The 6 Best Reel Lawn Mowers for a Perfect Cut

There are a variety of reel lawn mowers on the market today. Some people find them more convenient to use because they don’t have to be physically connected to a power source. Others find the simplicity of using a reel lawn mower appealing. Whatever your reasons for wanting to buy a reel lawn mower, read on for our reviews of the best ones on the market.

Our Take On The Best Reel Lawn Mowers 2022 – Compared

Choosing the perfect reel lawn mower reviews can be pretty confusing if you’re not familiar with all the different types of lawn mowers out there. That’s why we wanted to include a table in this article that will give you an overview of the different types of lawn mowers and their features.

The 6 Best Reel Lawn Mower Is Perfect for a Clean, Crisp Cut Every Time!

MowersLab team of experts has carefully selected these reel lawn mower based on their features and functions. We’ve highlighted some of their best features below, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

Best For The Money – American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is a great mower for anyone looking for an efficient and durable option. The 14-inch deck can handle most types of grass, and the well-designed body means that this mower is built to last. Additionally, the parts are easy to replace if needed, making it a great choice for anyone who wants a mower that will last for years.

I was pleasantly surprised with its 14-Inch 4-Blade. It is a well-made, lightweight that is easy to maneuver. The cutting blade is only 14 inches wide, which means it won’t manage average sized lawns well; however, smaller lawns will be a pleasure to maintain. The machine starts easily and the height adjustment is a breeze.

I was hesitant to purchase a reel mower, but I am so glad I did! This mower is easy to assemble and use. The best part is that it doesn’t require any gas or electricity. It cuts through the grass like butter. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone.

This mower is ideal for small yards or for anyone that wants a more environmentally friendly option for lawn care. It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to maneuver. It always gives a neat and precise cut.

People who are on the budget and need a high performance lawn mower, I strongly encourage you to go with this one.

Best Budget – Sun Joe MJ500M

If you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-use reel mower, the Sun Joe MJ500M is a great option. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, and it doesn’t require any messy gas or oil. Plus, it’s economical – perfect for those on a budget. 

I’m really happy with the Sun Joe MJ500M 16-Inch Manual Reel Mower. It’s a great alternative to a gas-powered – no emissions, and it’s really easy to start. The MJ500M comes with a handy 6.6 gal capacity grass collection bag to help keep your yard nice and tidy. 

The 16 inch wide cutting blades cut the grass like a hot knife through butter. The five steel blades make quick work of even the thickest grass, and the 16 in. cutting width ensures that I can get the job done quickly. 

But the minor drawback is geared wheels don’t work when pushed slowly. So I would love to recommend you push your lawn mower at normal speed and get the performance.  

The Sun Joe MJ500M is a great reel mower! It is easy to use and maneuver, and it is maintenance free. It is also green friendly, which is a plus. The comfortable foam grip makes it easy to push and maneuver, and the mower is very lightweight. Overall, I am very pleased with this product and would definitely recommend it to others.

Best for Small Lawns – Great States 415-16

The Great States 415-16 is perfect for small to medium yards. It has a 16-inch cutting width with a five-blade reel that delivers a clean, even cut every time. This reel lawn mower is easy to operate and maneuver, making it perfect for anyone who wants an environmentally friendly option for their lawn care.

This lightweight lawn mower is perfect for smaller yards. With a 16″ cutting width, 5-blade ball bearing reel, and 10″ composite wheels, it makes maneuvering easy. The push reel design means there are no gas emissions or batteries to worry about, making it eco-friendly and economical.

The Great States 415-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is perfect for homeowners who want a quality lawn mower without all the hassle. The high-quality, heat-treated alloy steel blades stay sharp longer and provide a clean, even cut every time. 

The Great States 415-16 has a number of additional features that make it a pleasure to use. Like the ball-bearings on the wheels for a smooth ride, flared handle for easy gripping, and large tires for traction are just a few of the features that make this model stand out from the competition.

It’s a great option for someone who is looking for an easy to operate and lightweight machine. This machine weighs in at 25.4 pounds and has a one-year warranty. But its little weight offers you a more efficient cut. 

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable lawn mower that can tackle most types of grasses, the Great States 415-16 is definitely worth considering.

Best for Big Lawns – GreenWorks 25072

If you have a large lawn, or if you just want to save money on gas, consider purchasing a Greenworks 25072 20-inch 5-blade push reel lawn mower with grass catcher. Not only is this machine affordable, but it also features a high-quality design that makes it easy to use. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, this is perfect for your needs.

The 10-inch front and 6-inch rear wheels provide more traction, making it easier to maneuver on carpet-cast in small, flat terrain or on uneven grass. The wider tires provide excellent stability when mowing on terrain.

It features a 9 position height adjustment that offers a great range of cuts. For the multiple height adjustment it can easily deal with the thick or tall grass. 

Though it’s a manual mower, but it 20 inch cutting blades cut sufficient amount of grass on each pass. The the downside is it can not perfectly deal with the weeds. But it’s’ razor sharp blade always provides clean and healthy lawn. 

On the other hand, it packs with a 2-in- 1 grass management feature; rear discharge and mulching. Mulching is not as good as the electric or gas mower. But it’s good enough to do it. 

For ensuring the long life the greenworks offer 4 years warranty. So if a homeowner doesn’t love to take a single hassle it might be a great option for your large lawn. 

Best Corded Electric Reel Mower – Sun Joe MJ506E

Start your lawn care season off right with the Sun Joe MJ506E electric reel mower. With a powerful 6.5-amp motor, it’s capable of cutting through even the thickest grass with ease. The five-position manual adjustment also allows for cutting heights of up to 2 inches, so you can get the perfect cut every time.

It packs a collapsible handlebar, which offers you adjust your handlebar height based on your needs.  

Its revolutionary razor-sharp 24 steel blade cuts a 16 inch swath of grass with ease, and its 6.5 amp motor provides plenty of power to get the job done quickly. And with its quad wheel design, it is easy to maneuver around tight corners and obstacles. 

With a 14.6 gal (55 l) capacity grass bag, it collects clippings quickly and easily, making yard work a breeze. The grass catcher bag is easy to attach and detach. And since this machine is lightweight and easy to transport, you can take it with you on your next landscaping project. 

Looking for a lawn mower that can deliver the power of a gas machine but with the convenience of an electric unit? Look no further than the Sun Joe MJ506E, with its precision-cut blades, this is perfect for small to medium-sized yards, and its quad wheel design ensures easy maneuverability around tight corners and obstacles.

Read More: Best Corded Electric Lawn Mower: Reviews & Buying Guide

Best Cordless Electric Reel Mower – Scotts 2020 16-S

Scotts 2020 16-S Reel Mower is the perfect for anyone looking for a reliable and durable machine. With its 20 inch cutting width, 5-blade ball bearing reel, and comfortable handle, this makes quick work of your yard. Plus, it’s easy to operate and doesn’t require any gas – perfect for those who want a low-maintenance option.

Also it features quick-snap 1″-3″ cutting height adjustment, so you can easily customize your cut to suit your needs. Plus, the durable steel construction ensures years of reliable use.

The blades are made of quality, heat-treated alloy steel, which makes them durable and able to withstand repeated use. Plus, the 16-inch cutting deck is a great size for smaller yards.

It is equipped with an ergonomic handle that makes it easy and comfortable to maneuver, while the cushioned grip ensures a safe and stable grip. 

Overall the Scotts 2020 16-S Reel Mower is the perfect choice for a healthy, eco-friendly lawn. It’s lightweight and easy to operate, making it perfect for anyone with a small to medium-sized yard. Plus, there’s no gas or motor required, so you can enjoy a quiet and pollution-free lawn mowing experience.

Manual Push Reel Lawn Mower vs Electric (automatic) Reel Mower: Which One Is Best?

Which one is better? The manual or the electric reel lawn mower. Both are great for yard and garden maintenance, but there are some differences between them. 

Manual Push Reel Lawn Mower: It works on human power, so all you need is some strength and determination to get the job done.

To operate this mower, you simply need to stand behind the machine and use your body weight to push it forward. This type of lawn mower uses a cylindrical blade assembly that turns against a fixed blade. This combination results in significantly less wear and tear on your lawn compared to other types of lawn mowers.

Another great benefit of using a manual lawn mower is that it’s relatively easy to set up and use. Most machines only require basic tools like a wrench and screwdriver, which makes them ideal for someone who doesn’t have much experience with yard equipment.

Cost: $70 to $200

Electric Reel Lawn Mower: They are popular choices for homeowners who want an easy and fast way to cut their lawn. Both plug-in and cordless electric models offer plenty of power to mow comparably.

The electric motor in an electric push mower uses a lot of power, so it is important to choose the right model for your needs. It uses a gear system to rotate the rotary blade, which makes it slower than an electric motor-powered model. If you have a large lawn or lots of obstacles on your property, a reel lawn mower may not be the best choice for you.

A cordless electric mower is perfect for smaller yards or people who want to save money by not having to charge the battery every time they use the mower.

Cost: $80 to $500

Factors to Consider when Buying a Reel Mower

When looking to buy a reel mower, there are a few factors to consider. First, consider the size of your yard. Some reel mowers are designed for smaller yards, while others are better suited for larger ones. Second, think about how often you’ll use the mower. Some models require less maintenance than others. Last, consider how much money you’re willing to spend. There are a variety of affordable options available.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of a reel lawn mower can be greatly affected by the type of grass it is used on and the care that is taken when using it. Many people think that they are less effective than a push or self-propelled lawn mower, but this is not always the case. If the reel lawn mower is used properly, it can be an effective tool for cutting your grass.

Affordability

People often consider reel lawn mowers to be more affordable than gas-powered models. However, this is not always the case. The average electric reel lawn mower costs $200, while the average gas-powered model costs $300. Additionally, maintenance costs are higher for electric reel lawn mowers.

Limitations

The reel lawn mower is a popular choice for homeowners because it’s easy to use and relatively quick. But there are some limitations to consider if you want to use this type of lawnmower. For one, the reel mower can’t cut through dense grass, which means you’ll need to go over the same area multiple times to get a clean cut. Additionally, it’s difficult to control the direction of the blade, so you might have to adjust your position frequently.

These machines tend to be less powerful than rotary or reel mowers, and they can struggle with thicker grasses or heavy clumps. They also require more effort to operate, so they may not be the best choice if you have a large yard that you want to keep tidy.

Maintenance

Keeping your reel lawn mower running smoothly and efficiently is important for both your enjoyment and the health of your lawn. Here are 5 tips to help you keep your reel lawn mower in good condition: 

1. Keep the blades sharp by regularly sharpening them with a sharp blade grinder or manual knife.

2. Keep the deck clean by removing leaves, twigs, and other debris buildup regularly.

3. Clean the blade area of the deck with a soft cloth and mild cleaning solution. 

4. Make sure that your reel lawn mower is properly adjusted for optimum performance before using it. 

5. Never store your reel lawn mower in direct sunlight or any area that is hot, humid or in a garage or shed with no ventilation.

Size of Your Lawn

The perfect yard size for a reel lawn mower can vary depending on the model. Generally, a yard that is at least 30 feet by 40 feet is adequate for most models. Larger yards can accommodate some models with a larger deck, while smaller yards may require the use of a smaller deck. It is important to measure your yard before purchasing a lawn mower to ensure that it will fit.

Sharpening Reel Mower Blades

If your lawnmower blade is not cutting the grass evenly, it may be dull. Dull blades can cause skipped or uneven cuts, which can lead to wear and tear on the deck and eventually a need for repair or replacement. There are a few ways to sharpen the blade. You can do it yourself using a sharpening reel, or you can take it to a service station.

Conversely, the blades on a mower need to be sharpened from time to time in order to keep them working properly. Mowers typically require sharpening every 6-12 months, but it can vary depending on the model and use. When the blades are not sharp, they will not cut the grass effectively and can even cause damage to the mower.

Read More: How to Sharpen a Reel Mower Step-by-Step Guide

Cutting Tall or Thick Grass

The reel mower is a great tool for cutting tall or thick grass. It uses a blade that rotates around a pole to cut the grass. This prevents the need to lift the grass and makes it easier to cut. The reel mower is also easy to use, making it great for those who are not experienced with using a lawn mower.

Blade Durability

Today, many homeowners choose to buy a reel mower in order to save time. However, this decision can also come with a cost of not being able to enjoy your lawn for very long because the blades are not durable. A reel mower blade is made up of many thin and sharp metal strips that cut through the grass. Over time, these blades can become brittle and easily break. This can leave you with an uneven lawn and a lot of work to fix it.

Cleaner Cut

When it comes to lawn care, most homeowners prefer reel mowers over their rotary counterparts. This is likely because they are much easier to use and require less effort on the part of the homeowner. Furthermore, reel mowers typically operate at lower cutting heights (under an inch) which makes them perfect for smaller gardens or areas that don’t require a lot of grass removal. 

Less Noise

Not only are reel mowers better for your grass’ health, they leave your lawn looking professionally manicured. Reel mowers use a rotating blade that cuts the grass without putting pressure on it, which leaves the lawn looking neat and tidy. Not to mention, reel mowers are much quieter than traditional lawn mowers, so you won’t have to worry about disturbing the peace while you get those stubborn clumps of grass out.

How We Picked

Reel lawn mowers have come a long way in recent years, with manufacturers offering models of all shapes and sizes to fit everyone’s needs. However, not all reel lawn mowers are created equal, and it can be difficult to decide which one is the best for you. In order to provide you with our unbiased picks for the best reel lawn mower, we used the same judging criteria across all of them. These are what we consider important: engine size, mulching capabilities, noise levels, maneuverability, and price. So whether you’re looking for a small battery-powered model or a powerful gas-powered option, we’ve got you covered!

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, reel lawn mowers are the best choice for anyone looking for a lawn mower in 2022. They are durable, easy to use, and require very little maintenance. If you are looking for a great lawn mower that will last for years, then I highly encourage you to go with American Lawn Mower 1204-14.