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.
You do not need gas or a cord to get a great cut. A reel push mower works by spinning a cylinder of blades against a fixed bed knife, so it scissor-cuts grass instead of tearing it. That clean scissor cut heals faster than the ragged edge left by a power mower. The catch is that you have to push it yourself — which means no fuel, no extension cords, and no noise from the neighbors.
I’m Rikta — the founder and writer behind Lawn Gear Lab. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
The right reel push mower for your yard depends on one thing above all else: how often you are willing to mow, because a sharp reel loves short, dry grass and punishes neglect with stalled blades and torn stems.
Quick Picks
- Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower — Best Overall
- Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 716-18S 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower — Premium Cuts
- Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2607-16S 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower — Smart Value
- Great States 415-16 16-Inch Reel Mower Standard Full Feature Lawn Mower — Small Lawn
- American Lawn Mower Company 20-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Mower with Grass Catcher — Wide Path
- American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14SK2 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower — Budget Pick
- Walensee Manual Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher, 16-Inch Cutting Width — Ultra Light
How To Choose The Best Reel Push Mower
Picking a reel push mower is simpler than picking a gas one because the drivetrain is your legs. The real decision depends on how wide a path you cut, how often you cut it, and the surface you are pushing over.
Cutting Width and Lawn Size
A wider cutting width — say 18 inches versus 14 inches — covers more ground per pass, so you finish faster on a medium lawn. But a wider deck also weighs more and requires a wider turning radius around flower beds. For a very small lawn around 1,200 square feet, a 16-inch width is a nimble balance, while a 20-inch model like the American Lawn Mower Company 20-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Mower with Grass Catcher cuts a 20-inch path versus 14 inches on a smaller model, making it quicker on bigger yards.
Blade Count: Five vs. Seven
More blades on the reel (seven instead of five) means a finer cut because each blade takes a smaller bite of grass. Seven-blade mowers, like the Scotts models, are ideal for fine turf grasses such as Bermuda or zoysia. Five-blade mowers are more forgiving and generally easier to push through thicker, coarser grass.
Cutting Height Range
Most reel push mowers let you adjust between about half an inch and three inches. A mower with a maximum adjustable cutting height of 2.75 inches, like the Great States 815-18, gives you more room to avoid scalping the lawn during a dry spell, while a maximum of just 1.5 inches on the Walensee means you have to mow more frequently to keep the grass short enough for a clean cut.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Cutting Width | Max Height | Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great States 815-18 | Versatile coverage | 18 Inches | 2.75 Inches | 27 Pounds | Amazon |
| Scotts 716-18S | Premium cut quality | 18 Inches | 3 Inches | 25.57 Pounds | Amazon |
| Scotts 2607-16S | Fine turf lawns | 16 Inches | 3 Inches | 23 Pounds | Amazon |
| Great States 415-16 | Small lawns | 16 Inches | 2.5 Inches | 20.9 Pounds | Amazon |
| American Lawn Mower Company 20-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Mower with Grass Catcher | Speed on bigger lots | 20 Inches | 3 Inches | 28.6 Pounds | Amazon |
| American LM 1304-14SK2 | Budget entry | 14 Inches | 2.25 Inches | 17.5 Pounds | Amazon |
| Walensee 16-Inch | Lightest budget option | 16 Inches | 1.5 Inches | 15.4 Pounds | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
The wide-swathe workhorse that leaves power mowers in the dust.
You cover more ground per pass with the 18-inch cutting width — 18 inches versus 14 inches on a smaller model — so a small to medium lawn gets done noticeably faster. The 5-blade reel uses 10-inch composite wheels and runs on ball bearings (small metal balls that let the reel spin smoothly with less friction), so the push effort stays lower than you would expect from a 27-pound machine. Buyers report using it weekly for 4 years on a small lawn, which suggests the heat-treated alloy steel blades hold an edge season after season.
The adjustable cutting height goes from 0.5 inches up to 2.75 inches, giving you more room than any other mower here to keep the lawn longer during a hot stretch without scalping it (cutting so low you damage the grass crown). Owners mention that it occasionally needs a second pass to clean up missed strips, especially if the grass is slightly damp. The loop-style handle has cushioned grips, and assembly requires no special tools.
This mower weighs 27 pounds, which is the heaviest of the 5-blade models but still light enough to carry to a shed. Unlike the Walensee, which maxes out at 1.5 inches, the Great States 815-18 goes up to 2.75 inches so you can be more flexible with your mowing schedule.
18-inch 5-blade classic
- Widest cutting height range (0.5 to 2.75 inches) on the list
- 18-inch deck covers ground 29% faster than a 14-inch mower
- Long-term durability backed by a 4-year owner report
needs frequent sharpening
- At 27 pounds it is heavier than the 15.4-pound Walensee
- Customers note foam handle grips slip over time
budget pick: Pick this if you want the widest height range and the largest cutting width in a proven, durable 5-blade design.
large lawns: You need to carry the mower up stairs to storage — the 27-pound weight is noticeable.
2. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 716-18S 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower
The seven-blade finisher for lawns that never see a week off.
Seven blades on the reel mean each blade takes a smaller bite, so the cut is noticeably finer than any 5-blade reel can manage. This mower is built for fine turf grasses such as Bermuda, zoysia, and fescue, and the 18-inch cutting width keeps the job moving fast. The adjustable cutting height ranges from 1 to 3 inches, giving you the highest top-end height on this list for keeping grass healthy during a dry spell.
The dual-tracking wheels and ball-bearing reel help the mower track straight with minimal side-to-side drift. Reviewers point out that it handles thick, month-old grass well after a cross-cutting pass, though sticks can stop the reel instantly. The cushioned grip handle is comfortable, but one reviewer noted the foam disintegrated over time.
Compared to the Great States 815-18, the Scotts 716-18S is a lighter 25.57 pounds and offers a greater maximum cutting height of 3 inches versus 2.75 inches. However, its minimum height is 1 inch, so you cannot cut as low as the 0.5-inch floor on the Great States. The heat-treated alloy steel blades stay sharp through regular weekly mowing.
7-blade precision cut
- 7-blade reel delivers the finest scissor cut for delicate turf
- Sits at 25.57 pounds, lighter than the 27-pound Great States 815-18
- Max cutting height of 3 inches is the tallest on the list
heavy steel frame
- 7-blade design requires more pushing force in thick grass
- Buyers found the grass catcher ineffective for full bags
designated cutter: Reach for this if you keep your lawn on a strict weekly schedule and want a show-quality finish on fine grass.
small yards: Your yard is prone to dandelions or thick weeds — one buyer mentioned it struggles with anything beyond plain grass.
3. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2607-16S 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Seven blades in a lighter, nimbler package for small-lot precision.
This 16-inch mower packs the same 7-blade reel as the larger Scotts model, giving you a fine scissor cut in a package that weighs only 23 pounds. It is easier to lift, store, and push uphill than the 25.57-pound 18-inch Scotts while still being ideal for Bermuda, zoysia, and fescue lawns. The padded U-handle adds comfort when turning around tight flower beds.
The cutting height adjusts to a maximum of 3 inches, just like the larger Scotts, but the 16-inch width means you trade some speed per pass for better maneuverability. Shoppers say that it handles thick Florida grass well after an initial cut but, like most reel mowers, it will not cut sideways floppy grass or weeds. One reviewer recommends weekly mowing and oiling the blades to prevent rust.
Compared to the 5-blade Great States 415-16, the Scotts 2607-16S weighs 23 pounds versus 20.9 pounds and can go higher — 3 inches versus 2.5 inches. The assembly requires some strength for the handle attachment, but the mower snaps together without special tools.
16-inch compact mower
- 7-blade precision cut in a lightweight 23-pound frame
- Max cutting height of 3 inches protects grass during heat
- Padded U-handle improves control in tight turns
limited blade adjust
- 16-inch width means more passes than the 18-inch model
- Buyers report the grass catcher is mostly ineffective
small-lot perfectionist: Choose this when you want the fine cut of 7 blades but need to lift and store a lighter mower.
uneven terrain: Your lawn is large enough that you would rather trade the fine cut for the speed of an 18-inch deck.
4. Great States 415-16 16-Inch Reel Mower Standard Full Feature Lawn Mower
The 20-pound classic that has quietly mowed patios for a decade.
At 20.9 pounds, this is the lightest 5-blade reel mower in the line-up, and it shows in the pushing ease. The 16-inch cutting width is right for a lawn of about 1,200 to 3,500 square feet, and the heat-treated alloy steel blades are attached to a ball-bearing reel that spins freely. The cutting height adjusts from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, giving you a reasonable range for most cool-season grasses.
The T-style cushioned grip handle makes one-handed turning easy, and the tool-less assembly means you can have it cutting in about 15 minutes. Owners mention using it weekly for 4 years on a 1,200 sq ft lawn, noting it requires annual sharpening with valve grinding compound (a paste applied while the reel spins backward to grind the blades) and occasional blade adjustment. One 74-year-old owner found it light enough to use without assistance.
Compared to the heavier 27-pound Great States 815-18, this 16-inch model is noticeably easier to carry and push uphill, though you lose about 2 inches of cutting width and a quarter-inch of maximum height. The 10-inch composite wheels glide well over flat ground but can struggle on deep dents or holes.
proven 16-inch design
- At 20.9 pounds it is the lightest full-feature reel mower here
- 4-year owner report confirms durability with annual sharpening
- T-style cushioned handle offers comfortable one-handed turning
trade-offs
- Often requires a second pass to clean up missed strips
- Customers note foam handle grips slip in sweaty hands
tidy yards: Grab this if your lawn fits under 3,500 square feet and you want a mower your partner can also push without struggle.
thick grass: You want a single-pass cut — buyers warn you might need to double back on taller patches.
5. American Lawn Mower Company 20-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Mower with Grass Catcher
The widest deck in the group, built to shrink mowing time.
A 20-inch cutting path is the biggest you can get without stepping up to a commercial unit, and it makes a difference. On a quarter-acre lawn, you shave off a noticeable number of passes compared to a 16-inch mower. The 5-blade reel is designed for efficiency, and the ergonomic handle gives you good control when steering around obstacles.
The cutting height adjusts between 2 and 3 inches — a narrower range than the Great States 815-18, which goes down to 0.5 inches. This means the American Lawn Mower Company 20-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Mower with Grass Catcher is better suited to lawns kept at a moderate height and less useful for scalp-down spring cleanups. The included grass catcher snaps on and off, though reviewers point out it detaches if not secured firmly and can clog the blades after about 60 seconds, so some owners remove it entirely for faster mowing.
At 28.6 pounds, this is the heaviest mower in the review, but the wide rear wheels help it roll smoothly over flat suburban terrain. Shoppers say it halts suddenly when a small stick gets between the blades, so clearing the yard first is essential. One reviewer describes the sound as meditative when running free of debris.
wide 20-inch swath
- 20-inch cutting width covers more ground per pass than any other pick
- Included grass catcher bag helps collect clippings
- 5-year protection plan from the manufacturer
hard to maneuver
- At 28.6 pounds it is the heaviest reel mower in the review
- Cutting height range (2–3 inches) does not go low for spring scalp-downs
- Grass catcher clogs blades quickly, per buyer reports
speed pick: Go for this if your lawn is on the larger side and you want to finish faster with the widest swathe available.
narrow paths: Your yard is littered with twigs and leaves — the wide deck jams easily and requires a clean sweep before each mow.
6. American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14SK2 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
A small, sharp starter that asks for muscle but gives back quiet.
The 14-inch cutting width makes this the most maneuverable mower here — you can get into tight garden strips and around mailboxes without a second pass. It weighs 17.5 pounds, so any adult can lift it into a shed or over a curb. The 5-blade reel cuts via scissor action, and the adjustable cutting height goes from 1 to 2.25 inches.
Buyers report assembly requires approximately 40-50 pounds of force for the handle posts, taking about 15 minutes, so you will need an extra pair of hands or a sturdy surface to press against. One buyer describes it as a good forearm workout and warns you must clear debris and wipe the blades after each use to prevent rust.
Compared to the Walensee, this American Lawn Mower Company mower offers a taller maximum height at 2.25 inches versus 1.5 inches, so you can skip a mowing day without the grass instantly jamming the reel. However, its 14-inch width is narrower than the Great States 815-18 at 18 inches, so expect more laps on a medium lawn.
light 14-inch starter
- Comes with a hand sharpener, saving on a separate purchase
- Lightest deck at 17.5 pounds for easy carrying
- Quiet operation ideal for early morning or injury recovery
small cutting width
- 14-inch width means more passes than wider models
- Handle assembly requires heavy force, per buyer reports
entry-level: This is the pick if your lawn is tiny, you want a bundled sharpener, and you are okay with a tight cutting width for a lower spend.
bigger yards: The narrow 14-inch deck will make a large lawn feel like a marathon, and the 1-inch minimum height limits mowing flexibility.
7. Walensee Manual Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher, 16-Inch Cutting Width
The lightest reel mower on the block, a feather for a 5-foot-1 owner.
At just 15.4 pounds, this Walensee is the featherweight of the group — buyers as short as 5-foot-1 report easy operation and straightforward assembly. The 16-inch cutting width is a useful middle ground between the narrow 14-inch American LM and the wide 18-inch Scotts. The 5 curved alloy steel blades are designed to be more resistant to deformation than traditional straight blades.
The cutting height adjusts to only 4 positions between 0.5 and 1.5 inches, making this the strictest mowing schedule of any pick here. If the grass grows past an inch and a half, you will have to trim in stages or risk stalling. The large 8.5-inch drive wheels with self-lubricating function help the mower roll smoothly, but owners mention it jams with sticks (though it is easy to clear). The 7.9-gallon grass catcher bag attaches quickly via a quick-release mechanism.
Compared to the Great States 815-18, the Walensee weighs 15.4 pounds versus 27 pounds, so it is easier to carry and push. But the Great States offers a max height of 2.75 inches versus 1.5 inches, so the Walensee gives you less leeway to miss a mowing. One reviewer warns it simply pushes grass down instead of cutting on uneven lawns or with tall grass.
ultra-light 16-inch
- Extremely lightweight at 15.4 pounds — easy to carry and maneuver
- Curved alloy steel blades resist bending better than straight blades
- Large 7.9-gallon grass catcher reduces bag-empty trips
plastic wheels
- Cutting height maxes out at just 1.5 inches — requires frequent mowing
- Customers note it jams with sticks and struggles on uneven ground
easy runner: Pick this for the lowest pushing effort and the easiest lift, provided you can keep the grass short between mows.
durability: Your lawn has uneven spots, grows fast, or you ever want to skip a weekend — the 1.5-inch max height leaves no margin for delay.
Understanding the Specs
Cutting Width
This is the measurement of the path the mower clears in a single pass. A 14-inch mower such as the American LM 1304-14SK2 is nimble for tight beds but will take more trips across a medium lawn. An 18-inch mower covers 18 inches per pass versus 14 inches for a smaller model, so the job finishes faster. The trade-off is a wider deck is heavier and harder to turn in a tight corner.
Cutting Height Range
Reel mowers cut by pinching grass between the blades and a fixed bed knife, so the height is set by adjusting the rollers or wheels. A range that goes down to 0.5 inches is useful for a very close spring cut, while a maximum of 2.75 to 3 inches gives you room to let the grass grow a bit during a dry week. A mower with a max of 1.5 inches, like the Walensee, demands a strict weekly mowing schedule.
Blade Count
Five-blade reels (found on most budget and mid-range models) are more forgiving of thick grass and debris, and they are easier to push. Seven-blade reels (found on the premium Scotts models) make a finer, smoother cut because each blade takes a smaller bite. Seven blades are best for fine turf grasses such as Bermuda or fescue, but they require a cleaner lawn free of sticks and thick weeds.
Weight and Wheel Size
Lighter weight (15 to 20 pounds) makes a mower easy to carry but can mean it bounces on uneven ground. Heavier weight (25 to 28 pounds) helps the mower stay planted and cut consistently, but it is harder to lift or push uphill. Larger drive wheels (8.5 to 10 inches) roll over dents and bumps more smoothly than smaller ones, reducing the effort you need to push the mower forward.
FAQ
Can a reel push mower cut tall grass?
How often do you need to sharpen a reel mower blade?
Can a reel mower cut wet grass?
Is a 7-blade reel mower better than a 5-blade?
What happens if the reel mower hits a stick or rock?
Do reel mowers work on uneven lawns?
Are reel mowers easier to push than gas mowers?
Do I need a grass catcher bag for a reel mower?
How long does a reel mower typically last?
What is the difference between a reel mower and a rotary mower?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the reel push mower winner is the Great States 815-18 because it offers the widest cutting height range and the broadest cutting width in a proven, durable package that buyers trust for years. If you want the finest scissor cut for a well-groomed lawn, grab the Scotts 716-18S with its 7-blade reel and 18-inch deck. And for a tiny yard where weight matters most, the standout is the Walensee at just 15.4 pounds.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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