Reel to reel mowers offer a quiet, chemical-free way to keep small to mid-sized lawns healthy. This guide highlights top options for a variety of yard needs, from lightweight, easy-push models to sturdier reels with adjustable cut heights. The best choice depends on lawn size, grass type, and how much you want to customize your cut. Below, five selected models are reviewed to help you pick the right fit for your yard and maintenance preferences.
Summary Table of Selected Products
| Product | Best For | Cut Width | Height Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel | Small to medium lawns; easy maneuverability | 18 inches | 1.1″ – 2.5″ |
| American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 | Entry-level small lawns | 14 inches | 0.5″ – 1.75″ |
| LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel | Compact to medium yards; light weight | 16 inches | 1″ – 2″ |
| Earthwise 1715-16EW | Versatile turf types; balanced durability | 16 inches | Not specified in data |
| American Lawn Mower Company 2415-16 | Efficient for larger small lawns | 16 inches | 0.5″ – 2.5″ |
LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower
Best for small lawns where maneuverability matters. The 18-inch deck and 10-inch front wheels enable easy navigation around tight spaces. It features a 9-position height adjust from 1.1 to 2.5 inches for customizable cutting, and the 5-blade reel delivers a scissor-like cut that’s gentle on grass.
Who it’s best for: homeowners with small, well-manicured lawns who want a quiet, low-maintenance mower with adjustable cutting height.
Why selected: Combines compact size with easy height customization and a smooth cutting action. A potential limitation is if you have taller or thicker grass, as performance can drop with increased growth.
American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade
Best for compact spaces and beginners. This 14-inch mower is lightweight at about 19 pounds with a 0.5″–1.75″ height range and an adjustable blade height. Its four-blade design provides a clean cut on small turf. It’s a simple, low-maintenance option for routine grass trimming.
Who it’s best for: new users or those with small lawns seeking a straightforward, affordable reel mower.
Caution: Might struggle with tall or particularly thick grass; plan for regular mowing to maintain performance.
LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower
Best for compact to medium yards seeking a lighter option with good cutting width. The mower features a 16-inch deck, 10-inch front wheels, and a four-position height range from 1″ to 2″. The 5-blade reel supports a clean, scissor-like cut even on routine maintenance days.
Who it’s best for: homeowners prioritizing light weight and ease of use without sacrificing cutting quality.
Limitation: Height range is narrower than some larger models, which may limit optimal cuts on very uneven terrain.
Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel
Best for versatile turf types and balanced durability. This Earthwise model features a 16″ cutting width, a 7-blade reel, and 10″ composite wheels. It’s designed for cutting a variety of grasses, including Bermuda and Zoysia. The alloy steel blades stay sharp longer, enabling reliable performance with minimal maintenance.
Who it’s best for: homeowners with mixed grass types who want a robust, durable reel mower that stays sharp longer.
Limitation: Data does not specify the exact height adjustment range, which may influence precision on certain lawns.
American Lawn Mower Company 2415-16 16-Inch 5-Blade
Best for efficient coverage on larger small lawns. This model offers a 16″ cutting path with a 5-blade cutting reel that provides a clean, scissor-like cut. Height is adjustable from 0.5″ to 2.5″, allowing seasonal variation for optimal turf thickness.
Who it’s best for: homeowners with slightly larger small lawns who want faster mowing without sacrificing cut quality.
Limitation: Heavier than some entry-level models; plan for regular storage space and manual pushing effort on dense grasses.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Reel Mowers
What lawn size and terrain should guide your pick?
Small, flat lawns benefit from lighter, narrower reels (14–16 inches). For medium lawns, choose 16–18 inch decks with adjustable height ranges for different seasons. If your yard has uneven terrain, look for models with good wheel balance and stable handles.
How important is cutting width and blade count?
A wider deck (16–18 inches) covers more ground per pass, reducing mowing time. More blades generally yield a smoother cut, but can require more precise pushing and maintenance. Consider your grass type and growth rate when choosing blade configuration.
What about height adjustment?
At least a few inch options (0.5″ to 2.5″ or more) let you tailor cutting to growth level and season. Taller grass often benefits from the upper end of the range, while well-manicured lawns benefit from lower settings to encourage healthier, denser growth.
Durability, maintenance, and noise
Reel mowers are manual and quiet, with low maintenance. Steel reels stay sharp longer in heavy use, while polymer wheels can reduce weight. Consider ease of blade sharpening and the availability of replacement parts when choosing a model.
Environmental and practical considerations
Reel mowers produce no emissions, minimal noise, and require no fuel or electricity. They rely on manual effort, so consider your stamina and the time you’re willing to spend mowing. They are ideal for lawns with clear borders and minimal debris.
FAQ
- Are reel mowers good for all grass types? They work well on most traditional grasses, but very tall or tough grasses may require more frequent mowing or higher effort.
- Do reel mowers require maintenance? Yes. Periodic blade sharpening and height adjustments are common, but they are generally low maintenance compared to gas or electric mowers.
- Which size is best for a small yard? A 14–16 inch deck is typically easiest to maneuver in tight spaces and around obstacles.
- Can these mower blades damage the lawn? When used correctly, reel mowers deliver a clean, scissor-like cut that’s healthier for turf; avoid cutting very wet or dormant lawns.
- Do reel mowers require fuel or electricity? No. They are manual devices powered by the user’s push.
- Is it worth sharpening the blade? Yes. A sharp reel blade produces a cleaner cut and reduces the risk of browning at the tips.