Best Reel Mower in 2025: Top Picks for a Perfect Lawn

Go green with the Best Reel Mower for a perfectly manicured lawn! Eco-Friendly Lawn Care for a Beautiful, Quiet Yard. ? #ReelMower

Perfect and healthy yards require the cutting of the grass from time to time to ensure it stays pretty and healthy. However, the type of mower you choose plays a major role in determining the status of your lawn. Typically, gas-powered mowers are used by most people, but reel mowers are eco-friendly and relatively less noisy compared to gas models.

The reel mowers work through the use of a series of blades that rotate against a serrated bar which is used to trim the grass. These mowers are usually lighter in weight and easier to operate than the gas mowers, although they are particularly suitable for small lawns. Furthermore, reel mowers give a neater cut and this makes the lawn healthier in the process.

It took us many hours to search and compare the different types of reel mowers available in the market to come up with the best brand. In the following sections, we shall highlight some of the best reel mowers in the market, in terms of working efficiency, ease of operation, and cost.

Top 3 Best Reel Mowers

  1. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
  2. American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
  3. Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower

These mowers are self-powered, thus eliminating the problems that go with emissions of flames, smoke or excessive noise. They are also cheaper and require less maintenance compared to the gas-powered mowers. It does not matter if the house you own has a small lawn or if it has a lawn that spans for many acres, we are sure that the suggestions we provided will lead you to the best reel mowers that are currently in the market.

1. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Sale
American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel...
  • 4-blade reel mower with a cutting width of 14” and durable 8.5” polymer...
  • This push lawn mower has an adjustable blade height of 0.5”-1.75”....
  • Manual grass cutter is environment-friendly alternative to other lawn...

IIf you are planning to use a lawnmower that does not emit any gas, fumes, or require any oil, then the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is perfect for you. This is a simple, non-power and light manual grass cutter specifically designed and recommended for youths, particularly those above 13years and any small yard. It offers smooth scissor like cutting pattern which will not cut your grass into fine powder to give your lawn a better look.

Pros

  • The reel mower uses a cutting action that does not bruise or damage the blades of grass.
  • This push lawn mower is pollution-free, noise-free, low maintenance, lightweight and easy to use.
  • It is a green alternative to gas-powered lawnmowers.

Cons

  • This push lawn mower is less effective on taller grass.
  • It is not ideal for large lawns.
  • It does not have a bag attachment.

This reel mower has four blades with a cutting width of 14 inches, and features polymer wheels of 8.5 inches for easy handling. It is suitable to cut grass up to 4 inches and has 0.5-1.75 inches adjustable cutting blade. When using a reel push mower, one should only cut one-third part of the blade of grass to ensure that the roots are not affected. Raise the height of cut to 4 inches or more and increase the amount of overlap while push mowing the lawn. It is best to cut in small portions more often than to wait for the grass to become overgrown. The given item of information advises against using try not reel mower when working on wet grass.

In conclusion, the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is ideal for individuals who want an environment friendly, easy to maintain, and lightweight lawn mower for their small yard area.

2. American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Sale
American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel...
  • 5-blade reel with a cutting width of 14” and durable 10” polymer wheels...
  • Mechanical lawn mower with an adjustable blade height of 1”-2.25” with...
  • Manual grass cutter blades made of heat-treated alloy steel that stays...

For individuals interested in owning a push reel lawn mower that does not harm the environment and also has minimal maintenance requirements, then the American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower should do the trick.

Pros

  • The 5-blade reel with a cutting width of 14” and durable 10” polymer wheels make it easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces.
  • The mechanical lawn mower has an adjustable blade height of 1”-2.25” with scissor action cut, ensuring a clean and precise cut every time.
  • The manual grass cutter blades are made of heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp for years, making it a durable option for your lawn.

Cons

  • It may not be suitable for larger lawns or thicker grass, as it requires more effort to push.
  • The cutting height adjustment may be limited for some users, as it only has a range of 1”-2.25”.
  • It may not be suitable for individuals who prefer a motorized lawn mower, as it requires manual labor to operate.

The reel mower is quite efficient, as it had a scissor like action and did not ‘chew up’ the grass, leaving our lawn neat and well-trimmed. We also liked that it did not release any gases or produce sounds that could have been harmful to the environment or disturbing to us.

The one thing that has to be pointed out is the need to put some force when pushing it, particularly through thicker grass or through slippery surfaces. Although the bicycle is not very heavy, the durability of the wheels used makes it easy to bend around sharp curves and other structures. Moreover, the blade height adjustment may be a drawback since it has limited adjustment of 1”-2.25”.

In conclusion, we suggest the American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower for those who have a small area to mow and who are interested in using all-natural and low-maintenance equipment.

3. Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower

Sale
Fiskars Push Mower - 18" Cut Width Manual Reel Mower with No...
  • ECO-FRIENDLY PUSH LAWNMOWER: Manual reel lawn mower with 18" cut width; No...
  • BEST-IN-CLASS CUTTING PERFORMANCE: InertiaDrive Reel boasts twice the...
  • SUPERIOR ERGONOMICS: Reversible grass chute can direct clippings away from...

For an environmentally friendly lawnmower which does not need gas, oil, charging, or cables, the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower is a good choice. Quite effortless to push and thanks to its enhanced design, reel mowers are 60% easier to push than the regular ones.

Pros

  • The InertiaDrive Reel boasts twice the cutting power of standard reel mowers, while the StaySharp Cutting System eliminates the cost and inconvenience of manual blade sharpening.
  • Reversible grass chute can direct clippings away from your feet making it easier to mow tough patches while limiting messiness. One-touch handle height adjustment enhances your comfort and control.
  • Ideal for eco-friendly cutting of all grass types: Can even cut tough southern varieties like St. Augustine, Zoysia, Bahia, and Bermuda.

Cons

  • Some users have reported difficulty in assembling the product.
  • The price point is higher than other reel mowers on the market.
  • The mower is not designed for large lawns.

The technology is taken to the higher level hence pushing becomes easier and the mower goes ahead to cut through the tough grass without much straining itself. The other notable feature is the reversible grass chute which also makes it easy to mow hard to reach areas especially if you are worried about clippings being all over you feet.

It is also important to point out that the assembly of the product is not the easiest of tasks, which means that the instructions should be strictly adhered to. However, it comes at a relative higher cost than other reel mowers in the market, which we think is worthy given the advanced technology, not forgetting its environmentally friendly nature.

In sum, if you would like to buy an electric lawnmower that is environment-friendly but powerful enough to deal with thick grass, you may consider the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower.

4. American Lawn Mower 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Reel Lawn Mower

American Lawn Mower 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Reel Lawn Mower &...
  • Product 1: Power source type: self-propelled
  • Product 2: Compatible with all American Lawn Mower, Great States,...
  • Product 2: Hand reel lawn mower sharpener keeps your blades in optimal...

After reviewing the number of options available in the market, we would like to especially recommend the American Lawn Mower 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Reel Lawn Mower to every homeowner who is seeking to save some of his energy and time, as well as take care about the environment.

Pros

  • The adjustable cutting height allows you to get the perfect length for your grass.
  • The lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver and store.
  • No gas or oil means it's better for the environment and your wallet.

Cons

  • It may take a little more effort to push than a gas-powered mower.
  • It may not be as effective on thicker or taller grass.
  • The foam grip on the handle may wear down over time.

It is easy to maneuver around the yard due to its lightweight aspect and the adjustable cutting height made it possible to cut the grass to the desired length. Also, it was great to know that we were not harming the environment by using gas or oil to power up our car.

Now it did require a little more exertion to push as compared to their gas-powered lawnmowers but it was not too strenuous to maneuver. But I noticed that it could slightly choke while mowing thick or tall grass. Also, it is worth noting that the foam grip on the handle might lose its slipperiness to some extent over time, although it is not a very big problem.

On the whole, whenever you want a quick, hassle-free, environmentally friendly mode of maintaining a lawn, you should consider buying the American Lawn Mower 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Reel Lawn Mower.

5. Scotts Push Reel Lawn Mower

Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower
  • Scotts manual mower has a 18-inch cutting width, 7-blade ball bearing reel,...
  • Rotary lawn mower has an adjustable cutting height of 1" to 3" for a clean...
  • Scotts lawn mower blades are made of quality, heat-treated alloy steel that...

The Scotts Push Reel Lawn Mower is a great choice for consumers who are interested in an environmentally friendly, easy-to-use product for their lawn.

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver with T-style handle and cushioned grip.
  • Eco-friendly with no fumes or emissions and uses a cutting action that does not damage grass blades.
  • Low maintenance with only blade sharpness to be mindful of.

Cons

  • Not suitable for overgrown or uneven lawns.
  • Requires more effort and time than powered mowers.
  • Produces uneven cuts when used on wet grass.

The Scotts Push Reel Lawn Mower therefore provides an excellent tool that enables people to care for their lawns without having to power the lawnmower using gas or electricity. It is lightweight and has a T-style handle with a cushion grip, which makes it convenient to operate. The cutting action of the reel mower is highly efficient and delicate on the grass blades so as to leave a clean cut.

Despite this, reel mower cannot be used in overgrown or uneven lawns and takes more time and energy as compared to powered mowers. One must also ensure not to have the reel mower cut wet grass as this causes uneven cutting. Nevertheless, Scotts Push Reel Lawn Mower is highly recommended because of the environmentally friendly feature and easy to use in mowing the lawn without any noise at all.

6. Amazon Basics 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher

Amazon Basics 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass...
  • Precise 5-blade (18-inch cutting width) push reel lawn mower with durable...
  • Manual push reel mower with an adjustable blade height of 0.98-1.97 inches...
  • Blades are made of heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp for long...

The Amazon Basics 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher can be a good choice for an eco-friendly and low maintenance push lawn mower.

Pros

  • The 5-blade push reel lawn mower with durable 10 inch rubber wheels allows for maximum maneuverability.
  • The blades are made of heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp for long service life.
  • The push lawn mower with collection bag allows you to collect grass when using it to prevent grass from being strewn across the lawn.

Cons

  • The manual push reel mower is not effective on taller grass over 4 inches tall, withered grass, or high density grass.
  • The adjustable blade height ranges from 0.98-1.97 inches, which may not be suitable for all grass types.
  • The height of the handles does not adjust, which may be uncomfortable for taller individuals.

Assembling the product was quite easy since the instructions were well written and the design of the product allowed for easy assembly. This was attributed to the cutting width of 18 inches and five blades that provided effective cutting. Another impressive aspect of this machine was the collection bag that helped avoid scattering grass on the lawn.

Nonetheless, they held a few disadvantages – push lawn mower was not as efficient while facing tall grass and was incapable of handling withered or high density grass. The adjustable blade height may also not be ideal for certain types of grass. Also, the height of the handles was fixed and did not allow a taller person to use this product without feeling discomfort.

In conclusion, the Amazon Basics 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher is a perfect solution for environmental lovers and people who do not want to spend a lot of time on mowing their small lawns.

7. Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch Push Lawn Mower

Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch Push Lawn Mower
  • Small push lawn mower with 4-blade reel and 14" cutting width; 8.5" polymer...
  • Manual push reel mower with an adjustable blade height of 0.5”-1.75”...
  • 14-in lawn mower blades made of heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp...

For those who are seeking to ditch their gas-powered lawnmowers, the Great States 14-inch reel mower is a perfect fit. It is a lightweight and user-friendly push lawnmower with a blade that can trim the grass just as how scissors cut cloth that will take care of your lawn.

Pros

  • The 14-inch lawn mower blades are made of heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp for years and can be sharpened when necessary.
  • The 8.5-inch polymer wheels provide optimal maneuverability, making it easy to push around your lawn.
  • The adjustable blade height of 0.5”-1.75” with scissor-action cut allows you to customize the cut according to your lawn's needs.

Cons

  • The small cutting width of 14 inches may not be suitable for larger lawns.
  • The manual push reel mower requires more effort than a gas-powered mower.
  • The mower may get clogged with twigs and other debris, requiring frequent cleaning.

The blades of the lawnmower provided a clean shave on the grass and there was minimal extra shedding. One feature that I particularly liked was the ability to change the blade height depending on the lawn and the polymer wheels that we were easily maneuver around obstacles.

The fact that this model is environmentally friendly has to be one of its greatest benefits. There are no unpleasant smells and noises associated with the use of the device as there are with the use of gas mowers, and it is not highly complex and does not require the use of oil or gas. This is especially helpful to those who would like to minimize their impact on the environment but at the same time desire to have a well-kept yard.

However, the only drawback we could established was that the unit had a small cutting width of 14 inches which might not be effective for large lawns. It may also require more effort to push than a gas-powered mower, thus, users may see it as a disadvantage. Moreover, it may be difficult to maneuver within a tight space because of its size and may also have a problem with twigs and debris that can block the path of the mower and may need to be cleared frequently.

Finally, we would endorse the Great States reel mower to individuals with small yards who are actively seeking an environmentally sustainable mower other than a gas-powered model. It is convenient to use, does not require much attention, and the shave is quite clean.

8. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 20-Volt 16-Inch Electric Cordless Reel Lawn Mower

Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2020-16S 20-Volt 16-Inch Electric...
  • Scotts powerful brushless reel mower includes 20-Volt 2.0Ah battery and...
  • Wide reel mower with a cutting width of 16 inches; Grass catcher included
  • Modern lawn mower design that can be used with or without the battery

If you are in need of an easy-to-use and modern reel mower that does not necessarily require battery the Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 20-Volt 16-Inch Electric Cordless Reel Lawn Mower may be the answer.

Pros

  • The powerful brushless motor makes mowing a breeze.
  • The grass catcher included in the package is convenient.
  • The foam grip provides comfort and ease during use.

Cons

  • The battery power is not sufficient to drive blades beyond already short grass.
  • The grass catcher is difficult to attach.
  • The mower does not cut low enough for some users.

The brushless motor ensured mowing was done at a fast pace relative to the size of the compound while the grip was comfortable due to the foam.

One disadvantage which we noticed was that the battery capacity was not enough to operate the blades beyond thick grass, which is already relatively short. Further, the grass catcher was not easy to attach, and some of the users could not mow the grass to their preferred low height.

In conclusion, the Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 20-Volt 16-Inch Electric Cordless Reel Lawn Mower is an easy-to-use reel mower with a grass catcher. Nevertheless, for the people who have very thick and tall grasses, this mower may not be powerful enough to provide a solution.

Buying Guide

When it comes to the reel mower, there are some factors that one needs to look at to be in a good position to choose the right product. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Cutting Width

The cutting width of the mower is closely related to how much grass you can cut at once, from front to back. A mower with a larger cutting width allows you to mow more grass at once, and this does mean a more powerful and bulky tool. Take note of the size of your yard and how frequently you would be using the trimmer when deciding on the cutting width.

Cutting Height

The cutting height pertains to the range of how high the blades of the mower can cut. Some varieties of grass must be cut at a certain height while others can be cut lower, and therefore, ensure that the mower of your choice has adjustable cutting height.

Blades

The blades of a reel mower are what actually cut the grass. Look for mowers with high-quality, sharp blades that can be easily sharpened or replaced when necessary.

Weight

A reel mower can also be quite heavy particularly if one opts to go with a wider cutting path. Ensure that you select a mower that you will not struggle with when pushing or having to maneuver it around the lawn.

Durability

Reel mower should be considered a long-term investment to consider the product that will last longer in the market. Think about the quality of the materials utilized, the design and build of the mower, and any warranties or guarantees provided.

Ease of Use

Last, think about how hard or easy it is to use the mower you are thinking of buying or that is being recommended to you. Special options such as adjustable handles, simple height control systems, and proper hand grips should also be considered to make the process of mowing as pleasant as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gas-powered reel mower?

Since most reel mowers are push mowers, there are very limited options of gas-powered reel mowers in the market. However, the Scotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower is a classic example of a push reel mower that is gas-powered. It has a 20 inch cutting width and five blade reel making it easy to control and maintain a straight line while cutting grass.

Why did people stop using reel mowers?

The decrease in the usage of reel mowers was due to the presence of rotary mowers which were easier to use and did not demand much effort. However, there is a growing trend towards reel mowers in recent years because they are eco-friendly and the most efficient in giving a neat cut.

Which brand of reel mower is the best?

The reel mowers are produced under many brands and the good thing with these mowers is that all are unique in their own way. Some of the leading manufactures of this tool are Fiskars, Scotts, and American Lawn Mower Company among others. Overall, it is always advisable to consider one’s need and preference when it comes to choosing the best brand.

What is the best manual 7 blade reel mower?

The Great States 304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is more popular for the buyers who are in search of a manual 7 blade reel mower. It is designed to be flexible which enables it to be easy to maneuver and ideal for relatively small backyards.

What is the difference between a reel mower and a rotary mower?

Reel mowers consist of a series of rotating blades that slices against an immovable bar that works like a scissor. Rotary mowers have a blade that operates horizontally and slices through the grass in a similar manner as a knife. Another difference is that reel mowers give a neater cut and are more environmentally friendly than rotary mowers but they take longer to cut large lawns.

Are reel mowers better for the environment?

Yes, reel mowers are eco-friendly as compared to the gas mower or even an electric mower. They do not emit any toxins and are operated by human efforts, thus make them suitable for those who want to help the environment. Third, reel mowers give the grass a much neater and cleaner cut that is beneficial for the health of the lawn.