When looking for the best reel mower, there are a few things to consider. The width of the cutting path, the number of blades, and the height adjustment range are all important factors. You’ll also want to consider the weight of the mower and the quality of the blades.
A well-manicured lawn is a sight to behold, and a reel mower can help you achieve that. Reel mowers, also known as push mowers, are an eco-friendly option for lawn care. They rely on human power to turn the blades, which means no gas or electricity is needed.
Reel mowers work by using a scissoring action to cut the grass instead of tearing it like a traditional rotary mower. This results in a cleaner cut and a healthier lawn. Additionally, reel mowers are quieter and require less maintenance than their gas-powered counterparts.
We spent hours researching and testing various reel mowers to identify the ones that offer the best performance and value. In the next section, we’ll share our top picks for the best reel mowers on the market.
Best Reel Mowers
Looking for an eco-friendly, low-maintenance way to keep your lawn looking sharp?
Look no further than reel mowers. These simple, manually-powered mowers are perfect for small to medium-sized lawns and offer a quiet, efficient way to keep your grass looking great.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the best reel mowers on the market today, based on factors like ease of use, durability, and cutting performance.
Whether you’re a seasoned reel mower pro or just looking to make the switch from gas-powered mowers, we’ve got you covered with our top picks.
1. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red 14-Inch, 4-Blade Mower
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and low-maintenance alternative to gas-powered mowers, the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a great choice.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- Low maintenance design.
- Environmentally friendly.
Cons
- Less effective on taller grass.
- Requires more frequent mowing.
- May struggle with wet grass.
We’ve used this mower on our small lawn and found it to be easy to use and maneuver.
The adjustable blade height allows us to cut our grass to the desired length, and the 4-blade reel mower cuts our grass in a precise scissor-like motion that doesn’t damage the blades of grass. We appreciate that it doesn’t emit fumes and is much quieter than gas-powered mowers.
One thing to keep in mind is that this mower is less effective on taller grass, so it’s important to mow frequently to keep your lawn looking its best. We also found that it struggled with wet grass, so it’s best to wait until your lawn is dry before using the mower.
Overall, we highly recommend the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower for those looking for an eco-friendly and low-maintenance option for their small lawn.
2. Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower
If you’re looking for a reel mower that’s eco-friendly and easy to use, the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower is a great option.
With its 18″ cut width, it’s perfect for regular lawn maintenance, and it requires no gas, oil, charging, or cords.
Pros
- The InertiaDrive Reel boasts twice the cutting power of standard reel mowers, making it best-in-class for cutting performance.
- The StaySharp Cutting System eliminates the cost and inconvenience of manual blade sharpening.
- The reversible grass chute can direct clippings away from your feet, making it easier to mow tough patches while limiting messiness.
Cons
- The mower is manual, so it may require more physical effort to use than a powered mower.
- It may not be suitable for larger lawns or more overgrown grass.
- The mower may not be as durable as some other options on the market.
In our experience, the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower is a reliable and efficient option for those who want to keep their lawn looking great without harming the environment.
The mower is easy to use and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great choice for those who want to save time and money.
The InertiaDrive Reel and StaySharp Cutting System are two features that set this mower apart from others on the market. The InertiaDrive Reel provides twice the cutting power of standard reel mowers, which means that you can get your lawn mowed quickly and efficiently.
The StaySharp Cutting System eliminates the need for manual blade sharpening, which can save you time and money in the long run.
One of the best things about this mower is its superior ergonomics. The reversible grass chute can direct clippings away from your feet, making it easier to mow tough patches while limiting messiness.
The one-touch handle height adjustment also enhances your comfort and control, which is important when you’re spending a lot of time mowing your lawn.
Overall, we recommend the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower for those who want an eco-friendly and efficient option for maintaining their lawn. It may not be suitable for larger lawns or more overgrown grass, but for regular maintenance, it’s a great choice.
3. Earthwise 1715-16EW Push Reel Lawn Mower
If you are looking for a planet-friendly alternative to gasoline-push lawn mowers, the Earthwise 1715-16EW Push Reel Lawn Mower is an excellent choice.
This mower is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and requires almost no maintenance, making it ideal for today’s smaller lawns and hectic lifestyles.
Pros
- The 7-blade ball bearing reel made of alloy steel stays sharp longer, ensuring a clean and precise cut.
- This self-cutting mower has an adjustable cutting height of 0.5″-2.5″ for clean and even cuts, making it versatile for cutting bent grass such as Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine, and Seashore paspalum.
- The durable steel side plate design and 10″ composite wheels make this mower sturdy and easy to push.
Cons
- The mower is not suitable for cutting long grass, requiring you to cut your grass more often.
- Some users have reported difficulty in assembling the mower.
- The plastic wheels may not be as durable as expected.
We recently purchased the Earthwise 1715-16EW Push Reel Lawn Mower and have been impressed with its performance. The mower is easy to assemble, and the blades are sharp, making it effortless to push.
We found that it works best on short grass, as with all reel mowers. However, it requires you to cut your grass more often.
One of the best things about this mower is that it is planet-friendly, leaving no residue for the environment to absorb other than a couple of footprints in a perfectly cut lawn. It’s also lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it ideal for smaller lawns.
The adjustable cutting height ensures a clean and even cut, and the 7-blade ball bearing reel made of alloy steel stays sharp longer, ensuring a precise cut every time.
Overall, we highly recommend the Earthwise 1715-16EW Push Reel Lawn Mower for those looking for a planet-friendly alternative to gasoline push lawn mowers. It’s a great investment for those who want a clean, precise cut without the hassle of maintenance and gasoline.
4. Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
If you’re looking for a clean, green alternative to gas-powered mowers, the Great States push reel lawn mower is a great option. With its smooth-spinning blades, maneuverable wheels, and easy grass-cutting height adjustment, this manual lawnmower can do the job with ease.
Plus, you can maintain your lawn’s health by cutting grass with precision without making them susceptible to insect attacks and diseases.
Pros
- The Great States motor-less lawnmower provides a clean, even cut with an adjustable cutting height of 0.5″-2.75″.
- The push mower blades are made of high-quality alloy steel that stays sharp longer.
- The loop-style lawnmower handle with cushioned grips provides comfort and maneuverability.
Cons
- The Great States push reel lawn mower may not be suitable for larger lawns.
- The manual operation may require more physical exertion than gas or electric mowers.
- The 10″ composite wheels may not provide as much traction as larger wheels on uneven terrain.
We’ve used the Great States push reel lawn mower on our small lawn for several months now and have been impressed with its performance. The manual operation takes some getting used to, but it’s worth it for the clean, precise cut it provides (check out our guide on the best manual lawn mower).
Assembly was a breeze and we appreciate the low-maintenance design. The cushioned grips on the handle make it comfortable to use, even for extended periods of time.
One thing to keep in mind is that this push-reel lawn mower may not be the best option for larger lawns. The manual operation can be more physically demanding than gas or electric mowers, especially on uneven terrain (here is the best lawn mower for hills).
Additionally, the 10″ composite wheels may not provide as much traction as larger wheels on rough or bumpy ground. However, for small lawns, the Great States push reel lawn mower is a great choice for a planet-friendly and quiet lawn mowing experience.
5. Scotts 14-Inch 5-Blade Reel Lawn Mower
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, low-maintenance lawn mower, the Scotts 14-inch 5-blade Reel Lawn Mower is a solid option.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver with a T-style handle and cushioned grip for comfort.
- Durable heat-treated alloy steel blades with adjustable cutting height of 1/2″-1.75″.
- Environmentally friendly with no emissions or fuel needed.
Cons
- Not ideal for tall or overgrown grass, as it requires more passes and effort to cut.
- Can produce an uneven cut when used on wet grass.
- Requires a well-maintained lawn for best results.
We found the Scotts reel lawn mower to be a great option for those with smaller lawns who are seeking a low-maintenance, environmentally friendly option.
The 14-inch cutting width and 5-blade reel mower make for a clean and precise cut, while the 8.5″ composite wheels make it easy to transport and maneuver.
One of the biggest advantages of this mower is its lightweight design and T-style handle with a cushioned grip, making it easy to push and maneuver (find out the best push lawn mower).
However, it’s important to note that the mower is not ideal for tall or overgrown grass, as it requires more passes and effort to cut. Additionally, using the mower on wet grass can result in an uneven cut.
Overall, we would recommend the Scotts 14-inch 5-blade Reel Lawn Mower for those looking for an eco-friendly, low-maintenance option for their smaller lawn. Just make sure to keep your lawn well-maintained and avoid using the mower on wet grass for the best results.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best reel mower, there are several factors to consider to ensure you make the right choice. In this buying guide, we will outline the key features to look for when shopping for a reel mower.
Cutting Width
The cutting width of a reel mower determines how wide a swath of grass it can cut in a single pass. The wider the cutting width, the fewer passes you’ll need to make to cover your lawn.
However, wider cutting widths can also make the mower heavier and harder to maneuver. Consider the size of your lawn and your physical abilities when choosing the cutting width of your reel mower.
Cutting Height
The cutting height of a reel mower determines how short it will cut your grass. Most reel mowers have adjustable cutting heights, but the range of adjustability can vary between models.
Consider the type of grass you have and how short you want it to be before choosing a reel mower with the appropriate cutting height range.
Blades
The blades on a reel mower are responsible for cutting the grass. They can be made of different materials and have different numbers of blades.
Generally, the more blades a reel mower has, the better it will cut your grass. However, more blades can also make the mower heavier and harder to push.
Consider the thickness and density of your grass when choosing the number and material of blades on your reel mower (here are the 5 best lawn mower blades).
Weight
The weight of a reel mower can affect how easy it is to push and maneuver. Lighter mowers are easier to push, but heavier mowers can provide a more even cut.
Consider your physical abilities and the terrain of your lawn when choosing the weight of your reel mower.
Durability
A reel mower is an investment, so you want to make sure it will last. Look for mowers made with high-quality materials that can withstand regular use.
Consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer to ensure you’re covered in case of any defects or issues.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best reel mower for your lawn care needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated reel mowers according to consumer reports?
Consumer Reports has rated the following reel mowers as top performers: Fiskars StaySharp Max, Scotts Classic, and American Lawn Mower 1204-14. These mowers have received high marks for their cutting performance, ease of use, and durability.
Which reel mowers perform best on Bermuda grass?
Bermuda grass can be tough to cut, but reel mowers with sharp blades and adjustable cutting heights can do the job well. The Fiskars StaySharp Max and the Scotts Classic are both highly recommended for Bermuda grass.
Are there any electric reel mowers that match the performance of manual models?
Electric reel mowers have come a long way in recent years, but they still can’t match the performance of manual models. However, the Sun Joe MJ506E and the Greenworks 25072 are two electric reel mowers that come close.
You might also be interested in checking out the best electric lawnmowers.
How does the Toro reel mower compare to other leading brands?
The Toro reel mower is a solid choice for those who want a durable and reliable mower.
However, it doesn’t perform as well as some of the other top-rated reel mowers, such as the Fiskars StaySharp Max and the Scotts Classic.
What advancements have been made in reel mowers for the year 2023?
In 2023, reel mowers have become more lightweight and easier to maneuver. Many models now come with adjustable cutting heights, making it easier to cut different types of grass. Some reel mowers also come with ergonomic handles for added comfort.
How do Fiskars and Scotts reel mowers differ in quality and performance?
Both Fiskars and Scotts reel mowers are highly rated for their quality and performance.
However, the Fiskars StaySharp Max is slightly more durable and easier to use, while the Scotts Classic is better suited for smaller lawns.