Peter Sawchuk of Consumer Reports mowed 700,000 square feet of grass with more than 50 lawn mowers this year to find the best one for your yard.

"We tested three different kinds of mowers: gasoline-powered push mowers, gasoline-powered, self-propelled mowers and electric mowers," Sawchuk said.

"For most lawns, the gasoline-powered, self-propelled mower is the best choice,"

The key to a good lawn mower is one that cuts grass evenly.

"We actually get down on our hands and knees to check the grass. An ideal cut looks just like a carpet," Sawchuk told CTV News.

Mowers that mulch shouldn't leave clumps of grass on the lawn.

Good features to look for include rear-wheel drive, which improves traction going uphill, as well as "infinite drive."

"Infinite drive allows you to vary your speed faster or slower without shifting," said Sawchuk.

A washout port is another useful feature that allows you to attach a hose to the mower for easier cleaning of the machine.

A Consumer Reports survey of 34,000 subscribers who have bought a self-propelled mower in the last five years found a problem with the ones from John Deere. About a quarter needed repairs.

After testing was finished Consumer Reports found several good choices, including a Toro Recycler that was named a best buy.

"It's one of the more reliable brands of self-propelled mowers," Sawchuk said.

Among gas-powered mowers Consumer Reports recommends a $330 Lawn-Boy, model number 10640C. It's perfect for a flat lawn that doesn't need a self-propelled mower.

Consumer Reports says Black & Decker makes several good electric models that are corded and battery-powered rechargeables that will run for 45 minutes on a single charge.

"Very low maintenance. Your blade maybe needs sharpening once a year. Apart from that there is no oil to change, no gas, no mess, no nothing," said Fiona Wilson of The Home Depot.

A reel mower is also an option that will give you a work out and is good for the environment because you provide the power. These cut the lawn like a pair of scissors as opposed to rotary mowers which basically chop the top off of grass.