Imagine a lawn so perfectly manicured, it looks like a velvet carpet. Many homeowners dream of this, but achieving it can be a challenge. If you’re tired of the noise and fumes from gas mowers, or if you want a healthier, more eco-friendly way to cut your grass, a reel mower might be your answer. But with so many different types and brands out there, how do you pick the best one for your yard? It’s easy to get lost in all the choices, and you might worry about buying the wrong one.
Choosing the right reel mower can feel overwhelming. You want a mower that’s easy to push, cuts cleanly, and lasts a long time. You also need one that’s just right for the size and type of grass in your yard. Don’t let these worries stop you from getting that beautiful lawn. This guide is here to help!
By reading on, you’ll discover what makes a reel mower great and learn how to find the perfect match for your needs. We’ll break down the features that matter most, so you can feel confident in your choice. Get ready to transform your lawn care routine and enjoy a greener, quieter way to mow!
Our Top 5 Reel Mower Best Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Reel Mower Best Detailed Reviews
1. Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of noisy gas mowers and messy oil changes? The Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a fantastic alternative for a neat and tidy lawn. This manual mower lets you get some exercise while giving your grass a clean cut. It’s designed to be eco-friendly and easy to use, making lawn care a breeze.
What We Like:
- It gives your lawn a clean and even cut thanks to its adjustable cutting height, ranging from 0.5 to 2.75 inches.
- The 5-blade system with ball bearings and high-quality alloy steel blades means it cuts smoothly and stays sharp for a long time.
- Its 18-inch cutting width covers a good amount of grass with each pass.
- The comfortable loop-style handle with cushioned grips makes it easy to push and steer.
- Assembly is simple and doesn’t require any special tools.
- It’s a planet-friendly, quiet, and low-maintenance option since it doesn’t have a motor.
- The 10-inch composite wheels handle different terrains well.
What Could Be Improved:
- This mower requires physical effort to push, which might be tiring for very large lawns or for those who prefer a powered mower.
- It may struggle with very tall or thick grass, so regular mowing is key.
If you want a simple, quiet, and environmentally friendly way to maintain your lawn, this Great States push reel mower is an excellent choice. It offers a great workout and a beautifully cut lawn with minimal fuss.
2. Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower
Rating: 8.6/10
Tired of noisy gas mowers and tangled cords? The Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower offers a simple, eco-friendly way to keep your lawn looking neat and tidy. This mower lets you enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained yard without the hassle and environmental impact of traditional mowers. It’s a great option for anyone who wants a clean cut and a bit of exercise.
What We Like:
- It has a wide 18-inch cutting width, so you can mow your lawn faster.
- The 7-blade ball bearing reel spins smoothly for a clean cut every time.
- Ten-inch dual tracking wheels make it easy to push and steer.
- You can adjust the cutting height from 1 to 3 inches to get the perfect lawn length.
- The blades are made of strong, heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp for a long time.
- A comfortable handle with a cushioned grip makes mowing more enjoyable.
- It’s easy to put together, maneuver around obstacles, and operate.
What Could Be Improved:
- This mower works best on smaller, flat lawns. It might struggle with tall or thick grass.
- You’ll need to put in some physical effort to push it, which might not be ideal for everyone.
Overall, the Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower is a solid choice for maintaining a smaller lawn. It delivers a clean cut and promotes a healthier yard, all while giving you a good workout.
3. Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to transform your lawn care routine with the Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower. This grey mower offers a clean and eco-friendly way to keep your grass looking its best. It’s a powerful tool that’s easy to maneuver, making lawn maintenance a breeze.
What We Like:
- It has a 16-inch cutting width, so you can cover a good amount of grass with each pass.
- The 7-blade ball bearing reel cuts grass cleanly for a healthier lawn.
- Its 10-inch composite wheels make it easy to push and steer.
- The durable steel side plate design means this mower is built to last.
- It works great on various grass types like Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine.
- The alloy steel blades stay sharp longer, reducing the need for frequent sharpening.
- You can adjust the cutting height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches for the perfect cut every time.
- It’s an earth-friendly alternative that performs as well as gas mowers.
What Could Be Improved:
- Push reel mowers can be more challenging to use on very thick or tall grass compared to powered mowers.
- Some users might find the 16-inch cutting width a bit small for very large lawns, requiring more passes.
The Earthwise 1715-16EW is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a reliable and environmentally conscious way to maintain their lawn. You’ll enjoy a beautifully cut lawn with this efficient and user-friendly mower.
4. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Rating: 9.5/10
Get a perfectly manicured lawn with the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower in vibrant red. This classic reel mower is designed for small lawns and offers a clean, scissor-like cut that keeps your grass healthy. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want an eco-friendly and exercise-friendly way to maintain their yard.
What We Like:
- The 4-blade reel provides a clean cut, preventing grass blade damage.
- It’s incredibly lightweight at only 19 pounds, making it easy to push and maneuver.
- The 14-inch cutting width is ideal for smaller lawn spaces.
- Durable 8.5-inch polymer wheels ensure smooth rolling and excellent maneuverability.
- It’s an environmentally friendly option, producing no pollution or noise.
- Low maintenance means less hassle for you.
- The adjustable blade height (0.5″-1.75″) allows for customization.
What Could Be Improved:
- This mower is less effective on grass taller than 4 inches.
- For best results, it’s recommended to avoid mowing wet grass.
- Frequent mowing is ideal; letting the grass get too long will require more effort.
This American Lawn Mower Company reel mower is a simple yet effective tool for achieving a beautiful lawn. If you have a smaller yard and prefer a greener, quieter way to mow, this mower is definitely worth considering.
5. LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade
Rating: 8.9/10
The LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade is a great tool for keeping your lawn looking its best.
What We Like:
- It gives your grass a clean, scissor-like cut. This means no ripped or torn grass blades, which helps your lawn stay healthy.
- It’s designed for smaller yards. The 18-inch deck makes it easy to move around.
- You can easily change the cutting height. There are 9 different height settings, from 1.1 inches to 2.5 inches.
- It’s super easy to steer. The 10-inch front wheels help you get around trees and garden beds without any trouble.
- It doesn’t need gas or batteries. This makes it good for the environment and saves you money on fuel.
- The blades are made of strong steel. They are built to last a long time.
- It comes with a collection bag. This makes cleaning up grass clippings a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- It is best for small lawns. Larger yards might take a lot longer to mow.
- Reel mowers can sometimes struggle with very tall or thick grass. You might need to mow more often to keep it manageable.
For anyone with a smaller lawn looking for an eco-friendly and effective way to mow, the LawnMaster LMRM1801 is a solid choice.
Reel Mower Best: Your Guide to a Greener Lawn
Choosing the right reel mower can make your lawn care easier and more enjoyable. Reel mowers are a fantastic choice for a tidy, healthy lawn. They cut grass cleanly, which helps prevent disease. They are also eco-friendly and quiet. Let’s explore what makes a reel mower “best.”
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a reel mower, keep these important features in mind:
- Cutting Width: This is how wide a strip of grass the mower cuts. A wider cutting width means you’ll finish mowing faster.
- Wheel Size: Larger wheels roll over bumps and uneven ground more smoothly. This makes pushing the mower much easier.
- Handle Comfort: A padded or ergonomic handle makes the mower comfortable to hold, especially for longer mowing sessions.
- Adjustable Cutting Height: You need to be able to set the mower to cut your grass at the right height. Look for easy-to-adjust settings.
- Blade Quality: Sharp, well-made blades are crucial for a clean cut.
Important Materials
The materials used in a reel mower affect its durability and how well it works.
- Frame: Steel frames are very strong and last a long time. Aluminum frames are lighter, which makes the mower easier to push.
- Blades: High-quality steel blades are best. They stay sharp longer and give a cleaner cut.
- Wheels: Rubber or composite wheels offer good grip and smooth rolling.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a reel mower great, while others can make it a hassle.
What Improves Quality:
- Sharp Blades: Sharp blades cut grass cleanly. Dull blades tear the grass, which can harm the lawn.
- Sturdy Construction: A well-built mower feels solid and lasts longer.
- Easy Adjustments: Simple ways to change the cutting height or fix the mower are a big plus.
What Reduces Quality:
- Dull Blades: As mentioned, dull blades are a major problem.
- Flimsy Parts: If parts feel cheap or weak, the mower might break easily.
- Difficult Assembly: A mower that’s hard to put together can be frustrating from the start.
User Experience and Use Cases
How a reel mower feels to use and where it works best is important.
Reel mowers are generally very easy to use. They don’t use gas or electricity, so you don’t have to worry about cords or fuel. They are also much quieter than other types of mowers. This makes them great for small to medium-sized yards. They are perfect for people who want a quiet, eco-friendly way to keep their lawn looking neat. If you have a very large or very bumpy yard, a reel mower might be more work. But for most homeowners, they are a simple and effective tool.
Using a reel mower is a satisfying experience. You get a workout while making your lawn look its best. The clean cut promotes healthier grass growth. Many people find the quiet operation a welcome change from noisy engines. It’s a simple, effective way to maintain your yard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main benefit of using a reel mower?
A: The main benefit is that they cut grass cleanly, which helps your lawn stay healthy and look good. They are also quiet and eco-friendly.
Q: Are reel mowers hard to push?
A: Not usually. Lighter materials and larger wheels make them easier to push. Keeping the blades sharp also helps.
Q: How often do I need to sharpen the blades?
A: You should sharpen them at least once a year, or more often if you mow frequently or have tough grass.
Q: Can reel mowers cut tall grass?
A: They work best on grass that is not too tall. For very tall grass, you might need to cut it in stages or use a different type of mower first.
Q: What kind of grass is best for reel mowers?
A: They work well on most common lawn grasses, especially finer bladed types.
Q: Do reel mowers require any fuel or electricity?
A: No, they are powered by you pushing them, so no fuel or electricity is needed.
Q: How wide should the cutting path be for my yard?
A: For small to medium yards, a cutting width of 14 to 20 inches is usually good.
Q: Are reel mowers good for hilly yards?
A: They can be. Larger wheels help with uneven terrain. However, very steep hills might be challenging.
Q: What is the difference between a reel mower and a rotary mower?
A: A reel mower uses spinning blades in a cylinder to scissor-cut the grass. A rotary mower uses one or more blades that spin horizontally to chop the grass.
Q: How do I maintain a reel mower?
A: Keep the blades sharp and clean. Lubricate moving parts occasionally. Store it in a dry place when not in use.
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.
William has over three years of experience in building gazebos. He started AskGazebo.com to assist his clients.