Best picks

9 Best Folding Lawn Mowers (November 2026)

Updated on · By the Over Top Info team

The best folding lawn mowers include the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push for small quiet lawns, the Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower for easy cordless mowing, and the Greenworks 60V 21in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for large yards and slopes.

On this page (6 sections)
  1. The best folding lawn mower picks
  2. How do you choose a folding lawn mower?
  3. Are cordless folding lawn mowers better than foldable gas lawn mowers?
  4. What cutting width works best for small storage areas?
  5. How should you store a folding lawn mower?
  6. Final verdict on the best folding lawn mower

The best folding lawn mower for most small to medium yards is the Greenworks 48V 17-inch Push Lawn Mower, with collapsible handles, a lightweight poly deck and up to 45 minutes of runtime. Choose the Greenworks 60V for self-propelled mowing, or the PowerSmart if you specifically want a foldable gas lawn mower.

A folding handle helps when your garage has limited wall or floor space, but it isn't the only storage factor. Deck width, mower weight, battery size and whether the handle truly folds or only collapses all affect how easy the mower is to put away.

For shoppers who care most about low weight, compare these picks with our guide to the best lightweight lawn mower. If the mower is for an older user, our best lightweight lawn mower for seniors guide focuses on handling and effort.

Our picks at a glance

  1. 1 American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push
    Best for small quiet lawns

    American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push

    9.7/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower
    Best for easy cordless mowing

    Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower

    9.7/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 Greenworks 60V 21in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
    Best for large yards and slopes

    Greenworks 60V 21in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

    9.6/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  1. 4PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn MowerCheck it
  2. 5BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower

    BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower

    Best for tiny multi-use yards
    Check it
  3. 6LawnMaster 48V MAX 19-inch Brushless Cordless LawnCheck it
  4. 7BLACK+DECKER Weed Eater

    BLACK+DECKER Weed Eater

    Best for slopes and tight spaces
    Check it
  5. 8Greenworks 48V

    Greenworks 48V

    Best for compact garage storage
    Check it
  6. 9Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch

    Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch

    Best for simple manual storage
    Check it

The best folding lawn mower picks

The Greenworks 48V is the best storage-first choice because its collapsible handles and 17-inch poly deck suit a compact garage. The Greenworks 60V and PowerSmart are better when self-propelled movement or gas power matters more than the smallest footprint.

Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against the needs of someone shopping for a folding lawn mower. We checked cutting width, power source, weight, storage details, cutting options and the trade-offs stated in the product information.

ProductBest forCutting widthPower sourceWeightOur score
American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Pushsmall quiet lawns14 inManual19 lb9.7
Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mowereasy cordless mowing15.67 inBattery powered9.7
Greenworks 60V 21in Self-Propelled Lawn Mowerlarge yards and slopes20.28 inDC9.6
PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn Mowerfold-up gas power18 inGas powered9.6
BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mowertiny multi-use yards12 inCorded electric9.4
LawnMaster 48V MAX 19-inch Brushless Cordless Lawnlight cordless handling19 inBattery powered9.3
BLACK+DECKER Weed Eaterslopes and tight spaces12 inBattery powered9.2
Greenworks 48Vcompact garage storage16.14 inBattery powered9.2
Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inchsimple manual storage14 inManual8.5
1

American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push: Best for small quiet lawns

American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push, folding lawn mowers
9.7/10Our score
  • 14 in cutting width
  • 4-blade reel
  • 19 lb weight
  • 0.5 to 1.75 in adjustable height

This manual reel mower suits compact lawns where quiet, low-maintenance mowing matters. Its light weight makes it easy to move and store.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Quiet and pollution-free
  • Adjustable blade height

Cons

  • Less effective on taller grass
  • Requires pushing
2

Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower: Best for easy cordless mowing

Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower, folding lawn mowers
9.7/10Our score
  • 16 in cutting width
  • 4.0 Ah battery and charger
  • Up to 1/3 acre
  • Mulching and rear bagging

The Greenworks 40V combines a small deck with cordless starting and two cutting modes. It fits buyers who want simple electric mowing for a smaller yard.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Battery and charger included
  • 5 height positions
  • 3-year warranty

Cons

  • 35-minute battery average life
  • Not self-propelled
3

Greenworks 60V 21in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: Best for large yards and slopes

Greenworks 60V 21in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, folding lawn mowers
9.6/10Our score
  • 21 in cutting width
  • Self-propelled rear-wheel drive
  • Two 4.0 Ah batteries
  • EZ Fold handles

This is the strongest fit for larger lawns where self-propelled movement matters. Its EZ Fold handles support more compact garage storage than a fixed-handle mower.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Self-propelled drive
  • 4-in-1 cutting system
  • 7 height positions

Cons

  • 65 lb weight
  • Larger overall size
4

PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn Mower: Best for fold-up gas power

PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, folding lawn mowers
9.6/10Our score
  • 18 in steel deck
  • 144cc 4-cycle engine
  • Side discharge
  • 5-position height adjustment

The PowerSmart suits buyers who want a gas lawn mower with a fold-down design for garage storage. Its side-discharge setup is simple, but it does not include a bag attachment.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Steel deck
  • Fold-down storage
  • Handles taller grass

Cons

  • Gas and oil required
  • Side discharge only
5

BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower: Best for tiny multi-use yards

BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower, folding lawn mowers
9.4/10Our score
  • 12 in cutting width
  • 6.5 amp corded motor
  • Mower, trimmer and edger
  • 9.9 lb weight

This compact corded system works well when storage space is tight and one tool must mow, trim and edge. The power cord limits where you can work.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Very light
  • 3-in-1 design
  • Compact 12 in width

Cons

  • Corded operation
  • Fixed 1.6 in cutting height
6

LawnMaster 48V MAX 19-inch Brushless Cordless Lawn: Best for light cordless handling

LawnMaster 48V MAX 19-inch Brushless Cordless Lawn, folding lawn mowers
9.3/10Our score
  • 19 in cutting width
  • Two 24V MAX 4.0 Ah batteries
  • Up to 40 minutes runtime
  • Side discharge or mulching

At 27 lb, the LawnMaster offers a wide cutting path without the weight of many larger mowers. It suits buyers who want cordless mowing and two basic cutting options.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • 27 lb weight
  • Brushless motor
  • 6 height positions

Cons

  • No rear-bagging mode listed
  • Runtime varies by conditions
7

BLACK+DECKER Weed Eater: Best for slopes and tight spaces

BLACK+DECKER Weed Eater, folding lawn mowers
9.2/10Our score
  • 12 in cutting width
  • Mower, trimmer and edger
  • Two 20V MAX batteries
  • 9.9 lb weight

This small 3-in-1 tool fits tight yards, slopes and hard-to-reach areas better than a standard walk-behind mower. Its narrow deck favors maneuverability over coverage.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Two batteries included
  • Convertible design

Cons

  • Small 12 in deck
  • Not intended for large lawns
8

Greenworks 48V: Best for compact garage storage

Greenworks 48V, folding lawn mowers
9.2/10Our score
  • 17 in poly deck
  • Two 4.0 Ah batteries
  • Collapsible handles
  • Up to 45 minutes runtime

The Greenworks 48V is the best match for compact storage because its collapsible handles and lightweight poly deck reduce the space needed in a garage.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Collapsible handles
  • Lightweight poly deck
  • Mulching and rear bagging

Cons

  • Push design
  • 2-year warranty
9

Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch: Best for simple manual storage

Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch, folding lawn mowers
8.5/10Our score
  • 14 in cutting width
  • 4-blade reel
  • 0.5 to 1.5 in height adjustment
  • 8.5 in polymer wheels

This manual reel mower offers a simple option for maintained lawns and storage areas without fuel, oil or charging. It needs more frequent mowing than a powered mower.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • No fuel or charging
  • Quiet operation
  • Easy to maneuver

Cons

  • Less suited to tall grass
  • Manual pushing required

1. American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push: Best for small quiet lawns

1

American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push: Best for small quiet lawns

American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push, folding lawn mowers
9.7/10Our score
  • 14 in cutting width
  • 4-blade reel
  • 19 lb weight
  • 0.5 to 1.75 in adjustable height

This manual reel mower suits compact lawns where quiet, low-maintenance mowing matters. Its light weight makes it easy to move and store.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Quiet and pollution-free
  • Adjustable blade height

Cons

  • Less effective on taller grass
  • Requires pushing

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 suits a small, maintained lawn where quiet mowing matters more than fast coverage. Its 14-inch cutting width, 4-blade reel and 19 lb weight make it light to push and easy to move into a shed or corner of a garage.

The blade height adjusts from 0.5 to 1.75 inches, which gives you control over how short the cut is. It can handle grass up to 4 inches tall, but a scissor style reel cut works best after you clear debris and mow before the lawn gets long or wet.

Daily care stays simple because there is no battery, fuel or cord to manage. The handle is not described as folding, so measure your storage space and plan for a narrow, upright mower rather than a flat fold.

Choose it for a compact lawn you can mow often and keep tidy. If you want powered help or a handle that folds for tighter storage, the Greenworks options below are a better match.

American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade PushCheck it on Amazon

2. Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower: Best for easy cordless mowing

2

Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower: Best for easy cordless mowing

Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower, folding lawn mowers
9.7/10Our score
  • 16 in cutting width
  • 4.0 Ah battery and charger
  • Up to 1/3 acre
  • Mulching and rear bagging

The Greenworks 40V combines a small deck with cordless starting and two cutting modes. It fits buyers who want simple electric mowing for a smaller yard.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Battery and charger included
  • 5 height positions
  • 3-year warranty

Cons

  • 35-minute battery average life
  • Not self-propelled

The Greenworks 40V suits a smaller yard where cordless starting and a modest deck are the main goals. Its 15.67-inch cutting width, 37.5 lb weight and 4.0 Ah battery keep it easier to handle than many steel deck mowers.

This mower offers mulching and rear-bagging modes, plus 5 height positions from 1.25 to 3.75 inches. The battery average life is 35 minutes, and stated coverage reaches up to 1/3 acre on a full charge, though grass condition and technique can change that result.

The battery and charger are included, so you can start mowing without buying a separate power pack. Storage is helped mainly by the smaller size and lighter build rather than a stated folding handle, so check the handle position and overall depth before committing to a tight garage space.

Choose it for straightforward cordless care on a smaller lawn. For a mower with clearly stated collapsible handles, the Greenworks 48V is the closer storage match.

Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn MowerCheck it on Amazon

3. Greenworks 60V 21in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: Best for large yards and slopes

3

Greenworks 60V 21in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: Best for large yards and slopes

Greenworks 60V 21in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, folding lawn mowers
9.6/10Our score
  • 21 in cutting width
  • Self-propelled rear-wheel drive
  • Two 4.0 Ah batteries
  • EZ Fold handles

This is the strongest fit for larger lawns where self-propelled movement matters. Its EZ Fold handles support more compact garage storage than a fixed-handle mower.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Self-propelled drive
  • 4-in-1 cutting system
  • 7 height positions

Cons

  • 65 lb weight
  • Larger overall size

The Greenworks 60V is the best folding-handle option here for a large yard or sloped ground because it combines rear-wheel-drive self-propulsion with EZ Fold handles. Its 20.28-inch cutting width covers more ground per pass than the smaller models.

Two 4.0 Ah batteries support up to 3/4 acre per charge, with performance varying by terrain and operator technique. The mower also offers mulch, bag, side-discharge and turbo leaf pickup modes.

For more choices, see mowers for mulching leaves.

Seven cutting positions range from 1 to 4 inches. LED headlights add a low-light feature, while the 65 lb weight means you should plan where it will be stored before choosing it for a small garage.

Pick it when reduced pushing effort and wider coverage are worth the larger mower. For a lighter machine that still stores compactly, look at the Greenworks 48V.

Greenworks 60V 21in Self-Propelled Lawn MowerCheck it on Amazon

4. PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn Mower: Best for fold-up gas power

4

PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn Mower: Best for fold-up gas power

PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, folding lawn mowers
9.6/10Our score
  • 18 in steel deck
  • 144cc 4-cycle engine
  • Side discharge
  • 5-position height adjustment

The PowerSmart suits buyers who want a gas lawn mower with a fold-down design for garage storage. Its side-discharge setup is simple, but it does not include a bag attachment.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Steel deck
  • Fold-down storage
  • Handles taller grass

Cons

  • Gas and oil required
  • Side discharge only

The PowerSmart EasyCut is the clearest choice for a gas lawn mower foldable design in this group. It has an 18-inch steel deck, a 144cc 4-cycle OHV engine and a handle that folds down for garage or shed storage.

Its side-discharge design sends clippings away from the deck rather than into a bag. The 5-position height adjustment covers 1.5 to 3.9 inches, and the 8-inch rear and 7-inch front wheels support movement around trees and flower beds.

Gas power can suit buyers who do not want to plan around battery runtime, but it adds fuel and oil tasks. PowerSmart specifies fresh 87-octane unleaded gasoline with no more than 10% ethanol, and 10W-30 engine oil is recommended.

Choose this mower if fold-up storage and gas operation are your priorities. Avoid treating it as a bagging mower because the stated design is side discharge only.

PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn MowerCheck it on Amazon

5. BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower: Best for tiny multi-use yards

5

BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower: Best for tiny multi-use yards

BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower, folding lawn mowers
9.4/10Our score
  • 12 in cutting width
  • 6.5 amp corded motor
  • Mower, trimmer and edger
  • 9.9 lb weight

This compact corded system works well when storage space is tight and one tool must mow, trim and edge. The power cord limits where you can work.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Very light
  • 3-in-1 design
  • Compact 12 in width

Cons

  • Corded operation
  • Fixed 1.6 in cutting height

The BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM suits very small spaces where one tool must mow, trim and edge. At 9.9 lb with a 12-inch cutting width, it is built for light, frequent work rather than wide lawn coverage.

The corded electric system uses a 6.5 amp motor with POWERDRIVE transmission. It includes a detachable mower deck, string trimmer spool, auxiliary handle and guard, and you can rotate the trimmer head to turn it into a wheeled edger for borders and paths.

The cutting height is listed at 1.6 inches, so height range is limited compared with the other powered mowers in this group. The cord retention system helps prevent accidental disconnects, but you still need a safe outdoor power setup and a plan for moving the cord as you work.

Choose it for a tiny lawn and mixed trimming jobs in tight corners. If you want cordless use with a similarly compact 12-inch design, the BLACK+DECKER MTC220 is the better fit.

BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn MowerCheck it on Amazon

6. LawnMaster 48V MAX 19-inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower: Best for light cordless handling

6

LawnMaster 48V MAX 19-inch Brushless Cordless Lawn: Best for light cordless handling

LawnMaster 48V MAX 19-inch Brushless Cordless Lawn, folding lawn mowers
9.3/10Our score
  • 19 in cutting width
  • Two 24V MAX 4.0 Ah batteries
  • Up to 40 minutes runtime
  • Side discharge or mulching

At 27 lb, the LawnMaster offers a wide cutting path without the weight of many larger mowers. It suits buyers who want cordless mowing and two basic cutting options.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • 27 lb weight
  • Brushless motor
  • 6 height positions

Cons

  • No rear-bagging mode listed
  • Runtime varies by conditions

The LawnMaster 48V MAX offers a wide 19-inch cutting path while weighing 27 lb. That balance suits buyers who want less lifting and pushing effort without dropping down to a narrow 12-inch mower.

It uses two 24V MAX 4.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries with an average runtime of up to 40 minutes. The mower provides side discharge or mulching, with 6 cutting positions from about 1.4 to 3.4 inches for adapting to seasonal growth.

Its brushless motor is rated at 3,600 RPM, and the included dual charger supports the two battery setup. The product information does not state a folding handle, so treat this as a lightweight storage option rather than a confirmed fold-up mower for very tight spaces.

Choose it when low weight matters more than rear bagging or self-propulsion. For compact garage storage with a stated collapsible handle, the Greenworks 48V is the stronger choice.

LawnMaster 48V MAX 19-inch Brushless Cordless LawnCheck it on Amazon

7. BLACK+DECKER Weed Eater: Best for slopes and tight spaces

7

BLACK+DECKER Weed Eater: Best for slopes and tight spaces

BLACK+DECKER Weed Eater, folding lawn mowers
9.2/10Our score
  • 12 in cutting width
  • Mower, trimmer and edger
  • Two 20V MAX batteries
  • 9.9 lb weight

This small 3-in-1 tool fits tight yards, slopes and hard-to-reach areas better than a standard walk-behind mower. Its narrow deck favors maneuverability over coverage.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Two batteries included
  • Convertible design

Cons

  • Small 12 in deck
  • Not intended for large lawns

The BLACK+DECKER MTC220 is made for small yards, slopes and areas where a standard walk-behind mower feels awkward. Its removable wheeled deck turns the tool into a 12-inch mower, while the same system also trims and edges.

The kit includes two 20V MAX lithium-ion batteries, a charger, a detachable mower deck, a spool, an auxiliary handle and a guard. At 9.9 lb, it is easy to lift from a closet, carry to the lawn and carry back for storage.

PowerDrive transmission helps the trimmer work through dense grass and weeds. The AFS automatic feed spool reduces the need for manual line adjustments, which keeps small patch work moving without frequent stops to tap or adjust.

Choose it when storage, slopes and multiple lawn tasks matter most. For a conventional cordless push mower with a wider deck, choose the Greenworks 40V or 48V instead.

BLACK+DECKER Weed EaterCheck it on Amazon

8. Greenworks 48V: Best for compact garage storage

8

Greenworks 48V: Best for compact garage storage

Greenworks 48V, folding lawn mowers
9.2/10Our score
  • 17 in poly deck
  • Two 4.0 Ah batteries
  • Collapsible handles
  • Up to 45 minutes runtime

The Greenworks 48V is the best match for compact storage because its collapsible handles and lightweight poly deck reduce the space needed in a garage.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Collapsible handles
  • Lightweight poly deck
  • Mulching and rear bagging

Cons

  • Push design
  • 2-year warranty

The Greenworks 48V is the best match for buyers searching for a compact garage mower because its collapsible handles and lightweight 17-inch poly deck are designed around easier storage. The deck is rust-resistant and 40% lighter than steel decks.

Two 4.0 Ah batteries provide up to 45 minutes of runtime, with coverage up to 1/4 acre depending on grass conditions and operator technique. The mower uses a combined 48V setup from two 24V batteries.

A single-lever adjustment gives 5 cutting positions from about 1.375 to 3.75 inches. Mulching and rear bagging let you choose between returning clippings to the lawn and collecting them.

Choose this mower if compact storage is the main reason you are shopping for a folding lawn mower. It is also a good option for buyers who want to compare the best lightweight lawn mowers for women before choosing.

Greenworks 48VCheck it on Amazon

9. Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch: Best for simple manual storage

9

Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch: Best for simple manual storage

Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch, folding lawn mowers
8.5/10Our score
  • 14 in cutting width
  • 4-blade reel
  • 0.5 to 1.5 in height adjustment
  • 8.5 in polymer wheels

This manual reel mower offers a simple option for maintained lawns and storage areas without fuel, oil or charging. It needs more frequent mowing than a powered mower.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • No fuel or charging
  • Quiet operation
  • Easy to maneuver

Cons

  • Less suited to tall grass
  • Manual pushing required

The Great States 204-14 is a simple manual reel mower for a maintained lawn and a storage area without room for fuel or charging equipment. Its 14-inch cutting width, 4-blade reel and 8.5-inch polymer wheels support easy movement around small yards.

The blade height adjusts from 0.5 to 1.5 inches, so it is set for a neat, close cut on turf that is kept regular. Like other reel mowers, it works best when you mow often, avoid wet grass and do not let the lawn become heavily overgrown or uneven.

Care and storage stay simple because there is no engine, battery or cord to manage. Manual pushing does take more effort when grass is tall, and divots, weeds or debris can make the first pass harder, so clearing the area helps.

Choose it for quiet, low-maintenance mowing on a small lawn. If you want a similar manual mower with a slightly higher stated maximum height, the American Lawn Mower is the stronger pick.

Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 InchCheck it on Amazon

How do you choose a folding lawn mower?

Choose the mower by its actual storage point, not only by the word folding. Measure the available height, depth and width, then compare those measurements with the mower's dimensions or folded position.

A collapsible handle helps the Greenworks 48V fit into a tighter garage. The Greenworks 60V uses EZ Fold handles, while the PowerSmart folds down as a gas mower.

Weight matters if you lift the mower onto a shelf or move it around stored items. The LawnMaster weighs 27 lb, the Greenworks 40V weighs 37.5 lb and the Greenworks 60V weighs 65 lb.

For more beginner-friendly choices, see Best Lawn Mower For Beginners. A simple push mower may be easier to store and operate than a heavier self-propelled model.

Are cordless folding lawn mowers better than foldable gas lawn mowers?

Cordless folding lawn mowers are usually easier to start and store because they do not need gasoline or engine oil. You press a button or seat a battery, and the mower is ready for routine work in a small or medium yard.

Foldable gas lawn mowers can keep running without battery charging, which appeals to buyers who dislike planning around runtime. That freedom comes with fuel storage, oil checks and engine care, plus fumes and noise that cordless models avoid.

The Greenworks 48V gives up to 45 minutes of runtime and has collapsible handles for compact garage storage. Its 17-inch poly deck is light to move, and mulching or rear bagging covers the two main ways most homeowners manage clippings.

The PowerSmart has an 18-inch steel deck, a 144cc 4-cycle engine and fold-down storage for a gas option. It uses side discharge only, so bagging is not part of the design, and fresh fuel and proper oil use are part of ownership.

Runtime is the practical difference in daily use. A battery mower suitsearly morning or evening mowing when quiet operation matters, while a gas mower suits longer sessions where stopping to recharge would break the workflow.

Storage also differs by power type. A cordless mower can be stored with the battery removed and charged separately, while a gas mower needs ventilated storage away from ignition sources and careful handling of fuel containers.

Choose cordless power for quieter routine mowing, simpler starting and less engine care. Choose gas when longer runtime planning matters more than battery charging and you are comfortable storing fuel safely at home.

For mixed lawns, think about deck size as well as power. A wider gas deck covers ground faster, while a lighter cordless deck may be easier to turn and lift into a crowded garage.

What cutting width works best for small storage areas?

A 12-inch to 17-inch cutting width is easier to move through tight spaces and store than a wider 19-inch or 21-inch deck. Smaller decks take more passes, but they can be easier around flower beds, corners, gates and stored items in a garage.

The BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 models use 12-inch decks, which makes them nimble for tiny yards and slope work. You trade coverage for control, so expect more overlap and more passes if the lawn is open and rectangular.

The American Lawn Mower and Great States reel mowers use 14-inch decks. Their narrow width and light frames help them fit in small sheds, but a reel cut needs grass kept short and dry to avoid extra passes.

The Greenworks 48V uses a 16.14-inch cutting width, which sits in the middle of the small deck range. That size can cover a small to medium yard without the turning effort of a 21-inch mower, and its collapsible handles matter more than width alone for garage fit.

Choose 18 inches or more when you want fewer passes and have enough room to turn and store the mower. The PowerSmart at 18 inches, the LawnMaster at 19 inches and the Greenworks 60V at 20.28 inches provide wider coverage for larger lawns.

Storage space should be measured in three directions, not only by deck width. Height, depth, handle position and weight decide whether a mower slides past bins, shelves and parked items without lifting over them.

A narrow mower is not always the easiest to store if the handle stays tall. Compare the folded or collapsed position with your available wall height before choosing a small deck for space reasons.

How should you store a folding lawn mower?

Store the mower with its handle secured, its cutting area clear and its power source disconnected. Remove a battery before putting a cordless mower away, and follow the engine instructions before folding or moving a gas mower.

Before storage, let a powered mower cool and make sure the blade area is free of grass buildup. A quick wipe after use keeps debris from packing around the deck and makes the next setup faster.

Keep a gas mower in a suitable ventilated storage area away from ignition sources. Check the owner's instructions for fuel and oil handling, and never fold a mower while its engine is running or hot.

For a gas model, fuel care is part of storage safety. Use the specified fuel type, store containers upright and closed, and keep the mower away from living spaces where fumes can collect.

A cordless mower needs battery care rather than fuel care. Remove the battery, store it at a moderate temperature and charge it according to the maker instructions so it is ready for the next use.

A reel mower needs less storage planning because it has no fuel, battery or cord. Still, remove lawn debris after mowing, keep the cutting parts dry and store it where the reel will not be knocked out of adjustment.

Measure the storage spot before you fold or collapse a handle. A mower that folds flat in height may still need depth for the deck, so check that it clears doors, shelves and other tools.

Label the storage position if other people move the mower. A simple clear space marked by width and depth prevents the handle from being forced or the deck from being bumped during daily garage use.

Final verdict on the best folding lawn mower

The Greenworks 48V is the best folding lawn mower for compact garage storage, thanks to its collapsible handles, 17-inch poly deck, 42.5 lb weight and up to 45 minutes of runtime. It gives you a clear storage feature rather than relying only on a small deck.

Pick the Greenworks 60V if you need self-propelled movement, wider coverage and EZ Fold handles for a large yard or slope. Its 65 lb weight means storage space and lifting access should be planned first.

Pick the PowerSmart for fold-up gas power with an 18-inch steel deck and side discharge. Pick the LawnMaster for a lighter 19-inch cordless mower with two batteries and mulching or side discharge.

Pick the American Lawn Mower for quiet manual mowing on a small, maintained lawn. It has no fuel, battery or cord, but it needs frequent mowing and more pushing effort.

If handling effort is your main concern, compare the Greenworks 48V with our best gas mower for seniors guide before deciding. That check helps you weigh weight, starting effort and storage access together.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

  1. 1 American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push
    Best for small quiet lawns

    American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push

    9.7/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower
    Best for easy cordless mowing

    Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower

    9.7/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 Greenworks 60V 21in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
    Best for large yards and slopes

    Greenworks 60V 21in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

    9.6/10 our score

    See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What is the best folding lawn mower for garage storage?

The Greenworks 48V 17-inch Push Lawn Mower is the strongest storage-focused pick because it has collapsible handles and a lightweight poly deck. The Greenworks 60V also has EZ Fold handles, while the PowerSmart folds down as a gas option.

Measure the mower's folded height and depth before buying.

Do all lawn mowers have folding handles?

No. Folding handles are model-specific.

The Greenworks 48V has collapsible handles, the Greenworks 60V uses EZ Fold handles, and the PowerSmart folds down for storage.

The other models here are better judged by their compact width, low weight or manual design rather than an advertised folding feature.

Are folding gas lawn mowers useful in small garages?

Yes, a foldable gas lawn mower can reduce the space needed for storage. The PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn Mower folds down and uses an 18-inch steel deck.

Gas models still need safe fuel and oil storage, so folding the handle does not remove the care required by a gas engine.

Is a reel mower good for compact storage?

Yes. Reel mowers have no engine, battery or fuel tank, and their narrow 14-inch designs are easy to move into a small storage area.

The American Lawn Mower and Great States models both use 4-blade reels.

They work best when grass is maintained and not wet or overgrown.

How do you fold a lawn mower safely?

Turn off and disconnect the mower before folding it. For a battery model, remove the battery, and for a gas mower, follow the owner's instructions before moving or storing it.

Keep fingers clear of hinge points, lock the handle in its storage position and use our guide to folding a lawn mower for model-specific checks.