Bosch Lawnmower Rotak 32 Review – Features, Performance & Buying Guide

Bosch lawnmower in sunny garden

Last Updated on February 17, 2026

The Bosch lawnmower Rotak 32 is a compact yet powerful electric mower designed for small to medium sized gardens, delivering clean, precise cuts with minimal effort. Built by Bosch, this model is known for its lightweight design, sharp steel blade and efficient grass collection system making it a popular choice among homeowners who want professional results without the bulk of larger machines.

Thanks to its innovative airflow technology and ergonomic handling, the Bosch Rotak 32 helps you maintain a neat lawn even along edges and tight corners.

In this guide, you’ll discover key features, performance highlights, maintenance tips and why this mower remains a reliable option for everyday garden care.

Best Value for Small Gardens

Bosch Rotak 32R 32cm Electric Lawnmower

Ideal choice for small, tidy lawns
8.3/10
EXPERT SCORE

You get a compact, user-friendly electric mower that makes routine lawn care quick and predictable. It’s excellent for small to medium lawns but not suited to heavy-duty or extensive mowing requirements.

Cutting performance & edge finish
8.5
Ease of use & handling
9
Durability & build quality
7.5
Value for money
8
Pros
Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre around tight gardens
Grass combs trim close to borders for neat edges
31-litre collector reduces the need for frequent emptying
1200W motor provides reliable power for regular maintenance
Rear roller helps produce a striped finish and prevents scalping
Fold-down handle and compact footprint simplify storage
Cons
Cord limits range an extension lead is often required
Some plastic fittings (e.g., grass box handle) can feel fragile
Not intended for very large or rough turf limited cutting width

Overview

You’re looking for a no-frills, efficient way to keep a small or medium lawn neat — the Rotak 32R is designed precisely for that scenario. Its combination of a compact 32 cm cutting width, a 1200 W motor and edge-cleaning grass combs is focused on delivering tidy results with minimal fuss. The machine’s lightweight construction and fold-down handle are engineered to reduce the friction between you and the job: less strain getting it out of the shed, easier pushing while you mow, and simpler storage afterward.

Who this mower suits

This mower is aimed at you if:

You maintain a small to medium-sized lawn (patio gardens, front lawns, suburban backyards).
You prefer electric, corded power for consistent torque without the maintenance of petrol engines.
You value low weight and compact storage over high-capacity cutting for large properties.

Key design elements and what they mean for you

32 cm cutting width: A modest width that keeps the machine light and manoeuvrable. It’s efficient for lawns up to several hundred square metres but becomes inefficient for very large sites.
1200 W motor: Sufficient for regular grass cutting and managing moderate growth; it offers reliable cutting torque without over-taxing the electric drive system.
Grass combs: These are small ridges at the front of the chassis that help the blades cut right up to flowerbeds, edging and walls — reducing the need for a separate strimmer.
31-litre collector: A mid-sized box that reduces how often you stop to empty clippings during a typical domestic mow.
Rear roller: Helps stabilise the mower along its length and gives a light striping effect when you mow in straight passes.

Practical specifications at a glance

SpecificationValue
Cutting width32 cm
Motor power1200 W
Grass collector capacity31 litres
Weight~6.3 kg
Power sourceCorded electric (G UK plug)

Assembly and first-use advice

Before you start, plan 15–30 minutes for initial assembly and checks. Read the safety sections of the manual carefully.

Unpack on a flat surface so small parts don’t get lost.
Fit the handle and locking hardware securely; you’ll thank yourself for tightening fasteners correctly the first time.
Attach the grassbox last and check that the lugs engage cleanly into their slots to avoid the need for force later.
Run the mower on a short test strip of lawn to confirm the cutting height and to listen for abnormal noises that could indicate incorrect assembly.

How it performs in day-to-day use

You’ll find the mower simple to start and push. The combination of the 1200 W motor and the metal blade gives a clean finish on regular grass and manages slightly longer patches if you take them slowly. The low weight means you can make precise turns and clean around flowerbeds without heavy effort. The grass combs are most noticeable when cutting close to the edge: they keep grass upright so the blade can clip it, which reduces overtrimming with a strimmer.

If you have longer, dense tussocky grass, you’ll need to make slower passes and possibly double-cut at a higher height setting first. The corded design delivers constant power, but you must manage cable placement to avoid accidental cuts.

Maintenance — keep it running well

After each use, clear the underside of the deck and the blade from grass build-up to prevent corrosion and reduced performance.
Check the blade for nicks and sharpness: a sharp metal blade gives a cleaner cut and is safer for the grass. Replace or have a professional sharpen if damaged.
Inspect the grass collector for cracked clips or a loose handle — these are common wear points.
Store indoors or sheltered from the weather; prolonged exposure to the elements accelerates plastic degradation.

Pros and constraints explained

The Rotak 32R’s strength is its balance of lightness and cutting quality: you won’t struggle to push it, and you’ll get tidy edges. The 31 L collector hits a sweet spot between capacity and weight — large enough to avoid constant emptying, small enough to keep the machine nimble. However, because it’s corded and only 32 cm wide, it’s not the best choice if you have extensive grounds or isolated zones without easy cable access. Expect some plastic parts (such as the control knobs and grassbox fittings) to be less durable than the steel blade and chassis components.

Real-world tips to get the best out of it

Use a heavy-duty outdoor extension lead rated for garden tools to avoid voltage drop and overheating.
Mow when the grass is dry to reduce clumping in the collector and to prevent the blade from clogging.
Adjust cutting height up in spring for heavy growth or down for tidier finishes during the summer.
Alternate mowing direction occasionally to prevent ruts and to keep the lawn looking even.
Bosch Rotak 32R 32cm Electric Lawnmower
Bosch Rotak 32R 32cm Electric Lawnmower
Ideal choice for small, tidy lawns
Amazon.co.uk

FAQ

How far can I mow before I need an extension lead?

Because this is a corded machine, the reach depends entirely on your extension lead. In practice, most users pair a 25 m heavy-duty outdoor extension cable for typical suburban gardens. Choose a lead rated for outdoor power tools (with sufficient gauge) to avoid voltage drop, motor strain and overheating.

Will it cut right up to flowerbeds and paving?

Yes — the front-mounted grass combs help lift grass and guide it into the blade, enabling closer cuts at edges than many generic rotary mowers. For an absolutely razor-close finish you may still need a dedicated edging tool, but the Rotak 32R reduces that workload significantly.

Is the motor powerful enough for long, untidy grass?

The 1200 W motor handles regular grass and mild overgrowth well, but very long, dense or wet grass will slow it down and may require slower passes or higher cutting height to avoid stalling. If you frequently face neglected, long turf, a mower with a larger motor or multiple cutting passes will be more efficient.

How often should I sharpen or change the blade?

Check the blade visually every few months and after any impact with hidden objects. For average domestic use, expect to sharpen once a season; replace the blade if it’s bent, deeply nicked or cracked. A sharp blade keeps your lawn healthy by cleanly cutting stalks rather than tearing them.

Any storage or winterising advice?

Clean the underside and collector before storing. Keep the mower in a dry place away from direct weather exposure. If storing for winter, consider lightly oiling exposed metal parts to prevent surface rust and remove the battery (not applicable here) or disconnect power safely.

Does the grass box smell or rot over time?

If you leave damp clippings in the collector, decomposition and odours will occur. Empty the box after each use and allow any damp parts to dry before storage. Clean the box with a brush and mild detergent if you notice build-up.

Final thoughts — where this mower fits into your toolkit

If your priority is a low-effort routine mower for a small suburban or urban garden, this unit gives a dependable, straightforward experience. It’s a practical tool for maintaining a neat lawn with minimal fuss, especially when storage space, ease of use and edge-to-edge trimming matter more than maximum cutting capacity. For larger lawns, uneven terrain or commercial use, you should look at wider petrol or high-capacity battery models instead.

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