Best Reel Lawn Mowers With a Grass Catcher Bag
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A reel lawn mower with bag is a manual push mower that cuts grass with a set of spinning blades and catches the clippings in a removable fabric or nylon bag mounted on the handle. Most models in this group have no motor, gas or battery, so the bag is the only part that needs emptying after a mow. The bag size, cutting width and height range vary a lot between models, so the best pick depends on how big your lawn is and how tall you let the grass grow. This guide compares eight reel mowers that include a grass catcher, using only the figures each product listing states.
Quick answer
- For a small lawn with tight corners, a 12 to 14 inch reel mower with a bag is the easiest to steer.
- For a larger flat lawn, the 16 to 20 inch models cover more ground per pass, but they weigh more.
- Check the adjustable cutting height range before you buy. Most listings in this group go down to about 0.5 to 0.6 inch and up to about 1.8 to 2.5 inches.
- Look for a bag size that suits how often you want to empty it. The listings in this group state bags from about 6 gallons to 7.9 gallons.
How to choose a reel mower with a bag
Start with the lawn, not the mower. A reel mower is best on fairly flat grass that you mow often and keep short. The blades work like scissors, so they slice grass cleanly when the grass is short and dry. If your grass is long or thick, a reel mower will leave the lawn looking ragged, and you will need to mow more slowly or in several passes. Most listings in this group say to mow grass that is under about 4 inches tall, and one listing recommends mowing weekly on grass shorter than 4 inches.
Next, compare the three numbers that shape daily use: cutting width, height range and weight. A wider deck covers more lawn in each pass but is harder to push through tight areas. A lower height range gives a shorter cut for a formal lawn. Among the models that state a weight, the 14 inch EAGWON is listed at 14.55 pounds, while the 20 inch Ginelm is listed at 30.86 pounds. A heavier mower is harder to push up slopes, so match the weight to your strength and terrain.
Finally, look at the bag. Bag capacity is the main thing that decides how often you stop to empty clippings. Several listings give capacity in gallons, and a few give litres. Check whether the bag is removable, because a removable bag makes it easier to empty, store or mulch the clippings when you do not want to bag them.
Sizing and fit
Cutting width is the number to match to your lawn. A 12 inch mower needs more passes than a 16 inch mower to cover the same area, but it turns more easily around flower beds and trees. Here is how the listed widths in this guide break down:
| Model (listing) | Cutting width | Height range | Bag capacity | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EAGWON 14 inch | 14 inches | 0.6 to 1.8 inches | 6 gallons | 14.55 lbs |
| CNCEST 12 inch | Up to 11.8 inches | 0.47 to 1.77 inches | About 6 gallons (listing states 23L bag) | Not stated |
| Goudergo 20 inch | 20 inches | 1.33 to 2.51 inches | Not stated | Not stated |
| JAYGOVAN 12 inch | 11.8 inches | 0.47 to 1.77 inches | About 6 gallons | Not stated |
| Goplus 16 inch | 16 inches | 1 to 2 inches | 7 gallons | Not stated |
| VEVOR 16 inch | 16 inches | 0.6 to 1.75 inches | Not stated | Not stated |
| MegaChoice 14 inch | 14 inches | 0.6 to 1.75 inches | Not stated | Not stated |
| Ginelm 20 inch | 20 inches | 1.33 to 2.51 inches | Bag included (capacity not stated) | 30.86 lbs |
Not stated means the listing does not give that value in the product data used for this guide.
Materials and blades
Blade count and blade steel are the main build details in these listings. Most models use five blades. The CNCEST and JAYGOVAN listings describe 65 manganese steel blades with heat treatment, the Goudergo listing says 65 manganese steel, the VEVOR listings name UNS1566 steel blades, and the MegaChoice listing describes five hardened steel blades. The EAGWON listing says its five heat-treated blades give a scissor-like cut. The Goplus listings describe manganese steel blades on a five-blade cutter. Several listings describe foam or sponge-wrapped handles, and the CNCEST and JAYGOVAN listings mention a nylon grass catcher.
Roundup: eight reel mowers with a bag
EAGWON 14 inch 5-blade reel mower
This 14 inch model has five heat-treated blades and a 14 inch cutting width. The listing says the height adjusts from 0.6 to 1.8 inches, and the product data gives 12 height positions. The removable grass catcher is listed at 6 gallons. It is one of the lightest options here at 14.55 pounds, and the listing gives 6.5 inch composite wheels. The product dimensions are listed as 13 inches deep, 17.3 inches wide and 47 inches high. It is a good fit for a small, flat lawn where you want a lightweight mower with a bag.
CNCEST 12 inch reel mower with 23L bag
The title lists a 23 litre collection bag, and the bullets give a capacity of about 6 gallons for the sling-style bag. The blades are 65 manganese steel with heat treatment, and the listing says the cutting width is up to 11.8 inches. The height runs from 0.47 to 1.77 inches using a triangle knob behind the wheels. The listing also says the detachable design lets you rinse the mower with water. Its narrower deck suits tight spaces around beds and borders.
Goudergo 20 inch reel mower with collection bag
This is the widest model in the roundup that uses a bag. The listing gives a 20 inch cutting width and nine height settings from 1.33 to 2.51 inches, adjusted by pulling a handle. The wheels are 9.84 inches in diameter with an anti-skid tread. The listing also says the mower can cut about 5,381 square feet of lawn, which is a listing claim and not something this guide has checked. Because it is a 20 inch deck, it fits larger flat lawns better than the 12 and 14 inch options.
JAYGOVAN 12 inch push reel mower
The JAYGOVAN is a 12 inch model with five manganese steel blades and a cutting width of 11.8 inches. The height runs from 0.47 to 1.77 inches, and the listing says the adjustment knob sits behind the wheels. The grass catcher with a carry strap is listed at about 6 gallons. The wheels are 8.46 inches across with a grooved surface for traction. The foam-wrapped U-shaped handle is a comfort detail the listing mentions. It is close in size to the CNCEST model, so the choice comes down to bag and wheel details.
Goplus 16 inch 5-blade reel mower
This 16 inch Goplus model has five manganese steel blades and four height positions from 1 to 2 inches. The grass bag is listed at 7 gallons and can be detached so the clippings can mulch back into the lawn. The listing says the handle folds and locks upright for storage, which helps in a small garage. The 10 inch wheels have a non-slip texture. The listing also says to use the mower weekly on grass shorter than 4 inches, which is useful if you tend to let grass grow long between cuts.
VEVOR 16 inch push reel mower
The VEVOR 16 inch model has five UNS1566 steel blades and a height range from 0.6 to 1.75 inches. The listing says assembly is tool-free and takes about 10 minutes, which is quick for a manual mower. It includes a grass catcher bag for debris collection. The listing describes a shock-resistant design and says that if the mower gets stuck, you can pull it back to clear leaves or branches. This is a practical choice if you want a lower cut height than the Ginelm or Goudergo options.
MegaChoice 14 inch reel mower with grass catcher
The MegaChoice model is a 14 inch reel mower with five hardened steel blades and an adjustable height from 0.6 to 1.75 inches. The listing says to mow grass under 4 inches tall and to make multiple passes for taller grass. The grass catcher is included, and the listing says it collects about 70 to 80 percent of the clippings. It also says reel mowers can scatter a small amount of clippings, which is normal. The tool-free assembly and the foam handle are other points the listing mentions.
Ginelm 20 inch push reel mower with grass catcher bag
The Ginelm is the second 20 inch model in this roundup. It has five steel blades, a cutting width of 20 inches and a height range from 1.33 to 2.51 inches. The listing gives a weight of 30.86 pounds and describes ABS wheels for rolling over lawn terrain. The sponge-wrapped handle is listed as a comfort feature. It is the heaviest option here, so it suits a flat, open lawn more than a slope. Its taller height range makes it a reasonable choice if you keep the grass a bit longer.
In-depth look: EAGWON 14 inch reel mower
The EAGWON is the most fully described listing in this group, so it is a useful model to study in depth. The 14 inch cutting width covers a typical small lawn in a reasonable number of passes. The five heat-treated blades are described as giving a scissor-like cut, which is the main reason to choose a reel mower over a rotary model. The listing says this cut slices grass cleanly instead of tearing it, which can help keep the tips green after mowing.
The height adjustment runs from 0.6 to 1.8 inches, and the product data gives 12 height positions. For most home lawns, a height in the middle of that range is a sensible starting point. The listing also says the height can be set without tools, which matters when you change the setting between seasons.
The removable grass catcher is listed at 6 gallons, and the listing advises emptying it when it is about 70 percent full for the best suction. The bag can be stored indoors, which the listing recommends to prevent UV damage to the fabric. The weight of 14.55 pounds and the 6.5 inch wheels make it light to push, but the smaller wheels will not roll over large bumps as easily as the 10 inch wheels on the Goplus or the 9.84 inch wheels on the Goudergo.
The listing says the mower runs quietly, under 60 dB, and has no motor, gas or battery. That makes it suitable for early morning mowing near neighbours. Assembly is listed as tool-free and under 10 minutes. The listing also gives care steps: rinse the blades after mowing wet grass, apply a silicone spray to the reel monthly, and keep the bag indoors. These are manufacturer care suggestions and are worth following for a manual mower.
If you want a close alternative with a bag at a similar size, the Goplus 16 inch and the VEVOR 14 inch are the next options to compare. The Goplus gives a bigger deck and a 7 gallon bag, while the VEVOR gives a tool-free assembly time and a 0.6 to 1.75 inch range.
Reel mower care basics
A reel mower depends on its blades staying sharp and clean. The EAGWON listing advises rinsing the blades after mowing wet grass, applying a silicone spray to the reel monthly, and storing the bag indoors to prevent UV damage. The CNCEST and JAYGOVAN listings say their detachable designs can be rinsed with water. Following these steps is the simplest way to keep a manual mower cutting cleanly. For adjustment details on a specific model, check that product’s manual.
FAQ
Is a reel mower with a bag good for a small lawn?
Yes. A 12 to 14 inch reel mower with a bag suits a small, flat lawn well. These models are light, quiet and easy to turn. The main limit is that they need more passes on larger areas, so the 16 and 20 inch models are better for bigger lawns.
How tall can the grass be before a reel mower struggles?
Most listings in this group say to mow grass that is under about 4 inches tall. The Goplus listing advises mowing weekly on grass shorter than 4 inches. If the grass is taller than that, raise the mower to its highest setting for the first cut and lower it over later passes. This keeps the blades from pulling the grass and leaving a ragged finish.
How often do I need to empty the grass bag?
That depends on the bag size and how much you cut at once. The Goplus listing gives 7 gallons, the EAGWON and JAYGOVAN listings give about 6 gallons, and the EAGWON listing suggests emptying the bag when it is about 70 percent full. A larger bag means fewer stops, but a heavier bag when full.
Can I leave the clippings on the lawn with a reel mower?
The Goplus listing says the bag can be detached so the clippings can mulch. Reel mowers can also scatter a small amount of clippings, as the MegaChoice listing notes. If you leave clippings on the lawn, mow often enough that you never remove more than about a third of the grass height in one pass, which is the standard rule from university extension guides.
Do reel mowers need electricity or fuel?
No. The reel mowers in this roundup have no motor, gas or battery. The listings describe them as emission-free and quiet. You power them with your own pushing, so the main effort is on the handle and the grass.
Which model should I choose first?
Start with the lawn size. For a small, flat yard, the EAGWON 14 inch or the CNCEST 12 inch are light and easy to store. For a larger flat lawn, the Goudergo or Ginelm 20 inch models cover more ground in each pass.
Bottom line
Pick the cutting width from your lawn size, then compare the height range and the bag capacity. If the lawn is small and you want a light mower, choose a 12 or 14 inch model with a bag of about 6 gallons. If the lawn is large and mostly flat, choose a 16 or 20 inch model. Keep the grass under about 4 inches tall, and never remove more than a third of the blade in one mowing.
Related reading
For more on choosing a cutting edge, read Best Blade Style for Lawn Mowers: Rotary, Mulching, Reel or Flail. If you are weighing a powered option instead of a manual one, see Best Small Electric Lawn Mowers With Bag Compared.
