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American Reel Lawn Mower Company
- Several cutting heights
- Easy to maneuver
- Lightweight
- Low maintenance
Greenworks Reel Lawn Mower
- Rear bagging capabilities
- Wide cut
- Several cut of height
- Easy to maneuver
Great States Reel Lawn Mower
- Comfortable grips
- Takes up little space
- Does well on inclines
- Wide cutting path
Our reviews are unbiased, fact-based, and comprehensively researched to help you make the right buying decisions.
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Mowing the lawn is a necessary chore, but it can also be a loud one. Not only that but buying one to even get started is expensive.
Reel mowers, however, are a much quieter, less expensive option that can still get your lawn in great shape.
They allow for more freedom of what time you mow without having to worry about bothering your neighbors.
Reel mowers are impressive and enticing, but there are so many to navigate online and in stores. Knowing what to look for in a good reel mower can be tricky.
Follow this guide and comprehensive reviews of the best reel mowers to get a feel for what a great one looks like.
Comparison Table of Top Best Reel Mower in Market
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Greenworks 18-Inch Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher 25062 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Great States 415-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower, 18 Inch |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch Push Lawn Mower |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower |
| Check Today's Price |
 | American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Great States 304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Snow Joe MJ501M 18-Inch Manual Reel Mower w/Grass Catcher |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 304-14S 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower |
| Check Today's Price |
Reviews of Top Reel Mower
American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Key Specifications
- 0.5″-1.75″ cutting height positions
- 4 blades
- 14″ cutting deck
This American Lawn Mower Company reel mower is a perfect example of maneuverability. Turning quickly or cutting around corners is not a challenge.
Plus, the 14” cutting deck means that your cutting path is a decent size to cut a lot at once.
There are 4 blades on this mower that are meant to handle all common grass types. It tends to hold up very well to thick or high grass as well.
You get several height of cut position options ranging from 0.5″-1.75″, depending on the kind of cut you want.
Pros
- Several cutting heights
- Easy to maneuver
- Lightweight
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Slightly difficult to push on an incline
All in all, the American Lawn Mower Company 1204 14” reel mower is great for anyone who wants precise, easy mowing. It is light and has a clean cut. Check it out!
Greenworks 18-Inch Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher 25062
Key Specifications
- 1 3/4″ To 2 3/4″ cutting height positions
- 5 blades
- 18″ cutting deck
Some reel lawn mowers go above and beyond with extra features. This Greenworks 18” mower is one of them.
It comes with a grass catcher which is a huge plus if you don’t like having grass trimmings scattered all over the yard.
With this reel mower, you get 9 positions of height for cutting adjustments spanning 1 3/4″ to 2 3/4″. This adds a little bit of choice and makes it so that it is a good fit for any lawn.
Reel lawn mowers are always quieter than the alternative, but this one is particularly quiet. Don’t worry about bothering the neighbors with the 25062 18” mower.
The 18” cutting deck means your cutting path is wide which saves time later.
This video shows a glimpse of the mower
Pros
- Rear bagging and mulching capabilities
- Wide cut
- Several cut of height options
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- Bag does not hold a ton of grass
If you have a smaller to mid-sized yard, this reel mower is perfect for you. It is reliable and provides a wide cut. Check it out for yourself.
Great States 415-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Key Specifications
- 0. 5″-2. 5″ cutting height positions
- 5 blades
- 16″ cutting deck
One of the main appeals of reel mowers is that they are easy to store. Great States took that into account when they made this 16”, 5-blade reel lawn mower.
It is designed to take up as little space in your garage, yard or shed as possible and it succeeds in that department.
Great States also took the user into account in several other ways. For example, the hand grips on the mower are padded and comfortable which makes longer mowing sessions a breeze.
It is also fairly lightweight which is immensely helpful, especially if you have any inclines in your yard.
Pros
- Comfortable grips
- Takes up little space
- Does well on inclines
- Wide cutting path
Cons
- Doesn’t too as well close to walls or corners
If you want a reel mower that cuts clean and can be stowed away easily, this Great States mower is a good option. It folds up easily and when you take it out, it’s easy to maneuver. Check it out.
Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower, 18 Inch (362050-1001)
Key Specifications
- 1″-4″ cutting height positions
- 5 blades
- 18″ cutting deck
It is hard to find a reel mower that can handle tough grass easily. Fiskars 18” StaySharp Max Reel Mower is a great solution to that problem.
The 5 blade design is built specifically to minimize wear and tear so that you get the strongest cut possible while ensuring that the blades will last you for years to come.
Between the wide cutting deck and sharp, well-spaced blades, this mower can do well in any lawn type that you could think of.
The way it is designed also makes it so that you can cut as close to walls and fences as possible without leaving straggler, long blades of grass.
Watch this video and see how it looks
Pros
- Precise cutting
- Can handle tough, thick grass
- Long lasting, durable blades
- Wide cut
Cons
- Does not handle inclines as well as flat ground
If you have thick grass or a fence that you can’t cut close enough to, this StaySharp mower is a great choice. Check it out!
Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch Push Lawn Mower
Key Specifications
- 0.5″-1.75″ cutting height positions
- 4 blades
- 14″ cutting deck
While all reel mowers are quieter than say, gas mowers, not all of them are as quiet as you would like. That is not an issue with this Great States mower. This 14” cutting deck reel mower is as quiet as they come.
There are 4 blades, each constructed of fine alloy steel that can stay sharp for a long time before they need a touch up.
It provides very clean cuts and makes the lawn look uniform. This is one of the lighter reel mowers that made this list and pushing it is a breeze.
Here it is in action
Pros
- Lightweight
- Blades stay sharp
- Easy to navigate
- Quiet mowing
Cons
- Leaves, debris, and twigs can clog the blades easily at times
This mower is perfect for those with small yards and nearby neighbors. It is quiet, light, and easy to maneuver. Try it out!
Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Key Specifications
- 0. 5″-2. 75″ cutting height positions
- 5 blades
- 18″ cutting deck
Some reel mowers offer the best of both worlds. The Great States 815 18” reel mower is one of them. Not only is it lightweight and easy to push, it has sharp, precise blades with a wide cut. The 18” cutting deck makes each cut wide.
The several options for height of cut allows for freedom and lets you decide what is best for your own lawn.
It uses a traditional loop-style handle which is comfortable to grip and makes pushing it easy. Putting it together takes no time and all and you can be ready to mow within 10-15 minutes of it showing up.
The 10” composite wheels make it smoothly roll over the lawn and allows for quick turns. It is great for Bermuda grass. Here it is in action
Pros
- Great with Bermuda grass
- Easy to push
- Wide cut
- Variety in height of cut positions
Cons
- The blades get jammed easily sometimes
- It misses random blades of grass at times
If you have Bermuda grass, this is the right reel mower for your lawn. Check it out!
American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Key Specifications
- 1/2 to 2-3/4 inches cutting height positions
- 5 blades
- 18″ cutting deck
Maneuverability relies on a few things when it comes to reel mowers. The most important of them, however, is the weight. The American Lawn Mower Company 1815 may just be the perfect reel mower weight.
It is light enough to steer easily and sturdy enough to handle changes in terrain. The 18” cutting deck is quite sturdy and provides even and wide cuts.
You get three height of cut options ranging from .5” to 2.75” which is plenty to cover many different lawn types.
Assembly is easy as well. The 5 blades are sharp and stay that way with a lot of use. The mower can handle several types of grass.
There are no videos of the 18”, but here is one of the same model with a 16” deck
Pros
- Highly maneuverable
- Sturdy cutting deck
- Handles various grass types
Cons
- Twigs, rocks, and debris block the blades easily
- Not optimal for high grass
If you have a small lawn that does not get too high, this mower is perfect. Check it out.
Great States 304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Key Specifications
- 0.5″-1.75″ cutting height positions
- 5 blades
- 14″ cutting deck
The Great States 304 is a great, easy to use reel mower.
More than anything, it is good for people that don’t have a ton of mowing experience. Mowing vets can get great use out of it too, of course, but it is so easy that beginners would love it.
It is a basic reel mower without any attachments. The cutting deck is mid-sized and has 5 sharp blades. It is easy to steer and the hand grip is comfortable.
There are a few different height of cut options up to 1.75”. Here it is in action
Pros
- Easy to use
- Comfortable handle
- Beginner friendly
Cons
- Jams easily
- Can not handle grass above 3” tall
If you are a beginner or don’t need any bells and whistles, this Great States mower is a good option for you. It is easy to use and effective mostly for smaller lawns. Try it out yourself.
Snow Joe MJ501M 18-Inch Manual Reel Mower w/Grass Catcher
Key Specifications
- 9 positions up to 2.44″
- 5 blades
- 18” cutting deck
Versatility is important with reel mowers. This Snow Joe 18” reel mower provides plenty of it with 9 cutting height positions. You can set your cuts up to 2.44” which is enough for many lawns.
The must-have feature this mower has to offer is the grass catcher. Holding up to 6.6 gallons of trimmings, this grass catcher is more generous than most on the market.
It is optimized for small lawns, and depending on the lawn, you probably won’t need to empty the grass bag until you are done mowing.
Check out this short video that shows just how effective this manual reel mower really is
Pros
- Large grass catcher
- Great for small lawns
- More cutting height positions than other mowers
Cons
- Struggles with thick grass
- Uneven cuts at times
This mower is perfect for small yards or if you want to have a large grass catcher. Check it out!
Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 304-14S 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Key Specifications
- 0. 5″-1. 75″ cutting height positions
- 5 blades
- 14″ cutting deck
This 14” cutting deck reel mower is ideal for storage or transporting. It does not take up much shed space and can fold down slightly to be transported easily if you need to take it on the go.
The entire mower only weighs 19 pounds so pushing it around or moving it is easy.
Maneuvering this Scotts Outdoor mower is easy as well. If you have tight spots to mow around, it is fairly easy to do so because of the flexibility and light weight.
Your neighbors won’t mind it one bit either as it is incredibly quiet. Check out this quick video
Pros
- Easy to maneuver
- Ideal storage and transportation
- Lightweight
Cons
- Can’t handle uneven surfaces well
- Not great for thick grass
If your lawn is smaller and has moderate grass, this mower could cut it perfectly. Not ideal for thick, huge lawns, but it is a great, reliable reel mower. Check it out!
Best Powered Reel Mower – Sun Joe MJ506E
Key Specs
● 6.5 amp motor
● 16” cutting deck
● 1”-2.6” cutting height positions
Our pick for the best powered reel mower is the Sun Joe MJ506E 16” electric reel mower. It has all of the benefits of a solid reel mower plus the added bonus of a powerful 6.5 amp motor.
The 16” cutting deck is plenty wide enough for any lawn and provides a large cut.
Perhaps its best feature is the 14.6 gallon grass bag. That is plenty of space for an awful lot of grass to go. That means that you will get smooth even cuts for however long it takes without having to pause to empty over and over.
You get 5 different options for height of cut ranging from 1” to 2.6”. That is plenty of variety for most lawns. It may not do too great for grass longer than say, 3”, but if you regularly mow it never should be that long in most cases.
Best Reel Mower For Bermuda Grass
Our top choice for the best reel mower for Bermuda grass is the Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower. It is easy to push, maneuver and store.
The 18” cutting deck is a perfect width and will leave even, clean, flat cuts on your Bermuda lawn.
The 10” composite wheels make it easy to navigate and you are not at risk of leaving ugly marks on you Bermuda grass. You don’t have to worry about the blades giving out immediately either. Like all Great States reel mowers, the blades are made of heat-treated steel alloy.
The cuts are neat and clean. Mowing sessions don’t have to be loud. That is why Great States made this mower deceptively quiet. For something as powerful as it is, it does not make much of a ruckus at all.
The only downside is that sometimes the blades jam and it can miss random blades from time to time. Do what you can to avoid rocks and debris to avoid this potential problem.
Best Reel Mower For Zoysia Grass
Our pick for the best reel for cutting Zoysia Grass is the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower, 18 Inch. Not only can it make Zoysia grass look the best that it can, but it is at no risk of needing maintenance anytime soon.
Ideally, everyone wants a reel mower that will stand the test of time. This Fiskars StaySharp reel mower is designed specifically so that, as the name suggests, the blades stay sharp.
It is built to handle tough grass and can smoothly navigate across Zoysia lawns easily.
Because of the way the wheels are designed, the blades run the whole width of the mower. That way, you get the absolute most out of the 18” cutting deck. That means wide, even cuts that save time and look great.
This is absolutely a precision mower. If your lawn has corners to cut around or fences the grass backs up against, you should not have trouble.
Best Reel Mower With Grass Catcher
The best reel mower with a grass catcher is the Snow Joe MJ501M 18-Inch Manual Reel Mower w/Grass Catcher. Not only does this reel mower have a grass catcher, it has a large and secure one that makes the job that much easier.
Grass catchers are highly sought after for many mowers, but not all reel mowers come with them. This manual reel mower, however, offers 6.6 gallons of space of yard trimmings. That capacity is more than enough for most small lawns.
Unless you have massive yard, you don’t need much more than that for grass catcher capacity. You get 9 different height of cut positions which is more than most reel mowers can say.
The 18” cutting deck means wide cuts, but from time to time they can be uneven. For the most part, it is even, however.
It is not the best for thick grass, but it can handle most small yards perfectly.
FAQs
They are cheaper because of the construction. Reel mowers, unless they are powered, operate with a mechanical, manual reel system. They are less costly to produce than electric motors or gas engines generally. There is less hardware involved and they are less complicated.
Yes, it does matter. Cutting deck size is responsible for the width of the cut. If the deck size is 18”, that means your cuts will be wide and will cover more ground. The higher the cutting deck size, the wider the cut and the quicker the mowing time. Larger cutting decks are recommended for larger yards. However, you can use a large deck size in a small yard and still have success.
Not necessarily. That mostly has to do with weight. If you have a heavy reel mower, pushing it up an incline will be tiring, and the mower won’t perform to its fullest. It is not that the mower “can’t handle it”, it’s just that it can’t perform as well as it normally could that way. That does not mean that all lightweight mowers can handles inclines, however. Read up on the mower to know definitely.
The weight of the mower makes a difference in a few ways. For one thing, lighter mowers are easier to push. They can also be easier to store or transport depending on the situation. However, if a mower is heavier because of other functions like rear bag, mulching or discharge features, it may be worth it. Consider the terrain that you will mow. Look for a reel mower with a comfortable weight.
Yes, they do. It gives you options for how much low you want to cut the grass. It gives you freedom and variety to play around with.
In the End..
We hope this article would have helped you decide on the right Reel lawn mower. Do share your feedback on these models/queries using the comment box below.
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API