Best Manual Reel Mower (2026): 5 Top Picks Compared
Five push mowers, including four manual reel mowers and one robotic mower, with cutting width, blade counts, cut heights and weight compared, plus who should skip each.
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Top picks at a glance
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- 1
Best OverallLawnMaster LMRM16029.5/10View on Amazon - 2
Best with Grass CatcherGoplus 18-Inch Reel9.4/10View on Amazon - 3
Best LightweightAmerican Lawn 1304-149.4/10View on Amazon - 4
Best 16-Inch with SharpenerAmerican Lawn 1415-169.4/10View on Amazon - 5
Best Robotic AlternativeMammotion LUBA mini 29.3/10View 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 manual reel mower means choosing a quiet, scissor-action push mower that delivers a clean cut on turf without gas, engine noise or battery charging. Below are five picks compared by cutting width, blade count, cut height, wheel size and weight, including four push reel mowers and one autonomous robotic alternative, with stated specifications and what each listing does not state.
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Quick picks
- Best Overall LawnMaster LMRM1602: Highest Acre Score here: 16-inch path, 5 steel blades, 4 height positions and 10-inch wheels Check price on Amazon
- Best with Grass Catcher Goplus 18-Inch Reel: Widest 18-inch cut, 5 manganese steel blades, detachable catcher bag and 4 height settings Check price on Amazon
- Best Lightweight American Lawn 1304-14: 17.5 lb weight, 14-inch 5-blade reel, includes hand sharpener and cuts from 1 to 2.25 inches Check price on Amazon
- Best 16-Inch with Sharpener American Lawn 1415-16: 16-inch 5-blade reel with alloy steel build, 10-inch wheels and an included hand sharpener Check price on Amazon
- Best Robotic Alternative Mammotion LUBA mini 2: Wire-free robot mower with AWD, 80% slope rating, 360 LiDAR and AI obstacle detection Check price on Amazon
Our acreage picks
LawnMaster LMRM1602 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Manual push reel mower with a 16-inch cutting width, 5 steel blades, 4 cutting height positions from 1 to 2.5 inches and 10-inch wheels.
Who it's for: homeowners with small, flat lawns looking for a quiet, reliable manual reel mower with four clear height adjustments.
Who should skip it: anyone who needs a grass collection bag included or a stated warranty.
Read the full review
The LawnMaster LMRM1602 is a manual push reel mower featuring a 16-inch cutting path and a 5-blade steel reel designed for a scissor-like cut. The listing specifies 4 cutting positions ranging from 1 to 2.5 inches, rolling on 10-inch front wheels. Constructed from metal and plastic, it weighs 22 pounds and requires no motor, fuel or electrical power. No warranty term is stated.
Pros
- 16-inch cutting width with 5 durable steel blades
- 4 adjustable cutting height positions from 1 to 2.5 inches
- 10-inch front wheels for easier rolling across the yard
- Motorless design requires no gasoline, oil or battery charging
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Does not include a grass catcher bag
- Does not include a blade sharpener
- At 22 pounds it is heavier than 14-inch push models
Goplus 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower with Grass Catcher
Manual push reel mower with an 18-inch cut, 5 manganese steel blades, 4-position height adjustment and a detachable grass catcher bag.
Who it's for: yard owners who want the widest push reel path here and want a bag to collect clippings.
Who should skip it: anyone wanting a taller cut above 2 inches or a listing without spec contradictions.
Read the full review
The Goplus reel mower features a 5-blade cutting system made of manganese steel and includes a detachable grass catcher bag. The listing highlights a 4-level height adjustment mechanism from 1.06 to 2 inches (27 mm to 51 mm), anti-slip 10-inch wheels, a foam-padded handle and an overall weight of 21.6 pounds. Note a listing contradiction: the title and bullets describe an 18-inch (45 cm) cutting path, while the spec table lists a cutting width of 14 inches. Following site rules, we credit the title and bullet statements of 18 inches. No warranty term is stated.
Pros
- Widest cutting path here at 18 inches
- Detachable grass catcher bag included for clippings and leaves
- 5 heavy-duty manganese steel blades offer a scissor-like cut
- 4 height adjustment levels from 1.06 to 2 inches
Cons
- Listing contradiction: title and bullets state 18 inches while spec table lists 14 inches
- No warranty term is stated
- Maximum cutting height is limited to 2 inches (51 mm)
- Blades must be rinsed clean with water after use to maintain operation
American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2 14-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower
Lightweight 17.5-pound push reel mower with a 14-inch 5-blade reel, adjustable cut height from 1 to 2.25 inches and an included hand sharpener.
Who it's for: buyers prioritizing a lightweight, highly maneuverable push mower for small, tight yards.
Who should skip it: anyone wanting a wide cutting swath to mow larger lawns quickly.
Read the full review
The American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2 provides a 14-inch cutting path with a 5-blade mechanical reel and includes a hand sharpener. It features adjustable blade heights between 1 and 2.25 inches, rolling on 10-inch polymer wheels. At 17.5 pounds, it is the lightest push mower in this roundup. The listing notes that material type is plastic in the spec table, advises increasing pass overlap if grass reaches 4 inches or more, and warns not to mow when turf is wet. No warranty term is stated.
Pros
- Lightest manual reel mower here at 17.5 pounds
- Hand sharpener included in the package
- 5-blade reel with adjustable cutting height from 1 to 2.25 inches
- Durable 10-inch polymer wheels provide easy maneuvering
Cons
- Narrow 14-inch cutting width requires more passes
- No warranty term is stated
- Spec table lists material type as plastic
- Listing cautions not to mow when grass is wet
American Lawn Mower 1415-16SK2 16-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower
Manual push reel mower with a 16-inch cutting width, alloy steel blades, 10-inch polymer wheels and an included hand sharpener.
Who it's for: homeowners seeking a 16-inch alloy steel reel mower that comes with its own sharpening tool.
Who should skip it: anyone who requires confirmed multi-position cutting height settings.
Read the full review
The American Lawn Mower 1415-16SK2 features a 16-inch 5-blade reel, alloy steel construction, 10-inch polymer wheels and weighs 20.9 pounds. It includes a hand sharpener. Unlike the smaller 1304-14 model, this listing does not state a cutting height range in either bullets or specifications, and the spec table indicates only 1 position. The listing recommends mowing no more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time, overlapping passes when grass reaches 4 inches, and avoiding wet lawns. No warranty term is stated.
Pros
- 16-inch cutting width covers more ground than 14-inch models
- Hand sharpener included with the mower
- Alloy steel blade construction listed in the specification table
- Durable 10-inch polymer wheels for maneuverability
Cons
- Cutting height range is not stated in bullets or spec table
- Spec table lists only 1 cutting position
- No warranty term is stated
- At 20.9 pounds it is heavier than the 14-inch model
Mammotion LUBA mini 2 AWD 1500H Robot Lawn Mower
Automated robotic lawn mower with all-wheel drive, dual cutting discs, 360-degree LiDAR and AI vision, rated for up to 0.37 acres and 80 percent slopes.
Who it's for: property owners who want automated lawn maintenance, especially on steep slopes up to 80 percent, without pushing a mower.
Who should skip it: anyone looking for a traditional, motorless manual reel mower.
Read the full review
The Mammotion LUBA mini 2 AWD 1500H is an autonomous robot mower rather than a manual push reel mower. The listing specifies all-wheel drive powered by two 88W motors, climbing capability on slopes up to 80 percent, and coverage up to 0.37 acres across 20 multi-zones. It uses dual cutting discs with a 7.8-inch cutting width, automatic height adjustment from 2.2 to 4 inches via app, 360-degree LiDAR with dual-camera AI vision, and physical bumpers. It also lists an upgraded 500 square meter per charge capacity and steps over obstacles up to 75 mm high. Weight and warranty terms are not stated.
Pros
- Automated mowing requiring no manual pushing
- Handles slopes up to 80 percent with all-wheel drive
- 360-degree LiDAR and dual-camera AI vision for obstacle detection
- Automatic cutting height adjustment from 2.2 to 4 inches via app
Cons
- Not a manual push reel mower, operating as an autonomous robot mower
- Narrow 7.8-inch cutting width
- No warranty term is stated
- Machine weight is not stated in the listing
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 | Type | Cutting width | Blades | Cut height | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LawnMaster LMRM1602 | 9.5/10 | Manual reel mower | 16 in | 5 steel blades | 1 to 2.5 in | 22 lb | Not stated |
| Goplus 18-Inch | 9.4/10 | Manual reel mower | 18 in | 5 manganese steel blades | 1.06 to 2 in | 21.6 lb | Not stated |
| American Lawn Mower 1304-14 | 9.4/10 | Manual reel mower | 14 in | 5 steel blades | 1 to 2.25 in | 17.5 lb | Not stated |
| American Lawn Mower 1415-16 | 9.4/10 | Manual reel mower | 16 in | 5 steel blades | Not stated | 20.9 lb | Not stated |
| Mammotion LUBA mini 2 | 9.3/10 | Robot mower | 7.8 in | Dual cutting discs | 2.2 to 4 in | Not stated | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 9 October 2026.
Acreage and terrain fit
LawnMaster LMRM1602
Goplus 18-Inch Push Reel Mower
American Lawn Mower 1304-14
American Lawn Mower 1415-16
Mammotion LUBA mini 2 AWD
How to choose the best manual reel mower
Selecting the best manual reel mower requires matching the width, weight and cutting height range to your turf type and physical preferences. Reel mowers operate on manual push power, spinning a cylinder of blades past a stationary bedknife to slice grass cleanly rather than tearing it like a rotary blade.
Reel mower vs rotary and robotic mowers
A manual push reel mower provides a scissor cut that avoids bruising grass tips. Unlike gas or electric rotary mowers, push reels produce no exhaust emissions and minimal operating noise. The Mammotion robot mower offers fully automated cutting with dual discs and all-wheel drive on slopes up to 80 percent, but for traditional push operation, manual reel mowers remain simpler with no charging or batteries required.
Cutting width and blade count
The manual reel mowers in this guide range from 14 inches to 18 inches in cutting path. The Goplus features an 18-inch cut (though its spec table lists 14 inches), while the LawnMaster and American Lawn Mower 1415-16 cut a 16-inch path. The American Lawn Mower 1304-14 offers a 14-inch path. Each manual mower here uses a 5-blade reel. A wider reel cuts more lawn per pass, while a 14-inch reel maneuvers more easily through narrow garden gates and tight landscaping.
Cutting height adjustment
Cutting height adjustment varies across models. The LawnMaster provides 4 positions between 1 inch and 2.5 inches. The Goplus offers 4 adjustment levels between 1.06 inches (27 mm) and 2 inches (51 mm). The American Lawn Mower 1304-14 adjusts between 1 inch and 2.25 inches. The American Lawn Mower 1415-16 listing notes only 1 position in its spec table and does not state a cutting height range.
Weight and maneuverability
Weight directly influences how easy a push mower is to propel. The American Lawn Mower 1304-14 is the lightest here at 17.5 pounds, making it easiest to push and carry. The American Lawn Mower 1415-16 weighs 20.9 pounds, the Goplus weighs 21.6 pounds, and the LawnMaster weighs 22 pounds. All four manual models roll on 10-inch wheels to navigate turf smoothly.
Grass catchers and sharpeners
The Goplus includes a detachable collection bag that captures clippings or detaches to leave natural mulch on the lawn. Both American Lawn Mower listings include a hand sharpener tool in the package to assist with blade maintenance over time. The LawnMaster listing does not include a bag or sharpener.
Terrain, slopes and yard safety
Manual reel mowers perform best on flat, even turf. Always clear debris such as fallen branches, twigs and stones from the lawn before pushing a reel mower, as solid objects can jam the spinning blades. Wear eye and hearing protection along with sturdy footwear while operating lawn equipment. For steep slopes up to 80 percent, the Mammotion robotic mower uses all-wheel drive, whereas manual push reels require firm foot traction on level ground.
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 system, cut height range), build quality (blade material, wheel design, frame construction), value (features and included accessories relative to stated specifications), safety (protective controls and operational stability) and warranty (stated coverage term). If a listing does not state a concrete term for warranty or safety certifications, that category scores zero.
| Product | Acre Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LawnMaster LMRM1602 | 9.5 | 30 | 21 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Goplus 18-Inch Reel | 9.4 | 29 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| American Lawn 1304-14 | 9.4 | 28 | 19 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| American Lawn 1415-16 | 9.4 | 26 | 20 | 19 | 0 | 0 |
| Mammotion LUBA mini 2 | 9.3 | 23 | 19 | 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
What is a reel mower?
A reel mower is a mechanical lawn mower that uses a horizontally mounted cylinder of curved blades. As the mower rolls forward on its wheels, the reel spins against a stationary bedknife, creating a scissor-like shearing cut across grass blades.
How to use a push reel mower?
To use a push reel mower, walk at a steady, consistent pace so the wheels maintain momentum to spin the reel. Overlap each mowing pass slightly. The listing for the American Lawn Mower models recommends increasing pass overlap when grass reaches 4 inches or taller, mowing no more than 1/3 of the grass blade at one time, and avoiding mowing when the lawn is wet.
Is a push reel lawn mower hard to use?
A push reel mower requires physical pushing effort, but lightweight designs make them manageable on flat turf. At 17.5 pounds to 22 pounds with 10-inch wheels, these models push easily on maintained grass. They become more difficult to push if grass becomes excessively tall or wet, or if the yard has rough ruts.
Is a reel mower better than a rotary mower?
A reel mower cuts grass with a clean scissor action that does not tear or bruise the tips of the grass blades. It operates quietly with zero fuel, zero oil and zero emissions. A rotary mower can handle taller weeds and uneven ground, while a reel mower is ideal for clean, routine maintenance on manicured turf.
How to backlap a reel mower?
Backlapping is a sharpening process where the reel is rotated backward while applying an abrasive sharpening compound along the blades and bedknife. This restores sharp, precise cutting edges without removing the reel assembly from the mower frame.
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Explore our walk-behind and robotic mowers coverage to compare options for lawns of every size.
