The best petrol mower is more powerful than the majority of corded and cordless models, and for people with lots of lawn to mow they are also extremely convenient. Petrol mowers are generally very reliable if used with a specialist alkylate fuel like Aspen 4, they’re excellent for long grass, they’re easier to get up hills thanks to the motor assistance, and the noise they make is fun if you're a petrolhead, too.
If you have a typical inner city lawn or a small suburban plot then a petrol lawn mower is clearly not going to be your ideal choice since your neighbours might not like the noise and smell of an internal combustion engine. In which case you'll be much better served with one of the best cordless lawn mowers.
With a petrol-powered mower you can mow and mow for hours on end – or as long as you have a can of unleaded petrol or Aspen 4 to hand. Petrol mowers are more than powerful enough to tackle even the kind of long damp grass that might flummox a cordless or corded model. As experts who’ve tested dozens of petrol mowers in real-world conditions, we’ve seen which models truly deliver on power, efficiency and ease of use. Our top pick is the Hyundai HYM480SPER, and we'll explain why in just a moment.
Just as we've done in our best robot lawn mowers and best pressure washer buying guides, we've filled our best petrol lawn mowers buying guide with a variety of models that offer different features and price points. Take a look below to find out more:
The top three
The best petrol mower overall
The Hyundai HYM480SPER is our top petrol mower for overall performance. Ideal for larger lawns, it also boasts an impressive range of features.
The best affordable petrol mower
The Titan Petrol Lawn Mower is affordably priced yet delivers plenty of power for tackling tougher lawns, making it our top budget-friendly pick.
The best premium petrol mower
The Stihl RM 448 VC is one of the priciest petrol mowers on the market, but if you're looking for exceptional engineering, it delivers brilliantly.
Lizzie is T3’s Home Living Staff Writer, specialising in lawn mowers and garden tech. Since joining the magazine, she’s reviewed a wide range of models, and with her deep knowledge of fuel-driven machines, she’s the go-to expert for finding the perfect petrol mower for any lawn.
September 2025 With summer drawing to a close, we’ve refreshed our best petrol mower guide with new premium and budget-friendly picks – and we’ve got even more recently launched models currently on test.
Best petrol lawn mowers 2025
The best petrol mower overall
The Hyundai HYM480SPER is a premium petrol lawn mower tailored for larger lawns, offering a blend of power, convenience and design. Equipped with a 139cc Hyundai OHV four-stroke engine delivering 3.5hp, it features a 48cm cutting deck and a 70-litre grass collector, reducing the frequency of emptying. The mower offers five adjustable cutting heights ranging from 25mm to 75mm, accommodating various grass conditions. Its six-speed self-propulsion system ensures ease of use, whilst the rear roller provides traditional striped lawn effects.
That said, the HYM480SPER's weight of 41.5kg makes it less manoeuvrable in tight spaces and challenging to lift, and the handlebar's inability to fold further complicates storage in smaller sheds. However, despite these drawbacks, the mower's performance and features make it our top choice for those seeking one of the best.
The best affordable petrol mower
The Titan TTLMP300SP40 provides a strong balance of power and affordability, making it well-suited for medium to large lawns. It features a 125cc engine that delivers enough power to handle thick or damp grass, and its self-propelled design makes it easier to move around, especially on slopes.
As mentioned, it's well priced, but it does require a little more maintenance than other options. It also lacks some convenience features like electric start or blade brake that are available on some competing models.
The best premium petrol mower
Stihl is the go-to brand for professionals, and the RM 448 C lives up to that reputation. It’s a powerful 166cc 4-stroke petrol mower with a 46cm cutting deck, ideal for lawns up to 1,200 square metres. The mower features a large 55-litre grass collector with a convenient rear opening and comes with a mulching kit for finer clippings that improve lawn health. Its standout cutting height adjustment uses a unique sprung finger pad, offering six positions between 25-75mm. The height-adjustable mono handlebar folds for easy storage and simplifies emptying the grass box.
Unlike many petrol mowers with a single speed, this model offers variable self-propulsion controlled by a lever, making it easy to adjust speed while mowing. It runs quietly and efficiently, handling long grass and leaves well. Despite being on the pricey side, a five-year warranty and Stihl’s solid reputation means this mower promises durability and ease of use.
The best petrol mower for smaller lawns
The Einhell GC-PM 40-1 S is ideal for smaller gardens, thanks to its compact 40cm cutting deck handling lawns up to around 300m² with ease. Powered by a 99cc Einhell single-cylinder 4-stroke OHV engine, it’s surprisingly quiet for a petrol mower and delivers precise, consistent cutting. The self-propulsion is set at a steady pace, making it easy to manoeuvre around tight corners, flowerbeds and narrow paths...and of course, more compact spaces.
It comes with a 45-litre grass catcher and a cutting height range of 25–60mm across seven increments. Our reviewer found assembly straightforward, and after priming the fuel, it started on the second pull. For anyone with a smaller garden who wants the convenience of self-propulsion in a petrol mower, this Einhell model is a strong contender.
The best cylinder petrol mower
If you want a pristine, striped lawn, the Cobra Fortis 17B cylinder mower delivers professional-level results. Unlike rotary mowers, it cuts grass cleanly like scissors, offering millimetre-precise height adjustment down to 6mm. It’s ideal for smooth, flat lawns, but keep in mind it doesn’t handle bumps, sticks, or stones well, and at over 83kg, it’s seriously heavy. That weight does help press those classic stripes into the lawn though, thanks to its solid front and rear rollers.
Setup is user-friendly, and its twin levers allow separate control of the blade and drive. Our reviewer also found it outperformed rotary mowers with a finer cut and stronger finish, making it a top-tier choice for those who prefer cylinder models.
The best petrol mower for larger lawns
The Cobra MX534SPH is a fantastic self-propelled rotary alternative to the previous option. Powered by a dependable 167cc Honda GCVX170 engine, it starts easily with a pull cord conveniently mounted on the handlebar. Setup is straightforward, and the four-speed self-propulsion system makes mowing effortless. Its powerful suction draws clippings deep into the large 65-litre collector, packing them tightly so you empty it less often.
With a 52cm cutting deck and six height settings from 25mm to 75mm, it’s ideal for large lawns over 700m². It handles long or damp grass well and leaves a clean, even finish. Though the engine is loud, it’s powerful and highly reliable. You can mow three ways: collect clippings, mulch them finely back into the lawn, or use the side-discharge chute.
We think this large decked mower is the best for most people, but to see if you'd be better off with a different system, be sure to check out our Cobra MX534SPH vs Honda HRG 416 PK comparison feature.
How to choose the best petrol lawn mower
Choosing the right petrol mower isn’t just about picking the most powerful model. There are some key factors to consider to make sure you get one that fits your garden and your needs.
Lawn Size
Small lawns (up to 500m²): A compact mower with easy manoeuvrability is ideal. You don’t need a huge engine, but one that starts easily and handles curves well is a must.
Medium lawns (500–1,000m²): Look for a balance of power and efficiency. Larger wheels and a bigger cutting deck can save time, whilst still being manageable to push.
Large lawns (1,000m² and above): A heavy-duty mower with a wide cutting width and strong engine will make short work of bigger areas. Self-propelled or ride-on models are worth considering.
Terrain
If you have a flat lawn, almost any mower will do, so you can prioritise features like mulching, storage or noise levels.
If your lawn is hilly or uneven, a self-propelled mower with larger rear wheels is best. Petrol engines generally handle slopes better than electric ones, but look for one with good traction and stability.
Ease of Use
Petrol mowers can be heavier than electric ones, so consider starting mechanisms (push-start vs pull-cord), handle ergonomics and manoeuvrability. Adjustable cutting heights and foldable handles also make life easier.
Maintenance and Durability
Check how easy it is to access the oil and air filter, clean the deck, and store the mower over winter. A well-built mower may cost more upfront but will last longer and require less frequent servicing.
Budget
Petrol mowers vary widely in price. Set a budget but think long-term, especially as a reliable, efficient mower can save time, fuel and frustration over several seasons.
By combining these considerations with our hands-on testing insights, you’ll be able to pick a petrol mower that’s perfectly suited to your lawn.
How we test the best petrol lawn mowers
To find the best petrol lawn mowers out there, we put each one through its paces with hands-on testing in real-world conditions – just like you’d use them at home. We look at all the essentials: how well they cut, how easy they are to start and steer, how powerful the engine feels, how much fuel they guzzle (or hopefully, don’t), and even how noisy they are.
We also try them on different grass types and lengths to see how they cope with everything from tidy lawns to wild patches. Build quality, safety features, and how much effort they need to maintain all factor into our final verdict.
You might notice this guide is still growing, but don’t worry – more in-depth reviews and top picks are on the way!
Best petrol lawn mower FAQs
Is E10 unleaded fuel good for my petrol mower?
Just so you don't make one of the most common petrol lawn mower mistakes, it's important to know that petrol at the pump in the UK and Europe is now E10. This means it contains 10% ethanol – a plant-based fuel that's great for the planet but not so great for older lawn mowers. Ethanol attracts moisture, goes stale in about three months, and can mess with your mower’s engine.
To avoid rough starts and spluttering, it’s worth adding a fuel stabiliser every time you fill up. This won’t remove the ethanol, but it’ll protect your engine and help the petrol last longer.
Or, if you want the gold-standard solution, try Aspen fuel. It’s ethanol-free, cleaner-burning, and lasts up to five years. It’s pricier – about £22 for five litres – but one can will likely power you through a full mowing season.
Do petrol mowers need much maintenance?
Petrol lawn mowers do need a bit of TLC, but it’s nothing too intense. The basics include changing the oil once or twice a season (depending on how much you mow), checking and cleaning or replacing the air filter, and sharpening the blade so you get a nice clean cut instead of tearing the grass.
It's also important not to leave old fuel sitting in the tank over winter, as it can go stale and clog things up. Make sure to add a fuel stabiliser if you’re storing the mower for a while, or better yet, run the tank dry before putting it away. A quick annual service can also help your mower stay in top shape for years.
Take a look at our guide on how to clean a lawn mower for more tips and tricks.
What’s the difference between push and self-propelled petrol mowers?
Push mowers are powered by the engine for cutting only, meaning you still have to do the pushing. They’re usually lighter and cheaper, and they’re great for small, flat lawns where manoeuvrability matters more than muscle.
On the other hand, self-propelled mowers have a drive system that powers the wheels – so once you start it up, it practically walks itself across the lawn. This makes them ideal for larger gardens or hilly terrain where pushing a heavy mower would be a workout. Some models even come with variable speed settings, so you can mow at your own pace.
Reviewer Panel
Derek is T3's resident lawn care specialist, with years of hands-on experience testing petrol lawn mowers of all shapes and sizes. From compact push models to heavy-duty self-propelled machines, he’s tried them all – and he’s not shy about sharing what works (and what doesn’t).
Rob has spent decades writing about tech, and particularly loves diving deep into the world of petrol lawn mowers and outdoor tools. With a keen eye for build quality and performance, Rob brings a no-nonsense approach to testing garden gear.
