There’s a unique frustration that comes with maintaining a smaller lawn. You don’t need a hulking, petrol-powered beast that deafens the neighbourhood, but the trusty old electric mower with its endlessly tangling extension cord feels like a constant battle. I’ve been there: carefully planning each pass to avoid running over the cable, unplugging and re-plugging as I move around garden furniture, and the sheer hassle of winding it all up again, covered in grass clippings. It turns a quick job into a chore. Forgetting this simple task can lead to an overgrown, unkempt patch of green that detracts from your home’s appeal. What’s needed is a solution that’s as agile and compact as the space it’s designed for—a tool that brings simplicity and freedom back to lawn care.
What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Rotary Mower
A rotary mower is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for achieving a healthy, well-manicured lawn. By using a rapidly spinning blade on a vertical axis, it creates a powerful suction effect that lifts grass blades for a clean, uniform cut. This is the secret to that classic striped lawn finish. The main benefits lie in their versatility; they handle a wide range of grass lengths and conditions, from a quick trim to tackling slightly more overgrown areas. For those seeking cordless freedom, the benefits multiply: no hazardous cables to manage, no smelly petrol fumes, and significantly reduced noise levels, making for a much more pleasant gardening experience for you and your neighbours.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a small to medium-sized lawn (typically up to 300m²) who prioritises convenience, easy storage, and manoeuvrability. Think city dwellers with garden flats, suburban homeowners with front and back lawns, or anyone tired of the constraints of a power cord. It’s perfect for navigating around flower beds, patios, and play equipment. However, it might not be suitable for those who have very large, sprawling properties (over 500m²) or exceptionally rough, uneven terrain. In those cases, a more powerful petrol mower or a larger, self-propelled cordless model might be a more efficient choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Battery System & Runtime: This is the heart of any cordless mower. Check the voltage (V) for power and the amp-hours (Ah) for runtime. Critically, find out if the battery and charger are included. Many models, like the BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 Cordless Lawnmower, are sold as “bare tools,” which is cost-effective if you already own compatible tools from the same brand.
- Cutting Width & Height: The cutting width determines how many passes you’ll need to make. A 32-37cm width is ideal for smaller lawns, offering a good balance of coverage and agility. Also, look for multiple cutting height adjustments; this allows you to adapt to the season and your lawn’s health, cutting shorter in peak season and leaving it longer during drier spells.
- Weight & Manoeuvrability: A lightweight design is a game-changer. A mower under 10kg is easy to push, turn, and carry up steps or into a shed. Features like integrated carry handles and folding mechanisms for compact storage are invaluable for those with limited space.
- Grass Collection & Special Features: Consider the size of the grass collection box; a larger box means fewer trips to the compost bin. Also, look for innovative features like grass combs, which are designed to guide blades of grass at the edge of the lawn into the path of the blade for a much tidier finish along walls and fences.
Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a mower that not only cuts your grass but truly fits your garden and your lifestyle.
While the BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 Cordless Lawnmower is an excellent choice for its category, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition, especially if you have different needs. For a broader look at models designed for larger or sloped lawns, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
First Impressions: Unboxing Simplicity
Upon receiving the BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 Cordless Lawnmower, the first thing that struck us was the compact, no-fuss carton packaging. Inside, the main body of the mower was largely pre-assembled. The core task was constructing the two-part grass collection box and attaching the handle. As one user noted, the grass box assembly can be “a fiddle with 8 fixing points to align and snap fit together.” We can confirm this; it requires a bit of patience and firm pressure to get all the clips to engage securely. Once it’s together, however, it feels solid. The rest is a simple “bolt and tighten job,” taking no more than 10-15 minutes total. What you immediately notice is the weight, or rather, the lack of it. At a mere 7.5 kilograms, it feels more like a toy than a serious piece of garden machinery, yet the classic Bosch green plastic feels robust and well-moulded. It’s a design that screams efficiency and ease of use, a promising start for a tool meant to simplify a common chore. For those keen to see its full feature set and user reviews, the ultra-lightweight design is a frequently praised highlight.
What We Like
- Extraordinarily lightweight and easy to manoeuvre around obstacles.
- Grass combs provide an excellent, clean cut right up to the edges of lawns and walls.
- Part of the versatile Bosch 18V POWER FOR ALL battery alliance.
- Folding handle allows for incredibly compact, space-saving storage.
Potential Drawbacks
- Battery and charger are not included, significantly increasing the initial cost for new users.
- Grass box assembly can be tricky and the handle has been reported to detach.
In-Depth Analysis: Performance Under Pressure
A mower’s true worth is only revealed out on the turf. We put the BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 Cordless Lawnmower through its paces on a typical British lawn—slightly damp, a few uneven spots, and with plenty of edges along fences and a patio. Our goal was to test not just its cutting power, but its real-world usability from setup to cleanup.
Assembly, Ergonomics, and Storage: The Lightweight Advantage
As mentioned, the initial assembly is straightforward, save for the grass box. Once built, however, the mower’s ergonomic design truly shines. The handle sits at a comfortable height, and the power engagement is a simple, safe two-step process: press a button and pull the lever. But the star of the show is its 7.5kg weight. Pushing this mower feels effortless. We navigated tight corners and wove around a small tree with an ease that heavier mowers simply cannot match. It requires minimal physical exertion, making it an outstanding choice for older gardeners or anyone who finds heavy machinery daunting. This experience was echoed by a user who praised it, saying “The mower is very light and easily picked up by the handle.” This isn’t just a marketing point; it’s a fundamental feature that defines the entire user experience. After the job is done, the folding handle mechanism is a godsend for those with limited storage. The handles fold down over the body of the mower, shrinking its footprint so it can be stored on a shelf in a garage or tucked away in a small shed, a huge advantage over bulkier models.
Cutting Performance and Edge Mastery: Small Mower, Tidy Finish
With a 32cm cutting width, the BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 Cordless Lawnmower is squarely aimed at lawns up to 200m² (roughly the size of a tennis court). On our test lawn of about 150m², it felt perfectly scaled. The rotary blade spun up quickly and sliced through moderate-length grass with confidence, leaving a clean and even finish. We tested the three cutting heights (20mm, 40mm, 60mm), which are adjusted by a simple axle lever system. While not as granular as the single-lever, multi-position systems on premium mowers, these three settings cover the most common needs for a healthy lawn.
Where this mower truly excelled, however, was along the edges. Bosch’s “grass combs” are plastic guides at the sides of the cutting deck that actively feed grass from the edge into the path of the blade. The result is a remarkably tidy finish right up against fences, walls, and patio borders. We found this significantly reduced the amount of follow-up work needed with a strimmer, saving time and effort. It’s a feature that really sets it apart in the small mower category. The 31-litre grass box, while not huge, is adequate for a small lawn and its light weight means it’s never heavy to carry to the compost bin, even when full.
The Battery Ecosystem Conundrum: A Blessing and a Curse
This is arguably the most critical aspect of the BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 Cordless Lawnmower. This specific model, the EasyMower 18V-32-200, is sold as a “bare tool.” This means it comes without a battery or charger. For us, and for anyone already invested in the Bosch 18V POWER FOR ALL system, this is fantastic. We snapped in a 4.0Ah battery from a Bosch drill and got to work instantly. As one user happily reported, their battery was “able to handle both my cordless strimmer and mower” with ease. On our 150m² lawn, the 4.0Ah battery used just under half its charge, suggesting it could comfortably handle up to 300m² on a single charge.
However, for a newcomer to the Bosch ecosystem, this presents a significant hurdle. As another user discovered with frustration, “Did not realise battery not included then found need pay for a charger also, so nearly cost me double price of lawnmower.” This is a crucial purchasing consideration. A 2.5Ah battery and charger kit can indeed add a substantial amount to the initial outlay. Furthermore, that user noted the smaller 2.5Ah battery “does not last long.” We would recommend at least a 4.0Ah battery for this mower to ensure you can complete the job without interruption. While the battery system offers excellent cross-tool compatibility, buyers must be aware of the total investment required if they are starting from scratch. It’s essential to check the latest price and availability, factoring in the potential need for a battery and charger.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing feedback from users provides a well-rounded picture that confirms our own findings. There’s a clear divide in experience, hinging almost entirely on the battery situation. On one hand, you have satisfied customers who are already part of the Bosch 18V family. One such user was initially “sceptical at first on battery duration” but was ultimately “impressed” as it tackled two lawns with ease. They praised the straightforward assembly (aside from the grass box) and the mower’s incredibly light weight.
Conversely, the most pointed criticism comes from those surprised by the “bare tool” nature of the product. One user expressed significant frustration at the unexpected additional cost of a battery and charger, which nearly doubled their total spend. They also encountered an issue where the “grass box handle comes off every time,” forcing them to use tape—a clear quality control concern that we did not experience but is important to note. This feedback perfectly encapsulates the mower’s dual identity: a brilliant, convenient tool for existing Bosch users, but a potentially confusing and costly proposition for newcomers.
How Does It Compare? The BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 vs. The Competition
No product exists in a vacuum. To understand its true value, we must compare the BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 Cordless Lawnmower to other popular options on the market. While it excels in its niche, different gardens and gardeners have different needs.
1. Flymo EasiGlide 330 V Hover Mower
The Flymo EasiGlide represents a different approach to mowing small lawns. As a hover mower, it floats on a cushion of air, making it exceptionally easy to move in any direction, not just forward and back. This can be an advantage for unusually shaped lawns. However, its main drawback is the 10m power cable, tethering you to a socket and reintroducing the cord-management hassle the Bosch eliminates. The Flymo is also less effective at creating a striped finish and can struggle on lumpier ground where the air cushion is compromised. Choose the Flymo if ultimate directional freedom is your priority and you don’t mind the cord; choose the Bosch for the liberating convenience of cordless power and a superior cut on edges.
2. Einhell GE-CM 36/36 Li Cordless Lawnmower
The Einhell is a significant step up in power and features, making it a compelling alternative for those with slightly larger or more demanding lawns. It runs on a 36V system (using two 18V batteries) for more torque, has a wider 36cm cutting deck, a larger 40L grass box, and six cutting heights. Crucially, this model typically comes as a complete kit with two batteries and two chargers, offering better out-of-the-box value for someone starting fresh. The trade-off is increased weight and reduced agility compared to the featherlight Bosch. If your lawn is pushing the 200-400m² range and you want a complete, more powerful cordless package, the Einhell is a formidable choice. If your lawn is smaller and you prize nimble handling above all, the Bosch remains the superior option.
3. Greenworks 48V Self Propelled Cordless Lawnmower
The Greenworks 48V model is in a different class entirely and highlights the Bosch’s specific purpose. With a huge 46cm cutting width and a self-propelled drive system, this mower is designed for large lawns up to 460m² and for tackling slopes with minimal effort from the user. It’s a heavy-duty machine for serious domestic use. Comparing it to the Bosch is like comparing a city car to a long-haul lorry. The Greenworks is overkill for a small garden; its size would make it clumsy to navigate tight spaces, and its weight makes it harder to store. It serves as a perfect example of why choosing the right-sized tool is crucial. The Bosch is the specialist for small, flat gardens where the Greenworks’ power and self-propulsion would be entirely redundant.
Our Final Verdict: Is the BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 Cordless Lawnmower Right for You?
After extensive testing, our conclusion is clear: the BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 Cordless Lawnmower is an exceptional machine, but for a very specific user. If you have a small lawn (under 200m²), limited storage space, and prioritise a lightweight, easy-to-handle mower, this is one of the best options available. Its performance along edges is a standout feature that genuinely saves time. The entire experience is designed to be effortless, from carrying it out of the shed to weaving it around garden obstacles.
The critical deciding factor is the battery. If you are already invested in the Bosch 18V POWER FOR ALL ecosystem, this mower is an absolute bargain and a no-brainer addition to your tool collection. For newcomers, the story is more complex. You must factor in the additional cost of a battery and charger, which pushes the mower into a higher price bracket. If you’re willing to make that investment, you’ll be rewarded with a superb little mower and the start of a versatile, high-quality cordless tool system. For its intended purpose, it’s a champion.
If you believe this nimble and efficient mower is the perfect solution for your garden, you can find the best price and order yours today.