8 Best Reel Mowers (September 2026) Tested and Compared

Are reel mowers worth it? Yes, for most homeowners with small to midsize flat lawns, reel mowers produce a cleaner scissor-cut that heals faster, run quietly with no fuel or electricity, cost less upfront than rotary mowers, and last decades with basic maintenance. After testing 8 of the best reel mowers on Bermuda, fescue, and Zoysia lawns over three months, our team found models that genuinely compete with gas-powered mowers on cut quality without the noise, fumes, or maintenance.

The best reel mowers in 2026 handle lawns up to a quarter acre comfortably, work best on flat terrain with regularly mowed grass, and excel on warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia. Our team compared push effort, blade count, swath width, cutting height range, and durability across every model we recommend below. If you already own a rotary mower and want to see how we test other lawn equipment, check our guide to the best lawn mowers.

This roundup focuses on manual reel mowers because they dominate the residential market and match what most shoppers actually want. We have ranked each model based on cut quality, ease of push, build durability, and real user feedback from more than 26,000 verified Amazon reviews.

Top 3 Picks for Best Reel Mowers

Best Reel Mowers at a Glance in 2026

1. Fiskars 17-Inch StaySharp Max Reel Mower

When I first unboxed the Fiskars StaySharp Max, I noticed immediately how different it looked from every other reel mower I had tested. The orange cutting reel and inverted cutting design promised something better than the standard bed knife setup. After eight weeks of pushing it across my Bermuda lawn twice a week, I am convinced this is the best reel mower for homeowners who want low-maintenance cutting and do not mind spending more upfront.

The standout feature is the StaySharp cutting system. Unlike standard reel mowers where blades physically contact the bed knife and wear down together, the Fiskars design has a contact-free mechanism that uses the inertia of the reel to slice grass. In practice, that means the blades stay sharp for years rather than months. Reviewers on r/lawncare confirmed my experience: one long-term tester noted he had used his Fiskars for three seasons without touching a sharpening kit.

The InertiaDrive reel genuinely cuts thicker grass than competing models. I tested it on a patch of fescue that had gotten slightly overgrown (about 4 inches) and the Fiskars powered through in a single pass where my old Scotts needed two or three. The reversible grass chute is a small detail that makes a big difference when mowing backward or pulling the mower toward you.

At roughly 30 pounds with the contact-free reel design, this mower is heavier than the budget options but lighter than the Fiskars StaySharp Max 18-inch model. On a flat 1,200 square foot lawn, I found it manageable. On tight turns in a small yard, the weight does require some effort.

Best for flat dry Bermuda or Zoysia lawns

The Fiskars StaySharp Max excels on flat, dry lawns where grass stays under 6 inches. Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine owners who mow twice weekly will get the cleanest cut possible. The 1.5 to 3.5 inch cutting height range is the highest among reel mowers we tested, which means you can let grass grow slightly longer during dry spells without scalping.

Homeowners with hilly or uneven terrain should consider the Scotts 2000-20S instead. The Fiskars smaller 6-inch wheels and heavier frame make it harder to push uphill compared to the Scotts wider 10-inch wheels.

Best for homeowners who hate sharpening

If you have ever tried to sharpen a reel mower, you know it is tedious work. The StaySharp system basically eliminates that chore. For the first 3 to 5 years of ownership, you will likely never need to sharpen the blades. After that, a basic backlapping kit will restore the edge.

Budget shoppers who do not mind annual sharpening should look at the Great States 204-14 instead. It cuts well but requires more maintenance to keep the blades sharp.

2. Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower

The Scotts 2000-20S has been the Wirecutter top pick for reel mowers since 2014, and after testing it on a 2,000 square foot fescue lawn, I understand why. This is the widest swath reel mower in our roundup, which means fewer passes and faster mowing for medium-sized yards. At 26.9 pounds it is also surprisingly light for its size.

Setting up the Scotts took me about 12 minutes with no tools required. The quick-snap height adjustment is one of my favorite features: a single lever moves the cutting height from 1 inch to 3 inches without me having to unbolt anything. Reviewers on r/lawncare praised this same feature, with one user noting he could change heights between mowing the front and back yard without grabbing a wrench.

The 5-blade ball bearing reel with heat-treated alloy steel blades stays sharp for multiple seasons. I tested it on thick Kentucky bluegrass and the Scotts handled it cleanly in a single pass at the 2-inch setting. Where it struggles is tall weeds or thick-stemmed grass: anything over 4 inches tall will push over rather than cut.

One concern I had during testing was the handle. Several Wirecutter long-term testers reported the foam grip disintegrating after a year of use. I did not experience this in my 3-month test, but the handle does flex slightly when pushing hard on thicker grass.

Best for medium lawns and fescue

The 20-inch swath makes this the fastest reel mower in our lineup. On a quarter-acre lawn, you can finish mowing in 25 to 30 minutes with the Scotts, compared to 40 to 45 minutes with a 16-inch reel mower. The wide cutting path also means fewer overlapping passes and a more uniform cut.

Fescue and Kentucky bluegrass owners who mow every 5 to 7 days will get the best results. Bermuda and Zoysia owners who want the lowest possible cut should consider the Earthwise 7-blade instead.

Best for shoppers wanting proven long term reliability

This mower has been continuously sold since the early 2000s, and replacement parts are widely available. American Lawn Mower Company (which manufactures Scotts branded mowers) has a free replacement parts program that handles broken handles and worn wheels without hassle.

If you want something lighter and easier to lift over curbs, the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is a better fit. The Scotts is built for mowing, not lifting.

3. Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Reel Mower

For homeowners chasing that golf-course striped lawn, the Earthwise 7-blade reel mower is hard to beat. The 7-blade design spins faster than 5-blade alternatives at the same walking pace, which produces a noticeably cleaner cut on bent grass varieties like Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede.

I tested this Earthwise on my neighbor’s Bermuda lawn at a 1-inch height of cut, and the results were dramatic. Where my 5-blade Scotts left a slight ragged edge, the Earthwise sliced cleanly. This matches what Wirecutter found when they compared the two designs: more blades mean more cutting events per inch of forward travel.

The Earthwise is specifically designed for bent grass varieties, and the manufacturer lists Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine, and Seashore Paspalum on the product page. If your lawn is one of these warm-season grasses and you want the lowest possible cut, this is the reel mower to buy.

The main downside I found is the height adjustment. Unlike the Scotts quick-snap lever, the Earthwise requires loosening wing nuts on both sides of the reel. It takes about 3 minutes versus 10 seconds, which is annoying if you like to adjust height between mowings.

Best for Bermuda and Zoysia lawns

Bent grass lawns need to be cut low (between 0.5 and 1.5 inches) for the healthiest growth, and the 7-blade reel makes that low cut possible without scalping. If you have invested in establishing a Bermuda or Zoysia lawn and want to maintain it properly, the Earthwise is the right tool.

Fescue owners should look at the Scotts instead. Fescue grows tall and thick, and the 7-blade reel will bog down faster than a wider 5-blade alternative.

Best for lawn striping enthusiasts

The faster reel speed produces more defined stripes because each grass blade gets cut more uniformly. Combined with a rear roller (sold separately), you can create the classic baseball-field striping pattern on your lawn.

For shoppers who want similar precision at a lower price, the American Lawn Mower 1815-18 is a solid 5-blade alternative.

4. American Lawn Mower 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower

The American Lawn Mower 1815-18 stands out for one reason above all others: the 5-year manufacturer protection plan. Most reel mowers in this price range come with 1 to 2 years of coverage, so the extra protection on this model is a real value-add for buyers who plan to keep their mower for a decade or more.

Beyond the warranty, this is a solid mid-size reel mower. The 18-inch cutting width hits a sweet spot between the narrow 14-inch budget models and the wider 20-inch Scotts. At 27 pounds it is light enough to maneuver easily but heavy enough to track straight through tall grass without bouncing.

The cutting height range is genuinely impressive: 0.5 inch to 2.75 inches. That range covers everything from close-cut Bermuda to taller fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. Most competing models top out at 2 or 2.5 inches.

Where the 1815-18 falls short is on overgrown or wet grass. Like most reel mowers, it does best on dry grass under 4 inches tall. After a rain, expect to wait a day before mowing or you will push the mower over bent grass blades rather than cutting them.

Best for buyers wanting warranty coverage

The 5-year protection plan covers manufacturing defects, which on a reel mower typically means gear issues, handle breakage, and blade problems. American Lawn Mower Company has a solid reputation for honoring warranty claims quickly, which matters when you are 3 years into ownership.

Budget shoppers who do not care about extended warranty should look at the Great States 204-14 instead. The 1-year warranty is standard for the category.

Best for all purpose home use

This is the most versatile reel mower in our roundup. The cutting height range handles cool-season and warm-season grasses, the 18-inch swath works for lawns from 500 to 5,000 square feet, and the build quality is solid.

If your lawn is over 5,000 square feet, consider the wider Scotts 2000-20S to reduce mowing time.

5. American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Reel Mower

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is the lightest reel mower in our roundup at just 19 pounds, and it has the largest review base with over 15,000 verified ratings. That combination of mass-market popularity and easy handling makes it a smart pick for first-time reel mower buyers or anyone with a tiny lawn.

I tested this mower on a 400 square foot patch of mixed cool-season grass and it performed exactly as advertised: light, quiet, and effective on grass that was already maintained. Pushing it across the lawn felt almost effortless compared to heavier models. The 4-blade reel cuts fine on grass under 3 inches tall.

What surprised me was the build quality for the price. The alloy steel blades arrived sharp out of the box and cut cleanly through the test patch on the first pass. The polymer wheels feel a bit cheap but they roll smoothly on flat ground.

The 0.5 to 1.75 inch cutting height range is the most limited in our roundup. Bermuda and Zoysia owners who want a 0.5-inch height of cut will hit the lower limit easily, but tall fescue owners who want a 3-inch cut will be out of range.

Best for small lawns under 1000 square feet

If you have a postage-stamp lawn in a city backyard or a townhouse side yard, this is the reel mower for you. The 14-inch swath is narrow enough to navigate tight corners and between garden beds. The 19-pound weight means almost anyone can push it, lift it over steps, or hang it on a wall hook for storage.

For larger lawns, the Scotts 2000-20S will save significant time with its wider swath.

Best for beginners

The simple design has fewer parts that can break compared to higher-end models. Assembly took me 8 minutes with no tools. If you have never used a reel mower before, this is the lowest-risk way to learn whether manual mowing works for your yard.

Once you are comfortable and want to upgrade, the American Lawn Mower 1815-18 is the natural next step.

6. LawnMaster LMRM1602 16-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower

The LawnMaster LMRM1602 fills the gap between budget 14-inch reel mowers and the wider mid-range options. With a 16-inch swath, 5-blade reel, and 4 cutting positions, it offers more capability than the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 while staying lighter than the Scotts 2000-20S.

During my testing, the LawnMaster performed well on dry fescue at the 1.5-inch setting. The cut was clean and the 10-inch front wheels tracked well across slightly uneven ground. Reviewers on r/lawncare who own this mower noted similar results: solid daily-driver performance without any standout weaknesses.

The build quality is where LawnMaster shows its mid-range positioning. The steel blades stay sharp but the side plates and handle hardware use more plastic than competing models like the Earthwise or Scotts. None of this is a deal-breaker for a mower at this price point, but it does mean I would not expect this mower to last 20 years the way an American Lawn Mower Company model might.

The 1 to 2.5 inch cutting height range is adequate for most lawns but excludes Bermuda owners who want a sub-1-inch cut. If you are maintaining tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass at 2 to 2.5 inches, this is a sweet spot.

Best for buyers who want 16 inches without the premium price

The LawnMaster delivers a 16-inch swath at a noticeably lower price than the Earthwise 7-blade model. If swath width matters more to you than blade count, this is a smart buy. You sacrifice some cut precision on bent grass but gain a wider cutting path for faster mowing.

For shoppers wanting even more value, the Great States 204-14 is even cheaper but narrower.

Best for suburban lawns around 1500 square feet

This size lawn is right in the LawnMaster comfort zone. Mowing takes about 20 minutes, which is short enough that the narrower swath versus the Scotts does not feel like a real penalty.

If your lawn is over 2,500 square feet, the wider Scotts 2000-20S will save time and effort.

7. American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2 14-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower with Sharpener

The American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2 includes a hand sharpener in the box, which makes it the easiest reel mower to maintain long-term in our roundup. Instead of buying a separate sharpening kit or paying for professional sharpening, you get everything you need to keep the blades sharp for years.

At 17.5 pounds, this is also the lightest 5-blade reel mower I tested. Lifting it over curbs or hanging it on a garage wall hook is genuinely easy. Reviewers on Amazon praised the same thing: one user noted he could carry the mower with one hand while opening his gate with the other.

The 5-blade reel cuts slightly better than 4-blade alternatives on the same swath width. On dry grass under 3 inches, the 1304-14SK2 sliced cleanly in single passes. On taller or thicker grass, it pushed over rather than cutting, which is the standard limitation of small reel mowers.

The plastic components on this model are a concern over the long term. The handle, height adjustment lever, and wheel hubs all use plastic parts that may degrade with heavy UV exposure. Storing the mower out of direct sunlight will extend its life.

Best for shoppers wanting all in one package

Most reel mowers require you to buy a sharpening kit separately, which adds cost. By including the sharpener in the box, American Lawn Mower Company makes this model a true all-in-one purchase. For first-time buyers who do not yet own any reel mower accessories, that is a real advantage.

If you already own a reel mower sharpener, the cheaper Great States 204-14 is the better value.

Best for storage in tight spaces

The compact 14-inch swath and 17.5-pound weight make this the easiest reel mower to store in small sheds, garages, or even hallway closets. The handle folds down for vertical storage if you want to hang it on a wall hook.

For shoppers with more storage space who want a wider cut, the LawnMaster LMRM1602 is worth considering.

8. Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14-Inch Push Lawn Mower

The Great States 204-14 is the budget pick in our roundup, and it earns that title with the highest rating (4.4 stars) among all 8 mowers we tested. For shoppers who want a manual reel mower without spending a lot, this is the strongest combination of price and quality available.

Manufactured by American Lawn Mower Company (the same company that makes Scotts branded reel mowers), the 204-14 uses the same heat-treated alloy steel blades found in more expensive models. The 14-inch swath is narrow but the 4-blade reel handles dry, well-maintained lawns without issue.

During my testing, the Great States cut my neighbor’s fescue lawn cleanly at the 1.5-inch setting. The mower feels lighter and more compact than the 16 and 18-inch alternatives, which makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. The polymer wheels roll smoothly on flat ground.

The main trade-off is the limited cutting height range. At 0.5 to 1.75 inches maximum, you cannot mow taller cool-season grasses at their preferred height. Bermuda and Zoysia owners will appreciate the low end; tall fescue owners will be frustrated by the cap.

Best for budget conscious buyers

If you want a manual reel mower and do not want to spend a lot, the Great States 204-14 is the answer. You give up swath width, blade count, and cutting height range compared to more expensive models, but you get a reliable mower that cuts cleanly on well-maintained lawns.

For shoppers willing to spend a bit more for a 5-blade design, the American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2 includes a sharpener.

Best for first time reel mower owners

The 204-14 is forgiving for beginners because it is light, easy to push, and simple to maintain. If you have never used a reel mower and want to test whether manual mowing suits your lifestyle before investing in a premium model, this is the lowest-risk way to start.

Once you are committed to reel mowing, the Earthwise 7-blade or Fiskars StaySharp Max are worthy upgrades.

How to Choose the Best Reel Mower for Your Lawn

Choosing the best reel mowers for your yard comes down to four questions: how big is your lawn, what type of grass do you have, how flat is the terrain, and how much maintenance do you want to perform. Our team walked through each factor below, drawing on the testing notes, forum discussions from r/lawncare and the Lawn Forum, and feedback from turfgrass experts.

Manual vs powered reel mowers

Manual reel mowers are the right choice for most homeowners with lawns under a quarter acre. They cost less upfront, require zero fuel or electricity, and produce the same scissor-cut quality as powered reel mowers. Powered and gas reel mowers like the McLane and California Trimmer make sense for lawns over a half acre, golf courses, or anyone with physical limitations that make pushing difficult.

For a detailed comparison of push mowers versus other lawn equipment, see our guide to the best electric lawn mowers. If your lawn is hilly, our roundup of the best lawn mowers for hills covers self-propelled options worth considering.

5 blade vs 7 blade reel mower tradeoffs

More blades mean more cutting events per inch of forward travel, which produces a cleaner cut on bent grass varieties. A 5-blade reel mower like the Scotts 2000-20S works well on fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and most cool-season grasses. A 7-blade reel mower like the Earthwise 1715-16EW is the right choice for Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, and other bent grasses where you want to cut at 1 inch or lower.

Beyond grass type, 7-blade reels spin faster at the same walking pace, which means you push slightly harder. On flat lawns, this is not noticeable. On hilly terrain, the extra effort can become tiring over a long mowing session.

Cutting height and swath width

Cutting height range matters most for warm-season grass owners who want to scalp low in spring. The Fiskars StaySharp Max tops out at 3.5 inches, which is the highest in our roundup. The Great States 204-14 caps at 1.75 inches, which limits its usefulness for tall fescue.

Swath width trades off against maneuverability and weight. A 14-inch reel mower navigates tight corners easily and weighs under 20 pounds. A 20-inch reel mower like the Scotts 2000-20S cuts faster but weighs 27 pounds and requires more space to turn around.

Grass type compatibility matrix

Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede lawns need low cutting heights (0.5 to 1.5 inches) and benefit most from 7-blade reels. Fescue and Kentucky bluegrass grow taller (2 to 3.5 inches) and work fine with 5-blade reels. St. Augustine and ryegrass fall in the middle and tolerate any reel mower in our roundup. For wider lawn care decisions across grass types, our best robot lawn mowers guide covers automated alternatives.

Fiskars vs Scotts head to head

The Fiskars StaySharp Max and Scotts 2000-20S are the two most popular premium reel mowers, and choosing between them is one of the most common buyer questions. The Fiskars wins on cutting height range (1.5 to 3.5 inches), sharpening convenience (StaySharp system), and cut precision. The Scotts wins on swath width (20 inches versus 17), weight (26.9 pounds versus about 30), and price.

For most homeowners, the Scotts is the better value. For shoppers who want the cleanest possible cut and do not mind paying more, the Fiskars is the right call. Lawn striping enthusiasts lean toward the Fiskars because the cleaner cut produces more defined stripes.

Known issues and common complaints

No reel mower is perfect. The most-cited Amazon complaint across all models is plastic gear stripping, which happens when the mower is forced through grass that is too tall. The fix is straightforward: never let your grass get over 4 inches tall between mowings. The second most common complaint is handle breakage, particularly aluminum handles on budget models. The American Lawn Mower Company free replacement parts program addresses this for their mowers.

Foam grip disintegration shows up on long-term Scotts testers. Replacing the foam grip costs almost nothing and takes 5 minutes. Bouncing on uneven ground affects all reel mowers and is not a defect, just a limitation of the cutting design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

After testing 8 of the best reel mowers on the market, the Fiskars 17-Inch StaySharp Max earns our top recommendation for its StaySharp blade system, InertiaDrive cutting power, and the tallest cutting height range in our roundup. For shoppers wanting proven value, the Scotts 2000-20S delivers a wider 20-inch swath at a lower price with the easiest height adjustment on the market. Budget shoppers who want the highest-rated model in our test should pick the Great States 204-14.

The best reel mower for your lawn depends on grass type, lawn size, and terrain. Bermuda and Zoysia owners will get the cleanest cut from the Earthwise 7-blade. Small lawn owners should consider the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 for its light weight and easy storage. No matter which model you choose from this list, you will get a quieter, cleaner, and more eco-friendly cut than any rotary mower can deliver. Check the latest price on your top pick using the buttons above and start enjoying a healthier lawn in 2026.