A reel lawn mower offers a simple, eco-friendly way to keep your grass trimmed. Unlike gas or electric mowers, reel mowers use blades that spin as you push them, cutting the grass cleanly like scissors. This design often results in a healthier lawn and less noise.
Reel mowers are great for small to medium yards with well-maintained grass. They don’t require fuel or electricity, making them low-cost and easy to store. However, they work best on flat lawns and need regular blade sharpening to stay effective.
When choosing a reel mower, it’s important to look at cutting width, blade quality, and ease of use. Weight matters since you’ll be pushing it manually, and some models include height adjustments to suit different grass lengths. We tested several popular reel mowers to find the ones that offer the best balance of performance and value.
Best Reel Lawn Mowers
We have tested and researched many reel lawn mowers to find the most reliable and efficient models. Our list highlights options that work well for different yard sizes and budgets. These mowers offer clean cuts and easy use to keep your lawn looking neat.
LawnMaster 18-Inch Reel Mower
This mower works well for small lawns and gives a smooth, clean cut without needing gas or batteries.
Pros
- Cuts grass cleanly without tearing
- Easy to push and maneuver around plants
- Adjustable cutting height with 9 settings
Cons
- Struggles with tall or thick grass
- Only good for small to medium yards
- Heavier than some other manual mowers
We found that the LawnMaster mower made lawn care quieter and less stressful. The blades cut like scissors, which left our grass looking neat and healthy. Changing the height was simple, and it helped us customize how short we wanted the grass.
Maneuvering was straightforward thanks to the 18-inch cutting deck and the big front wheels. It moved smoothly around flower beds and tight spots. The overall design feels solid with steel blades that look like they will last for a while.
This mower did require some effort on hills or rough patchy areas. Also, if you have very thick or tall grass, it won’t cut well and may need multiple passes or trimming with other tools. For small to medium yards, though, this model is a reliable, chemical-free option.
Great States 815-18 Reel Lawn Mower
This mower is a solid choice for those wanting an eco-friendly, manual mower that delivers a clean cut without much fuss.
Pros
- Cuts grass evenly with sharp, smooth blades
- Easy to push and steer thanks to its cushioned handle and good wheels
- Quick and simple height adjustment for different grass lengths
Cons
- Requires some effort on bigger or thicker lawns
- Needs patience to learn the right pushing speed and angle
- Assembly can take a bit of time before first use
Using this reel mower felt like going back to basics in a good way. The blades cut the grass cleanly without tearing, which helps our lawn look healthier. The 18-inch width covers enough ground without being too bulky.
We appreciated how easy it was to adjust the cutting height. It took a few tries to find the perfect setting, but once dialed in, it works well for most parts of the yard. The cushioned loop handle makes pushing less tiring than expected.
Because it’s manual, you get some exercise, and it’s surprisingly quiet compared to gas mowers. The wheels roll smoothly over our lawn. Still, you might find it harder to use on very thick or overgrown grass. Overall, it’s a dependable mower that stays sharp and keeps things green with low maintenance.
American Lawn Mower 14-Inch Reel Mower
This mower is a solid choice for small yards if you want a quiet, easy-to-use tool that cuts grass neatly without gas or noise.
Pros
- Cuts grass cleanly without tearing
- Lightweight and easy to push
- Low maintenance with rare blade sharpening needed
Cons
- Not ideal for grass taller than 4 inches
- Handle fittings can loosen over time
- Requires more effort on uneven or thick lawns
Using this mower felt smooth and quiet compared to gas-powered ones. The blades slice the grass like scissors, leaving a neat finish without brown edges. It made our small yard look tidy without noise or fumes.
We appreciated how light it is. Even with some uphill areas, we could push it without too much strain. The wheels rolled well over the ground, making it easy to steer around plants and obstacles.
The biggest downside is the cutting height limit. We had to mow more often because it struggles with very tall grass. Also, the handle nuts loosened a bit after regular use, so a quick check is helpful. Overall, it is a reliable and green option for smaller lawns that don’t get overgrown.
LawnMaster 16-Inch Reel Mower
This reel mower is a good choice for those who want a clean cut and easy-to-use mower for small to medium lawns.
Pros
- Cuts grass neatly without tearing it
- Easy to adjust cutting height
- Lightweight and simple to push around
Cons
- Struggles with tall or thick weeds
- Assembly can be tricky if not careful with handle tightness
- Best suited for soft, short grass only
We found the LawnMaster mower cuts grass with a smooth, scissor-like action that leaves our lawn looking healthy. The four cutting height options made it simple to set the blade to our preferred length between one and two inches.
Maneuvering the mower was easy thanks to the 16-inch deck and 10-inch wheels. It felt light and quiet as we pushed it along, and the fact it requires no gas or batteries adds a nice touch of simplicity.
On the downside, this mower was less effective when we tried cutting overgrown or coarse grass. We ended up needing to go over some patches several times. Assembly took a bit of time, especially tightening the handles just right without making them too stiff. Overall, it works well if your grass is regularly maintained and not too tough.
American Lawn Mower Company 1604-16
This reel mower offers a quiet, eco-friendly way to get a clean cut with ease and comfort.
Pros
- Cuts precisely with 5 sharp blades
- Easy to push and steer with soft grip handle
- Grass catcher helps keep the yard tidy
Cons
- Assembly can take some time
- Handle wing nuts may loosen over time
- May struggle on very thick or uneven grass
Using this mower felt smooth. The 5-blade reel gave the grass a neat, clean cut that looked well-maintained. We liked being able to adjust the cut height to suit different grass types and lawn looks.
Mowing was quieter than gas mowers, and pushing it didn’t tire us out. The cushioned handle made it comfortable to hold, reducing hand strain during longer sessions. The grass catcher worked well at keeping clippings off the lawn, cutting down on cleanup.
A small downside was needing to watch for handle nuts loosening after repeated use. Also, cutting very rough or thick areas required more effort. Overall, it performed well for most home lawns and felt like a simple, effective tool.
Scotts 18-Inch Reel Mower
This mower is a solid choice if you want a quiet, easy-to-use tool that keeps grass healthy by cutting cleanly without shredding.
Pros
- Cuts cleanly like scissors, which helps grass stay healthier
- Lightweight and simple to push around the yard
- Adjustable cutting height fits different lawn needs
Cons
- Assembly instructions could be clearer for beginners
- Not ideal for very tall or thick grass without extra effort
- Weight may feel heavy during longer mowing sessions
Using the Scotts mower was quieter than expected, which made mowing less stressful. The blade system cuts the grass smoothly without tearing it, helping our lawn stay green and strong. It was fairly easy to get started after putting the handle on.
We liked how adjustable the cutting height was. It gave us control over how short we wanted the grass, which meant a more even look. The mower rolled well on flat ground, though pushing through thick patches took a bit more strength than we hoped.
For small to medium lawns, this mower worked well and made us feel good about using no gas or electricity. Just be ready for some light assembly and a bit of effort when mowing denser grass areas.
Earthwise 16-Inch 7-Blade Reel Mower
This mower is a solid choice if you want a quiet, eco-friendly way to keep small to medium lawns neat with a clean cut.
Pros
- Easy to push and maneuver
- Cuts grass very cleanly and evenly
- Stays sharp longer due to alloy steel blades
Cons
- Assembly takes some time
- Not ideal for tall or thick grass
- Wheels can develop noise after repeated use
Using this reel mower felt straightforward once we got it put together. The package requires a bit of time to assemble, but the instructions were clear enough for us to complete the process without extra help.
We noticed the mower moves smoothly on flat surfaces and handles Bermuda and Zoysia grass types well. The cut looks precise and tidy, making the lawn appear professionally trimmed.
Some users mentioned a squeak and wheel issues after a few uses, which we also saw after extended pushing on rough terrain. However, this mower remains lightweight and very quiet compared to gas models, which is a big plus if noise is a concern.
Great States 16-Inch Reel Mower
This reel mower is a solid choice for small lawns, offering quiet, easy cutting with adjustable height and smooth handling.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to push on flat yards
- Blades stay sharp longer thanks to heat treatment
- Adjustable cutting height gives good control over grass length
Cons
- Requires some patience to get height settings right
- Not ideal for very uneven or thick grass
- Assembly and initial adjustment can be tricky for beginners
We found the Great States mower is very easy to maneuver because of its lightweight frame and cushioned handle. It rolls smoothly on the 10-inch ball bearing wheels, which helps a lot when mowing smaller, flat areas.
The cutting blades are sharp and precise, leaving a clean cut without tearing grass. Adjusting the height from half an inch up to two and a half inches was useful, though it took us a little time to balance the settings on both sides exactly. Once set, the mower gave consistent results.
This mower’s steel build feels durable and solid. It is quiet and doesn’t produce any fumes or noise, making it great for early morning or late evening mowing. However, it’s not the best for thick or rough lawns, so keep that in mind. Overall, it’s a reliable tool for easy, low-impact lawn care.
Dapper Supply 16” Push Reel Mower
This mower is a solid choice for those who want a quiet, eco-friendly tool that cuts grass cleanly and is easy to handle on small to medium lawns.
Pros
- Cuts grass precisely for a healthy lawn
- Lightweight and easy to push
- Comes with a catcher bag to keep clippings neat
Cons
- Cutting width may feel small for large yards
- Requires some effort on uneven or tall grass
- Assembly is needed before first use
We found the Dapper Supply mower very straightforward to push around. Its 5-steel blades slice grass cleanly, leaving a nicer cut than rotary mowers. The grass catcher helps keep the yard clean without extra raking.
The adjustable cutting height lets us customize the lawn’s appearance. We liked that it weighs under 15 pounds, which made it easy to maneuver without getting tired.
It’s quiet and needs no gas or electricity, which means no fumes or noise. This makes mowing less of a chore in busy neighborhoods. For smaller yards, this mower works well and feels reliable.
Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower
This mower is great for those who want an easy-to-push, eco-friendly reel mower that cuts well without the hassle of sharpening blades.
Pros
- Much easier to push than regular reel mowers
- Sharp blades cut cleanly without manual sharpening
- Adjustable height and good design for comfort
Cons
- Not ideal for uneven ground or lots of debris
- Heavier than some push mowers
- Assembly can take some time
We found the Fiskars StaySharp Max to be smooth to use on a flat, tidy lawn. The cutting power surprised us—it felt stronger than other reel mowers we’ve tried. The blades stayed sharp after many uses, which saved us time and effort.
The handle height adjustment made mowing more comfortable, especially on longer lawns. Plus, the grass chute helped keep clippings away from our feet, which kept things cleaner as we worked.
It’s important to note that this mower works best on clear, even ground. We noticed it struggles on rough or rocky patches. Overall, it’s a solid choice for regular lawn care when you want something quiet and chemical-free.
Buying Guide
When we choose a reel lawn mower, we look at several key features to get the best fit for our yard and needs. The cutting width is important; wider mowers cover more ground but might be heavier. Narrower widths are better for small or tight spaces.
The reel height adjustment matters. We want an easy way to change cutting height for different grass types and seasons. Look for mowers with clear height settings and smooth adjustment mechanisms.
Weight and ease of use are also important. We want a mower that is light enough to push without much effort but still feels sturdy. Comfortable handles and smooth-rolling wheels help reduce fatigue.
The blade quality and design impact the cut. Sharp, durable blades that can be sharpened again extend the mower’s life. A high-quality blade system gives a cleaner, more even cut with less strain.
Noise level is another factor. Reel mowers are generally quieter than gas-powered ones, but some designs are quieter than others. If noise matters, check user reviews or product descriptions for sound levels.
| Feature | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Width | Matches your lawn size | Covers area efficiently |
| Height Adjustment | Easy, multiple settings | Adapts to grass and season changes |
| Weight | Light but sturdy | Easier to push and handle |
| Blade Quality | Sharp, durable, easy to sharpen | Cleaner cut, longer life |
| Noise Level | Low noise operation | More comfortable to use |
FAQs
How effective is a reel lawn mower compared to a gas mower?
We find that reel mowers cut grass cleanly without tearing. This helps grass stay healthy. They work best on small to medium lawns with short grass.
Are reel mowers safe to use?
Yes, reel mowers are generally safer because they have no engine or sharp spinning blades that can throw objects. We recommend wearing closed shoes and keeping hands clear of the blades.
What size lawn can a reel mower handle?
Reel mowers work well for lawns up to about 1/4 acre. For larger areas, it may take more time and effort compared to powered mowers.
How often do we need to sharpen the blades?
Sharpen the blades at least once or twice a year. Regular sharpening keeps cutting smooth. Some models are easy to adjust for better cutting.
Is maintenance difficult?
Maintenance is simple. We clean the blades after each use and oil moving parts to reduce rust. Unlike gas mowers, there’s no need for fuel or engine care.
How does a reel mower compare with electric mowers?
Reel mowers are quieter and don’t require batteries or power cords. They are lighter and cost less. But they need more physical effort and are less suited for tall, thick grass.
Can reel mowers handle wet grass?
We avoid using reel mowers on wet grass because it can cause clogging and uneven cuts. It’s best to mow when grass is dry for the best results.
Conclusion
Reel lawn mowers offer a simple and effective way to keep our lawns neat. They cut grass cleanly and help maintain a healthy yard without damaging plants.
These mowers are safe to use because they don’t rely on gas or electric power. This also makes them eco-friendly, reducing pollution and noise in our neighborhoods.
Choosing the right reel mower means looking for durability and sharp blades. A well-built mower will last longer and give us consistent results every time.
By picking a reliable reel mower, we invest in our lawn’s health while caring for the environment. This choice supports a cleaner and quieter space for our families.
Let’s take this step toward smarter lawn care. A good reel mower is a practical and positive addition to our gardening tools.
