7 Best Reel Lawn Mowers Compared & Reviewed

 

Best Reel Lawn Mower Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide

 

In case you are in the market looking for the best reel lawn mower, you are in luck because we have prepared this short paragraph to point you in the right direction, especially if you are short on time for doing a lot of research. After studying this line of products and comparing the available models in terms of efficiency, ease of use, and value, our team has concluded that the unit you should keep in mind is the Great States 815-18 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower. First of all, this model does not rip your grass, leaving it exposed to disease, but it cuts it clean, in order for your entire lawn to look tidy and healthy. Moreover, it is extremely easy to use, as you simply have to push to get it started. Thanks to the 18-inch width, you will finish the job in no time. In case our first suggestion is unavailable, we suggest the Fiskars Staysharp Push Reel Lawn Mower (6208) as an option worth considering. 

 

 

Comparison Table

 

 

 

7 Best Reel Lawn Mowers (Updated Reviews) in 2025

 

 

Since there are so many both expensive and cheap reel lawn mower models on the market, it is hard to select just one. We have read a lot about these units and checked multiple reel lawn mower reviews to present you with this short list containing top-rated products in this line.

 

 

1. Great States 815-18 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

 

If you are looking for a reliable reel type lawn mower, we suggest giving this model a try. It has no engine which means that it does not make any noise, nor does it generate any emissions. You can benefit from the clean and quiet cut of your reel mower. 

Moreover, this unit is not only lightweight but extremely easy to maneuver. While rotary mowers basically hack at grass blades and tear their vital fluids leaving them exposed to insect attacks and disease, the Great States 815-18 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower cuts the grass similarly to a pair of scissors. 

Since there is no tearing or ripping, but a precise and clean cut, your grass will look healthier and greener, making the entire lawn look great. In terms of ease of use, all you have to do to start the unit is a push. 

There is no cord to pull, no key to remember, nor any engine. This also means that you will not spend too much time and resources on maintenance. Furthermore, this also means that you do not have to deal with messy gas or oil. The great thing about this model is that it is extremely simple and ready to work when you are.

 

Pros

This is an affordable reel lawn mower, which is super easy to operate and will help you keep a neat and tidy lawn around your home. 

This model comes with five, extremely sharp blades that cut the grass clean, leaving it looking healthy, fresh, and green.

Due to the 18-inch cutting width and the 10-inch ball bearing wheels, you will be able to easily change the cutting height anywhere from half an inch to 2 3/4 inches.

Moreover, thanks to the powder-coated finish, your lawn mower will last longer so you can enjoy it for a long time to come.

Another aspect that you will certainly appreciate is the fact that this model requires very low maintenance, and it is also rather small and will not create an issue when it comes to storing it.

 

Cons

This model does not cut any tall plants such as weed stems. 

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2. Fiskars Staysharp Push Reel Lawn Mower (6208)

 

Based on the push reel lawn mower reviews we have read and its specifications, this product has definitely earned a place on our list. It is quite an impressive unit and it is an excellent option for users who need it for a small to medium lawn. It was certainly designed with durability in mind and with ease of use as well. 

With the Fiskars Staysharp Push Reel Lawn Mower, you will be able to quickly trim your lawn with the least amount of effort possible for such a task. With a width of 17 inches, this model enables you to make quick work of mowing the lawn, and its innovative design makes it much easier to push, compared with other similar mowers. 

The unit features the patent-pending InertiaDrive which is intended to deliver 50% more cutting power, which also allows it to easily cut through thick patches of twigs, weeds, or high grass areas. All of this, without the mower slowing down or jamming. 

Moreover, thanks to the StaySharp Cutting System, this model offers extremely sharp and durable blades that last longer than those of many competing products. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to perform regular sharpening or even other types of maintenance.

 

Pros

Thanks to the smart, innovative design, this eco-friendly reel push mower delivers a cleaner cut without the troubles of gasoline, electrical cords, battery charging, or noisy engines.

This model is a combination of superior technologies making it much easier to push than other similar mowers on the market.

What is more, this unit features the patent-pending IntertiaDrive Reel which is capable of delivering 50% more cutting power. Your mower will blast through weeds, twigs, or other tough spots, without jamming or slowing down.

The fact that this model has a 17-inch width means that you will be able to perform more in a smaller amount of time. 

Last but not least, the manufacturer is so sure of the quality of its product that it offers a lifetime warranty.

 

Cons

The cotter pins holding the handle to the mower seem a bit flimsy.

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3. Great States 415-16 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

 

Despite its more than decent price, this reel mower is remarkably well-made and it is able to deliver precise and reliable results. The blades are made of heat-treated tempered alloy steel, which makes them extremely durable. Moreover, they remain sharp longer than many other competitors on the market. 

Furthermore, the Great States 415-16 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is lightweight and very easy to maneuver, which is a great plus for such a unit. You should know that this model is suitable for users who need to take care of smaller lawns. 

The unit comes with 10-inch ball-bearing wheels that allow the user to navigate this eco-friendly mower around the lawn easily and quickly. Also, the unbreakable steel side plate provides extra protection as well as resilience. This model has a 16-inch cutting width and is capable of making wide cutting swathes in order for you to cut the lawn in no time and with no noise or pollution. 

For comfortable usage, the handle has a T-style design with cushioned grips. The handle is also powdered-coated in order to prevent rust. What is more, the cutting height of this unit is adjustable from half an inch to two and a half inches.

 

Pros

This model is a clean and quiet option that can help you maintain your lawn, and it does not require any gas or oil to operate.

The 16-inch cutting width, the five-blade ball bearing reel, as well as the 10-inch composite wheels help you quickly and easily mow your lawn with almost no effort.

To make your job even easier and more efficient, the mower comes with extremely sharp blades made of high-quality, heat-treated alloy steel which keeps them sharp for a very long time.

In order to obtain a clean and even cut every time, this unit has a quickly adjustable cutting height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches.

Thanks to the T-style design of the handle with cushioned grip, mowing the lawn will not only be effortless but also comfortable and fun.

 

Cons

The unit does not handle uneven surfaces too well, but it can take care of these areas after several passes.

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4. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20 Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower

 

If you are looking for a bigger cutting width, we suggest you try this model that has a width of no less than 20 inches. The unit is therefore capable of making fast work even for a medium-sized lawn. Thanks to the unique rear wheel design, drag is reduced for super easy maneuverability which speeds up the whole lawn mowing process. 

What is more, the Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20 Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower is very stable as well as extremely easy to push. This model comes with five heat-treated steel blades that are sturdy and sharp, leaving behind only crisp and scissor-like clippings for a beautiful and well-manicured lawn. 

Furthermore, the unit has nine adjustable cutting heights ranging between one and three inches. Therefore, you will be able to easily and quickly adjust it in order to obtain a perfect cutting height for your lawn. To make things even easier, the unit comes with a foam-grip loop handle which is very comfortable to hold. 

In addition, a welded protective reel hood is included in order to protect overhanging shrubs and bushes from unintentional damage. This is great when you are trimming along the edges of the lawn.

 

Pros

Since it comes with a 20-inch cutting width, a five-blade ball bearing reel, and 10-inch dual tracking wheels, this model makes mowing your lawn quick and extremely easy and efficient.

Furthermore, the quick-snap one to three-inch cutting height adjustment provides a clean and even cut every time you use the mower.

Moreover, the blades are made of high-quality, heat-treated alloy steel that makes them very sharp and durable.

The ergonomic handle has a cushioned grip for increased comfort. Your hands will not feel sore after finishing mowing the entire lawn.

You will also like that this model is lightweight as well as easy to operate, and it does not require gas or oil.

 

Cons

If your lawn has very tall grass or weeds you might want to consider another option, as this mower tends to push down these tall stalks instead of cutting them.

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5. Fiskars 362050-1001 StaySharp Max Reel Mower

 

Reading an honest reel lawn mower review can help a lot when looking for a product in this line. We have read many and found another mower that definitely has a rightful place on our list. Although it is a more expensive option compared to other similar products in this line, it is worth every cent. 

First of all, the IntertiaDrive reel technology uses a cutting reel that has a larger diameter as well as heavier blades. These offer the Fiskars 362050-1001 StaySharp Max Reel Mower more power. This means that you will be able to handle thick grass and small twigs also with incredible ease. If you are familiar with these types of tools, you will definitely feel the difference. 

What is more, the proprietary VersaCut technology enables the blades to cut all types of grass and to lessen internal friction. Furthermore, the blades are made of precision-ground, hardened steel that can last for years without any sharpening. 

It is also important to mention that even if some parts are heavier than those of other models, the mower itself is quite easy to push and maneuver. Also, the height is adjustable from one to four inches, and the looped handle makes the unit even easier to push.

 

Pros

Enjoy lawn mowing with this advanced reel mower that is extremely easy to push and operate compared to many other products in this line offered by the competition.

Thanks to the advanced technology used in the making of this tool, you will be able to cut any type of grass with remarkable cutting power.

Furthermore, you can position the reversible grass chute to direct clippings backward, downward, or forward, and away from your feet.

The inset wheels enable the blades to extend across the unit’s full 18-inch cut width, while the cut height is adjustable from one inch to four inches.

No maintenance is required when it comes to this model. You will not even have to sharpen the blades for years due to the high-quality materials used to make them.

 

Cons

Even though it is very easy to operate, this mower is heavier than other similar products in this line.

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6. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 Push Reel Lawn Mower

 

The next candidate on our list is a lightweight reel mower which fits any budget and cuts grass effectively for a clean and manicured lawn. Regardless of the age, height, or strength of the user, this unit is extremely easy to maneuver. However, you should also keep in mind that the product is made from high-quality materials, so it will last you for a long time to come. 

The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 Push Reel Lawn Mower uses four blades in order to offer your lawn a scissor-like cut. Furthermore, you can adjust the height you want the grass to be cut from 0.5 to 1.75 inches. The cutting width of this unit is 14 inches. 

Using this model is extremely comfortable thanks to the handle design that was made so that your hands will not slip as you push. Also, the grips fit just perfectly in your palms. Furthermore, the reel on this model is made from alloy steel which means that it was built to last. 

The unit can also endure a lot of mowing. It is recommended to sharpen the blades once a year in order to benefit from precise cutting every time.

 

Pros

The 14-inch cutting width, the polymer wheels with a four-blade ball bearing, as well as 8.5-inch composite wheels are some of this mower’s specs to help you tend to your lawn.

In order to obtain a clean and scissor-like cut each and every time, you can adjust the cutting height from 0.5 to 1.75 inches.

Furthermore, the blades are made from high-quality heat-treated alloy steel to keep them sharp for a long time, with only one sharpening process required every year.

What is more, the four-blade reel provides great versatility for various common grass types such as bluegrass, fescue, rye, or mixed weed.

 

Cons

The 14-inch cutting width is not too wide which means that you will have to make multiple passes over your lawn in order to get every spot.

In case you have a medium to large lawn, this model is not your best choice. You should get a mower with a larger cutting width.

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7. DuroStar 5-Blade Height Adjustable Push Reel Mower

 

This product is described as a lawn demon that provides superior cutting without all that hassle of gas and oil-powered models. While gas-mowers often leave a rough cut, this model will leave your lawn looking clean, healthy, and manicured. 

Another benefit of using such a model is the fact that you will not be generating any noise, and you will not have too much trouble storing the unit when it is not in use. This lawn mower comes with adjustable cutting heights in order to suit all users, and it is also as easy as moving the side handle up or down. 

What actually cuts the grass is a heat-treated, five-blade rotary system which comes already sharpened and ready to cut. The DuroStar 5-Blade Height Adjustable Push Reel Mower comes with a grass catcher that can hold enough clippings for most small to medium-sized yards. 

Moreover, the catcher is extremely easy to attach and it comes with the initial purchase of the mower, so you do not have to pay for it separately. This saves you money, as well as the time you would spend looking for such an accessory.

 

Pros

The 16-inch cutting width of this mower is enough for any small to medium-sized lawn.

Moreover, the ten-inch heavy-duty wheels can handle most types of terrains.

With a simple twist of a knob, you can adjust the cutting height from 0.5 to 2 inches.

This model is equipped with five steel blades that cut the grass with scissor-like precision, leaving your lawn looking manicured, neat, and tidy.

With the mower, you will also receive a grass catcher which is very easy to attach and to empty, so all the clippings will not remain scattered all over your lawn.

 

Cons

After the clipping bag is full, it starts throwing material all over the place, so you will need to pay some attention and empty it before that happens.

This model does not work too well on tall grass. You would need two or three passes in order to get the job done.

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Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

These gardening tools are often regarded as old-fashioned ones, but they are definitely making a comeback. A reel mower is at some level a combination between scissors and string trimmers but performs more like a pair of high-performance, extremely sharp scissors. In order to find the best reel mower, you will need to take a few things into consideration.

 

 

Two alternatives

It all depends on whether you like working out a bit or prefer a unit that has some power behind it. In this sense, you can either choose a manual reel lawn mower or a power reel lawn mower. 

The manual option is your classic version of a lawn mower. It does not have any motor or engine, so all of the power that is required to push it across the lawn comes from your legs. Even though it requires more work, you can get quite a few benefits from a push reel lawn mower.

First of all, it comes with a budget-friendly price. Secondly, there is no gas tank you need to refill, and no engine to maintain. Moreover, it performs quietly and does not generate any fuel emissions. 

In case you are looking for a smooth operation that does not really require your power, you might want to consider the powered alternative. The most common models work on gas engines which are similar to those used on other types of walk-behind mowers. Because of this, you will be able to use it on larger lawns without the physical strain a manual version would require.

 

Blades

Again, you can choose how many blades you want your reel lawn mower to have. You can select a model with four, five, or seven blades. In order to determine the number of blades that best works for you, you ought to think about the type of grass you will be mowing. 

For example, for heavier, bent grasses like St. Augustine or Bermuda, you should go for seven blades. In case your grass is finer and thinner, such as the Kentucky bluegrass or fescue, four and five-blade mowers work just fine.

 

Width

Since reel lawn mowers are available in different widths, from 14 to 20 inches, it goes without saying that a wider mower will help you do the job faster. If you go for a 20-inch model, you will be able to cut a lawn 30% faster than with a 14-inch unit. 

Still, you need to know that no matter how wide your mower is, you will still break some sweat if you are using a manual reel mower. But do not worry, as the heaviest manual model is only 50 pounds.

 

 

Accessories

These tools are really great because they are very straightforward to use. However, if you add an accessory or even two, you will be able to get the most out of your mower. These products leave behind grass clippings that are rich in nutrients and can fertilize your lawn. However, if you want your lawn to look tidy, you can consider using a grass catcher. 

You can attach it behind the mower. While you walk, the catcher will collect these clippings which will also be very easy to dispose of. Also, as it is the case of any reel lawn mower, maintenance is a necessity. What you will like about these types of units is that the blades are very easy to sharpen. 

You can simply apply an abrasive paste to the blades and then push the mower. The blades sharpen themselves as they spin, so there is no other intervention from your side. We cannot tell you what the best push reel lawn mower is, but if you follow our instructions, we are sure you are going to find the most suitable option for your needs.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

 

Q: Can a reel mower cut tall grass?

If you are using a reel mower, tall grass means a lot more work. It is not impossible to cut tall grass with a reel mower, but it is better to use these tools to mow smaller amounts more often than letting the grass get too tall. 

Push reel mowers can usually cut heights between 1-3/4 and 2-1/2 inches, depending on the model you select. When operating in overgrown areas, a reel mower can get bogged down, making it difficult to push it forward. 

Moreover, it can cause it to jam. Due to this, push reel mowers are best used in well-maintained yards with grass that does not measure more than four inches. Even though these mowers are not the best choice for lawns with over 4-inch tall grass, it can be done. However, the task requires a bit more time as well as patience.

 

 

Q: Can you mow wet grass with a reel mower?

Many people state that it is not good to mow the grass immediately after it rains. The thing is that tall grass, especially, can put a real strain on some mowers, but it depends on the type. There are models with really sharp blades that can handle even wet grass without issue. 

If you need to mow your lawn and you are not sure if the grass is still too wet, try mowing a row. In case the tool gets bogged down, wait until later. Also, you should consider that wet grass tends to bend over which means that you will probably miss taller blades of grass. Once they get dry, these blades will stand out revealing an uneven cut. 

It is best to start mowing once the grass blades are all upright. Wet blades also tend to cut less cleanly, leaving larger clippings. Therefore, mowing wet lawn is not impossible, but it is recommended to wait until the grass gets dry.

 

Q: How does a reel lawn mower work?

A push reel mower does not require an engine, gas, or oil, therefore it does not cause any pollution. Moreover, it is also categorized by the movement of the blades. They spin when the mower is being pushed and stop the moment the mower stops. 

The number of blades in a reel varies from model to model, but they all consist of at least one blade, as well as a bed knife blade which remains stationary. When the mower is pushed the blades rotate, cutting the grass. There is nothing complicated in the system. These are actually quite basic devices. 

The power used to make a reel mower operate comes only from the user. Furthermore, these devices are very quiet, unlike powered mowers. Reel-type mowers cut the grass with scissor-type motion. Each grass blade is clipped as if cut with a pair of scissors.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) Pick the right lawn mower for your needs

2) In Praise of the Push Reel Mower

3) Terrain Shape & Size

4) How Reel Mowers Work