Ryobi 18V Cordless Lawnmower & Grass Trimmer Reviews ⭐⭐

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Lawnmower and Grass Trimmer Twin Kit is marketed as a convenient, lightweight, and versatile solution for maintaining small to medium-sized gardens. Sold with a single 4.0Ah battery and charger, this combo pack aims to offer both mowing and trimming functionality within Ryobi’s expansive ONE+ battery system.

Price Range

At around £200–£250, it's a good-looking choice for anyone who desires a cordless model without heading into premium or commercial-grade territory. Although Ryobi is synonymous with user-friendly gardening equipment, this model is frequently returned, which means it's a good idea to take a look at both its strengths and weaknesses before purchasing.

Key Features

This twin pack includes a 33cm cordless lawnmower that has a 5-position, single-point cutting height adjustment, which provides users with a variety of grass heights between 25mm and 65mm to choose from. The mower also has EasyEdge technology, which allows the mower to cut efficiently right up to lawn edges—a useful feature for achieving a neat edge without needing other tools.

Handles

The ergonomic handle features three height adjustments, making it a more comfortable fit for individuals of different heights. For those with limited storage, the handles fold and the 35L grass catcher collapses. A mulching plug is also included for those who prefer to return nutrients to the lawn however was not available in the model we used.

Trimmer & Edging

The trimmer, with a 25cm cutting width, is ideal for lighter trimming and quick edging tasks. It also has EasyEdge functionality to quickly switch from trimming to edging. The 4.0Ah battery provided is compatible with all the tools in the ONE+ 18V system, delivering additional value to Ryobi customers who already own other tools in the range.

Customer Feedback

The Ryobi 18V Cordless Lawnmower and Grass Trimmer Twin Kit has seen a wide variety of customer reviews, ranging from appreciation for its ease of use and lightness to disapproval over battery life and construction.

Lightweight Plus

Among the most common positives highlighted is how light and easy to handle the mower is, making it particularly attractive for older users or people with limited mobility. Many buyers mention portability ease, pushing, and storing, stating the foldable handle and grass bag feature allows them to save space in small sheds. Some even comment that the machine has converted them on cordless equipment, referencing the freedom of mobility without the hassle of cords.

Easy Assembling

Assembly ease is also regularly mentioned as a strong point. Buyers report that it only takes minutes to put together the mower directly from the box, even without studying the manual very closely. For people who are new to battery-powered garden tools, this has been a welcome relief.

Nice Cutting

On cut quality, feedback is good. The mower is said to perform well on small and medium lawns, with neat edging and clean cutting. Owners describe it as ideal for manicured lawns and even report success on moderately overgrown grass, up to two inches in height. But expectations should be managed—this is not a machine for rough terrain or long, wet grass.

Battery Life

On battery life, however, there's a huge divergence of experiences. Some consumers are pleased with the run time, reporting that the 4.0Ah battery can do front and back gardens on a single charge. Others are extremely disappointed, saying the battery will only last 10 to 15 minutes, or less in a few cases.

This discrepancy has been disappointing, especially for those users who were expecting to complete a number of garden tasks in one go. It needs to be remembered that performance can differ depending on grass density, weather, and whether the battery had been fully charged.

Mixed Build Quality

Build quality is another point of division. While some reviewers describe the mower and trimmer as well-built and solid for the price, others blame the plastic housing and levers for feeling cheap or brittle. The grass trimmer is singled out for particular criticism for being too flimsy, although others appreciate the lightness for allowing fast clean-up around the garden.

Divided Opinions on Value

Opinions are also split when it comes to value for money. For some consumers, this twin kit is an affordable way to get into the Ryobi ONE+ system, with the bonus of battery compatibility across tools. These users are happy with the convenience and performance for light work. For others, however, it's a poor purchase, pointing to poor battery life and plastic construction as deal-breakers. Other customers were also disappointed by the lack of certain parts or having to search for a UK plug adapter, which spoiled the experience for them.

Small Lawns Only

Lastly, under size appropriateness, most customers agree that this mower is perfect for small-sized lawns. It is not built for heavy duty or extended garden work, and individuals with large or overgrown gardens can find its limitations frustrating. Clogging and labouring with longer grasses is noted over and over again.

Avoid Intensive Work

While there is appreciation for the mower's lightweight, user-friendly nature and performance on small lawns, concerns over battery life, build, and long-term durability suggest that this is a product that will perform best in light, occasional use rather than extensive gardening.

Purchasers who are aware of these trade-offs in advance and who have modest expectations of the mower's performance are likely to be satisfied with their acquisition.

Positive Reviews

The Ryobi 18V Cordless Lawnmower and Grass Trimmer Twin Kit has drawn in many customers with its blend of ease, performance, and compatibility with Ryobi’s popular ONE+ system. A significant number of reviewers have expressed their surprise and satisfaction, especially those who were initially sceptical about cordless lawn tools.

Competitive Value

One reviewer, after spending a great deal of time comparing models at different prices, settled on this Ryobi kit partly because of the good value for money—and partly, they confessed, because their partner liked the colour. Having tried it out, they were "very happy" with the purchase.

They found set-up to be quick and hassle-free, and even though the battery was not completely charged on first use, it cut a large section of their big garden without issue. The mower was lightweight, manoeuvrable, and far superior to their previous model as far as grass pick-up went.

Surprising Power and Excellent Strimmer

A few purchasers were sceptical about cordless tools to begin with, doubting power and battery life compared to traditional petrol mowers. They were quickly reassured, however. One early reviewer wrote that after three uses they were "impressed with the cutting power of the mower and the efficiency of the strimmer"—especially highlighting the rotating handle function for easy edging along pavements.

While they noted the mower is so light it can lift slightly during height adjustments, this wasn’t considered a significant issue. Instead, they were thrilled by how compact the unit was when folded and stored and even said they “genuinely look forward to cutting the grass.”

Battery Powered Perception

Another customer echoed these sentiments, saying the kit changed their mind about battery tools entirely. They'd been let down by the power of cordless tools before, but this Ryobi mower, they said, was "light, powerful and robust," and handled their medium-sized lawn with ease. The strimmer was also praised, particularly for its automatic line feed.

Perfect for Small to Medium Lawns

A number of reviewers pointed out that this mower is ideal for small to medium-sized gardens. One reviewer pointed out that with one charge, they were able to mow both the front and back lawns (the latter being significantly larger) and still had a bit of battery life remaining. They indicated that the mower was easy to put together, extremely quiet to a surprising degree, and effective at grass collection. Another shopper who already owned Ryobi tools and batteries said the mower exceeded expectations, mowing even taller grass on the first seasonal cut.

Value and Compatibility with Ryobi Ecosystem

Several users noted the value for money, especially considering that the kit includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger—components that are costly when bought separately. One buyer, who had owned the mower for two years, praised the durability in the long term and liked that the battery could be shared across other Ryobi tools. Compatibility was seen as a major plus point, contributing to the appeal of the Ryobi ecosystem for those already invested in the brand.

Lightweight and Simple to Utilize

The mower's lightness was consistently pointed out as a distinguishing characteristic. Individuals commented on how easy it was to carry, turn, and store away, with one reviewer describing it as simply "nice, light, and easy to use." Another indicated how this made it an excellent option for elderly individuals or anyone who had limited strength or mobility. Even those who had used petrol mowers before found the transition hassle-free and the experience much more convenient.

Peace of Mind with Warranty

Some buyers were also reassured by the 3-year warranty that was offered, stating that it gave them extra peace of mind for a cordless tool. For them, this made the purchase feel risk-free and reward heavy.

Positive Impressions

As we can tell, the majority of customers find the Ryobi 18V lawnmower and strimmer kit to be an affordably priced, surprisingly effective, and very convenient solution for light to medium lawn care. It provides simple setup, good storage design, and good cutting performance, especially for those who have smaller gardens or Ryobi tools already available. The overall tone of these positive reviews is one of pleasant surprise and satisfaction—especially from those who were initially doubtful that a cordless mower would be equal to the task.

Mixed Reviews - Strong Performance Undone by…

Battery Life, Setup Issues, and Ease of Use Frustrations for Some Buyers! While most users are satisfied with the Ryobi 18V Cordless Lawnmower and Strimmer Kit's manoeuvrability, ease of use, and overall cutting performance, a considerable number of reviewers were more moderately satisfied—largely due to problems with battery life, setup, and usability. Here, we address the most common points raised in mixed reviews, where users' experiences varied according to garden size, expectations, and use patterns.

Battery Life: Most Frequently Cited Complaint

Short runtime a common cause of frustration: A theme among mixed reviews is disappointment with battery life. Several users were frustrated that the included 4.0Ah battery did not live up to the advertised runtime, particularly for anything other than a very small lawn. Some noted the battery running out after a mere 10–20 minutes, with one commenter stating it took three full charges to complete just the front garden. Another found that even a smallish 16 sqm lawn couldn't be completed in a single charge, leading to interrupted use and annoyance.

Needing a Second battery

Some consumers ended up purchasing a second or higher-capacity battery (e.g., 5.0Ah) to complete both mowing and strimming in one go. While they continued to be pleased with the tool performance itself, this extra cost was seen as a drawback, especially by those seeking an out-of-the-box solution from the package.

Performance greatly dependent on grass conditions: A few reviewers noted that mowing long or thick grass depleted the battery much faster, so this setup is more ideal for well-tended gardens than ones that require serious cutting back.

Setup and Build Quality: Not Always Hassle-Free

Missing parts and poor documentation: One reviewer couldn’t even assemble the strimmer on arrival due to missing screw fixings, highlighting a possible issue with Ryobi’s quality control. Another customer complained that the instruction manual relied on unclear illustrations with few actual written directions, forcing them to seek guidance online.

Switch and adjustment issues: Minor usability issues also cropped up. A few users dubbed the on/off switch temperamental, and a few said changing the cutting height was awkward—partly due to the mower being so lightweight it raises off the ground when being adjusted.

Performance Is There—but Sometimes Requires Compromise

Good cut quality. when the conditions are right: Most of the mixed reviewers did still mention the cutting ability of the mower and the quiet, neat manner in which it cuts. Even the ones who were annoyed with the battery life mentioned that it gives a clean, even cut—especially on well-manicured lawns. Some stated it was a joy to use in perfect conditions but that it wouldn't be a primary mower for larger or more demanding gardens.

More Suitable for Small lawns and Frequent cuts

Some reviewers placed the mower as a great option for small lawns that are mowed frequently, rather than bigger or less frequently cut plots. One even titled their review, "Probably NOT your main mower," with the suggestion that for the occasional heavy-duty session, a corded or petrol model may still be required.

Summary of Mixed Impressions

Strengths appreciated: In spite of the divided reviews, consumers liked the Ryobi kit for being quiet, lightweight, and simple to operate once set up. The mower was consistently described as easy to push, effective at cutting, and streamlined in design.

But expectations weren't fulfilled due to battery limitations and minor usability complaints: Battery life is the most frequent complaint—many users simply couldn't do their lawn in one session. Setup issues, confusing instructions, and minor functional complaints like a finicky switch or hard-to-adjust height settings added to the frustrations for a minority of users.

Who This Product May Be Best For—Based on Mixed Reviews

Best for: Small gardens, frequent pruning, existing Ryobi ONE+ users with extra batteries.

Not suitable for: Overgrown or expansive lawns, buyers expecting a single-charge solution, or those who haven't had prior experience with Ryobi assembly problems.

While these buyers didn't quite regret the purchase, their experiences provide a caveat: understanding your garden size, tool expectations, and battery needs is important before investing in this cordless solution.

Negative Reviews: Battery Failures, Charger Breakdowns etc

Including frustrated Buyers that Highlight Deep Flaws in Ryobi’s Cordless Lawn Kit. While many users found things to like about the Ryobi 18V Cordless Lawnmower and Strimmer Kit, a significant number of customers had strongly negative experiences, raising concerns about defective components, misleading battery performance, build quality, poor customer service, and a lack of long-term usability.

These adverse reviews offer a sobering counterpoint to the product's potential and serve as a necessary warning to prospective buyers.

Battery Disasters: Run Time Measured in Minutes, Not Lawns

Dead in under 5 minutes? Several reviewers had extremely disappointing battery life, with some reporting it lasted under 5 minutes on a charge. One reviewer said the mower would die every 20 seconds and then not start again at all—stretching a typically 30-minute job into an 8-hour ordeal with multiple recharges. Another said two small 72 m2 lawns took two one-hour recharges per lawn, stretching a job that should take an hour into a six-hour disappointment.

Overheating and Underperforming

Purchasers consistently reported battery overheating, mid-use cutouts, and severe underperformance—especially on longer or slightly damp grass. In many cases, the kit was unable to cut small lawns without multiple recharges or manual workarounds. Some noted that three batteries were unable to finish the job, making this product economically and practically unfeasible for medium-sized gardens.

Charger and Component Failures: Breakdowns Out of the Box

Chargers blowing fuses and not charging: Several buyers reported receiving faulty chargers—one blew a house fuse, others simply wouldn't charge after little use. One buyer had to charge the battery using a different drill charger because the included one died on day one. Another buyer asked how they could go about getting a replacement charger but not swap out the entire kit, after their own unit died just six weeks in.

Defective parts right out of the box: From broken cable clips to cross-threaded bolts, some received clearly returned or sloppy assembled-at-the-factory products. One reviewer found the grass collector bent in half inside the box; its shape irrevocably distorted. Some others wondered if they'd received reboxed returned merchandise rather than new ones.

Build Quality & Design Problems: Not Fit for Purpose

Inconstant cutting and jamming issues: Some reviews mentioned design flaws, such as clippings not being collected into the collection, but instead jamming the blade area. Even when the mower was working, owners complained that it choked on tall grass, heated up quickly, and simply wasn't capable of handling anything more than a perfectly prepared lawn.

Trigger and switch issues: At least one customer has had the trigger break after nine months, only to be told that it couldn't be fixed and the unit would need to be replaced entirely—which prompted them to refer to it as a "throwaway machine."

Warranty, Customer Support, and Aftercare: Another Area of Frustration

Difficulties registering for extended warranty: One user shared a poor experience trying to activate Ryobi’s 3-year warranty—finding the registration website confusing and dysfunctional, with no clarity on which serial number to enter. After trying every number available and failing, they gave up.

Customer service ping-pong: Shoppers reported stories of being bounced back and forth between Ryobi and Amazon, with neither side claiming responsibility. Warranty issues, missing parts, and refund requests turned into frustrating games of futility with little resolution.

Strimmer Shortcomings and Misleading Accessories

Blades not included: The grass trimmer, which was being advertised as a bonus, did not come with blades—a surprise to most customers, added to the fact that spare blades were not available in stock. As a result, some customers could not use the strimmer at all from the pack.

Misleading Specs and Packaging Issues

Advertised as 5.0Ah but comes with 4.0Ah battery: At least one buyer was confused and annoyed that their product came with a 4.0Ah battery, despite listings elsewhere—including Ryobi’s own website—advertising a 5.0Ah. This perceived bait-and-switch further eroded trust.

Poor packaging causing damage: Some buyers noted that the packaging damaged components in transit - especially the grass collector, which arrived crushed and deformed in more than one instance.

Summary of Negative Experiences

• Battery and charger issues were by far the most cited issue, typically rendering the product useless right out of the package.
• Deceptive advertising, incomplete product, and missing or ineffective customer support irritated consumers.
• Subpar design with frequent clogging, overheating, and inconsistent build quality resulted in widespread dissatisfaction.
• The lack of blades for the strimmer, bad warranty experience, and frustrating assembly only added to the disappointment.

Most Critical Unhappy Buyers

These reviewers weren't merely disappointed—they were actively warning others against using the product altogether, with some chanting the mantra "Avoid, avoid, avoid" or calling it the "worst lawnmower ever." For owners with anything more than a small, easily manicured lawn, or for those requiring reliability and long-term value, these consumers strongly suggest looking elsewhere—or going back to a corded or petrol model.

If you're considering this kit, be sure to factor in potential hidden costs (extra batteries, parts) as well as the potential for faulty parts, especially if you're buying from a third party where returns might be trickier to negotiate.

Pros - What Some Buyers Liked

✔ Lightweight and Easy to Manoeuvre - A number of owners mentioned the mower was lightweight and easy to push, making it a great choice for those who have limited strength or mobility.

✔ Good Cutting Performance (When It's Working) - When it's functioning correctly, the mower cuts well and collects clippings effectively, especially for dry, short grass. The mower works okay with older Ryobi batteries and compatible chargers.

✔ Easy Assembly (Despite Poor Instructions) - Most buyers indicated that the mower was quite easy to assemble, despite the fact that the instructions were unnecessarily complicated or incomprehensible.

✔ Pleasing Aesthetics and Compact Design - Some appreciated the colour scheme and compact design as pleasing and convenient for storing.

✔ Strimmer Included with the Kit (Though Limited Use) - The kit includes a cordless strimmer, which was a welcome addition as a nice bonus, though several users weren't able to make use of it since there were no blades to be found or included.

❌ Cons - Buyers Should Take Seriously

Awful Battery Life - Most frequent grievance: batteries lasted as little as 5–10 minutes, or died every 20 seconds. Might take multiple battery swaps and recharges to cut one medium-sized lawn. Batteries overheated, worked poorly, and weren't suited for longer or wetter grass.

Defective or Substandard Charger - Several owners reported the charger faulted immediately, one blowing a home fuse on first use. Replacement components for the charger difficult to obtain, with full returns required even for minor issues.

Inadequate Quality Control - Some owners reported receiving damaged cable clips, cross-threaded bolts, damaged grass boxes, and incorrect packaging. Some owners surmised returned or refurbished products were being resold as new.

Build Quality Not Durable - Trigger and switches reportedly failed within months. Units referred to as "chuck-away machines" since they could not be repaired.

Not Suitable for Long or Wet Grass - Clogged regularly and choked on even moderately high grass. Required petrol mower backup in many situations.

Inaccurate Product Details - Some buyers received a 4.0Ah battery when product listings indicated 5.0Ah. Important runtime details were omitted from listings, frustrating users.

Absent or Partial Accessories - The strimmer was not delivered with blades, and there were no spares to be found, making it unusable for some right out of the box.

Bad Customer Service and Warranty Support - Trouble signing up for the extended 3-year warranty because of a lack of clear instructions and dysfunctional websites. Amazon and Ryobi passed the customer back and forth, neither of them taking ownership. No repairs—just complete replacements or refunds.

Buyer Tip

This kit can work for users who: Already own usable Ryobi ONE+ batteries and chargers. Possess a very small lawn. Only cut short, dry grass. But for most users, the unreliable battery life, questionable quality, and lack of after-sales support mean that this is a risk. At the time of writing, most reviewers recommend that you remain with a corded or petrol mower if you want guaranteed, time-saving results without aggravation.

Final Judgment: 2 out of 5 Stars

Having read through the reviews thoroughly and tested it, we cannot recommend the Ryobi 18V Cordless Lawnmower and Strimmer Kit.

While it does have some good qualities—such as being lightweight, easy to handle, and cutting well in ideal circumstances—the majority opinion voices some serious battery life, power, and construction quality issues. For us, the combination of short runtime, overheating batteries, and frequent mechanical issues made it unsuitable even for our medium-to-small garden.

Despite Ryobi’s reputable name and attractive design, this particular kit feels underpowered, uneconomical, and frustrating to use for anything beyond the tiniest of lawns. The addition of a strimmer was promising, but missing parts and short-lived batteries only added to the disappointment.

In short, unless your lawn is no bigger than a postage stamp, or you value the lack of hassle in mowing above all else, we'd suggest looking elsewhere—especially in the direction of corded or more powerful cordless offerings.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2 out of 5 stars)

Light and quiet but ultimately disappoints on tougher mowing conditions where it counts most.