Flymo EasiStore 380R Electric Lawn Mower Review: The Space-Saving Powerhouse with a Hidden Flaw

There’s a universal truth among gardeners: shed space is a finite and precious resource. For years, my own shed felt like a losing game of Tetris, with the bulky, awkward shape of a traditional lawn mower occupying prime real estate. Every time I needed the strimmer or a bag of compost, it meant hauling the mower out, shuffling things around, and then wrestling it back in. It was a frustrating dance that made a simple garden chore feel like a logistical operation. This constant battle for space is what sends many of us on a quest for a smarter solution—a mower that doesn’t just cut grass well, but also understands the reality of modern storage limitations. We need a machine that performs admirably on the lawn and then gracefully disappears when the job is done.

What to Consider Before Buying a Rotary Mower

A Rotary Mower is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for maintaining a healthy, attractive lawn with minimal fuss. For most UK homeowners, a corded electric rotary mower strikes the perfect balance between power, affordability, and convenience. Unlike their petrol counterparts, they require no messy fuel, produce zero emissions, and are generally much quieter. They offer consistent power that battery models can sometimes struggle to match, ensuring you can tackle even thick, damp grass without the fear of a battery dying mid-mow. The primary benefit is achieving a consistently neat, tidy finish across your entire lawn, from open stretches to tricky edges, turning a weekly chore into a satisfying task.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a small to medium-sized garden (typically up to 300-400 square metres) who values reliability and has access to an outdoor power source. They are perfect for homeowners who want a classic striped lawn finish, thanks to features like rear rollers, and appreciate the low maintenance of an electric motor. However, it might not be the best fit for those with very large, sprawling gardens where managing a power cable would become cumbersome and impractical. In such cases, a cordless or petrol mower would be a more suitable alternative. Similarly, if your garden has many obstacles like trees, flowerbeds, and garden furniture, the constant need to navigate the cord could become a significant source of frustration.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Think beyond the cutting width. How much floor space will the mower occupy in your shed or garage? Look for models with folding handles or, even better, vertical storage capabilities. The Flymo EasiStore 380R Electric Lawn Mower excels here, as its entire design ethos is built around compact, upright storage, a feature that can genuinely reclaim valuable space.
• Capacity/Performance: This covers the motor’s power (in Watts), the cutting width (in cm), and the grass box capacity (in Litres). A 1600W motor and a 38cm width are excellent for medium lawns, providing enough grunt to get through tough patches without being excessively large. A grass box of 45 litres means fewer trips to the compost bin, saving you significant time and effort during each mow.
• Materials & Durability: The main body of most electric mowers is a high-impact plastic, which is lightweight and rust-proof. Pay close attention to the smaller components like wheels, height adjustment levers, and handle hinges. While metal components are sturdier, well-engineered plastic can be very durable, but this is an area where budget models can sometimes cut corners, leading to potential longevity issues.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: How easy is it to adjust the cutting height? A single, central lever is far superior to having to adjust each wheel individually. Consider the weight for manoeuvrability, especially if you have slopes. Long-term care is minimal for electric mowers—simply keep the underside clean and check the blade for sharpness once a season.

Ultimately, choosing the right rotary mower is about matching its features to the specific demands of your lawn and your storage reality.

While the Flymo EasiStore 380R 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:

First Impressions: Smart Design Meets Fiddly Assembly

Unboxing the Flymo EasiStore 380R Electric Lawn Mower, the first thing that struck us was its compact form factor even within the packaging. The signature Flymo orange and grey livery is bright and modern. The main mower deck feels reassuringly solid, a dense plastic construction that seems ready for the rigours of garden life. However, the initial assembly process proved to be a mixed bag. The instructions are primarily pictorial, which can be a bit cryptic, as some users have noted. Attaching the main handles was straightforward, but the grass box was another story entirely. It’s a two-piece clamshell design that requires you to align and snap together a dozen or so plastic clips. This took a fair bit of patience and careful force; we can certainly understand why some users found it a frustrating first step. Our advice is to take your time, work on a flat surface, and don’t be afraid to walk away and come back if it’s not clicking. Once assembled, though, it feels robust and integrates perfectly with the mower’s storage system.

A Deep Dive into the Flymo EasiStore 380R’s On-Lawn Performance

A clever design is one thing, but a lawn mower’s true worth is proven on the grass. We put the Flymo EasiStore 380R through its paces on a variety of lawn conditions, from a neat patch of fine grass to a slightly unruly, damp back garden that hadn’t seen a trim in two weeks. Our in-depth testing focused on its core promises: cutting power, user-friendliness, and that all-important storage feature.

The “EasiStore” Promise: A Genuine Game-Changer for Storage

Let’s start with the headline feature, because it truly delivers. The storage system on the Flymo EasiStore 380R Electric Lawn Mower is nothing short of brilliant. With a few simple clicks, the handles fold down flat over the mower’s body. You can then lift the entire machine and stand it upright on its end, where it rests securely. The design is so stable that it takes up a footprint barely larger than a briefcase. To complete the package, the 45-litre grass box is designed to hook neatly onto the folded handles. For anyone with a small shed or a cluttered garage, this is a revolutionary feature. We were able to slot it into a narrow gap between a workbench and a wall that would have been impossible for a traditional mower. As one user aptly put it, it’s a “game-changer for compact storage areas.” This isn’t just a minor convenience; it’s a fundamental redesign of how a mower should be stored, freeing up valuable floor space for other tools and equipment. The transition from mowing to stored is quick and intuitive, taking less than a minute once you’ve done it a couple of times. This feature alone makes it a top contender for those prioritising space efficiency.

Cutting Power and Lawn Finish: Stripes, Edges, and Raw Grunt

On the lawn, the 1600W motor provides ample power. We started on our overgrown patch at the highest cutting setting (60mm) and were immediately impressed. The mower didn’t bog down or struggle, powering through the dense grass and funnelling the clippings efficiently into the box. Subsequent passes on lower settings were even smoother. The central height adjustment is a standout feature; a single, large, spring-loaded lever allows you to cycle through the five cutting heights (from 20mm to 60mm) in seconds. It’s a massive improvement over older models that required adjusting each wheel axle separately. The 38cm cutting width strikes a great balance, wide enough to cover a medium-sized lawn quickly but narrow enough to navigate tighter spots.

The two features that elevate the cut quality are the Close Edge Cutting design and the integrated rear roller. The cutting deck is designed with combs on the side that guide blades of grass into the path of the blade, allowing you to mow right up to the edge of walls, fences, and pathways. In our tests, this significantly reduced the amount of follow-up work needed with a strimmer. The rear roller is equally effective. It gives the lawn that classic, professional-looking striped finish that many gardeners covet. It also adds stability to the mower, particularly when mowing along the edge of a border, preventing the wheel from dropping off the edge. While we found the cut quality to be excellent on dry grass, some users have reported that collection can be less efficient in damp conditions, sometimes leaving clippings on the lawn. During our test on a slightly damp lawn, we noticed a minor amount of spillage when the box was nearly full, confirming that it performs at its absolute best in dry weather.

Assembly, Ergonomics, and a Word on Build Quality

As mentioned, the initial assembly can be a hurdle, specifically with the grass box. We found that laying the two halves on the ground and systematically working our way around, applying gentle but firm pressure to each clip, was the best method. Once it’s built, you don’t have to worry about it again. In use, the mower is surprisingly light and manoeuvrable at 12.6kg. The dual lever handles are comfortable and allow for easy operation with either hand, which is great for navigating around obstacles. The 10-metre cable is adequate for a small, squarish garden, but for most medium-sized lawns, we found an extension lead was a necessity. This is a common characteristic of corded mowers and something to factor into your purchase.

This brings us to the most significant point of contention: build quality. While the main body feels robust, our examination and the feedback from numerous users highlight potential weaknesses in some of the smaller plastic components. We’ve seen credible reports of handle hinges snapping, wheels falling off due to flimsy retaining clips, and the plastic tabs on the height adjustment mechanism breaking. One user noted their handle mount, held by “4 small extrusions of plastic,” snapped after just three months. Another had a front wheel come off on the second use. While our test unit held up perfectly during several hours of rigorous use, this recurring pattern of feedback is impossible to ignore. It suggests a potential inconsistency in manufacturing or a design where certain stress points are made from plastic that isn’t quite up to the task over the long term. This is a critical consideration that tempers our otherwise enthusiastic recommendation. The core performance is excellent, but prospective buyers should be aware of this potential for component failure down the line. To see the full feature set and weigh these considerations, you can check the latest price and availability here.

What Other Users Are Saying

Aggregating user feedback provides a clear and balanced picture of the Flymo EasiStore 380R Electric Lawn Mower experience. The praise is overwhelmingly directed at its core design concept. One satisfied owner stated, “Its ability to store upright with the grass box neatly hanging on top truly saves a significant amount of space,” a sentiment that is repeated constantly. Many also commend its performance, with comments like, “It’s got a strong motor so had no issues with patches of dense grass,” and that it delivers a “clean, effective cut.” The generous bin size is another frequently mentioned positive, with one person noting they only had to empty the 45L bin once for their 140 square metre garden.

However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and focuses almost exclusively on build quality and component durability. The tricky grass box assembly is a common starting point for frustration. More seriously, multiple users report critical failures. One user lamented, “On first use front wheel came off. Retaining clip not tight enough.” Another, more concerning report stated, “after 3 uses the hinges on both sides came off. Snapped screws.” This feedback suggests that while the mower performs brilliantly out of the box, its longevity may be compromised by weak plastic parts in high-stress areas like wheel mounts and handle hinges.

How Does the Flymo EasiStore 380R Compare to the Alternatives?

The Flymo EasiStore 380R Electric Lawn Mower operates in a competitive market. While its storage feature is a unique selling point, it’s important to see how its overall package stacks up against other popular models. We’ve compared it to three key rivals to help you decide which is the best fit for your specific needs.

1. BOSCH Rotak 34 R Electric Lawnmower

The Bosch Rotak 34 R is a formidable competitor known for its reliability and excellent cutting performance. It features innovative “GrassCombs” that are very effective at cutting right up to the edge of lawns, similar to Flymo’s system. Its 1300W motor is slightly less powerful than the Flymo’s 1600W, and its cutting width is narrower at 34cm, making it better suited for small to medium lawns. Where Bosch often excels is in build quality; their mowers generally feel very solid and well-engineered. However, it lacks the clever vertical storage system of the EasiStore 380R. If maximum space-saving is your absolute top priority, the Flymo wins, but if you prefer the reputation for durability that comes with the Bosch brand and have a slightly smaller lawn, the Rotak 34 R is an outstanding choice.

2. WORX WG779E.2 Cordless Lawnmower

This Worx model represents a different proposition entirely: the freedom of cordless mowing. Powered by two 20V batteries, it eliminates the biggest hassle of a corded mower—cable management. This is a huge advantage for gardens with lots of obstacles or for those who simply hate wrangling a cord. It also features a 34cm cutting width and a rear roller for stripes. The main trade-offs are price, charging time, and a smaller 30L grass box. You’ll pay a premium for the convenience of cordless, and you need to remember to charge the batteries. This is the best alternative for someone who prioritises convenience and cable-free operation above all else and is willing to accept a smaller grass collection capacity and higher initial cost.

3. BOSCH ARM 3200 Electric Lawnmower

The Bosch ARM 3200 is a fantastic option for those with smaller gardens or tighter budgets. With a 1200W motor and a 32cm cutting width, it’s more compact and lightweight than the Flymo. It’s a no-frills, reliable workhorse that does the basics exceptionally well. It delivers a clean cut and is very easy to handle due to its low weight. However, it lacks the more advanced features of the EasiStore 380R, such as the rear roller for stripes and the central height adjustment (it uses axle-based adjustment). This mower is the perfect choice for someone with a small, simple lawn who wants a dependable, easy-to-use machine from a top brand without paying for features they don’t need.

Final Verdict: A Brilliant Mower for the Right Home

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Flymo EasiStore 380R Electric Lawn Mower is one of qualified enthusiasm. Its performance on the lawn is excellent; the powerful motor, sharp cut, edge-to-edge capability, and rear roller combine to produce a truly professional-looking finish. For anyone constrained by storage space, its vertical “EasiStore” system is not a gimmick—it’s a genuinely transformative feature that solves a major headache for many gardeners. It’s powerful, effective, and cleverly designed.

However, this praise must be balanced against the recurring and credible concerns about the long-term durability of its plastic components. While our unit performed flawlessly, the volume of user reports detailing snapped hinges, detached wheels, and broken levers cannot be dismissed. Therefore, we recommend the Flymo EasiStore 380R Electric Lawn Mower primarily to homeowners with small-to-medium lawns who place the highest possible premium on storage space and are willing to handle the machine with care to mitigate stress on its weaker points. If you need a powerful mower that will all but disappear in your shed, this is an exceptional choice. If you prioritise bomb-proof durability over all else, you may want to consider one of the Bosch alternatives. For those ready to reclaim their shed space and enjoy a beautifully striped lawn, you can find the best price and read more user experiences here.