Best Reel Mower (2026): 5 Picks Compared
Compare 5 manual push reel lawn mowers across 14 to 20 inch cutting widths, steel reel blades, cutting heights, wheels, weights, and manufacturer warranties.
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Top picks at a glance
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- 1
Best OverallGreat States 815-189.4/10View on Amazon - 2
Best Wide CutScotts 2000-20S9.4/10View on Amazon - 3
Best LightweightAmerican Lawn 1304-149.3/10View on Amazon - 4
Best 20-Inch ValueLawnMaster LMRM20019.3/10View on Amazon - 5
Best CompactLawnMaster LMRM14019.2/10View on Amazon - 6
Great States 415-16 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower with T-StyleView on Amazon - 7
Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel MowerView on Amazon
Finding the best reel mower comes down to matching cutting width, blade quality, and cutting height to your lawn. A push reel mower uses a spinning cylinder of helical blades against a stationary bedknife to slice grass cleanly like a pair of scissors. The five models compared below are manual push reel mowers with cutting widths from 14 to 20 inches, steel reels, and adjustable cutting heights. We compare the stated cutting width, blade count, height adjustments, wheels, weights, and warranties from each listing and highlight what each maker does not state.
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Quick picks
- Best Overall Great States 815-18: Highest Acre Score here: 18-inch cut, 5-blade ball-bearing reel, and a stated 2-year limited warranty Check price on Amazon
- Best Wide Cut Scotts 2000-20S: Widest 20-inch cutting path, 9 height adjustment positions from 1 to 3 inches, and 10-inch dual tracking wheels Check price on Amazon
- Best Lightweight American Lawn 1304-14: Lightest stated weight at 20 to 21 pounds, 14-inch cutting width, and a stated 90-day limited warranty Check price on Amazon
- Best 20-Inch Value LawnMaster LMRM2001: Full 20-inch cutting width, 9 cutting positions between 1.3 and 2.6 inches, and 10-inch front wheels Check price on Amazon
- Best Compact LawnMaster LMRM1401: Maneuverable 14-inch path, hardened steel 5-blade reel, and 4 height settings from 1 to 2.5 inches Check price on Amazon
Our acreage picks
Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Push reel lawn mower with an 18 inch cutting width, 5-blade ball-bearing reel, 10 inch composite wheels and a 2-year limited warranty.
Who it's for: owners of small lawns under an acre who want an 18-inch cut and a stated 2-year warranty.
Who should skip it: anyone dealing with uneven ground, thick tall weeds, or seeking a mower with an included grass catcher.
Read the full review
The Great States 815-18 features an 18-inch cutting width, a 5-blade ball-bearing reel, 10-inch composite wheels, and cutting heights from 0.5 to 2.75 inches across 6 positions. It has a loop-style handle with cushioned grips and a stated 2-year limited warranty. The listing contains major internal contradictions: the spec table claims a 14-inch width, 4 blades, 8.5-inch wheels, and a 20-pound weight, whereas the title and bullets state an 18-inch width, 5 blades, 10-inch wheels, and the spec table also lists 27 pounds. We follow the title and bullets. Weight is listed at 27 pounds in the primary spec field.
Pros
- 2-year limited warranty stated on the listing
- 18-inch cutting width with a 5-blade ball-bearing reel
- Cutting height adjusts from 0.5 to 2.75 inches across 6 positions
- 10-inch composite wheels and loop-style handle with cushioned grips
Cons
- Listing table contradicts bullets on cutting width, blade count, and wheel size
- Spec table lists conflicting weights of 20 lbs and 27 pounds
- No grass catcher included in the listing
- Manual push power is not suited for thick brush or tall weeds
Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Manual push reel mower with a 20 inch cutting path, 5-blade ball-bearing reel, 10 inch dual tracking wheels and 9 cutting height positions.
Who it's for: homeowners with flat turf up to an acre who want the widest push reel width and generous cutting height options.
Who should skip it: anyone who requires a verified multi-year warranty term or struggles to push a 26.9-pound manual mower.
Read the full review
The Scotts 2000-20S offers the widest swath in this comparison at 20 inches, powered by a 5-blade ball-bearing reel made of heat-treated alloy steel. Its quick-snap adjustment sets cutting height between 1 and 3 inches across 9 distinct positions, rolling on 10-inch dual tracking wheels. The listing specifies an item weight of 26.9 pounds and an ergonomic handle with cushioned grip. Unlike other listings with internal conflicts, its specifications remain consistent across title, bullets, and table, though the warranty description merely states 'Warranty' without specifying a duration.
Pros
- Wide 20-inch cutting width covers more lawn per pass
- Quick-snap height adjustment from 1 to 3 inches with 9 positions
- 5-blade ball-bearing reel made of heat-treated alloy steel
- 10-inch dual tracking wheels and ergonomic cushioned handle
Cons
- No warranty term is stated on the listing
- At 26.9 pounds it is heavier to push than 14-inch models
- No grass collection bag is listed
- Cannot cut tall weeds or thick woody stalks
American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower
Manual reel lawn mower with a 14 inch path, 5-blade alloy steel reel, 10 inch polymer wheels and a 90-day limited warranty.
Who it's for: buyers with compact yards or narrow side strips who prefer a lightweight 20 to 21-pound manual mower.
Who should skip it: anyone with a larger lawn where a 14-inch cutting width would require excessive mowing time.
Read the full review
The American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 provides a 14-inch cutting path with a 5-blade reel crafted from heat-treated alloy steel, mounted on 10-inch polymer wheels. The listing highlights tool-free assembly, a T-handle design, a 90-day limited warranty, and notes the mower can cut grass up to 4 inches tall. However, the listing exhibits clear internal discrepancies: the spec table lists 4 blades, 8.5-inch wheels, and cutting heights of 0.5 to 1.75 inches, whereas the title and bullets specify 5 blades, 10-inch wheels, and an adjustable height of 1 to 2.25 inches (with 5 positions). Stated weight is listed as both 20 lbs and 21 pounds.
Pros
- 90-day limited warranty stated by the manufacturer
- Heat-treated alloy steel 5-blade reel capable of cutting grass up to 4 inches tall
- Lightweight design listed at 20 to 21 pounds for easy handling
- 10-inch polymer wheels provide maneuverability in tight spots
Cons
- Narrow 14-inch cutting width requires more passes on larger lawns
- Spec table contradicts bullets on blade count, wheel size, and cutting height
- 90-day warranty is shorter than the 2-year term on the Great States model
- Maximum cutting height is limited to 2.25 inches per bullets
LawnMaster LMRM2001 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Motorless push reel lawn mower with a 20 inch cutting width, 5-blade steel reel, 10 inch front wheels and 9 height settings.
Who it's for: owners seeking a 20-inch manual reel mower with fine height adjustability across 9 positions.
Who should skip it: anyone who wants a published warranty or a stated equipment weight prior to purchase.
Read the full review
The LawnMaster LMRM2001 is a motorless reel mower offering a wide 20-inch cutting width and a 5-blade steel reel. It features 10-inch front wheels and 9 cutting positions ranging between 1.3 inches and 2.6 inches, constructed from metal and plastic components with an orange finish. The listing emphasizes a scissor-like cut that avoids tearing grass blades. The manufacturer does not state an item weight or a warranty term in the listing specifications, leaving those details unconfirmed.
Pros
- Wide 20-inch cutting width matches the largest push reels here
- 9 cutting positions adjustable between 1.3 inches and 2.6 inches
- 10-inch front wheels designed for smooth navigation
- Durable 5-blade steel reel delivers a scissor-like cut
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Product weight is not stated on the listing
- Minimum cutting height is 1.3 inches, higher than the 0.5-inch low on Great States
- Reel mower design cannot mulch thick debris or chop sticks
LawnMaster LMRM1401 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Manual push reel mower with a 14 inch cutting width, 5-blade hardened steel reel, 10 inch front wheels and 4 height adjustments.
Who it's for: small yard owners who need a compact 14-inch reel mower to navigate tight landscaping borders.
Who should skip it: homeowners wanting a stated warranty, more than 4 cutting height settings, or wider coverage per pass.
Read the full review
The LawnMaster LMRM1401 is a compact 14-inch manual reel mower equipped with a 5-blade hardened steel reel and 10-inch front wheels. It offers 4 adjustable cutting height positions ranging from 1 inch to 2.5 inches. The motorless design requires no fuel or charging, featuring metal and plastic construction in orange. Similar to its larger sibling, the listing does not state a product weight or a manufacturer warranty term.
Pros
- Compact 14-inch cutting width maneuvers easily through narrow garden paths
- Durable hardened steel blades built for clean scissor cuts
- 10-inch front wheels roll smoothly across even turf
- Tool-free motorless design requires no gasoline or battery charging
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Product weight is not stated on the listing
- Only 4 cutting height positions between 1 inch and 2.5 inches
- Narrow 14-inch swath takes longer to mow open lawn areas
Other machines to compare
Great States 415-16 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower with T-StyleCheck price on Amazon
Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel MowerCheck price on Amazon
Side-by-side specs
| Model | Acre Score | Cutting width | Reel blades | Cutting heights | Wheels | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great States 815-18 | 9.4/10 | 18 in | 5-blade | 0.5 to 2.75 in | 10 in | 27 lb | 2 years limited |
| Scotts 2000-20S | 9.4/10 | 20 in | 5-blade | 1 to 3 in | 10 in | 26.9 lb | Not stated |
| American Lawn 1304-14 | 9.3/10 | 14 in | 5-blade | 1 to 2.25 in | 10 in | 20 or 21 lb | 90 days limited |
| LawnMaster LMRM2001 | 9.3/10 | 20 in | 5-blade | 1.3 to 2.6 in | 10 in | Not stated | Not stated |
| LawnMaster LMRM1401 | 9.2/10 | 14 in | 5-blade | 1 to 2.5 in | 10 in | Not stated | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 9 October 2026.
Acreage and terrain fit
Great States 815-18
Scotts 2000-20S
American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14
LawnMaster LMRM2001
LawnMaster LMRM1401
Buying guide: choosing the best reel mower
Cutting width: 14-inch vs 18-inch vs 20-inch
Cutting width determines how much lawn you clear with every stride. The picks here fall into three distinct widths: 14 inches (American Lawn Mower 1304-14 and LawnMaster LMRM1401), 18 inches (Great States 815-18), and 20 inches (Scotts 2000-20S and LawnMaster LMRM2001). A 20-inch path clears open turf with fewer passes, while a 14-inch width fits easily through narrow gates, tight garden pathways, and around landscape beds. For broader context on deck sizes, read our push lawn mower sizes guide.
Reel blades and scissor action cutting
Unlike rotary mowers that chop grass with a high-speed spinning blade, a reel mower shears grass between rotating spiral blades and a stationary cutter bar. All five listings here specify 5-blade reels made of alloy steel or hardened steel. The Scotts and Great States listings specify ball-bearing reels for smooth rotation. This scissor action delivers a clean cut without tearing blade tips, which helps prevent brown lawn edges.
Cutting height range and adjustment positions
Grass height requirements vary by turf variety and season. The picks here offer different ranges and adjustment mechanisms. Great States 815-18 provides the widest span, adjusting from 0.5 to 2.75 inches across 6 positions. Scotts 2000-20S features quick-snap adjustment from 1 to 3 inches with 9 positions. LawnMaster LMRM2001 also offers 9 positions between 1.3 and 2.6 inches. The 14-inch models offer 4 or 5 positions up to 2.5 inches. The American Lawn Mower listing states it is capable of cutting grass up to 4 inches tall.
Wheel size and mower weight
Because push reel mowers rely entirely on human effort, wheel diameter and weight directly affect pushing effort. All five listings specify 10-inch wheels (composite, polymer, or dual tracking), though spec tables for Great States and American Lawn Mower also mention 8.5-inch wheels in contradictory rows. Stated weights range from 20 or 21 pounds on the American Lawn Mower 14-inch model to 26.9 pounds on the Scotts 2000-20S and 27 pounds on the Great States 815-18. Neither LawnMaster listing states an equipment weight.
Push reel mower vs rotary push mower
A manual push reel mower needs no gasoline, oil, spark plugs, or battery packs. It operates quietly and produces zero engine emissions. However, reel mowers require timely mowing: they cannot handle overgrown lawns, tall weeds, or fallen twigs that jam the rotating cylinder. Homeowners with overgrown lots or thicker grass may want to compare standard rotary options in our best walk behind push mower roundup.
Terrain and slopes
None of the five listings publishes a maximum slope rating. Manual push reel mowers perform best on flat, smooth turf. Uneven ground, ruts, and steep inclines make pushing difficult and can lift the cutting cylinder away from the lawn surface. To evaluate your property layout, see our walk-behind and robotic mowers section.
Lawn size, deck width and speed in; minutes per mow out. Or work backward from the time you want to spend.
Walk the area first and clear stones, sticks, wire and toys. Wear eye and hearing protection, long pants and sturdy closed footwear, mow across slopes with a walk-behind (not up and down), and never pull a running mower toward you. Keep kids and pets well away. Refuel only with the engine off and cool. See CPSC lawn mower safety. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
The Acre Score explained
The Acre Score weighs five factors: performance (cutting width, blade design, cutting height range), build quality (reel materials, wheel construction, listing consistency), value (stated specifications for the price class), safety (operator controls or protective guards), and warranty (years or days of stated coverage). A factor the listing does not state scores zero.
| Product | Acre Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great States 815-18 | 9.4 | 28 | 19 | 20 | 0 | 3 |
| Scotts 2000-20S | 9.4 | 32 | 21 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| American Lawn 1304-14 | 9.3 | 24 | 18 | 19 | 0 | 1 |
| LawnMaster LMRM2001 | 9.3 | 28 | 18 | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| LawnMaster LMRM1401 | 9.2 | 23 | 16 | 18 | 0 | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
FAQ: mowing large lots
Is a reel mower worth it?
A reel mower is worth considering for homeowners with small, level lawns under an acre who want quiet, emission-free mowing with minimal mechanical maintenance. It requires no fuel, oil changes, or electrical cords. However, it requires frequent mowing during rapid growth periods, as tall or tough grass will fold over rather than cut.
Why should you use a reel lawn mower?
A reel lawn mower uses scissor-action blades that shear each blade of grass cleanly rather than tearing it. Clean cuts heal faster and reduce moisture loss and browning at the grass tip. It also eliminates exhaust fumes, engine noise, and ongoing fuel or battery replacement costs.
How to use a reel mower effectively?
Walk at a steady, brisk pace to keep the reel cylinder spinning rapidly for clean cuts. Clear sticks, pinecones, and stones from the lawn before starting, as hard debris can nick the blades or stop the reel abruptly. Overlap each pass by a couple of inches to catch any stray grass blades.
How to adjust a reel mower cutting height?
Most push reel mowers feature adjustment levers, quick-snap pins, or roller bracket bolts near the rear wheels. Align both sides of the mower to the exact same notch or height position so the cutting cylinder remains parallel to the ground for an even cut across the lawn.
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- Best Mower Blade Sharpener: 4 Picks for Riders and Large Lawns
- How Long Does It Take to Mow an Acre? Times by Mower Type
Keep your cutting edges in top condition with our guide to the best mower blade sharpener, or check how long it takes to mow an acre to plan your yard routine.
