Gardena SILENO city vs Gardena SILENO flex
Quick take: The Gardena SILENO flex costs $12 less; the Gardena SILENO flex is rated for a larger lawn (8,600 sq ft); the Gardena SILENO flex cuts taller (up to 4"), which matters for fescue and warm-season grasses.
| Spec | Gardena SILENO city | Gardena SILENO flex |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$611 | ~$599 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Navigation | Boundary Wire | Boundary Wire |
| Max Lawn Size | 5,400 sq ft (5,400 sq ft) | 8,600 sq ft (8,600 sq ft) |
| Max Slope | 35% (19°) | 35% (19°) |
| Cutting Width | 6.3" | 10" |
| Cut Height | 0.8"–2" | 1"–4" |
| Drive | RWD | RWD |
| Runtime | 65 min | 90 min |
| Charge Time | 75 min | 60 min |
| Noise | 57 dB | 60 dB |
| Weight | 16.1 lb | 22 lb |
| Obstacle Detection | Bumper collision sensors plus lift and tilt stops that halt the blade; no camera or ultrasonic, so it bumps and turns rather than steering around things. | Bumper collision sensors plus lift and tilt stops; no camera or ultrasonic, so it nudges obstacles rather than steering around them. |
| Edge Cutting | No | No |
| Rain Sensor | No | No |
| Cellular | No | No |
| Anti-Theft | PIN code lock; lift and tilt sensors stop the blade | PIN code and lift alarm |
| Warranty | 2-year limited | 2-year limited |
Pros & cons
Gardena SILENO city
- ✓57 dB is quieter than nearly every other wired mower on the market
- ✓Guide wire and CorridorCut handle narrow side yards and remote patches
- ✓SensorControl scales the schedule to grass growth so it is not running for nothing
- ✓Mows in rain and rinses with a hose; 16 lb body is easy to lift
- ✗2.0 in maximum cut height is too low for cool-season grass
- ✗Bluetooth-only app with no remote start, alerts or GPS
- ✗Bumper-only obstacle handling and no edge-cutting mode
- ✗Gardena lists it as a legacy model; the newer SILENO flex covers more lawn for less than the city 500
Gardena SILENO flex
- ✓1-4 in cut range finally works for fescue and bluegrass
- ✓$599 undercuts every other name-brand wired mower
- ✓Guide wire makes narrow passages and remote corners reliable
- ✓Quiet 60 dB and hose-washable
- ✓PIN plus lift alarm built in
- ✗Bluetooth-only app: no remote start, alerts or GPS
- ✗Bumper-only obstacle handling
- ✗No rain sensor, so it will mow wet grass unless you pause it
- ✗Wire and guide-wire install is on you
- ✗No edge-cutting mode