Ryobi RLM16E36H 1600W Electric Lawnmower Review: The UK Gardener's Guide

Finding the perfect electric lawnmower for your UK garden can be a daunting task with countless models vying for your attention. Here at Garden-Review.co.uk, we put popular models, like the Ryobi RLM16E36H 1600W, through their paces to provide you with an honest, comprehensive, and above all, helpful review. Ryobi, a brand synonymous with reliable power and garden tools, offers this corded electric model as a strong contender for small to medium-sized lawns across the UK. But does it truly deliver on its promises?

In this in-depth analysis, we’ll delve into every aspect of the Ryobi RLM16E36H, from its robust 1600W motor to its innovative design features. We’ll provide practical insights, compare it to other popular options on the UK market, and help you determine if this mower is the key to achieving a pristine lawn.

First Impressions and Build Quality

Upon unboxing the Ryobi RLM16E36H, it’s clear that practicality and user-friendliness were high on the design agenda. The overall construction feels solid, utilising durable plastics for the deck that are typical of many electric mowers in this price bracket. Assembly is straightforward, requiring minimal tools, which is a big plus for those keen to get mowing without delay. The vibrant ‘Hyper Green’ colour scheme is distinctive and a hallmark of the Ryobi brand, making it easily recognisable.

While lightweight at approximately 15kg, suggesting good manoeuvrability, the components feel well-integrated. The folding handles, a crucial feature for storage in often-compact UK sheds or garages, operate smoothly, a testament to Ryobi’s attention to ergonomic design.

Key Features at a Glance

• Motor: 1600W Electric
• Cutting Width: 36cm (14 inches)
• Cutting Heights: 5 positions, 20mm to 70mm, central single-lever adjustment
• Grass Collection: 45-litre hybrid (fabric/plastic) grass bag
• Functions: Cut & Collect, Mulching (plug included)
• Handle System: Ergonomic ‘Vertebrae’ handles, adjustable height, quick-release folding
• Wheels: Large rear wheels for improved manoeuvrability
• Cable Length: 9 metres
• Weight: Approx. 15 kg
• Warranty: 2 + 1 year extended warranty (upon registration)

Performance: Power, Cut Quality, and Efficiency

The 1600W Motor: Is it Enough for UK Lawns?

The 1600W motor is a significant selling point, placing the RLM16E36H among the more powerful corded electric mowers available for domestic use. In typical UK conditions, this level of power is more than adequate for tackling anything from regularly maintained, short grass to slightly overgrown spring growth. We found it handled damp grass reasonably well, though, like all mowers, it performs best on dry lawns.

For small to medium gardens (up to roughly 400m² - 500m²), this motor provides ample ‘get up and go’ without feeling underpowered, even when collecting grass. It maintains consistent blade speed, which is crucial for a clean cut.

Cutting Quality and the ‘EasyEdge’ Technology

Ryobi’s ‘EasyEdge’ technology aims to pull grass closer to the blade, reducing the need for extensive trimming after mowing. In our tests, the RLM16E36H performed admirably in this regard, getting noticeably closer to fence lines and borders than many other models without this feature. While no rotary mower will eliminate the need for a grass trimmer entirely, it certainly minimises the tidy-up job, saving valuable time.

The cut quality itself is clean and even, providing a tidy finish on various grass types common in the UK. The sharp metal blade ensures a crisp cut, important for lawn health and aesthetics.

Cutting Height Adjustment: Precision for Every Season

With five cutting heights ranging from 20mm to 70mm, the Ryobi RLM16E36H offers excellent versatility for different seasons and grass conditions. The 20mm lowest setting is ideal for achieving a smart, neat finish during active growth periods, while the 70mm highest setting is perfect for the first cut of spring or managing slightly longer grass without scalping the lawn.

The single-point central lever adjustment is a standout feature, making height changes incredibly simple and quick – a definite advantage over mowers that require individual wheel adjustments.

Design and User Experience

Ergonomic ‘Vertebrae’ Handles: Comfort in Motion

Ryobi has clearly invested in user comfort with its ‘Vertebrae’ handle system. Following in the footsteps of market leaders like Bosch, these handles are designed to offer multiple grip positions, reducing strain during prolonged use. The ability to adjust the handle angle, along with the overall height, means gardeners of varying statures can find a comfortable operating position. This thoughtful design is a significant improvement over standard fixed handles.
For UK gardeners, this ergonomic design is particularly beneficial, as our weather often dictates that we make the most of dry spells, sometimes resulting in longer mowing sessions.

Grass Collection & Mulching: Two Functions in One

The 45-litre grass collection bag is a decent size for a 36cm mower, striking a good balance between capacity and compactness. Its hybrid design (fabric body with a solid top and base) makes it easy to handle and store, as it collapses down when empty. A full bag indicator would have been a useful addition, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

Crucially, the RLM16E36H includes a mulching plug. Mulching is an excellent practice for UK lawns, returning finely chopped grass clippings rich in nutrients back to the soil. This can significantly reduce the need for fertiliser and eliminates the hassle of emptying a grass bag – a win-win for busy gardeners and the environment. We recommend mulching regularly, especially during dry spells, to improve soil health and moisture retention.

Manoeuvrability and Storage

Weighing in at 15kg and featuring larger rear wheels, the Ryobi RLM16E36H is commendably easy to manoeuvre around flowerbeds, paths, and tight corners. The larger wheels particularly aid stability over slightly uneven ground, a common characteristic of many UK gardens.

Storage is where the quick-release folding handles truly shine. They allow the mower to be folded down into a remarkably compact unit, making it perfect for storing in small sheds, garages, or even utility cupboards. While initially, the lower folding point might feel a little stiff or require a knack to unfasten, it quickly becomes second nature.

Cable Length: A Common UK Gripe

The 9-metre power cable, while standard for many electric mowers, is a consistent point of feedback from UK users. For small urban gardens, it might be sufficient, but for anything larger than a postage stamp lawn, an extension lead will almost certainly be required. Always ensure you use an outdoor-rated, RCD-protected extension cable for safety.

Garden-Review Tip: Consider investing in a high-visibility, outdoor-rated extension lead with at least 25 metres of length for maximum flexibility and safety when mowing.

Comparison Table: Ryobi RLM16E36H vs. Competitors

To give you a clearer perspective, here’s how the Ryobi RLM16E36H stacks up against two popular corded electric alternatives in the UK market:

Prices are approximate and subject to change. Always check current deals with trusted UK retailers like Amazon UK, Toolstation, or Direct Woodworking.

The Verdict: Is the Ryobi RLM16E36H Right for Your UK Garden?

Overall, the Ryobi RLM16E36H 1600W electric lawnmower stands out as a highly capable and user-friendly machine, particularly well-suited for small to medium UK gardens (up to 400m² - 500m²). Its powerful motor, effective ‘EasyEdge’ cutting, versatile height adjustment, and excellent ergonomic features make the actual mowing experience a pleasure, not a chore.

The inclusion of a mulching plug is a significant advantage, offering an eco-friendly and time-saving way to feed your lawn. Storage is also a clear win, making it ideal for those with limited space.

The main consideration for potential buyers will be the lack of a rear roller for striped lawn fanatics. If achieving those classic British stripes is a non-negotiable, you might need to look at alternatives like the Bosch Rotak series or specific Flymo models with integrated rollers. However, for sheer cutting performance, ease of use, and valuable mulching functionality, the Ryobi RLM16E36H offers superb value.

We recommend the Ryobi RLM16E36H for:

• Gardeners with small to medium-sized lawns (up to 500m²)
• Those who prioritise powerful cutting and effective edge performance
• Users seeking comfortable and adjustable ergonomic handles
• Gardeners keen on mulching their grass clippings
• Anyone with limited storage space due to its compact folding design

Consider alternatives if:

• A perfectly striped lawn is your absolute priority
• You have a very large garden (consider a cordless or petrol model instead)
• You require a significantly longer integrated power cable

The Ryobi RLM16E36H proudly carries the Ryobi reputation for quality and innovation. For many UK gardeners, it will prove to be a reliable and efficient workhorse for years to come.