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5 Best Reel Mowers 2025 in US

Updated
A dedicated product reviewer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for helping consumers make informed choices.
Updated

Main Features

  • Advanced StaySharp cutting system
  • InertiaDrive for easy pushing
  • Adjustable cut height (1-4 inches)
  • Forward-discharge grass chute
  • Ergonomic handle design

Product Overview

Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower is designed to make lawn mowing both easy and environmentally friendly. The mower features an advanced cutting system that significantly reduces friction, which allows for an easier push and improved cutting power.

The StaySharp Max technology ensures that the blades remain sharp for a longer time compared to traditional reel mowers, minimizing the need for frequent sharpening and maintenance. It also includes a unique grass discharge chute that throws clippings forward, away from your feet, ensuring a clean mowing experience.

The Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower is suitable for all types of grass, including tough varieties like Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine.

PROS
  • Superior cutting performance
  • Low maintenance
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Easy to push
CONS
  • Heavier than other reel mowers
  • Higher price point

Product Specifications

  • Cutting Width 18 inches
  • Weight 52 pounds

Main Features

  • 16-inch cutting width
  • Heat-treated alloy steel blades
  • Adjustable cutting height (0.5-2.5 inches)
  • Lightweight design
  • T-style handle with cushioned grips

Product Overview

The Great States 415-16 Reel Mower is an excellent choice for those who desire an efficient, low-maintenance, and eco-conscious lawn care solution. This manual push mower features a 16-inch cutting width, making it ideal for small to medium-sized lawns.

Its heat-treated alloy steel blades offer long-lasting sharpness, ensuring a clean and precise cut every time. The mower's lightweight design and T-style handle with cushioned grips make it easy to maneuver and comfortable to use.

Additionally, the height adjustment feature allows you to customize the cutting height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, catering to various grass types and preferences.

PROS
  • Affordable price
  • Low maintenance
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver
  • Quiet operation
CONS
  • Not suitable for large lawns
  • May struggle with thick or tall grass

Product Specifications

  • Cutting Width 16 inches
  • Weight 25 pounds

Main Features

  • 20-inch cutting width
  • 5-blade ball bearing reel
  • Heat-treated alloy steel blades
  • Dual wheel tracking system
  • Nine-position height adjustment (1-3 inches)

Product Overview

The Scotts 2000-20 Classic Push Reel Mower is a high-quality, manual lawn mower that offers a wide cutting width of 20 inches, making it suitable for medium to large-sized lawns. The mower features a 5-blade ball bearing reel and heat-treated alloy steel blades, ensuring a clean and precise cut.

Its dual wheel tracking system and 10-inch composite wheels provide excellent maneuverability and stability on various terrains. The mower also includes a nine-position height adjustment lever, allowing you to customize the cutting height from 1 to 3 inches.

The ergonomic handle with cushioned grips ensures comfortable use, making your lawn care routine easy and efficient.

PROS
  • Wide cutting path
  • Adjustable height settings
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Comfortable ergonomic handle
CONS
  • May require frequent blade sharpening
  • Heavier than some models

Product Specifications

  • Cutting Width 20 inches
  • Weight 34 pounds

Main Features

  • 14-inch cutting width
  • Four-blade reel
  • Heat-treated alloy steel blades
  • Adjustable cutting height (0.5-1.75 inches)
  • Lightweight and compact design

Product Overview

The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 Reel Mower is a reliable, eco-friendly lawn care solution designed for small lawns. With a 14-inch cutting width and a four-blade reel, this manual push mower ensures a clean and even cut.

The blades are made of heat-treated alloy steel, providing long-lasting sharpness and durability. The mower's lightweight and compact design make it easy to maneuver and store, while the adjustable cutting height (0.

5 to 1.75 inches) allows you to customize the grass height to your preference. The T-style handle with cushioned grips ensures comfortable use, making lawn maintenance a breeze.

PROS
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver
  • Compact design for easy storage
  • Affordable
  • Quiet operation
CONS
  • Limited cutting width
  • Not suitable for large lawns

Product Specifications

  • Cutting Width 14 inches
  • Weight 20 pounds

Main Features

  • 20-inch cutting width
  • Five-blade reel
  • Heat-treated steel blades
  • 10-inch front wheels and 6-inch rear wheels
  • Adjustable cutting height (1.75-2.75 inches)

Product Overview

The Greenworks 25072 Reel Mower is a durable, high-performance manual push mower designed for lawn enthusiasts who value both quality and ease of use. Featuring a 20-inch cutting width and a five-blade reel, this mower ensures a precise and clean cut.

The blades are made of high-quality, heat-treated steel, offering long-lasting sharpness and durability. The mower's 10-inch front wheels and 6-inch rear wheels provide excellent maneuverability and stability on various terrains.

Additionally, the adjustable height settings (1.75 to 2.75 inches) allow you to customize the grass height to suit your preferences. The ergonomic handle with cushioned grips ensures comfort during use, making lawn maintenance an enjoyable task.

PROS
  • Wide cutting path
  • Durable construction
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Comfortable ergonomic handle
CONS
  • Slightly heavier than some models
  • May require frequent blade maintenance

Product Specifications

  • Cutting Width 20 inches
  • Weight 31 pounds

A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best Reel Mower

Reel mowers have garnered attention for their eco-friendly nature, low maintenance, and the classic, clean cut they offer. Choosing the best reel mower, however, can be daunting given the myriad of options available. This guide aims to simplify the process by focusing on key considerations and highlighting top models that align with different needs.

Understanding Reel Mowers

Reel mowers operate through a set of blades that spin vertically, cutting the grass in a scissor-like fashion. This method is not only environmentally friendly but also healthier for your lawn, as it provides a cleaner cut compared to rotary mowers. They are manually powered, making them an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Key Considerations

  1. Lawn Size and Terrain

    • Small to Medium Lawns: For lawns up to 1/4 acre, reel mowers are ideal. They are easy to maneuver and require minimal effort.
    • Large Lawns: While reel mowers can be used on larger lawns, it may be more labor-intensive. Consider this if you have a significant area to cover.
    • Terrain: Reel mowers perform best on flat to moderately uneven terrain. If your lawn is extremely hilly, it might be challenging to push the mower uphill.
  2. Grass Type and Height

    • Grass Type: Different grasses have different cutting needs. Ensure the mower you choose can handle the type of grass in your yard. For instance, Bermuda and Zoysia grasses are tougher and might require a more robust reel mower.
    • Height Adjustability: Look for a mower with easy height adjustments to accommodate different grass lengths and preferences.
  3. Cutting Width

    • The cutting width determines how many passes you’ll need to make. Wider mowers cover more ground quickly, but they may be harder to push. Common widths range from 14 to 20 inches.
  4. Blade Quality and Maintenance

    • Blades: High-quality steel blades stay sharp longer and provide a cleaner cut. Some models offer self-sharpening blades, which can save time and effort.
    • Maintenance: Reel mowers generally require less maintenance than gas or electric mowers. Regularly check and adjust the blades to ensure optimal performance.
  5. Weight and Maneuverability

    • Heavier mowers can be more difficult to push, especially on uneven terrain. However, they often provide a more stable cut. Balance your need for ease of use with the quality of the cut.

Top Reel Mower Models

  1. Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower

    • Features: The Fiskars StaySharp Max is celebrated for its advanced technology, which reduces friction and makes it easier to push. It also offers a wider cutting path and a range of height adjustments.
    • Ideal For: Homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns who prioritize ease of use and minimal maintenance.
  2. Scotts 2000-20 Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower

    • Features: Known for its robust build and 20-inch cutting width, this model is perfect for larger areas. It offers nine height adjustments and dual tracking wheels for better maneuverability.
    • Ideal For: Those with larger lawns who need a reliable and sturdy mower.
  3. Great States 415-16 Reel Lawn Mower

    • Features: This model is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it a great choice for smaller yards. The 16-inch cutting width strikes a balance between efficiency and ease of use.
    • Ideal For: Homeowners with smaller, flatter lawns looking for an affordable and efficient solution.
  4. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 Push Reel Lawn Mower

    • Features: One of the most budget-friendly options, this mower is compact with a 14-inch cutting width. It’s lightweight and easy to store, making it ideal for smaller yards.
    • Ideal For: Budget-conscious homeowners with small lawns.
  5. Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

    • Features: With seven blades, this mower provides a finer, more precise cut. It’s especially effective on tougher grasses.
    • Ideal For: Those with tougher grass types who need a mower capable of delivering a clean cut.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the best reel mower involves understanding your specific lawn care needs and evaluating the features that align with those needs. Consider the size and type of your lawn, the quality of the mower’s blades, and your own physical capabilities. Reel mowers offer a sustainable and efficient way to maintain your lawn, and with the right choice, you’ll enjoy a beautifully manicured yard with minimal environmental impact.