Looking for a greener, quieter way to keep your lawn looking its best? Push reel lawn mowers are an excellent eco-friendly alternative to noisy, gas-guzzling machines. They offer a satisfyingly simple and effective way to trim your grass, providing a clean cut that promotes healthier turf. If you’re in the market for a reliable and easy-to-use reel mower, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up some of the top contenders to help you make the best choice for your yard.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Push Reel Lawn Mower Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Great States 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower for Easy Yard Care
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.3/5
The Great States 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is built for those who appreciate simplicity and efficiency. Its robust construction ensures durability, making yard care a breeze for years to come. This model is perfect for maintaining a neat and tidy lawn without the hassle of engines or fuel.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 18-inch cutting width for efficient mowing
- ✓ 5-blade ball-bearing reel for a clean cut
- ✓ Adjustable cutting height from 0.5″ to 2.75″
- ✓ Blades made of high-quality alloy steel that stay sharp
Why We Recommend It
This push reel mower provides a fantastic combination of performance and value. It’s a straightforward, reliable tool that makes maintaining a smaller to medium-sized lawn a quiet and enjoyable task. The durable build means you won’t be replacing it anytime soon.
Best For
Ideal for homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns who want an eco-friendly and exercise-friendly way to mow.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent cutting performance on well-maintained lawns.
- Durable construction with alloy steel blades.
- Easy to adjust cutting height and maneuver.
- Environmentally friendly and quiet operation.
Cons:
- Can struggle with very tall or thick grass.
- Requires some effort to push, especially on uneven terrain.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: My favorite thing about this simple lawn mower is that it’s easy to adjust the height. There is a learning curve so be patient if you don’t get it right away. I prefer a reel mower because it’s easy to maintain, store and use. My lawn was a little overgrown but this still got it pretty good. When I d
Customer Review: I bought this a year ago after doing a lot of research on various web sites, and it’s met all my expectations. I get a good work out using it to mow the yard, so I can feel as if I’m killing two birds with one stone. It isn’t too heavy for me to push (I’m an average-height, lighter-weight woman), an
2. American Lawn Mower Company 20-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Mower with Grass Catcher
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.2/5
The American Lawn Mower Company 20-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Mower is a fantastic option for tackling larger lawns with ease. Its wider cutting path and included grass catcher make mowing more efficient and cleaner, keeping your yard tidy with minimal effort.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Wide 20-inch cutting path for faster mowing
- ✓ Precision 5-blade reel design for a clean cut
- ✓ Built-in grass catcher for a tidy finish
- ✓ Easy height adjustment between 2 and 3 inches
Why We Recommend It
This mower combines the eco-friendly benefits of a reel mower with the convenience of a wider cut and a grass catcher. It’s a solid choice for those looking to upgrade their lawn care routine without resorting to gas-powered alternatives.
Best For
Suitable for homeowners with medium to larger lawns who appreciate efficient mowing and a clean yard.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Efficient cutting with a 20-inch width.
- Grass catcher is a convenient addition.
- Eco-friendly and quiet operation.
- Good for promoting healthy grass.
Cons:
- Can be a bit heavier to push than smaller models.
- Grass catcher may need frequent emptying on larger lawns.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I’ve been using a traditional gas rotary mower for years and had heard good things about reel mowers. There’s a lot of options, and I tried out a Scotts 16″ Elite Reel Mower first from a local store before upgrading to this 18-Inch 5-Blade Reel American Lawn Mower, and overall, I am pleased with it.
Customer Review: Perfect little rotary mower, I have a strip about 100′ long and 10″ wide that my robot mowers can’t cut because it is too close to the curb. My riding mower can’t cut it low enough without scalping the ground, so this was the perfect solution.I was a little skeptical because one wheel is on the gras
3. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower for Eco-Friendly Cutting
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.2/5
The Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a fantastic entry-level option for maintaining smaller yards. Its compact size and lightweight design make it incredibly easy to maneuver, and it offers an eco-friendly way to achieve a clean-cut lawn without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 14-inch cutting width, perfect for smaller spaces
- ✓ 5-blade reel with durable, heat-treated alloy steel blades
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to maneuver with a T-style handle
- ✓ Comfortable cushioned grip for extended use
Why We Recommend It
For budget-conscious individuals or those with limited space, this Scotts reel mower is an excellent choice. It delivers a clean cut, is simple to operate, and provides a satisfying workout while you trim your grass.
Best For
Homeowners with small lawns, tight spaces, or those looking for an affordable and eco-friendly mowing solution.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable price point.
- Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Cuts grass cleanly without tearing.
- Quiet operation.
Cons:
- May require more passes on thicker grass.
- The T-style handle might not be ideal for all users.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: it’s a little noisey, but it cuts very good, I would recommend to raise the blade to the highest setting as I did, or it could cut your grass shorter then you want it. the price was good and it works very good. I like how when you’re done mowing, u pull it and it goes easy and fast, the blade doesn’
Customer Review: just moved into a house (renting) in an HOA, so it was time to start mowing the lawn. renting a lawnmower from the store seemed like a good option but we both knew that after a few times, it would eventually cost more than just buying our own but I have never mowed a lawn and I really didn’t want to
4. Fiskars Push Mower, Cut Width Manual Reel Mower with No Motor, Eco-Friendly Manual Reel Lawn Care…
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.2/5
The Fiskars Push Mower stands out with its innovative InertiaDrive Reel and StaySharp Cutting System, promising a superior cutting experience. This manual reel mower is designed for effortless pushing and a clean, precise cut, making it an excellent eco-friendly choice for lawn maintenance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 18″ cut width with enhanced cutting power
- ✓ StaySharp Cutting System for long-lasting sharpness
- ✓ 60% easier to push than other reel mowers
- ✓ Reversible grass chute for directed clippings
Why We Recommend It
Fiskars has engineered a reel mower that minimizes effort while maximizing cutting performance. It’s an ideal blend of ergonomic design and cutting-edge technology, perfect for those seeking a high-quality, eco-conscious mowing solution.
Best For
Anyone looking for a powerful and easy-to-push manual reel mower that offers excellent cutting precision.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very easy to push and maneuver.
- Excellent cutting performance, even on tougher grass.
- Durable and sharp blades.
- Environmentally friendly and requires no power source.
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than basic reel mowers.
- Grass chute direction might require some adjustment.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I had purchased a Brill but had to send back due to defective handle. I researched all the newer type of reel mowers. First I should tell you we wanted a reel mower. We have a fairly small yard less than 500 ft/2 and the back is the same. Mostly landscape, flowers and various plants we really don’t
Customer Review: I’ve owned this model for about ten years now. Things I regard as positives – (1) It costs less than most quality gas or electric mowers. (2) Burn more calories cutting the grass. (3) It is environmentally friendly. (4) It costs much less to maintain compared to gas mowers – no need to purchase gas
5. Earthwise 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower for a Quiet, Green Lawn
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.2/5
The Earthwise 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower offers a superior cut thanks to its 7-blade reel system, ensuring a quieter and greener lawn. This mower is designed for durability and consistent performance, making it a reliable choice for maintaining a beautiful yard.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 16-inch cutting width with a 7-blade ball bearing reel
- ✓ Alloy steel blades that maintain sharpness
- ✓ Versatile for various grass types like Bermuda and Zoysia
- ✓ Durable steel side plate design
Why We Recommend It
This Earthwise mower is a great option for its enhanced cutting ability with the 7-blade design. It provides a clean, scissor-like cut that is better for grass health, all while operating silently and without emissions.
Best For
Homeowners with well-maintained lawns who want a superior cut and a quieter mowing experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent cutting quality from the 7-blade reel.
- Durable construction for long-term use.
- Quiet and environmentally friendly.
- Easy assembly and maintenance.
Cons:
- Can be challenging to push through very thick or overgrown grass.
- Requires regular lawn maintenance to perform optimally.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I bought this to mow my new installed Bermuda turf… (It’s hard to crank though… LOL!) it was extremely easy to assemble and the blades were sharp from the factory. I found it very addictive to mow with despite having an expensive Zero Turn mower and a new rotary mower. Obviously the noise leve
Customer Review: this is a great lawnmower. its quiet, it was easy to build, it works great on my backyard (except for the tall grass which is why i also bought some shears) but itll be perfect now that the grass is cut down. it was super overgrown because we had just moved into this house and the lawn wasnt taken c
Complete Buying Guide for Best Push Reel Lawn Mower
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best push reel lawn mower, several factors are crucial. We look at the cutting width – a wider path means less time spent mowing. The type and number of blades are important; more blades generally mean a cleaner cut. We also consider the mower’s adjustability, specifically how easy it is to change the cutting height to suit different grass types and lengths. Durability is key, so we examine the materials used, especially for the blades and frame, and the quality of the wheels and bearings.
Budget Planning
Push reel lawn mowers are generally more affordable than their powered counterparts, making them an accessible option for many homeowners. Prices can range from budget-friendly models perfect for small yards to more premium options with advanced features for larger or more demanding lawns. Consider your lawn size and the features you prioritize when setting your budget. Remember, a slightly higher initial investment in a durable, high-quality mower can save you money on repairs and replacements in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right push reel lawn mower ultimately depends on your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for the best value, superior cutting performance, or a wider mowing path, there’s a model out there that will fit perfectly. By considering the cutting width, blade type, adjustability, and overall build quality, you can confidently choose a mower that will keep your lawn looking its best while enjoying the benefits of eco-friendly, quiet, and healthy lawn care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are push reel lawn mowers effective for all types of grass?
A: Push reel mowers are most effective on short to medium-height grass. They excel at providing a clean, scissor-like cut, which is healthier for most common lawn grasses. For very tall, thick, or weed-filled lawns, a powered mower might be more suitable, or you may need to cut the grass in stages with a reel mower.
Q: How much effort is required to push a reel mower?
A: The effort required varies depending on the mower’s design, the quality of its bearings, and the condition of your lawn. Newer models often feature enhanced bearings and lighter materials, making them significantly easier to push than older designs. Regular maintenance, like keeping the blades sharp and the mower clean, also reduces pushing resistance.
Q: Do reel mowers require frequent maintenance?
A: Reel mowers are known for their low maintenance. The primary task is keeping the blades sharp, which can be done with a sharpening kit or by a professional. Cleaning the mower after each use to remove grass clippings and debris is also recommended to ensure smooth operation.
Q: What is the advantage of a 5-blade reel mower compared to a 3-blade model?
A: A 5-blade reel generally provides a more precise and cleaner cut than a 3-blade reel. The increased number of blades means the grass is cut more frequently as the reel spins, resulting in a smoother finish and less stress on the grass blades. However, 5-blade mowers can sometimes be slightly harder to push.
Q: Can I use a push reel mower on a hilly lawn?
A: While possible, pushing a reel mower on steep hills can be challenging due to gravity. For lawns with significant slopes, consider a self-propelled mower or a model designed for easier maneuverability. However, for gentle slopes, most well-maintained reel mowers can handle the task.
Investing in a push reel lawn mower is a decision you won’t regret if you’re seeking a sustainable, quiet, and effective way to maintain your lawn. These mowers not only contribute to a healthier environment by eliminating emissions but also provide a great way to get some exercise. By carefully considering the features discussed and your specific lawn needs, you can find a top-rated push reel mower that will serve you faithfully for seasons to come. Ready to make the switch to greener mowing? Click the links above to check prices and find the perfect reel mower for your yard today!
