A beautiful lawn can greatly enhance your home's curb appeal and provide a lovely outdoor space for relaxation and entertaining. However, maintaining a pristine lawn requires regular mowing, which can get expensive if you invest in a high-end mower. The good news is that you can get a reliable, quality lawn mower under $100 if you know what to look for. In this blog post, we'll explore the best lawn mowers under $100 and provide tips for choosing the right one for your needs and budget.

What to Look for in an Inexpensive Lawn Mower

When shopping for an affordable lawn mower under $100, there are a few key factors to consider:

Cutting Width

The cutting width determines the size of the mower's cutting swath in a single pass. Wider cutting widths of 18-21 inches allow you to finish mowing faster. For smaller yards, a 14-16 inch cutting width should suffice.

Engine Power

While you won't get as much power from a sub-$100 mower, look for at least a 3.5-6.5 HP gas engine or a reliable electric motor with sufficient cutting power. More power allows better cutting on thick, tall grass.

Ease of Use

Look for mowers with simple controls, easy starting, height adjustments, and folding handles for compact storage. Mowers that are lightweight and easy to maneuver are also ideal.

Safety Features

Basic safety features like blade brakes, shields, and cut-off switches protect you and prevent accidents. Make sure any electric mower is UL certified for safety.

Warranty

Some budget mowers come with a 1-3 year limited warranty, offering peace of mind and protection in case of defects.

Best Gas Lawn Mowers Under $100

Gas mowers provide the most power and mobility for budget-friendly prices. Here are some top gas mower picks under $100:

PowerSmart DB2321S

With a robust 6.5 HP PowerSmart engine, 21-inch steel deck, and 7-position height adjustment, this mower tackles tall grass and weeds easily. The foldable handle provides compact storage.

BLACK+DECKER MM2000

BLACK+DECKER is a trusted brand for affordable and reliable outdoor power tools. The MM2000 sports a 13Amp motor, 20-inch cutting deck, height adjustments, and a 2-year warranty.

Craftsman M105

This push mower from Craftsman offers a 140cc auto-choke engine, 21” cutting width, dual-lever height adjustments from 1-3”, and a 2-year warranty for trusted everyday mowing.

Greenworks MO40B410

This electric start mower eliminates pull-cords and offers reliable starting with a 17 inch cutting deck and rear bag for easy grass clippings collection.

Best Electric Lawn Mowers Under $100

Electric mowers are quiet, eco-friendly options great for smaller, flatter lawns. Here are top picks:

Scotts Outdoor Power Tools STC90021S

With a 20-inch cutting deck, this corded electric mower provides quiet operation and 6 adjustable cutting heights. The retractable cord reel keeps things tidy.

BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH

Cordless freedom allows you to roam your yard with this mower from a trusted brand. It runs up to 70 minutes on a single charge with a 24V battery and includes a 15” cutting deck.

American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14

This compact 14-inch manual reel mower from American Lawn Mower allows a quiet, eco-friendly cut without any fuel. It's ideal for small yards and the rubber handle provides a comfortable grip.

Greenworks MO10B00

Another quality cordless pick, this mower has a 10 amp battery for up to 45 minutes of runtime, an easy push button start, and a solid 20 inch cutting deck to tackle small and mid-sized lawns with ease.

Manual Reel Mowers

Looking for a zero emissions, push power option? Manual reel mowers provide exercise while mowing and work well for smaller, flatter yards without hills. They are also very budget-friendly! Here are top picks under $100:

• American Lawn Mower Deluxe Light Reel Mower ($68.49) - 16” cutting width, heat treated alloy steel blades, and cushioned loop handle
• Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Manual Reel Mower ($92.73) - Great for 20” cut, can mow up to 1/2 acre, steel blades and quick snap height adjustment
• Gardena 4025-U Manual Reel Mower ($98.87) - Ergonomic push handle, silent mowing, ideal for yards under 1,300 sq ft

What to Consider When Buying a Lawn Mower Under $100

• Yard size - Measure your lawn’s square footage to determine the right cutting width and power
• Power source - Electric corded or battery powered offer more convenience while gas has higher power
• Terrain - Reel push mowers work best on flat, even lawns while gas mowers can handle hills
• Grass type - Higher power needed for thick grass and weeds vs common fescues
• Safety features - Look for protective guards, brakes, and switches to prevent accidents
• Ease of use - Consider push button starts, folding handles, bagging/mulching options
• Warranty - Opt for at least a 1-year limited warranty for budget mowers

Maintaining Your Affordable Lawn Mower

Caring properly for your mower will keep it functioning reliably for multiple seasons:

• Change oil and spark plugs at regular intervals per owner’s manual
• Replace air filters when dirty
• Sharpen blades as needed to prevent tearing grass
• Adjust cutting height for seasonal needs
• Clean underside and engine area regularly
• Store mower properly in winter months
• Recharge and replace batteries as required

Quality maintenance keeps any mower running smoothly for the best cut. Don't hesitate to contact a small engine repair specialist for tune-ups and repairs if needed. Proper care protects your investment.

Safety Tips for Operating Lawn Mowers

Lawn mowers, even inexpensive models, require safe handling to prevent injury and accidents:

• Wear closed toe shoes and avoid loose clothing that can get caught
• Remove debris from lawn before mowing
• Set cutting height higher in early spring and lower in summer/fall
• Mow only in daylight or with well-lit artificial light
• Push mower slowly and watch for ditches or holes
• Keep hands and feet away from underside when engine is running
• Don't attempt to unclog mower while blades moving
• Shut off mower before making adjustments, refueling, or transport
• Avoid using on steep slopes or hills
• Unplug electric mowers before changing blades or height
• Only allow responsible teens and adults to operate mowers

Staying alert and using common sense goes a long way in safely operating any lawn mower!

Frequently Asked Questions

What features are most important for a mower under $100?

For affordable mowers, the engine power, cutting width, ease of use and basic safety features are most important. Extras like electric start and bagging systems may not be available on budget models. Focus on the motor, deck size, controls and key features to deliver an effective cut.

What cutting width do I need?

For small yards under 1/4 acre, a 14-16 inch cutting width should suffice. For medium yards up to 1/2 acre, look for an 18-21 inch cutting deck to help get the job done more quickly and efficiently. Measure your yard to determine the ideal cutting width.

How much power is needed?

Look for gas mowers with 3.5-6.5HP engines that can handle moderately tall grass. Electric mowers with 10 amp motors or higher are suitable for standard lawn grasses. For thick or weed-prone grass, the higher power of gas engines is preferable.

Are reel mowers practical for my yard?

Manual reel mowers provide a zero emissions option that works well for flat, smooth lawns up to 1,500 sq ft. They are ideal for eco-conscious consumers with smaller yards to keep up with regular mowing. Those with large, hilly or uneven lawns should opt for a gas or electric mower with engine power.

Should I buy new or used for under $100?

In general, buying a new budget mower will provide the best value, reliability and safety. Used mowers under $100 are likely quite old, may have worn parts, and safety risks if not properly maintained. Stick to a new mower from a trusted brand that also includes a warranty.

How can I get the best deal on an inexpensive mower?

Shop end of season sales in fall for clearance deals. Check stores like Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart, and Amazon for budget mowers under $100, and consider warehouse clubs for package deals that can get you extra tools or accessories. Use coupons and shop sales around holiday weekends for optimal savings.

We hope this guide has helped narrow down the top lawn mowers you can buy for under $100! Be sure to consider your lawn size, grass type, and features needed to pick the ideal budget-friendly mower that keeps your yard looking neat and trimmed all season long.