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7 Best 21-Inch Mulching Blades of 2023 Reviewed

Are you tired and frustrated with messy cuts and leaving behind a trail after mowing the lawn?

motor mower to mow the lawn next to the family house. green grass

We understand that keeping your lawn clean is tedious, and you need to be armed appropriately. What you need is the right blade, more specifically a 21-inch mulching blade, to solve your woes. These blades are incredibly versatile and capable of handling various needs to ensure that your yard is perfect.

The teeth are capable of lasting a long time while providing the necessary precision. And due to the minimal weight, you can maneuver it to take care of the tight spots for a wholesome performance. Additionally, with the latest designs, you not only cut the grass but also do so quickly.

But the question is, how do you choose one of the numerous options that are lining the market? To help you, we have picked out the 7 best products making all the right noise.

So, let’s get started, shall we?

Best 21-Inch Mulching Blades 

lawnmower on green grass in the backyard

Here is the list of the 7 best 21-inch mulching blades that you can use to ensure that your lawn mower is operating at its best.

1. MaxPower 561713XB Mulching Blade Set - Best for Professional Performance

The MaxPower 561713XB Mulching Blade Set has one of the highest cutting depths among all the products. It offers excellent versatility and other fantastic functions to provide a professional performance in most circumstances, which has endeared it to users. No surprise then that it has received a lot of positive reviews.

Sale
Maxpower 561713XB Commercial Mulching 2-Blade Set for 42"...
  • Includes 2 commercial mulching blades for a 42" cut.Fits...
  • Replaces Poulan, Husqvarna, Craftsman 134149, 138971,...

Why Did We Like It?

First and foremost, the 42" cuts provided by the blade are unmatched by most other models. As a result, you can quickly cut the grass without going over the same area twice. Moreover, it doesn't leave a trail, saving you the burden of having to clean up later.

Instead, the side-discharge effectively takes care of all the debris and gives the lawn a clean look. Likewise, even after a downpour, you don't have to worry about the grass clumping together. The blade works well in all conditions, thereby proving incredibly reliable. 

Furthermore, the 5-point star center hole ensures it fits most lawnmowers, saving you the trouble of changing your machine. You'll like that the faster cuts don't make much noise. You can work with it for long hours without disturbing your neighbors while getting a suitable mulching cover.

What Could've Been Better?

We have seen that it could take longer to start because it's slightly heavy. MaxPower has deliberately made it heavier, permitting you to get a consistent performance in all types of conditions. While it's not a big issue for us, many customers may consider the longer start-up time an inconvenience.



Pros

  • Side discharge
  • Silent
  • Faster cuts
  • Versatile
  • Durable




Cons

  • Might take longer to start
  • Slightly heavy



Quantity: 2 | Center Hole Shape: 5-Point Star | Compatibility: Poulan, Husqvarna, Craftsman

2. MaxPower 331528B Mulching Blade - Best for Universal Fit

The MaxPower 331528B Mulching Blade has many similarities with some of the other models in the market, but it has also made some exciting additions. It has built quite a reputation among buyers as a robust tool that can quickly clean up your lawn. You'll love the numerous functions that promise to make your job easier.

Sale
Maxpower 331528B Mulching Blade for 21 Inch Cut MTD/Cub...
  • Includes 1 mulching blade for many 21 in. cut MTD, Cub...
  • Replaces OEM #'s CC-742-0741, 742-0741, 742-0741A, 942-0741,...

Why Did We Like It?

Straight off the bat, it's a highly sturdy unit capable of withstanding the daily demands of work. With the bow tie center hole, you'll get a universal fit, thereby saving you from the trouble of having to buy a compatible lawn mower. The best part about the blades, however, is their excellent balance.

As a result, you can use them in most situations, thereby getting a great deal of versatility. Moreover, it's corrosion-resistant, ensuring it'll last a long time to deliver faster cuts. In that regard, the centrifugal airlift design increases the airflow and reduces the time it takes to cut the grass. 

Even under wet conditions, you get uniform chopping ability without fear of clumping, while ensuring you don't have to go over the same area twice. Plus, it's easy to maneuver because of its lightweight design, allowing you to get precise cuts even in tight spots.

What Could've Been Better?

For all the good things about it, you'll be disappointed to see that it leaves behind a grass trail. Therefore, many customers will not like the fact that it'll be challenging on occasion to get deeper cuts. You'll also need to clean up later, which is a bit of a hassle.



Pros

  • Well balanced
  • Durable
  • Universal fit
  • Consistent chopping
  • Centrifugal airlift design




Cons

  • Leaves grass trail



Quantity: 1 | Center Hole Shape: Bow-Tie | Compatibility: 21” Cut MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman Mowers

3. EGO Power+ Lawn Mower Blade - Best for Quiet Operation

The EGO Power+ Lawn Mower Blade is one of the sturdiest units in the market, making it a favorite among users. It doesn't compromise on the other aspects, so there's no cause for concern, thereby producing a cracking performance. It'll be a valuable addition to your lawn mowing kit.

EGO Power+ AB2101 21-Inch Lawn Mower High Lift Blade for EGO...
  • Enhance the bagging efficiency of your 21" EGO Power plus...
  • Specifically designed for use while bagging clippings with...

Why Did We Like It?

Firstly, the steel blades are capable of handling the toughest of situations with ease. They'll last a long time ensuring you have a beautiful and clean garden, free from clumps. Adding to the efficiency is the high lift design, which reduces the time taken to complete your task.

And complementing the modern design is the side bagging feature, making it easy to get rid of debris. You won't have to spend much time cleaning up the lawn after the cutting is done, and what's more, it doesn't leave a grass trail. So, you won't have to go over the same area twice. 

Moreover, it doesn't make much noise proving to be the ideal unit for you and your neighbors. Plus, thanks to the lightweight, you get a great deal of flexibility even in tight corners without feeling bogged down.

What Could've Been Better?

Users have reported that the blades require frequent sharpening, which isn't very convenient. You'll have to perform routine checks to make sure it's in top condition. Once sharpened, you get quality output, but it does tend to wear out quickly. So, you'll need to keep a close eye on it.



Pros

  • Prevents grass trails
  • Increased bagging performance
  • Versatile
  • Easy to clean
  • Silent




Cons

  • Requires frequent sharpening



Quantity: 1 | Center Hole Shape: Round | Compatibility: EGO Power Plus 21" Lawnmowers

4. Oregon Lawn Mower Blade

We have reached the halfway point of our list, but there are several fantastic products we are yet to cover. Next up, we have chosen the Oregon Lawn Mower Blade featuring the latest upgrades, state-of-the-construction, and ingenious functions. It has quickly climbed the charts, receiving mostly positive reviews.

Sale
Oregon Mower Blade, Single, Gator G3 Mulching Lawnmower...
  • Long-lasting and heavy-duty 21-inch replacement mower blade,...
  • For 21" cut. Replaces: AYP, Sears 175064, 11878, 406706,...

Why Did We Like It?

Right away, you'll notice it has more cutting ability due to the ¾" lift, which ensures you can trim the grass quickly. Further complementing it, is the high lift design, which considerably improves performance. Apart from that, the side discharge prevents the debris from piling up.

Likewise, it doesn't leave a trail, thereby saving you the trouble of repeatedly going over the same area. Plus, you get better airflow meaning that the grass is sucked up rather than sliced through, thereby providing deep cuts. It scores high on the efficiency meter, and combined with versatility; you can work in most conditions. 

Likewise, after a torrential downpour, you can cut through the grass without experiencing clamping. Additionally, it features sturdy construction, ensuring it will last a long time, and you don't have to worry about it breaking down in the middle of work.

What Could've Been Better?

You may find on occasions that the blades may be a bit longer, making it difficult to fit into your lawnmower. It's not a big issue, and you can ask a professional to trim it to the correct size. Moreover, to allow powerful cuts, it's slightly heavy, which many people may not prefer.



Pros

  • Efficient
  • Durable
  • Better airflow
  • Versatile
  • Prevents grass trails




Cons

  • Longer blades
  • Slightly heavy



Quantity: 1 | Center Hole Shape: Round | Compatibility: Craftsman, AYP, Husqvarna, Poulan, & More

5. MaxPower 331981B Lawnmower Blade

The MaxPower 331981B Lawnmower Blade is a powerful tool having ticked most of the right boxes. Along with performance, MaxPower has made some unique upgrades to the blade, turning quite a few heads among buyers. Most people have it on their wish list and have had good things to say about it.

Maxpower 331981B 21-Inch Universal Gold Metal Mulching Lawn...
  • Includes (1) 21 in. universal gold metal commercial mulching...
  • Measures 21 in. L x 2-1/4 in. W with a 1 in. center hole...

Why Did We Like It?

To start, you'll see it has a 1" center hole, which is compatible with most lawnmowers. Hence, you don't have to go to the trouble of replacing your unit, and a change of blade will keep both your machine and lawn in top shape. Now, when it comes to cutting, you'll love the centrifugal airlift design.

It ensures you get excellent cutting ability under various situations without any difficulty. Plus, thanks to sharper teeth, you can cover more areas in less time. The superior cutting surface thereby enables you to get a consistent performance. Moreover, it's not very heavy, making it highly maneuverable. 

You can get into tight spots for more accurate cuts, giving the lawn a beautiful clean look. The significant addition, however, is the inclusion of a gold color plate for more robustness. So, you won't have to worry about it breaking down in the middle of your task.

What Could've Been Better?

The blades come with a thick powder coating, making it robust enough to cut the grass with ease. Initially, you may have a little trouble getting optimum output, but it will soon wear off. Besides, the installation may appear tricky, which will not please most users.



Pros

  • Greater cutting surface
  • Sharper teeth
  • Accurate cuts
  • Consistent performance
  • Gold plating




Cons

  • Thick powder coating
  • Tricky installation



Quantity: 1 | Center Hole Shape: Round | Compatibility: Most 21" Cut Mowers

6. EGO Power+ AB2100 Lawnmower Blade

We are nearing the end of our list, but there's no let-up in quality. We have a couple of more products to go through, and next up is the EGO Power+ AB2100 Lawnmower Blade. It's a multi-purpose unit that provides unmatched versatility making it exceptionally potent in the lawn.

EGO Power+ AB2100 21-Inch Lawn Mower Blade for 56V Models...
  • 3-In-1 mower blade for mulching, bagging and side...
  • Designed specifically for EGO power plus mower models LM2100...

Why Did We Like It?

First and foremost, it comes with a steel blade, reducing the time it takes to complete your work and providing reliability. The sturdy construction ensures it can withstand the elements to deliver consistently clean cuts for a long time. In that regard, the high lift design comes in handy by providing deeper cuts.

There's no clumping even after a downpour, and the blade slices through the grass with ease. Moreover, it improves battery life by lowering expenditure by 15 to 20%, thereby reducing stress. But the most crucial upgrade is the 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side discharge function. 

As a result, you can get a beautiful lawn, and you won't be left with a big mess to clean up later. And speaking of convenience, you can fit it on most lawnmowers, thanks to the universal-fit design. As a result, you can use it with your old machine while getting a significantly enhanced performance.

What Could've Been Better?

It's costly, which is a downside with the unit. Price is one of the first things buyers notice, and many of them are on a tight budget. Therefore, you may be unwilling to spend extra, choosing instead to focus on the inexpensive models available in the market.



Pros

  • Improves battery life
  • Clean cuts
  • Durable
  • Universal fit
  • Versatile




Cons

  • Expensive



Quantity: 1 | Center Hole Shape: Round | Compatibility: Ego Power Plus Mower Models LM2100 & LM2100SP

7. MTD Replacement Mulching Blade

The MTD Replacement Mulching Blade has razor-sharp features making it one of the top products in the market. MTD has paid a lot of attention to detail, in turn generating mostly positive reviews due to its ability to clean out your lawn swiftly. You're guaranteed to get a strong performance.

MTD Genuine Parts (942-0741A) Replacement Part Mulching...
  • Sharper blades cut grass cleanly and create a healthier...
  • Weakened grass Blades are prone to pests and disease

Why Did We Like It?

Straight off the bat, the gator teeth are a unique addition, and the strange shape makes them incredibly efficient. You can take care of long grass and thick tufts without any difficulty. Even if you decide to mow your lawn right after it has rained, the dampness won't affect performance in any way.

You'll get cleaner cuts, and because of the lightness in weight, you can access even the tight spots and corners. It's also highly precise and incredibly durable, capable of handling any array of situations while providing much-needed longevity. Plus, you won't have to worry about it breaking down in the middle of your task. 

Moreover, the bow tie center hole proves to be a universal fit making it highly practical for most users. You don't have to change your lawnmower, and it'll work well, even with old machines.

What Could've Been Better?

It comes with a thick coat of paint to keep the blades in top shape. While the paint wears off quickly, you may initially have to contend with messy cuts in certain instances. You aren't likely to get optimum performance from the word go, which isn't a big issue, but it may not please some customers.



Pros

  • Sharper
  • Clean cuts
  • Durable
  • Universal fit
  • Versatile




Cons

  • A thick coating of paint



Quantity: 1 | Center Hole Shape: Bow-Tie | Compatibility: Troy-Bilt, MTD, Craftsman, MTD Gold, Bolens, White Outdoor, Murray, & More

Best 21-Inch Mulching Blade Comparison Table

ProductQuantityCenter Hole ShapeCompatibility
MaxPower 561713XB25-Point StarPoulan, Husqvarna, Craftsman
MaxPower 331528B1Bow-Tie21” Cut MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman Mowers
EGO Power+ Lawn Mower Blade1RoundEGO Power Plus 21" Lawnmowers
Oregon Lawn Mower Blade1RoundCraftsman, AYP, Husqvarna, Poulan, & More
MaxPower 331981B1RoundMost 21" Cut Mowers
EGO Power+ AB21001RoundEgo Power Plus Mower Models LM2100 & LM2100SP
MTD Replacement Mulching Blade1Bow-TieTroy-Bilt, MTD, Craftsman, MTD Gold, Bolens, White Outdoor, Murray, & More

Repair blade of a lawn mower

Buying Guide For The Best 21-Inch Mulching Blade

Before you venture into the market, we would like to provide a couple of pointers to help you pick the right unit. The 21-inch mulching blade may not have many components, but it could be challenging to distinguish between the top products and the merely good ones.

We are here to discuss the essential aspects based on which we have formulated our list. A piece of knowledge about these functions will place you in good stead and help you make an informed choice.

  1. Durability

Your tool must be durable to handle the wear and tear of daily use. As a mulching blade, it will have to deal with cutting under various conditions. It should be no surprise that only quality materials must be used for construction to ensure it doesn't break down.

Buying any tool is an investment, and you cannot afford to spend resources to buy a new one ever so often. You must enjoy both the product and the components that come with it for a long time.

In that regard, the manufacturers cannot afford to make any compromises.

  1. Ease of Use

Mulching blades can handle an array of scenarios, but that shouldn't mean designers have to compromise with user-friendliness. The primary objective of any unit is to reduce workload, and therefore you must be able to control it effectively to get the best results.

You should be able to adjust the components and the central unit, while the functions must be understandable, almost at a glance. You should know what each part does rather than pondering over how to get it right. Plus, the installation process, along with the disassembly, must be written clearly to ensure it's uncomplicated.

There isn't any point in having a plethora of functions if the users find it challenging to use. Rather any good model must keep the basics right and then add the necessary features to deliver a better performance.

  1. Cutting Ability

Finally, you must have sufficient energy to make sure you get through your work quickly. Working on your lawn is tedious, and you can't afford to go about it at a leisurely pace.

You have a lot of work to do, and your unit must be up to speed to ensure you get a cracking performance. More power doesn't always guarantee better performance, and you must have the ability to control the intensity you need on various tasks. As a result, your tool will be versatile, enabling you to handle small-scale and large-scale projects.

21-Inch Mulching Blades FAQs

  • Why should I use a mulching blade instead of a regular blade?

    Mulching blades provide several benefits, such as reducing the need for bagging clippings, returning nutrients to the soil, and promoting a healthier lawn. Moreover, they are more eco-friendly, as they help you avoid sending grass clippings to a landfill.

  • How do I know if my 21-inch mulching blade is dull?

    If your mulching blade is leaving behind uneven cuts, visible streaks, or torn grass tips, it may be dull and require sharpening or replacement.

  • How do I choose the right 21-inch mulching blade for my lawnmower?

    To choose the right mulching blade, consult the user manual, and verify the blade’s specifications (length, width, center hole size) to ensure compatibility with your lawnmower.

  • Are there any safety precautions to follow while replacing a mulching blade?

    Absolutely. When replacing a mulching blade, disconnect the spark plug to prevent accidental start-ups, wear protective gloves, and use the appropriate tools to ensure a secure grip on the blade.

  • How often should I replace my mulching blade?

    Typically, mulching blades should be replaced every season or after 25 hours of mowing, whichever comes first. However, the exact replacement frequency depends on factors like usage and blade wear. Sharpening the mulching blade regularly can extend its life.

  • Gardener mowing the lawn. Landscape design. Gardening

    Conclusion

    We hope you have a better understanding of mulching blades after going through our reviews and the buyers’ guide.

    After careful consideration, we have fixed the 21-inch variant of the mulching blade because of its ability to get deeper cuts. It uses the latest design to ensure that even after cutting the grass, your yard isn't messy.

    There's no trail, and combined with the side discharge system, you are bound to get fantastic output. But before signing off, we have decided to assist you a bit more by narrowing down the best products in different categories.

    Anyone looking for the best overall performance should try the MaxPower 561713XB Mulching Blade Set.

    If durability is your primary concern, then opt for the EGO Power+ Lawn Mower Blade, while the MaxPower 331528B Mulching Blade rates high in terms of power. That's all the time we have. Now, it's time for you to go out and buy the right blade.

    Happy shopping. Ciao!

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