Imagine a lawn so perfectly manicured, it looks like a putting green. It’s not magic, it’s often the work of a reel mower! But with so many choices out there, picking the best one can feel like a real chore. You want a mower that cuts cleanly, is easy to push, and lasts a long time. It’s frustrating when you don’t know which ones are actually good, right?
That’s where we come in. We’ve done the digging so you don’t have to. This post will break down the top-rated reel mowers, explaining what makes each one stand out. You’ll learn which models offer the best cut, the easiest handling, and the most value for your money. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of the best reel mower for your yard.
Get ready to transform your lawn care routine. We’re about to dive into the world of reel mowers and help you find the perfect match for a beautifully cut lawn, effortlessly.
Our Top 5 Rated Reel Mowers Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Reel Mowers Detailed Reviews
1. Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of loud, gas-guzzling mowers? The Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower offers a quiet, planet-friendly way to keep your lawn looking sharp. This motorless wonder lets you enjoy a peaceful mowing experience while getting a clean, even cut. Its adjustable cutting height means you can tailor the trim to your lawn’s needs, from a close shave to a slightly longer look.
What We Like:
- It’s quiet and good for the planet.
- The cutting height is easy to adjust, from 0.5 to 2.75 inches.
- The 5-blade system with ball bearings makes for a smooth cut.
- The blades are made of strong alloy steel that stay sharp.
- The cushioned grips on the handle make it comfortable to push.
- Assembly is simple, no special tools needed.
- It’s low-maintenance and doesn’t need gas or oil.
What Could Be Improved:
- Push mowers can be tricky on uneven or tall grass.
- You have to push it yourself, so it takes more effort than a riding mower.
This mower is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a simple, eco-friendly way to maintain their lawn. It delivers a great cut with minimal fuss.
2. Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Rating: 8.5/10
Tired of noisy gas mowers and messy oil changes? The Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower in Grey offers a planet-friendly way to keep your lawn looking sharp. This hand-push mower uses a 7-blade reel to give you a clean, even cut every time. It’s perfect for a variety of grass types, including Bermuda and St. Augustine, and its adjustable cutting height lets you choose how short you want your grass. Plus, its durable steel design means it’s built to last.
What We Like:
- It’s an eco-friendly alternative to gas mowers.
- The 7-blade reel stays sharp longer, providing clean cuts.
- It has a 16-inch cutting width, perfect for many lawns.
- The adjustable cutting height (0.5″-2.5″) offers versatility.
- Durable steel side plates ensure it lasts.
- It’s great for many grass types like Bermuda and Zoysia.
- The 10-inch composite wheels make it easy to push.
What Could Be Improved:
- It requires manual effort, which can be tiring on larger lawns.
- May struggle with very tall or thick grass.
- Not ideal for uneven or bumpy terrain.
For a greener lawn and a quieter neighborhood, the Earthwise 1715-16EW is a fantastic choice. It delivers a great cut with less hassle.
3. LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade
Rating: 9.0/10
Looking for a greener, healthier lawn without the hassle of gas or cords? The LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade offers a simple, eco-friendly way to keep your grass looking its best. This mower uses a clever scissor-like action to cut grass cleanly, promoting better lawn health. Its lightweight design and easy-to-use features make lawn care a breeze for anyone.
What We Like:
- SCISSOR-LIKE CUT: It cuts grass blades cleanly, preventing ripping and tearing. This helps your lawn grow healthier and look better.
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR CUT: You can easily adjust the cutting height. There are four different settings, from 1 inch to 2 inches, so you can get the perfect lawn length.
- MAX MANEUVERABILITY: The 16-inch deck and 10-inch front wheels make it easy to steer around your yard. It can navigate tight spots and obstacles with ease.
- MOTORLESS DESIGN: This mower is good for the environment. It doesn’t need gas or batteries, so there are no fumes or noise pollution.
- QUALITY MATERIALS: It’s built with strong steel blades that are made to last. This means you won’t have to replace them often.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Cutting Height Range: While the 1-2 inch range is good for many lawns, it might not be enough for those who prefer a very short or very long cut.
- Best for Smaller Lawns: The 16-inch cutting width is ideal for smaller to medium-sized yards. Larger lawns might take longer to mow.
The LawnMaster LMRM1602 is a fantastic choice for maintaining a beautiful lawn the natural way. It’s a simple, effective, and eco-conscious tool for any homeowner.
4. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Rating: 9.1/10
The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower in Red is a fantastic tool for anyone with a small lawn. It’s a simple, manual mower that gets the job done without any fuss. This mower is designed for ease of use and a healthy cut for your grass.
What We Like:
- It has a 4-blade reel for a clean cut.
- The cutting width is 14 inches, good for small yards.
- It’s super lightweight at only 19 pounds, making it easy to push.
- Durable 8.5-inch polymer wheels help you steer easily.
- It’s an eco-friendly choice – no gas, no pollution, and no noise!
- Low maintenance means less work for you.
- It cuts grass without bruising the blades, keeping your lawn healthy.
- The adjustable blade height lets you choose how tall you want your grass, from 0.5 to 1.75 inches.
What Could Be Improved:
- It works best on grass up to 4 inches tall; it struggles with longer grass.
- For best results, you need to mow regularly and not let the grass get too long.
- It’s not ideal for cutting wet grass.
- You might need to overlap more if your grass is 4 inches or taller.
This reel mower is a smart and simple way to maintain a neat and healthy small lawn. It’s a great option for those who want an environmentally friendly and easy-to-handle lawn care solution.
5. LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade
Rating: 9.4/10
Ready for a healthier, happier lawn without the hassle of gas or batteries? The LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade offers a simple, eco-friendly way to keep your yard looking its best. This mower uses a unique scissor-like cutting action that cleanly snips grass blades, preventing tearing and promoting better lawn health.
What We Like:
- The scissor-like cut makes grass healthier.
- It’s designed for small lawns and is easy to push.
- You can change the cutting height easily with 9 different positions.
- The 18-inch deck and big front wheels help you move around the yard smoothly.
- It doesn’t need gas or batteries, which is good for the environment.
- It comes with a collection bag to catch grass clippings.
- The steel blades are strong and built to last a long time.
What Could Be Improved:
- It might be too small for larger lawns.
- Pushing it up hills or through thick grass can take effort.
- It requires manual effort to operate, unlike a powered mower.
This mower is a fantastic choice for anyone with a small yard who wants a clean cut and an environmentally friendly option. Get ready for a greener, tidier lawn with minimal effort.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Guide to a Great Reel Mower
Are you looking for a lawn mower that’s eco-friendly, quiet, and gives you a great workout? A reel mower might be your perfect match! Unlike gas-powered mowers, reel mowers use a spinning cylinder of blades to “scissor-cut” your grass. This guide will help you find the best one for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
1. Cutting Width
This is how wide a strip of grass the mower cuts in one pass. Wider mowers cover more ground quickly. For small to medium yards, 14-18 inches is usually good. Larger yards might need something wider.
2. Handle Comfort and Adjustability
You’ll be pushing this mower, so comfortable handles are important. Look for padded grips. Some handles also adjust up or down. This helps people of different heights use the mower easily.
3. Wheel Type and Size
Wheels help the mower roll smoothly. Larger wheels can handle uneven ground better. Some mowers have rubber wheels, which offer good traction. Others have plastic wheels.
4. Height Adjustment Settings
You need to be able to set how tall you want your grass to be. Most reel mowers offer several height settings. Check how easy it is to change the height. You don’t want to struggle with it.
5. Catcher/Bag (Optional)
Some reel mowers come with a bag to collect grass clippings. This keeps your lawn looking tidy. If you prefer to leave clippings on the lawn as fertilizer, you can skip this feature.
Important Materials
The parts of your reel mower matter for how long it lasts and how well it works.
- Blades: Most good reel mower blades are made of hardened steel. This steel is strong and stays sharp longer. Cheaper mowers might use softer metal that dulls quickly.
- Frame: The frame holds everything together. Steel frames are very strong. Some lighter mowers use aluminum, which is also durable but lighter.
- Wheels: Wheels can be made of plastic or rubber. Rubber offers better grip and can be quieter.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Reel Mower Great:
- Sharp Blades: Sharp blades cut grass cleanly. This helps the grass heal faster and look healthier. Dull blades tear the grass, making it look brown and ragged.
- Smooth Operation: A well-made reel mower rolls easily. It shouldn’t feel like you’re pushing through mud. Good bearings in the wheels help with this.
- Sturdy Construction: When a mower feels solid and well-built, it usually lasts longer. Loose parts or wobbly handles can be a sign of lower quality.
What Can Make a Reel Mower Less Good:
- Dull Blades: This is the biggest problem. If the blades aren’t sharp, mowing becomes hard work. You might have to go over the same spot many times.
- Flimsy Build: Mowers made with cheap plastic or thin metal can break easily. They might not handle bumps or rough terrain well.
- Difficult Adjustments: If it’s hard to change the cutting height or adjust the handles, it makes using the mower frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
Reel mowers are fantastic for certain situations. They’re perfect for people who want a quiet, emission-free way to care for their lawn. They are also great for small to medium-sized yards.
Using a reel mower is a good way to get exercise. You’ll be walking and pushing, which is a nice change from sitting or standing still.
If you have a lot of weeds or very thick, tough grass, a reel mower might struggle a bit. However, for most common lawn grasses, they do an excellent job. Many people enjoy the clean cut they provide, which leads to a healthier-looking lawn.
Frequently Asked Questions about Reel Mowers
Q: Are reel mowers hard to push?
A: Most modern reel mowers are designed to be easy to push, especially on well-maintained lawns. Factors like sharp blades, good wheels, and a balanced design make them glide smoothly.
Q: How often do I need to sharpen reel mower blades?
A: It depends on how often you mow and the type of grass. Many people sharpen their blades once a year. Some might need to do it more often if they mow frequently or have tough grass.
Q: Can reel mowers cut tall grass?
A: Reel mowers work best when the grass is kept at a reasonable height. They can struggle with very tall or thick grass. It’s best to mow regularly to keep the grass manageable.
Q: Do reel mowers leave grass clippings on the lawn?
A: Some do, especially if you don’t use a grass catcher. However, fine clippings can act as natural fertilizer. If you prefer a very clean look, choose a model with an optional grass catcher.
Q: Are reel mowers safe?
A: Yes, reel mowers are generally very safe. The blades are shielded, and they don’t have the fast-moving engine parts of a gas mower. Always follow safety instructions, though.
Q: What is the best reel mower for a beginner?
A: Look for a mower with a cutting width of about 18 inches, comfortable handles, and easy height adjustment. Brands known for quality like Fiskars or Scotts often have good beginner models.
Q: Can reel mowers handle uneven terrain?
A: Some reel mowers handle uneven ground better than others. Larger wheels and a sturdy frame can help. However, very bumpy or rocky yards might be challenging.
Q: How do I maintain a reel mower?
A: Keep the blades clean and sharp. Lubricate moving parts occasionally. Store it in a dry place to prevent rust.
Q: Are reel mowers noisy?
A: No, reel mowers are very quiet. You’ll mostly hear the sound of the blades cutting the grass, which is much quieter than a gas engine.
Q: Are reel mowers eco-friendly?
A: Absolutely! They don’t use gas or electricity, so they produce no emissions. They are a great choice for the environment.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!