This guide reviews the Best reel mowers in 2026, offering top choices and features to consider before buying one.
Reel mower specifications, pros, cons, and prices vary widely by manufacturer. After considering all the mowers on the market, we’ve narrowed the list down to the 7 Best Reel mowers we think you should consider.
Homeowners share pride in having a great-looking, well-kept yard. And since you’re here, this means you probably like mowing your grass with man-made power – or you have a pretty small yard :)
If you’re on the hunt for a super-efficient, easy-to-use Reel Mower, We’ve tested and reviewed the seven best reel mowers in this guide, so please read on:
Best Reel Mower To Buy in 2026
Editor’s Choice – Best Reel Mower: Fiskars “Stay-Sharp” Reel Mower
What is the best reel mower to buy? Our favorite reel mower is the highly efficient and rated Fiskars “StaySharp” Max Reel mower.
Right off the bat, this mower promises incredible ease of use—60% easier to use than other brands, to be exact. Oh, and its blades are super sharp and “Cut like Butter.”
Because of its patented “Inertia-Drive” reel design, this mower smoothly pushes through the trickiest spots with twice the cutting power.
The unique “StaySharp” system technology allows for precise cuts, eliminating unwanted contact and, in turn, extending blade sharpness and performance.
The Fiskars “StaySharp” also features a reversible, adjustable grass chute that lets you direct the clippings in any direction.
The inset wheels are just what you need to get those strips near fences and foundations while allowing the blades to extend fully across the 18-inch cutting width.
Moreover, you can quickly set the Fiskars Reel Mower cutting height from 1 to 4 inches.
Although the Fiskars StaySharp reel mower is a bit pricey, it is well worth the extra money and easily earns our Editor’s Choice vote.
Pros:
- Easy to push
- Adjustable cutting height
- 20” Wide – StaySharp blade system
- Customizable grass chute
- Simple assembly
- Works excellent on sloped yards
Cons:
- Heavier compared to some other models
- It may clog with very thick clippings (like most do)
- It may be a bit expensive for some users
- The grass catcher is not included – $37 extra on Amazon
Video: Operating the Fiskars Push Reel Mower:
Fiskars Reel Mower
Runner-Up: Great States 815-18
Our Runner-Up: Right on the Fiskar’s tail, the Great States reel lawn mower is another excellent, more affordable choice for your mowing needs. Its width is 18 inches, meaning a larger area to cover and a faster job.
This model deserves a spotlight in our reel mower review for its five top-quality heat-treated blades, which guarantee long-lasting sharpness when cutting grass. You can also swiftly adjust the cutting height between 0.5 and 2.75 inches.
The Great States reel mower’s powder-coated finish helps extend its life by preventing rust. It’s also relatively lightweight, with a compact design for easy use and convenient storage.
Pros:
- Very easy to maneuver
- Works for bigger yards with an 18-inch cutting width
- 5 high-quality heat-treated blades
- Handles sloped and bumpy ground easily
- Very budget-friendly
Cons:
- Limited height adjustment, only raises to 2.75 inches
- Rear bag not included – $30 add on Amazon
- The handle isn’t as substantial as we’d like
- Not the best with very tall grass
Great Lakes Reel Mower
Best Value: Scotts Reel Mower
Our “Best Value” ranking is for the impressive Scotts 20-inch reel mower. In our opinion, “Best Value” doesn’t always mean “Best Price,” and the Scotts Reel Mower fills that role by being well-priced and having a lot of built-in “Value” that other reel mowers lack.
This lawnmower requires no tools for assembly and features a lightweight frame to maintain natural maneuverability.
The ergonomic handle design is very comfortable and very sturdy.
The large dual 10-inch wheels, with quad wheels in the back, provide tracking technology to further improve the mower’s movement.
It also features the Quick-snap height adjustment option, which lets you easily set the cutting height to 1 or 3 inches.
What sets the Scotts reel lawn mower apart is the unmatched 20-inch-wide cutting width, which reaches the upper limit of the scale for push lawnmowers.
The five heat-treated blades are engineered with precision and a ball-bearing reel to deliver consistent cuts with each use.
Pros:
- 5-blade reel
- Dual 10-inch tracking wheels
- 20-inch cutting width
- Extremely quiet
- Height adjusts at 3 inches
Cons:
- Handle bolts tend to loosen (use Loctite during assembly)
- It could be a little more sturdy
- It doesn’t do as well on uneven terrain
Scott’s Reel Mower
Best “Small” Reel Mower: American Lawn Mower Company
Suppose you’re searching for a slightly smaller reel mower with a narrower 16-inch cutting width, which is also easier to store in the wallet.
In that case, you should consider this American Lawn Mower Company model, known for its high-quality, yet reasonably priced, products.
It has five blades made to last, crafted from premium heat-treated steel that’ll remain sharp cut after cut.
Thanks to its 10-inch composite wheels and a ball-bearing reel, you’ll quickly push through your yard, always seeing a flat grass trail left behind.
You can adjust the cutting height from 0.5 to 2.25 inches according to your preference.
This reel mower requires minimal maintenance, and the innovative T-shaped handle cushions your grip for extra comfort. If you’re into the more classic feel of a push lawnmower, this all-American product may be just it.
Pros:
- Durable blades
- Easy to move around
- Suitable for almost all yard jobs
- T-style handle
- No-tool assembly
Cons:
- 2.25 maximum cutting height
- Struggles with fences and foundations
- Cuts only going forward
American Lawn Mower
Best Reel Mower With Bagger: Sun Joe MJ502M
Best 20” Reel Mower with Grass Catcher “Included”: Buying a reel lawn mower with a grass clipping catcher is the right move for anyone concerned about leaving trails of clippings in their yards.
With the same mindset, we reviewed the popular MJ502M reel mower from Sun Joe.
This push mower features a 9-point manual height control system that can reach up to 2.44 inches. It also has five steel blades that cut a 20-inch-wide path, handling just about any grass.
The handy grass catcher bag at the machine’s rear end collects clippings and debris, keeping your landscape tidy. The Sun Joe MJ502M offers an affordable solution to otherwise messy cutting jobs.
Pros:
- Handy grass catcher bag
- Five steel blades
- 20-inch cutting width
- 9-position manual height adjustment
Cons:
- Materials don’t appear as durable as some higher-priced models
- Not as easy to maneuver with the grass bag attached (Editor’s note: this is a common occurrence with reel mowers)
SUN JOE Reel Mower
SEE PRICE & DETAILS @ AMAZON >>>
GreenWorks 25062 Mower with Bagger and Leaf Blower
The Best Reel Mower with “Leaf Blower” includes:
Another great push reel mower popular among many homeowners is the GreenWorks 18” reel mower. It includes a built-in rear bag for catching cut grass thrown by the machine, and this particular deal also includes a very efficient leaf blower.
The leaf blower is “corded,” meaning it runs on electricity and is therefore limited to the length of your extension cord. However, it does provide an air velocity of 160 miles per hour for powerful performance.
Returning to the lawnmower, it provides an 18-inch-wide cutting path, enough for light to medium workloads.
It has a set of double 10-inch front wheels and two rear rollers, delivering extreme maneuverability rather than stability.
The cutting height is customizable, ranging from 1 1/8″ to 2 1/4″ high. Its sturdiness and 4-year warranty make it one of the best reel mowers on the market.
Pros:
- Leaf blower included
- Rear rollers have excellent maneuverability
- A grass collecting bag to keep the yard clean. Wide handle for better control
Cons:
- The grass catcher is a little flimsy
- It is not quite as easy to push with bag collection onboard
- Repeated mowing is required for longer grass
Greenworks Reel Mower
Best Reel Mower for Hills: Sun Joe MJ503M Reel Mower
If you have a bumpy or hilly yard, check out the Best Reel Mower with “Quad Wheels.” If stability paired with precision is what you’re aiming for, you won’t need to look beyond the Sun Joe MJ503M push reel mower.
Here, you’ll find a jagged quad-wheel design that works for all-terrain types: straight, bumpy, and rocky. It delivers the balance and maneuverability you need.
It’s also relatively lightweight, less than 25 pounds, making it easy to push. The 14-inch cutting width and five steel blades allow ideal grass cutting in smaller lawns. You can also adjust the height to 9 levels, from 1.1 to 2.9 inches.
Includes a padded, non-slip handle for more stability.
Pros:
- Suitable for light work
- Includes five steel blades
- Maximum height of 2.9 inches
- Rugged quad wheels for stability
Cons:
- A 14” cutting path is suitable only for tiny yards (unless you have all day :)
- Not made for large or heavy-duty jobs
- Requires some assembly
SUN JOE Reel Mower
SEE PRICE & DETAILS @ AMAZON >>>
Benefits of a Reel Mower
Whether you’re switching to a push reel mower or choosing it as a first destination, there are several benefits you should know before making that purchase:
Less Maintenance
The difference in maintenance and cleaning requirements between gas— or electric-powered lawn mowers and push lawn mowers is huge.
Without any electric or gas parts or spark plugs to change, the risk of something breaking down on a Reel Mower is almost impossible.
You won’t need to do any maintenance other than occasional blade sharpening and simple cleaning with a hard-bristle brush.
You also won’t have the inconvenience of emptying and refilling oil or gasoline since all reel mowers need a little muscle to do their job.
Affordability
The total cost of owning a reel lawn mower is far lower than that of a gas- or electric-powered mower. Although some higher-end brands offer more expensive reel mower models, the average version of reel mowers is way more affordable than the powered ones.
Additionally, as you’re manually operating them, they’ll do their job no matter what. You won’t need to spend any extra cash on fuel or electricity for your lawnmower to work.
Eco-Friendly
If you’re pro-environmental behavior, which we all are, push lawn mowers are the way to go. Unlike gas mowers, they emit no harmful vapors or emissions.
They also run on clean power sourced from you, not electricity.
Noise-free
Gas-powered lawnmowers are notorious for their noise levels, which can be heard from several houses. Electric lawnmowers are better but still make some noise.
You have nothing to worry about with reel push mowers, as they’re practically silent workers. You might even find their quiet sound soothing.
Smaller Workload
Push reel lawn mowers are perfect for small—to medium-scale yard jobs. They’re capable enough for an average household’s grass-mowing needs.
It gets you moving!
It might not cross your mind, but using a conventional reel mower can be a good workout. Pushing and walking back and forth while cutting down your grass is good exercise.
Better for the grass
The mechanism by which the blades run through your lawn is a scissor-like action that leaves your turf with a sharp, clean cut, ultimately making it healthier and look better!
After you’ve checked out these fantastic Reel mowers, Head on over to our essential guide for the Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer & Leaf Blower Combo Kits
“Reel Mower” – Buyers Guide (FAQ)
Now that you know what advantages a push mower offers, let’s learn about The Features that will help you pick the most suitable reel lawn mower for your needs.
Maneuverability
We mean how easily you can push and turn your lawnmower. On the other hand, a heavier mower is better able to stay on the ground. This means less bumping up and down on rough rides and more evenly cut grass.
Wheel Design
Some of the push reel lawnmowers we tested are lightweight machines and would be a breeze to push. However, the less expensive models may lack better and larger main wheels or additional rear wheels that improve turning and maneuverability.
Blade durability
Blades are the most vital part of a reel lawn mower. After all, they do the actual cutting. This is why having them at the top of your list of things to check makes sense.
Make sure the blades are made of premium-quality, durable material and retain their sharpness for years. Buying extra blades equals faster, more efficient mowing.
Cutting Width
You need to consider the size of your lawn and how that correlates to the cutting width specified in the product’s description.
It would be best to make sure both are a good fit. A good Reel mower with a 14 or 16-inch cutting width is perfect for small yards.
However, if you’re working on a large lawn, use a wider cutting width—18-20 inches would be fine. If you choose a smaller cutting width, you must pass over the same patch multiple times and mow your grass longer.
A reel lawn mower with a 14 or 16-inch cutting width is perfect for small yards.
Wheels
Another thing to consider is the layout of your lawn. If your lawn has fences and turns, you might want to choose a lawnmower with inset wheels to cut the grass against those edges.
Cutting Heights
If you browse our best mower reviews, you’ll find a neat feature: the option to adjust the height at which a mower cuts the grass.
This information is usually presented on mowers as minimum and maximum height values, offering the user a lot of variety. It is especially handy for bumpy lawns.
Some machines allow you to go as short as 0.5 inches or as long as 4 inches, depending on your preference, so the further the lowest and highest settings go, the more choices you have.
This will also get you out of a bind if you let your grass grow longer than usual.
Best Grass-types
Knowing what kind of grass you’re working with is important to pick the most fitting push reel mower.
Grass types like Rye or Kentucky Blue are very fine-bladed, while southern states have grass like St. Augustine, which is a much thicker/sturdier bladed type.
In this case, choose a model like the Fiskars with the best blade system.
Disposal Mechanism
Well, where will all the grass clippings go? That’s what you should ask yourself to get a sense of what you like.
For example, some lawn mower models are equipped with bags for collecting cuttings, while others shoot grass in a pre-specified direction.
This mower type also mulches leaf and grass clippings, which fall to the ground and decompose. This disposal method is the cheapest and easiest to employ, but is only used on powered mowers.
Remember that bag catchers will weigh down your mower as they fill, making pushing more difficult. For this reason, in our tests, we mow more frequently and never bag the clippings.
Slope
Lastly, a reel mower that can cut grass easily on sloped lawns can be helpful if your yard is bumpy and sloped.
Frequently Asked Questions: Reel Mower
Are Reel Mowers Hard to Push?
The average Reel Mower weighs less than 20 lbs, making them very easy to push. By comparison, a standard Gas Mower weighs 50 lbs., so the reel mower will be far easier to move unless it is self-propelled.
What is the Best Height to Mow with a Reel Mower?
The ideal height to set your Reel Mower Cutting Height, or any lawnmower, is 2- 3″. This height allows the grass blades to protect the soil from dehydration, which can lead to disease or drought.
Are Reel Mowers Self-Propelled?
Reel Mowers don’t propel themselves. However, because of the rotating blade design of a reel mower, the large blade design’s centrifugal force (motion) creates forward inertia, or momentum, as you push the mower.
No better example exists than the Fiskars “Stay Sharp” reel mower with Inertia Drive, which makes it 60% easier to push than other reel mowers.
What are the Disadvantages of a Reel Mower?
The two main disadvantages of a Reel Mower are its small size (width). Most Reel Mowers are 14″ – 16″ and require more turns to complete a lawn.
Secondly, most Reel mowers don’t offer mulching or bagging capability. However, the scissor-like action of reel mower blades cuts beautiful blades of grass to feed your lawn.
Conclusion
When investing in household tools, I consider versatility, durability, and price. The Fiskars StaySharp reel mower is the Editor’s Pick for the Best Reel Mower.
Granted, it’s not the cheapest choice, but its quality, reliability, and practicality make up for that. However, consider the GreenWorks 16″ reel mower if you want to snag a bargain.
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More References & Further Reading:
- Gas vs. Battery-Powered Lawn Equipment – Which One is Right for You? – Spruce.com
- Best Pressure Washers For Concrete – Besthomegear.com
- Lawn Care Tips – Consumers Report.Org
- Tree Limbs Bugging You? Best Electric Pole Saws You Can Buy – Besthomegear.com
- How To Sharpen Reel Mower Blades – Best of Machinery.com
- Five Best Electric & Cordless Hedge Trimmers – Besthomegear.com
