You may be in the market for a reel mower if you have a small lawn or like your grass cut low. Additionally, perfectionists prefer the crisp cuts made by precision reel mowers. So, we created a list of the best reel lawn mowers on the market today. We break down each model so you can find the perfect mower for your lawn and your budget.
We searched for reel mowers at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart. First, we analyzed each model’s specs and features and then diligently combed through hundreds of user reviews. Next, we did a cost comparison accounting for each mower’s specs. Now, we present our findings in a user-friendly format, making it easy to find the best reel mower for you.
Our top picks
Top 8 reel lawn mowers – Reviews
1. Remington RM3100 – Best overall
You can effortlessly mow lawns up to one-quarter of an acre with the Remington RM3100 mulching push reel lawn mower. Its five blades crisply cut most grass types with nine height adjustments as short as three-quarters of an inch. Then, let the mulched grass clippings fall to fertilize your lawn, or catch them with the included bag attachment.
How does it handle? It’s easy to maneuver through flat terrain with an ergonomic foam grip handle and nine handlebar positions.
Specifications
- Cutting width: 18 inches
- Power type: Manual
- Cutting heights: .75 – 2.5 inches
- Cutting height positions: 9
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 28.4 pounds
- Deck material: 15-gauge steel
- Max lawn size: ¼ acre
- Recommended terrain: Flat
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Customizable cutting height options ✓ Customizable handlebar positions ✓ Ergonomic ✓ Mulches grass clippings ✓ Grass catcher included ✓ Wide cutting width | ✗ Grass catcher bag is too small |
Cost comparison: It costs less than most reel mowers with mulching and bagging capabilities and most reel mowers of its large size.
2. Scotts 615-16S – Best for slopes
If you need to mow a sloped lawn that is one-quarter of an acre or less, consider the Scotts 615-16S 16-inch reel mower. It has superb maneuverability and a five-blade ball-bearing reel that evenly cuts grass blades. Its 5-position adjustable cutting height allows you to cut the grass from 1.5 to 2.75 inches, so it’s best for grass that doesn’t need to be too short.
How does it handle? It’s easy to handle and smoothly moves through flat or sloped lawns. Although the handlebar isn’t adjustable, it has a cushioned comfort grip.
Specifications
- Cutting width: 16 inches
- Power type: Manual
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 2.75 inches
- Cutting height positions: 5
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 25 pounds
- Deck material: 10-gauge steel
- Max lawn size: ¼ acre
- Recommended terrain: Flat, sloped
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Easy to maneuver on sloped terrain ✓ Easy to handle ✓ Makes clean cuts ✓ 3-year warranty | ✗ Can’t cut the grass as low as most reel mowers ✗ Handlebar isn’t adjustable |
Cost comparison: The Scotts 615-16S is priced higher than about 60% of all the reel mowers we researched and higher than two-thirds of the reel mowers in its size class.
3. Earthwise 1715 – Best lightweight reel mower
If you want a lightweight mower, the Earthwise 1715 7-blade reel mower combines a high-quality cut with a lightweight design. Pushing through flat or hilly terrain is easy, so you can quickly manicure lawns up to one-quarter acre. It has seven grass height adjustments, and the mower cuts blades of grass as low as half an inch, making it great for low-cut lawns.
How does it handle? It’s lightweight with 10-inch composite wheels that are easy to push through thick or tall grass. Additionally, it has a comfortable T-style handle with cushioned grips.
Specifications
- Cutting width: 16 inches
- Power type: Manual
- Cutting heights: .5 – 2.5 inches
- Cutting height positions: 7
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 21.83 pounds
- Deck material: Heat-treated alloy steel
- Max lawn size: ¼ acre
- Recommended terrain: Flat, sloped
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Many cutting height options ✓ Can cut grass lower than most reel mowers ✓ Lightweight ✓ 7 cutting blades ✓ Can use on sloped terrain | ✗ Handlebar isn’t adjustable |
Cost comparison: The Earthwise 1715 is an average-priced reel mower.
4. Great States Corporation 415-16-21 – Best budget buy
Consider the Great States Corporation 415-16-21 if you want the most bang for your buck. It has 16-inch heat-treated alloy steel blades and an adjustable blade height that mows as low as half an inch. Additionally, it has durable composite wheels and rubber tires. As a result, it’s easy to use on flat or sloped lawns that are one-quarter acre or less.
How does it handle? It’s lightweight and comfortable to push with a cushioned grip handle.
Specifications
- Cutting width: 16 inches
- Power type: Manual
- Cutting heights: .5 – 2.5 inches
- Cutting height positions: 3
- Warranty: 1 year
- Deck material: 10-Gauge Steel
- Weight: 23 pounds
- Max lawn size: ¼ acre
- Recommended terrain: Flat, sloped
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Lightweight ✓ Affordable ✓ Can use on sloped terrain ✓ Can cut grass lower than most reel mowers | ✗ Few cutting height options ✗ Handlebar isn’t adjustable |
Cost comparison: The Great States Corporation 415-16-21 costs less than about 80% of the reel mowers we researched.
5. Sun Joe MJ502M – Best for medium yards
The Sun Joe MJ502M has a 20-inch cutting width and a dual-wheel design with 6-inch rear wheels. Its five steel blades smoothly plow through flat terrain with precise cutting power, making it great for lawns up to half an acre. The model even includes a grass catcher, making cleanup simple.
How does it handle? Its compact design is easy to maneuver through flat yards, even with obstacles such as debris or landscaping. Even though it’s so large, it isn’t unwieldy.
Specifications
- Cutting width: 20 inches
- Power type: Manual
- Cutting heights: 1.2 – 2.4 inches
- Cutting height positions: 9
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Deck material: Alloy steel
- Max lawn size: ½ acre
- Recommended terrain: Flat, with obstacles
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Wide cutting width ✓ Many cutting height options ✓ Grass catcher included ✓ Foldable handle | ✗ Can’t cut the grass as low as most reel mowers ✗ Handlebar isn’t adjustable ✗ Heavy |
Cost comparison: The Sun Joe MJ502M is an average-priced reel mower overall but cheaper than most reel mowers with a wide cutting width or a grass catcher.
6. American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18-21 – Medium yard runner-up
If you have a flat or sloped lawn up to one-half acre, consider the American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18-21. It has five heat-treated alloy steel blades that cut through the grass like butter and heavy-duty 10-inch polymer wheels. As a result, homeowners with small to medium yards can quickly manicure their lawns with precision.
How does it handle? It’s compact and easy to push, so you can get the job done quickly.
Specifications
- Cutting width: 18 inches
- Power type: Manual
- Cutting heights: .5 – 2.75 inches
- Cutting height positions: 3
- Warranty: 1 year
- Weight: 24.9 pounds
- Deck material: 12-gauge steel
- Max lawn size: ½ acre
- Recommended terrain: Flat, sloped
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Wide cutting width ✓ Can cut grass lower than most reel mowers ✓ Can use on sloped terrain | ✗ Few cutting height options ✗ Handlebar isn’t adjustable |
Cost comparison: The American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18-21 is an average-priced reel mower.
7. Great States Corporation 204-14-21 – best for small spaces
If you have tight spaces to mow or live in a townhome or zero-lot line community, the Great States Corporation 204-14-21 may be your perfect lawn mower. Its narrow 14-inch deck navigates around obstacles and hilly terrain. Additionally, its 4-blade ball bearing reel and bed knife cuts grass as low as one-half inch. However, it can only make cuts as high as 1.5 inches.
How does it handle? It’s lightweight, easy to push, and has a comfortable T-style handle with cushioned grips.
Specifications
- Cutting width: 14 inches
- Power type: Manual
- Cutting heights: .5 – 1.5 inches
- Cutting height positions: 3
- Warranty: 1 year
- Weight: 19 pounds
- Deck material: 12-gauge steel
- Max lawn size: ¼ acre
- Recommended terrain: Flat, sloped
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Affordable ✓ Lightweight ✓ Can cut grass lower than most reel mowers ✓ Can use on sloped terrain | ✗ Can’t cut the grass as high as most reel mowers ✗ Few cutting height options ✗ Handlebar isn’t adjustable |
Cost comparison: The Great States Corporation 204-14-21 is one of the cheapest available reel lawn mowers.
8. Amazon Basics 18-Inch reel mower – Honorable mention
The Amazon Basics 18-inch reel mower is simple yet efficient. It’s built strong with 10-inch wheels and five steel blades that evenly cut grass on flat yards of one-quarter acre or smaller. The grass catcher fills with clippings as you mow, helping you maintain a tidy yard. It also has a wide range of cutting heights from .5 to 2.75 inches.
How does it handle? It’s easy to push as long as it’s on flat terrain.
Specifications
- Cutting width: 18 inches
- Power type: Manual
- Cutting heights: .5 – 2.75 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
- Weight: 25.5 pounds
- Deck material: Heat-treated steel
- Max lawn size: ¼ acre
- Recommended terrain: Flat
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Wide cutting width ✓ Includes grass catcher ✓ Easy to push ✓ Wide range of cutting heights | ✗ Not many ergonomic features |
Cost comparison: The Amazon Basics 18-inch reel mower is priced higher than about 60% of the reel mowers we researched and is average-priced for an 18-inch reel mower.
Buyer’s guide to reel lawn mowers
Savvy shoppers know what to look for in a reel mower, so we put together a buyers guide that explains everything you need to know about the following:
Reel vs rotary mowers
Rotary mowers have blades that spin on a vertical axis using gas or electricity and are the most common type of mower found in American households. On the other hand, reel mowers are usually man-powered, and they cut the grass like scissors to make more precise cuts.
Pros and cons of reel mowers
| Pros of reel mowers | Cons of reel mowers |
| ✓ Cleaner cuts ✓ Can cut the grass lower ✓ Manual reel mowers are the most eco-friendly option ✓ Good for coarse warm-season grasses ✓ Cost less than rotary mowers | ✗ Takes more effort to push ✗ Takes longer to finish mowing ✗ Difficult to cut long grass ✗ Aren’t suitable for terrain with many rocks or twigs |
Conclusion: Reel mowers are best for lawns that are small and regularly maintained.
Best rotary lawn mowers
If you are looking for the best lawn mower for your medium to large yard, the spinning blades of a rotary mower get the job done much quicker. So, here are some of the best rotary lawn mowers:
- Gas-powered mowers: The best gas mowers include the Toro TimeMaster 21199 and Yardmax YG1650. But if you are looking for a self-propelled mower for a small yard, the best mowers for small yards include the Honda HRX217VKA.
- Cordless electric mowers: The best battery lawn mowers include the Greenworks 40V Mower Series and EGO Power+ 21-Inch Select Cut.
- Corded electric mowers: The best corded electric lawn mower is the Black + Decker MM2000.
Cutting width
The wider a lawn mower’s cutting width, the more ground it covers in a single pass, allowing you to do the job quicker. Most reel mowers have a 14-inch to 20-inch cutting width, and the table below shows the typically recommended lawn size by reel mower width.
| Cutting width (inches) | Lawn size |
| 14 | Up to ⅛ acre |
| 16 – 18 | Up to ¼ acre |
| 20 | Up to ½ acre |
However, if you have tight spaces to mow, you may need a mower with a smaller cutting width. Reel mowers, being smaller than other options, are typically ideal for small yards. Our picks for the best lawn mowers for small yards include reel mowers and other options.
Cutting height
Most reel mowers have 3 to 9 cutting height adjustments, and cutting heights range from as low as half an inch to as high as 4 inches. Of course, your grass’s ideal mowing height depends on the type of grass, and it can also vary depending on the season and overall health of your lawn. The table below shows common lawn grasses’ recommended cutting heights.
| Grass type | Best cutting height (inches) |
| Bentgrass | 0.25 – 0.75 |
| Bermudagrass | 0.5 – 1.5 |
| Buffalograss | 2 – 3 |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 |
| Fine Fescue | 1.5 – 2.5 |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2 – 4 |
| Zoysiagrass | 0.5 – 1.5 |
Weight
Since you operate most reel mowers manually, lightweight models are much easier to push. The table below shows the typical weight of reel mowers.
| Average weight | 29 pounds |
| Typical weight range | 22 – 35 pounds |
| Extreme low | 18 pounds |
| Extreme high | 51 pounds |
Additional features
Some homeowners enjoy reel lawn mowers with these handy features:
- Mulching: Mulched grass clippings are great for fertilizing lawns and gardens.
- Grass catcher: Mowers with a grass catcher make clean-up easier.
- Cushioned handle grips: Cushioned handles are more comfortable.
- Handlebar adjustments: If you are tall or short, or if multiple people of different heights will need to use the same mower, you will benefit from a model with an adjustable handle.
Price
The average reel mower costs about $115, but lawn mower prices vary by brand, cutting width, and features.
| Average reel mower cost | $115 |
| Typical price range | $105 – $150 |
| Extreme low | $85 |
| Extreme high | $310 |
Reel mowers are more affordable than other lawn mower types, as you can see from the table below.
| Average reel mower cost | $115 |
| Average walk-behind mower cost | $475 |
| Average riding mower cost | $3,070 |
| Average robotic mower cost | $1,320 |
Reel mowers with a wider cutting width tend to cost more, as shown in the table below.
| Cutting width | Average cost |
| 14 inches | $100 |
| 16 inches | $125 |
| 18 inches | $140 |
FAQ about reel lawn mowers
Reel mowers work well on grass types with a low recommended cutting height because they are better at cutting short grass than rotary mowers. Additionally, reel mowers make cleaner cuts.
However, manual lawn mowers are much harder on the user, and finding a good electric-powered reel mower is difficult. So remember that coarse grass is easier to cut with a reel mower than fine-textured varieties such as fine fescue.
Coarse-textured warm-season grass is the easiest to cut with a reel mower, so if you have a small lawn with the following grass types, consider purchasing one:
● St. Augustine
● Zoysia
● Bermuda
● Buffalograss
Reel mowers are also great for grass types that are mowed low, such as bentgrass.
The best reel mower brands include the following:
● Remington
● Scotts
● Earthwise
● American Lawn Mower Company
● Great States Corporation
● Sun Joe
If you have a small yard, consider the following outdoor power tools:
● Leaf blowers: One of the best battery leaf blowers is the Ryobi RY404180VNM Whisper Series, but if you prefer gas leaf blowers, consider the Craftsman B215.
● String trimmers: The best gas string trimmer for small yards is the compact Remington RM25C, and the best budget battery string trimmer is the Black+Decker 20V MAX.
● Hedge trimmers: The best battery hedge trimmer is the Greenworks HT40L00, and the best gas hedge trimmer is the Dewalt DXGHT22.
● Chainsaws: The best gas chainsaw with a small bar is the Echo CS-271T-12, and the best medium bar chainsaw is the Husqvarna 455. The best electric mini chainsaw is the Makita XCU06SM1.
Reel mowers are lower maintenance than most rotary mowers. They never need an oil change and have few working parts. The only care they typically require is sharpening blades, lubricating blades, and cleanup.
When to call a lawn care pro
If you want a perfectly manicured lawn without breaking a sweat, your best bet is hiring a lawn care pro. A professional’s expertise and high-quality equipment will benefit your lawn while you relax and enjoy your free time. Connect with a local lawn care pro through Lawn Love today, and you’ll find that routine lawn care is probably more affordable than you think.
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