Best Residential Reel Mowers for Everyday Lawns
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A residential reel mower is a push mower with a spinning cylinder of blades that cuts grass in a scissor-like action. It has no engine, no fuel and no battery, so the only power comes from pushing it. For a home lawn, the main choices are the cutting width (the listings here run from 14 inches to 20 inches), the cutting height range (most stated ranges fall between about 0.5 and 2.5 inches), and whether a grass catcher is included. The eight models below are drawn only from the product listings, and each entry repeats only the facts those listings state.
Quick answer
- For narrow strips, tight corners and small patches, a 14-inch model keeps the cutting path compact, and the WZONICE98 listing gives one of the lighter weights in this group at 13.6 pounds.
- For more lawn per pass, the 16-inch and 20-inch models have wider cutting paths, and the 20-inch LIWBYYG listing is the widest here.
- Check the cutting height range against how tall your grass usually grows. Most of these mowers are listed for grass that is kept short and cut regularly.
- Check whether a grass catcher is included. Several listings include one; others do not mention one at all.
How a reel mower cuts, and why it matters for choice
A reel mower cuts by pulling grass between a rotating reel and a fixed bedknife, so the blades pass each other like a pair of scissors. Several listings describe this as a cleaner cut than a rotary blade that tears grass, and they say the reel does not need gas, oil or electricity. Those points are the same across every model here, so the choice comes down to size, height adjustment, wheels and what comes in the box.
Because a reel mower has no motor, the listings consistently say it works best on lawns that are already in reasonable shape. The American Lawn Mower Company and Great States listings both say that tall grass takes more passes, that wet grass is hard to cut, and that large divots or heavy weeds should be dealt with before mowing. Treat those statements as the manufacturer’s guidance and follow them for every model.
Compare the eight models
The table below uses only what each listing states. Where the title and the specification table disagree, the table says so, and you should check the product page before you buy.
| Model (listing) | Cutting width | Blades | Height range | Wheels | Grass catcher |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LIWBYYG 20-inch wheeled reel mower | 20 inches | Not stated as a count | 1.33 to 2.51 inches, 9 positions | 9.84-inch textured wheels | Included, black bag |
| WZONICE98 14-inch orange reel mower | 14 inches | 5 | 0.6 to 1.8 inches, six settings | 8-inch polymer wheels | Included |
| STANSS 14-inch push reel mower | 14 inches | 5 | 0.5 to 2.25 inches | 8.5-inch composite wheels | Not stated |
| American Lawn Mower 1204-14 | 14 inches | 4 | Bullet text: 0.5 to 1.75 inches (spec table differs) | 8.5-inch polymer wheels | Not stated |
| American Lawn Mower 1815-18 | 18 inches | 5 | Bullet text: 1/2 to 2-3/4 inches (spec table differs) | Not stated in bullets | Not stated |
| Great States 304-14 | 14 inches | 5 | 0.5 to 1.75 inches | 8.5-inch composite wheels in bullets | Not stated |
| Great States 415-16 | 16 inches | 5 | 1 to 2.5 inches (bullet text) | 10-inch composite wheels | Not stated |
| Gardena Classic 16 in | Title says 16 inches; spec table says 15.75 inches | 5 (title) | 0.47 to 1.65 inches, four stages | Not stated in bullets | Sold separately (Art. No. 4029-20) |
LIWBYYG 20-inch wheeled reel mower
This is the widest model in the group. The listing gives a 20-inch deck and describes large-diameter blades that cover more ground per pass than the 14-inch and 16-inch options. It also has a nine-position height system, with the listing giving a range of 1.33 to 2.51 inches, and the height is changed with an adjustment handle rather than a knob. The 9.84-inch wheels have textured treads, and the handle is padded with foam. The detachable design separates the main unit, the handle and the grass bag, which the listing says helps the mower fit in a shed, garage or closet. Choose this model if you have a larger open lawn and want fewer passes, and if you do not mind a mower that is bigger to store.
WZONICE98 14-inch orange reel mower
This 14-inch model has five alloy steel blades and six height settings between 0.6 and 1.8 inches. The listing gives a total weight of 13.6 pounds, which makes it one of the lighter models in this group, and it says the mower needs no tools to change height. It has 8-inch polymer wheels and a grass catcher that comes with the mower. The listing also notes that because the reel cuts like scissors with little force, some clippings may not be caught, so you can run it with or without the catcher. It suits a narrow yard, a side strip or a lawn that you want to keep low and tidy without much pushing effort.
STANSS 14-inch push reel mower
The STANSS model is built around a five-blade ball-bearing reel and a 14-inch cutting width. The listing gives an adjustable range of 0.5 to 2.25 inches, and says the mower can handle grass up to about 4 inches tall, although it is best suited to regularly maintained turf. It uses 8.5-inch composite wheels and a cushioned T-style handle. The listing says assembly is tool-free and that the mower needs no gas, oil, batteries or power cord. The listing does not mention a grass catcher, so do not count on one being included. This is a sensible choice for a small, regularly mowed lawn with a few tight spots.
American Lawn Mower 1204-14
This is a 14-inch model with four blades rather than five. The listing gives 8.5-inch polymer wheels and a set of adjustable heights between 0.5 and 1.75 inches in the bullet text. The spec table gives a different height range, so check the product page before you rely on either number. The bullets describe the mower as lightweight, at 19 pounds, and say it is meant for small lawns and most turf grasses. The listing advises mowing no more than a third of the grass blade at one time and adding overlap when grass reaches about 4 inches, which is useful guidance for any reel mower. It is a suitable choice for a homeowner who wants a basic, light reel mower with a 14-inch cut.
American Lawn Mower 1815-18
For a wider path, this 18-inch five-blade model is the one to compare. The bullets describe adjustable blade heights from 1/2 inch to 2-3/4 inches, and say the mower is suited to dry grass under 4 inches tall, with taller grass requiring more than one pass. The specification table lists the mower at about 27 pounds and describes it as reel only, which means the listing does not include a grass catcher. The bullets refer to a manufacturer protection plan, while the spec table lists a different warranty term, so read the warranty section on the product page. Choose this model when you want the width of an 18-inch deck and are willing to handle a heavier mower.
Great States 304-14
This 14-inch model uses a five-blade ball-bearing reel and heat-treated alloy steel blades, which the listing says stay sharp longer. The height range is 0.5 to 1.75 inches, and the listing describes the handle as T-style with a cushioned grip. The specification table gives the mower a weight of 9.3 pounds, which is a notably light figure for a model with this cutting width. The mower is listed as needing no gas or oil and requiring tool-less assembly. The listing does not mention a grass catcher. This is a practical choice for a homeowner who wants a simple 14-inch reel mower from a brand that appears across several listings in this group.
Great States 415-16
This 16-inch model sits between the 14-inch and 18-inch options in width. The bullets give a height range of 1 to 2.5 inches, a five-blade ball-bearing reel and 10-inch composite wheels. The listing describes a T-style cushioned handle and tool-less assembly. The specification table gives a minimum height of 0.5 inches, which differs from the bullet text, so confirm the range before buying. The listing does not mention a grass catcher. It fits a homeowner who wants a little more width than a 14-inch model without moving to a much heavier 18-inch or 20-inch mower.
Gardena Classic 16 in reel mower
The Gardena listing says the mower is made in Europe and comes with a ten-year manufacturer’s warranty, and it emphasizes a few specific features. The cutting cylinder is described as hardened and non-stick coated, and it rotates past a fixed counter-blade without touching it, which the listing says gives a precise cut. The height can be set in four stages between 0.47 and 1.65 inches. The listing gives a weight of 19.6 pounds and says the folding handle makes storage easier. The title says 16 inches, but the specification table gives a cutting width of 15.75 inches, so check the product page. The grass catcher is optional and is sold separately as Art. No. 4029-20. Choose this model if you want a folding handle and a clear four-stage height setting.
How to choose the right width
Start with the area you need to cover in each pass. The 14-inch listings describe compact mowers that turn around flower beds and in tight corners, which suits narrow areas. The 16-inch and 18-inch models give a wider path and fewer passes on an open lawn. The 20-inch LIWBYYG model is the widest option here and is the one to consider if you have a long, open lawn and do not need to get into tight spots often. Keep in mind that a wider mower is also heavier to push and to lift into storage, so the extra width is only useful if the lawn needs it.
How to choose the cutting height
Look at the height range in the listing and compare it with how tall your grass usually grows. Most of these models cut between about 0.5 and 2.5 inches. The listings are consistent that a reel mower works best when the grass is kept short, so a mower with a lower range is suited to a lawn that is mowed often, while a higher range is more useful when grass is allowed to grow taller between cuts. Where the bullet text and the spec table give different numbers, use the number on the product page and check it before ordering.
Grass catchers and clippings
Only a few listings here include a grass catcher. The WZONICE98 and LIWBYYG listings include one, and the Gardena listing sells one separately. The others do not mention a catcher at all. If you want a clean lawn without raking clippings, check the included components list on the product page before ordering. The WZONICE98 listing also says some clippings may not be captured by the catcher, so expect a small amount of scatter.
Mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a width only by looking at the picture. Check the cutting width number in the listing.
- Mowing grass that is far taller than the height range. The listings advise taking off no more than about a third of the blade at once, and adding passes for tall grass.
- Mowing wet grass. Several listings say wet grass clogs the reel and cuts unevenly.
- Assuming a grass catcher is included. Check the listing before you buy.
- Ignoring conflicting numbers. Where a title and the specification table disagree, check the product page first.
FAQ
Is a residential reel mower good for a small lawn?
Yes. The listings describe reel mowers as suited to small and medium lawns, and the 14-inch models are the easiest to push and store. A reel mower works best on grass that is already in fair condition and is mowed regularly, so it is not the first choice for a lawn that has been left to grow long.
Does a reel mower need gas, oil or a battery?
No. Every model in this group is described as manual. The listings say they need no gas, oil, battery or power cord, and the reel is turned by pushing the mower.
What cutting height should I pick?
Pick the height range that matches your usual grass length. Most models here cut between about 0.5 and 2.5 inches. Check the product page for the exact range, since some bullet text and spec tables differ.
Which model is widest?
The LIWBYYG listing describes a 20-inch deck, which is the widest model in this group. The 18-inch American Lawn Mower 1815-18 is the next widest.
Do these mowers come with a grass catcher?
Not all of them. The WZONICE98 and LIWBYYG listings include one. The Gardena listing sells its catcher separately, and the others do not mention one.
Can a reel mower cut tall grass?
The listings say a reel mower is less effective on tall grass and that taller growth needs more passes or more overlap. For long grass, raise the height setting, mow in several passes, and lower it gradually.
Bottom line
For a narrow or small lawn, choose a 14-inch model with a height range that suits your grass, such as the WZONICE98 or STANSS listings. For a larger open lawn, consider the 16-inch Great States 415-16 or the 20-inch LIWBYYG. Read the height range and grass catcher details on the product page before you buy, because some listings disagree with themselves.
If you are deciding between a reel mower and a different blade style, the guide to replacement mower blades and the reel and robot mowers listed beside them explains how the blade types differ. For a broader comparison of blade shapes, see the guide to blade styles for lawn mowers.
