Are you looking to get a nice looking lawn? Then, it's time to invest in the best reel mower. However, reel mowers are not for everyone. They're meant for small, medium-sized, and flat lawns because they might require some extra effort to push them.
Lawnmower technology has advanced over the years, but there are still a bunch of reasons why many people opt for a push reel lawn mower. Using a push mower is the perfect way to trim your lawn grass without damaging it.
Furthermore, they are cheaper, lightweight, simple to use, easy to store, and quite environmentally friendly. Above all, they give an admirable clean trim. Using it is also a great way to exercise.
There are so many reel mowers available in the market today. Narrowing down those choices can be tiresome and time-consuming. This is why we are here to help. Below is a review of the best reel mowers in the market and a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
5 Top Picks for Push Reel Lawn Mower
1. American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch 4-Blade
- 4-blade reel with a cutting width of 14” and durable 8.5” polymer wheels for maximum maneuverability
- Mechanical lawn mower with an adjustable blade height of 0.5”-1.75” with scissor action cut
- Manual grass cutter blades made of heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp for years
- Environment-friendly alternative to gas-powered lawn mowers which is pollution-free and noise-free; Low...
- Capable of cutting grass up to 4 inches tall
The American Lawn Mower Company 14 inch 4 blade is a deluxe reel mower that delivers an exceptional performance which you would expect from high-quality lawnmowers. It features a four-blade reel that is long-lasting and will give you a cutting width of 14-inches.
It also has an adjustable cutting height from 0.5 inches to 1.75 inches, which allows it to make quick passes. The 8.5-inch polymer wheels make it very easy to push this mower around your lawn. The blades are made out of heat-treated alloy steel, which gives you a clean cut while.
If you are looking for a reel mower for your garden or yard with uneven surfaces, then this is one of the best options for you. This is because it offers a great grip and allows you to easily maneuver around difficult areas without any problems.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Durable design and low maintenance
- Noise-free and environmental friendly
- The cutting width is great for small lawns or tight spots
- Great handle
- Adjustable cutting height
- 2 years warranty
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Requires very little storage space
Cons
- The handle may be too short for tall people
2. Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower, 18 Inch
- Quality Yardcare Tools: Designed to help you take back your yard, Fiskars lawn and gardening tools are...
- Advanced Technology for best-in-class cutting performance: The InertiaDrive Reel boasts twice the cutting...
- Superior Ergonomics: Reversible grass chute can direct clippings away from your feet making it easier to mow...
- Ideal for eco-friendly cutting of all grass types: Can even cut tough southern varieties like St. Augustine,...
- Includes 1 Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower with 18” cutting width. VersaCut technology offers cut height...
The Fiskars Staysharp max reel mower is our second pick as one of the best reel mowers. It features a traditional design, that is twice as easy to push as other common models. It uses an "InertiaDrive” system to help it move easily without much effort.
It has a reverse chute design that throws grass forward or behind, therefore preventing any mess. The StaySharp cutting system consists of five blades that will cut grass for many years without re-sharpening. . The updated four plastic wheels also make it easier to maneuver.
With an 18-inch cutting width, this reel mower will only take a few minutes to finish the job. The cutting height is adjustable from 1 inch to 4 inches. This push reel lawn mower is designed to give a smooth lawn mowing experience. However, with its 51 pounds weight, you might find it tedious and challenging to store.
Pros
- Staysharp cutting system and long-lasting blades
- An inbuilt grass chute
- Easily cuts through thick grass
- 3-year warranty
- Powerful and easier to use
- A Unique wheel system
- Loop design handle for a comfortable grip
- Adjustable height
Cons
- It is heavier and bulkier
- Slightly expensive
3. Great States 415-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
- Manual mechanical mower with a quick, adjustable cutting height of 1"-2.5" for a clean and even
- Lightweight lawn mower has 16" cutting width, 5-blade ball bearing reel, and 10" composite wheels for optimal...
- Push blade mower with high-quality heat-treated alloy steel blades that stay sharp longer
- Comfortable push mower handle parts with a T-style cushioned grip; Easy, tool-less assembly
- Clean and quiet reel mower to maintain your lawn without the need for gas or oil
With the Great States 415, you get a 16-inch cutting width and 5 blades that aid in its excellent cutting performance. These blades have great quality because they are constructed with heat-treated alloy steel and retain their sharpness for a long time. The sharpness of the blades enables you to trim nicely even along the borders of your lawn.
It has T-shaped and padded handles which make it easy to push. One great thing about the Great states mower is that it is lightweight, about 25 pounds, making it easy to maneuver across the yard. Its cutting height is also adjustable from 0.5 inches to 2.5 inches, allowing it to snip the grass off without ripping or tearing, resulting in a well-trimmed lawn.
The Great states 415 also has 10” ball bearing wheels that allow you to trim around your lawn quickly and the unbreakable steel sides offer additional protection.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Adjustable cutting height
- Easy to maneuver wheels
- Affordable
- The blades are durable
- A rear roller for great stability
- Simple to use design
- Great for small to medium-sized yards
- Comfortable handles
Cons
- May struggle to cut grass taller than 3 inches
4. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade
- Classic Scotts 20 inch push no-motor manual reel rotary lawn mower features 20" cutting width, 5-blade ball...
- Quick-snap 1"-3" cutting height adjustment for a clean, even cut every time with this Scotts classic hand push...
- Blades on the Scotts classic hand push reel rotary 20 inch lawn mower are made of quality, heat-treated alloy...
- Ergonomic handle with cushioned grip for comfort when using the Scotts 20 inch 5-blade manual hand push...
- Lightweight and easy to operate; This engine-free, no-motor, classic manual reel hand push lawn mower requires...
The Scotts 2000-20 boasts of its widest 20-inch cutting width. It gives one of the best cut quality than most of the mowers in the market. It is also unusually tall with a cutting height that is adjustable from 1-3 inches making it a great choice for different types of lawns.
With this mower, you won’t need to trim your yard multiple times. The blades are constructed with heated alloy steel that retains their sharpness for longer. These blades cut the grass with great accuracy.
The dual-tracking wheels also enhance the maneuverability of the mower, giving you an easy time mowing the lawn and smooth results. This mower features comfortable cushioned handles and at only 34 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Pros
- 9 adjustable cutting heights
- Comfortable to grip
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble, use and store
- Widest cutting width
- Durable blades
- Stable and easier to maneuver
Cons
- The wheels might depreciate faster than other models
5. American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade
- 4-blade reel with a cutting width of 14” and durable 8.5” polymer wheels for maximum maneuverability
- Mechanical lawn mower with an adjustable blade height of 0.5”-1.75” with scissor action cut
- Manual grass cutter blades made of heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp for years
- Environment-friendly alternative to gas-powered lawn mowers which is pollution-free and noise-free; Low...
- Capable of cutting grass up to 4 inches tall
The American Mower Company has been manufacturing high-quality lawn mowers for over 120 years. This is our second item on our list from this amazing company which shows that it is a great and dependable company.
Their 1815 reel mower boasts sturdy construction and an 18” cutting path, which is wider than most mowers in the market. It makes broad and clean strips across your lawn. This allows you to finish a small or medium-sized lawn in less time.
It has 5 alloy steel blades, that enable this reel mower to make precise trims on your lawn. Its 10” ball bearing wheels ensure stability even on unsteady terrain. The cutting height is adjustable from 0.5 inches to 2.75 inches which ensure that you get a perfect cut. With its simple design, fold-down handles, and weighing in at only 29 lbs, this reel mower is incredibly easy to maneuver.
Pros
- Lightweight but sturdy enough
- Solid construction
- Adjustable cutting height
- A wide cutting width
- Easy to use and store
- Has a comfortable grip
- Easier to push
- Gives clean cuts
- Environmental friendly
Cons
- Not the best reel mower if the grass is too tall
- Grass or a small object like a stick may get in the blades, halting them
Things to consider before buying reel mowers
1. Cutting height
For the cutting height, you should put your grass type and its maximum growing height into consideration. Some reel mowers have an adjustable height, often between 1 to 3 inches. Other models offer a preset cutting height.
It is better to opt for a reel mower with an adjustable height because it allows you to get the proper height, depending on the length of the grass. With the right blade height, your grass will remain healthy.
2. Number of blades
A Reel mower may come with four or up to seven cutting blades, that aid in grass cutting The more blades a reel mower has, the easier the mowing process and the cleaner the trim of your lawn. However, you can have a reel mower with seven blades, but if they spin slowly, the result of your lawn will be highly affected. It is important to not only choose a reel mower with many blades but also one with a high revolution count.
3. Cutting Width
The standard cutting widths for reel mowers range from 15 inches to 20 inches. The wider the reel mower, the fewer mow passes you will need to make. A wider width will also make the mower more difficult to push because of increased resistance.
4. Durability of the blades
A reel mower whose grass blades are heated with alloy steel tends to stay sharper for longer. This is because steel blades have a high tensile strength that makes the blade durable and resistant to corrosion. When buying a push mower, it is important to ensure that the blades are made with high-quality material.
5. The slope of your lawn
If your lawn is well level and uniform, then any push reel mower can be used. However, if you have a sloppy or a bumpy lawn, then it is recommended to buy a powerful mower that can across different angles. This way, you won’t need to destroy your manual reel mower or push it several times on the same path.
6. Size of the wheel
Since these mowers lack a monitor or an engine and may require a manual push, the wheels are important to allow you to easily push. It is advisable to choose a reel mower with a larger wheel size to allow the mower to pass through the thicker grass or on an uneven surface without much effort.
The best wheel sizes may range from 10-inches to 12-inches. You have to choose a large wheel size, in consideration of other important features, for better utilization of reel mower. Ensure to always check the wheel size before buying.
7. Weight
A heavy reel mower may be great for a big lawn because it is faster to push over. However, that can be a huge problem. Lighter lawn mowers are easier to push and you won't be fatigued as much as using a heavy one. It’s important to choose a lightweight reel mower but if you have no problem pushing it the heavy ones are not a bad idea, especially if you have bumpy surfaces.
8. Maintenance
Manual push mowers are generally maintenance-free, unlike electric or gas powered mowers. This is because they don't require oil-changes, charging, or refueling. The only maintenance required is to sharpen the blades of these lawn mowers after a few years to improve their grass cutting ability. Choose a mower that has long-lasting blades, handles, and wheels to avoid unnecessary maintenance costs.
9. Price
When purchasing your best overall reel mower, you need to have a budget. As much as it is important to choose the affordable option, it is also important to make sure that it has all the great features you need for your lawn. In short, any reel mower should show the value for your money.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) on reel mowers
1. What is the best reel lawn mower to buy?
The best reel mower should fit your lawn needs and size, among other many determinants. According to mower reviews, the best reel lawn mower is the American Lawn Mower Company with a 14-inch width and 4 blades. This is because it gives an exceptional performance, clean cuts, and is easier to push.
2. Do reel mowers cut better?
A reel lawn mower cuts better for a medium or a small lawn since there is no ripping or tearing. It gives a clean cut and seals the grass blade so that it holds the moisture. It also disperses the grass clippings in a fine spray that decomposes quickly. However, a reel mower performs better for lower heights, such that the grass is not too long or wet. It may also not work well in chopping up twigs and going over rocks.
3. How often should you mow with a reel mower?
During the grass growing seasons, it is important to mow your lawn once a week. Some recommend every 5 to 7 days. However, never trim more than one-third of the blades of grass. If the lawn is cut too short within a short period of time, it can be unhealthy for your lawn.
4. How long do reel mowers last?
With a lot of care, reel mowers can last for 5+ years. However, most of them last for about three years. A push reel lawn mower may require sharpening of the blades. The durability of the blades is crucial when it comes to a reel lawn mower.
