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10 Best Reel Lawn Mowers 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14GC 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher, Mint

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,242
Blade Count
Weight

Most important from
22619 reviews

Blade Count
Blades are super sharp and durable, ensuring a clean cut.
Weight
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, perfect for tight paths or hilly yards.

The American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14GC is a 14-inch 5-blade push reel lawn mower that stands out for its environmentally friendly operation, as it is both pollution-free and noise-free. Its 14-inch cutting width is suitable for small to medium-sized lawns, while the 5-blade reel and 10-inch polymer wheels enhance maneuverability. The mower's blades are made from heat-treated alloy steel, which ensures long-term sharpness and durability.

Additionally, it features an adjustable cutting height between 1 and 2.25 inches for a customizable lawn cut. Weighing 18 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to handle, making it accessible for users of varying strength levels. The T-style handle with a cushioned grip further improves comfort during use. One notable inclusion is the grass catcher, which helps in collecting clippings and maintaining a clean lawn.

However, the 14-inch cutting width may require more passes on larger lawns, and manual operation can be more labor-intensive compared to powered mowers. Despite these minor drawbacks, this mower is an excellent choice for those seeking a low-maintenance, eco-friendly lawn care solution.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,242
Blade Count
Weight

Most important from
22619 reviews

Blade Count
Blades are super sharp and durable, ensuring a clean cut.
Weight
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, perfect for tight paths or hilly yards.
#2

Great States 415-16 16-Inch Reel Mower Standard Full Feature Lawn Mower with T-Style Handle and Heat Treated Blades

Rating
9.4
Cutting Width
Blade Count
Adjustable Cutting Height

Most important from
9085 reviews

Cutting Width
Sharp blades deliver a clean cut, even on longer grass up to 6 or 7 inches, without damaging the lawn.
Blade Count
It handles soft grass well but struggles with thick straw or clustered twigs, which can stop the blades suddenly.
Adjustable Cutting Height
Adjusting the cutting height is somewhat awkward but doable, and cutting closer to the ground improves performance without harming the grass.
Weight
Lightweight design and smooth rolling wheels make it easy to maneuver around the yard and even carry between areas.
Handle Design
Assembly requires patience and a specific sequence; attaching the middle part to the reel before the handle makes the process much smoother.

The Great States 415-16 is a solid choice if you have a small to medium-sized lawn and want an eco-friendly, manual reel mower. It offers a 16-inch cutting width, which is a bit narrower than some larger mowers, so it’s best suited for smaller yards where maneuverability matters. The mower features heat-treated blades that stay sharp longer, providing a clean and quality cut without needing electricity or gas. You can adjust the cutting height from half an inch up to two and a half inches, allowing flexibility depending on your grass type or season, though you need to adjust both sides evenly, which might take a little patience.

Its 10-inch ball bearing wheels help it roll smoothly, and the T-style handle with a powder-coated finish is designed for durability and rust resistance. At just over 2 pounds, it’s quite lightweight, making it easy to push and store. However, the narrower cutting width might mean more passes on larger lawns, and adjusting the height on both sides can be a bit fiddly.

This mower serves as a reliable and straightforward tool for those who want a low-maintenance, environmentally friendly mower for smaller green spaces.

Rating
9.4
Cutting Width
Blade Count
Adjustable Cutting Height

Most important from
9085 reviews

Cutting Width
Sharp blades deliver a clean cut, even on longer grass up to 6 or 7 inches, without damaging the lawn.
Blade Count
It handles soft grass well but struggles with thick straw or clustered twigs, which can stop the blades suddenly.
Adjustable Cutting Height
Adjusting the cutting height is somewhat awkward but doable, and cutting closer to the ground improves performance without harming the grass.
Weight
Lightweight design and smooth rolling wheels make it easy to maneuver around the yard and even carry between areas.
Handle Design
Assembly requires patience and a specific sequence; attaching the middle part to the reel before the handle makes the process much smoother.
#3

American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Rating
9.1
Weight

Most important from
22619 reviews

Weight
Lightweight and easy to store, ideal for those with limited storage space.

The American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 Push Reel Lawn Mower offers a cutting width of 14 inches, which is suitable for small to medium-sized lawns. It features a 5-blade reel design, providing a scissor action cut that is efficient for maintaining a clean-cut lawn. The blades are made of heat-treated alloy steel, ensuring long-lasting sharpness and durability. With an adjustable cutting height ranging from 1 to 2.25 inches, it offers flexibility to achieve the desired grass length.

The mower is lightweight at 21 pounds, making it easy to maneuver and handle, especially with its ergonomic handle design. The 10-inch polymer wheels further enhance maneuverability, allowing smooth operation across different terrains. Additionally, this reel lawn mower is environmentally friendly, operating manually without the noise and pollution associated with gas-powered mowers. It requires low maintenance and is straightforward to use.

However, it may be less effective on very tall or thick grass, as it is designed to cut grass up to 4 inches tall. While it provides a quiet and eco-friendly mowing experience, users should be prepared for the physical effort required in pushing and operating the manual mower, especially on larger lawns.

Rating
9.1
Weight

Most important from
22619 reviews

Weight
Lightweight and easy to store, ideal for those with limited storage space.

Buying Guide for the Best Reel Lawn Mowers

Choosing the right reel lawn mower can make a significant difference in maintaining a healthy and well-manicured lawn. Reel mowers are eco-friendly, quiet, and require less maintenance compared to their gas or electric counterparts. When selecting a reel lawn mower, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your lawn's needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and enjoy a smooth mowing experience.
Cutting WidthThe cutting width of a reel lawn mower refers to the width of the swath of grass it can cut in a single pass. This spec is important because it affects how many passes you'll need to make to mow your entire lawn. Cutting widths typically range from 14 to 20 inches. A wider cutting width (18-20 inches) is ideal for larger lawns as it reduces the number of passes needed, saving you time and effort. For smaller lawns, a narrower cutting width (14-16 inches) is sufficient and can be easier to maneuver around tight spaces and obstacles.
Blade CountThe blade count refers to the number of blades on the reel of the mower. This spec is crucial because it determines the quality and efficiency of the cut. Reel mowers usually have between 4 to 7 blades. More blades (5-7) provide a finer, cleaner cut and are better suited for well-maintained, dense lawns. Fewer blades (4-5) are adequate for less dense or slightly overgrown grass. Consider the condition and type of your lawn when choosing the blade count; a higher blade count is preferable for a pristine, manicured look.
Adjustable Cutting HeightAdjustable cutting height allows you to set the mower to cut grass at different heights. This spec is important for maintaining the health of your lawn, as different grass types and seasons may require different cutting heights. Cutting height ranges typically vary from 0.5 to 3.5 inches. For a versatile mower, look for one with a wide range of height adjustments. If you have a specific type of grass or prefer a particular lawn height, ensure the mower can accommodate those preferences. Regularly adjusting the cutting height can help promote healthy grass growth and prevent scalping.
WeightThe weight of a reel lawn mower affects how easy it is to push and maneuver. This spec is important for user comfort and ease of use, especially if you have a larger lawn or uneven terrain. Reel mowers can weigh anywhere from 20 to 50 pounds. Lighter mowers (20-30 pounds) are easier to push and are ideal for smaller, flat lawns. Heavier mowers (30-50 pounds) may provide more stability and cutting power, making them suitable for larger or slightly uneven lawns. Consider your physical strength and the layout of your lawn when choosing the weight of your mower.
Handle DesignThe handle design of a reel lawn mower affects comfort and control during use. This spec is important for reducing strain and ensuring a pleasant mowing experience. Look for ergonomic handles that provide a comfortable grip and reduce hand fatigue. Some mowers offer adjustable handles to accommodate different user heights, which can be beneficial for achieving the right posture while mowing. If you have a larger lawn or plan to mow for extended periods, prioritize a mower with a well-designed, comfortable handle to enhance your overall experience.

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