss option. With a 10 Amp motor, it provides reliable power for routine mowing in small areas. The 14-inch cutting width offers a good balance between maneuverability and coverage.
This mower is designed for simplicity and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for someone new to electric mowers or anyone who wants a straightforward tool for basic lawn maintenance. Its reputation for reliability makes it a dependable long-term investment for your yard care routine.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Corded Lawn Mower for a Small Yard
When I’m shopping for a tool as fundamental as a lawn mower, I focus on a few key aspects that make the biggest difference in my actual mowing experience. For a small yard, a corded electric mower is often the perfect choice—it’s lightweight, starts with the push of a button, and doesn’t require the ongoing cost of gas or batteries. But not all corded mowers are created equal. Here’s what I always look for.
First, I think about power. This is measured in amps. For a typical small, flat yard, a mower in the 12- to 13-amp range is usually plenty. If my grass is particularly thick or I tend to let it grow a bit too long between mows, I might look for something with 14 or even 15 amps for that extra torque. More power means a cleaner cut, even when the grass is a little damp.
Next, I consider the cutting width. This determines how many passes I’ll need to make. A wider deck covers more ground with each pass. For a compact yard, a 16- to 18-inch deck is the sweet spot. It’s narrow enough to be maneuverable around tight corners and garden beds but wide enough to get the job done quickly. I find that going much wider than 20 inches can be cumbersome in a truly small space.
Height adjustment is another big one. I look for a mower that makes it easy to change the cutting height with a single lever that controls all four wheels at once. Having to adjust each wheel individually is a hassle I prefer to avoid. A good range of height settings, from about 1.5 inches to 4 inches, gives me the flexibility to cut at the perfect length for my grass type and the season.
Finally, I pay close attention to the mower’s weight and how it feels to push. Since I’m dealing with a small area, I don’t need a massive, heavy machine. A lighter mower is easier to lift for storage and to navigate around obstacles. I also check for features like a folding handle, which is a game-changer for saving space in my shed or garage. When I’m looking for the 10 best corded lawn mowers for small yards | 2025, these are the practical factors that guide my final decision, ensuring I get a machine that’s powerful enough, easy to handle, and simple to store.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long of an extension cord do I need for a corded lawn mower?
This is one of the most common questions, and it’s crucial for safety and performance. I always measure the farthest point of my yard from my outdoor outlet and add a little extra for maneuverability. For most small yards, a 100-foot, 14-gauge outdoor-rated extension cord is sufficient. If my mower is a higher-amp model (like 14-15 amps) or my run is very long, I might step up to a 12-gauge cord to prevent power loss and the cord from overheating. Using the wrong cord can damage the mower’s motor.
Is a corded mower really better than a cordless one for a small yard?
For many small yards, I believe a corded model has distinct advantages. The biggest one is unlimited runtime. I never have to stop halfway through because a battery died. Corded mowers are also typically lighter and less expensive than their cordless counterparts. The trade-off is managing the cord, but in a compact, simple-shaped yard, this becomes a minor task that I quickly get used to. If my yard has many complex obstacles, a cordless model might be worth the extra cost for the freedom of movement.
What’s the main safety concern with a corded electric mower?
The single most important safety rule is to always be aware of the cord’s location. I make a habit of mowing in a pattern that keeps the cord behind me and off to the side, so I’m never mowing over it. I also use a cord that is bright orange or yellow so it’s highly visible against the grass. Before I start mowing, I lay the cord out along the path I plan to take to avoid any tangles. Running over the cord is the most common and dangerous mistake, so constant vigilance is key.
Can a corded mower handle tall or damp grass?
While corded mowers have plenty of power for routine maintenance, they can struggle with extreme conditions. If I’ve let my grass get too tall, I follow the “one-third rule”: I never cut off more than one-third of the grass blade’s height in a single mowing. So, for very tall grass, I’ll mow more frequently at a high setting and gradually lower it. As for damp grass, a powerful corded mower can handle morning dew, but I avoid mowing after a heavy rain. Wet grass clumps badly, clogs the deck, and can be a safety hazard.
How do I maintain a corded electric lawn mower?
Maintenance is wonderfully simple compared to a gas mower. After each use, I always disconnect it from the power and use a hose or brush to clean out any grass clippings stuck under the deck. This prevents rust and ensures a clean cut next time. A couple of times a season, I check the blade for nicks and sharpness; a dull blade tears the grass instead of cutting it. Beyond that, there’s no oil, spark plugs, or air filters to worry about, which is a huge time and money saver for me.