WORX WG779E.2 Cordless Lawnmower 34cm Review: The Cordless Revolution for Small UK Gardens?

I remember the Sunday afternoon ritual well. It involved dragging a heavy, cumbersome petrol mower out of the shed, priming the engine, and yanking the cord until my shoulder ached. Then came the noise and the fumes. Later, I switched to a corded electric model, trading fumes for the constant, nagging fear of slicing through the power cable. Every turn around a rose bush became a strategic exercise in cable management. Mowing the lawn felt less like a satisfying chore and more like a frustrating puzzle. The simple dream was to just walk out, press a button, and cut the grass. No fuss, no tangled wires, no wrestling with a stubborn engine. This search for a simpler, quieter, and more liberating way to maintain a tidy lawn is precisely what leads so many of us to the burgeoning world of cordless mowers, and specifically, to the machine we’re looking at today.

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 weekend and enjoying your garden. The primary benefit is absolute freedom. You can navigate complex garden layouts, weave around trees, and reach the furthest corners of your property without being tethered to a power socket. They offer a significant step-up in convenience over corded models and are far quieter, lighter, and more environmentally friendly than their petrol counterparts. For anyone who has ever felt the frustration of a tangled cord or the exhaustion of starting a petrol engine, the press-and-go nature of a battery-powered mower is genuinely transformative, turning a dreaded chore into a far more pleasant task.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a small to medium-sized lawn, typically up to around 250m². They value convenience, low noise levels, and minimal maintenance. They might live in a terraced or semi-detached house where disturbing neighbours is a concern, or they may simply be tired of the hassles associated with older mower types. It’s a perfect fit for those who want a quality cut and perhaps even a traditional striped finish without the complexities. Conversely, this type of mower might not be suitable for those with exceptionally large gardens (think half an acre or more), where the battery runtime would become a significant bottleneck. Likewise, if your garden is severely overgrown with very dense, tough weeds, the raw, uncompromising power of a high-cc petrol mower might still be the more practical, albeit less pleasant, choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The cutting width is paramount. A 34cm deck, like the one on the WORX WG779E.2 Cordless Lawnmower 34cm, is ideal for navigating smaller, more intricate lawns efficiently. A wider deck covers ground faster but is less manoeuvrable. Also, consider storage. Models with fully foldable handles are a godsend for those with limited shed or garage space, allowing the mower to be stored vertically or on a shelf.
• Capacity/Performance: In the cordless world, performance is all about the battery system. Look at the voltage (V) for power and the amp-hours (Ah) for runtime. A 40V system like this WORX model provides ample power for typical lawn conditions. The included 2x 2.0Ah batteries give a total capacity of 4.0Ah, which dictates how long you can mow on a single charge. Features like Worx’s ‘IntelliCut’ technology, which adjusts power based on grass density, are designed to maximise this runtime.
• Materials & Durability: The mower deck is typically made of either durable plastic or alloy steel. Plastic decks are lighter and won’t rust, but high-quality steel can offer greater rigidity and long-term resilience. Check the quality of the wheels, handles, and height-adjustment levers, as these are the components you’ll interact with most. A solid feel here often indicates better overall build quality.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Simplicity is a key selling point. A single-lever height adjustment system is far superior to having to adjust each wheel individually. Consider the weight of the machine for lifting and carrying. Maintenance on cordless mowers is wonderfully simple: keep it clean, sharpen the blade annually, and take care of the batteries by storing them in a cool, dry place and not leaving them completely discharged for long periods.

While the WORX WG779E.2 Cordless Lawnmower 34cm 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:

Unboxing the WORX WG779E.2: First Impressions and Key Features

Our experience with the WORX WG779E.2 Cordless Lawnmower 34cm began with a refreshingly simple setup. Pulling it from the well-packaged box, the first thing we noticed was its manageable weight. It feels substantial without being cumbersome, a balance that many manufacturers struggle to find. Assembly was incredibly intuitive, confirming reports from other users who had it ready to go in about 15 minutes without even glancing at the manual. The main handle sections click and lock together with reassuring solidity, and the 30-litre grass collection bag snaps onto its frame easily. The two 20V PowerShare batteries and the dual-port charger felt well-made and durable.

Once assembled, the mower presents a smart, modern aesthetic in its signature black and orange livery. It feels compact and purposeful. The standout features are immediately apparent: the single, large lever for adjusting the cutting height through its various positions is a welcome touch of convenience. The integrated rear roller, a feature often reserved for more expensive models, promises that coveted striped lawn finish. And perhaps most importantly, the dual battery compartment speaks to the mower’s 40V power plant, a core part of the highly versatile WORX PowerShare system. Our initial impression was of a thoughtfully designed machine built specifically for the modern, small-garden owner who values both performance and convenience. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its design.

In-Depth Performance Analysis: Putting the WORX WG779E.2 to the Test

A mower can look great on paper, but the real test is how it performs on the lawn. We put the WORX WG779E.2 Cordless Lawnmower 34cm through its paces across various conditions, from a neat, weekly trim to a more challenging first cut of the season on slightly damp grass, to see how its features translate into real-world results. Our goal was to push it to its limits to find out exactly who it’s for, and where it might fall short.

Assembly and Ergonomics: From Box to Lawn in Minutes

As mentioned, the initial setup is a breeze. The entire process, from opening the box to inserting the charged batteries, took us less than 20 minutes. The quick-clamp levers on the foldable handle are robust and make both setup and storage incredibly efficient. Once operational, the ergonomics are a real highlight. The mower is exceptionally lightweight, which we found made it effortless to push and turn. This was echoed by one user who noted it can be “lifted with one hand as it’s well balanced,” a feature we can confirm. This makes it an excellent choice for users who may struggle with heavier petrol machines.

The main handlebar is comfortable to hold, and the safety-bail arm system is intuitive—press the button, pull the lever, and you’re off. The single-point cutting height adjustment is, for us, a non-negotiable feature for modern mowers. The lever is large, easy to grip, and moves between the settings with a satisfying clunk. However, it’s worth noting that at least one user reported a manufacturing defect where the lever wouldn’t lock in place. While our test unit was flawless, this suggests that checking all mechanical parts upon arrival is a wise move. Overall, the design prioritises user comfort and simplicity, making the prospect of mowing the lawn far less daunting. The focus on easy storage, with its compact footprint when folded, reinforces its suitability for homes where space is at a premium. The entire package feels cohesive and designed with the user’s convenience in mind, a quality you can appreciate when you check the latest price and availability.

Cutting Performance: Stripes, Edges, and Tough Grass

The core function of any mower is the quality of its cut, and here, the WORX WG779E.2 Cordless Lawnmower 34cm largely excels. The 34cm cutting width is the sweet spot for small to medium lawns, wide enough to get the job done quickly but narrow enough to be nimble around garden beds and obstacles. On a standard, well-maintained lawn, the cut is clean and even. The blade spins at a high velocity, leaving a crisp finish on the grass blades rather than tearing them. The real star of the show, however, is the integrated rear roller. As we pushed the mower, it immediately began laying down those classic, professional-looking stripes that are the hallmark of a well-kept British lawn. Many users raved about this feature, with one noting it “left some lovely stripes in the back garden,” and we wholeheartedly agree. It elevates the final look from simply ‘mown’ to ‘manicured’.

Another excellent feature is the ‘Cut-to-Edge’ design. The deck is engineered to allow the blade to cut extremely close to walls, fences, and borders. In our tests, this significantly reduced the amount of follow-up work needed with a strimmer, saving time and effort. But what about tougher conditions? This is where we found the mower’s limits. When tackling longer, thicker, and slightly damp grass, the 40V motor, while generally capable, began to struggle. We noticed the mower’s pace had to be slowed considerably to avoid stalling the blade. Confirming some user feedback, we also experienced clogging in the chute leading to the collection bag when the grass was heavy. One user described how “all grass seems to do is choke in the passageway,” forcing them to stop and clear it. We found that raising the cutting height for a first pass before lowering it for a second, finer cut was the best strategy to mitigate this. While it handles tougher jobs, it requires a bit more patience than a powerful petrol model would.

The Heart of the Machine: Battery Life and the PowerShare System

For any cordless tool, the battery system is its heart, and the experience with the WORX WG779E.2 is a tale of two perspectives, entirely dependent on lawn size. The mower is powered by two 20V 2.0Ah batteries combined to deliver 40V of power. For our test on a small lawn of around 80m², the batteries performed admirably. We completed the entire lawn with power to spare, easily getting through the job on a single charge. This aligns with users who have smaller gardens, one of whom stated it could do their “10m x 10m lawn twice over.” If your lawn falls into this category, you will likely be delighted with the runtime.

However, the story changes as you approach the manufacturer’s stated maximum capacity of 230m². On a larger test lawn of about 180m², especially with thicker grass, the batteries were depleted before the job was finished. This confirms the experience of several users, one of whom needed “1 and a half charges to get through the whole backyard” of just 50m² when the grass was long. Another noted they had to “charge the Batteries twice and still not finished the garden.” The included dual-port charger replenishes the batteries in just over an hour, but for those with larger lawns, investing in a second pair of batteries to “alternate and get the job done quicker” is an almost essential consideration. The IntelliCut technology is designed to conserve power, but its effect is less noticeable when the entire lawn is challenging. The key takeaway is to be realistic about your lawn size. The true genius, however, lies in the PowerShare platform. If you own other WORX 20V tools, like a strimmer or hedge cutter, these batteries are interchangeable, creating a powerful and cost-effective ecosystem of garden tools. This cross-compatibility is a feature that really sets it apart and adds immense long-term value.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the WORX WG779E.2 Cordless Lawnmower 34cm is overwhelmingly positive, with most praise directed at the sheer liberation it offers. One user summed it up perfectly, calling it “as revolutionary to my garden as my cordless Dyson was to my house. No more cables to navigate.” This feeling of freedom is the most commonly cited benefit. Users consistently praise the light weight, quiet operation, and the high-quality cut, especially the “lovely stripes” left by the roller.

However, the feedback isn’t without its criticisms, which provide a balanced real-world picture. The most prevalent negative point revolves around battery life, with several users finding the included 2.0Ah batteries insufficient for their “medium-sized” gardens, often requiring a mid-mow recharge. The other area of concern is occasional quality control. We saw isolated but notable reports of issues straight out of the box, such as “rust patch on one of the handles,” a “front left wheel came off” due to a missing clip, and a faulty height adjustment lever. While these appear to be outliers and are covered by the warranty (especially the generous three-year warranty upon registration), they serve as a reminder to thoroughly inspect the machine upon arrival. For those with tougher lawns, the mower’s tendency to clog was also a point of frustration.

How Does the WORX WG779E.2 Compare to the Competition?

No product exists in a vacuum. While the WORX WG779E.2 Cordless Lawnmower 34cm carves out a strong niche, its alternatives cater to different needs and priorities. Whether you need more power, ultimate manoeuvrability, or a budget-friendly option, the market has an answer.

1. Flymo SimpliGlide 360 Hover Lawn Mower

The Flymo SimpliGlide 360 represents a completely different approach to mowing. As a corded hover mower, its primary advantage is its incredible lightness and manoeuvrability. Floating on a cushion of air, it’s effortless to glide in any direction, making it ideal for irregularly shaped lawns or steep banks where a wheeled mower might struggle. However, you sacrifice the freedom of cordless operation and are once again tethered by a 10m cable. It also lacks a collection box and a roller, so it won’t produce stripes and leaves the mulched clippings on the lawn. This is a great choice for someone with a complex, undulating lawn who prioritises ease of movement over all else.

2. Hyundai 139cc Electric-Start Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower

At the other end of the spectrum is the Hyundai petrol mower. This is the heavyweight champion for large, demanding gardens. Its 139cc engine provides immense power to scythe through the toughest, longest grass without hesitation, and its self-propelled feature makes tackling large areas and slopes much less fatiguing. The 46cm cutting width and huge 70L grass bag are built for efficiency on a grand scale. The trade-offs are significant: it’s loud, heavy, requires regular maintenance (oil, petrol, spark plugs), and produces emissions. This is for the user with a substantial property for whom the quiet convenience of the WORX is simply not enough to get the job done.

3. BLACK+DECKER BEMWH551-GB Electric Hover Mower

The BLACK+DECKER hover mower is a direct competitor to the Flymo and serves as a compact, budget-friendly corded option. With a smaller 30cm deck, it’s specifically designed for very small gardens, postage-stamp lawns, or as a secondary mower for tricky areas. It is extremely lightweight and easy to store, making it perfect for those with minimal space. Like the Flymo, it’s a corded machine, so you have the cable to manage, and it lacks the premium features of the WORX, such as a roller for stripes or the advanced PowerShare battery system. It’s the go-to choice for the most cost-conscious buyer with a very small, simple patch of grass to maintain.

The Final Verdict: Is the WORX WG779E.2 Cordless Lawnmower 34cm Right for Your Garden?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the WORX WG779E.2 Cordless Lawnmower 34cm is overwhelmingly positive, but with a crucial caveat: it is a specialist for a specific task. If you own a small-to-medium lawn (we’d suggest a realistic maximum of 180m² for stress-free mowing), and you prize convenience, quiet operation, and a beautiful, striped finish, then this mower is one of the best choices on the market. The freedom from cords is genuinely game-changing, the build quality is solid, and its inclusion in the PowerShare battery ecosystem adds phenomenal long-term value if you plan to build a collection of cordless tools.

You must, however, be realistic about its limitations. Its battery life, while adequate for its target lawn size, will be a source of frustration if you try to push it too far. It’s not designed to be a brush cutter for reclaiming an overgrown wilderness; it performs best with regular maintenance cuts. For the right person, this mower will transform a weekly chore into a quick and satisfying task. If you’re ready to ditch the cord and enjoy a beautifully manicured lawn with minimal fuss, we wholeheartedly recommend the WORX WG779E.2. You can explore its features and check the latest price here.