Maintaining a small lawn doesn’t require a loud, gas-guzzling machine. For those seeking a quiet, eco-friendly, and surprisingly effective way to keep their grass tidy, the push reel mower is a perfect solution. These manual mowers provide a clean, scissor-like cut that is healthier for your turf, all while giving you a bit of light exercise. They are simple to store, require minimal maintenance, and let you enjoy the sounds of nature while you work.
If you have a flat, small to medium-sized yard, a reel mower can handle the job with ease. The key is to mow frequently, as these mowers perform best on grass that isn’t too tall. This roundup covers ten of the best reel mowers on the market, highlighting models with various cutting widths and special features to help you find the ideal manual mower for your lawn care needs.
The Best Reel Mowers for a Perfect Cut
- American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch Push Reel Mower
- Fiskars Push Mower, 18″ Manual Reel Mower
- Great States 415-16 16-Inch Reel Mower
- Fiskars Push Mower – 17″ Cut Width Manual Reel Mower
- Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S 20-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower
- Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
- AAVIX Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher, 20″
- Sun Joe MJ501M w/ 7-Gallon Detachable Grass Catcher
- Greenworks 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher
- Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower
American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch Push Reel Mower
As a classic in the manual mower space, the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 is a fantastic entry-level option. Weighing only 19 pounds, its lightweight design makes it exceptionally easy to push and maneuver around tight corners and small garden beds. The 14-inch cutting width is well-suited for very small lawns, and the durable polymer wheels ensure smooth operation.
This mower features a 4-blade reel and an adjustable cutting height ranging from 0.5 to 1.75 inches. It operates entirely without gas, oil, or cords, making it a pollution-free and quiet choice for your lawn care routine. It is important to note that for the best performance, you should mow regularly before the grass gets too tall.
Fiskars Push Mower, 18″ Manual Reel Mower
The Fiskars 18-inch Push Mower stands out with its advanced engineering designed for ease of use. Its patented InertiaDrive reel provides twice the cutting power of many standard reel mowers, making it more effective at slicing through grass. Furthermore, Fiskars claims this model is 60% easier to push, which significantly reduces user fatigue.
User comfort is a priority with this mower. It features a reversible grass chute that you can set to direct clippings away from your path, and a one-touch handle allows for quick height adjustments. The StaySharp Cutting System is a major benefit, as it is designed to maintain its edge for the life of the mower, eliminating the need for manual sharpening.
Great States 415-16 16-Inch Reel Mower
The Great States 415-16 is a reliable and straightforward reel mower that offers great value. With a 16-inch cutting width and large 10-inch ball-bearing wheels, it glides over the lawn with minimal effort. The heat-treated blades are built to stay sharp for a long time, ensuring a consistent and clean cut.
This mower provides a generous cutting height range, adjustable from a half-inch up to two and a half inches to suit various grass types and conditions. Its simple, durable construction means there is very little that can go wrong, making it a low-maintenance tool perfect for the eco-conscious homeowner with a small, flat lawn.
Fiskars Push Mower – 17″ Cut Width Manual Reel Mower
This 17-inch model from Fiskars incorporates the same innovative technology as its larger sibling but in a slightly more compact form. The StaySharp Cutting System and InertiaDrive Reel work in tandem to deliver 50% more cutting power while being 30% easier to push than many competing models. This makes it an excellent middle-ground option for small lawns.
Built for convenience and reliability, this mower requires no gas, oil, or cords. The precision-ground, hardened steel blades are robust enough to handle occasional twigs and weeds without dulling quickly. It’s a hassle-free gardening essential that provides a quiet, efficient mowing experience.
Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S 20-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower
For those with a bit more lawn to cover, the Scotts 2000-20S offers a wider 20-inch cutting path. This classic-style mower features a 5-blade ball bearing reel that ensures smooth operation and a clean, even cut. The 10-inch dual tracking wheels provide stability and help the mower roll straight.
Adjusting the cut height is a quick and simple process, with a range from 1 to 3 inches. The blades are constructed from heat-treated alloy steel, a quality material known for holding an edge longer. This mower is a solid, time-tested choice for anyone seeking a larger, effective manual mower.
Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
The Earthwise 1715-16EW distinguishes itself with a high blade count, featuring a 7-blade ball bearing reel. More blades can often translate to a finer, more scissor-like cut as the grass is snipped more frequently. This can be particularly beneficial for certain turf grasses, making it a versatile tool for a healthy lawn.
Built with a durable steel side plate design and 10-inch composite wheels, this mower is made to last. The alloy steel blades are designed to stay sharp through extended use. It’s a robust option for homeowners who want a precise cut from their manual mower.
AAVIX Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher, 20″
The AAVIX Push Reel Mower is a great choice for those who prefer a tidy lawn without leaving clippings behind. Its key feature is the included grass catcher, which collects cuttings as you mow. With a substantial 20-inch cutting path, you can cover more ground quickly.
This mower offers six height adjustment positions, allowing you to fine-tune your cut from 1.25 inches to 2.75 inches. The wheel setup, with 10-inch front wheels and 6-inch rear wheels, is designed for good maneuverability and stability. It’s a functional mower that combines a wide cut with the convenience of bagging.
Sun Joe MJ501M w/ 7-Gallon Detachable Grass Catcher
Sun Joe’s MJ501M manual mower is another excellent bagging option, featuring a large 7-gallon detachable grass catcher. This capacity means you can mow for longer periods before needing to stop and empty the bag. The mower cuts an 18-inch path with its 5 sharpened steel blades.
You have extensive control over the cutting height with nine different positions, reaching up to 2.44 inches deep. The RazorReel cutting system is designed for precise and efficient cutting. As with all reel mowers, it requires no fuel or electricity, making it a simple and environmentally sound choice.
Greenworks 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher
The Greenworks 16-Inch Reel Mower offers flexibility with its 2-in-1 feature, providing both mulching and rear bag capabilities. This allows you to choose whether to return nutrients to the lawn with fine clippings or collect them for a cleaner look. The 16-inch cutting path is efficient for small lawns.
It includes four height adjustment positions, offering a range from 1 1/8 inches to 2 1/4 inches to accommodate different grass types and seasonal growth. This mower combines the benefits of a traditional reel mower with the added versatility of a collection system, giving you more control over your lawn’s appearance.
Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower
Completing our list is another solid offering from Great States. The 815-18 model features an 18-inch cutting width and a 5-blade reel, striking a balance between coverage and cutting frequency. This makes it a suitable option for small to medium-sized lawns that are relatively flat.
While specific details are more limited, this mower carries the reputation of the Great States brand for building dependable and affordable manual mowers. It is designed for easy operation and low maintenance, requiring no fuel or cords to get the job done quietly and efficiently.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Perfect Reel Mower for Your Small Lawn
I love my reel mower. It’s quiet, gives me a bit of exercise, and leaves my grass looking clean and healthy. If you have a small, flat lawn, one of the best reel mowers for small lawns could be a fantastic choice for you, too. But with a few different models out there, how do you pick the right one? I’ve learned a few things from my own experience that can help you decide.
First, consider the cutting width. This is how wide a path the mower cuts in a single pass. For a typical small urban lawn, a width between 14 and 18 inches is usually perfect. A narrower mower is easier to maneuver around tight corners and garden beds, while a wider one will get the job done a little faster. Think about the layout of your yard. If it’s full of obstacles, a smaller cutting width might be your best friend.
Next, pay close attention to the number of blades, or reels. Most modern reel mowers have either 5 or 6 blades. A 5-blade reel does a great job for standard maintenance. However, if you’re a stickler for that pristine, striped golf-course look, a 6 or even 7-blade model will provide a finer cut. More blades mean the grass is snipped more times in a single rotation, leading to a cleaner finish. It’s one of those small details that can make a noticeable difference in the final look.
Adjustability is another huge factor. Being able to easily change the cutting height is crucial as the seasons change. In the hotter summer months, you might want to leave your grass a bit longer to help it retain moisture, while a shorter cut might be preferable in the spring and fall. Look for a mower with a simple, single-lever height adjustment. This lets you change the height for all wheels at once, which is much more convenient than fiddling with each wheel individually.
Finally, think about the build. You want something durable that will last for years. A mower with a steel reel and bed knife is generally preferred for its longevity and sharpening potential over one with composite parts. Also, check the handle height and see if it’s adjustable. A comfortable pushing posture makes the whole task much more pleasant. The weight matters, too; a lighter mower is easier to lift for storage, but a heavier one might feel more stable and substantial during use. By weighing these factors—cutting width, blade count, adjustability, and build quality—you can find a mower that turns lawn care from a chore into a simple, satisfying ritual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are reel mowers actually good for my lawn?
Yes, they are excellent for your lawn’s health! Unlike rotary mowers that tear the grass, a reel mower works like a pair of scissors, making a clean cut. This clean cut helps prevent grass tips from browning and makes your lawn less susceptible to disease. It’s a much healthier way to mow, which is why they are often considered one of the best reel mowers for small lawns by enthusiasts.
What type of lawn is NOT suitable for a reel mower?
Reel mowers struggle with certain conditions. If your lawn is very bumpy or uneven, the mower might scalp the high spots and miss the low ones. They also don’t handle tall, overgrown grass well—you should never cut more than a third of the grass blade at a time. Furthermore, if you have a lot of sticks, pine cones, or other debris, these can jam the reel. They are best for flat, well-maintained lawns.
How often do I need to sharpen the blades?
This depends on how often you use it and the size of your lawn. With regular use on a small lawn, you might only need to sharpen the blades once every one to two years. A tell-tale sign that it’s time is when the mower starts pushing grass over instead of cutting it cleanly. Some models make it easier to sharpen than others, so that’s something to consider when you buy.
Is it difficult to push a reel mower?
On a flat, well-kept lawn, a modern reel mower is very easy to push. The reel blades are designed to spin as you walk, which provides a lot of the momentum. It’s genuinely less effort than you probably imagine. The key is to mow frequently so the grass never gets too long, which would require more force. It’s a smooth, quiet, and surprisingly easy process.
Can a reel mower handle weeds?
It can cut the tops off of weeds, just like it cuts grass. However, it won’t pull them out by the root like a weeder would. For broadleaf weeds like dandelions, the mower will simply slice through the leaves. It’s not a weed removal tool, but it will keep your lawn looking neat and tidy by keeping everything a uniform height.