--- title: "The Best Reel Mowers of 2026, Tested by Lawn-Care Experts" description: "The best reel mower can make quick work of your lawn care needs. We recently put our top reel mowers to the test. Check out our results here." date: "2026-04-17" modified: "2026-04-17" authors: - name: "Mark Wolfe" job_title: "Staff Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/mark-wolfe/" - name: "Tony Carrick" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick/" - name: "Glenda Taylor" job_title: "Staff Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/best-reel-mowers/" categories: - "Lawn & Garden" - "Lawn Care" - "Lawn, Garden & Pool" - "Mowers" - "Reviews" tags: - "Commerce" - "MPR" --- # The Best Reel Mowers of 2026, Tested by Lawn-Care Experts ![A person using the best reel mower to mow a large lawn.]() *Photo: Debbie Wolfe for BobVila.com* Quiet in operation, simple to maintain, and largely affordable, reel lawn mowers can be smart options for yard maintenance. Since they only take up about a third of the storage room needed by traditional mowers, they’re easy keepers. In this guide, we’ve tested nine of the best reel mowers for stealthy and sustainable [lawn care](). Along with being affordable and easy to store, reel mowers might also be better for a lawn’s health than standard [lawn mowers](). They make a sharp cut along the top of the grass blade, similar to the way scissors cut. The blades on a traditional rotary mower tend to tear the grass, which causes ragged brown tips and increases the risk of disease. While all reel motor mowers function similarly, there are differences among the options. We tested the following models to find out how blade width, mowing height, handle design, and other details affect performance in different settings. Our best overall reel mower is the [Fiskars StaySharp 18-Inch Max Reel Mower]() for its 18-inch swath, 5-blade, heavy-duty construction, adjustable mowing heights, and easy-to-maneuver oversize wheels. Keep reading to learn what to look for when shopping for a reel mower and why the following models are among the best reel mower options available. 1. **BEST OVERALL:** [Fiskars StaySharp 18-Inch Max Reel Mower]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#fiskars-staysharp-18-inch-max-reel-mower>) 2. **BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:** [Great States 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#great-states-16-inch-5-blade-push-reel-lawn-mower>) 3. **BEST FOR TOUGH GRASS:** [Earthwise 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#earthwise-16-inch-7-blade-push-reel-lawn-mower>) 4. **BEST LIGHTWEIGHT:** [American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch 4-Blade Mower]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#american-lawn-mower-company-14-inch-4-blade-mower>) 5. **BEST FOR LARGE YARDS:** [Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#scotts-20-inch-5-blade-push-reel-mower>) 6. **BEST DURABLE:** [American Lawn Mower Company 18-Inch 5-Blade Mower]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#american-lawn-mower-company-18-inch-5-blade-mower>) 7. **BEST EASY TO PUSH:** [Sun Joe 18-Inch Manual Reel Mower]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#sun-joe-18-inch-manual-reel-mower>) 8. **BEST EASE OF USE:** [Gardena 16-Inch Classic Reel Mower]() [↓ *Jump to Review*](<#gardena-16-inch-classic-reel-mower>) ![A person holding the best reel mower option by the handle in a large yard]() *Photo: Debbie Wolfe for BobVila.com* ## Reel Mowers Comparison Chart | **Product** | **Assembly** | **Ease of Use** | **Maneuverability** | **Cut Quality** | **Value** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Fiskars StaySharp 18-Inch Max Reel Mower]() | 5 | 5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4.7 | | [Great States 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower]() | 5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | | [Earthwise 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower]() | 5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | | [American Lawn Mower Company 18-Inch 5-Blade Mower]() | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | | [Sun Joe 18-Inch Manual Reel Mower]() | 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | | [Gardena 16-Inch Classic Reel Mower]() | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | ## Our Top Picks Using a reel mower is an environmentally friendly way to mow the lawn and get a bit of fresh air and exercise at the same time. We tested these manual models on our lawn to discover the best reel mowers for a variety of users and circumstances. Read on to learn more about the performance details of each mower. **Our Ratings:** Assembly **5/5**; Ease of Use **5/5**; Maneuverability **4.5/5**; Cut Quality **5/5**; Value **4.7/5** 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 can power the reel 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-sized 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 undersize 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**]() **What our tester says:** “I really liked the Fiskars model for routine lawn care. The height adjustment lever made it easy to match the mowing conditions for different types of grass and varying terrain. As one of the best manual mowers available, it could be an excellent choice for anyone with a small to midsize yard who wants to reduce their dependence on gasoline and batteries.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer **Get the Fiskars reel mower at** [**Amazon**]()**.** **Our Ratings:** Assembly **5/5**; Ease of Use **3.5/5**; Maneuverability **4/5**; Cut Quality **4.5/5**; Value **4.5/5** 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. **Get the Great States 16-inch reel mower at [**The Home Depot**]()**,**** [**Amazon**]()**, or** [**American Lawn Mower Company**]()**.** **Our Ratings:** Assembly **5/5**; Ease of Use **3.5/5**; Maneuverability **4/5**; Cut Quality **4/5**; Value **4/5** 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. **Get the Earthwise reel mower at** [**Amazon**]()**.** **Our Ratings:** Assembly **5/5**; Ease of Use **3.5/5**; Maneuverability **4/5**; Cut Quality **4/5**; Value **4.5/5** With a total weight of just 20 pounds, this 14-inch model from American Lawn Mower Company is one of the lightest reel mowers 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. **Get the American Lawn Mower Company reel mower at [The Home Depot](),** [**Amazon**]()**,** **or** [**American Lawn Mower Company**]()**.** **Our Ratings:** Assembly **5/5**; Ease of Use **4/5**; Maneuverability **4/5**; Cut Quality **4/5**; Value **4/5** 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. **Get the Scotts 20-inch reel mower at** [**Amazon**]()**,** [**Ace Hardware**]()**, or** [**Walmart**]()**.** **Our Ratings:** Assembly **3/5**; Ease of Use **3.5/5**; Maneuverability **4/5**; Cut Quality **4.5/5**; Value **4/5** American Lawn Mower Company’s reel mower hits the sweet spot when it comes to cutting width and weight. Its five 18-inch-wide cutting blades can handle larger yards while still being nimble enough to work around landscaping and trees. It also has a broad cutting height range, capable of mowing down to just 0.5 inches up to 2.75 inches, perfect for warm-season grasses yet still high enough to handle some cold-season varieties. At 25 pounds with 10-inch composite wheels, this mower was heavy enough to stay glued to the ground over more difficult terrain, yet was still lightweight enough that it was fairly easy to push. This 18-inch lawn mower also has two rear rollers, which helped keep the mower stable. The five tempered steel blades cut smoothly through grass and are made from a heat-treated alloy to reduce dulling. The American lawn mower comes equipped with a wrap-around style handle with a foam coating that made it easier to grip and push around than the T-style handles on other reel mowers we tested. While we liked its broad cutting height range, changing the cutting height was a pain, requiring us to remove two bolts to make adjustments. With its all-steel construction and hard rubber wheel, this mower has a sturdier feel than most. Given its cutting width and sturdy build, we recommend it for lawns up to a quarter acre. **Get the American Lawn Mower Company 18-inch reel mower at **[The Home Depot](),** [Amazon](),** [**Lowe’s**]()**, or **[Walmart]()**.** **Our Ratings:** Assembly **4/5**; Ease of Use **4/5**; Maneuverability **4.5/5**; Cut Quality **3.5/5**; Value 4/5 Sun Joe’s four-wheel design makes it one of the easiest reel mowers to operate of those we tested. It offers an 18-inch wide cutting width with four adjustable cutting heights between 0.47 inches and 2.44 inches. There’s also a rear bag catcher for clippings and a wraparound foam-covered handle. With its large 10-inch front wheels and two 6-inch rear wheels, the SunJoe was one of the easiest reel mowers to push around the yard. Couple that with its five 18-inch wide blades, and we were able to cover a lot of ground with this reel mower in a relatively short period of time. That said, this is a mower for shorter grasses. Like the other reel mowers we tested, this one struggled with taller cool-season grasses. It immediately came to a halt when we attempted to take it through thicker, slightly taller grass. The rear bagging attachment does an effective job of catching most clippings and is easy to remove and empty. Changing the blade height on this mower to one of its nine height options is an easy process that requires no tools. Overall, the Sun Joe 18-inch reel mower is a great option for larger yards up to a quarter acre. **What our tester says:** "The large front wheels and two rear wheels make this reel mower surprisingly easy to push around for a machine with an 18-inch cutting width."—Tony Carrick, Product Reviews tester and writer **Get the Sun Joe manual reel mower at** [**Amazon**]() **or** [**Walmart**]()**.** **Our Ratings:** Assembly **4/5**; Ease of Use **4.5/5**; Maneuverability **4.5/5**; Cut Quality **3/5**; Value 4/5 Gardena’s lightweight, user-friendly design is ideal for those looking for a mower that’s easier to operate for lighter-duty jobs. Weighing in at under 20 pounds, this mower was a dream to push through the yard, requiring very little effort to float through grass. And that wasn’t the only user-friendly thing about this reel mower. A simple-to-use adjuster near the rear roller bar allowed us to change height easily. Plus, there are easy-to-read height labels that eliminate any guesswork when setting the cutting height. You can also release and fold up the handlebar by loosening one knob, which makes it easier to store. While we liked how easy this mower was to push, it’s limited to shorter grass. Taller, thicker grass stopped the Gardena reel mower in its tracks, which makes sense given that its max cutting height is just 1.65 inches. It also has a narrower 16-inch cutting width, which limits it to smaller lawns. While easier to push, its lightweight means the reel mower has less traction over grass. In our testing, the wheels tended to slide over wet grass. Given that lighter weight and lower mowing height, it’s really best suited for warm-season grasses that are kept short. **Get the Gardena classic reel mower at [The Home Depot](),** [**Amazon**]()**, or** [**Gardena**]()**.** ## Also Tested Equipped with a 40-volt rechargeable battery, the [Pulsar 16-inch 40-Volt Cordless Reel Mower]() did a pretty good job in our tests, but overall, it misses the mark in a couple of areas. Height adjustment is limited from 0.6 inch to 2.15 inches; height and handle adjustments require the removal of bolts. It’s also excessively noisy at 96 decibels—nearly as loud as a gas-powered lawn mower and not at all what we expected or wanted in a reel mower. ## [Jump to Our Top Picks](<#recap>) ## How We Tested the Best Reel Mowers | Products tested | 12 | | --- | --- | | Time spent testing | 10 hours | | Tests performed | 4 | | Price range | $90 to $305 | We tested eleven reel mowers in two different yards located in the South, using each one to mow a combination of warm-season grasses—some Bermuda grass and some centipede grass—along with some cool-season grasses, including tall fescue. The test areas were a combination of flat, sloped, and uneven lawn. We divided the lawn into test plots so that each reel mower would have a chance to prove its capability under a variety of conditions. To be eligible for inclusion in this guide, each mower had to effectively perform the basic function for which it was built: mowing to reduce the grass height by approximately one-third. Then, beyond basic weed-free lawn mowing, we also tested each mower on the tougher conditions of overgrown and [weed-infested grass](). All of the reel mowers in this guide easily passed the basic functionality test and earned bonus points by tackling one or more adverse conditions, as noted in the reviews. While testing each reel mower, we also considered ease of use, assessing how easy or difficult it was to push each mower and make adjustments to height. | | **Assembly** | **Ease of Use** | **Maneuverability** | **Cut Quality** | **Value** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [**Fiskars StaySharp 18-Inch Max Reel Mower**]() | 5 | 5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4.7 | | [**Great States 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower**]() | 5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | | [**Earthwise 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower**]() | 5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | | [**American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch 4-Blade Mower**]() | 5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 | | [**Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower**]() | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | | [**American Lawn Mower Company 18-Inch 5-Blade Mower**]() | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | | [**Sun Joe 18-Inch Manual Reel Mower**]() | 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4 | | [**Gardena 16-Inch Classic Reel Mower**]() | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3 | 4 | ## What to Consider When Choosing a Reel Mower For any home with a lawn, mowing is a fact of life that is required in most neighborhoods. To cultivate a lush green expanse, regular mowing is essential. When mowing is done correctly—frequently enough to remove no more than one-third of the height of the grass—it promotes dense, uniform growth. ### Manual vs. Powered Unlike standard or automatic [robotic lawn mowers](), the majority of reel mowers are manual, although consumers can find a handful of gas-powered reel mowers as well as battery-powered models. - **Manual:** Everything old is new again—or so it seems with more old-fashioned [push lawn mowers]() popping up in home improvement centers and online stores. One of the drivers of this manual push mower’s resurgence is its eco-friendliness: no fuel to store, no fumes, and no pull cord that can cause a struggle. The downside to mowing with a manual lawn mower is the near impossibility of cutting the grass if it’s allowed to grow too tall before mowing, especially if the lawn is dense. The thickness and coarseness of the grass help dictate if it is too tall, but if the grass is twice as tall as its recommended cutting height, it usually can pose a problem for a manual reel mower. For the best results with a manual reel mower, cut the grass more often during fast-growth periods, such as in early spring and the rainy season. - **Powered:** Like traditional lawn mowers, reel mowers may be powered by either gas or a battery, which makes it immeasurably easier to mow dense or tall grass. Some [gas and electric reel mowers]() also include self-propulsion, which virtually eliminates the need to push the mower—the user needs only to guide it. While a gas-powered reel mower is just as noisy as its traditional counterparts, electric mowers are not as noisy as gas mowers. However, they still have a motor and will produce more noise than a manual reel mower. Opting for either a manual or powered reel mower is mostly a matter of personal choice. For those with large lawns, gas-powered reel mowers or electric reel mowers might make better sense. ### Blades and Cutting Height Reel mowers feature between four and seven steel blades. On some models, the blades are treated with a nonstick coating for easier mowing. More blades lead to a cleaner cut because the grass blade doesn’t bend as far before it’s severed. For most lawns, mowers with four or five blades work well. A few reel mowers have six or seven blades, which makes them ideal for achieving a uniform cut on dense grass. Reel mowers are also suitable for [lawn striping](), a mowing technique that leaves an attractive alternating pattern in the grass. The blade cutting height is preset on a few reel mowers, often at around 1.5 to 2 inches, which is well suited to short grasses but not tall-growing varieties, such as fescue. Other models offer adjustable cutting heights. As a result, it’s important to consider grass type and its optimal growing height. If the grass is of the tall variety, choose a reel mower that will adjust to the best mowing height for the grass. ### Swath Width and Grass Type North American lawns feature a multitude of [grass types](). Easy-to-cut grass varieties include perennial rye, Kentucky bluegrass, and fescue; these are suitable for cutting with wider mowers. Thick grasses, such as Bermuda, St. Augustine, and zoysia, are better suited to mowing in narrower cutting widths (swaths). In either case, frequent mowing will make using a manual mower easier. The swath width of a reel mower and the type of grass the yard contains both influence usability. Standard swath widths on reel mowers range from 14 to 20 inches. While a wider swath means it won’t take as many passes to finish mowing, it also makes the mower more challenging to push because more grass means more resistance. ### Additional Features Reel mowers don’t come with many bells and whistles, but a few added features can enhance the mowing experience. - **Grass catcher:** Some users prefer to allow grass clippings to settle back on the lawn. The clippings act as a mulch that biodegrades to offer organic nutrients to the soil. Those who prefer a bag vs. mulch function on their mower will want to look for models that feature a rear-mount grass catcher. - **Padded handles:** Nonslip, padded foam handles make it easier to grip the mower handles and reduce the risk of blisters. - **Rollers:** Reel mowers have two sizable front wheels, but some come with additional back rollers or front rollers that add stability to the mower and help you maneuver near borders and edges for clean cutting. ## The Advantages of Using a Reel Mower Reel mowers are almost always powered manually. The physical pushing of the mower turns the blade cylinder, which in turn cuts the grass. Since they’re push-powered, reel mowers excel when cutting fine, straight-growing grasses, but can bog down in coarse, wiry grass. Here are some of the advantages of using a reel mower: - **Avoidance of diseases.** A clean cut helps grass avoid diseases like “brown patch,” which can leave a lawn pockmarked with areas of dead grass. - **Affordability.** While pricing varies based on quality and design, expect to pay about half the cost of a powered push mower. - **Low maintenance requirements.** Manual reel mowers rarely need [repair]() and only require occasional cleaning and blade sharpening. A gas reel mower requires the addition of oil, draining fuel over winter, and other maintenance tasks. - **Relatively compact and lightweight models.** Many reel mowers weigh around 20 to 30 pounds, and they often feature fold-down handles for easy storage. - **Free of exhaust and fumes.** Breathe the aroma of freshly cut grass rather than toxic exhaust fumes when using a reel mower. ## FAQs With no toxic fumes, no need to store fuel or charge batteries, and quiet operation, the reel mower is making a comeback. This eco-friendly mower will reduce the carbon footprint while offering some physical exercise. For those thinking of investing in a reel mower, a few questions are to be expected. ## Meet the Tester Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with more than 20 years of experience in the nursery and landscaping industries. He reviews the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor-living goods. Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, landscaping, technology, home security, and design. His articles have been featured on such sites as Popular Mechanics, Futurism, SFGate, Pro Tools Review, and more. With each review, his goal is to help readers determine whether a product meets their needs and if it is or isn’t worth its price tag *Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor.* ## Author Mark Wolfe is a BobVila.com staff writer with an extensive background in the horticulture industry. Since 2020, he has contributed numerous gardening and home improvement articles, along with a variety of tool and product reviews.