9 Best Cutting Push Mower | Mow in Peace: 9 Reel Mowers Tested

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The widest reel mower here slices clean passes to finish your yard faster.

This mower leads the list because it solves the two biggest complaints of manual mowing at once. The 18-inch cutting width — the widest standard deck among reel mowers — means fewer laps across your grass. And with 9 cutting positions ranging from 0.75 inches to 2 inches, you have more fine-grained height control than practically any other manual mower here (most competitors offer only 4 positions). Owners mention it was easy to set up in about 15 minutes and that the cut is sharp right from the start. One owner noted that for very small patches under 20×20 feet you can skip the collection bag entirely and just let the clippings mulch.

The trade-off is weight. At 12.94 kilograms (about 28.5 pounds), this is one of the heavier push mowers on the list, and reviewers on the fence about reel mowers say it demands real effort on slopes. It is also designed exclusively for short, maintained grass — tall growth or seed shoots get pushed flat rather than cut, as one owner pointed out. Keep the grass under 4 inches and mow weekly, and this mower rewards you with a healthy, scissor-cut lawn that gas mowers bruise.

One reviewer summed it up as a top 5 Amazon purchase for their small, level lawn, adding that the faster you push, the cleaner the cut. That “speed equals quality” relationship is unique to reel mowers, and the LawnMaster makes it easy to achieve.

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A brand-name reel mower that cuts up to 3 inches high — rare in this category.

Craftsman brings its heritage to the manual push mower segment with this 16-inch, 5-blade steel model. The standout spec is the adjustable cutting height range of 1 to 3 inches. Most reel mowers top out at 2 inches, so the extra inch here means you can let the grass grow a bit longer between cuts (useful during a busy week or in hotter weather when taller grass shades the soil). It also uses a unique wheel setup: 10-inch front wheels and 6-inch rear trailing wheels, which customers note improves maneuverability and stability versus single-axle designs. The padded cushioned grip on the T-style handle also reduces vibration in your palms compared to basic foam handles.

Reviewers point out that assembly is straightforward, and the mower can handle grass up to 1-2 feet tall with extra passes — something few reel mowers claim. One verified owner called it “REELY fun to use” (pun intended) and praised the Craftsman brand they already trust. That said, some owners found it too heavy and difficult to push for a full yard, and the grass catcher bag falls off repeatedly — a common complaint across this category. One long-term reviewer noted that the blades peeled and oxidized after a few months, requiring lubrication and sharpening to restore performance.

Unlike the IRONMAX which offers 4 height settings, the Craftsman gives you 3 positions, but the extra max height (3 inches vs 2 inches) compensates if you prefer taller lawn maintenance. It weighs 23 lbs versus the IRONMAX at 24 lbs and the American Lawn Mower 1415-16SK2 below at 20.9 lbs.

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The biggest cutting deck on the list at 20 inches — speed without a motor.

If mowing time is your primary frustration, the Walensee gives you 20 inches of scissor-action cutting in a single pass, versus 16 inches on many competitors and 14 inches on the basic models. That wider deck shaves minutes off every session. It also features 9 cutting height levels from 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches, matching the LawnMaster for adjustability — though the top end is lower than the Craftsman’s 3-inch max. The blades use a curved design made from high-hardness alloy steel, which the maker claims is more resistant to deformation than straight blades. The large 11.8-gallon quick-release grass catcher bag is also the biggest capacity on the list, versus 6.9 gallons on the IRONMAX.

Reviews are split. Positive buyers report the mower cuts cleanly, the height adjustment works well even for taller grass, and assembly is easy. One 5’1″ owner specifically praised the lightweight feel and maneuverability. On the other side, multiple verified owners mention the grass catcher detaches on bumps, handle holes misaligned during assembly, and the mower jams or pushes grass flat on uneven lawns or when encountering dandelions. One disappointed owner called it a “waste of money” for anything other than an even, short-grass lawn. Unlike the IRONMAX which has stronger wheel clips praised by some owners, the Walensee’s catcher design seems to be the main quality gap.

For this price, you are getting the widest cutting path available in a reel mower plus a massive collection bag — but the trade-off is real inconsistency in the catcher retention and assembly tolerances. If your lawn is smooth and you mow weekly, those problems vanish.

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A 16-incher that glides over rocks and stays sharp without a whisper.

The IRONMAX is built for the small-yard owner who wants a sturdy feel without paying premium prices. It uses 5 heavy-duty manganese steel blades across a 16-inch cutting width — the same width as the Craftsman above, versus 14 inches on the Goplus and American 14-inch models. The 4-position height adjustment (1.06 to 2 inches) matches the Goplus exactly. At 24 pounds, it weighs 24 lbs versus the Craftsman at 23 lbs and the American 1415-16SK2 at 20.9 lbs. One buyer specifically noted that this “glides over rocks” without damage — a sign of the tougher welded pipe and PVC frame construction compared to the all-plastic American mowers.

The 6.9-gallon grass catcher bag is smaller than the Walensee’s 11.8-gallon bin, but customers note it is easier to detach and empty, and the bag’s sling-tie attachment works more reliably than clip-on designs found on the American mowers. One owner said setup was quick and “no tools needed,” though another noted the blades came too tight from the factory and needed a spring adjustment before the mower would cut cleanly. A recurring complaint is a weak wheel clip/washer — one owner lost a wheel and had to jury-rig a fix, suggesting the wheel-fit quality is the main cost-saving area.

Compared to the Goplus (21.6 lbs, 14-inch width), the IRONMAX cuts a wider path and feels more durable, but the trade-off is its 24-lb weight versus the Goplus at 21.6 lbs. The IRONMAX’s 4-position height adjustment ties with the Goplus but both are outmatched by the LawnMaster’s 9 positions.

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A bagless mower with a big handle bar and a 1-year warranty for confidence.

The EWORK takes a different approach to manual mowing: it omits the grass catcher bag entirely. At 23 inches overall frame width with a 16-inch working width, it is designed to be lighter and more nimble than bagged competitors. The 65Mn steel 5-blade cutting system delivers the same scissor-action clean cut as the other picks, and the 4 adjustable heights (1, 1.5, 1.8, and 2 inches) cover the most useful seasonal ranges. The foam-wrapped handle is notably larger and softer than the thin plastic grips on budget mowers, which buyers appreciate during longer sessions.

Verified owners consistently praise the tool-free assembly. One reviewer noted they mowed their small backyard in 1 hour, which used to take 3 hours with their old mower. Others note it works well on damp grass and requires no gas, oil, or pull-start hassle. The lack of a bag means mulching is automatic — clippings fall back into the lawn as fertilizer. However, the mower is strictly for maintained lawns with grass under 2-4 inches. Overgrown grass is pushed flat, not cut, and the manufacturer explicitly warns against using it on tall grass or heavy weeds. Unlike the IRONMAX which can manage rocks, the EWORK works best on clean, flat surfaces.

The 1-year manufacturer warranty is a genuine advantage over some competitors that offer no stated warranty or a 2-year American Lawn Mower warranty. The bagless design also simplifies storage — you can hang it on a wall without a bulky bin attached.

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The only mower here that ships with a hand sharpener — your blades stay factory-sharp for years.

This is the 16-inch sibling of the 14-inch American mowers, but with one major addition: a hand sharpener is included in the box. That single accessory effectively extends the mower’s useful life because reel blades dull naturally over time, and a replacement sharpener kit is already covered. The mower itself has a 16-inch 5-blade reel with a scissor-action cut, 10-inch polymer wheels, and a weight of 20.9 pounds. That puts it at 20.9 lbs versus the 14-inch American 1304-14GC at 18 lbs and the IRONMAX at 24 lbs. The cutting width is the same 16 inches as the Craftsman and IRONMAX, versus 14 inches on the 14-inch models.

Reviewers point out that the mower is lightweight, quiet, and has a simple design that does not jam easily even with wet grass. The maker recommends mowing no more than one-third of the grass blade per session to protect root health — a practical tip for reel mower newcomers. A key detail: the mower has only 1 position, though the product description mentions a cutting action that does not bruise or damage grass blades. One verified owner was disappointed that it does not cut at the advertised 0.5 inch — they measured the cut at about 1 inch on the lowest setting. Another reviewer received a unit with missing parts and later a replacement that cut poorly. These experiences suggest quality control is not as consistent as the Craftsman or LawnMaster.

Compared to the 14-inch American 1304-14GC (18 lbs), this 16-inch model weighs 20.9 lbs versus the IRONMAX at 24 lbs. The included sharpener makes it a smarter long-term value if you plan to use the mower for several seasons.

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Light, cheap, and surprisingly effective — but only on the right grass.

The Goplus is the entry-level champion of this list. It has a 14-inch cutting width, 5 manganese steel blades, 4 adjustable heights from 1.06 to 2 inches, and a 7-gallon grass catcher bag. At 21.6 pounds, it is a lightweight option for small lawns. Shoppers say it “cuts regular grass well” and is “easy to push, light, good for back issues.” One reviewer specifically noted the bag saves raking time, and the foam-padded handle makes the pushing experience comfortable. The 10-inch non-slip wheels roll smoothly across even ground. Assembly is straightforward — one owner called it “well-made and great value.”

The catch, as multiple owners note, is that the mower fails on thick Bahiagrass and weeds common in Florida climates. It works only on grass shorter than 4 inches (the manual recommends mowing weekly on grass under 4 inches). The bag attachment is also a known weak point — one buyer mentioned the bag “falls off frequently.” Another owner noted the mower “gets stuck in thicker grass.” So this is a tool for regular maintenance of a tidy lawn, not for rough overgrowth. Compared to the 16-inch IRONMAX (24 lbs), the Goplus is 2.4 lbs lighter but has a 14-inch deck that requires more passes for the same coverage area. The IRONMAX also has only 4 positions (same as Goplus), so the Goplus loses purely on width.

If your lawn is small, flat, and you mow every week, the Goplus delivers everything you need for less money than any other mower on this list with a comparable feature set.

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At 18 pounds, this plastic-and-alloy mower is the lightest reel mower you can buy.

The American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC is built for maximum portability. The 14-inch 5-blade reel uses heat-treated alloy steel blades that the manufacturer says “stays sharp for years.” The adjustable blade height ranges from 1 inch to 2.25 inches, giving you a bit more top-end reach than the Goplus or IRONMAX (both stop at 2 inches). The T-style handle has a cushioned grip for comfort. It also comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty — twice the coverage of the EWORK’s 1-year warranty and a solid confidence signal.

Buyers report it is “lightweight, easy assembly (<10 min), sharp blades.” One reviewer called it “meditative” to push, appreciating the quiet, scissor-sound feedback. However, the grass catcher is the same weak point seen on many American mowers — grass goes “everywhere but in the attachment,” and the wheels can become sticky after a few months, requiring force to turn. One harsh review called it useless for yards with twigs, leaves, or weeds, describing the blade noise as “like knife filing.” It is clearly a tool for manicured lawns only. Compared to the 16-inch IRONMAX which has 4 positions, the American 1304-14GC has only 1 position, so you cannot fine-tune the cut. The 18-pound weight is 18 lbs versus the IRONMAX at 24 lbs, making it much easier to carry up stairs or lift into a shed, but the trade-off is the single cutting height.

This is the best choice for a very small, tidy lawn where ease of assembly and weight matter more than cutting flexibility.

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The lightest and most affordable reel mower with a sharpener bundled right in the box.

At 17.5 pounds, the 1304-14SK2 is the lightest mower in this entire review — 17.5 lbs versus the 1304-14GC at 18 lbs and the Goplus at 21.6 lbs. It features a 14-inch 5-blade reel with scissor-action cut, an adjustable blade height of 1 to 2.25 inches, and 10-inch polymer wheels. The key differentiator from the 1304-14GC above is the included hand sharpener. The plastic construction keeps weight down, but the alloy steel blades are still durable. The maker recommends mowing grass no more than once a week when it is under 4 inches tall.

Owners mention the same mixed bag of experiences as the 1304-14GC. Positives include easy assembly, quiet operation, and very little pushing effort required. One owner recovering from a broken shoulder said they could still use it. Negatives include missing parts in some orders, blades that push grass over instead of cutting, and grass wrapping around the mechanism. One owner reported it “does not cut at advertised 0.5 inch — cuts at about 1 inch.” Another said the mower was “completely useless” after a replacement unit also cut poorly. These quality-control issues appear more frequently with American Lawn Mower Company than with the Craftsman or LawnMaster. If you get a good unit, it is an excellent value; if you get a bad one, returns are straightforward on Amazon.

Compared to the Goplus (21.6 lbs, 7-gallon bag), the 1304-14SK2 weighs 17.5 lbs and includes a sharpener but has no collection bag — you either let clippings lie as mulch or rake them manually. The 1-position height limit matches the 1304-14GC.