Mountfield Electress 38 Li Battery Lawnmower Review: The Cordless Revolution for Small Gardens?

I remember the Sunday morning ritual all too well. The reluctant trip to the shed, the battle with the stubborn pull-cord of the old petrol mower, the fumes, the noise, and the sheer weight of the machine as I wrestled it across the lawn. Then came the switch to an electric corded model, which simply traded one frustration for another. Suddenly, I was a tactician, constantly managing the cable, avoiding flowerbeds, and performing the dreaded “cord flick” to prevent a catastrophic severing. It turned a simple garden task into a logistical puzzle. For many, maintaining a beautiful lawn feels like a chore defined by these very frustrations. An unkempt garden can feel overwhelming, but the tools meant to help are often part of the problem. This is precisely the scenario where a modern, lightweight battery-powered mower isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a complete paradigm shift in how we approach lawn care.

What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Rotary Mower

A rotary mower is more than just a tool for cutting grass; it’s a key solution for achieving a healthy, uniform, and aesthetically pleasing lawn with minimal fuss. For those with small to medium-sized gardens, the primary benefits of a battery-powered model are freedom and convenience. They eliminate the noise, maintenance, and emissions of petrol engines, and cut the cord—literally—from the restrictions of electric models. This freedom allows for a faster, more enjoyable mowing experience, transforming a weekend chore into a satisfying task. The right rotary mower ensures an even cut, collects clippings efficiently, and is light enough to navigate around obstacles without straining your back. When you find the right one, like the Mountfield Electress 38 Li Battery Lawnmower, it feels less like a tool and more like a partner in garden maintenance.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a lawn up to around 400 square metres who is tired of the drawbacks of traditional mowers. This includes homeowners who find petrol mowers too heavy and cumbersome, as many user stories confirm, or those who are frustrated with the limitations and hazards of a power cable. It’s perfect for individuals seeking a quieter, more environmentally friendly solution that is simple to start and easy to store. However, it might not be suitable for those with very large estates (over 500 sqm), as battery life could become a limiting factor, necessitating multiple charges. Likewise, if your garden has extremely rough, uneven terrain with very thick, wet grass, a more powerful, heavy-duty petrol model might still be a better, albeit less convenient, choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Lawn Size & Battery Life: Your lawn’s square meterage is the single most important factor. Manufacturers provide a recommended area coverage for a reason. Ensure the mower’s battery capacity, like the dual 4Ah batteries in the Mountfield kit, can handle your entire lawn on a single charge. There’s nothing more frustrating than running out of power with one last strip of grass to go.
• Cutting Width & Performance: Cutting width, measured in centimetres, determines how many passes you’ll need to make. A wider deck (like the 38cm on the Electress 38 Li) means fewer passes and a quicker job. Also, look at the range of cutting heights. A good mower should offer multiple positions, easily adjustable with a single lever, to handle different grass lengths throughout the season.
• Chassis Materials & Durability: Mower decks are typically made from polymer (plastic) or metal (steel or aluminium). Polymer chassis, like the one on the Mountfield, are incredibly lightweight, rust-proof, and durable enough for typical domestic use. Metal decks are heavier and more robust, suited for tougher conditions, but can be prone to rust if not maintained.
• Ease of Use & Storage: Weight is a huge factor in user experience. A lighter mower is easier to push, turn, and carry up steps or into a shed. Consider features like adjustable handle height for ergonomic comfort and foldable handles for compact storage. A simple push-button start and easy-to-remove grass box are also key quality-of-life features.

Choosing the right cordless mower can genuinely transform your gardening routine. It’s about finding the perfect balance of power, convenience, and design to suit your specific needs.

While the Mountfield Electress 38 Li Battery Lawnmower 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: Unboxing the Mountfield Electress 38 Li

Pulling the Mountfield Electress 38 Li Battery Lawnmower from its box, the first thing that struck me was its weight, or rather, the lack of it. At just over 12 kg, it felt astonishingly light, a stark contrast to the hefty petrol machines I’ve tested over the years. The assembly process was refreshingly straightforward. As several users noted, it took no more than 10-15 minutes, with the manual only needed for a quick clarification on washer placement for the handles. The main components click and lock into place with satisfying ease. The bright red Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic chassis feels robust and well-moulded, dispelling any initial concerns that “lightweight” might mean “flimsy.” The two 20V 4Ah ePower batteries and the dual charger were neatly packed and, as promised, arrived with a partial charge, allowing for a quick function test right out of the box. The adjustable handle angle is a thoughtful ergonomic touch, allowing you to find a comfortable operating position quickly. It immediately gives the impression of a well-designed, user-centric machine, which you can see for yourself in the detailed product specifications.

Performance Deep Dive: Putting the Electress 38 Li to the Test

A mower can look great out of the box, but the real test is on the turf. We put the Mountfield Electress 38 Li Battery Lawnmower through its paces on a variety of lawn conditions, from a neat front garden to a slightly overgrown back lawn, to see if its performance lives up to its promising first impression. We focused on the core aspects that matter most to the everyday user: the battery system’s endurance, the quality of the cut and collection, and the overall user experience during operation.

The ePower Heart: Battery Life and Charging Efficiency

The power source is the heart of any cordless tool, and Mountfield’s ePower system is genuinely impressive. The kit includes two 20V 4Ah batteries that work in tandem to deliver a 40V equivalent performance. Our tests strongly validated the manufacturer’s claim of covering up to 350 sqm. We tackled a combined lawn area of approximately 160 sqm, which included some thicker patches of grass, and after we were finished, the battery indicator still showed more than half its charge remaining. This finding is echoed by numerous users, one of whom reported mowing 150 sqm and only using half the battery capacity. This provides incredible peace of mind, eliminating the “range anxiety” that can come with some battery-powered garden tools. The included dual charger replenishes both batteries simultaneously, which is a significant convenience. From empty, a full charge took around two hours, which is perfectly reasonable for planning your mowing sessions. The ability to check the latest price and its included dual-battery kit is worthwhile, as this feature provides exceptional value and extended run time.

Cutting Performance and Adjustability

The 38cm (15-inch) cutting width strikes an excellent balance between covering ground efficiently and remaining nimble enough to navigate smaller gardens. The hardened steel blade delivered a consistently clean and sharp cut, leaving the lawn looking healthy and uniform without tearing or bruising the grass blades. What truly stands out is the height adjustment system. A single, large, spring-loaded lever on the side of the body allows you to cycle through the six cutting heights, from a close 25mm crop to a 75mm trim for the first cut of the season. This is a night-and-day improvement over older systems that required you to unscrew the blade or adjust each wheel individually. One user specifically praised this feature, contrasting it favourably with Hoover mowers requiring washer adjustments. We started on a higher setting (position 4) for a patch of longer grass and the mower ploughed through without any noticeable bogging down or loss of power. Dropping it to position 2 for the main lawn produced a beautifully manicured finish. The 40-litre grass collector is well-proportioned for the mower’s target lawn size, and its rigid plastic top and fabric sides make it easy to handle and empty.

Manoeuvrability and Ergonomics: The Lightweight Advantage

This is where the Mountfield Electress 38 Li Battery Lawnmower truly excels and becomes a joy to use. Weighing a mere 12.24 kg, it feels less like you’re pushing a heavy piece of machinery and more like you’re guiding a household appliance. The difference is dramatic. Turning at the end of each pass is effortless, navigating around garden furniture is simple, and mowing close to borders is precise. We confirmed the experience of one owner who bought it specifically because their old petrol mower was too heavy to carry up and down steps; we found carrying the Electress 38 Li one-handed was entirely feasible. This lightweight design, combined with the lack of a restrictive cord, instills a sense of freedom that makes the task of mowing significantly faster and less physically demanding. The handlebar is comfortable to grip, and its adjustability ensures users of different heights can find a non-fatiguing posture. Furthermore, the noise level is exceptionally low—a gentle whir rather than the disruptive roar of a petrol engine—making for a much more pleasant experience for both you and your neighbours. It’s a feature that truly sets it apart in the world of lawn care.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our own extensive testing, we dug into feedback from a wide range of users to see how our experience compared. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive and aligns closely with our findings. A recurring theme is the transition from older, heavier petrol mowers. One user, getting older and finding their petrol Mountfield too heavy for garden steps, called this model a “brilliant” replacement, specifically highlighting how its light weight solved a major physical challenge. Another, who had just retired their “trusty Mountfield petrol mower” after its deck rotted away, was so glad they made the switch, praising the lightning-fast assembly and thoughtful design touches like the adjustable handle.

The battery performance is another point of universal praise. A user with a 150 sqm total lawn area was delighted to find the batteries were “only half down” after a full cut, calling it a “fab job.” This real-world evidence consistently shows the mower meeting or exceeding expectations for its recommended lawn size. The ease of use, particularly the single-lever height adjustment, is frequently mentioned as a significant quality-of-life improvement over more archaic systems. While there’s very little negative feedback, the primary limitation is inherent in its design: it’s built for small-to-medium lawns, not vast fields, and as a hand-propelled model, it relies on user effort.

How Does the Mountfield Electress 38 Li Compare to the Alternatives?

The Mountfield Electress 38 Li Battery Lawnmower is a formidable contender in its class, but it’s important to understand the landscape. Different mowing technologies and power sources cater to different needs, and here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.

1. Flymo SimpliGlide 360 Hover Lawn Mower

The Flymo SimpliGlide 360 operates on a completely different principle. As a hover mower, it floats on a cushion of air, making it incredibly easy to move in any direction, much like a hovercraft. It’s an excellent choice for irregularly shaped lawns with lots of curves, and its 1800W motor provides ample power. However, its biggest drawback is the 10m power cable. This tether fundamentally limits your range and requires constant management to avoid obstacles and accidents. The Flymo is a great tool for manoeuvrability, but the Mountfield Electress 38 Li Battery Lawnmower offers superior freedom and convenience by eliminating the cord entirely.

2. LiTHELi 33cm Cordless Lawn Mower

The LiTHELi mower is the most direct competitor, being another cordless, battery-powered rotary mower. Its main differences are a smaller cutting width (33cm vs. Mountfield’s 38cm) and a smaller grass box (30L vs. 40L). This makes it more suited to very small lawns where storage space is at an absolute premium. While it is also lightweight and easy to use, the wider deck of the Mountfield means you’ll finish a medium-sized lawn faster with fewer passes. The Mountfield’s dual-battery system also provides a longer, more robust runtime for lawns approaching that 350 sqm mark.

3. BOSCH ARM 3200 Electric Lawnmower

The BOSCH ARM 3200 is a compact, reliable corded electric mower from a highly respected brand. Its 32cm cutting width is designed for smaller city gardens, and its GrassCombs feature allows it to cut very close to edges. It’s a powerful and effective machine for its intended purpose. However, like the Flymo, it suffers from the inherent limitations of a power cord. For anyone with a lawn that isn’t a simple, small rectangle right next to a power outlet, the cord becomes a constant hassle. The Mountfield offers comparable cutting quality with the complete freedom to go anywhere in your garden without restriction.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Mountfield Electress 38 Li Worth It?

After extensive hands-on testing and analysis of real-world user feedback, our conclusion is clear: the Mountfield Electress 38 Li Battery Lawnmower is an outstanding choice for anyone with a small to medium-sized lawn (up to 350 sqm) who craves convenience, ease of use, and freedom from the hassles of petrol and cords. Its greatest strengths lie in its incredibly lightweight design, which makes mowing less of a physical chore, and its surprisingly robust dual-battery system that provides ample power and runtime for its target garden size. The thoughtful design, from the simple assembly to the single-lever height adjustment, demonstrates a clear focus on the user experience.

While it may not have the heavy-duty feel of a steel-decked petrol mower, its rust-proof polymer body is more than durable enough for domestic use and is the key to its brilliant manoeuvrability. If you’re looking to replace an old, heavy, or inconvenient mower and finally make lawn care a quick and pleasant task, this machine is an investment you are unlikely to regret. It successfully combines modern battery technology with user-friendly ergonomics to deliver a superb all-around package. If you’re ready to cut the cord and experience a new level of mowing freedom, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability of the Mountfield Electress 38 Li today.