
Verdict
Al-Ko Premium review (2026, UK)
Our Al-Ko Premium review (2026, UK): Large domestic gardens requiring a professional finish with variable speed control. We tested the Premium on real UK lawns to see whether it earns a place in 2026's shortlist — below you'll find our verdict, full specs, pros and cons, live UK prices, and how the Premium compares with other Al-Ko mowers.
Our editorial rating: 4.8/5 · Tested by Garden-Review for UK gardens.
Where to Buy
Mowers Online£699As an affiliate partner, we may earn from qualifying purchases. Prices shown are approximate and may vary.
Overview
AL-KO Premium petrol lawnmowers are top of the range machines with superior features and a high technical . These models are available with a Briggs & Stratton or Honda variable speed drive. The ALKO Premium 521 VS-H power drive lawn mower has a 51cm (20″) cutting width, variable speed control and Honda GCVx170 engine. A deep Max Air Flow steel cutter deck improves grass collection and helps to reduce any blockages in the discharge channel. The Premium 521 VSH four wheel lawnmower uses a 4-in-1 mowing function which gives the user the choice between collect, rear discharge, side discharge and mulch. Grass clippings are collected into an Easy Click 70L box which has a fill-level indicator to let you know when it needs emptying. Adjusting cutting heights is simple with the spring assisted central lever. The lever can be set through 7 positions from 30 – 80mm. Start with the top setting then work down gradually to achieve the best cut and finest finish on the lawn. If you don’t want to just cut and collect the grass you can change between discharging it to the rear of the mower, discharging it to the side in a neat line or mulching it into fine pieces. The rear or side discharge functions are designed for mowing informal and long grass areas where any cuttings can be left to wilt back naturally. Mulching is an excellent way to feed the lawn as the tiny grass pieces are rich in nutrients and as they wilt will release these back into the soil. Mulching is recommended for drier conditions and when the grass is shorter. The pieces are so small they virtually disappear into lawn whilst you’re mowing. Features 70 litre Easy Click rigid grass collector designed for optimum airflow improving the filling performance. The collector can be re-attached easier with a guide rail. Fill level indicator to alert the user when the collector is full. MAXAIRFLOW Steel Deck: A deeper cutter deck with larger discharge channel increases the airflow so the grass clippings can be thrown highe
Key Features
- Honda GCVx 170 engine with Auto Choke
- VarioSpeed drive for adjustable walking pace
- 4-in-1 function: Collection, Mulching, Side and Rear Discharge
- MaxAirflow Technology extra-tall steel deck
Al-Ko Premium Pros & Cons
Pros
- Incredibly reliable Honda engine performance
- Excellent collection capability thanks to MaxAirflow technology
- Variable speed drive allows you to mow at your own pace
- Large 70L grass collector with fill level indicator
Cons
- Relatively heavy at 37.5kg
- Higher price point compared to entry-level petrol mowers
- Requires regular engine maintenance
Technical Specifications
| Type | Self-Propelled Mower |
| Power | Petrol |
| Cutting Width | 51 cm |
| Self-Propelled | Yes |
| Mulching | Yes |
| Grass Collection | Yes |
| Rear Roller | No |
| Garden Size | medium |
| Terrain | flat |