Choosing between a hover mower and a rotary mower is one of the first decisions UK garden owners face when buying a lawnmower. Both do the same job — cut your grass — but they work in different ways and suit different gardens. This guide explains the key differences, the pros and cons of each, and which products from our range will work best for your lawn.
Quick Answer
- Choose a hover mower if your lawn is awkwardly shaped, sloped, or you want something lightweight and easy to manoeuvre.
- Choose a rotary mower if you want a grass collector, a neater striped finish, or your lawn is large and flat.
What Is a Hover Mower?
A hover mower uses a cushion of air generated by the spinning blade to lift itself off the ground and float above the grass. Because it has no wheels, it can be swung in any direction — side to side, backwards, diagonally — making it ideal for lawns with curved edges, slopes, or awkward corners.
Pros of hover mowers
- Effortless to manoeuvre — glides in any direction with minimal effort
- Lightweight and compact — easy to carry and store
- Great for slopes, banks, and uneven terrain
- Lower price point than comparable rotary models
Cons of hover mowers
- Non-collect models leave clippings on the lawn (can be raked off or left as mulch)
- Less precise cut height adjustment compared to rotary mowers
- Not ideal for very long or overgrown grass
Our Hover Mower Range
Flymo Turbo Lite 260 Corded Hover Lawn Mower
Non-collect. Lightweight entry model, ideal for small to medium lawns. 1400W, 26cm cut.
£69.99
Flymo Hover Vac 250 Corded Hover Collect Lawn Mower
Collect model. Combines hover manoeuvrability with a grass box. 1400W, 25cm cut.
£69.99
Flymo SimpliGlide 360 Corded Hover Lawn Mower
Non-collect. Wider 36cm cut for faster mowing on medium lawns. 1800W.
£99.99
Flymo EasiGlide 330 Corded Hover Collect Lawnmower
Collect model. 33cm cut, 1700W, 30L grass box. The most popular hover collect mower.
£109.99
Flymo EasiGlide Plus 360V Corded Lawnmower
Collect model. 36cm cut, 1800W — the top-of-range hover option for larger lawns.
£129.99
What Is a Rotary Mower?
A rotary mower has a horizontally spinning blade mounted on wheels. You push it forward in rows across the lawn, much like a vacuum cleaner. The wheels mean it sits at a consistent height, giving a more precise, even cut. Most rotary mowers come with a rear grass collection bag.
Pros of rotary mowers
- Consistent, precise cut height — delivers a neat, manicured finish
- Grass collection bag means clippings are removed as you mow
- Better suited to longer or thicker grass
- Wider cutting widths available for larger lawns
- Cordless options offer greater freedom of movement
Cons of rotary mowers
- Less manoeuvrable than hover mowers on slopes and awkward shapes
- Heavier to push, particularly on uneven ground
- Generally more expensive at equivalent spec levels
Our Rotary Mower Range
Flymo EasiStore 300R Corded Rotary Lawn Mower 30cm
Compact rotary with vertical storage. 1200W, 30cm cut, 30L box. Best for small gardens.
£69.99
Flymo SimpliMow 300 + Mini Trim Kit
Rotary mower and grass trimmer bundled together — great value twin pack.
£79.99
Flymo EasiStore 340R Corded Rotary Lawn Mower
34cm cut, 1500W, 40L box. A step up in capacity and cut width for medium gardens.
£99.99
Flymo SpeediMo 360 Corded Rotary Lawn Mower
36cm cut, 1500W, 40L box. Efficient performance across medium to large flat lawns.
£99.99
Flymo EasiStore 380R Corded Rotary Lawn Mower
38cm cut, 1600W, 50L box. Vertical storage handle. Best for medium gardens needing power.
£129.99
Flymo SimpliStore 340 Li Cordless Rotary Mower
Cordless rotary — no cable to worry about. 34cm cut, battery kit included.
£189.99
Hover vs Rotary: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Hover Mower | Rotary Mower |
|---|---|---|
| Manoeuvrability | Excellent — moves in any direction | Good — forward in rows |
| Slopes & banks | Very well suited | Harder work on inclines |
| Cut finish | Good | More precise, even finish |
| Grass collection | Available on collect models | Standard on most models |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Long/thick grass | Can struggle | Handles better |
| Storage | Very compact | Some models store vertically |
| Price range | £69.99 – £129.99 | £69.99 – £189.99 |
Which Is Right for Your Garden?
- Small garden, awkward shape or slope — go with the Flymo Turbo Lite 260 or Hover Vac 250. Lightweight and effortless.
- Small to medium flat garden, want a collector — the Flymo EasiStore 300R gives a neat finish and stores vertically.
- Medium garden with curves or a slope — the Flymo EasiGlide 330 gives you hover manoeuvrability with grass collection.
- Medium to large flat garden — the Flymo SpeediMo 360 or EasiStore 380R covers ground quickly with a big collector.
- Want cordless freedom — the Flymo SimpliStore 340 Li removes the cable entirely.
Related Reading
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