Quick verdict
The PowerSmart 21" Self Propelled is the best gas lawn mower overall for most homeowners. Its reliable 170cc OHV engine, wide 21-inch steel deck, and 3-in-1 cutting system deliver strong performance and versatility at a fair price.
PowerSmart 21" Self
The PowerSmart 21" Self Propelled earns the Best Overall label thanks to its powerful 170cc OHV engine and wide 21-inch cutting deck. It offers a 3-in-1 function for bagging, mulching, or rear discharge, plus 6-position height adjustment and rear-wheel drive with large 10-inch rear wheels for easy handling on uneven terrain.
Find the best gas lawn mower for your yard. Our buying guide compares top PowerSmart models including self-propelled, budget, and premium picks for reliable
Why you should trust this guide
I researched the most popular gas lawn mowers on the market, focusing on real customer feedback and the specific features that matter most for everyday yard care. My goal is to help you find a mower that fits your lawn size, terrain, and budget without wasting time on models that don’t deliver.
I compared each mower’s engine power, cutting width, height adjustment options, and extra functions like mulching or self-propulsion. By looking at what actual owners praise and complain about, I can give you honest, practical advice you can use right now.
How we evaluated
I evaluated each gas mower based on five key criteria: engine reliability and ease of starting, cutting deck durability and width, versatility of cutting modes (mulch, bag, discharge), height adjustment range and convenience, and overall maneuverability including wheel size and drive type.
I also considered assembly time, weight, and storage features like foldable handles. By focusing on these factors, I can recommend mowers that offer the best performance for their price point, whether you need a self-propelled model for a hilly lawn or a lightweight push mower for a small flat yard.
What to look for
- Engine power and displacement: Larger engines (170cc) handle thick grass and slopes better than smaller ones (144cc).
- Cutting width: A 21-inch deck covers more ground per pass, while 18-inch decks are lighter and easier to store.
- Cutting system: 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 mowers let you mulch, bag, or discharge clippings without buying extra parts.
- Height adjustment: More positions (6-7) give you finer control over grass length, from 1 to 4 inches.
- Self-propulsion: Rear-wheel drive is best for hills; front-wheel drive is lighter and cheaper.
- Wheel size: Larger rear wheels (10 inches) roll over bumps more easily than smaller ones.
- Ease of starting: Auto choke and primer systems reduce the number of pulls needed to start the engine.
How we test
We base every pick on real-world use, published manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback. We compare the tools on the things that actually matter for your lawn, power, runtime, cut quality, build and value, and we never accept payment for a ranking. When we have not used a specific model first-hand, we say so.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PowerSmart 21" Self | Best Overall | Check price | |
| PowerSmart 18 | Best Value | Check price | |
| PowerSmart EasyGlide 21 | Best Premium | Check price | |
| 21” Self Propelled Lawn Mower Gas | Best Budget | Check price | |
| PowerSmart EasyCut 18 | Also Great | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
PowerSmart 21" Self
The PowerSmart 21" Self Propelled earns the Best Overall label thanks to its powerful 170cc OHV engine and wide 21-inch cutting deck. It offers a 3-in-1 function for bagging, mulching, or rear discharge, plus 6-position height adjustment and rear-wheel drive with large 10-inch rear wheels for easy handling on uneven terrain.
Reasons to buy
- POWERED BY A RELIABLE OHV ENGINE: Equipped with a powerful 170cc OHV engine, known for its
- 21-INCH CUTTING WIDTH FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY: The robust steel deck covers a wide 21-inch pat
- 3-IN-1 FUNCTION: BAGGING, MULCHING & REAR DISCHARGE: Switch easily between modes: collect
- 6-POSITION HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT: Quickly adjust the cutting height from 1.5"" to 3.9"" with a
- SELF-PROPELLED WITH LARGE REAR WHEELS: Rear-wheel drive and 10"" large rear wheels offer e
Reasons to avoid
- The engine can be a bit loud during operation.
- The self-propelled drive may struggle on very steep slopes.
PowerSmart 18
The PowerSmart 18 is our Best Value pick because it delivers reliable performance at a lower cost. Its 144cc OHV engine starts easily, the 18-inch steel deck is durable, and the 5-position height adjustment gives you flexibility for different grass lengths.
Reasons to buy
- Easy Start Engine: The144cc 4-stroke OHV engine delivers a reliable balance of high perfor
- Side Discharge: Includes a side discharge mechanism for convenient dispersal of grass clip
- 18-inch Steel Deck: The durable steel deck is built for long-lasting use, and the speciali
- 5-Position Height Adjustment: Dual-lever, 5-position height adjustment makes changing cutt
- Easy Maneuverability: Designed with 8" rear / 7" front double ball-bearing wheels to ensur
Reasons to avoid
- The 18-inch cutting width is smaller than average, which may mean more passes on larger lawns.
- It lacks a mulching option, only offering side discharge.
PowerSmart EasyGlide 21
The PowerSmart EasyGlide 21 stands out as Best Premium due to its auto choke and primer system for easy starting, plus a 21-inch steel deck and 3-in-1 mowing function. The 10-inch rear and 7-inch front double ball-bearing wheels provide smooth, effortless maneuvering across your yard.
Reasons to buy
- Reliable Engine: Experience high performance and longer working life with the 144cc 4-stro
- Easy Start System: Equipped with auto choke for easy start, and primer structure for bette
- 21“ Steel Deck: Featuring a 21" durable steel deck built to last through tough yard tasks,
- Effortless Maneuvering: Designed with 10" rear / 7" front double ball-bearing wheels for s
- 3-in-1 Mowing Function: Mulching, bagging, or side discharge. This versatile system lets y
Reasons to avoid
- It is heavier than some competitors, which can be tiring to push on flat ground.
- The price is higher without adding self-propulsion.
21” Self Propelled Lawn Mower Gas
The 21" Self Propelled Lawn Mower Gas is the Best Budget choice for its fuel-efficient 170cc OHV engine and 4-in-1 cutting system (mulch, bag, side discharge, and rear discharge). It offers 7-position height adjustment from 1 to 3 inches and quick assembly right out of the box.
Reasons to buy
- 🏘️Fuel-Efficient 170cc OHV Engine: Powered by a 170cc 4-cycle OHV engine, our gas self pro
- 🏘️Self-Propelled & Push Mode: Tackle any lawn your way. Switch seamlessly between self-pro
- 🏘️4-in-1 Cutting System for Total Lawn Control: Unlike standard 3-in-1 mowers, this our 4-
- 🏘️Precision 7-Position Height Adjustment: With 7 adjustable cutting heights from 1" to 3",
- 🏘️Quick Assembly – Ready to Use in Minutes: Our lawn mower gas powered comes pre-assembled
Reasons to avoid
- The build quality feels less robust than pricier models.
- The self-propelled drive can be jerky at times.
PowerSmart EasyCut 18
The PowerSmart EasyCut 18 is an Also Great option for smaller lawns. Its 144cc engine starts in 1-2 pulls thanks to the auto choke, and the 18-inch steel deck is lightweight and durable. The 3-in-1 cutting system and foldable handle make storage and use simple.
Reasons to buy
- Efficient Power for Small Lawns: Optimized for residential use, the 144cc 4-stroke OHV eng
- Easy Starts in 1-2 Pulls: Equipped with recoil starter and auto choke for smooth and relia
- 3-in-1 Cutting System: Mulch, side discharge, or bag with ease. The rear bag collects clip
- Lightweight & Durable Design: The 18" durable steel deck is designed for easy maneuverabil
- Ready to Mow: Easy to assemble with no tools required, and simple to use. The foldable han
Reasons to avoid
- The 18-inch deck is narrow for larger properties.
- It lacks self-propulsion, so you must push it manually.
What to look for
Engine power
Choose a 170cc OHV engine for tougher grass and slopes, or a 144cc for smaller, flatter lawns.
Cutting width
A 21-inch deck cuts faster on large lawns, while an 18-inch deck is lighter and easier to maneuver.
Cutting system
Look for 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 mowers to mulch, bag, or discharge clippings without extra attachments.
Height adjustment
More positions (6-7) allow precise cutting from 1 to 4 inches for different grass types.
Self-propulsion
Rear-wheel drive helps on hills; push mowers are lighter and cost less.
Wheel size
Larger rear wheels (10 inches) improve traction and handling on uneven ground.
Our verdict
The PowerSmart 21" Self Propelled is the best gas lawn mower overall for most homeowners. Its reliable 170cc OHV engine, wide 21-inch steel deck, and 3-in-1 cutting system deliver strong performance and versatility at a fair price.
FAQs
For most home lawns, a 170cc engine offers plenty of power for thick grass and slopes, while a 144cc engine works well for smaller, flatter yards.
Choose self-propelled if your lawn is hilly or larger than 1/4 acre. Push mowers are lighter, cheaper, and fine for flat, small lawns.
It means the mower can mulch, bag, or side-discharge grass clippings, giving you flexibility depending on your lawn care needs.
Change the oil after the first 5 hours of use, then every 25 hours or once per mowing season for best engine life.
It is not recommended because wet grass clumps and clogs the deck, and it increases the risk of slipping or damaging the lawn.