Consumer Reports tests which lawn mowers make the cut

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Mowing your lawn can be a real chore, especially as you try to use less water during the drought. A good mower makes all the difference.

7 On Your Side partnered with Consumer Reports for exclusive coverage of the top lawn mowers.

Consumer Reports tested more than 100 lawn mowers from Home Depot, Lowe's and other outlets. Its testers have pushed them more than 50 miles to help you find the best mower for your yard.

A 5-acre plot of land in Florida is Consumer Reports' lawn mower testing headquarters. Dozens of models from names like Honda, Toro and Troybilt are put through some serious performance test to find which ones make the cut.

Testers rated each mower on how well it can cut in different modes, mulching, bagging and side-discharging.

Consumer Reports' Peter Sawchuk says any basic push mower will cut your grass but finds you can get a machine that makes the job easier without spending too much more.

"If you're looking to buy a push walk-behind mower, consider buying a self-propelled walk mower. They're a lot easier to use and they're not a lot more money for a single speed, about $40 to $50," Consumer Reports' Peter Sawchuk said.

This recommended single-speed self-propelled Snapper is very good at mulching and side-discharging and costs just $280.

If you want more control and more even cutting, Consumer Reports says opt for a self-propelled mower with multiple speeds.

"With variable speed, you can vary the speed of the mower to meet the conditions of the grass, or if you're in a hurry to get the job done you can go faster," Sawchuk said.

One of the best is a $700 Honda. It offers excellent cut performance whether you're bagging, mulching or in side-discharge mode, which is helpful if you've let your grass get too tall.

A less expensive Honda is a Consumer Reports best buy for $400. While it's not as good in side-discharge mode at the $700 Honda, Consumer Reports tests found it's slightly easier to handle and control.

For a little less money, Consumer Reports also recommends the self-propelled Toro Recycler Model 20032 for $360.

Consumer Reports is published by Consumers Union. Both Consumer Reports and Consumers Union are not-for-profit organizations that accept no advertising. Neither has any commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site.

(All Consumer Reports Material Copyright 2014. Consumers Union of U.S. Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)