BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 Cordless Lawnmower Review: The Lightweight Dream with a Serious Reality Check

For years, mowing the lawn was a chore I approached with a sense of dread. It wasn’t the act of cutting grass itself, but the tedious ritual that preceded it. I’d haul out the heavy, cumbersome corded mower from the shed, wrestle with the stiff, perpetually tangled extension cable, and plug it in, only to spend the next half-hour in a state of low-grade anxiety. Every turn was a calculation: is the cord clear? Am I about to run over it? Did I just unplug it again? Mowing my multi-level garden felt less like gardening and more like a frustrating dance with an orange plastic serpent. The dream was simple: a lightweight machine that I could just grab, pop a battery in, and go. A mower that would make maintaining the lawn feel less like a workout and more like a satisfying finishing touch. The promise of the cordless revolution is one of freedom and simplicity, and it’s this promise that led us to test the BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 Cordless Lawnmower.

What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Rotary Mower

A cordless rotary mower is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your time and sanity in the garden. For those with small to medium-sized lawns, it eliminates the biggest hurdles of lawn care: the noise and fumes of petrol mowers and the restrictive, hazardous nature of electric cords. The primary benefit is unparalleled convenience. You gain the ability to tackle the lawn on a whim, without setup or teardown, turning a planned-out chore into a quick, spontaneous task. This freedom encourages more regular mowing, which in turn leads to a healthier, better-looking lawn. It simplifies navigating complex garden layouts with trees, flowerbeds, and paths, making the entire experience faster and far more enjoyable.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenges of a small-to-medium urban or suburban garden, perhaps up to 200 square metres. They value convenience, ease of storage, and low weight above raw power. It’s perfect for individuals who find traditional mowers too heavy or cumbersome, or for those with terraced or sloped gardens where carrying a machine is a necessity. However, it might not be suitable for those who have very large lawns (over 300 sq m), as battery life will become a significant issue. Similarly, if your lawn is frequently neglected, growing long and thick between cuts, or is particularly tough and weedy, the power limitations of many entry-level 18V models might lead to immense frustration. In those cases, a more powerful 36V cordless model, a robust corded electric, or a petrol mower would be a more appropriate choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Cutting Width & Lawn Size: The cutting width, measured in centimetres, dictates how many passes you’ll need to cover your lawn. A mower like the BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 with its 32cm width is purpose-built for smaller areas. A wider deck (40cm+) saves time on larger lawns but makes the mower heavier and less manoeuvrable around tight spots. Accurately matching the cutting width to your lawn size is the first step to a satisfying purchase.
• Battery System & Runtime: This is the heart of a cordless mower. Look at the voltage (V) for power and the amp-hours (Ah) for runtime. An 18V system is standard for light-duty tasks, while 36V or 40V systems offer more grunt for tougher conditions. A 4.0Ah battery, as supplied here, offers a decent runtime for small, well-maintained lawns, but be wary of manufacturer claims—real-world performance can be halved when cutting longer, damp grass. Also, consider if the battery is part of a wider ecosystem of tools, like Bosch’s POWER FOR ALL ALLIANCE, which adds significant value.
• Build Quality & Weight: Most cordless mowers use a plastic deck to keep weight down. This is great for manoeuvrability and carrying but can feel less robust than a traditional steel deck. The key is to find a balance. At just 7.5kg, the Bosch is exceptionally light, making it a standout for anyone concerned with weight. Check for sturdy wheels and a solid-feeling handle assembly, as these are common points of failure.
• Ease of Use & Adjustments: Look for features that make life easier. A single-lever height adjustment is far more convenient than having to adjust each wheel individually. Check the number of cutting heights available—more options give you greater control over your lawn’s health and appearance. Also, consider the handle design; ergonomic, adjustable, and foldable handles make the mower more comfortable to use and much easier to store in a crowded shed or garage.

While the BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 Cordless Lawnmower is an excellent choice for a specific type of garden, 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:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Featherlight BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32

Opening the carton packaging of the BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 Cordless Lawnmower, the first thing that struck us was the sheer lack of weight. At a mere 7.5 kilograms, it feels almost toy-like compared to traditional mowers, and we mean that in the best possible way. Assembly was refreshingly simple and took less than five minutes, involving little more than unfolding the handle and locking it into place with two knobs. The classic Bosch green and black design is familiar and functional. The mower feels compact and purpose-built for tight spaces. Included in the box is the mower itself, a 31-litre grass collection box, one 18V 4.0 Ah ‘POWER FOR ALL’ battery, and the AL 1830 charger. The battery system is a huge plus, promising compatibility with a vast range of other tools from Bosch and partner brands. While the construction is predominantly plastic to achieve that low weight, it feels reasonably sturdy for its intended use case. It’s immediately clear this isn’t a machine designed for hacking through an overgrown paddock, but for nimble, regular maintenance of a cherished small lawn.

In the Field: A Deep Dive into the EasyMower’s Performance

A lawnmower can look good in the box, but its true character is only revealed on the grass. We put the BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 Cordless Lawnmower through a series of tests on different lawns to see where it excels and, more importantly, where it falls short. Our findings paint a picture of a highly specialised tool—a brilliant performer in its ideal environment, but a deeply frustrating one outside of it.

Manoeuvrability and Handling: The Lightweight Champion

This is, without a doubt, the EasyMower’s standout feature. At 7.5kg, it is an absolute joy to handle. We could push it with one hand, weave it around garden gnomes and rose bushes effortlessly, and turn it on a sixpence. For gardens with complex layouts, this agility is a game-changer. We tested it on a terraced lawn, and carrying it up and down the steps was no more strenuous than carrying a full watering can. This sentiment was echoed by one user who praised it for making their three-level, sloped garden “soooo much easier” to manage compared to their old corded model. This isn’t just a minor convenience; for users with limited strength or mobility, or those with awkward garden layouts, this featherlight construction elevates the mower from a simple tool to an enabling one. It completely removes the physical barrier that a heavy mower can represent, turning a dreaded chore into a manageable, almost pleasant task. If your primary frustration with mowing is the sheer physical effort of pushing and turning a heavy machine, the EasyMower’s design is a feature that really sets it apart.

Cutting Performance and Power: A Story of Frustration

Here, the narrative takes a sharp turn. While the mower is easy to handle, its cutting ability is highly conditional. On our test patch of short, dry, well-maintained lawn, it performed admirably. It delivered a clean, neat cut and quietly went about its business. The problems began the moment we introduced a challenge. On grass that was slightly longer—around 6-7cm—the mower immediately began to struggle. The motor’s pitch would drop, and it would frequently clog and stall, requiring us to stop, tilt it, and clear the blade housing. This experience directly confirms the feedback from numerous users, one of whom stated it “clogs up every 20 seconds” on grass just 5cm long. Another reported that it “chunks the ground on low,” which we also experienced when trying the lowest of the three cutting heights on anything other than a perfect lawn. The blade would scalp the turf, leaving ugly brown patches. It’s clear the 18V motor, paired with a 32cm blade, simply lacks the torque to handle anything beyond light-duty trimming. It forces the user into a specific, rigid mowing schedule: you must mow frequently, and only when the lawn is perfectly dry. For anyone whose lawn can get a little unruly after a week of rain, this mower is not a reliable partner; it’s a source of hard work and immense frustration.

Battery Life and Heat Management: The Achilles’ Heel

The single biggest point of failure during our tests was the battery performance under load. The supplied 4.0Ah battery is, in theory, sufficient for lawns up to 200 sq m. In practice, this is only true under ideal conditions. On our simple, 100 sq m test lawn, it completed the job with one bar of charge to spare. However, when we moved to the slightly longer grass that caused the cutting performance to suffer, the battery life plummeted. The motor works harder to spin the blade through the resistance, which drains the battery at an alarming rate. We barely managed to mow half of the same area before the battery died. Worse still was the issue of overheating. As noted by several users, when the mower is struggling, the battery gets hot and the built-in protection circuitry shuts it down completely. We had to stop, remove the battery, and let it cool in the shade for 15 minutes before it would work again. This is infuriating. One user’s report of it taking two days to cut their small garden because of constant battery death and overheating is not an exaggeration; it was precisely our experience when faced with a slightly challenging lawn. The idea of buying a second battery, as one user did, only to find it doesn’t solve the core problem of the machine’s inefficiency and heat build-up, makes this a potentially costly mistake for the unprepared buyer. If your lawn requires any significant effort, you’ll want to carefully consider this major limitation.

Ergonomics, Adjustments, and Storage

Beyond the core performance, the day-to-day usability has its highs and lows. The dual-lever start system is safe and intuitive. The grass box, at 31 litres, is appropriately sized for a mower of this class and is easy to attach and remove. The star of the show here is the storage. The folding top handle allows the mower to be stored in an incredibly compact space, either vertically against a wall or on a shelf, making it perfect for those with limited shed or garage space. However, the cutting height adjustment system is a letdown. Instead of a convenient single lever, it uses a more basic spring-loaded axle system. You have to apply pressure to the front and rear axles to pop them into one of three slots, corresponding to 20mm, 40mm, and 60mm. We found this system, as one user noted, “very awkward.” It’s stiff, imprecise, and feels cheap compared to the systems on many competing mowers. While it’s something you may not do every time you mow, it detracts from the overall “easy” ethos the product name suggests.

What Other Users Are Saying

The user feedback for the BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 Cordless Lawnmower is starkly divided, painting a clear picture of a product that is perfect for some and completely wrong for others. On the positive side, users with small, simple, and regularly mown lawns rave about its weight and convenience. One happy customer noted, “No messing with cables, just stick the battery in and away you go,” perfectly capturing the product’s core appeal. They were able to achieve a “clean cut” in under 30 minutes, highlighting its efficiency in the right environment.

Conversely, the negative feedback is consistent and severe. The recurring theme is a complete lack of power and disastrous battery performance when faced with anything but the most forgiving turf. “The battery does not last and overheats very quickly,” one frustrated user stated, a sentiment echoed by many others who found it took “two days to cut” a garden they did not consider large. Another bluntly called it a “useless mower” that “cannot cut and it absolutely eats battery life.” This feedback is crucial: it shows that the mower’s performance isn’t just slightly subpar on tougher lawns; it fails completely, making it unusable for a significant portion of potential buyers.

How Does the BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 Compare to the Competition?

The BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 Cordless Lawnmower operates in a crowded market. To understand its value, it’s essential to see how it stacks up against some popular alternatives, each offering a different solution to the problem of lawn maintenance.

1. Flymo EasiGlide 330 V Hover Mower

The Flymo EasiGlide 330 V represents a completely different approach. As a corded hover mower, its main advantages are constant, reliable power from its 1700W motor and its ability to float over uneven or bumpy terrain. It has a slightly wider 33cm cutting width but a smaller 20L grass box. Someone might prefer the Flymo if they prioritize raw cutting power and have a lumpy lawn where wheels might struggle. They must, however, be willing to tolerate the hassle and limitations of a 10m power cord. It’s a trade-off: you get more muscle but sacrifice the ultimate freedom that the Bosch offers.

2. LiTHELi Cordless Electric Lawnmower 33cm 20V

The LiTHELi mower is a direct cordless competitor that appears to address many of the Bosch’s weaknesses. It boasts a 20V system and a brushless motor, which should translate to more power and better battery efficiency. It also offers five cutting heights, providing more versatility than the Bosch’s three. While it has a similar 33cm cutting width and comes with a 4.0Ah battery, the superior motor technology makes it a compelling alternative. A user would choose the LiTHELi if they want the cordless convenience but are concerned about the Bosch’s lack of power. It’s for the person who needs a bit more performance to tackle a slightly more demanding small lawn.

3. Einhell Power X-Change GE-CM 18/30 Li Cordless Lawnmower

The Einhell is another strong contender in the 18V cordless space. A key point of comparison is its brushless motor, which generally offers better performance and longevity than the brushed motor likely found in the Bosch. It has a slightly narrower 30cm cutting width and a smaller 25L grass box. Crucially, it is often sold as a ‘body only’ unit, making it an extremely cost-effective choice for anyone already invested in Einhell’s Power X-Change battery platform. This alternative is ideal for the budget-conscious user or someone already in the Einhell ecosystem who wants a lightweight mower with the benefits of a more efficient brushless motor.

Our Final Verdict: A Niche Mower for the Right Lawn

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the BOSCH EasyMower 18V-32 Cordless Lawnmower is clear: it is a tool of extreme specialisation. In its element—a small, flat, regularly manicured lawn—its featherlight design and cord-free convenience make it an absolute dream to use. It turns mowing into a quick, effortless task. For the user who prioritizes weight and manoeuvrability above all else, and who mows their lawn like clockwork every week, this machine has the potential to be the perfect garden companion.

However, we cannot recommend it for the average user. The moment it’s faced with slightly long, thick, or damp grass, its profound lack of power and deeply flawed battery performance transform it from a convenient tool into a source of immense frustration. The constant stalling, clogging, and battery overheating make it functionally unusable for anything beyond the lightest of duties. It’s a mower that demands your lawn be in perfect condition before it can do its job. If you fit the very specific user profile, you’ll love it. For everyone else, there are more powerful and reliable options available. If you believe your garden is the perfect, bowling-green-like canvas for this lightweight specialist, you can check the latest price and availability to see if it’s the right choice for you.