If you’re looking for a reliable electric mower for a small to medium lawn, you’ve likely come across a popular model. This Bosch Rotak 32 review will give you the clear, practical details you need to decide if it’s the right tool for your garden.
It’s a lightweight, easy-to-use mower that promises a clean cut. But how does it really perform over time, and what are it’s hidden quirks? Let’s get straight to the point.
Bosch Rotak 32 Review
This section covers the core features and my hands-on experience after using this mower for multiple seasons. We’ll look at the good, the okay, and the things you should be aware of before buying.
Key Features and First Impressions
Unboxing the Rotak 32 is straightforward. Assembly is minimal, mostly just attaching the grass box and handle. Right away, you notice it’s light. Weighing just 9 kg, it’s one of the easiest mowers to lift and maneuver.
The build quality feels solid for a domestic mower. The plastic housing is robust, and the 32 cm cutting width is ideal for standard UK garden sizes. It comes with a 10m power cable, which is decent, but you’ll almost certainly need an outdoor extension lead.
Here’s a quick rundown of the main specs:
* Motor: 1200W Electric
* Cutting Width: 32 cm
* Weight: 9 kg
* Cutting Heights: 5 positions (20mm to 70mm)
* Grass Box Capacity: 31 Litres
* Warranty: 2 years standard
Performance on the Lawn: The Real Test
How does it actually cut? In a word: cleanly. The 1200W motor has plenty of power for regular grass. It handles slightly damp conditions better than some cheaper models, though it’s best to mow when dry.
The single lever for adjusting all four wheels is a brilliant feature. You simply press it and slide it to change the cutting height—no fiddling with individual wheels. The rotary blade does a good job of lifting grass before cutting, which gives a neat finish.
The 31-litre grass box fills up reasonably quickly, especially in spring. It’s easy to remove and empty. One minor annoyance is that the ‘box full’ indicator flap sometimes sticks and doesn’t signal perfectly.
Handling and Ease of Use
This is where the Rotak 32 truly shines. Its lightweight design makes pushing it around effortless. You can easily change direction and navigate around flower beds or trees. For older gardeners or those with less strength, this is a major advantage.
Folding it down for storage is simple. The handle clicks into a vertical position, and the whole mower takes up very little space in your shed or garage. The cable clip on the handle keeps the power cord out of the way, which is a essential safety feature.
Maintenance and Longevity
Keeping the mower running well is simple. After each use, just clean out any grass clippings from under the deck. The blade is easy to remove for sharpening or replacement—a blunt blade will tear grass, leaving a brown tip.
A common wear point is the plastic wheels. After several years, they can show signs of wear, especially if used on rough ground. The motor itself, however, has proven to be durable in my experience. Just remember to always use a circuit breaker (RCD) with any electric garden tool.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced View
Let’s break down the advantages and drawbacks clearly.
The Pros:
* Extremely lightweight and maneuverable.
* Powerful enough for most domestic lawns.
* Excellent single-lever height adjustment.
* Simple folding storage system.
* Generally reliable with good build quality.
The Cons:
* Grass box could be larger for fast-growing periods.
* Not suitable for very large or wildly uneven lawns.
* The power cable management, while good, still requires attention (a common issue with all electric mowers).
* Plastic components may wear over many years of heavy use.
Who Is The Bosch Rotak 32 Best For?
This mower isn’t for everyone, but it’s perfect for a specific set of gardeners. It’s an ideal choice if:
* Your lawn is flat to moderately sloped and under 300 square meters.
* You value lightweight, easy handling over robotic features.
* You prefer the simplicity and lower maintenance of an electric mower over petrol.
* You have limited storage space.
It’s probably not the best fit if:
* Your garden is very large or has extremely rough, bumpy terrain.
* You hate dealing with a power cable (consider a cordless model instead).
* You have very thick, lush grass that grows rapidly and you want to mow less frequently.
Setting Up and Using Your Mower Safely
Getting started is easy, but doing it right matters for safety and a good cut.
1. Assemble the handle and grass box as per the manual. It should take only a few minutes.
2. Choose your cutting height. Start higher (around 40-50mm) for the first cut of the season or if the grass is long.
3. Prepare the area. Remove stones, toys, and large sticks from the lawn.
4. Plug into an RCD-protected socket. Use a heavy-duty outdoor extension lead if needed, and always lay the cable over your shoulder away from the cutting path.
5. Mow in parallel strips, overlapping slightly with each pass for an even finish.
6. Empty the grass box regularly before it gets completely full to maintain good airflow and cutting performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Bosch Rotak 32 good for long grass?
It can handle moderately long grass if you use the highest setting first, then lower it for a second cut. But for seriously overgrown lawns, you should strim first to avoid stalling the motor or clogging the deck.
How does the Bosch Rotak 32 compare to a cordless mower?
The Rotak 32 offers consistent power without battery anxiety, but you are tethered by a cable. Cordless mowers offer total freedom but have a limited runtime and the batteries degrade over time. For small gardens, the cable is rarely a big issue.
What is the cutting height range?
It adjusts from 20mm (a very short lawn) up to 70mm (a lush, longer cut). The central adjuster makes changing this very quick.
Can I mulch with the Bosch Rotak 32?
No, this model does not have a dedicated mulching function or plug. It is a collect-only mower, which I prefer for a tidier lawn and less thatch buildup.
Is the Bosch Rotak 34R better?
The Rotak 34R has a slightly wider cut (34cm) and a roller for stripes. If you have a larger, flatter lawn and want a striped finish, the 34R is worth the extra cost. For most standard gardens, the Rotak 32 is sufficient and excellent value.
Final Verdict
The Bosch Rotak 32 is a near-perfect electric mower for its intended use. It delivers a clean, reliable cut for small to medium, reasonably flat lawns. Its standout feature is it’s superb lightness and ease of handling, which makes mowing less of a chore.
While the cable requires some management and the grass box isn’t huge, these are minor trade-offs for the simplicity and performance you get. If your garden fits the profile, this mower is a trustworthy workhorse that will serve you well for many years. It’s a solid, no-nonsense choice that focuses on doing the core job effectively without unnecessary complexity.