What Is The Best Reel Mower?
Reel mowers offer several practical benefits for those maintaining small to medium lawns. Because these mowers use a manual push system, they help produce a cleaner, sharper cut. A clean cut allows grass to recover faster and can help prevent common turf diseases that often appear with torn or jagged blades.
Another great feature is that reel mowers are cost-effective. They usually cost less than powered mowers and have lower upkeep costs since they do not require gas or electricity. Maintenance is simple—just occasional blade sharpening and basic cleaning.
Reel lawn mowers have become a popular choice for people looking for a quiet, low-maintenance, and affordable way to maintain their yards. These mowers take up less storage space than traditional models and are easy to use for many homeowners. Unlike rotary mowers that tear grass, reel mowers use sharp blades to deliver a cleaner cut, which may help keep lawns looking healthy and reduce the risk of disease.
Several reel mowers stand out for their unique features, such as adjustable cutting heights, strong construction, and easy maneuverability. Testing has shown how factors like blade width and handle design can make a real difference in performance for different lawn sizes and grass types. The models highlighted in this guide are among the top picks for effective and reliable lawn care.
Key Benefits of Reel Mowers
| Benefit | Info |
|---|---|
| Disease Prevention | Blades cut cleanly, reducing risk of brown patches and other lawn diseases |
| Lower Cost | Usually half the price of a powered lawn mower |
| Simple Upkeep | Fewer repairs; easy to clean and sharpen |
| Lightweight & Compact | Most models weigh 20-30 pounds; fold-down handles for storage |
| No Exhaust Fumes | Runs quietly and does not produce emissions |
What got Planet Organics interested in switching to a old-fashioned reel mower?
That is a great question and one we should address from the start. I had been using a traditional gas-mowered mower for decades. The more the cost of gas increased, the more we considered looking at alternative mower options. Then an oil leak destroyed a large portion of my lawn. That got me moving quickly away from gas mowers. Initially, we were charmed by the EGO electric battery powered motors because I use their electric power tools for trimming and edging. However, we learned from the North Carolina State University blog that reel mowers were ideal for our North Carolina bermuda grass.
That was enough of an endorsement for me and here is the start of my reel mower journey.
I went with a 7 blade model by American Lawn Mower Company. It has been a surprising amount of fun to use and my lawn has never looked better. But lets get back into the environmental benefits before I do a full review….
Using a reel mower also means less noise and a safer environment for families and pets. The lightweight build and quiet operation make lawn care more pleasant and accessible for a wider range of people. For those interested in reducing their impact on the environment, eco-friendly reel mowers are a smart alternative to gas-powered options.
Our Top Pick For Best Reel Mower
American Lawn Mower Company 16″ Push Reel Mower with 7 Blades
The American Lawn Mower Company 16-Inch Push Reel Mower stands out for handling tough and dense lawn types. Its key feature is a combination of seven durable steel alloy blades, which provides added cutting power and maintains a sharp edge for longer compared to standard models.
This design is especially well-suited for lower cut settings and common southern grasses such as Bermuda, centipede, and St. Augustine.
You can find this same model under the Earthwise brand name as well.
A standout benefit is the adjustable cutting height. Users can set the mower between 0.5 inches and 2.5 inches, covering the range needed for most lawn types that benefit from a close trim. Regular mowing at 1 or 1.5 inches is recommended, with the higher setting providing flexibility if grass grows faster between cuts.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of blades | 7 |
| Cutting width | 16 inches |
| Cutting height range | 0.5 – 2.5 inches |
| Weight | 26 pounds |
| Blade material | Alloy Steel |
Pros:
- Seven blades give extra cutting power for coarse or dense grasses
- Easy-to-use knobs for quick height adjustments
- T-style handle with cushioned grips helps prevent hand fatigue
- Lightweight and simple to handle near obstacles
Cons:
- More effort is needed to push, especially when compared to five-blade mowers
- Struggles on grass that is very tall or has not been cut recently
- Less successful on taller grass types like fescue
During my 2.5 months of use, this reel mower has created a clean and even cut, even helping to scalp dormant grass when needed. For those with thick lawns, it can produce a smooth finish up close, but regular use is necessary to avoid heavy pushing effort if grass gets too long.
For more details on the American 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, see the official page.
Other Highly Rated Reel Mowers
Fiskars 18-Inch Reel Lawn Mower With StaySharp Technology
The Fiskars 18-Inch reel mower stands out for its tough construction and user-centered design. Its five hardened steel blades are built to hold their edge, which reduces how often they need sharpening. With an 18-inch cutting path, this mower can handle both small and medium lawns efficiently, reducing the total number of passes for each mow.
Its 52-pound frame feels sturdy and is built to last, though it does require a bit of storage space. The ergonomic handle and large wheels make it easy to push and turn, even around tight corners. Attending to user comfort, the oversized wheels help when maneuvering over uneven ground. For those who care about cut precision, this mower is designed so the cutting reel sits in the middle, with drive wheels offset at the rear. This allows it to trim grass much closer to the edge than many other manual reel mowers.
A unique InertiaDrive system boosts cutting power, helping the mower tackle thick or tough grass types more easily. The cutting height is fully adjustable, ranging from 1 to 4 inches, making it versatile for most grass varieties. The mower’s chute can be set to drop clippings either in front or behind, based on the user’s preference. For added convenience, buyers can purchase a matching grass catcher separately.
Quick Facts Table
| Feature | Fiskars 18-Inch Reel Mower |
|---|---|
| Cutting Width | 18 inches |
| Blade Count | 5 |
| Mowing Height Range | 1 to 4 inches |
| Weight | 52 pounds |
| Chute Direction | Adjustable (front or rear) |
| Additional Attachments | Optional grass catcher available |
Among the most impressive details is how easily the quick height adjustment lever changes the mowing height without any tools. The machine’s balance and roller system let it move smoothly—mowing is comfortable, and the finished cut looks neat and even. The mower is also notable for how well it handles debris, such as small sticks, without jamming or slowing down.
Some users may notice the mower is more expensive than others in its class. Also, it takes up more space and isn’t as light as other reel mowers. Still, those looking for quality construction and clean results will likely find it well worth the price. This mower may be particularly appealing to homeowners seeking an environmentally friendly option that performs effectively without gas or batteries.
This Fiskars model is still on my wish list. I wanted to go with a cheaper and lighter model on for my first reel mower. Hopefully, I will get one this model to test out soon and update this guide with my personal thoughts.
Key Factors to Review Before Selecting a Reel Mower
Manual Push Compared to Motorized Options
When thinking about reel mowers, one of the first things to decide is whether to use a manual or a powered model. Manual reel mowers do not use fuel or batteries. They rely completely on the person pushing them. Many people choose manual types because they are better for the environment, making no exhaust and using no electricity or gas.
Manual reel mowers tend to work best on shorter, well-kept lawns. If grass is allowed to grow too long or becomes thick and tough, a manual mower may struggle. Cutting often and staying ahead of growth helps prevent this problem. For homes with fast-growing grass, regular mowing is necessary to avoid getting stuck with tall, hard-to-cut turf.
Powered reel mowers, which can be run by either gas or battery, solve some of the problems seen with manual options. They can slice through dense, tall grass more easily. Some models are self-propelled, so the user only needs to guide the mower, not push the full weight. While gas-powered versions can be noisy, electric reel mowers are a bit quieter. These powered choices can be better for those with large yards or less time to mow.
Number of Blades and Adjustable Cut Height
Reel mowers come with a variety of blade counts. Most models have between four and seven blades. The number of blades influences the quality and consistency of the cut. Fewer blades, such as four or five, are usually enough for normal lawns. If the grass is dense or fine, moving up to six or seven blades may help provide a neater, more even result.
Some blades have a special nonstick coating, making them move through grass more smoothly and preventing build-up. This can make mowing easier, especially in wet conditions.
Adjustable cutting height is another point to check. Some reel mowers only allow a fixed height, usually best for short grass. Others let users change the height to match the needs of their yard. Lawns with tall grass types, or people who want a more flexible look, may prefer adjustable models. Picking a mower that matches the height needs of the grass will lead to healthier, better-looking lawns.
Quick Tips:
- More blades: Cleaner cut, ideal for fine or thick grass.
- Adjustable height: More control over mowing, suitable for different grass species.
- Fixed height: Best for short grass lawns kept at one level.
Width of Cut and Which Lawns Each Model Suits
The width of the area a mower cuts in one pass (called swath width) is a detail worth looking at. Reel mowers usually offer cutting widths between 14 and 20 inches. Choosing a wider mower means fewer trips back and forth across the yard. However, a wide mower may be harder to push, especially if the grass is thick or if the person mowing does not have a lot of strength.
Table: Grass Types and Suggested Swath Widths
| Grass Type | Typical Thickness | Suggested Swath Width | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Blue | Thin/Medium | 16–20 inches | Works well with wide mowers |
| Perennial Rye | Thin/Medium | 16–20 inches | Easy to mow, less resistance |
| Fescue | Medium | 16–20 inches | Can use wide swath for quicker mowing |
| Bermuda | Thick | 14–16 inches | Narrow swath prevents stalling or jamming |
| St. Augustine | Thick | 14–16 inches | Easier push with narrower mower |
| Zoysia | Thick | 14–16 inches | Less pushing force needed with smaller size |
Matching mower width to grass type can make mowing easier and reduce how tiring the job feels. For example, wide models are good for thinner grasses, while thick grass is usually easier to manage with a narrower reel mower.