Tired of a lawn that looks less than perfect? Maybe your grass is uneven, or you worry about the noise and fumes of a loud gas mower. Choosing the right reel mower can feel overwhelming. So many brands and models exist, and it’s tough to know which one will give you that beautiful, striped lawn without the hassle.
You want a mower that’s easy to use, cuts cleanly, and lasts a long time. But sifting through all the choices, reading reviews, and figuring out what makes one mower better than another can take up a lot of your weekend. That’s where we come in. We’ve done the hard work for you.
This post will break down the best-rated reel mowers available today. We’ll show you what to look for, compare key features, and highlight the models that consistently get top marks from people just like you. Get ready to discover the perfect reel mower that will make mowing a joy and transform your yard into a neighborhood showstopper.
Our Top 5 Rated Reel Mowers Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Reel Mowers Detailed Reviews
1. LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade
Rating: 9.4/10
The LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade offers a simple yet effective way to keep your small lawn looking its best. Its scissor-like cutting action ensures a clean trim, promoting healthier grass. This mower is designed for ease of use and environmental friendliness.
What We Like:
- It gives a clean, scissor-like cut that is better for your grass.
- It’s perfect for small yards and easy to move around.
- You can easily adjust the cutting height with 9 different positions.
- It doesn’t need gas or batteries, making it good for the environment.
- It comes with a handy collection bag.
- The steel blades are strong and will last a long time.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s designed for small lawns, so it might not be suitable for larger yards.
- Reel mowers can sometimes struggle with very tall or thick grass.
The LawnMaster LMRM1801 is a fantastic option for anyone with a small lawn seeking a healthier cut and an eco-friendly mowing experience. Its simple design and effective performance make lawn care a breeze.
2. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of noisy gas mowers and messy cords? The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower in vibrant red offers a simple, eco-friendly way to keep your small lawn looking neat. This classic push mower is designed for ease of use and provides a clean cut that promotes healthy grass.
What We Like:
- The 4-blade reel system delivers a scissor-like cut, which is gentle on your grass blades, preventing bruising.
- It’s incredibly lightweight at only 19 pounds, making it easy to push and maneuver around your yard.
- Durable 8.5-inch polymer wheels ensure smooth movement, even on slightly uneven terrain.
- The adjustable cutting height (0.5” to 1.75”) lets you customize your lawn’s length.
- It’s an environmentally friendly option – no gas, no oil, and no pollution means a quieter, cleaner yard.
- It’s very low maintenance, requiring no tune-ups or engine care.
What Could Be Improved:
- This mower works best on grass up to 4 inches tall. Taller grass may require multiple passes or be less effective.
- For best results, it’s recommended to avoid mowing when the grass is wet.
- While great for small lawns, larger yards would require significant time and effort.
For those with smaller yards seeking a greener mowing solution, this American Lawn Mower Company reel mower is a fantastic choice. It offers a simple, effective, and quiet way to maintain a beautiful lawn.
3. Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of noisy gas mowers and messy oil changes? The Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower offers a planet-friendly and quiet way to keep your lawn looking its best. This motorless mower is simple to use and maintain, making lawn care a breeze. Its design focuses on a clean, even cut for a perfectly manicured yard, all while being easy on your ears and the environment.
What We Like:
- It gives a clean, even cut thanks to its adjustable cutting height from 0.5″ to 2.75″.
- The 5-blade system with ball bearings ensures smooth operation and a precise trim.
- Durable alloy steel blades stay sharp longer, meaning less sharpening for you.
- The loop-style handle with cushioned grips makes pushing comfortable and easy to steer.
- Assembly is a snap – no special tools needed!
- It’s an eco-friendly choice that’s quiet and requires very little maintenance.
- The 10″ composite wheels handle various terrains with ease.
What Could Be Improved:
- For very thick or tall grass, a little extra effort might be needed.
- It’s best suited for smaller to medium-sized lawns.
The Great States 815-18 is a fantastic option for those seeking a simpler, greener, and more peaceful lawn mowing experience. It delivers a great cut with minimal fuss.
4. Fiskars Push Mower
Rating: 9.0/10
Tired of dealing with messy gas cans, tangled cords, and noisy motors? The Fiskars Push Mower offers a refreshing, eco-friendly solution for keeping your lawn looking its best. This 18-inch manual reel mower is designed to make lawn care simpler and more enjoyable, all while being kind to the planet. It’s a great option for anyone who wants a clean cut without the hassle of traditional mowers.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly eco-friendly because it uses no gas, oil, or electricity.
- Mowing feels much easier thanks to its design that requires 60% less pushing effort.
- The InertiaDrive Reel provides twice the cutting power for a clean, smooth cut every time.
- You won’t have to worry about sharpening the blades thanks to the StaySharp Cutting System.
- The reversible grass chute helps keep clippings away from you and your clean lawn.
- Adjusting the handle height is super easy with just one touch, making it comfortable for everyone.
- It works well on all kinds of grass, even tough southern varieties.
- You can easily set the cutting height from 1 to 4 inches to get your lawn looking just right.
What Could Be Improved:
- Manual reel mowers generally require more frequent passes than gas mowers for very overgrown lawns.
- While easier to push than other reel mowers, it still requires physical effort.
This Fiskars reel mower is a smart and green choice for maintaining a neat lawn. It makes lawn care less of a chore and more of a simple, effective task.
5. American Lawn Mower Company 1725-16GC 16-inch 7-Blade Reel Mower with Grass Catcher
Rating: 9.2/10
If you’re serious about keeping your lawn looking its absolute best, especially if you have specific types of grass, the American Lawn Mower Company 1725-16GC 16-inch 7-Blade Reel Mower is a fantastic choice. This mower is designed for people who love taking care of their short, thick grass. It cuts cleanly and gives your lawn a professional, manicured look.
What We Like:
- The 7-blade reel is perfect for grass types like Bermuda, tiff, bent grass, and zoysia.
- It has a 16-inch cutting width, so you can cover your lawn efficiently.
- The new 10-inch wheels make it easy to steer and maneuver around your yard.
- You can adjust the cutting height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches to get the perfect length for your grass.
- The heat-treated alloy steel blades stay sharp for a long time, meaning less sharpening for you.
- The T-style handle with a cushioned grip makes mowing more comfortable.
- It comes with a grass catcher to keep your lawn tidy as you mow.
What Could Be Improved:
- This mower is best for specific grass types, so it might not be the right fit for everyone.
- It requires more effort than a gas or electric mower since it’s a push mower.
This reel mower is a great tool for the dedicated lawn enthusiast. It offers a precise cut for specialty grasses and makes yard work a more enjoyable experience.
Choosing Your Perfect Reel Mower: A Buyer’s Guide
Are you tired of noisy gas mowers and messy cords? A reel mower might be your answer! These simple, eco-friendly machines cut grass with spinning blades, like scissors. They offer a clean cut and a quiet mowing experience. Let’s dive into what makes a reel mower a great choice for your lawn.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a reel mower, keep these important features in mind:
- Cutting Width: This is how wide of a strip the mower cuts. Wider mowers cover more ground faster. For smaller yards, 14-16 inches is usually good. For larger lawns, look for 18-20 inches or more.
- Blade Material: The blades are the heart of a reel mower. Stronger materials mean sharper, longer-lasting blades.
- Handle Comfort: You’ll be pushing this mower, so a comfortable handle is a must. Look for padded grips and adjustable height.
- Wheel Size: Larger wheels make it easier to push over uneven ground or small bumps.
- Height Adjustment: You need to be able to set the mower to cut your grass at the right height. Easy-to-use adjustment levers are a big plus.
- Roller: Some reel mowers have a rear roller. This helps create a nice striped look on your lawn and can make the mower easier to push.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a reel mower affect its durability and how well it works.
- Blades: High-quality steel is the best. Hardened steel blades stay sharp longer and resist rust.
- Frame: Steel frames are strong and built to last. Some lighter models might use aluminum, which is also good.
- Wheels: Rubber or composite wheels offer good grip.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a reel mower great or not so great.
- Blade Sharpness: This is super important! Sharp blades give a clean cut, which is healthier for your grass. Dull blades tear the grass, making it look brown and stressed.
- Blade Alignment: The spinning blades need to be perfectly aligned with the stationary blade. This ensures a scissor-like cut.
- Ease of Assembly: A mower that’s hard to put together can be frustrating. Look for simple instructions.
- Pushing Effort: A well-made reel mower glides easily. Poorly designed ones can be tough to push, especially in thicker grass.
- Durability: Good materials and solid construction mean your mower will last for many seasons.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Reel mowers are fantastic for certain situations.
- Quiet Operation: No loud engine noise! You can mow anytime without disturbing your neighbors.
- Eco-Friendly: They don’t use gas or electricity, so they’re good for the environment.
- Exercise: Pushing a reel mower gives you a good workout.
- Best for Small to Medium Lawns: They work best on flat, well-maintained lawns with grass that isn’t too tall or thick.
- Ideal for Sensitive Grass: The clean cut is gentle on delicate grass types.
- For Those Who Enjoy Yard Work: If you like a tidy lawn and don’t mind a bit of physical activity, a reel mower is a rewarding choice.
A reel mower is a smart, simple, and sustainable way to keep your lawn looking its best.
Frequently Asked Questions about Reel Mowers
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a reel mower?
A: Look for a good cutting width for your yard size, strong steel blades, comfortable and adjustable handles, larger wheels for easier pushing, and a reliable height adjustment system. A rear roller is a nice bonus for striped lawns.
Q: What materials are most important for a reel mower’s quality?
A: High-quality, hardened steel for the blades is crucial. A sturdy steel or aluminum frame also ensures durability. Rubber or composite wheels provide good traction.
Q: How do I know if a reel mower is good quality?
A: A high-quality reel mower has sharp, well-aligned blades for a clean cut. It should be easy to push, made from durable materials, and simple to assemble. Good reviews often point to quality.
Q: What makes a reel mower’s quality worse?
A: Dull or poorly aligned blades will tear grass. A flimsy frame, small wheels, or difficult height adjustment can reduce quality and make mowing a chore.
Q: Who is a reel mower best suited for?
A: Reel mowers are great for people with small to medium-sized yards who prefer a quiet, eco-friendly, and exercise-friendly way to mow. They are also good for those who want a precise cut for their grass.
Q: Can a reel mower cut tall grass?
A: Reel mowers work best on grass that is kept at a moderate height. They can struggle with very tall or thick grass, which might require multiple passes or a different type of mower.
Q: How often do I need to sharpen reel mower blades?
A: This depends on how often you mow and the type of grass. For best results, sharpen them at least once a year, or more if you notice the cut quality decreasing.
Q: Are reel mowers hard to push?
A: A well-maintained reel mower with sharp blades should be easy to push on a flat lawn. Factors like wheel size and the mower’s overall design can affect how easy it is to push.
Q: What is the benefit of a rear roller on a reel mower?
A: A rear roller helps make the mower easier to push and can create attractive stripes on your lawn, giving it a professional look.
Q: Do reel mowers require much maintenance?
A: Reel mower maintenance is generally simple. You’ll need to keep the blades sharp, lubricate moving parts occasionally, and clean the mower after use. It’s much less involved than maintaining a gas mower.
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.