Best Side-Discharge Lawn Mowers of 2026

Bryan Hicks Avatar
Bryan Hicks
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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Side-discharge lawn mowers are an excellent choice for those who want a simple and efficient way to keep their lawn looking neat and tidy. These mowers are equipped with a side chute that disperses the clippings evenly across the lawn, eliminating the need for bagging or raking. They are also great for larger lawns, as they cover a wider area and can handle thicker grass. With various sizes and models available, side-discharge mowers are a versatile option for any homeowner looking to maintain their lawn with ease.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SENIX LSSG-M9 21-inch Gas Lawn Mower Cover #TOP 1
SENIX LSSG-M9 21-inch Gas Lawn Mower
ftb score rating icon 9.8
EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Select Cut Lawn Mower Cover #TOP 2
EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Select Cut Lawn Mower
ftb score rating icon 9.7
EGO POWER+ LM2134SP-2 Cordless Lawn Mower Cover #TOP 3
EGO POWER+ LM2134SP-2 Cordless Lawn Mower
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Side-Discharge Lawn Mowers

#TOP 1

SENIX LSSG-M9 21-inch Gas Lawn Mower

LSSG-M9
Blue
SENIX LSSG-M9 21-inch Gas Lawn Mower Cover
SENIX LSSG-M9 21-inch Gas Self-Propelled Lawn Mower - 140 cc 4-Cycle Briggs & Stratton Engine, Bagging, Mulching, and Side Discharge, 6-Position Lever Height Adjustment

The SENIX Gas Lawn Mower makes yard work easier with its 21-inch cutting width, perfect for managing small to medium-sized lawns efficiently. Powered by a dependable 140 cc Briggs & Stratton engine, it offers a smooth start and longer engine life, reducing your maintenance worries. This mower is versatile with three functions: mulching, side discharge, and rear bagging, allowing you to choose the best way to handle your grass clippings. Adjust the cutting height easily with six settings, so you get the perfect grass length every time. Plus, the large wheels help you move smoothly over uneven terrain, making your mowing experience comfortable and effective.

What We Like
Powerful cutting performance
Easy to start
Lightweight design
Simple assembly
Multiple discharge options
What We Don't Like
Somewhat noisy operation
Occasional shipping issues

EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Select Cut Lawn Mower

LM2135SP
Black
EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Select Cut Lawn Mower Cover
EGO POWER+ Electric Lawn Mower, Self-Propelled Cordless with Select Cut and Touch Drive, Includes 56V 7.5Ah Battery and Rapid Charger – LM2135SP

The EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Select Cut Lawn Mower is a battery-powered walk-behind mower with Touch Drive Self-Propelled Technology. It features a Select Cut Multi-Blade System for premium cutting performance that exceeds gas, adjustable self-propel speed, 7-position cutting height adjustments, and 3-in-1 function. The included 7.5Ah ARC Lithium battery provides up to 60 minutes of run time on a single charge. Customers praise its lightweight, quiet, and powerful performance, as well as its intuitive design and battery life.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy maneuverability
Long-lasting battery performance
Powerful mulching and cutting
Low maintenance requirements
Quiet operation
What We Don't Like
Plastic design hard to clean
Plastic underside feels less durable
#TOP 3

EGO POWER+ LM2134SP-2 Cordless Lawn Mower

LM2134SP-2
Gray/Black
EGO POWER+ LM2134SP-2 Cordless Lawn Mower Cover
EGO POWER+ Electric Lawn Mower, Self-Propelled Cordless with Select Cut and Touch Drive, Includes (2) 56V 6.0Ah Batteries and Rapid Charger - LM2134SP-2

The EGO POWER+ Cordless Mower offers a customizable cutting experience with its multi-blade system, letting you adjust how your lawn gets trimmed for the best results. Its self-propelled Touch Drive feature gives you easy control, making mowing less tiring by letting you guide the mower smoothly. With two powerful 56V batteries, you can mow for up to 100 minutes on a single charge, so you can cover a large area without interruptions. Plus, the brushless motor runs efficiently, reducing vibrations and providing long-lasting durability, so you can enjoy a quieter and more comfortable mowing session.

What We Like
Easy assembly and operation
Quiet performance
Dual battery convenience
Self-propelled feature
Clean, even lawn cut
What We Don't Like
Battery longevity concerns
Blades require frequent sharpening
#TOP 4

Greenworks 80V 21” Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower and Blower Combo

MOBA80L410
Green and Black
Greenworks 80V 21” Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower and Blower Combo Cover
Greenworks 80V 21” Brushless (Self-Propelled) Cordless Electric Lawn Mower + (580 CFM) Axial Leaf Blower (75+ Compatible Tools), 4.0Ah Battery and 60 Minute Rapid Charger, Green and Black

The Greenworks 80V Mower Combo offers powerful and efficient yard care with its strong 80-volt brushless motor, making your mowing and blowing tasks quicker and easier. Its 21-inch steel deck allows you to choose how you manage your grass with options to mulch, bag, or side discharge, giving you flexibility based on your lawn’s needs. The combo includes a 4Ah battery and rapid charger, so you get longer run times and less waiting, helping you finish your chores faster. Plus, the self-propelled design with adjustable cutting heights and LED lights makes it simple and comfortable to use, even in lower light conditions.

What We Like
Quiet operation
Easy assembly
Self-propelled feature
Strong battery life
Upright storage option
What We Don't Like
Heavy box
Minor runtime inconsistency
#TOP 5

SENIX LSPG-L5 144cc Gas Lawn Mower

GCJ-LSPG-L5
Blue
20 Inch
SENIX LSPG-L5 144cc Gas Lawn Mower Cover
SENIX 144 cc Gas Lawn Mower, 20 inch 4-Cycle Push Mower, Side Discharge, 5 Position Cutting Height Adjustment, Low Noise & Fuel-Efficient for Lawn, Yard and Garden (LSPG-L5)

The SENIX 144cc Push Mower is powered by a strong 144CC 4-stroke engine that runs quietly and uses fuel efficiently, helping you mow large areas without frequent refueling. Its 7-inch front and rear wheels are designed to handle rough and uneven ground, making it easy to mow different terrains like slopes or rugged yards. With a wide 20-inch cutting deck, you can cover more grass in less time compared to smaller mowers. Plus, the mower offers five height settings, so you can easily adjust the cutting height from 1.25 to 3.75 inches to suit your lawn’s needs and keep your yard looking neat.

What We Like
Easy assembly
Powerful engine
Single lever height adjustment
Self-propel feature
Upright storage
What We Don't Like
Minor design issues
Handle grip durability
#TOP 6

Greenworks 40V 21" Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

MO40L517
Green&Black
Greenworks 40V 21" Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Cover
Greenworks 40V 21" Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower – Brushless Motor, 5.0Ah Battery & Charger(75+ Tool Compatible)

The Greenworks 40V Lawn Mower offers a powerful brushless motor that runs quietly and delivers strong cutting performance, helping you get a clean lawn without the noise of gas mowers. Its self-propelled design with adjustable speed lets you easily control the mower’s pace, giving you better traction and less effort on any type of yard. The built-in LED headlights make it convenient to mow early in the morning or late at night without bothering your neighbors. Plus, with four mowing options—mulching, bagging, side discharge, or leaf pickup—you can customize your lawn care to fit your needs perfectly.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to use
Quiet operation
Simple battery system
Low maintenance
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Small cutting width
Bagging clippings could be improved
#TOP 7

EGO POWER+ LM2114 Cordless Lawn Mower

LM2114
Green
21 inches wide
EGO POWER+ LM2114 Cordless Lawn Mower Cover
EGO POWER+ Electric Lawn Mower, Cordless, Includes 56V 6.0Ah Battery And 320W Charger - LM2114

The EGO Cordless Lawn Mower offers impressive power with its high-efficiency brushless motor, giving you cutting performance that beats many gas mowers. You can mow for up to 55 minutes on a single charge, so you won’t be interrupted frequently while working. Starting the mower is simple and quick with a push-button system, saving you time and effort. Plus, the bright LED headlights let you mow even in low light, and its weather-resistant design means you can handle unexpected rain without worry. This mower combines power, convenience, and durability for a smooth mowing experience.

What We Like
Quiet operation
Long battery life
Easy storage
Lightweight design
Responsive customer service
What We Don't Like
Soft blade material
Front deck reach limited
#TOP 8

Greenworks 80V 21" Cordless Lawn Mower

MO80L415
Green&Black
21" (4.0Ah)
Greenworks 80V 21" Cordless Lawn Mower Cover
Greenworks 80V 21" Cordless Push Lawn Mower – Brushless Motor, LED Lights, 4.0Ah Battery & Rapid Charger (75+ Compatible Tools)

The Greenworks 80V Lawn Mower offers powerful performance that can handle up to half an acre on a single charge, letting you mow without the noise and fumes of gas mowers. Its brushless motor means you get a longer-lasting mower with more torque, perfect for cutting through tough grass. The built-in LED headlight helps you mow early in the morning or late in the evening, giving you flexibility for your busy schedule. Plus, it’s designed for versatility, allowing you to mulch, bag, side-discharge, or even pick up leaves, adapting easily to whatever your lawn needs.

What We Like
Easy to use
Powerful cutting performance
Lightweight and quiet
Fast-charging batteries
Low maintenance
What We Don't Like
Side chute clumps in wet grass
Batteries get warm after use
#TOP 9

Greenworks 80V 21" Self-Propelled Mower

MO80L416
Green&Black
21" Self-Propelled
Greenworks 80V 21" Self-Propelled Mower Cover
Greenworks 80V 21" Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower – Brushless Motor, LED Lights, 4.0Ah Battery & Rapid Charger (75+ Compatible Tools)

The Greenworks Self-Propelled Mower is designed to make your lawn care easier and more efficient. With its powerful 80V battery, you can tackle up to half an acre on a single charge, saving you time and effort. The brushless motor ensures quiet operation while delivering impressive torque for a clean cut. Enjoy the convenience of self-propulsion and variable speed control, giving you the ability to navigate your yard with ease. Plus, the integrated LED headlights allow you to mow early in the morning or late into the evening, ensuring your lawn looks great any time of day.

What We Like
Powerful brushless motor
Long battery life
Easy assembly and storage
Quiet operation
Self-propelled feature
What We Don't Like
Minor instructions clarity
Slight difficulty reversing
#TOP 10

Greenworks 24V Cordless Lawn Mower + Blower + String Trimmer Combo Kit

CK24L5242
Green&Black
Greenworks 24V Cordless Lawn Mower + Blower + String Trimmer Combo Kit Cover
Greenworks 48V (24V x 2) 21" Brushless Self-Propelled Mower+12" String Trimmer+320CFM Blower,(2) 5.0Ah Batteries and 4A Dual Port Charger

Greenworks Combo Kit includes a powerful 24V cordless lawn mower with a 21-inch steel deck for versatile cutting options. The mower features a 3-in-1 system for mulching, bagging, and side discharge, along with 7-position height adjustment for user convenience. The string trimmer offers a 12-inch cutting path with an Auto Feed system for easy operation. The blower, powered by a brushed motor, delivers 320CFM at 90MPH with up to 20 minutes runtime. This comprehensive kit is backed by a 3-year warranty, ensuring reliability and customer satisfaction.

What We Like
Heavy duty metal deck
Powerful cutting performance
Easy and quick assembly
Quieter than gas mowers
Simple push-button start
What We Don't Like
Cord management learning curve
Handle foam durability concern
Buying Guide Image

Finding the Best Side-Discharge Lawn Mowers for You

When it comes to purchasing a lawn mower, one of the first decisions you need to make is what type of cutting system to choose. Side-discharge lawn mowers are an excellent choice for those who want something that is both powerful and easy to maneuver. Here's what you should consider when selecting a side-discharge lawn mower:

  1. Cut Quality: A good side-discharge lawn mower will be able to produce clean, even cuts in grass of any length. Make sure that the model you're considering has at least one adjustable height setting so that you can customize the cut quality to your particular needs.

  2. Maneuverability: This is especially important if you have a lot of obstacles in your lawn, such as trees and flower beds. Look for a side-discharge lawn mower that has either a self-propelled or variable speed drive system, so you can adjust the speed of the mower to suit the terrain.

  3. Power: Make sure that the side-discharge lawn mower you choose is powerful enough for your needs. If you have a large yard with thick grass, look for mowers with larger engines that are capable of tackling more challenging jobs.

  4. Durability: Look for a side-discharge lawn mower made from strong, sturdy materials that will stand up to regular use without breaking down or having to be replaced soon after purchase. Pay attention to features such as rust-resistant components and anti-vibration technology, which can add years of life to your mower.

  5. Comfort: Look for a side-discharge lawn mower with ergonomic features such as adjustable handles and padded or cushioned seats. This will help ensure that you don't experience fatigue while using the mower, even after long periods of use.

Once you've considered all these factors, it's time to start comparing different models and prices so that you can make an informed decision about which side-discharge lawn mower best suits your needs. With a little bit of research, you should be able to find the perfect model for your yard!

Good luck in finding the best side-discharge lawn mower for your needs! With the right model, you can make yard work easier and enjoy a beautiful, well-maintained lawn.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should you use side discharge on lawn mower?

Using side discharge on a lawn mower can be beneficial if you mow your lawn regularly. It provides a fast and quality cut. However, there are downsides, such as throwing grass and debris everywhere.

2. What is the benefit of a side discharge mower?

A side discharge mower is ideal for large lawns as it allows for faster mowing by blowing the cut grass in various directions. This can help save time and complete the job efficiently.

3. Which is better, a rear or side discharge mower?

The choice between a rear or side discharge mower depends on your priorities. A side discharge deck offers flexibility and good cut quality, while a rear discharge deck prioritizes speed, uniform trimming discharge, and safety. It is important to choose a high-quality deck regardless of your preference.

4. What is the best mowing pattern for side discharge?

The best mowing pattern for side discharge involves two laps around, discharging inwards into uncut grass, then alternating directions along the desired axis. This pattern helps distribute the clippings evenly and aids in further reduction for a cleaner finish.

5. Is bagging or mulching better for the grass?

Mulching is often considered the best method for grass. Leaving the clippings on the lawn saves time and energy while returning valuable nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to the soil. Grass clippings act as a natural fertilizer for the lawn.

6. Is it better to leave gas in a lawn mower?

Leaving gas in a lawn mower for a long time, especially over the winter, can cause problems. Ethanol in the gasoline attracts condensation and can mix with water, corroding the carburetor. It is recommended to drain the gas to keep the lawn mower in good shape during storage.

7. What are the pros and cons of a reel mower?

Reel mowers offer a low and tight cut, providing a clean and even appearance to the lawn. They also avoid grass discoloration. However, they can easily get jammed up by sticks and rocks, which is a drawback of using reel mowers.

8. Should you mulch with a zero turn?

Using a zero-turn mower for mulching is a popular choice among many users. Mulched leaves and grass clippings can provide nourishment to the lawn throughout the year. Adding a mulch baffling kit to the zero-turn mower can enhance its mulching capabilities.

9. Why use a rear discharge mower?

Rear discharge mowers send clippings out behind the deck, under the mower, instead of through a side-discharge chute. This keeps the operator cleaner and ensures that clippings are distributed uniformly over a wider area.

10. Why do landscapers mow diagonally?

Landscapers mow diagonally to prevent grass compaction and the formation of ruts. Mowing in different patterns also helps the grass stand up tall and can hide the appearance of weeds.

11. Should you edge or mow first?

It is recommended to mow first before edging. Mowing first allows you to determine the desired grass length along the edges and reduces the likelihood of scalping the areas, which can lead to bare or weedy patches.

Editor's Notes

During our side-discharge lawn mower research, we found 24 side-discharge lawn mower products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 139,955 customer reviews through our big data system to write the side-discharge lawn mowers list. We found that most customers choose side-discharge lawn mowers with an average price of $387.25.

The side-discharge lawn mowers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of side-discharge lawn mowers, including SENIX, EGO Power+, Greenworks. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 390 consumers with an average rating of 4.0.

Written by
Bryan Hicks Avatar

Bryan Hicks is a professional gardener and a writer who lives in North Texas with his family and his dog. Bryan has spent more than half of his life surrounded by garden products. He has extensive experience in garden makeovers and maintenance and lawn care. His areas of expertise include outdoor decoration, gardening and garden design.

Side-Discharge Lawn Mowers Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand SENIX EGO Power+ EGO Power+ Greenworks SENIX Greenworks EGO Power+ Greenworks Greenworks Greenworks
Power Source Gasoline-Powered Battery Powered Battery Powered Battery Powered Gas Powered Battery Powered Battery Powered Battery Powered Battery Powered Battery Powered
Material Alloy Steel Metal Polypropylene Stainless Steel Metal Plastic, Stainless Steel Metal Plastic, Stainless Steel Plastic, Stainless Steel Plastic, Stainless Steel
Color Blue Black, Gray, Green Gray/Black Green and Black Blue Green&Black Green Green&Black Green&Black Green&Black
Style 3-in-1 Self-propelled 21" w/7.5Ah Battery, Select Cut w/(2) 6.0Ah Batteries, Select Cut Self-Propelled 144CC 20 Inch Power w/6.0Ah Battery Power Power Power
Item Weight 55 Pounds 55.3 Pounds 96 Pounds 79.36 Pounds 43.4 Pounds 73.9 Pounds 82 Pounds 68.3 Pounds 75 Pounds 78.3 Pounds
Cutting Width 21.0 21 Inches 21 Inches 21 Inches 20 Inches 21 Inches 21 Inches 21 Inches 21 Inches 20.5 Inches
Operation Mode Automatic Automatic Automatic Automatic Manual Semi-Automatic Manual Manual Automatic Automatic
Assembly Required
Maximum Adjustable Cutting Height 9.53 Centimeters 4 Inches 4 Inches 3.75 Inches 9.53 Centimeters 9.14 Centimeters 4 Inches 3.75 Inches - -
Minimum Adjustable Cutting Height 3.18 Centimeters 1.25 Inches 1.5 Inches 1.38 Inches 3.18 Centimeters 30.48 Centimeters 1.25 Inches 1.38 Inches - -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
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