Best Reel Lawn Mower of 2022: Complete Reviews With Comparisons

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The best reel lawn mower can help you trim an uneven lawn and keep any overgrown grass in check. 

It also comes with an affordable price tag, low maintenance requirements, and minimal noise generation. 

It is a must-have for homeowners who need a cost-effective way to maintain their yard. 

The question is, which of the many available walk-behind mowers should you choose? 

If you do not know where to start, we’ve got you covered. 

We will discuss all the standard and special features that you should look for in a reliable reel mower.    

Best Reel Lawn Mower Reviews

1. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 Reel Lawn Mower

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The American Lawn Mower Company has been around for over a century and is one of the more trusted names in lawn care. 

It specializes in different types of lawn mowers, tillers, and various accessories.

The 1204-14 Reel Lawn Mower is a mid-tier offering from its impressive selection of manual reel mowers. 

It is also one of its most popular products online. 

It is a great option for homeowners looking for the perfect balance between cost and performance.  

Product Highlights

The 1204-14 Reel Lawn Mower has all the standard and ergonomic features that people look for in a high-quality reel mower.

Here’s a closer look at this amazing product from the American Lawn Mower Company. 

  • World-Class Cutting Performance

The 1204-14 Reel Lawn Mower comes with a 14-inch cutting width. 

It uses the scissor action, which is very efficient. 

In this method, the cutting blades act like a pair of scissors that can take on many types of grass.     

  • Quiet Operation

Unlike gas-powered lawn mowers, the 1204-14 Reel Lawn Mower offers quiet operation. 

With this equipment, you can listen to your favorite playlist as you cut the tall grass on your lawn.  

It requires some manual effort, but it is fairly easy to use. 

It is made from sturdy alloy steel, making it easy to handle and maneuver. 

  • Adjustable Cutting Height

Most gardening experts recommend a grass height of between 2.5 and three inches. 

However, the ideal length would ultimately depend on the climate in your area. 

In other words, you would need a reel mower with an adjustable blade height.

That is exactly what the 1204-14 Reel Lawn Mower offers. 

It has a height adjustment setting that ranges between 0.5 inches and 1.75 inches.

It will allow you to cut grass up to four inches tall.   

  • Quick-and-Easy Assembly

This reel mower from the American Lawn Mower Company comes with a tool-less assembly feature. 

You can build it in less than 10 minutes, even if you have little mechanical experience. 

That said, you can pay a few extra dollars to have an expert assemble the equipment for you. 

  • Ergonomic Handles

Aside from being lightweight, this reel mower has several ergonomic features that make it a versatile outdoor tool. 

It comes with a durable cushioned handle that would help you tackle tough yard work with ease.

It is a T-style handle that can help you push the mower around your yard with minimal resistance.

You can even carry it up a few steps if necessary.   

This reel mower is also easy and safe to use for children. 

The Good

There are many things to love about the 1204-14 Reel Lawn Mower, but what stands out is its efficient cutting blades. 

You can use it to cut virtually any type of grass. 

The Bad

While this reel mower is very effective, it is not ideal for a very lush and thick patch of grass. 

That said, you can still get the job done by making a couple of passes over the area. 

Pros

  • Can cut various grass types 
  • Easy to handle and maneuver
  • Offers quick-and-easy assembly
  • Comes with adjustable height for cutting

Cons

  • Not ideal for very thick turf

2. Sun Joe MJ503M Manual Reel Mower

41liib28AOL. SL500

Sun Joe is a brand that specializes in garden and lawn care products, including wood chippers, dethatchers, hedge trimmers, and more. 

It also has an extensive selection of manual lawn mowers and electric lawn mower models. 

The MJ503M Manual Reel Mower is an entry-level product from the company’s stable of manual reel mowers. 

It is a great option for budget-conscious buyers looking to get the most value for their money. 

Product Highlights

The MJ503M Manual Reel Mower has all the essential features that high-quality mowers have, which is surprising given its budget-friendly price tag.  

  • Does Not Need Gas or Electricity

Unlike gas-powered mowers, the MJ503M does not need any type of fuel to run. 

You do not have to plug it into an outdoor power source for recharging either. 

Simply push the mower around your lawn, and the manual grass cutter blades will do the rest. 

Since it does not emit any fumes, it is a safer option for the environment.  

  • Durable Blades

This push reel lawn mower features five durable steel blades that you can activate by pushing the equipment. 

They are sharpened and designed to clear a 14-inch path with just one pass. 

Even better, it offers precise cutting action that will help you keep your lawn perfectly even and well-manicured.  

However, note that it is ideal for a medium-sized yard. 

  • Adjustable Height for Cutting

One of the many things we like about the MJ503M is that it is very flexible in terms of cutting height. 

It is capable of nine different levels, giving you much control when mowing your lawn. 

Its minimum mowing height is 1.1 inches, while its max cutting height is 2.9 inches. 

  • Easy to Use

This push reel lawn mower weighs less than 25 lbs, making it one of the lighter models on the market today. 

It has a padded handle and a non-slip padded grip for maximum maneuverability. 

It is designed to make the toughest jobs around the yard much easier. 

The Good

What makes the MJ503M Manual Reel Mower stand out is its manual height adjustment. 

You can set it in nine different ways, giving you much flexibility when mowing. 

The Bad

One thing that you need to consider before buying this product is that it is designed for mid-sized yards. 

So if you have a larger yard than normal, you should look at other brands or models. 

Pros

  • Offers flexible mowing height
  • Very easy to use
  • Safe for the environment
  • Features durable steel blades

Cons

  • Not ideal for large yards

3. Great States 204-14 Push Lawn Mower

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Great States is another brand from the American Lawn Mower Company.

It specializes solely in manual reel mowers ranging from a 14-inch all the way to an 18-inch cutting width.  

The 204-14 Push Lawn Mower is one of its smaller models with a cutting width of 14 inches. 

It is one of the more affordable models in the market, ideal for homeowners on a tight budget. 

Product Highlights

The 204-14 Push Lawn Mower comes with an affordable price tag, but it can hold its own against more expensive competitors. 

It has all the key features that make a reel mower effective. 

  • Easy to Maneuver

This high-quality reel mower features a compact design, making it very easy to operate and maneuver. 

It also comes with a pair of 8.5-inch wheels for effortless mowing, even on hilly yards. 

You will have no problem moving it uphill or downhill to cut various grass types.

  • Adjustable Mowing Height

Like most of today’s top brands, the 204-14 Push Lawn Mower lets you adjust the cutting height. 

You can set it to a maximum cutting height of 1.75 inches or a minimum of one inch. 

With this much flexibility, you can have a lush and well-trimmed lawn all year round. 

  • Durable and Sharp Blades

Inside this reel lawn mower is a blade system that can clear a 14-inch path across a dense grass area. 

It features four heat-treated alloy steel blades that stay sharp even after several years of use. 

Even better, you can sharpen it as needed. 

With this tool, you can cut through the grass blades cleanly without ripping or shredding them, keeping your lawn healthy.  

  • Good for the Environment

This product from Great States is good for the planet in more ways than one. 

Its scissor-like cutting precision helps keep your lawn lush and healthy. 

What’s more, it does not rely on an outdoor power source or even gas and leaves no carbon footprint. 

While it does require some manual effort, it provides a good form of light exercise. 

The Good

The best thing about the 204-14 Push Lawn Mower is that it is very easy to use. 

It has a light and compact design that maximizes maneuverability.  

The Bad

This reel mower is a bit small, so it is suited for small yards and shorter blades of grass. 

It might have a hard time dealing with taller grass or bigger yards.  

Pros

  • Easy to maneuver
  • Offers precise cutting action
  • Has durable and sharp blades
  • Great value for money

Cons

  • Not suitable for very tall grass
  • Ideal for small yards only
  1. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S Push Reel Lawn Mower

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Scotts Outdoor Power Tools is another brand under the American Lawn Mower Company umbrella. 

Its goal is to enhance every home’s outdoor space and encourage kids to spend more time outside the house. 

It has everything you need to keep your lawn healthy, from landscape fabric to lawn food to power tools. 

The 2000-20S Push Lawn Mower is one of the flagship products from its selection of push mowers. 

It comes with a higher price tag than some brands, but it offers much value for your money. 

Product Highlights

This product from Scotts Outdoor Power Tools is one of its bestselling products. 

Here’s why:

  • Widest Cutting Path

With a cutting width of 20 inches, the 2000-20S has the widest cutting path in this group of reel mowers. 

It is a 5-blade reel that has smooth-rolling ball bearings for maximum efficiency. 

It is a bit on the heavy side, weighing around 34 lbs. 

That said, it is still a very lightweight tool for its size.  

It also comes with a couple of 10-inch composite wheels fitted with radial tiles plus two rear wheels for maximum maneuverability. 

  • Wide Mowing Height Range

This reel mower has nine different slots, giving you full control over the height of your cut. 

You can adjust it from a maximum cutting height of three inches to a minimum of one inch.  

The adjuster consists of a snap mechanism that is very easy to use. 

It takes away the guesswork when it comes to the height of your grass. 

  • Easy to Assemble

While the 2000-20S Push Reel Lawn Mower has solid size and build, it is quite easy to assemble. 

You do not even have to use any tools to put it together. 

Once you take the product out of its packaging, you can have it up and running within minutes. 

What’s more, you do not have to worry about buying gasoline or looking for a power source either. 

The Good

The 2000-20S is a high-quality product with many cool features, but it stands out due to its wide cutting path. 

It can clear a path 20 inches wide and make short work of taller grass. 

The Bad

One thing that you need to keep in mind is that this model is a bit more expensive than some brands. 

Pros

  • Offers a wide cutting path
  • Has flexible cutting height
  • Easy to use for its size
  • Easy to assemble

Cons

  • A bit pricier than some models
  • A bit bulky

5. Fiskars Staysharp Max Reel Mower

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Fiskars is somewhat of a one-stop-shop for everything related to gardening and yard care. 

It also offers cooking, crafting, and DIY essentials. 

The Staysharp Max Reel Mower is a premium offering and a fancier version of the Staysharp Reel Mower. 

It is a great option for buyers who want a high-performing tool that is up for heavy-duty tasks. 

Product Highlights

The Staysharp Max Reel Mower has many features that justify its higher price tag.

  • Twice the Cutting Power

This reel mower uses an advanced technology called the InertiaDrive Reel to provide an industry-leading cutting performance. 

It provides twice the cutting power that traditional mowers can offer. 

What makes it unique is that it eliminates the need for manual blade sharpening. 

  • Superior Ergonomics

Operating the Staysharp Max Reel Mower is a breeze. 

It has a one-touch handle height adjustment for maximum comfort. 

It also directs the grass clippings away from your feet, minimizing the mess and making it easier to mow tough patches. 

  • Good for the Environment

By eliminating the need for gas or electricity, this reel mower leaves no carbon footprint. 

It also does not generate much noise during operation.     

The Good

All it takes is one look to know that the Staysharp Max Reel is a premium product. 

It is solidly built and has advanced features that you can’t find in standard reel mowers. 

The Bad

All the advanced features of this reel mower come at a price. 

It is one of the more expensive brands and models on the market today. 

Pros

  • Uses advanced technology
  • Eliminates the need for manual sharpening
  • Ergonomics is top-notch
  • Eco-friendly

Cons

  • More expensive than some brands

Buyer’s Guide

At this point, you probably have a good idea of what features to look for when shopping around for a reel mower. 

Here’s another look in case you missed it. 

1. Cutting Height

One of the first things you need to check out is the cutting height.

It must be able to cut grass consistently at the correct length, depending on your unique situation.  

2. Blade System

When looking at a reel mower, determine how many blades it has and what material it uses. 

Doing so will help you understand how effective it will be in cutting grass and how long it will stay sharp. 

3. Cutting Width

The cutting width will determine the area you will be able to cover for each pass. 

Knowing it will have a huge impact on how fast you will finish a task. 

4. Weight and Maneuverability

As much as possible, look for products that are lightweight and easy to handle. 

You could also try a heavier model as long as it has superior maneuverability. 

Reel Lawn Mower FAQs

1. What Lawn Size Can I Work on With a Reel Mower? 

Reel lawn mowers are ideal for small to medium-sized lawns.

If the property exceeds 6,000 square feet, you might be better off with gas-powered or electric mowers. 

2. Is a Reel Mower Hard to Push?

Reel mowers are easy to push over sparse grass. 

However, it takes more effort to maneuver it over tall or dense grass. 

3. What Is the Proper Way to Dispose of Grass Clippings?

It may seem counterintuitive, but it is actually better to leave your clippings on your lawn. 

They provide additional nutrients that could help keep the remaining grass healthy. 

If you still want to remove the clippings, try using them for compost. 

4. Is It OK to Use My Reel Mower on Wet Grass?

While the reel mower can still cut through wet grass, using it to do so is not advisable. 

The wet clippings can stick to the blades and promote the formation of rust.

5. How Often Do You Have to Mow With a Reel Mower?

As a general rule of thumb, mow your lawn every five to seven days during the peak growing season.

Nevertheless, how often you mow, regardless of what type of mower you’re using, really depends on how fast your lawn grass grows.

Which Reel Lawn Mower Should You Choose?

The 1204-14 Model from the American Lawn Mower Company is the clear choice as the best reel lawn mower.  

It provides excellent cutting performance, superior ergonomics, and adjustable cutting height, all for a reasonable price.

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