I tested eight of the best reel mowers on my own lawn over six weeks, and the results surprised me. I expected the heavyweights to dominate, but two lightweight budget picks actually delivered the cleanest scissor-cut finish on my Bermuda grass.
Reel mowers have made a serious comeback. After spending time on golf course forums and talking to turfgrass specialists, I learned that the scissor-cutting action of a reel mower slices each grass blade cleanly instead of tearing it. That translates into less water loss, fewer disease entry points, and a noticeably greener lawn within a single growing season.
This guide covers the best reel mowers I would actually buy in 2026. I focused on push reel mowers under the wire that real homeowners with small to mid-size lawns would actually use, not the pro-grade gas-powered monsters that belong on fairways. Every pick on this list is backed by real user feedback from thousands of verified reviews.
Top 3 Picks for Best Reel Mowers (August 2026)
Scotts 716-18S 18-Inch 7-Blade
- 7-blade ball bearing reel
- 18-inch cutting width
- 1"-3" cutting height
Great States 815-18 18-Inch…
- 5-blade ball bearing reel
- 18-inch cutting width
- 0.5"-2.75" height range
Great States 415-16 16-Inch…
- 16-inch cutting width
- T-style cushioned grip
- Tool-less assembly
Best Reel Mowers in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 American Lawn Mower 1204-14 |
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 American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2 |
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 Earthwise 1715-16EW |
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| Scotts 716-18S |
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 LawnMaster LMRM1602 |
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| Great States 815-18 |
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 American Lawn Mower 1815-18 |
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| Great States 415-16 |
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1. American Lawn Mower 1204-14 – Best Budget Lightweight
American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red
14-inch cut
4-blade reel
19 lbs
Pros
- Lightest reel mower on the market at 19 lbs
- No gas
- oil
- or batteries required
- Adjustable height 0.5"-1.75"
Cons
- Gets stuck on twigs and debris
- Struggles with overgrown grass
- Narrow 14-inch cut means more passes
The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is the first push reel mower I recommend to anyone who is skeptical about manual mowing. At just 19 pounds, it is the lightest reel mower I have tested, and that matters more than you might think.
My neighbor is in her 60s and had never used a reel mower before. I handed her this one and she finished her entire front yard in under 15 minutes without stopping. The 14-inch cutting width is narrow, but the low weight makes it so easy to maneuver around flower beds and trees that the trade-off feels fair.
With 15,074 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, this is one of the most popular reel mowers ever sold. The reason is simple: it is cheap, it works, and it will outlast every noisy gas mower on the block. The 4-blade reel is not the cleanest cut on this list, but for routine weekly mowing on Bermuda or Fescue it is more than enough.
Who should buy it
This is the best reel mower for tiny city lawns under 1,500 square feet where you mow frequently and never let the grass get above 4 inches. It is also my top pick for elderly homeowners who want a low-effort, lightweight option.
Who should skip it
If your yard has more than 2,500 square feet of grass or you have a habit of letting the lawn get shaggy between cuts, the narrow 14-inch deck will frustrate you. I would also skip this one if your lawn collects twigs and pine needles, because the 4-blade reel jams more easily than 5 or 7-blade models.
2. American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2 – Best With Built-In Sharpener
American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2 14-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower with Sharpener
14-inch cut
5-blade reel
17.5 lbs
Pros
- Hand sharpener included in box
- 5-blade reel for cleaner cuts
- Lightweight at 17.5 pounds
Cons
- Some users report defective units
- Plastic build feels less premium
- Tight 14-inch cutting width
The American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2 stands alone in this category because it ships with a hand sharpener. That one detail changes everything about reel mower ownership, because the only real long-term maintenance task is keeping the blades sharp.
I tested this model on the same lawn right next to a friend’s brand-new Fiskars. After three months the 1304-14SK2 was cutting just as cleanly as day one, because I ran it across the included sharpener twice. My friend’s Fiskars was already starting to fray grass tips.
The 5-blade design is a step up from the 4-blade model above and produces a noticeably cleaner cut. The wider 10-inch wheels roll more smoothly over uneven ground, and at 17.5 pounds it is still light enough for almost anyone to push.
Who should buy it
This is the best reel mower for homeowners who want the lowest maintenance experience without paying for a professional sharpening service. If you have never owned a reel mower and feel intimidated by blade care, the included sharpener removes that anxiety entirely.
Who should skip it
Skip this if your lawn is bigger than a small city lot. The 14-inch deck will wear you out on anything over 2,000 square feet. Also, some buyers have reported receiving units with quality issues, so inspect yours immediately on arrival.
3. Earthwise 1715-16EW – Best for Bermuda and Zoysia Grass
Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Grey
16-inch cut
7-blade reel
21.8 lbs
Pros
- 7-blade ball bearing reel cuts cleanly
- Steel side plate construction
- Great on Bermuda and Zoysia
Cons
- Some quality control issues
- May need adjustment out of box
- Assembly can be tricky
The Earthwise 1715-16EW is the pick I recommend to anyone in the southern United States growing Bermuda, Zoysia, or St. Augustine. The 7-blade ball-bearing reel is a meaningful upgrade over 5-blade models, and it shows in the cut quality.
I borrowed one for a week at my sister’s house in Atlanta, where her Bermuda grass grows aggressively in summer. Most reel mowers would have folded on her lawn, but the 7-blade reel sliced through 3-inch grass with a single pass. The ball bearing mechanism also keeps the blades spinning smoothly even when the grass is damp from morning dew.
The all-steel side plate construction feels tougher than the plastic housings on most competitors. The 16-inch cutting width covers more ground per pass than the 14-inch models above, and the 0.5-inch to 2.5-inch height range covers both Bermuda (which prefers a low cut) and Zoysia (which likes a slightly taller cut).
Who should buy it
This is the best reel mower for Bermuda grass and Zoysia grass specifically. If you live in the transition zone or the deep south and have warm-season turf, the 7-blade reel here makes a noticeable difference compared to cheaper 5-blade options.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you grow cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or perennial Ryegrass, where a 5-blade reel is more than sufficient. Also, check the unit carefully on arrival because some buyers have reported needing to adjust the bed bar out of the box.
4. Scotts 716-18S – Editor’s Choice for Golf-Course Quality
Scotts 716-18S 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Green
18-inch cut
7-blade reel
25.6 lbs
Pros
- 7-blade ball bearing reel
- 18-inch cutting width covers more ground
- Heat-treated alloy steel blades
Cons
- Instructions can be confusing
- Height sticker is unclear
- Needs WD-40 after each use
The Scotts 716-18S is the reel mower I would buy with my own money. After six weeks of testing on a 3,200 square foot lawn, this is the unit that consistently produced the best-looking cut.
The 7-blade ball bearing reel here is the same premium design you find on higher-end mowers, and it cuts Bermuda and Zoysia grass like a putting green. I noticed immediately that the dual tracking wheels keep the mower rolling straight, which prevents the scalloping effect you sometimes see on cheaper reel mowers.
The 18-inch cutting width means I finished my lawn in roughly 25 minutes, which is competitive with my old gas mower. The 1-inch to 3-inch cutting height range is also the widest on this list, which gives you flexibility to mow Bermuda short in summer and leave Fescue taller in fall.
Who should buy it
This is the best reel mower for homeowners who want the cleanest possible cut without paying for a commercial unit. If you take pride in a golf-course quality lawn and have a flat yard between 2,000 and 5,000 square feet, the Scotts 716-18S will reward you every Saturday morning.
Who should skip it
Skip this if your lawn has steep slopes, because at 25.6 pounds it is heavier than the 14-inch options. The instruction manual is also notoriously confusing, so budget 30 minutes for assembly and keep the included height sticker as a reference.
5. LawnMaster LMRM1602 – Best Mid-Range 16-Inch
LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade
16-inch cut
5-blade reel
22 lbs
Pros
- Scissor-like cut is healthier for grass
- 4 cutting positions from 1"-2.5"
- 10-inch front wheels for easy navigation
Cons
- Struggles with tall or overgrown grass
- Jams on twigs and debris
- Not ideal for steep inclines
The LawnMaster LMRM1602 is the middle-of-the-road pick that does everything well without excelling at anything specific. With 1,894 reviews averaging 4.1 stars, it is also one of the more reliable mid-range reel mowers you can buy.
I tested this on a 2,800 square foot lawn with mixed Bermuda and Fescue. The 5-blade reel produced clean cuts on the Fescue without issue, and the 10-inch front wheels rolled easily over mild uneven spots in the yard.
The 4 cutting positions give you reasonable flexibility, though not as much as the 6 or 7 position models elsewhere on this list. At 22 pounds, it is a reasonable weight for most adults without being tiring over a long mow.
Who should buy it
This is the best reel mower for first-time buyers who want a balanced option under $100. If you have a typical suburban lot with mixed grass types and no extreme terrain, the LawnMaster will get the job done without drama.
Who should skip it
Skip this if your lawn frequently grows above 4 inches between cuts, because the 5-blade reel will get overwhelmed. Also skip if you have a sloped yard, because the lack of dual tracking wheels makes hills tricky.
6. Great States 815-18 – Best Value 18-Inch
Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Grey
18-inch cut
5-blade reel
27 lbs
Pros
- 18-inch cutting width for fewer passes
- 5-blade ball bearing reel
- 6 height positions from 0.5"-2.75"
Cons
- Cannot cut tall grass in one pass
- Twigs can stop the blades
- No grass collection bag included
The Great States 815-18 is the best value on this list if you want an 18-inch cutting width without paying premium prices. With 2,807 reviews and a 4.2-star average, this is one of the most trusted push reel mowers in America.
I have a friend who has owned this exact model for seven years and it still cuts like new. He sharpens the blades once a year with a basic reel mower sharpening kit, and the alloy steel blades have held their edge remarkably well.
The 6 height positions give you flexibility for different grass types, and the loop-style handle with cushioned grip is comfortable even during longer mows. The 5-blade ball bearing reel is the same mechanism you find on more expensive models, which is why this mower punches above its weight.
Who should buy it
This is the best reel mower for the money for typical suburban lawns under a quarter acre. If you want 18-inch coverage without paying Scotts prices, the Great States 815-18 delivers years of reliable service.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you want a grass collection bag, because none is included. Also skip if your lawn has heavy leaf litter or stick debris, because the 5-blade reel will jam more easily than 7-blade alternatives.
7. American Lawn Mower 1815-18 – Best for Seniors and Easy Pushing
American Lawn Mower 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Black
18-inch cut
5-blade reel
27 lbs
Pros
- Lightweight enough for seniors
- Self-propelled feel at 27 lbs
- 7 height positions for flexibility
Cons
- Cannot cut in reverse
- Blades sit between wheels leaving edge uncut
- Requires weekly mowing
The American Lawn Mower 1815-18 is the model I recommend most often to older homeowners. It has 2,822 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, and the consistent feedback from buyers over 65 is that it is the easiest reel mower they have ever pushed.
I let my 72-year-old father-in-law try mine and he mowed his entire 2,400 square foot lawn without taking a break. The combination of the 18-inch cutting width, ball bearing reel, and reasonable weight made the experience feel effortless compared to his old gas mower.
The 7 height positions give you the widest adjustment range in this price bracket, ranging from half an inch up to 2.75 inches. That flexibility lets you dial in the perfect cut for whatever grass type you grow.
Who should buy it
This is the best reel mower for seniors and anyone who values easy pushing over maximum cutting power. If you want a reliable, well-rounded mower that will not wear you out, the 1815-18 is hard to beat.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you want to mow in reverse, because reel mowers cut only on the forward stroke. Also skip if you have a yard with lots of tight edges along fences and walls, because the blades sit between the wheels and leave a small strip uncut.
8. Great States 415-16 – Best Compact for Small Lawns
Great States 415-16 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower with T-Style Handle
16-inch cut
5-blade reel
20.9 lbs
Pros
- Lightweight at 20.9 lbs
- T-style cushioned grip handle
- Tool-less easy assembly
Cons
- No grass bag included
- Struggles with thick or damp grass
- Cuts only going forward
The Great States 415-16 is my pick for very small lawns under 1,500 square feet. At 20.9 pounds and 16 inches wide, it stores easily in a garage or shed and pushes effortlessly through tight spaces.
I tested this on my own backyard, which is a tiny 1,200 square foot patch of Bermuda. The T-style handle is more comfortable than the loop handles on most competitors, and I finished mowing in under 12 minutes without breaking a sweat.
The 5-blade ball bearing reel cuts cleanly on regularly mowed grass, and the heat-treated alloy steel blades hold their edge well. With 2,428 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, this is also one of the highest-rated compact reel mowers you can buy.
Who should buy it
This is the best reel mower for tiny urban lawns, courtyards, and townhouse yards where storage space is limited. If you want a no-fuss, no-assembly-required mower that just works, the 415-16 is the pick.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you have more than 2,000 square feet of grass, because the 16-inch deck will tire you out. Also skip if your lawn collects heavy debris, because the 5-blade reel will jam more often than the 7-blade alternatives above.
What to Look for in a Reel Mower?
Choosing the best reel mowers comes down to six key factors. I have tested all of them across different lawns and grass types, and these are the specs that actually matter in real-world use.
Blade Count
Reel mowers come in 4, 5, 7, and even 10-blade configurations. In my testing, the difference between a 4-blade and 5-blade reel is noticeable on most grass types, while 7-blade models deliver the cleanest cut on warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia. For most cool-season lawns, a 5-blade reel is the sweet spot between cut quality and push effort.
Cutting Height Range
The best reel mowers offer at least a 1-inch to 2.5-inch cutting height range. Bermuda grass thrives at the low end (around 1 inch), while Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass prefer the upper range (2.5 to 3 inches). Look for a model with multiple height positions if you grow more than one grass type.
Weight and Push Effort
Reel mowers weigh between 17 and 35 pounds depending on the model. Lighter mowers (under 22 pounds) are easier to push but require more passes because they cut narrower swaths. Heavier mowers cover more ground per pass but can tire you out on slopes. Match the weight to your lawn size and personal strength.
Cutting Width
Cutting widths range from 14 inches on compact models to 20 inches on premium units. For lawns under 2,000 square feet, 14 to 16 inches is plenty. For lawns between 2,000 and 5,000 square feet, 18 inches saves real time. Anything over 20 inches is reserved for pro-grade equipment.
Lawn Size Compatibility
Reel mowers work best on lawns under a quarter acre. If your yard is larger than 5,000 square feet, you will spend over an hour pushing, and the effort can become unpleasant. In that case, consider a powered reel mower or a high-end electric rotary instead.
Maintenance Requirements
All reel mowers need occasional blade sharpening and a light oiling of moving components. Models with ball bearing reels (5-blade and up) hold their edge longer than 4-blade budget options. Some models, like the American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2, include a sharpening kit in the box, which is a real bonus for first-time buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best reel lawn mower?
Based on testing thousands of reviews and using these models myself, Scotts and Great States consistently make the best reel mowers for most homeowners. Scotts leads with the 716-18S for premium cut quality, while Great States offers the best value with the 815-18 and 415-16. For shoppers prioritizing ultra-low weight, American Lawn Mower Company is the top brand.
Which is better, a 5 blade or 7 blade reel mower?
A 7 blade reel mower cuts more cleanly and handles tough grass better, especially Bermuda and Zoysia. A 5 blade reel is easier to push and works perfectly for cool-season grasses like Fescue and Bluegrass. Choose 7 blades if you have warm-season turf or want the cleanest cut. Choose 5 blades if your priority is easier pushing and lower cost.
What is the best reel mower for the money?
The Great States 815-18 offers the best combination of cutting width, blade count, and build quality for the price. With 2,807 reviews averaging 4.2 stars and a 5-blade ball bearing reel, it delivers years of reliable service at a budget-friendly price point. For shoppers wanting the absolute lowest price, the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 at 19 pounds is hard to beat.
What size lawn is too big for a reel mower?
Reel mowers work best on lawns under a quarter acre (about 5,000 to 6,000 square feet). Above that size, the effort of pushing becomes exhausting for most homeowners. If your lawn is over 5,000 square feet, consider a powered reel mower or a self-propelled option. Sloped terrain also reduces the practical maximum size by about 30%.
How often do you need to sharpen a reel mower?
Most reel mower owners sharpen their blades once per year with average use. If you mow weekly during the growing season, the blades typically stay sharp for the entire year. Heavier use, sandy soil, or hitting debris can require more frequent sharpening. Some models like the American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2 include a hand sharpener so you can touch up the blades at home.
Final Verdict on the Best Reel Mowers
After six weeks of testing, the Scotts 716-18S remains my top pick for the best reel mower you can buy in 2026. The 7-blade ball bearing reel, 18-inch cutting width, and adjustable 1-inch to 3-inch height range handle every grass type I threw at it.
If you are shopping on a tighter budget, the Great States 815-18 delivers 90% of the Scotts performance for noticeably less money. And if your lawn is small and storage space is limited, the Great States 415-16 is the most practical pick on this list.
Whichever model you choose, switching to a push reel mower is one of the best decisions I have made for my lawn. My grass looks greener, my neighbors no longer hear me at 7 AM on Saturday, and I have saved a fortune on gas and oil. Pick the model that matches your lawn size, and enjoy the cut.