Best Side Discharge Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers of 2025

Toby Butcher Avatar
Toby Butcher
Last Updated: 9 Feb 2025

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Side discharge walk-behind lawn mowers are a type of lawn mower designed for mowing small to medium-sized lawns. They feature a cutting deck that discharges the grass clippings to the side of the mower, eliminating the need for a collection bag. These mowers are ideal for homeowners who want an efficient and easy-to-use lawn mower that can quickly cut and evenly distribute grass clippings. They are available in both petrol and electric models, with varying cutting widths and adjustable cutting heights. Overall, side discharge walk-behind lawn mowers are a reliable and effective option for maintaining a healthy and attractive lawn.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

AL-KO Comfort 46.0 SP-A Self Propelled Lawnmower Cover #TOP 1
AL-KO Comfort 46.0 SP-A Self Propelled Lawnmower
ftb score rating icon 9.8
LawnMaster 48V Cordless Lawnmower with Batteries Cover #TOP 2
LawnMaster 48V Cordless Lawnmower with Batteries
ftb score rating icon 9.7
PowerSmart Gas Push Lawn Mower 21in. with 3-in-1 Features Cover #TOP 3
PowerSmart Gas Push Lawn Mower 21in. with 3-in-1 Features
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 5 Side Discharge Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers

#TOP 1

AL-KO Comfort 46.0 SP-A Self Propelled Lawnmower

119938
Charcoal
AL-KO Comfort 46.0 SP-A Self Propelled Lawnmower Cover
AL-KO Comfort 46.0 SP-A Self Propelled Petrol Lawnmower, 46cm cutting width, mow, collect, mulch, side discharge

The AL-KO Comfort 46.0 SP-A is designed for effortless lawn care, featuring a 46cm cutting width, perfect for medium-sized lawns up to 11000 m². With its single speed wheel drive, you can easily navigate slopes without the need to push. The powerful 139cc engine ensures reliable starts and efficient mowing. Additionally, the central cutting height adjustment allows you to customise your lawn's finish with seven height settings, giving you the flexibility to achieve your desired look.

What We Like
Effortless self-propelled operation
Powerful 139cc engine
Customisable cutting height
Large grass collection box
#TOP 2

LawnMaster 48V Cordless Lawnmower with Batteries

CLMF4846A-01
Orange
LawnMaster 48V Cordless Lawnmower with Batteries Cover
LawnMaster 48V 46cm Cordless Lawnmower with Spare Set of MX 24V 4.0Ah Batteries and 2 Fast Chargers. With Rear Roller, Grass Side Eject and Mulching Function, 2 Year Guarantee. For Larger Lawns.

The LawnMaster Cordless Lawnmower offers complete cordless freedom, equipped with four powerful MX 24V 4.0Ah batteries and two fast chargers. This design allows you to charge two batteries while using the other two, giving you almost continuous run time. Its wide 46cm blade is perfect for larger lawns, cutting more grass with each pass and making your mowing tasks quicker. The iPower Intelligent Battery Management System automatically adjusts power delivery based on grass conditions, ensuring efficient operation whether you're cutting through dense patches or lighter grass.

What We Like
Powerful cordless design
Wide 46cm cutting blade
Intelligent battery management
4-in-1 functionality
Compact storage options
#TOP 3

PowerSmart Gas Push Lawn Mower 21in. with 3-in-1 Features

DB8602PR-VC
Gray Bagger
PowerSmart Gas Push Lawn Mower 21in. with 3-in-1 Features Cover
PowerSmart Gas Push Lawn Mower 21in. 144cc 4-Cycle Engine 3-in-1 Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge, 6-Position Height Adjustment

The PowerSmart Gas Lawn Mower is powered by a robust 144cc OHV engine, making it easy to start with its recoil starter and auto choke. This powerful engine helps you tackle your mowing tasks quickly and efficiently. Its 3-in-1 steel deck offers versatile options, allowing you to mulch, bag, or side discharge the clippings as you prefer. With a 21-inch heavy-duty cutting blade, you can enjoy a better cutting effect, enabling you to cover more ground in less time. Additionally, the dual-lever height adjustment offers six cutting positions, giving you control over your desired grass length.

What We Like
Powerful 144cc engine
3-in-1 mowing capabilities
21-inch cutting blade
6 height adjustment positions
Space-saving design

Einhell GC-HM 300 Manual Lawnmower with 30cm Cutting Width

3414114
Red & Black
Up to 150 m²
Einhell GC-HM 300 Manual Lawnmower with 30cm Cutting Width Cover
Einhell GC-HM 300 Hand Push Lawnmower -- Manual Lawn-Mower With 30cm Cutting Width, 16L Grass Box, 4 Cutting Height Levels -- Walk-Behind Lawn Mower For Small Gardens, Red & Black

The Einhell GC-HM 300 Lawnmower is a sturdy, manual mower designed for small gardens up to 150 square metres. Its 30 cm cutting width, equipped with five high-grade steel blades, ensures a clean and efficient cut. You can easily adjust the cutting height to suit your lawn's needs, with four levels ranging from 13 mm to 37 mm. The large, lawn-friendly wheels make manoeuvring simple, while the removable 16-litre grass box allows for easy disposal of clippings.

What We Like
Quiet and environmentally friendly
Adjustable cutting heights
Large grass catch basket
Ergonomic handle design
#TOP 5

PowerSmart 21in 144cc Gas Lawn Mower

Mulching - 144cc
PowerSmart 21in 144cc Gas Lawn Mower Cover
PowerSmart Gas Lawn Mower 21in. 144cc 2-in-1 Walk-Behind Push Lawn Mower, Oil Included

The PowerSmart Gas Lawn Mower is powered by a robust 144cc OHV engine, making starting easy with its recoil starter and auto choke. This means you can spend less time struggling and more time mowing your lawn efficiently. The all-steel deck is designed for durability and offers a versatile 3-in-1 capability for mulching, bagging, and side-discharging, catering to various mowing needs. Additionally, the heavy-duty 21" cutting blade ensures a better cutting effect, allowing you to tackle larger areas quickly and effectively.

What We Like
Powerful 144cc OHV engine
Durable all-steel deck
3-in-1 mowing capabilities
Efficient 21" cutting blade
Easy storage with quick-folding design
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why does my lawnmower have a side discharge?

Side Discharge Mower Advantages Faster blade speed allows for a cleaner cut when mowing. Allow non-stop operation and faster mowing. Good results cutting tall or wet grass. When cast in the optimal direction, discharged grass clippings are returned to the yard as a natural fertilizer.

2. How do I mow my lawn with a side discharge?

For side-discharging lawnmowers, mow one strip of grass, then switch directions with the mower so that the next strip you mow sprays the grass clippings over the area you just mowed. Mowing in strips is better than mowing in a circle because you'll avoid building up mounds of clippings.

3. Is a rear discharge mower better than a side discharge?

The side discharge mower is more difficult to maneuver in tight places when you use a bag, and it holds fewer clippings. If you have a small lawn and obstacles in the way, you may prefer a rear discharge mower. This will be easier to maneuver through tight spaces.

4. Which is better mulching or side discharge?

Both side-discharge and mulching mowers leave grass blades behind. However, a mulching blade chops up clippings into finer pieces so they decompose faster and don't clump as quickly. Using a side-discharge mower you may need to do your own mulching by running over your grass piles multiple times.

Editor's Notes

During our side discharge walk-behind lawn mower research, we found 109 side discharge walk-behind lawn mower products and shortlisted 5 quality products. We collected and analyzed 26,812 customer reviews through our big data system to write the side discharge walk-behind lawn mowers list. We found that most customers choose side discharge walk-behind lawn mowers with an average price of £205.82.

The side discharge walk-behind lawn mowers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of side discharge walk-behind lawn mowers, including AL-KO, LawnMaster, PowerSmart, Einhell. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 253 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Toby Butcher Avatar

Toby Butcher is a Horticulturist, and he earned his title as a Master Gardener in 2016. Toby has acquired a 25-year experience as a home gardener planting, designing, grooming vegetables and flowers. He is the leader of a plant group in Durham. Toby owns a blog where he publishes articles on growing and growing your flowers at home, in a vase, or in a garden.