Do you dream of a perfectly manicured lawn that looks like it belongs on a golf course? The kind of lawn that makes your neighbors a little envious? Often, the secret to that kind of beauty isn’t a fancy gas-guzzler, but a simple, old-school tool: the reel mower. But stepping into the world of reel mowers can feel a bit overwhelming. There are so many different kinds, and it’s tough to know which one will actually make your mowing job easier, not harder.
Choosing the right reel mower is important because it can transform your lawn care routine from a chore into a satisfying experience. You want a mower that cuts cleanly, is easy to push, and lasts a long time. But figuring out the differences between them can be confusing, and you might worry about buying one that’s too hard to use or doesn’t give you the results you want. We get it! That’s why we’ve put together this guide.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand what makes reel mowers so special and how to pick the perfect one for your yard. We’ll break down the key features to look for, explain the pros and cons of different types, and help you avoid common mistakes. Get ready to discover the simple power of reel mowing and get the lawn of your dreams!
Our Top 5 Reel Lawn Mowers Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Reel Lawn Mowers Detailed Reviews
1. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Rating: 9.5/10
Tired of dealing with noisy, gas-guzzling lawnmowers? The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower in vibrant red offers a simple, eco-friendly solution for maintaining your small lawn. This classic push mower brings a fresh approach to lawn care, giving you a clean cut and a healthier yard.
What We Like:
- It has a 4-blade reel that cuts grass cleanly, so it doesn’t damage the blades.
- The 14-inch cutting width is great for small lawns.
- It only weighs 19 pounds, making it super easy to push and maneuver around your yard.
- The 8.5-inch wheels help it move smoothly.
- You can adjust the cutting height from 0.5 to 1.75 inches.
- It’s a pollution-free and noise-free way to cut your grass.
- It requires very little maintenance.
- It’s a fantastic, environmentally friendly choice.
What Could Be Improved:
- It works best on grass that’s 4 inches tall or shorter. Taller grass can be tricky.
- It’s not ideal for cutting wet grass.
- You need to overlap your cuts a bit more if the grass is 4 inches or taller.
This reel mower is a fantastic option for anyone with a smaller yard who wants a quiet, green way to keep their grass looking neat. It’s a simple tool that delivers great results when used correctly.
2. LawnMaster LMRM1401 Push Reel Lawn Mower 14-Inch 5-Blade
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of noisy gas mowers and tangled cords? The LawnMaster LMRM1401 Push Reel Lawn Mower 14-Inch 5-Blade offers a simpler, greener way to keep your lawn looking its best. This mower uses a clever design to give your grass a clean, healthy cut every time. It’s easy to use and perfect for smaller to medium-sized yards.
What We Like:
- It gives your grass a clean, scissor-like cut. This means no ripped or torn blades, leading to a healthier-looking lawn.
- You can easily adjust the cutting height. There are four different settings, so you can choose the perfect length for your grass, from 1 inch to 2 inches.
- This mower is super easy to move around. Its 14-inch deck and large 10-inch front wheels help you steer it around obstacles and tight corners with no trouble.
- It’s good for the environment! There’s no gas or batteries needed. You just push it, and it works.
- The blades are made of strong, hardened steel. They are built to last a long time, so you won’t need to replace them often.
What Could Be Improved:
- It might struggle with very tall or thick grass. For these tougher jobs, a powered mower might be better.
- Since it’s a push mower, it takes a bit more effort than a self-propelled one. This is something to consider if you have a large yard or find pushing difficult.
Overall, the LawnMaster LMRM1401 is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a quiet, eco-friendly, and effective way to maintain a beautiful lawn. It’s a tool that makes lawn care simple and satisfying.
3. LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade
Rating: 8.9/10
Tired of noisy gas mowers and tangled cords? The LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower offers a simpler, greener way to keep your lawn looking its best. This 18-inch mower uses a 5-blade reel to give your grass a clean, scissor-like cut, promoting a healthier yard. It’s also incredibly easy to handle and adjust, making lawn care less of a chore.
What We Like:
- **Scissor-Like Cut:** The 5-blade reel cuts grass cleanly, preventing damage and keeping your lawn healthy.
- **Customizable Cut Height:** Easily choose from 9 different height settings, from 3/4 inch to 2 inches, to get the perfect look for your grass.
- **Easy to Maneuver:** The 18-inch deck and large 10-inch front wheels make it simple to steer around obstacles and tight spots.
- **Motorless Design:** It runs without gas or batteries, making it eco-friendly and quiet. You save money and help the environment!
- **Durable Construction:** Built with strong steel blades, this mower is made to last for many seasons.
- **Includes Collection Bag:** A handy bag is included to catch grass clippings, making cleanup a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- **Not Ideal for Tall Weeds:** Reel mowers work best on regularly maintained lawns. Tall, thick weeds might be tough to cut.
- **Requires Some Effort:** Since it’s a push mower, you’ll need to put in some physical effort, especially on larger or sloped yards.
For homeowners seeking a quiet, environmentally friendly, and effective way to maintain a healthy lawn, the LawnMaster LMRM1801 is an excellent option. It offers a superior cut and user-friendly features for a better mowing experience.
4. Fiskars Push Mower – 18″ Cut Width Manual Reel Mower with No Motor – Grass Cutter with Steel Blades that Stay Sharp – Eco-Friendly Lawn Care
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of gas fumes, tangled cords, and the constant hassle of maintaining a gas-powered mower? The Fiskars Push Mower – 18″ Cut Width Manual Reel Mower is your answer for a greener, simpler way to a beautiful lawn. This eco-friendly grass cutter offers a powerful, quiet, and effortless mowing experience, letting you reclaim your weekends and enjoy your yard. Its innovative design means no gas, no oil, and no charging – just pure, clean mowing power at your fingertips.
What We Like:
- Eco-Friendly Operation: It runs on pure muscle power, making it great for the environment. No gas, oil, or electricity needed!
- Effortless Pushing: You’ll find it 60% easier to push than other reel mowers, which is a big relief for your back and arms.
- Superior Cutting: The InertiaDrive Reel delivers twice the cutting power, and the StaySharp blades stay sharp, so you don’t have to worry about sharpening them.
- Versatile for All Grass: It handles tough grasses like St. Augustine with ease and has adjustable height settings from 1 to 4 inches.
- Smart Design: The reversible grass chute directs clippings away, keeping your path clear and clean. The adjustable handle height adds to your comfort.
- No Hassle: It’s perfect for regular lawn maintenance without the noise and pollution of gas mowers.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: Like any reel mower, it might take a little practice to get the hang of it, especially if you’re used to a rotary mower.
- Not for Overgrown Lawns: This mower works best on lawns that are mowed regularly; very tall or thick grass might be more challenging.
The Fiskars Push Mower offers a truly refreshing approach to lawn care. Enjoy a perfectly manicured lawn while doing your part for the planet.
5. Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Rating: 9.0/10
Tired of noisy gas mowers and messy cords? The Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower in Grey offers a simpler, greener way to keep your lawn looking sharp. This hand-push mower uses a clever reel system to cut grass cleanly. Its 16-inch cutting width means you can cover a good amount of ground with each pass. The 7-blade ball bearing reel spins smoothly, and the durable steel construction ensures it will last. Plus, it’s great for various grass types, including Bermuda and St. Augustine.
What We Like:
- It’s planet-friendly, meaning no gas or oil needed.
- The 7-alloy steel blades stay sharp longer for a clean cut.
- You can adjust the cutting height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches.
- It cuts grass cleanly, making your lawn look great.
- The 10-inch composite wheels are easy to push.
- It’s a quiet and eco-friendly alternative to gas mowers.
What Could Be Improved:
- It requires some physical effort to push, especially on thicker grass.
- It might not be ideal for very large lawns.
- Adjusting the cutting height could be a bit simpler.
For those seeking a straightforward, earth-friendly way to maintain their lawn, this Earthwise mower is a solid choice. It provides a clean cut and is a great option for smaller to medium-sized yards.
The Essential Guide to Choosing Your Reel Mower
Tired of gas fumes and noisy engines? A reel mower might be your perfect lawn care solution! These classic mowers offer a quiet, eco-friendly way to keep your grass looking neat and tidy. Let’s dive into what makes a great reel mower and help you find the best one for your yard.
Why Choose a Reel Mower?
Reel mowers work like scissors. They have a spinning cylinder of blades that cut grass cleanly as you push. This slicing action is gentler on your grass than the tearing action of a rotary mower. This means healthier, greener grass!
Key Features to Look For
1. Cutting Width
This is how wide of a strip the mower cuts at once. A wider mower covers more ground faster. Most reel mowers range from 14 to 30 inches. For a small to medium yard, 14-20 inches is usually enough. Larger yards might benefit from a wider mower.
2. Cutting Height Adjustment
You need to be able to set how tall you want your grass to be. Look for mowers with easy-to-use height adjustments. Most offer several settings. This lets you adapt to different grass types and seasons.
3. Wheel Size and Type
Larger wheels make pushing easier, especially on uneven ground. Some mowers have wide, smooth wheels, while others have treaded tires for better grip. Consider your lawn’s terrain when choosing.
4. Handle Comfort and Adjustability
You’ll be pushing the mower, so a comfortable handle is important. Look for padded grips. Handles that adjust to your height prevent back strain. Some handles even fold for easier storage.
5. Blade Material and Sharpness
The blades are the heart of your reel mower. High-quality steel blades stay sharp longer and cut better. A sharp blade is crucial for a clean cut and healthy grass.
Important Materials
Reel mowers are typically made from strong, durable materials.
- Steel: The frame and blades are often made of steel. This provides strength and longevity.
- Aluminum: Some lighter-weight components might use aluminum.
- Plastic: Wheels and handle grips are often made of durable plastic.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Reel Mower Great:
- Solid Construction: A sturdy frame means the mower will last for years.
- Sharp, Well-Made Blades: This is the most important factor for a clean cut.
- Smooth Operation: The mower should push easily without a lot of effort.
- Easy Adjustments: Changing the cutting height or handle position should be simple.
What Can Make a Reel Mower Less Ideal:
- Flimsy Frame: A wobbly mower is hard to control and won’t last long.
- Dull Blades: Dull blades tear grass, leading to yellowing and disease.
- Difficult to Push: If it’s a struggle to move, you won’t want to use it.
- Complex Adjustments: Frustrating settings can make maintenance a chore.
User Experience and Use Cases
Reel mowers are fantastic for certain lawns and users. They are best for:
- Small to Medium Yards: They are perfect for keeping these areas tidy.
- Homeowners Who Value Quiet: No loud engine noise!
- Environmentally Conscious People: They produce zero emissions.
- Those Who Want a Healthier Lawn: The scissor-like cut promotes grass health.
They are not ideal for very tall or thick grass. You might need to mow more often with a reel mower to keep the grass at your desired height.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How often do I need to sharpen reel mower blades?
A: It depends on how much you use it and the type of grass. Most people sharpen them once a year, or when they notice the cut isn’t as clean.
Q: Can I use a reel mower on a bumpy lawn?
A: Yes, but larger wheels help a lot. Some bumps are okay, but very rough terrain can be challenging.
Q: Are reel mowers hard to push?
A: Not usually. A well-maintained reel mower with sharp blades should be easy to push. Good wheels and a balanced design also help.
Q: Do I need to oil a reel mower?
A: Yes, a little oil on the blades and moving parts helps keep them running smoothly and prevents rust.
Q: Can reel mowers cut weeds?
A: They can cut smaller weeds. Very thick or tough weeds might bend rather than cut cleanly.
Q: What is the best type of grass for a reel mower?
A: Reel mowers work best on fine-bladed grasses like fescues and bentgrass. They also do a great job on most common lawn grasses.
Q: How do I store my reel mower?
A: Store it in a dry place to prevent rust. Many have folding handles for compact storage.
Q: Are reel mowers safe?
A: Yes, they are very safe. The blades are enclosed, and you don’t have the same risks as with a gas-powered mower.
Q: Do reel mowers collect grass clippings?
A: Most basic reel mowers do not have a grass catcher. The clippings are usually small and fall back into the lawn, acting as natural fertilizer.
Q: How much do reel mowers typically cost?
A: Prices vary, but you can find good quality reel mowers for anywhere from $100 to $300.
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.