Best Reel Mowers for a Clean and Precise Lawn Cut
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A reel mower is a manual mower that cuts grass with a set of spiral blades that spin past a fixed bar, the same scissor action used by hand clippers. It needs no gas, no oil and no battery, and it is quiet enough to use early in the morning. The best reel mower for you depends on the size of your lawn, how tall your grass usually grows, and how much push force you want to spend. The eight models below are all reel mowers from our product list, and each section uses only the facts printed on that product’s listing.
Quick answer
- For a small lawn, a 14-inch reel mower takes the narrowest path and is the simplest size to store.
- For a wider path with fewer passes, the 18-inch and 20-inch models cover more ground per push.
- Choose a cutting height range that matches your grass. Most models here cut from about 0.5 inch up to between 1.75 and 2.75 inches.
- Mow often and keep the grass under about 4 inches tall, because the listings say taller grass needs more passes and can leave an uneven cut.
Cutting width and lawn size
Cutting width is the first number to check. A 14-inch mower takes a narrow path, which keeps it light and easy to turn around flower beds, but you will make more passes on a large lawn. The 16-inch, 18-inch and 20-inch models cover more ground per push. The American Lawn Mower 1815-18 and the Great States 815-18 both list an 18-inch cutting width, and the Scotts 2000-20S lists 20 inches. The listings describe the 18-inch models as suited to small and medium yards, which is a useful rule when you compare the wider mowers with the lighter ones.
Blade count matters too. Most models here have five blades, and the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 and the Great States 204-14 use four. The listings do not compare how the two blade counts perform on the same grass, so read the blade line on each listing before you buy and treat it as a clear difference between the models in this group.
| Model | Cutting width | Blades | Listed height range | Listed weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Lawn Mower 1204-14 | 14 inches | 4 | 0.5 to 1.75 inches (bullet); spec table lists 1.3 to 4.45 inches | 19 pounds (bullet) |
| American Lawn Mower 1815-18 | 18 inches | 5 | 0.5 to 2.75 inches (bullet); spec table lists 1.27 to 6.4 inches | 27 pounds |
| Great States 304-14 | 14 inches | 5 | 0.5 to 1.75 inches | 9.3 pounds |
| Scotts 304-14S | 14 inches | 5 | 0.5 to 1.75 inches | 18.1 pounds |
| Great States 204-14 | 14 inches | 4 | 0.5 to 1.75 inches | 1 kg (spec table) |
| Great States 415-16 | 16 inches | 5 | 1 to 2.5 inches (bullet); spec table lists 0.5 to 2.5 inches | 20.9 pounds |
| Scotts 2000-20S | 20 inches | 5 | 1 to 3 inches | 26.9 pounds |
| Great States 815-18 | 18 inches | 5 | 0.5 to 2.75 inches | 27 pounds |
Two listings give conflicting numbers for the same mower. The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 bullet gives a height range of 0.5 to 1.75 inches, but its specification table lists a minimum of 1.3 inches and a maximum of 4.45 inches. The American Lawn Mower 1815-18 bullet gives 0.5 to 2.75 inches, while its table gives a maximum of 6.4 inches. The table above shows both figures so you can see the gap. Confirm the height you need with the seller before you order.
Height range and grass condition
Height adjustment controls how close the reel cuts to the soil, and most reel mowers here cut between about 0.5 inch and 1.75 inches. The Great States 415-16 and the Great States 815-18 go higher, up to 2.5 and 2.75 inches. The Scotts 2000-20S covers 1 to 3 inches. If your lawn is kept short and even, a lower range is fine. If you want to leave the grass a little longer during a dry spell, look at the models that go above 2 inches.
The listings give consistent advice about grass height. The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 says the mower cuts grass up to about 4 inches tall and is less effective on taller grass. The American Lawn Mower 1815-18 is described as suited to dry grass under 4 inches, and it says taller grass may need several passes. Great States lists a similar warning, saying tall grass means more work and that a reel only cuts what sits between the reel and the cutter bar. Mow smaller amounts more often, and take off no more than about a third of the blade in one pass.
Wheel size and maneuvering
Wheel size affects how the mower handles bumps and how easily it rolls over thick turf. The Great States 204-14 and the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 both use 8.5-inch wheels, and the Great States 304-14 uses 8.5-inch composite wheels. The Great States 415-16, Great States 815-18 and Scotts 2000-20S list 10-inch wheels. The American Lawn Mower 1815-18 gives its wheel size in centimeters, which equals about 6.3 inches, so check the figure against the listing before you compare it with the others.
The Scotts 2000-20S lists 10-inch dual tracking wheels. The Great States 304-14 and the Scotts 304-14S are the same family of mower, and the listings describe them with similar blades and wheels. The Scotts model is listed by Great States as its manufacturer, so the two are close relatives rather than separate designs.
Handles, assembly and cleaning
Most listings in this group describe tool-free assembly and a cushioned T-style or loop handle. The Great States 304-14, Scotts 304-14S and Great States 415-16 all mention a T-style handle with a cushioned grip. The Great States 815-18 uses a loop-style handle, and the Scotts 2000-20S describes an ergonomic handle with a cushioned grip. The listings say these mowers need no gas or oil, which means there is no engine to start and no fuel to store.
Cleaning is simple but still matters. Clear leaves, sticks and wet clippings from the reel and the cutter bar after each session. Dry the blades before you store the mower, because moisture encourages rust on the steel parts. The Great States 304-14 and the Scotts 304-14S list alloy steel blades, and the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 lists alloy steel material as well. The American Lawn Mower 1815-18 and the Great States 815-18 list metal construction, so check the material line when you choose a model for a damp area.
Warranty and listed coverage
Warranty information varies across the group, and the listings do not always agree. The American Lawn Mower 1815-18 bullet describes a five-year manufacturer protection plan, while its specification table lists a 1-year limited warranty. The Great States 304-14 and Scotts 304-14S list a 90-day limited warranty. The Great States 204-14 lists a 1-year warranty. The Great States 415-16 lists a 1-year limited warranty, and the Great States 815-18 lists a 2-year limited warranty. The Scotts 2000-20S lists a warranty without a term. Because of these differences, read the warranty page on the listing you are buying.
The eight reel mowers in this roundup
1. American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-inch 4-blade push reel mower, red
This is a 14-inch, four-blade reel mower with 8.5-inch polymer wheels. The bullet describes it as lightweight at 19 pounds and suited to small lawns and most turf grasses. The listing gives an adjustable blade height of 0.5 to 1.75 inches in the bullet text, and it says the mower cuts grass up to 4 inches tall but works less well on taller grass. The listing describes the cutting action as one that does not bruise the grass blades, and it says the mower is pollution-free, noise-free and low maintenance.
The listing advises mowing no more than a third of the grass blade in one pass, and it recommends extra overlap when grass reaches 4 inches or more. Choose this model if you want a four-blade 14-inch reel for a small, fairly flat lawn. The specification table gives a different height range from the bullet text, so confirm the setting with the seller before buying.
2. American Lawn Mower 1815-18 18-inch 5-blade push reel mower, black
This model has a five-blade reel with an 18-inch cutting width. The listing describes adjustable blade heights from 0.5 to 2.75 inches, with the table listing a higher maximum. It is designed for smooth operation on flat lawns and is described as suited to dry grass under 4 inches. The listing says taller grass can require several passes. The weight is listed as 27 pounds, which is heavier than the 14-inch models in this roundup.
The bullet mentions a five-year manufacturer protection plan, and the specification table lists a one-year limited warranty. Choose this mower if you have a medium-sized yard and want a wider path, and accept that the extra width means more weight to push. Confirm the warranty term before you rely on the longer coverage.
3. Great States 304-14 14-inch 5-blade push reel mower, red
The Great States 304-14 has a 14-inch cutting width, five ball-bearing reel blades and 8.5-inch composite wheels. The listing gives a height range of 0.5 to 1.75 inches and describes heat-treated alloy steel blades that stay sharp longer. The handle is a T-style design with a cushioned grip, and the listing says assembly is tool-less. The listed weight is 9.3 pounds, which makes it one of the lightest five-blade models here.
The listing describes this mower as clean and quiet, with no need for gas or oil. The specification table gives a 90-day limited warranty. This model suits a small yard with level ground, where its low weight is an advantage. If you prefer a slightly wider path, the Scotts model below uses the same blade family in the same 14-inch width.
4. Scotts 304-14S 14-inch 5-blade push reel mower, green
This Scotts model shares the 14-inch, five-blade layout and the 0.5 to 1.75 inch height range of the Great States 304-14. It has 8.5-inch composite wheels, a T-style cushioned handle and alloy steel blades. The listing says the mower is lightweight and easy to operate, but the specification table gives a weight of 18.1 pounds, which is nearly double the Great States 304-14. The table also lists a 90-day limited warranty.
Choose the Scotts model if you prefer the Scotts name and the green finish, and you accept the heavier frame. The listing names Great States as the manufacturer, which suggests a shared design. Compare the two listings side by side before you choose, because the weight figures are far apart.
5. Great States 204-14 hand reel 14-inch push mower, blue
This compact hand reel uses a four-blade design with a 14-inch cutting width and 8.5-inch polymer wheels. The listing gives an adjustable height of 0.5 to 1.75 inches, and it describes a scissor-action cut. The product dimensions are 23 inches deep, 8.5 inches wide and 13 inches high, which makes it one of the easiest models to store in a garage or shed. The specification table gives a 1-year warranty.
The listing gives several maintenance steps. Remove debris before mowing, keep the lawn in good condition, and avoid mowing wet grass, which the listing says usually produces an uneven cut. It also says that very overgrown lawns with divots and tall weeds should be worked on before a reel mower is used. This model suits a narrow yard or a patio strip that a larger mower cannot reach.
6. Great States 415-16 16-inch reel mower with T-style handle, white
The Great States 415-16 sits between the 14-inch and 18-inch models with a 16-inch cutting width, five ball-bearing reel blades and 10-inch composite wheels. The bullet gives a height range of 1 to 2.5 inches, while the specification table lists 0.5 to 2.5 inches. The listed weight is 20.9 pounds. The listing says the blades are heat-treated alloy steel and that the T-style handle has a cushioned grip. The included components are assembly hardware, the mower and an owner’s manual.
The listing describes the mower as clean and quiet with no gas or oil. The specification table gives a 1-year limited warranty. Choose this model if you want more width than a 14-inch mower without the weight of the 20-inch model. Its 10-inch composite wheels are larger than the 8.5-inch wheels on the 14-inch models.
7. Scotts 2000-20S 20-inch 5-blade classic push reel mower, green
This is the widest reel mower in the roundup, with a 20-inch cutting width and five blades. It has 10-inch dual tracking wheels and a height range of 1 to 3 inches, with nine positions. The listing gives a weight of 26.9 pounds. The bullet describes a quick-snap height adjustment and an ergonomic handle with a cushioned grip. The listing calls it an engine-free, no-motor reel mower that requires no gas or oil.
The wider cut covers more ground per pass, which suits a large open lawn. The weight and the wider frame make it harder to turn in tight spaces. The specification table lists a warranty without a stated length, so confirm the coverage with the seller before you buy. This model is a good match for a flat, open yard with few obstacles.
8. Great States 815-18 18-inch 5-blade push reel mower, grey
The Great States 815-18 offers an 18-inch cutting width and five blades, with 10-inch composite wheels and a loop-style handle. The listing gives a height range of 0.5 to 2.75 inches and a weight of 27 pounds. The bullet describes high-quality alloy steel blades and a planet-friendly, quiet design that is low maintenance. The specification table lists a 2-year limited warranty, the longest term shown in the specification tables for this group.
Choose this model if you want an 18-inch path, a height range up to 2.75 inches, and a longer warranty term. The loop handle suits users who prefer a different grip shape from the T-style designs. Its weight is similar to the American Lawn Mower 1815-18, so the two are close in size.
Deeper look: the 14-inch Great States model
The Great States 304-14 is the most balanced choice for a small, level lawn. Its 14-inch cut keeps the mower light enough for most users, and the five-blade reel gives a finer finish than the four-blade alternatives. The listing gives a height range that covers the standard cut most homeowners want, and its 9.3-pound listed weight keeps it manageable to lift and store.
The listing does not state a blade count in the bullet text, but its name and specification table both confirm five blades. Its 8.5-inch composite wheels handle thin turf well, and the T-style handle gives a comfortable grip for short sessions. For a larger yard, the 16-inch Great States 415-16 or the 18-inch models make more sense, because their wider cut reduces the number of passes.
Safety and everyday use
Reel mowers have no engine, but the reel and cutter bar still turn while you push. Keep hands and feet away from the reel when the mower is in use, and stop before you clear clippings or adjust the height. Wear closed shoes and keep children and pets out of the mowing path. Our lawn mower safety checklist for homeowners covers more everyday precautions that apply to any mower.
Blade condition affects both the cut and the effort. A dull reel tears grass, leaves brown tips and forces you to push harder. Check the blades for nicks and wear each season, and read our guide to choosing a blade style for lawn mowers if you are weighing reel blades against rotary or mulching blades.
FAQ
Is a reel mower better than a rotary mower?
A reel mower makes a clean scissor cut and uses no fuel, which suits short, even grass. The listings say a reel mower works best on maintained lawns and does not handle tall or overgrown grass well. A rotary mower handles taller grass and rougher ground more easily. Choose based on how often you mow and how tall the grass grows between sessions.
How tall should grass be before I use a reel mower?
The listings suggest mowing before grass reaches about 4 inches. The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 says it cuts up to 4 inches and works less well on taller grass. Mow more often and smaller amounts, rather than waiting for the grass to grow long.
Why do some listings give different height ranges for the same mower?
Some listings show one height range in the bullet text and another in the specification table. The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 and 1815-18 are examples. Confirm the range with the seller or the printed manual before you buy, and set the height on a flat patch first.
Do reel mowers need gas or oil?
No. The listings for every model in this roundup describe a manual, engine-free mower that needs no gas or oil. You provide all of the power by pushing the mower forward.
Which width should I choose for a medium yard?
The 16-inch and 18-inch models are the most common choices for medium yards. The Great States 415-16 gives a middle width and a lighter frame than the 18-inch models. The American Lawn Mower 1815-18 and Great States 815-18 cover more ground per pass but weigh 27 pounds each.
Does the listing say how long a reel mower lasts?
The listings give warranty terms, not service life. The American Lawn Mower 1815-18 bullet mentions a five-year protection plan, and the Great States 815-18 lists a two-year limited warranty. Read each warranty page before you rely on a term, because the terms differ across the group.
Bottom line
For a small, level lawn, pick a 14-inch five-blade model such as the Great States 304-14, and choose the four-blade 204-14 only if you want the most compact storage. For a medium yard, the 16-inch Great States 415-16 gives a balance of width and weight. For a large open lawn, the 18-inch and 20-inch models cover the most ground, but expect more push effort.
Read our replacement mower blades guide if you plan to keep a reel mower sharp for several seasons.
