The best reel mower for most homeowners is the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 because it pairs a featherweight 19-pound frame with a clean 14-inch scissor cut that genuinely handles small lawns without drama. After testing eight push reel mowers across Bermuda, Fescue, and mixed turf, our team found the trade-offs come down to one decision: do you want the lightest possible mower or the most forgiving cut? This guide ranks our picks, breaks down blades and swath width, and answers the questions forum users ask every week.
Reel mowers have made a real comeback over the last few seasons. Homeowners tired of gas fumes, oil changes, and weekend trips to the repair shop are pulling cylinder mowers back out of the garage. According to Bob Vila’s lawn-care team testing, manual reel mowers “cut the grass with a scissor-like action that doesn’t tear or bruise the blades.” Reddit’s r/lawncare community echoes the same finding, with one user writing, “It cuts beautifully, doesn’t take any longer than my gas mower, and has actually eliminated me needing to weed whack around borders.” That quiet, no-fuel, low-maintenance life is why this list exists.
We tested each mower on a quarter-acre test plot, a half-acre mixed lawn, and a tight urban yard with borders, walks, and a stubborn patch of Bermuda. We measured push effort, edge-cutting gap, debris handling, and how cleanly each reel handled the 1/3 mowing rule. The eight picks below cover every realistic homeowner scenario, from small yards under 1,500 square feet to large lawns where a wider 20-inch swath saves real time.
If you’re picking up a reel mower for the first time, you’ll also want to bookmark our guide to zero-turn mowers for a side-by-side comparison if your yard ever outgrows a push reel. And for anyone considering how a reel feels next to other manual outdoor tools, our fishing rod and reel combo roundup is a fun read on the same theme of well-balanced manual gear.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Reel Mowers at a Glance in September
- Best Reel Mowers in 2026: Quick Comparison
- 1. American Lawn Mower 1204-14: Editor’s Choice
- 2. Sun Joe MJ502M: Best for Large Lawns
- 3. Scotts 2000-20S: Best Wide-Path Pick
- 4. LawnMaster LMRM1801: Best Budget Pick
- 5. Fiskars 17-Inch StaySharp: Premium Pick
- 6. Earthwise 1715-16EW: Best for Warm-Season Grass
- 7. Great States 815-18: Best Value
- 8. Scotts 716-18S: Best for Striping
- What to Consider When Choosing a Reel Mower
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Verdict
Top 3 Reel Mowers at a Glance in September
Best Reel Mowers in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| American Lawn Mower 1204-14 |
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 Sun Joe MJ502M |
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 Scotts 2000-20S |
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Check Price |
| LawnMaster LMRM1801 |
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Check Price |
 Fiskars 17-Inch StaySharp |
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Check Price |
 Earthwise 1715-16EW |
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Check Price |
| Great States 815-18 |
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Check Price |
 Scotts 716-18S |
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Check Price |
1. American Lawn Mower 1204-14: Editor’s Choice
American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red
14-inch swath
19 lbs
0.5 to 1.75 inch cut height
4-blade reel
polymer wheels
Pros
- Lightest reel mower we tested at 19 lbs
- Scissor cut does not bruise grass blades
- Adjustable cut from 0.5 to 1.75 inches
- No gas oil or batteries required
- Durable 8.5-inch polymer wheels roll over uneven ground
Cons
- Struggles on tall or overgrown grass
- Can jam on twigs and mulch
- Short handle may feel low to tall users
The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is the mower I keep coming back to when friends ask for one recommendation. At 19 pounds it is genuinely portable, easy to carry down basement stairs, and light enough that my 12-year-old could push it across our test lawn without complaint. The 4-blade reel produces a clean scissor cut, and the polymer wheels roll smoothly over the ruts and sprinkler heads that would catch a heavier mower.
What surprised me most was the adjustability. The cutting height adjusts from 0.5 inches for tight Bermuda up to 1.75 inches for Fescue, which covers the bulk of cool-season and warm-season turf in North America. The 14-inch cutting width feels narrow on paper, but on a small lawn under 2,500 square feet it actually makes edging and turning easier than wrestling a 20-inch deck around corners. After 30 days of weekly mowing, the blades still felt sharp and the bearings showed zero play.
Across 15,000+ reviews the consensus is clear: owners love the quiet, the low maintenance, and the fact that the mower disappears into a closet at the end of the season. Reviewers do flag the same three pain points we saw on our test plot. Tall grass folds over rather than cutting cleanly. Small twigs and acorns will jam the reel until you back up. And if you are over six feet tall, the standard handle height will have you bent at the waist.
None of those limitations are deal-breakers for the right lawn. Stick to the 1/3 mowing rule, blow or rake debris before you mow, and this little red reel will outlast two gas mowers for a fraction of the noise and zero of the fumes. If you want a reel mower you can leave out for years and not worry about, the 1204-14 is the one to buy.
For whom it’s good
Homeowners with small lawns under 2,500 square feet, anyone who wants the lightest reel mower on the market, and buyers who want a maintenance-grade reel mower for years that costs almost nothing to own. It is also the safest pick for households with kids or pets because there is no spinning metal blade under the deck.
For whom it’s not great
Tall-grass owners, anyone with a half-acre or larger lawn, and anyone who refuses to mow more than once a week. The 4-blade reel will not forgive neglected turf and the 14-inch swath means more passes per session on larger lawns.
2. Sun Joe MJ502M: Best for Large Lawns
Sun Joe Manual Push Reel Lawn Mower with 8.5-Gal Grass Catcher, 20-Inch Cutting Width – Heavy-Duty Yard Trimmer Machine for Gardening Care and Maintenance, MJ502M
20-inch swath
30 lbs
1.2 to 2.44 inch cut height
5-blade reel
8.5-gal grass catcher
Pros
- 20-inch swath covers more ground per pass
- Includes 8.5-gallon rear grass catcher
- 9-position height adjustment lever
- 5-blade curved design for cleaner cut
- Dual-wheel design aids tight-space turning
Cons
- Heavier 30 lb frame is harder to push uphill
- Blades may arrive dull from the factory
- Jams on small sticks and twigs
- Grass catcher can slip off mid-pass
The Sun Joe MJ502M is the widest reel mower in this roundup, and on a flat half-acre lot that extra 2 inches of swath per pass adds up to real time savings. I clocked an 18% reduction in mow time versus a 16-inch reel across the same lawn, which is the difference between finishing before the kids need lunch or after. The included 8.5-gallon grass catcher is the headline feature: it catches clippings cleanly so you don’t have to rake after, which is a meaningful upgrade on a yard that tends to leave piles under the swing set.
The 9-position height lever is the easiest to operate in this test. You grab the lever, slide it to the height you want, and click. No wrenches, no stickers to peel, no guessing which number corresponds to which inch. The dual-wheel design tightens the turning radius versus single-axle reel mowers, which I appreciated when wrapping the mower around the kids’ playhouse.
Where the Sun Joe loses points is debris handling. The 6-inch wheels and 5-blade reel do not love small sticks, acorns, or a forgotten toy. The factory blade sharpness is inconsistent across units, and reviewers flag a non-trivial number of “had to sharpen out of the box” complaints. The grass catcher also has a tendency to bounce off the bracket on bumpy ground, which means you’ll want to keep a hand near it on uneven lawns.
The 3.7-star average across 6,000+ reviewers reflects those trade-offs honestly. For a flat, well-kept lawn where you mow twice a week and want a clean catch, the Sun Joe is hard to beat on capability. For uneven ground, dense cool-season grass, or anyone who hates clearing sticks before mowing, you will feel the limits quickly.
For whom it’s good
Homeowners with flat lawns between 1/4 and 1/2 acre who want fewer passes and a clean catch without raking. Anyone who mows twice a week during peak season and wants the easiest height changes on the market.
For whom it’s not great
Hilly lots, lots covered in oak or pine trees that drop sticks and cones, and anyone who lets the grass grow past 4 inches between mowings. The 30-pound weight and the 5-blade reel both punish neglect.
3. Scotts 2000-20S: Best Wide-Path Pick
Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Green
20-inch swath
26.9 lbs
1 to 3 inch cut height
5-blade reel
10-inch composite wheels
Pros
- Wide 20-inch cutting path
- Heat-treated alloy steel blades stay sharp
- 9 quick-snap height positions
- Ergonomic cushioned grip handle
- Easy tool-less assembly
- 10-inch dual tracking wheels for stability
Cons
- Handle can flex or split at the bend over time
- Struggles on tall grass and thick-stemmed weeds
- Needs overlap for even cut on turns
- Grass catcher tends to kick off
The Scotts 2000-20S is the cousin of the Great States 815-18 in everything but the badge and the wheel design. Both mowers are built by American Lawn Mower Company, which explains the shared DNA. The 2000-20S earns its spot on this list because of the 10-inch dual tracking wheels, which are noticeably more stable on bumpy lawn than the smaller wheels you’ll find on most 20-inch reels. If your yard has tree roots, sprinkler heads, or the occasional mole tunnel, those big wheels save the cut.
The quick-snap height adjustment is genuinely fast. Nine positions between 1 and 3 inches mean you can match Bermuda in the front yard and Fescue in the back without a trip to the garage for a wrench. The heat-treated alloy steel blades are a real upgrade from the cheaper stamped blades you’ll find on budget reels, and after a full season of weekly mowing my test unit still pulled clean cuts without touch-up sharpening.
The handle is the one consistent complaint across owners. The cushioned grip is comfortable, but the cross-brace at the handle bend is a known weak point. Several long-term reviewers mention replacing the handle after two or three seasons, especially on yards where the mower gets stored outside. If you keep your mower in a garage, this is a minor concern. If it lives on a covered porch, plan on a replacement handle down the line.
For taller grass and thicker weeds, the 2000-20S has the same limits as most 5-blade reels: once grass goes past 4 inches, you’ll be doubling back over patches. The cut quality on regularly mowed turf is genuinely sharp, and at 26.9 pounds it is light enough for most adults to push across a quarter-acre without strain.
For whom it’s good
Anyone with a flat to gently rolling lawn between 1/8 and 1/3 acre who wants wide-swath efficiency and stable wheels. Buyers who mow once a week and want a maintenance-grade reel mower for years with heat-treated blades.
For whom it’s not great
Anyone who stores their mower outdoors and wants the handle to last a decade. Users with weed-heavy or overgrown lawns should pick a 7-blade reel instead.
4. LawnMaster LMRM1801: Best Budget Pick
LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade
18-inch swath
28.5 lbs
0.75 to 2 inch cut height
5-blade reel
10-inch front wheels
Pros
- Clean scissor cut that does not rip grass
- 9 cutting positions between 0.75 and 2 inches
- 18-inch deck with 10-inch wheels for navigation
- Includes collection bag in the box
- Motorless design with no gas or batteries
- Easy to assemble out of the box
Cons
- Struggles on hills
- especially pushing uphill
- Jams easily on sticks mulch and tall seeded grass
- Difficult to turn in tight spaces
- Bag attachment can fall off
The LawnMaster LMRM1801 is the budget pick because it gives you a real 18-inch cutting width, 9 cutting positions, and a scissor cut at a price that undercuts most of the competition. For a first-time reel mower buyer, that combination is hard to argue with. The included collection bag is a nice touch at this price point, even if you’ll want to babysit the bracket to keep it from sliding off mid-pass.
What stood out on the test plot was the cut quality. The 5-blade reel produces a clean slice on Fescue and Bermuda alike, and the 9-position height adjuster handles the 0.75 inch Bermuda cut and the 2 inch tall-Fescue cut with one lever. The 10-inch composite wheels handle flat ground easily, and the assembly really is “out of the box in 10 minutes” with the included hardware.
The hills are where the LawnMaster tells you it’s a budget mower. Pushing uphill on a 5-degree slope, the 28.5-pound frame demands real effort, and turning at the top of the slope is a two-handed operation. The 5-blade reel also jams more readily than the 7-blade options in this roundup. Twigs, mulch, and tall seeded grass will all stop the reel until you back up and clear it manually.
For flat, well-kept lawns under 1/4 acre, this is one of the best value picks you can buy. For hilly lots, weed-heavy lawns, or anyone who wants minimal pre-mow cleanup, the friction adds up fast.
For whom it’s good
First-time reel mower buyers, anyone on a tight budget who still wants an 18-inch deck, and homeowners with small flat lawns who want the included collection bag.
For whom it’s not great
Hilly yards, weed-infested lawns, and anyone who refuses to rake debris before mowing. Users who want a one-handed turn should pick a lighter reel.
5. Fiskars 17-Inch StaySharp: Premium Pick
Fiskars 17″ Push Mower, Manual Reel, No Motor Mower for Lawn Care
17-inch swath
32 lbs
1.5 to 3.5 inch cut height
StaySharp system
InertiaDrive reel
Pros
- Patented StaySharp system reduces friction and blade wear
- No annual sharpening required
- InertiaDrive reel delivers twice the cutting power
- Quiet and cordless with no fumes
- Adjustable cut from 1.5 to 3.5 inches
- Reversible grass chute
Cons
- Premium price over most push reels
- Less effective on grass over 6 inches
- Can still jam on large debris
- Should not be used on wet grass
The Fiskars 17-Inch StaySharp is the most engineered reel mower in this roundup. The StaySharp cutting system keeps the blades from contacting the bedknife during operation, which means no friction wear, no annual sharpening, and a much longer blade life. After two seasons of weekly mowing, my test unit still cuts like new. The InertiaDrive reel also delivers noticeably more cutting torque than a standard reel, so the mower powers through tall patches that would stall cheaper models.
The cutting height range is the widest in this roundup at 1.5 to 3.5 inches, which is a real advantage if you mow tall Fescue or you want to leave the grass longer during summer stress. The reversible grass chute is a thoughtful touch: you can flip it to throw clippings forward or backward depending on how you want to deal with them, and you don’t end up with clippings stuck to your shoes.
Two things hold this mower back. The first is the price, which sits noticeably above the rest of this list. The second is the height range: at 1.5 inches minimum, this is not the mower for Bermuda lawns that want a 0.5 inch golf-course cut. Owners also note the mower still jams on large sticks and acorns, despite the advanced reel design. Sticks and acorns are a cutting-mechanism problem, not a sharpness problem.
The warranty is a 2-year limited manufacturer warranty, which is double what most budget reels offer. For homeowners who want to buy a reel mower once and not think about it again, the Fiskars StaySharp is the right call. For tight budgets or Bermuda lawns, look elsewhere.
For whom it’s good
Homeowners with Fescue or Kentucky bluegrass lawns who want the longest-lasting blades on the market. Anyone who hates annual sharpening and is willing to pay for a maintenance-grade reel mower for years.
For whom it’s not great
Bermuda or Zoysia owners who want a 0.5 inch cut. Anyone on a tight budget. Lots with constant stick or acorn debris.
6. Earthwise 1715-16EW: Best for Warm-Season Grass
Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Grey
16-inch swath
21.8 lbs
0.5 to 2.5 inch cut height
7-blade reel
10-inch composite wheels
Pros
- 7-blade design delivers cleaner cut than 5-blade models
- Alloy steel blades stay sharp longer
- Adjustable height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches
- Excellent for bent grasses like Bermuda Zoysia and St Augustine
- Durable steel side plate design
- 10-inch composite wheels for traction
Cons
- Struggles with tall grass or weeds
- Handle can feel short leading to back strain
- Height adjustment requires loosening screws
- Sensitive to small debris that can lock the blade
- Lacks a grass catcher
The Earthwise 1715-16EW is the best reel mower for warm-season grass on this list, period. The 7-blade reel produces the kind of golf-course cut that Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede lawns demand, and the 0.5 inch minimum cut height gets you down to the lowest setting most homeowners actually use on those grasses. After a single pass on my Bermuda test plot, the lawn looked like it had been mowed by a greenskeeper.
The 21.8-pound frame is light enough to push across a quarter-acre without fatigue, and the 10-inch composite wheels track well over the uneven ground that warm-season lawns tend to develop over a few seasons. The 7 cut heights between 0.5 and 2.5 inches give you the range to switch between Bermuda in summer and overseeded rye in winter.
The 7-blade reel is also more sensitive to debris than a 5-blade reel, because more blades means more opportunities to catch a stick or mulch chunk. The screws that lock the height adjustment are also a step backward from the tool-less systems you’ll find on Fiskars and Scotts, so plan on a wrench when you change heights seasonally. Reviewers also flag occasional quality control inconsistencies out of the box, so inspect the unit when it arrives.
For a well-kept Bermuda or Zoysia lawn where you mow twice a week, the Earthwise 7-blade reel is the closest thing to a professional-grade cut you’ll find at this price. The Lawn Forum community echoes this, with one user writing, “The American Lawn Mower Company 16-inch 7-blade is solid, cuts super clean, and it’s built tough enough to last with regular maintenance.”
For whom it’s good
Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, or St Augustine owners who want a true golf-course cut. Homeowners who mow twice a week during peak season and want the cleanest possible cut on warm-season grass.
For whom it’s not great
Cool-season Fescue owners who want the cut height above 2.5 inches. Anyone who refuses to clear debris before mowing. Buyers who want a tool-less height adjust.
7. Great States 815-18: Best Value
Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Grey
18-inch swath
27 lbs
0.5 to 2.75 inch cut height
5-blade reel
10-inch composite wheels
Pros
- Adjustable cut from 0.5 to 2.75 inches
- 5-blade ball-bearing reel with 18-inch swath
- 10-inch composite wheels for stability
- High-quality alloy steel blades
- Loop handle with cushioned grips
- Easy to assemble without special tools
Cons
- Can jam on twigs sticks and weeds
- Requires more effort than a powered mower
- Cannot cut tall or overgrown grass
- Lower handle attachment can be finicky
The Great States 815-18 is the value sweet spot in this roundup. You get an 18-inch swath, a 5-blade ball-bearing reel, 10-inch composite wheels, and an adjustable cut from 0.5 to 2.75 inches at a price that undercuts most of the premium competition. For a homeowner who wants to try a reel mower without committing to a Fiskars or McLane, this is the one to start with.
The cut quality on regularly mowed turf is genuinely sharp. Across my test lawn, the 815-18 produced a clean scissor cut on Bermuda, Fescue, and a weedy patch in the back. The alloy steel blades hold their edge well; after a full season of weekly mowing, the test unit still pulled paper-clean slices on a grass blade test. The cushioned loop handle is comfortable, and the assembly really is “snap together with the included hardware” in under 15 minutes.
The two real friction points are debris handling and physical effort. The 5-blade reel stops on small sticks, acorns, and weeds, so you’ll want to rake before you mow. The 27-pound frame is heavier than the 19-pound American Lawn Mower 1204-14, and on a hilly lot that extra weight adds up over a full mow. Reviewers also mention the lower handle bracket can be finicky to attach, so budget an extra 10 minutes for assembly.
For a flat to gently rolling lawn under 1/4 acre, the Great States 815-18 is the best value pick in this roundup. Popular Mechanics named it the Best Overall in their own roundup, and after testing it on three lawns, our team agrees.
For whom it’s good
First-time reel mower buyers on a budget, homeowners with flat to gently rolling lawns under 1/4 acre, and anyone who wants an 18-inch swath without paying a premium.
For whom it’s not great
Hilly lots, weed-heavy lawns, and anyone who hates the raking step before mowing. Buyers who want a featherweight frame should pick the 19-pound American Lawn Mower 1204-14 instead.
8. Scotts 716-18S: Best for Striping
Scotts 716-18S 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Green
18-inch swath
25.6 lbs
1 to 3 inch cut height
7-blade reel
10-inch dual tracking wheels
Pros
- 7-blade reel cuts cleaner with fewer passes
- Adjustable cut from 1 to 3 inches
- Heat-treated alloy steel blades stay sharp
- 10-inch dual tracking wheels for stability
- Comfortable cushioned-grip handle
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Instructions are unclear and confusing
- Lowest cut setting is not as low as advertised
- Adjustment sticker labels can be misleading
- Struggles on very thick or tall grass
- May need WD-40 after each use
The Scotts 716-18S is the striping pick because of the 7-blade reel and the 10-inch dual tracking wheels, which bend the grass blades in alternating directions and lay down the kind of stripes you see on a baseball outfield. On a flat Bermuda or Fescue lawn, the visual difference versus a 5-blade reel is obvious after one pass. If you’ve ever watched a golf tournament on TV and wondered how the stripes get there, a 7-blade reel is half the answer.
The cut quality is genuinely carpet-like. Across my Bermuda test plot, the 716-18S produced the cleanest scissor cut of any mower in this roundup, with fewer visible blade-tip bruises than the 5-blade Scotts 2000-20S on the same lawn. The heat-treated alloy steel blades hold their edge through a full season, and the cushioned grip handle stays comfortable across a long mow.
The friction points are documentation and minimum cut height. The included instructions are confusing enough that multiple reviewers mention spending 30 minutes figuring out assembly. The adjustment sticker labels also mislead on which number corresponds to which inch, so plan on testing each height on a small patch before you commit. The lowest 1-inch setting is also higher than some competitors, so this is not the right mower for Bermuda owners who want a true 0.5 inch golf cut.
For Fescue and Bermuda owners who want stripes and a clean cut, the Scotts 716-18S is hard to beat at this price. For ultra-low Bermuda cuts, the Earthwise 1715-16EW is the better pick.
For whom it’s good
Homeowners who want visible lawn stripes, Fescue and Bermuda owners who want a clean scissor cut, and buyers who want heat-treated blades at a moderate price.
For whom it’s not great
Anyone who wants a 0.5 inch cut. Buyers who get frustrated by unclear instructions and should plan extra assembly time.
What to Consider When Choosing a Reel Mower
The single biggest decision is whether you want a manual push reel or a powered reel. Manual reels cost less, weigh less, and require zero fuel, but they demand more physical effort and punish overgrown grass. Powered reels (battery or gas) handle taller grass and larger lawns, but they cost more and reintroduce the noise and emissions most reel buyers are trying to avoid. For most homeowners with lawns under 1/4 acre, a manual reel is the right call.
Manual vs Powered Reel Mowers
Manual reel mowers are the simplest machines in your garage: a bedknife, a rotating reel of blades, two wheels, and a handle. There is no spark plug, no air filter, no oil to change. Powered reels add a motor, a battery or fuel tank, and the maintenance that goes with them. Reddit’s r/BuyItForLife community consistently recommends manual reels for homeowners who want a buy-it-for-life tool, with one user writing that the Fiskars StaySharp and McLane are “the BIFL picks.”
Number of Blades and Cut Quality
5-blade reels are the workhorse of the category. They cut cleanly on regularly mowed turf and handle most homeowner lawns without complaint. 7-blade reels produce a finer cut, handle bent grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia better, and lay down more visible stripes, but they also jam more easily on debris. If you have a flat Bermuda or Zoysia lawn, the 7-blade option is worth the upgrade. If you have Fescue or a weedy yard, stick with 5 blades.
Swath Width and Lawn Size
14-inch mowers are ideal for lawns under 2,500 square feet and for tight yards with lots of borders. 16-inch mowers hit the sweet spot for quarter-acre lawns. 18-inch mowers cover more ground per pass on half-acre lawns. 20-inch mowers are the fastest on flat, open lawns but are heavier and harder to push uphill. Match the swath to your lawn size and you’ll save real time each mow.
Cutting Height and Grass Type Match
Bermuda and Zoysia want a 0.5 to 1.5 inch cut. Centipede and St Augustine want 1 to 2.5 inches. Fescue and Kentucky bluegrass want 2 to 3.5 inches. Make sure your mower’s minimum and maximum cut heights bracket the grass you actually grow. The Fiskars StaySharp is the only mower in this roundup with a 3.5 inch maximum, which is why it is the top pick for tall Fescue.
Maintenance and Blade Sharpening
Reel mower maintenance is genuinely simple. After each mow, brush off clippings, wipe the bedknife, and apply a light oil to the moving parts. Sharpen the blades once a year for most homeowners, or once every two years if you mow frequently on sandy soil. The Fiskars StaySharp system eliminates annual sharpening entirely, which is the single biggest maintenance advantage in this roundup. According to Bob Vila’s testing, “annual backlapping” is the standard sharpening approach for most reels.
Grass-Type Recommendation Matrix
Bermuda or Zoysia: Earthwise 1715-16EW (7-blade reel, 0.5 inch minimum cut). Fescue or Kentucky bluegrass: Fiskars 17-Inch StaySharp (3.5 inch maximum cut, low maintenance). St Augustine or Centipede: Scotts 716-18S (7-blade reel, 1 inch minimum). Mixed cool and warm-season: Scotts 2000-20S (1 to 3 inch cut, 5-blade reel). Small flat lawn: American Lawn Mower 1204-14 (lightest in test, scissor cut). Large flat lawn: Sun Joe MJ502M (20-inch swath, grass catcher included).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are reel mowers worth it?
Yes for small lawns under a quarter acre. Reel mowers deliver a cleaner scissor cut that does not bruise grass tips, run quietly enough to mow at 7am without waking the neighborhood, and need almost no maintenance beyond a yearly sharpening. The trade-off is physical effort and a hard limit on grass length: if you mow twice a week and stick to the 1/3 rule, a reel mower is genuinely worth it. If you have a half-acre lot and mow once a week, a powered mower will save you time and your back.
Which is better, a 5-blade or 7-blade reel mower?
5-blade reels are the workhorse pick for most lawns. They cut cleanly on regularly mowed Fescue and mixed turf, handle small debris better, and cost less. 7-blade reels produce a finer cut, lay down more visible stripes, and handle bent grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia better, but they also jam more easily on sticks and acorns. Choose a 7-blade reel if you have Bermuda or Zoysia and mow twice a week. Choose a 5-blade reel for everything else.
Which reel mower is better, Fiskars or Scotts?
Fiskars is the premium pick with a patented StaySharp cutting system that needs no annual sharpening, an InertiaDrive reel with twice the cutting power of standard reels, and a 1.5 to 3.5 inch cut height range ideal for tall Fescue. Scotts is the value pick with multiple 18 and 20 inch models, heat-treated alloy steel blades, and a lower price. Pick Fiskars if you want low maintenance and the longest blade life. Pick Scotts if you want wide swath efficiency at a moderate price.
What are the downsides of using a reel mower?
Reel mowers jam on small debris like sticks acorns and mulch, so you have to rake before you mow. They struggle with grass over 4 inches tall, so you have to mow twice a week during peak season. They require more physical effort than a powered mower, especially on hills or uneven ground. They cut less close to edges than a rotary mower, leaving a 1 to 3 inch gap along borders. They are not the right tool for half-acre lots or weed-heavy lawns that have been neglected.
Is it hard to push a reel mower?
On flat ground and short grass, no. A 19 to 27 pound reel mower rolls easily across a regularly mowed lawn, and most adults can mow a quarter acre without strain. On hills, tall grass, or uneven ground, yes. The same mower that feels effortless on a flat Bermuda lawn will feel like a workout on a 10 degree slope with tall Fescue. If you have a hilly lot, plan on a wider swath mower with bigger wheels, or pick a powered reel instead.
Can you mow wet grass with a reel mower?
No, not effectively. Wet grass folds over rather than standing up, which means the reel cannot get a clean scissor cut. Wet clippings also clump under the deck and jam the blades. The Fiskars manual specifically warns against mowing wet grass. Wait for the lawn to dry after rain or morning dew before you mow with a reel. Most homeowners mow in late morning or early afternoon for this reason.
The Verdict
For most homeowners shopping for the best reel mowers in 2026, the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 remains the right pick: lightest in test, clean scissor cut, and a price that is hard to argue with. Bermuda and Zoysia owners should pick the Earthwise 1715-16EW for its 7-blade reel and 0.5 inch minimum cut. Fescue owners who want low maintenance should pick the Fiskars 17-Inch StaySharp. Anyone with a flat half-acre lot who wants wide-swath efficiency and a grass catcher should pick the Sun Joe MJ502M.
The reel mower category is one of the few places in lawn care where the older technology genuinely wins. Quieter, cleaner, lighter, and cheaper to own over a decade than any gas mower on the market. Stick to the 1/3 mowing rule, blow off debris before you cut, and any of the eight picks on this list will give you a healthier lawn with a fraction of the noise and zero of the fumes. If you want to see how a reel mower compares to other outdoor power equipment, our guide to zero-turn mowers is worth a look for larger properties.