There’s a unique frustration that comes with owning a small garden. You envision a neat, striped patch of green, a perfect little oasis. The reality, however, often involves wrestling with a lawnmower that’s too big, too heavy, or too complicated for the modest task at hand. I remember borrowing my father’s old petrol mower for my first tiny lawn—a beast of a machine that felt like I was trying to park a lorry in a bicycle shed. It was loud, smelly, and its sheer size made navigating my small flowerbeds an exercise in futility. The alternative, a basic strimmer, left the lawn looking hacked and uneven. This is the precise dilemma the small garden owner faces: finding a tool with enough power to do the job properly, yet light and nimble enough not to make a simple chore feel like a full-body workout. The search for that perfect balance of power, size, and affordability is what leads many of us to machines like the Einhell GE-EM 1032 Electric Lawn Mower, a product promising to be the ideal solution for this very problem.
- 3 YEAR WARRANTY: Einhell Garden Power Tools come with a 2 Year Warranty as standard with an extra 1 Year available on registration
- POWERFUL GRASS CUTTING MACHINE: The high-quality rotary blade cuts through grass easily and the 1000W electric motor delivers high torque for strong pull even through higher growth. The large...
What to Consider Before Buying a Rotary Mower
A rotary mower is more than just a garden tool; it’s the key solution for achieving a clean, healthy, and uniform lawn with minimal fuss. Unlike cylinder mowers that cut like scissors, a rotary mower uses a single, high-speed blade that spins horizontally, chopping the grass like a scythe. This design makes them incredibly versatile and effective on a wide variety of grass types and conditions, even if the lawn has become a little long and unruly. They are the workhorses of the domestic garden world, prized for their simplicity, robust performance, and the ease with which they collect clippings, keeping your lawn tidy as you work. For most homeowners, a reliable rotary mower is the most practical and efficient choice for weekly lawn maintenance.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a small to medium-sized lawn who values convenience, ease of storage, and affordability. They are perfect for first-time homeowners, elderly gardeners who need a lightweight machine, or anyone tired of the maintenance and noise associated with petrol mowers. However, a corded electric model like this might not be suitable for those who have very large, sprawling gardens where a power cord would become a significant hindrance. Likewise, professional landscapers or those with exceptionally rough, uneven terrain might require the go-anywhere power of a petrol or high-end cordless model. For those with larger properties, alternatives like the self-propelled Hyundai 139cc Electric-start Petrol Lawnmower are worth considering.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The cutting width is paramount. The 32cm width of the Einhell GE-EM 1032 is specifically designed for smaller areas, allowing for excellent manoeuvrability around obstacles. Consider the overall footprint of the mower for storage; models with folding handles are a huge space-saver in a crowded shed or garage.
- Capacity/Performance: Motor power, measured in Watts (W), dictates how well the mower will handle thicker or longer grass. The 1000W motor here is ample for its cutting size. Also, look at the grass box capacity; a 30L box is a good size for small lawns, minimising the number of trips to the compost heap during a single mow.
- Materials & Durability: Most budget-friendly electric mowers feature a plastic chassis or deck. This keeps the weight down significantly, which is a major benefit for handling and transport. However, it’s inherently less durable than a steel deck, so it’s a trade-off between weight and long-term robustness.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Think about the practicalities. How easy is it to adjust the cutting height? Is the power lever comfortable to hold? Corded mowers require no fuel or battery charging, but you must be mindful of the cable. Maintenance is minimal, usually just involving cleaning the underside and ensuring the blade remains sharp.
Ultimately, choosing the right rotary mower is about matching the machine’s capabilities to the specific demands of your garden and your physical needs. For many with compact green spaces, the Einhell GE-EM 1032 offers a compelling set of features at an attractive price point.
While the Einhell GE-EM 1032 Electric Lawn Mower is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Utilises a powerful 1500 W motor so you can tackle your lawn with ease.
- Extra-long 11m detachable power cable: Provides excellent working range without becoming reliant on an extension cable.
- CUSTOMISABLE CUTTING HEIGHTS FOR A PERFECT FINISH – Choose from four adjustable heights between 16mm and 40mm to achieve your preferred grass length, ideal for maintaining a neat and well kept lawn...
Unboxing the Einhell GE-EM 1032: First Impressions and Key Features
The Einhell GE-EM 1032 Electric Lawn Mower arrives in a surprisingly compact box, a first hint at its space-saving design. Upon opening it, the contents are neatly packed, consisting of the main mower body, the handle sections, the wheels, and the two-part grass collection box. The signature Einhell red-and-black colour scheme gives it a smart, functional look that belies its budget price tag. Assembly was, for the most part, intuitive and swift. Following the pictorial guide, we had the handle attached and the grass box snapped together in about ten minutes. Several users confirmed this ease of assembly, with one first-time mower owner noting they found it “easy to assemble and operate.” A cross-head screwdriver is required to secure the handle, so it’s wise to have one ready. The initial feel of the mower is exactly what you’d expect: incredibly light. At just 9kg, it’s a featherweight, easy to lift with one hand—a stark contrast to the heavy petrol mowers of old. The construction is entirely plastic, which, while contributing to its lightness, does raise initial questions about long-term durability, a point we’ll explore in detail later.
Advantages
- Extremely Lightweight: At only 9kg, it is exceptionally easy to push, carry, and store.
- Powerful Motor for its Size: The 1000W motor provides ample torque to cut through even slightly overgrown grass.
- Great Value for Money: Offers solid performance and essential features at a very accessible price point.
- Simple to Assemble and Use: Ideal for beginners or those who want a no-fuss mowing experience.
Drawbacks
- Inconvenient Height Adjustment: Requires manually unscrewing and re-screwing each wheel, which is tedious.
- Build Quality Concerns: The all-plastic body and thin metal wheel brackets raise questions about long-term durability.
In-Depth Performance Analysis: How the Einhell GE-EM 1032 Handles Real-World Lawns
A mower’s true worth is only revealed on the lawn. We put the Einhell GE-EM 1032 Electric Lawn Mower through its paces on a typical British garden—a small, slightly bumpy patch of grass with some tricky edges around a patio and flower beds—to see if its real-world performance lives up to its on-paper specifications. We tested its power, handling, and the practicality of its features, paying close attention to the areas most highlighted in user feedback.
Power and Cutting Performance: A Small but Mighty Heart
The first thing that impresses is the 1000W motor. For a mower this small and light, it packs a surprising punch. We intentionally let a section of our test lawn grow a little longer than usual, and the Einhell powered through it without bogging down or stalling. This high-torque performance was noted by several users, with one Spanish reviewer mentioning that even on uneven ground with high, sometimes damp grass, “the result is more than acceptable.” The motor doesn’t overheat during normal use, provided you take short breaks to empty the grass box, which also allows you to clear any grass build-up from the cooling vents—a smart tip from a German user who noted these can get clogged.
The 32cm cutting width is the sweet spot for small gardens. It’s wide enough to cover the ground efficiently but narrow enough to be incredibly nimble. We navigated tight corners and wove between garden ornaments with an ease that would be impossible with a larger machine. The blade delivers a clean, sharp cut, leaving the lawn looking neat and healthy rather than torn or bruised. We tested the cut on the medium setting (40mm), which provided a great balance for a regular family lawn. This mower proves that you don’t need a massive, overpowered engine for a small space; you need a well-matched, efficient one, and Einhell has delivered that capability perfectly.
Design and Ergonomics: The Trade-Off Between Lightweight and Durability
The standout feature in daily use is undoubtedly the mower’s featherlight 9kg weight. This cannot be overstated. It transforms mowing from a chore into a quick, effortless task. We found it easy to lift in and out of the shed, carry up steps, and push across the lawn with minimal effort. This sentiment was echoed repeatedly by users, with one aptly stating it was “perfect for my Mum’s small garden,” highlighting its accessibility for people who may struggle with heavier equipment. The simple grip and power lever are straightforward, reinforcing its status as a great entry-level machine.
However, this lightness is achieved through an all-plastic construction, which brings us to the inevitable trade-off: durability. While the plastic feels robust enough for regular use in a small, well-kept garden, it doesn’t inspire the same confidence as a metal deck. One particularly insightful German user pointed out a potential design flaw: the thin metal plate where the wheels are screwed in can bend, especially on the lowest cutting setting. They noted that this causes the wheels to rub against the plastic housing, making the mower difficult to push. While we didn’t experience catastrophic failure during our tests, we could see the flex in the plate and acknowledge this as a valid concern for long-term ownership. It’s a clear cost-saving measure and a key reason why this mower hits such an attractive price, but it’s something potential buyers should be aware of.
The Achilles’ Heel: A Closer Look at the Height Adjustment System
If the Einhell GE-EM 1032 has one significant flaw, it’s the cutting height adjustment system. In a world where single-lever adjustments are becoming standard even on budget models, Einhell’s method feels archaic and genuinely inconvenient. To change the cutting height between the three available positions (20mm, 40mm, 60mm), you must physically unscrew each of the four wheels and re-screw them into a different threaded hole on the chassis.
This process is tedious and fiddly. As one user bluntly put it, “We have to remove wheels and fix it again to change the height. Which is inconvenient.” Another user’s experience was even more telling; while adjusting the height, the tiny washer, spring, and ring that hold the wheel assembly together fell off and were promptly lost in the grass. This highlights not just the inconvenience but the potential for losing small, essential parts. This design choice is the single biggest compromise made to achieve the mower’s low price. Our advice is to treat it as a “set it and forget it” feature. Choose the height you’re most likely to use for your lawn—for most, the 40mm medium setting will be ideal—and leave it there. If you are a gardener who likes to vary cutting height throughout the seasons, this mower will likely cause you immense frustration.
Collection and Practicality: The Grass Box and Cord Management
On a more positive note, the grass collection system works well. The 30-litre grass box is a generous size for a mower with a 32cm cut, meaning we could mow our entire test lawn without needing to stop and empty it. The plastic box is sturdy, and the fill-level indicator is a genuinely useful feature that’s often omitted on budget mowers, helping you know exactly when it’s time to head to the compost bin. We did, however, note one user’s complaint about the handle on the collection box not clipping in securely and coming loose when full. While our test unit’s handle felt secure, we recommend checking this connection and, as that user wisely did, supporting the box from underneath when carrying it full, just in case.
As with any corded mower, you have to perform the “cord dance,” keeping the 10m power lead out of the path of the blade. The included cable is adequate for very small gardens adjacent to the house, but most users will require an extension lead. This is an accepted part of the corded experience and a small price to pay for the benefit of unlimited runtime without the need to recharge batteries. For those seeking an affordable and reliable cutting machine, the Einhell GE-EM 1032 delivers on its core promise despite its quirks.
What Other Users Are Saying
Sifting through feedback from a wide range of users, a clear picture of the Einhell GE-EM 1032 Electric Lawn Mower emerges. The sentiment is largely positive, particularly among those who purchased it with realistic expectations for a budget-friendly machine. Many first-time mower owners and those with small, simple gardens celebrate its virtues. Comments like “easy to assemble and operate” and “perfect for my Mum’s small garden” are common, praising its lightweight nature and straightforward functionality. Its ability to deliver a “nice clean job of mowing the lawn” for a low cost is its most lauded attribute.
However, the praise is not universal, and the criticisms are consistent and specific. The most significant point of frustration, which we confirmed in our testing, is the height adjustment mechanism. One user clearly stated, “the height adjustment was not easy. We have to remove wheels and fix it again.” This sentiment is echoed across multiple reviews. More serious concerns were raised about build quality, with a German user providing a detailed account of how the “much too thin, soft sheet metal” that holds the wheels can bend, causing them to scrape against the housing. This, coupled with reports of missing screws or washers upon arrival, points to potential quality control issues that, while not widespread, are a risk with a budget product.
How Does the Einhell GE-EM 1032 Compare to the Competition?
The Einhell GE-EM 1032 Electric Lawn Mower operates in a crowded market. To understand its place, it’s essential to compare it against key alternatives that cater to different needs and budgets. While the Einhell focuses on corded, lightweight simplicity, other options offer more power, convenience, or a different mowing technology altogether.
1. Hyundai 139cc Electric-start Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower
- 460mm / 18" cutting width: Ideal for medium to large lawns
- 139cc Hyundai 4-stroke petrol engine: Provides easy starting and low fuel consumption
The Hyundai is in a completely different league, designed for a different user. This is a self-propelled petrol powerhouse built for medium to large lawns. With its 46cm cutting width and huge 70L grass bag, it covers ground far more quickly than the Einhell. Its key advantages are raw power and complete freedom from cords. However, it’s significantly heavier, louder, requires regular maintenance (oil, petrol, spark plugs), and comes at a much higher price point. Someone might prefer the Hyundai if they have a substantial garden where a cord is impractical and the effort of pushing a mower is a concern. The Einhell is for the small plot; the Hyundai is for the suburban estate.
2. Flymo EasiGlide 300 Lawn Mower
- Ideal for sloped and irregular shaped gardens, the EasiGlide 300 is a compact and lightweight hover mower that floats on a cushion of air, making it highly manoeuvrable for your ease-of-use.
- Utilises a powerful, high performance 1700W motor and a 30cm cutting deck capable of cutting through even thick dense grass - so you can tackle your lawn with ease.
The Flymo EasiGlide 300 is a much closer competitor. It’s also a corded electric mower aimed at small gardens, but it uses hover technology instead of wheels. It floats on a cushion of air, making it incredibly light to manoeuvre in any direction, which is fantastic for oddly shaped lawns or steep banks. However, hover mowers can be less effective at creating a neat, striped finish and their grass collection can be less efficient than a wheeled rotary mower’s. The Einhell’s wheeled design provides greater stability and a more consistent cut height on bumpy ground, whereas the Flymo prioritises effortless gliding. The choice here comes down to lawn topography and personal preference for mowing style.
3. Greenworks 48V 36cm Cordless Lawnmower 2x2Ah Batteries
- CUTS MEDIUM-SIZED LAWNS UP TO 210m² ON A SINGLE CHARGE – delivering all the power and performance of a petrol driven mower without the mess, noise and environmental impact
- 2 x NEW GENERATION LITHIUM 24V 2Ah BATTERIES - the lawnmower comes with two advanced batteries that you can use singly or together and also use in any Greenworks 24V tool to cut waste, save money and...
The Greenworks model represents the next step up in convenience: cordless battery power. It offers the best of both worlds—the freedom of a petrol mower with the low-maintenance, quiet operation of an electric one. With a slightly wider 36cm cut and a larger 40L bag, it’s a step up in performance from the Einhell. The obvious trade-off is the cost, which is significantly higher due to the inclusion of two batteries and a charger. It’s the ideal choice for someone with a small to medium garden who despises managing a power cord and is willing to invest a premium for that cordless freedom. The Einhell remains the undisputed champion for those on a strict budget who don’t mind the cord.
Final Verdict: Is the Einhell GE-EM 1032 Electric Lawn Mower the Right Choice for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Einhell GE-EM 1032 Electric Lawn Mower is clear: it is an exceptional value proposition for a very specific user. Its greatest strengths are its incredibly lightweight design, its surprisingly powerful 1000W motor, and its budget-friendly price. It makes quick, easy work of small lawns, is simple to assemble, and requires minimal storage space. It successfully solves the problem of a small garden owner needing a tool that is both effective and manageable.
However, its excellence comes with a significant compromise: the archaic and inconvenient wheel-based height adjustment system. This is not a mower for those who like to fine-tune their cutting height regularly. When you combine this with the valid long-term durability concerns about its all-plastic build and thin metal components, it’s clear this is a machine built to a price. We recommend it, with these caveats, to first-time buyers, elderly gardeners, or anyone with a small, straightforward lawn who wants a simple, effective tool and plans to set the cutting height just once. If that describes you, the Einhell GE-EM 1032 offers performance that punches well above its weight class. For the price, it’s tough to find a more capable and user-friendly machine. If you’re ready to tame your small garden without breaking the bank, you can check the latest price and availability for the Einhell GE-EM 1032 here.
Last update on 2025-10-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API