Hand-push, electric or petrol: Hand-push mowers are a good option for small areas of grass, being quiet, zero running costs and good for the environment. Electric mowers are usually cheaper to buy than petrol mowers, but are not as powerful as petrol mowers and usually come with a cord. Cordless electric mowers, however, are now also available and well worth considering.
Lawn size: Mowing a big lawn could take more than hour each time. Choosing models with a wider cut can make a significant difference to the time taken for a modest increase in purchase price. If you have a really large lawn, consider a self-propelled model or a ride-on mower
Lawn type: Not all mowers are created equal! Some will give a much higher quality cut than others. If you are after a high quality finish, consider a cylinder mower. This type of mower cuts a lot shorter, and is good for achieving a striped effect.
Maintenance: You'll get the best results with sharp mower blades. You can sharpen rotary blades yourself, but for sharpening a cylinder mower, you're best to take it to a professional.