Gas vs Electric Lawn Mowers: Pros and Cons Compared

Park City Power Blog | Serving Fairfield County and Coastal Connecticut

Whether you’re a seasoned landscaper or a homeowner trying to keep your yard in shape, the debate around gas vs electric lawn mowers isn’t going away anytime soon. Each has its own set of pros and cons. And with battery technology advancing fast, electric models are closing the gap. But is one clearly better for your property? That depends on what you prioritize: power, convenience, noise, emissions or overall cost.

At Park City Power, we help homeowners throughout Fairfield County and coastal Connecticut find equipment that matches the size of their lawn, their maintenance habits and their long term goals. Below we break down the gas vs electric lawn mower debate so you can choose the best fit for your yard work routine.

Gas vs Electric Mower Power: Who Wins?

The first thing people consider in the gas vs electric lawn mower conversation is power. Gas mowers have long been known for their brute strength and ability to tackle thick, tall or wet grass without stalling. They’re especially handy for large properties where extended run time is important or when the lawn hasn’t been mowed in a while.

Electric mowers, especially cordless models, have come a long way in the last decade. Modern lithium-ion batteries provide more torque and some higher end electric models can handle moderate grass conditions with ease. But when comparing the average electric lawn mower vs gas powered one, gas still has the edge in raw cutting power and durability in tough conditions.

But for routine mowing on well maintained lawns, electric mowers are more than capable. If you don’t need to plow through wild overgrowth or mow for hours at a time, an electric mower could do the trick.

Electric and Gas Mower Maintenance & Use

Here’s where electric mowers really shine. Compared to gas mowers, electric mowers are much easier to maintain. No oil changes. No spark plugs. No carburetor issues. With an electric mower you simply charge the battery or plug it in and go. That’s simplicity is appealing to casual users or homeowners who don’t want to spend weekends troubleshooting engine problems.Gas mowers, while reliable, require maintenance. You’ll need to check oil levels, replace filters and winterize your machine to keep it running year after year. For someone comfortable with small engine maintenance, that’s not a big deal. But for others it’s a chore, and an extra cost.

If convenience and low maintenance ownership is important to you, that could tip the electric vs gas lawn mower decision in favor of electric.

Noise & Emissions

This is one of the most noticeable differences. Gas mowers are loud. Not just mildly annoying, ear protection is often recommended if you’re mowing for hours. That noise combined with the smell of gas and emissions makes mowing less enjoyable for you and your neighbors.

Electric mowers are much quieter. They hum rather than roar. If you live in a tight neighborhood or just want a more peaceful yard work experience, this factor alone might make your decision easy.

There’s also the environmental side of things. Electric mowers produce zero emissions while operating, making them a cleaner option overall. Even accounting for the electricity used to charge batteries, they leave a smaller carbon footprint than gas models.

Runtime & Refueling

This one’s tricky. Gas mowers can run as long as you have fuel. You can top off the tank and keep going without much interruption. With electric models, especially battery powered ones, runtime is limited to the life of the battery. Most battery powered mowers run between 30 to 60 minutes per charge depending on lawn conditions and size of the battery.

For smaller yards that’s usually fine. But if your lawn is over half an acre or you’re mowing in hot, humid conditions where batteries drain faster, you may find yourself waiting for a recharge, or investing in backup batteries which can add to the overall cost.

In the electric lawn mower vs gas showdown, gas still has the edge for larger properties and all day use.

Gas Mowers and Electric Mowers Cost

At purchase time electric mowers can seem more expensive, especially if you’re going with a high end cordless model. But over time they often cost less to own. No need to buy gas, oil, filters or perform regular engine maintenance.

Gas mowers tend to have lower upfront costs especially in the entry level range but their lifetime ownership costs are higher due to fuel, maintenance and potential repairs.One other note: if you’re buying a battery powered electric mower the battery itself may need to be replaced every few years depending on use. That’s an extra cost to consider though many battery warranties now last several years.

Is a Gas or Electric Mower Right for You?

When deciding between a gas vs electric lawn mower, think about how often you mow, how big your lawn is and how much effort you’re willing to put into maintenance. Here’s a quick breakdown of who benefits most from each option:

Choose a Gas Mower If:

• You have a large yard (half an acre or more).
• You often cut thick, wet or overgrown grass.
• You’re comfortable with routine maintenance and winter storage.
• You don’t mind engine noise or emissions.

Choose an Electric Mower If:

• You prioritize quiet operation and environmental impact.
• Your lawn is small to medium in size.
• You want low maintenance, push-button operation.
• You don’t want to deal with gas, oil or fumes.

Still Debating the Gas vs Electric Mower Decision? Let’s Talk.

There’s no one size fits all answer to the electric vs gas lawn mower debate. Both have their place and the best choice is based on your property, preferences and how you want to spend your time on yard work.

At Park City Power we carry a full range of both gas and electric mowers from brands we trust. Whether you’re looking for long lasting performance, smart features or minimal maintenance we’ll help you find the right fit for your needs.

Have questions or want to compare models in person? Visit our showroom or reach out. Our team will walk you through your options from engine specs to battery life to cutting deck sizes.

Let us help you power through your next mowing season, whatever side of the electric vs gas lawn mower debate you land on.