Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Switching from a gas mower does not mean putting up with a shaggy lawn. A manual reel mower cuts grass with a scissor-like action that leaves it healthier and greener — and it does all that without noise, fumes, or a cord. The real challenge is picking the right blade count and cutting width for your yard, and finding one that owners trust year after year.
I’m Rikta — the founder of Lawn Gear Lab. This guide compares each mower’s published specs and patterns in verified customer reviews. You get the real strengths and trade-offs of each pick, not marketing hype.
These are the highest rated reel mowers that blend sharp engineering with real-world durability — whether your lawn is a postage‑stamp strip or a quarter‑acre that needs weekly attention.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Highest Rated Reel Mowers
Picking a reel mower depends on three things: the size of your lawn, the type of grass you grow, and how much time you want to spend sharpening. A 5‑blade mower is great for weekly maintenance, while a 7‑blade model gives a finer finish on short, warm‑season grasses like Bermuda. Cutting width dictates how many passes you need — 14 inches suits a tiny city strip, while 18 or 20 inches cuts your mowing time almost in half. Read on for the specifics that make one mower a joy and another a chore.
Blade Count and Cut Quality
More blades mean a finer cut in a single pass. A 5‑blade reel works well for standard fescue or rye when you mow every five to seven days. A 7‑blade reel, found on premium models like the Scotts 716-18S, gives a smoother, carpet‑like finish on Bermuda, Zoysia, or bent grass. The trade‑off is that 7‑blade mowers need a shorter mowing interval — every two to three days in peak growing season — because they cannot handle long, thick grass.
Cutting Width and Maneuverability
A wider deck covers more ground but adds weight and makes tight turns harder. The Earthwise 2001-20EW gives you a 20‑inch cut — the widest among these picks — which lets you finish a quarter‑acre in under an hour. But at 26.9 pounds, it is a push on slopes. A 14‑inch mower like the American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC at 18 pounds is far easier to handle on uneven ground or in gardens with narrow paths.
Height Adjustment Range
Different grass types want different heights. Bermuda lawns need a low cut, often around 0.5 to 1 inch, while fescue prefers 2.5 to 3.5 inches. The Great States 815-18 adjusts from 0.5 to 2.75 inches, making it versatile for mix yards. The Fiskars StaySharp Max goes from roughly 1 inch to 4 inches (2.5‑10 cm), covering almost every grass type. Check the minimum height before you buy if you maintain a short, manicured putting‑green look.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Cutting Width | Blade Count | Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great States 815-18★ Best Overall | Overall value & easy assembly | 18 in | 5 | 27 lb | Amazon |
| Scotts 716-18SPremium Finish | Finest cut on Bermuda/Zoysia | 18 in | 7 | 25.6 lb | Amazon |
| Fiskars StaySharp MaxBuilt for the Long Haul | Heavy‑duty longevity & comfort | 18 in | Helical | 44 lb | Amazon |
| LawnMaster LMRM1801 | Budget 9‑position adjustability | 18 in | 5 | 28.5 lb | Amazon |
| Fiskars StaySharp 17 | Easiest push on thick grass | 17 in | InertiaDrive | — | Amazon |
| Earthwise 2001-20EW | Widest cut (20 in) | 20 in | 5 | 26.9 lb | Amazon |
| American Lawn Mower 1725-16GC | Low‑cut warm‑season grass specialist | 16 in | 7 | 21 lb | Amazon |
| American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC | Ultra‑light for petite users | 14 in | 5 | 18 lb | Amazon |
| Craftsman 304-14CR | Entry‑level for tiny patches | 14 in | 5 | 18 lb | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Our pick — over 4★ from 9,000+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
You get an 18‑inch cutting deck with 5 blades made from high‑quality alloy steel that owners say stays sharp through several seasons.
The cutting height ranges from 0.5 to 2.75 inches, so you can drop it low for Bermuda or raise it for fescue. The loop‑style handle has cushioned grips, and assembly does not need any tools — the reviews pages confirm it comes mostly put together.
The real‑world consensus is that this mower works well on maintained grass and handles uneven growth better than many expect. Owners call out its quiet, planet‑friendly operation as a major plus. The honest trade‑off is that it struggles with tall grass and thick weeds, so you need to mow frequently — the review pages sum it up: “takes 30% longer than gas mower.” For a small to medium lawn that gets regular passes, this is the setup that delivers year after year.
Why owners keep buying it
- Tool‑free assembly — owners say 30 minutes, no special tools needed.
- Alloy steel blades that resist dulling longer than standard steel.
- Adjustable cut from a very low 0.5 inches up to 2.75 inches for different grass types.
- Well over two thousand positive mentions for ease of use and smooth cutting.
The honest limit
- No grass catcher included — clippings stay on the lawn.
- Foam handle grips can slip when hands are sweaty.
- At 27 pounds it is on the heavier side for this category.
- Occasional double‑pass needed for an even cut on uneven ground.
Your best bet for: A small to medium lawn where you can mow weekly and want the strongest owner‑backed reputation for the money.
Think twice if: Your grass regularly grows past four inches or you have thick weeds — this mower needs frequent, short mowing intervals to shine.
2. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 716-18S 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower
Seven blades and an 18‑inch deck that turns a Bermuda lawn into carpet in three passes.
Where the Great States offers a solid 5‑blade value, the Scotts 716-18S steps up to a 7‑blade reel with ball bearings and heat‑treated alloy steel that owners describe as cutting “like a hot knife through butter.” The height range is slightly higher — 1 to 3 inches — so it suits lawns kept at a moderate height. Buyers report it handles small twigs and bumps better than other reel mowers, cutting faster than a gas mower on flat, short grass.
Cutting performance is the most‑praised feature. The mower needs frequent grooming to look its best, and owners note that the manual and adjustment stickers are confusing — the 1‑3 height numbers do not correspond to inches clearly. The construction is solid, with a cushioned grip handle. This is the pick for someone who wants the finest cut without moving to a gas engine.
Where it wins: The 7‑blade design and heat‑treated steel produce a noticeably smoother finish than any 5‑blade mower — owners say it “cuts through grass like a hot knife through butter.”
Reach for this if: You have a warm‑season lawn like Bermuda or Zoysia that you mow every two to three days and want a carpet‑smooth finish.
Look elsewhere if: Your lawn has patches of weeds or you only mow every 10 days — the 7 blades demand short grass to work effectively.
3. Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower
A heavy‑duty manual mower with a frictionless helical cutting system that refuses to dull.
This is the most expensive pick in the lineup, and it earns its cost with an all‑metal frame and a 46‑cm (roughly 18‑inch) cutting width that cuts without the reel touching the bed knife. That gap means the blades stay sharp without annual maintenance — owners mention years of use without needing a sharpening. The cutting height adjusts from 2.5 to 10 cm (roughly 1 to 4 inches), and the four‑wheel design gives better stability on uneven terrain than traditional two‑wheel designs.
Owners say it mulches finely and cuts quickly on flat lawns, though it cannot handle thick dandelions or heavy overgrowth. The grass catcher is sold separately (referenced as product 1000592). This is a precision tool for the enthusiast who wants German‑engineered durability and noise‑free Sunday mowing.
Who it is for: Homeowners with a well‑kept lawn who want a mower that will outlast several seasons of push mowing without ever needing blade sharpening.
Best for: Eco‑conscious users with a flat, maintained lawn who value build quality and zero maintenance over low entry price.
skip it if: You have a small budget, a small yard, or a lawn with significant weed growth — this mower is a premium investment for a premium cut.
4. LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade
Nine cutting positions give you more fine‑tuning control than almost any other budget reel mower.
The LawnMaster stands out in the budget tier by offering 9 height settings (1.1 to 2.5 inches) — a huge step up from the 3 or 5 positions on most competitors. The 18‑inch cutting width matches the Great States, and the 10‑inch front wheels help with maneuverability. The scissor‑like cut avoids tearing, which owners say keeps the lawn healthier. Assembly is easy, and the motorless design is quiet enough for evening use.
The catch is that this mower is best used on short, well‑maintained grass. The review data is clear: it jams on grass over 2 inches and struggles with pencil‑thick twigs. Owners note “keep blades sharp every 2‑3 months” as a regular maintenance task. It also has 80% more positions than the American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC (9 vs 5), so you get real flexibility for dialing in the perfect height — just do not let the lawn get away from you between cuts.
Why it stands out: Nine height settings let you fine‑tune the cut more precisely than most manual mowers, and the scissor cut is healthier for the grass.
Reach for this if: You want the most height adjustability at a budget price and commit to mowing every 5‑7 days on a small, level lawn.
Think twice if: Your lawn has overgrown patches or you are not willing to clear sticks before mowing — jams are the most‑mentioned downside.
5. Fiskars Push Mower – 17″ Cut Width Manual Reel Mower
Patented InertiaDrive delivers double the cutting power, making thick grass feel like a spring morning.
The Fiskars StaySharp 17 uses a contact‑free cutting mechanism where the blade never touches the bed knife, eliminating friction wear and the need for annual sharpening. Owners call it “extremely quiet” and say it cuts overgrown grass with more force than standard reel mowers — one described it as cutting “like butter.” The height adjusts from 1.5 to 3.5 inches via a simple pin system, and the handle adjusts for different user heights.
At 17 inches, the cut width is narrower than the 18‑inch options, and owners note that you need about 4 inches of overlap, bringing the effective swath closer to 13 inches. The plastic rear wheels feel cheaper than the rest of the build, and the blade is extremely sharp — one owner reported an injury requiring stitches. This mower is best for someone who prioritizes easy pushing and zero sharpening over a wide cut.
The standout feature: The blade never touches the counter bar, so customers note the cutting edge stays sharp “for months” and cuts branches easily.
Best for: Anyone who hates sharpening blades and wants a mower that glides through thick grass without bogging down.
Consider the trade‑off: The 17‑inch effective width means more passes, and the rear wheels feel less durable than the rest of the machine.
6. Earthwise 2001-20EW 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
A 20‑inch cutting deck that shaves mowing time off a quarter‑acre in one clean pass.
This is the widest reel mower in the roundup — 20 inches — and it makes a real difference on larger lawns. The 5‑blade ball‑bearing reel is made from heat‑treated alloy steel, and the 10‑inch front composite wheels with 6‑inch rear trailing wheels provide stability that the narrower models lack. The quick‑snap height adjustment gives you 1 to 3 inches. Owners say it cuts a 3/4‑acre lot in about an hour, which is impressive for a manual mower.
The honest trade‑off is that at 26.9 pounds, it is heavy to turn on uneven ground, and the cutting sound is more noticeable than other reel mowers — owners describe it as “sounds like sharpening knives.” Uphill sections require real effort, and the mower can push weeds over rather than cutting them on sparse lawns. For flat, open lawns where you want the widest swath without investing in a gas mower, this Earthwise is the logical choice.
The big draw: A 20‑inch cut width that covers more ground per pass than any other pick here, cutting 3/4 acre in under an hour.
Reach for this if: You have a flat, open lawn near a quarter‑acre and want to finish mowing as fast as possible without a motor.
Look elsewhere if: Your lawn has hills, obstacles, or sparse patches — the weight and wide deck make it hard to maneuver in tight spaces.
7. American Lawn Mower 1725-16GC 16″ 7-Blade Reel Mower with Grass Catcher
Seven blades on a 16‑inch deck that delivers the cleanest cut for Bermuda, Tiff, and Zoysia grasses.
American Lawn Mower Company specifically designed this 7‑blade mower for warm‑season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia that thrive at low cutting heights. The cutting height adjusts from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, and the heat‑treated alloy steel blades stay sharp for years. Owners say it provides a “spectacular cut” compared to a gas mower, with scissor‑action that does not tear the grass. The grass catcher is included, though owners note it only collects about half the clippings.
The catch is that this mower is not for tall fescue or overgrown lawns — it requires mowing every 2‑3 days during the growing season. At 21 pounds, it is lighter than the 18‑inch options, making it easier to handle on slopes. Initial adjustment of the four rear flathead screws can reduce blade contact noise. This is a specialist tool for the enthusiast who maintains a manicured, short‑cut lawn.
Who it serves best: The active lawn enthusiast who mows a short Bermuda or Zoysia lawn every 2‑3 days and wants the finest possible scissor cut.
Best for: Anyone who treats lawn care as a hobby and wants a 7‑blade cut on a warm‑season lawn without moving to a gas engine.
pass on it if: You have tall fescue, a weedy lawn, or only mow every two weeks — this mower needs frequent passes to perform.
8. American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC 14″ 5-Blade Reel Mower with Grass Catcher
A slim 14‑inch, 18‑pound mower that is perfect for tiny yards and petite users.
At 18 pounds with a 14‑inch cutting width, the American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC is the lightest pick here. The 5‑blade reel is made from heat‑treated alloy steel, and the cutting height adjusts from 1 to 2.25 inches. The T‑style handle has cushioned grips for comfort. The included grass catcher snaps on, though owners warn it can fall off if not secured properly. Assembly takes less than 10 minutes.
The review data describes it as “ideal for small yards (<20 min walk)” — meaning the lawn is small enough to finish in under 20 minutes. The grass catcher is wider than the cutting deck, which means it sags and catches on uneven ground. Owners also note that leaves are thrown to the left, so mowing clockwise works best. For a tiny city strip or a postage‑stamp back lawn, this mower gets the job done without tiring you out.
Where it fits: Petite users, renters, or anyone with a small yard who wants the lightest possible manual mower that still cuts well.
Reach for this if: Your lawn takes less than 20 minutes to walk around and you want a mower that is easy to lift and store.
Consider the limit: The 14‑inch width means more passes, and the grass catcher is the most‑mentioned weak point — it sags and can detach.
9. Craftsman 304-14CR 14″ Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher
A simple, tool‑less 14‑inch mower that gets the job done on a tiny lawn without fuss.
Craftsman brings its brand to the reel mower category with a 14‑inch, 5‑blade model that includes a grass catcher. The cutting height adjusts from 0.5 to 1.75 inches — the narrowest high range of any pick here — so it is best for short grass lawns. The blades are made from durable steel, and the T‑style handle has cushioned grips. The 8.5‑inch front wheels and rear roller bar provide decent stability for a small machine.
The honest picture from owners is that this mower works great on short, well‑maintained grass but struggles with growth over 2 inches. Several owners noted blades were too tight from the start and needed loosening via a YouTube video. The grass catcher has issues staying attached. This is a budget‑friendly entry point for someone with a very small lawn who wants the Craftsman name and does not mind occasional blade adjustment.
The honest trade‑off: At 18 pounds and 14 inches, it is light and compact, but the 3‑position height range (0.5‑1.75 inches) limits it to short, low‑cut lawns.
Best for: A first‑time reel mower buyer with a tiny, flat lawn who wants a recognizable brand and the lowest possible price.
it’s not for you if: Your grass grows over 2 inches between cuts or you want a mower that works right from the start without adjustment.
Understanding the Specs
Blade Count (5 vs 7)
A 5‑blade reel is the standard for most home lawns on a weekly mow schedule. It can handle slightly taller grass (up to 3‑4 inches) before bogging. A 7‑blade reel cuts more times per wheel rotation, giving a smoother, carpet‑like finish — but it needs your grass to stay short (ideally under 2 inches) and requires more frequent mowing. The 7‑blade is your pick for Bermuda or Zoysia lawns.
Cutting Width (14‑20 Inches)
Wider is faster. A 20‑inch mower like the Earthwise cuts almost 43% more grass per pass than a 14‑inch mower, but it is heavier and harder to turn in tight spaces. For a small yard under 2,000 square feet, a 14‑ or 16‑inch mower is plenty maneuverable. For a lawn near a quarter‑acre, look for 18 inches or wider to keep mowing time reasonable.
Weight and Construction
Heavier mowers (25‑44 pounds) stay planted on the ground and cut more evenly, but they are a workout on hills. Lighter mowers (18‑21 pounds) are easier to lift over garden beds and are better for petite users. Look for heat‑treated alloy steel blades — they hold an edge significantly longer than standard steel. Ball‑bearing reels also reduce friction and make the mower easier to push.
Height Adjustment Range
The range you need depends on your grass. Bermuda lawns look best at 0.5‑1 inch, while tall fescue needs 2.5‑3.5 inches. Many budget mowers only offer 3‑5 positions, while premium models like the LawnMaster LMRM1801 offer 9 positions. A wider range (0.5‑3 inches or more) lets you handle mixed lawns or season‑to‑season changes without buying another mower.