Like its predecessor the CMM1000, the CMM1200 has a 24 volt sealed lead acid battery, and cuts up to 1/3 of an acre on one charge. We found it to be a superior machine in a number of areas.
For starters, the starter has been re-designed, to include a key ignition and a kill switch. The new 2-step safety modification makes it far more difficult for a small child to operate, and ensures that only someone with the ability to coordinate the two steps will be using the mower.
Of note is the quiet sound of the mower while in use, as well as the instantaneous shut down of the mower the instant the kill switch is let go. Unlike gas powered motors that are much louder and have a gradual shutdown the CMM1200 is either on or off.
The cinch handle on the right side of the mower has a very easy grip to change the height of the mower. For a shorter cut, simply grip and release and the mower easily lowers itself. As the name implies there is also a mulching feature. There is a mulching device that fits snugly into the funnel leading to the bag, enabling mulch to fall on to the lawn. Our one gripe on this model would have to be the time it took to fully charge the unit: 16 hours. But that’s a small inconvenience compared to all the benefits (clean air, no gas) etc.
The Black & Decker CMM1200 comes fully assembled; with a 2-year warranty, and lifetime warranty on the 19-inch cutting deck.
$399
Diana Forbes, a.k.a. Gadget Grrl™, loves sharing the latest and greatest technology with consumers. Her "Gadget Grrl" column runs both online and in print with a circulation of 3 million readers. She appears on national and local television shows featuring live demos of the latest trends in consumer products. For more information, visit 
