Another option for those who don't want to deal with gas engines at all is an electric mower. They start with a switch and run quietly. Mulching mowers are pretty much required these days, simply because it's more sensible to leave clippings on the lawn than send them to a landfill. The outer section of the blade pulls grass up and cuts it, then the air currents created within the deck cause the clippings to keep swirling around until they are finely chopped. Air pressure forces these tiny clippings down into the turf, where they decompose.
Baggers are also handy in autumn for collecting shredded leaves for mulching or composting.
Bagging mowers shoot clippings to either the side or rear of the mower. Side-baggers tend to be lighter and less expensive. Rear-baggers offer greater capacity and allow the mower to trim closely in whichever direction you're mowing. Because it's something you'll do innumerable times, check the ease of removing the bag. The Basics Adjustable mowing height.