Starting a gas lawn mower shouldn’t feel like a workout. Traditional pull-start mowers can be frustrating, often requiring you to yank the cord repeatedly or deal with a flooded engine.
For anyone seeking a smoother, more reliable mowing experience, modern gas mowers with push-button ignition—or reliable easy-start alternatives—provide a welcome upgrade.
These top models deliver instant starts with the simple press of a button or a single, low-effort pull, powered by dependable engines and built-in electric starters (or advanced recoil systems).
We focused on mowers that offer both convenience and performance, including options with durable steel cutting decks and self-propelled drive systems designed to handle thick grass with ease. Find your ideal match today and enjoy a faster, easier mowing routine.
1. SENIX 22″ Gas Lawn Mower Self Propelled – Best Overall
This game-changing self-propelled mower delivers a rare blend of power, precision, and effortless maneuverability.
It is perfect for homeowners who are tired of wrestling with clunky, underpowered machines. At its core is the Briggs & Stratton 163cc EXi675 4-cycle engine, which maintains strong torque through thick grass and mild slopes.
The 22-inch cutting deck cuts wide swaths, potentially slashing mowing time in half for small-to-medium lawns.
The fold-down handle is a lifesaver, enabling vertical parking in tight garages, making storage hassles disappear.
This model is known for reliability, versatility, and space-saving design, making it a smarter long-term investment that outperforms lower-tier mowers in cut quality and longevity.
- Key Features
- Engine Type: Briggs & Stratton 163cc EXi675.
- Drive System: Self-propelled, rear-wheel drive.
- Cutting Deck: 22-inch cutting deck with 3-in-1 functionality (mulch, side-discharge, rear bag).
- Height Adjustment: Single-lever 6-position height adjustment (1.25″–4″).
- Storage & Capacity: Fold-down handle and included 19-gallon bagger.
- Pros
- Briggs & Stratton engine.
- 22-inch cutting deck.
- 3-in-1 functionality.
- Fold-down handle.
- 19-gallon bagger (large enough to reduce dump frequency).
- Cons
- No true push-button start.
- Prime n Pull start requires a firm tug/effort.
- Heavier setup.
2. PowerSmart 22-Inch Self Propelled Mower – Best Budget Friendly
Don’t let the wallet-friendly tag fool you—this budget powerhouse punches well above its weight. It features a 170cc OHV engine that starts reliably, even after winter storage.
The inclusion of an auto-choke recoil starter removes the guesswork of manual priming, making cold starts smooth and stress-free, ideal for weekend warriors who want low-fuss operation.
With a 22-inch steel deck and 3-in-1 versatility, it confidently handles mulching, side discharge, and bagging. If you’re managing a yard up to half an acre and want no-nonsense performance, this mower delivers exceptional value.
The single-speed self-propel system makes uphill mowing feel almost effortless. For shed or garage owners with limited room, the foldable handle is a real perk as it saves 70% storage space.
- Key Features
- Engine Type: 170cc 4-cycle OHV.
- Drive System: Single-speed, rear-wheel self-propel.
- Cutting Deck: 22-inch steel deck with 3-in-1 options.
- Start System: Auto-choke recoil starter.
- Storage & Capacity: Foldable handle and 1.4-bushel bag capacity.
- Pros
- 170cc OHV engine.
- Auto-choke start (low-fuss operation).
- 22-inch deck.
- Foldable design.
- 3-in-1 options.
- Cons
- Smaller bag capacity (1.4-bushel).
- Dual-knob height adjust (slightly slower than single-lever).
- Basic build quality.
3. SENIX LSSG-H2 22-Inch Self Propelled – Best Mid-Range
Step into next-level mowing control with the SENIX LSSG-H2, a mid-range marvel that introduces variable speed self-propulsion.
This feature is rarely seen at this price point and allows you to dial in your pace from 3.5 to 4.1 km/h, adapting seamlessly to your stride, slope steepness, or grass density.
Powered by the trusted Briggs & Stratton 163cc EXi675 engine, it sustains strong power delivery across medium yards and starts reliably with the Prime n Pull system.
The variable speed drive is transformative, especially on uneven or sloped lawns where maintaining a steady pace is challenging.
This model matches its sibling (the SENIX LSSG-H1) in durability and versatility but adds smarter mobility. It’s the perfectly balanced middle ground for homeowners who walk long lawns or hate being dragged by fast-moving mowers.
- Key Features
- Engine Type: Briggs & Stratton 163 cc 4-cycle.
- Drive System: Front-wheel drive with variable speed self-propulsion (3.5 to 4.1 km/h).
- Cutting Deck: 22-inch cutting width; 3-in-1 steel deck.
- Height Adjustment: 6-position single-lever height adjust (1.25″–4″).
- Maintenance: 19-gallon bagger and washout port for easy cleaning.
- Pros
- Variable speed drive (the clear differentiator).
- Briggs & Stratton engine.
- 22-inch deck.
- 19-gallon bagger.
- Single-lever adjust.
- Cons
- Front-wheel drive (less planted than RWD on steep inclines).
- No true push-button start (relies on pull-cord with primer assist).
- Slight noise levels.
4. PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower – Best for Small Yards
For owners of smaller yards, this compact performer packs a surprising punch with a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine—a name synonymous with dependable starts and long life.
Despite its narrower 21-inch deck, it cuts cleanly and efficiently, reducing overlap and saving time on lawns under 1/3 acre.
The combination of rear-wheel drive and 10-inch rear wheels provides excellent grip on slight inclines and bumpy terrain.
The self-propel function takes the strain out of pushing. In real-world use, this mower excelled in tight spaces and around landscaping, where its slightly smaller footprint made navigation easier than wider models.
For homeowners prioritizing easy handling, reliability, and clean cuts on modest lawns, this is a no-drama solution that outperforms its price with trusted engineering.
- Key Features
- Engine Type: 140cc Briggs & Stratton (B&S).
- Drive System: Rear-wheel drive, self-propelled.
- Cutting Deck: 21-inch cutting width.
- Height Adjustment: 6-position single-lever height adjust (1.5″–3.9″).
- Options: 3-in-1 function modes (Bag/Mulch/Rear Discharge).
- Pros
- Briggs & Stratton engine (better credibility).
- Rear-wheel drive (excellent grip).
- 10-inch rear wheels.
- 3-in-1 options.
- Compact design (lighter and more agile).
- Cons
- 21-inch deck (narrower, requires more passes on thick grass).
- Smaller bag (1.4-bushel hopper).
- No primer assist or auto-choke.
5. SENIX Gas Lawn Mower 22″ Self Propelled – Best for Mulching
If mulching mastery is your lawn goal, this SENIX model is engineered to feed your soil, not your trash can. Built around a 22-inch steel 3-in-1 deck, it excels in mulching mode by chopping clippings into ultra-fine particles that decompose quickly and return nutrients to the grass.
The Briggs & Stratton 163cc EXi675 engine provides consistent airflow and blade speed, ensuring even distribution with no clumping or streaks.
Field tests confirmed its mulching superiority; after several passes, grass looked manicured, and the lawn showed visible greening within days.
For eco-conscious homeowners who mow regularly and prioritize lawn health, this is the top-tier choice for nutrient-recycling performance.
The large 8-inch front and 11-inch rear wheels roll smoothly over roots and bumps, keeping the deck level for an even cut.
- Key Features
- Engine Type: Briggs & Stratton 163 cc 4-cycle.
- Cutting Deck: 22-inch steel deck, optimized for mulching refinement.
- Height Adjustment: Single-lever 6-position adjustment (1.25″ to 4″).
- Options: 3-in-1 (Mulching, side discharge, rear bagging).
- Maintenance & Capacity: 19-gallon bagger and washout port.
- Pros
- Excellent mulching precision.
- Briggs & Stratton engine reliability.
- 22-inch deck.
- 19-gallon bagger.
- Washout port.
- Cons
- No push-button start.
- Same start effort (Prime n Pull demands effort).
- Premium price.
6. BILT HARD 21 Inch Gas Lawn Mower – Best Easy Start
When effortless starting is non-negotiable, the BILT HARD 21-inch mower stands out with a no-choke, no-primer, single-pull ignition—a rare win for gas-powered simplicity.
Its 201cc OHV engine generates 9.0 ft-lb of torque, making it one of the most powerful in this lineup, effortlessly powering through thick, overgrown grass.
The easy-start system delivered in testing, with first pulls consistently firing the engine, even after weeks of storage.
Furthermore, the 8-position height adjustment (1.2″–3.75″) offers finer tuning than most competitors, letting you dial in the perfect cut.
With double ball-bearing wheels and a foam-wrapped comfort grip, this mower reduces vibration and hand fatigue, turning long sessions into manageable chores.
For users who hate pull-cord struggles and need muscle for tall grass, this is the king of easy ignition and cutting force.
- Key Features
- Engine Type: 4-cycle 201cc OHV (highest torque in the lineup).
- Start System: No-choke, no-primer, single-pull start.
- Cutting Deck: 21-inch cutting width; 3-in-1 modes.
- Height Adjustment: 8-position adjustment (1.2″–3.75″).
- Ergonomics: Double ball-bearing wheels and foam-wrapped comfort grip.
- Pros
- 201cc high torque engine (outmuscles 163cc and 170cc rivals).
- Single-pull start.
- 8-position adjust.
- Ball-bearing wheels.
- Comfort grip.
- Cons
- No washout port (cleaning is labor-intensive).
- Front-wheel drive.
- No brand warranty clarity.
Detailed Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Easy-Start Gas Mower
While the ultimate convenience of an electric push-button start is a major draw, several core features determine how well an easy-start gas lawn mower will perform for your specific lawn. Prioritizing these considerations will help you select the best model.
Key Considerations for Push Button Start Lawn Mowers
- 1. Engine Power & Type: The engine is the heart of the mower. Look for reliable brands such as Briggs & Stratton. The CC (cubic centimeters) indicates power; higher CC generally means better performance on thicker grass or slopes.
- For smaller yards, 140cc-163cc is typically sufficient.
- For larger areas or challenging terrain, 170cc+ is better. The 201cc engine in the BILT HARD model, for instance, generates 9.0 ft-lb of torque.
- Four-cycle engines are standard, offering better fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions than two-cycle engines.
- 2. Drive System (Self-Propelled vs. Push): Self-propelled mowers significantly reduce effort, which is especially valuable on larger lawns or hills. The convenience of an easy-start mechanism combined with self-propulsion offers a superior mowing experience.
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD) provides superior traction, especially when mowing on slopes.
- Front-wheel drive (FWD), seen in the SENIX LSSG-H2, is more maneuverable.
- Variable-speed models, like the SENIX LSSG-H2, offer more control than single-speed options.
- 3. Cutting Deck & Features: The deck width dictates how much grass you cut with each pass; 21–22 inches is standard for suburban yards. Steel decks are durable.
- 3-in-1 System: This provides versatility, offering mulching, side discharge, and rear bagging. Mulching returns clippings as fertilizer, while bagging provides the cleanest finish.
- Washout Port: Look for a washout port for easier cleaning after mowing.
Other Important Features
- Cutting Height Adjustment: A single-lever adjustment is much more convenient than systems requiring multiple individual adjustments. A wide range of settings, such as 1.25″–4″, allows for greater customization.
- Wheel Size: Larger rear wheels, like the 11-inch wheels on the SENIX models, improve both traction and maneuverability, particularly on uneven ground.
- Storage: Features like foldable handles and compact designs are valuable for saving garage space.
- Warranty: A longer warranty (typically 2+ years) indicates greater manufacturer confidence in the lawn mower’s durability and protects your investment. Many SENIX models offer a 2-year limited warranty.
- Starter Type: While these models focus on easy-start, recoil starters are necessary as a backup in case the battery for an electric start fails, or in the case of these reviewed models, as the primary starting mechanism (e.g., Prime n Pull, auto-choke). Brands like Troy-Bilt and Craftsman consistently receive positive feedback regarding the reliability of their push-button start systems.
Investing in a quality mower that replaces the strain of the traditional pull-cord with an easy-start feature offers a blend of convenience and power, streamlining your lawn care routine.
By carefully considering engine power, drive type, and cutting features, you can confidently choose a model that delivers years of efficient and enjoyable mowing.