How we research
Quick answer
MowReview doesn’t test mowers. We compare manufacturer specifications, U.S. retailer listings and independent test results, then match them to real yard conditions. Every product gets a genuine drawback, we name our sources, and we never quote prices.
Where our information comes from
Not all sources are equal, so we use them in a fixed order of trust. When two sources disagree, the one higher on this list usually wins, and we tell you about the disagreement.
| Source | What we use it for |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer websites and manuals | Specifications: stated lawn size, slope rating, navigation type, cutting height and similar details. |
| Major U.S. retailers | Checking that a model is current and widely stocked at stores such as Home Depot, Lowe’s and Best Buy. |
| Independent testers | Real-world results from outlets that physically test mowers, such as Consumer Reports. We always say who did the testing. |
| Safety bodies and standards | Safety standards and recalls, including the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. |
| Other review websites | Only as leads: a hint about which models people are discussing. Never as a source of facts, because figures in this niche are often copied from site to site. |
What we will never do
- Claim testing we haven’t done. You won’t read “we tested” on this site. You’ll read “Consumer Reports testing found” or “based on the manufacturer’s specifications.”
- Invent a specification. If we can’t find a figure from a named source, we leave it out rather than guess.
- Quote a price. Prices change daily. Instead, we explain how to judge whether a mower is good value for your yard.
- Sell rankings. No manufacturer can pay to be included or to move up a list.
How we decide which mowers to mention
A mower only appears in a recommendation if it passes all of these:
- It’s a current model that’s actually available to American buyers.
- Its stated capabilities match the yard the page is about. A mower rated for a quarter acre doesn’t belong in a guide for big lots, however popular it is.
- We can source its key specifications from the manufacturer.
- Where possible, an independent tester has published results for it.
Some of our pages recommend nothing at all. Guides about safety, HOA rules or fixing a problem usually don’t need a shopping list, and they’re more useful without one.
Why every product comes with a drawback
No robot mower suits every yard. One climbs steep banks but is heavy and slow to set up. Another is easy to live with but struggles on hills or in thick grass. A page where every product is excellent is an advertisement, not advice. So every mower we mention has a clear “Good for” and “Less good for,” and the drawback is a real one.
When sources disagree
They often do, especially on lawn size and slope. When that happens we show you the range and say who claims what, rather than picking the number that sounds best. For anything that affects safety or whether a mower will work on your lawn, we point you to the manufacturer as the final word.
How we explain specifications
Two figures cause more confusion than any others, so we always explain them the same way:
- Slope is usually given as a percent grade, not degrees. A 100% grade is 45 degrees. We convert it every time.
- Lawn size on the box is a best case. Independent testing has recommended at least one mower for a smaller lawn than its maker claimed, so we suggest leaving room to spare.
Keeping pages current
Robot mowers are replaced and updated often. Buying guides are reviewed ahead of the spring buying season, and the “Updated” date at the top of each guide shows its last real revision, not a date changed for appearance. When a model is discontinued, we say so or remove it.
How we make money
As an Amazon Associate, MowReview earns from qualifying purchases. Commission never decides what we recommend or what we say about a product. Full details are on our affiliate disclosure page.