The Best Reel Mowers Tested in 2023

The saying “you get what you pay for” rings true with this reel mower from Fiskars. Boasting hardened steel StaySharp blades that reduce the need for resharpening, this model also includes two small front rollers to help balance and stabilize the mower. Additionally, it features InertiaDrive, a chain-driven design that powers the mower through thicker grasses. This system allows the reel to spin freely under its own inertia when the user stops pushing the mower forward—a seemingly minor detail but one that reduces the operator’s workload, especially when pushing the mower around obstacles or changing directions.

You can adjust the cutting height from 1 to 4 inches, which is ideal for both warm-season and cool-season grasses. An adjustable chute directs the clippings to fall either in front of or behind the mower to suit the operator’s preference. The Fiskars mower cuts a generous 18-inch swath, making it well suited to mowing small- and medium-size yards. An optional grass catcher can be purchased separately.

For a premium price compared to other models we tested, the Fiskars StaySharp reel mower delivered the performance to justify the price. Weighing in at a hefty 52 pounds, the build felt heavy-duty but worked smoothly and efficiently. The ergonomic handle was extremely comfortable, and the machine moved almost effortlessly over all but the roughest ground. The only criticism we had was that the 8.5-inch drive wheels felt somewhat undersized for higher mowing.

Unlike other reel mowers, the cutting reel is mid-mounted with the drive wheels offset to the rear, preventing them from flattening the grass before it is mowed. This configuration allows the mower to cut within an inch of the edge rather than 3.5 inches from the edge like other reel mowers. The toolless single-lever height adjustment worked in seconds.

Notably, this was the only manual reel mower we tested that could mow effectively with sticks and other debris lying on the grass. It was a pleasure to mow with this tool, and the finished cut was clean and even.

Read our full review: Fiskars StaySharp Max 18-Inch Reel Mower

Product Specs 

• Number of blades: 5
• Swath: 18 inches
• Mowing height range: 1 to 4 inches

Pros

• Heavy-duty construction can last for several years
• Ergonomic design is comfortable to use
• Easy to adjust and maneuver with oversize wheels
• Cuts closest to the edges so you can skip the trimmer

Cons

• Twice the price of other reel mowers
• At 52 pounds, more than twice the weight of other reel mowers
• Bulky design takes up a bit more storage space than conventional reel mowers

Get the Fiskars reel mower at Lowe’s or The Home Depot.

For a tried-and-true design that mows well and stores easily, look no further than the Craftsman 18-inch reel mower. This lightweight model weighs just 24 pounds and uses a traditional pinion gear drive system, with the 5-blade mowing reel mounted between the wheels. Two levers control the cutting height, which ranges from 1 to 3 inches. A padded loop handle provides a secure grip and comfortable control, and the included grass catcher keeps clippings off the yard and off your feet.

This reel mower (and other reel mowers featured in this guide) incorporates the timeless design that our great grandparents would immediately recognize: two large wheels with the blade assembly mounted between them. Two gears inside one of the wheels drive the reel assembly whenever the mower is pushed forward, but not when it is pushed backward. When the forward motion stops, the reel immediately stops as well. This leads to the traditional complaint that reel mowers jam easily when small debris lodges between the reel and bed knife. As a result, we found that it was vital to remove all twigs, pine cones, and other debris from the grass before using this mower.

The mower arrived well tuned for a nice even cut. We appreciated the included grass catcher, which kept most of the clippings off our feet as we mowed. As a bonus, the entire unit was compact and lightweight enough to store on a wall hook in the shed.

Product Specs 

• Number of blades: 5
• Swath: 18 inches
• Mowing height range: 1 to 3 inches

Pros

• Time-tested design works efficiently and quietly with zero emissions
• Durable but lightweight construction for easy maintenance and storage
• Mowing height range is compatible with both warm-season and cool-season grasses
• Includes a grass catcher to keep clippings off the lawn and feet

Cons

• Relatively small twigs and debris can cause a jam between the reel and bed knife
• Lightweight build makes the mower less stable on bumpy terrain

Get the Craftsman reel mower at Amazon.

For affordability and mowing ease, this five-blade reel mower from Great States is a worthy option. It features a smooth cutting operation and a cushioned T-style handle for easy maneuverability around corners. The 16-inch swath width makes it relatively simple to push, and back rollers offer added stability.

This reel mower’s five heat-treated alloy blades resist dulling, and blade height is adjustable from 1 to 2.5 inches, making it optimal for mowing short grass species, such as buffalo or zoysia. It’s also a lightweight option at just under 25 pounds.

We found this 16-inch mower to be a good “middle-of-the-road” option: narrow enough to move well through thick grass but still wide enough to get the job done quickly. The T-style handle grips gave the mower a comfortable feel as it glided effortlessly around the yard. The 16-inch blade moved slightly easier through dense grass than the 18-inch model but still cut a generous swath.

Product Specs 

• Number of blades: 5
• Swath: 16 inches
• Mowing height range: 1 to 2.5 inches

Pros

• Lower profile for easy storage; great for busy gardeners with lots of other tools to store
• Comfortable handlebar-style grips; ideal for prolonged use
• Easy-to-use knob screw-style height adjustment

Cons

• Cuts too low for taller grasses like fescue
• Sticks, acorns, and pine cones stop the blades abruptly
• Does not cut to the edge; may need a trimmer tool

Get the Great States 16-inch reel mower at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

With a 14-inch swath width and a ball-bearing reel, this little mower from Great States is just right for a small lawn and more petite users. This narrower-than-most reel mower is easy to maneuver around trees and corners, and it comes with a back roller for added stability. The blades are made from a heat-treated alloy to help reduce dulling, and the mower features a low adjustable cutting height from 1 to 1.75 inches, making it best suited to short grassspecies.

A narrow overall body width of just 20 inches, 8.5-inch rubber tires, and a traditional handlebar with padded grips makes this mower easy to pivot in tight spaces, in addition to taking up minimal storage space. And at just under 20 pounds, it is even light enough to hang on a wall hook. This model is essentially a scaled-down version of our 16-inch Best Bang for the Buck pick, with similar height and blade adjustments.

Unfortunately, this smaller model requires a wrench to adjust the height instead of using knob screws. However, the narrow body was even easier to push in dense grass but took almost twice as long to mow the same amount of space when factoring in the imperfections of walking a straight line, additional turnaround times, and overlapping edges. This mower could be a good pick for mowing a small grass patch around a townhouse or condo.

Product Specs 

• Number of blades: 5
• Swath: 14 inches
• Mowing height range: 1 to 1.75 inches

Pros

• Compact size allows for easy maneuverability in small spaces
• Lightweight and low profile for easy storage
• No-frills gardening tool makes for low maintenance

Cons

• Does not cut close to the edges (3.5 inches from blade edge to outer wheel)
• Too lightweight to mow sloped areas
• Height adjustment requires a wrench instead of just knob screws

Get the Great States 14-inch reel mower at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Northern Tool + Equipment.

Although reel mowers are mostly limited for use on smaller yards, the Scotts 20-inch reel mower excels at the upper end of the yard size range. It comes equipped with one of the widest cutting reels available and includes several design details that make it more suitable for extended use over varying terrain.

The mower features two quick-snap levers to set the mowing height between 1 and 3 inches. It is also equipped with 6-inch rear tracking wheels instead of rollers, which helps to more easily cover bumpy ground. At a middling weight of 34 pounds, it was heavy enough to “stick” to rough ground instead of bouncing around like some of the lightweight models were more likely to do. We also liked the ergonomic raised loop handle. It allowed for multiple grip positions to relieve user strain during longer mowing sessions.

This reel mower utilizes a traditional gear drive system that makes it somewhat susceptible to jamming with debris. However, possibly due to the increased effort required to push the wider mower in the first place, we experienced less jamming compared to most of the other mowers we tested. Our overall impression was that this mower would make a good choice for those who care for midsize lawns up to a quarter acre or so.

Product Specs 

• Number of blades: 5
• Swath: 20 inches
• Mowing height range: 1 to 3 inches

Pros

• Wide 20-inch cutting swath mows more grass faster than smaller reel mowers
• Quick-snap height adjustment levers easily adapt to mowing conditions
• Padded ergonomic loop handle with multiple grip options for ideal comfort
• Rear-tracking wheels improve maneuverability compared to rear roller alone

Cons

• Does not include a grass catcher
• Wider mower requires more effort to push, mostly noticeable in dense grass

Get the Scotts 20-inch reel mower at Walmart.

The Earthwise reel mower features seven blades—two more than most reel mowers—which gives it extra oomph to power through dense grass. This mower cuts a 16-inch swath with its steel-alloy blades that are designed to stay sharp longer. The grass-cutting height is adjustable from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, suitable for a range of grasses like St. Augustine, buffalo, and Bermuda.

The mower is on the lightweight side at only 26 pounds. The T-style handle makes it easier to maneuver around the corners of houses and trees, and the nonslip, cushioned handgrips reduce hand fatigue and blistering.

In our tests, this seven-blade mower gave the cleanest, most consistent cut. We even used it to scalp a section of dormant centipede grass, where it left a smooth, even finish. Unfortunately, the additional blades offered more resistance, so it is more difficult to push than the five-blade models. Since the height adjustments range from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, a good strategy would be to mow regularly at 1 or 1.5 inches and leave a little room to move higher if the grass grows too long between cuts.

Product Specs 

• Number of blades: 7
• Swath: 16 inches
• Mowing height range: 0.5 to 2.5 inches

Pros

• 7 alloy-steel blades are great for mowing coarse grasses
• Includes easy-to-use height-adjustment knob screws
• It’s simple to cleanly maintain dense grasses at low height

Cons

• Harder to push than 5-blade models
• Does not work as well if grass grows extra long between cuts
• Not suitable for taller grasses like fescue

Get the Earthwise reel mower at Amazon.

With a total weight of just 20 pounds, this 14-inch model from American Lawn Mower Company is the lightest reel mower in this guide. It features four cutting blades made from heat-treated steel alloy to reduce dulling and 8.5-inch polymer wheels and rear rollers to increase stability.

This smaller mower is naturally well suited to mowing a small lawn. The low weight makes it not only simpler for more petite users to operate but also light enough to hang on wall hooks in a garage or storage shed. The T-style handle folds down for storage, and nonslip, cushioned grips allow for more comfortable mowing. Cutting height is adjustable from 0.5 to 1.5 inches, although a wrench is required to make those adjustments.

With only four 14-inch blades slicing against the bedknife, this model offered the least resistance of all the mowers we tested, making it the easiest mower to push. However, fewer blades meant a less consistent finish in dense or overgrown grass. Overall, the mower felt strong, durable, and easy to use, but it required a second pass to clean up some of the more difficult areas. It’s probably a good choice for keeping up with pathways in the vegetable garden or other secondary grassy areas.

Product Specs 

• Number of blades: 4
• Swath: 14 inches
• Mowing height range: 0.5 to 1.5 inches

Pros

• Very budget-friendly compared to similar options
• Easy to push, even in overgrown or dense grass
• Durable construction, yet still a lightweight and maneuverable design

Cons

• Fewer blades produce a less thorough cut
• Requires a wrench for height adjustments
• 8.5-inch wheels do not roll as well over rough ground

Get the American Lawn Mower Company reel mower at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Bagging grass clippings is a cinch with the Greenworks reel mower. This mower cuts a 14-inch swath, and the mowing height adjusts from 1.06 to 2 inches, making it well suited to most low-growing lawn grass species. The T-style handle ensures easy mowing around tree trunks, and the nonslip, cushioned grips offer added comfort. The handle also folds down for convenient storage.

A handy grass catcher connects to the rear of the mower for collecting grass clippings, and the mowing reel features five heat-treated steel-alloy blades designed to remain sharp longer. At 24 pounds, this mower is more on the lightweight end of the range among the mowers we tested.

This reel mower was easy to push and maneuver, thanks to its lightweight frame, narrow wheelbase, and T-style handle. While the mowing height was simple to adjust with spring pins, it only varies within a narrow 1-inch range. The sharpening process is similar to other reel mowers, with the exception of the bedknife mounting system. Whereas most manufacturers use pairs of set screws on both ends to adjust and hold the angle, Greenworks uses single spring-loaded bolts at the ends to hold the proper angle. The system seems less complicated but could offer less durability—only time and extended use will tell.

Product Specs 

• Number of blades: 5
• Swath: 14 inches
• Mowing height range: 1.06 to 2 inches

Pros

• Grass catcher included; no mess left behind after use
• Lightweight and easy to push; great for larger yards
• Provides a clean, consistent finish for low-growing grass species

Cons

• Full grass catcher makes the mower difficult to maneuver
• Components feel less durable than other models
• Wheel assembly is more difficult to disassemble for sharpening

Get the Greenworks 14-inch reel mower at Amazon or Greenworks.

For those who like the idea of a reel mower but have to deal with tougher mowing conditions, this manual-electric reel mower from Scotts lets the operator cut dense grass and debris-covered areas with ease while retaining the advantages of reel mowing. It features a 20-volt 2-amp-hour battery-powered motor that can tackle tougher mowing scenarios but is also capable of working with only the traditional gear drive system to extend battery life.

This mower weighs 37 pounds, cuts a 16-inch swath, and comes equipped with a convenient grass catcher. It has a padded loop handle with a secondary wire bail handle and power switch to engage the electric motor. When the motor is not engaged, the wheels are geared to power the mowing reel. Mowing height adjustments are not as easy to make, requiring adjustments to a pair of screws at the rear of the machine. The height range is relatively limited at 1.54 to 2.8 inches, so it’s best for warm-season grasses.

We were impressed by this mower’s ability to power through dense grass and debris-laden patches of lawn, but we couldn’t help but wonder if the capability was worth the added cost. The mower did a great job in every area of the lawn and operated fairly quietly, but it was heavier and bulkier than the conventional 16-inch reel mowers. Buyers will need more storage space and have to maintain a battery and charger for this model.

Product Specs 

• Number of blades: 5
• Swath: 16 inches
• Mowing height range: 1.54 to 2.8 inches

Pros

• Battery-powered mowing reel reduces blades jamming on yard debris
• Works with or without the battery for flexibility and battery conservation
• Operates quietly and efficiently on flat or moderately bumpy terrain

Cons

• Much more expensive than the manual reel mowers we tested
• Does not include a self-propelled feature or push assistance
• Low mowing height range limits use to warm-season grasses only

Get the Scotts battery-powered reel mower at Amazon or American Lawn Mower Company.

Users wanting a wide swath on a reel mower may want to consider the Great States 18-inch five-blade mower that cuts a hearty swath to reduce mowing time. This reel mower is simple in design and allows for adjusting mowing height from as low as 0.5 inch to as high as 2.75 inches. It features 10-inch composite wheels and back stability rollers.

The blades are made from heat-treated alloy to retain their sharpness longer, and the handle offers nonslip cushioning to help reduce blisters while improving grip. The loop-style handle also folds down for easy storage. The mower weighs in at 27 pounds.

In our backyard test, this model worked quickly, quietly, and easily. It was pretty simple to push in all but the thickest grass but was abruptly stopped by twigs or debris thicker than a pencil (as were the rest of the mowers we tested). We liked the padded wide-loop handle that gave it the familiar feel of a conventional gas mower. Sharpening the blades—a task that most users would require once or twice a season—requires the disassembly of one wheel to access the blade drive mechanism. However, the process is typical of these mowers and was only slightly complicated.

Product Specs 

• Number of blades: 5
• Swath: 18 inches
• Mowing height range: 0.5 to 2.75 inches

Pros

• Wide swath reduces mowing time; great for larger yards
• Loop handle increases user comfort and control
• 10-inch wheels roll easily over uneven terrain
• Alloy-steel blades stay sharp longer; less maintenance required

Cons

• 3.5 inches from blade edge to outer edge of wheels means more edge trimming
• Sharpening, when necessary, requires disassembly of the drive wheel
• Hard plastic blade height bracket seems like it could wear out prematurely

Get the Great States 18-inch reel mower at Walmart.