The Black & Decker MM875 is a well-built corded electric mulching lawn mower that can tackle smaller lawns within 100 feet of an electrical outlet. We recommend it as a Best Buy.

Similar to the Black & Decker CMM1000 cordless, the MM875 weighs less because it doesn't have a battery to tote around. Just about anyone can push this four-wheel 49-pound mower around the yard -- as long as they don't mow the cord. The trick is to mow starting near the outlet and going away in a pattern that doesn't put the cord in front of the mower. The electric cord should be no more than 100 feet in length because power to the motor is reduced -- by electric resistance -- beyond that length.

Starting the MM875 is very easy: push the starter button. Controls and a safety switch are handily located on the handle bar. The bar easily folds for storage in a small space. In fact, the handle is folded for shipment and the unit requires no assembly on arrival.

Without a battery that requires replacement every few years, the MM875 is very cost-efficient to buy and to operate. We can cut a small lawn for about 10 cents worth of electricity -- and not have to put up with the noise and harder starting of a gas mower.

The MM875 is a mulching mower. If the included bag is removed, the mulching door closes over the rear of the mower and grass is trapped under the deck to be chopped up and deposited back in the lawn as fertilizing mulch. This mower does a good job of mulching grass as long as it isn't too thick or wet. We recommend mulching as it is an efficient and easy way to dispose of grass clippings without adding to a landfill. An optional side-discharge chute is available.

A single lever simultaneously sets the cutting height at all four wheels, a handy feature. Cutting heights range from 1-1/4 to 3-1/2 inches. Experts agree that you should not attempt to cut more than the top third of grass blades off. And they agree that electric mowers should not attempt to cut wet grass.

There are seven cut settings from 1-1/4 to 3-1/2 inches controlled by a single lever. You don't have to stoop over and set the cut at each wheel as with many other mowers.

The Black & Decker MM875 is a widely available model near the top of the line for corded electric mowers. Its price is especially attractive when on sale. Even at full price the MM875 is just over half the cost of comparable corded (battery) electric lawn mowers. Keep it clean and well maintained and the MM875 will last you many years. Just don't run over the electric cord!


Pros: No gasoline needed, relatively quiet, well built, a good value
Cons: For smaller lawns only, more expensive than other electric mowers, you have to watch where the electric cord is

Warranty
2 year, imited; lifetime, polymer deck