Head-to-head

Bosch Rotak 36 R vs Bosch UniversalRotak 550

A side-by-side comparison of two mowers UK buyers commonly choose between. Prices, full specs, and a verdict on which one to buy.

Bosch

Rotak 36 R

"Corded mower with rear roller for stripes"

RRP New
£229
Manufacturer
Buy Now
£199
Lowest UK retailer
Used Avg
£85
Facebook / eBay UK avg
4.5 (1,854) · Value 8.4/10
Full Rotak 36 R review →
Bosch

UniversalRotak 550

"Bigger corded Rotak for medium lawns"

RRP New
£189
Manufacturer
Buy Now
£169
Lowest UK retailer
Used Avg
£75
Facebook / eBay UK avg
4.4 (945) · Value 7.8/10
Full UniversalRotak 550 review →

Verdict — which one to buy

Our take

Roller vs roller-less. Same Bosch DNA, same motor longevity. The 36 R has the roller (stripes); the UniversalRotak 550 is slightly cheaper without one. Stripers take the 36 R; everyone else saves £20.

Spec-by-spec

Bosch Rotak 36 RBosch UniversalRotak 550
RRP£229£189
Buy now£199£169
Used avg£85£75
TypeElectricElectric
Engine / Power1400W induction motor1300W induction motor
Cut width36 cm36 cm
Weight12 kg13 kg
Self-propelledNoNo
Rear roller (stripes)YesNo
MulchingNoNo
Bag capacity40 L40 L
Suited to lawnMediumMedium
Noise78 dB78 dB
Rating4.5 / 54.4 / 5
Value score8.4 / 107.8 / 10

Pros & cons of each

Bosch Rotak 36 R

Pros

  • Corded means no battery to fail
  • Rear roller for stripes — rare on electric
  • Light at 12kg
  • Bosch reliability

Cons

  • Cable management on big lawns is annoying
  • 36cm cut narrow for medium lawns
  • Plastic deck
Bosch UniversalRotak 550

Pros

  • Bosch quality
  • Lighter motor than Rotak 36 R
  • Comb edges for cutting close to walls
  • Corded reliability

Cons

  • No rear roller
  • 40L box quickly fills
  • Cord management on bigger lawns

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