Electric mowers are a good option for folks with smaller lawns of less than about 12,000 square feet (100x120). Electric mowers are much quieter than gas mowers, less polluting (as little as one-tenth the pollution of gasoline, including pollutants from generating the electricity), and less expensive to operate. Picking an electric mower from all the models available can be a challenge -- especially if this is your first electric mower. Fortunately, these mowers have been around awhile and the bugs have been worked out so you can choose from proven designs and models. Spend a little time learning and a little time shopping and you'll come up with the best electric lawn mower for your needs.

Black & Decker Cordless Electric Lawn Mower CMM1200

The CMM1200 is a well-built and versatile cordless electric mower that makes mowing smaller lawns relatively easy. The versatility is offered in how the resulting cut grass is handled. The CMM1200 includes a large (1.8 bushel) bag to collect grass discharged at the rear of the mower. In addition, this model offers a mulching feature that keeps cut grass circulating within the deck until the blades shred it finely and it falls to the ground to decay and become lawn fertilizer. This model also has an optional side-discharge for those who prefer to rake the clippings up later. Because this model is cordless (battery-powered), it can wander your lot without the umbilical electrical cord that would otherwise limit its task. Weighing in at 76 pounds, it is intended for lawns without slopes, but will cut a smaller flat lawn efficiently for many years.

Black & Decker Cordless Electric Lawn Mower CMM1200

Neuton Cordless Electric Lawn Mower CEMXX55

It may be on the pricey end, especially when you start adding options, but the Neuton CEMXX55 is well built and has some features that you won't find on other cordless electric mowers. One of them is an optional small trimmer/edger attachment that fits on the front to multi-task. Turn it horizontally to trim right up to rocks or a wall then use it to cut a neat edge against the lawn. Other options include a mulch kit, a spare battery, a battery charger, a spare blade and additional cords. But if you don't need them, why pay for them? Another limitation is the cut; the CEMXX55's cutting path is just 14 inches wide compared to the 18-19 inches of many other models, but this may not a problem for you if you don't mind taking a little longer to mow your lawn. The 24-volt battery is smaller, lighter, and less expensive than that of other cordless mowers. It's also easier to install and remove so you can have a second one all charged up and ready to go whenever you may need it. Recharge time is 4-16 hours. Overall, this is a customizable and well-designed cordless mower that will fit many -- but not all -- mowing jobs.

Black & Decker Corded Electric Lawn Mower MM875

Many folks prefer not to lug around a 15-20 pound battery in their electric mower and don't mind the minor inconvenience of an electric cord -- especially for lawns that are smaller and close to an electric outlet. The Black & Decker MM875 is a corded brother to the CMM1200 with the same features -- sans battery. It slices, it dices, meaning that it has rear-discharge (with bag) and it mulches very well. A side-discharge option is available. The Black & Decker Corded Electric Lawn Mower MM875 is well built and offers a one-touch height adjustment that's really handy. We give it our Best Buy rating.

Craftsman Corded Electric Lawn Mower 37051

The Craftsman Corded Electric Lawn Mower 37051 has been a popular corded electric mower for a few years and promises to be around awhile. Driven by a 12-amp (1500 watt) Black & Decker electric motor, it is similar to other B&D electrics in features. The major difference is that the 37051 includes the side discharge as well as rear bag. The suggested retail price is a little high, but Sears is very good about having sales -- especially before and after the lawn equipment season. So shop around, and you may be able to find a unit on sale with as much as 20 percent off the price.

Yard Machines Corded Electric Lawn Mower 18A-717-800

Yard Machines mowers are made by MTD Products, and built and priced to sell at The Home Depot and other big-box stores. The Yard Machines Corded Electric Lawn Mower 18A-717-800 is a no-frills model with an MSRP of $190. The deck is steel, a little noisier than plastic, but still a relatively quiet mower that can handle smaller lawns within 100 feet of an electrical outlet. The cord-minder is a handy feature that can keep that pesky electrical cord from tripping you. This model provides basic mowing at a low price.