8 Best Manual Reel Mowers (November 2026)

The best manual reel mowers include the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push for small lawns, the Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn for warm-season grass, and the American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade for a 5-blade 14-inch mower.

On this page (11 sections)

1. The best manual reel mowers for different yards
2. 1. American Lawn Mower 1204-14: Best for small lawns
3. 2. Earthwise 1715-16EW: Best for warm-season grass
4. 3. American Lawn Mower 1304-14: Best for a 5-blade 14-inch mower
5. 4. Scotts 304-14S: Best for low cutting heights
6. 5. LawnMaster LMRM1401: Best for simple height changes
7. 6. LawnMaster LMRM1801: Best for a wide adjustable path
8. 7. Great States 815-18: Best for a higher maximum cut
9. 8. Scotts 2000-20S: Best for the widest cutting path
10. How to choose the best manual reel mower
11. Best manual reel mower verdict

The best manual reel mower for most small lawns is the American Lawn Mower 1204-14. Its 14-inch cutting width and 19-pound weight make it simple to guide around beds and paths in a compact yard.

The 4-blade reel adjusts from 0.5 to 1.75 inches, which suits turf you plan to keep regularly trimmed rather than letting it grow tall. That low range also matters if you prefer a short, even finish and are willing to mow often.

Manual power is the main trade-off here. You get a quiet mower with no gas, battery or engine to maintain, but your effort drives every pass and the cut works best on maintained grass.

That makes it a strong fit for small yards where turning space is tight. If your lawn is open and you want fewer passes, a wider model may suit you better, even if it is harder to move through narrow gaps.

Choose Earthwise if you maintain Bermuda or another named warm-season grass. Pick the Scotts 2000-20S when covering more lawn per pass matters more than compact maneuverability.

A manual reel mower uses your pushing force instead of gas, batteries or an engine. If you want a basic explanation of the cutting system, read What Is a Reel Mower?.

Before you decide, think about how often you will mow and how much height you want to remove. A reel mower rewards a steady routine and punishes long gaps between cuts, so a smaller mower can be the easier choice if it keeps you mowing on schedule.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for small lawns

   American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for warm-season grass

   Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for a 5-blade 14-inch mower

   American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade

   9.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Scotts 304-14S 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn

   Best for low cutting heights
   Check it
5. 5

   LawnMaster LMRM1401 Push Reel Lawn Mower 14-Inch

   Best for simple height changes
   Check it
6. 6

   LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch

   Best for a wide adjustable path
   Check it
7. 7

   Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel

   Best for a higher maximum cut
   Check it
8. 8

   Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn

   Best for the widest cutting path
   Check it

The best manual reel mowers for different yards

The best manual reel mower depends on your lawn size, grass type, preferred cutting height and available turning space. A mower that fits your yard and your routine will usually serve you better than one chosen only for width or blade count.

Narrow 14-inch models are easier to guide in tight areas, while 18-inch and 20-inch models reduce passes on open lawns. The wider mowers also tend to ask more of you when you lift, turn or store them, so weight and handling deserve a close look.

Grass type can narrow the field in a useful way. Some mowers are identified for specific warm-season grasses, while others are better thought of as general options for maintained turf.

Cutting height is just as practical. Check both ends of the range, not just the maximum, because the lowest setting decides how short you can keep the lawn and the highest setting affects how much growth you can handle.

We compared the product specifications and stated features for each pick. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.

Use the picks below as a shortlist rather than a ranking for every yard. Match the width to your turning space, the height range to your lawn care habits, and the weight to how you will move and store the mower.

1. American Lawn Mower 1204-14: Best for small lawns

1

American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push: Best for small lawns

9.7/10Our score

• 14-inch cutting width
• 4-blade reel
• 0.5 to 1.75-inch adjustable height
• 8.5-inch polymer wheels

The 14-inch width and 8.5-inch polymer wheels suit compact lawns where turning space matters. Its manual design has no gas, battery or engine.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Lightweight 19-pound design
• Adjustable cutting height
• Quiet, pollution-free operation

Cons

• Less effective on taller grass
• Narrower cutting path than the 18- and 20-inch picks

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is the strongest choice for a compact lawn where turning space matters. Its 14-inch cutting width keeps the body narrow, while the 8.5-inch polymer wheels support maneuverability.

The 4-blade reel has an adjustable cutting height from 0.5 to 1.75 inches. It can cut grass up to 4 inches tall, though it is less effective on taller grass.

This mower weighs 19 pounds and uses manual power. That means no gas, battery or engine, but you supply the force for every pass.

For a cleaner cut, mow no more than one-third of the grass blade and avoid mowing when the grass is wet. If the lawn reaches 4 inches or more, increase the overlap between passes.

Choose it for a small, maintained lawn and frequent mowing. If you prefer a 5-blade reel with a higher minimum cut, compare the American Lawn Mower 1304-14 below.

2. Earthwise 1715-16EW: Best for warm-season grass

2

Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn: Best for warm-season grass

9.6/10Our score

• 16-inch cutting width
• 7-blade alloy steel reel
• 0.5 to 2.5-inch height range
• 10-inch composite wheels

Earthwise covers several warm-season grasses and gives you a broad 0.5 to 2.5-inch height range. Its 16-inch width balances coverage and maneuverability.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 7-blade reel
• Works with several named grass types
• 10-inch composite wheels

Cons

• Heavier than the lightest 14-inch options
• Manual pushing still requires regular mowing

The Earthwise 1715-16EW is the best fit here for buyers who want a manual mower identified for several warm-season grasses. The named grass types include **Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St.

Augustine and Seashore Paspalum**.

Its 16-inch cutting width sits between compact 14-inch mowers and broad 18- or 20-inch models. The 7-blade alloy steel reel has an adjustable height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches.

The 10-inch composite wheels give it a larger wheel size than the 14-inch American Lawn Mower 1204-14 and Scotts 304-14S. Its steel side plate design and metal construction suit buyers who prefer a larger manual mower.

Earthwise includes the lawn mower, handle assembly hardware and owner’s manual. The manual power source keeps operation quiet and free from fuel or battery charging.

For more grass-specific guidance, see our comparison of the best reel mower for Bermuda grass.

3. American Lawn Mower 1304-14: Best for a 5-blade 14-inch mower

3

American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade: Best for a 5-blade 14-inch mower

9.3/10Our score

• 14-inch cutting width
• 5-blade heat-treated alloy steel reel
• 1 to 2.25-inch height range
• 10-inch polymer wheels

This 14-inch model adds a 5-blade reel and 10-inch wheels while keeping a compact cutting path. The 1 to 2.25-inch range fits buyers who prefer a higher minimum cut.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 5-blade reel
• Heat-treated alloy steel blades
• 10-inch polymer wheels

Cons

• Does not cut as low as some 14-inch options
• No collection bag is identified in the product data

The American Lawn Mower 1304-14 gives you a compact 14-inch path with a 5-blade reel. Its 10-inch polymer wheels are larger than those on the 1204-14 and Scotts 304-14S.

Wider wheels can make rolling over uneven ground feel steadier. The compact body still fits tighter spaces than the 18-inch and 20-inch options in this roundup.

The heat-treated alloy steel blades use a scissor-action cut that shears grass rather than tearing it. That helps keep the finish neat when the reel and bed knife are in good condition.

Height adjusts from 1 to 2.25 inches, so the minimum cut is higher than the 0.5-inch minimum on several other picks. If you like turf very short, that higher floor is a real limit.

The mower is rated for grass up to 4 inches tall. Regular mowing helps prevent tall growth from making the next pass harder.

Remove no more than a third of the blade at a time to support healthier growth and give the reel a fair chance to cut cleanly. It weighs 21 pounds and uses manual operation.

Choose it when you want a 5-blade reel and compact width but do not need a minimum below 1 inch. Keep the reel clean, store it dry, and follow maker guidance on blade care.

4. Scotts 304-14S: Best for low cutting heights

4

Scotts 304-14S 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn: Best for low cutting heights

9.2/10Our score

• 14-inch cutting width
• 5-blade ball-bearing reel
• 0.5 to 1.75-inch height range
• 8.5-inch composite wheels

Scotts combines a 14-inch path with a 5-blade reel and a low 0.5-inch minimum height. The tool-less assembly and cushioned T-style handle simplify setup and pushing.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Low 0.5-inch minimum height
• Heat-treated alloy steel blades
• Tool-less assembly

Cons

• 8.5-inch wheels are smaller than several picks here
• Narrow cutting width

The Scotts 304-14S is a good choice when a low cutting range matters. Its 0.5 to 1.75-inch adjustment matches the American Lawn Mower 1204-14, with a 5-blade ball-bearing reel instead of 4 blades.

That low minimum gives you more control over a short finish. It suits buyers who want trim turf and are prepared to mow often.

The 14-inch width keeps it suited to compact lawns. Its 8.5-inch composite wheels support a smaller format, while the heat-treated alloy steel blades are designed to stay sharp longer.

Smaller wheels and a narrower path can make tight turns easier. They also mean more passes on a larger lawn, so this is for control in small spaces rather than speed.

Scotts uses a T-style handle with a cushioned grip, and tool-less assembly makes setup simpler. The manual design requires no gas or oil.

A cushioned grip helps on longer sessions, even though a push mower still asks for steady effort. Clearing lawn debris before mowing protects the blades and helps the reel spin freely.

If leaves are a regular cleanup job, compare mowers for mulching leaves. Reel mowers work best on maintained lawns, and wet grass can produce an uneven cut.

For care, wipe the reel and bed knife after use and check that no grass has wrapped around the parts. Store it somewhere dry so the steel stays in good shape.

5. LawnMaster LMRM1401: Best for simple height changes

5

LawnMaster LMRM1401 Push Reel Lawn Mower 14-Inch: Best for simple height changes

8.9/10Our score

• 14-inch cutting width
• 5 hardened steel blades
• 4 cutting positions
• 1 to 2.5-inch height range

The LMRM1401 gives you 4 height positions across a 1 to 2.5-inch range. Its 10-inch front wheels and motorless design suit buyers who want a compact mower with simple adjustments.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 4 cutting positions
• 10-inch front wheels
• No gas or batteries

Cons

• Minimum height is 1 inch
• The product data does not identify a collection bag

The LawnMaster LMRM1401 is a compact manual mower with 4 cutting positions from 1 to 2.5 inches. Its 14-inch width and 10-inch front wheels make it easy to steer around a smaller lawn and roll over typical bumps.

The 5 hardened steel blades use a scissor-like cut, and the motorless design needs no gas or batteries. That keeps it quiet and ready to use without charging or fueling.

Construction is metal and plastic, and the product data does not identify a collection bag. Plan to leave clippings on the lawn or confirm the current contents before ordering.

For reel models that include one, compare reel mowers with grass catchers.

Choose this model when four clear height positions matter more than a lower 0.5-inch setting. Mow dry grass in light cuts, brush off clippings after use, and store it dry to protect the steel blades.

6. LawnMaster LMRM1801: Best for a wide adjustable path

6

LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch: Best for a wide adjustable path

8.7/10Our score

• 18-inch cutting width
• 5 steel blades
• 9 cutting positions
• Collection bag included

The 18-inch deck reduces the number of passes compared with other models here. Nine height positions give you more adjustment points, and a collection bag is included.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 18-inch cutting width
• 9 cutting positions
• Collection bag included

Cons

• Heavier than the compact picks
• The product data shows conflicting height ranges

The LawnMaster LMRM1801 is the wide-path choice for buyers who want an 18-inch cutting width and many height positions. Its 5 steel blades and 10-inch front wheels keep the design manual and motorless.

The wider path covers more lawn on each pass than a 14-inch mower. That can cut time on an open lawn, but it also needs room to turn at the end of each run.

The product data identifies 9 cutting positions, which gives you more adjustment points than the other mowers here. More positions can help you dial in a height you like, though you will need to settle on a preferred setting and check it before mowing.

It also includes an 18-inch push reel mower and collection bag. A bag can make clean up easier if you prefer to collect clippings rather than leave them on the lawn.

The supplied product data shows conflicting height ranges for this model. Because of that conflict, confirm the current cutting-height range before ordering if a precise minimum or maximum matters to your lawn.

That check is worth doing before you buy. Height range affects the finish you can achieve and how tall the grass can get before a pass becomes hard work.

Choose it for open lawn areas where an 18-inch path can reduce passes. For a simpler, clearly stated 0.5 to 2.75-inch range, consider the Great States 815-18.

For care, empty the bag regularly so it does not add weight or slow the mower. Clean the reel after use and store the mower where it will stay dry between sessions.

7. Great States 815-18: Best for a higher maximum cut

7

Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel: Best for a higher maximum cut

8.5/10Our score

• 18-inch cutting width
• 5-blade ball-bearing reel
• 0.5 to 2.75-inch height range
• 10-inch composite wheels

Great States combines an 18-inch path with a 2.75-inch maximum height. Its loop handle, cushioned grips and tool-free assembly suit buyers who want broad coverage.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 2.75-inch maximum height
• 18-inch cutting width
• 10-inch composite wheels

Cons

• Heavier 27-pound design
• Wide body needs more turning room

The Great States 815-18 combines an 18-inch cutting width with a 0.5 to 2.75-inch height range. The low 0.5-inch end gives a short finish, while the 2.75-inch top end handles taller growth more comfortably than models that stop at 1.75 or 2.25 inches.

That broad range can suit buyers whose lawn height varies through the season. Its 5-blade ball-bearing reel uses alloy steel blades, and the 10-inch composite wheels support the wider body.

Larger wheels help roll the mower across the lawn and can make turning feel less awkward. The loop-style handle has cushioned grips, and assembly does not require special tools.

A loop handle gives you a natural place to push from and can feel comfortable on longer runs. At 27 pounds, it is heavier than the other 18-inch LawnMaster option.

That weight may matter when moving or storing the mower, even though the wider path can reduce passes. You gain coverage per pass, but you carry more mass up steps or into a shed.

Choose it when you want an 18-inch mower with a low 0.5-inch minimum and 2.75-inch maximum. A compact yard with tight turns may be better served by a 14-inch model.

For care, keep the reel and bed knife clean and check for tangled grass after each use. Mow dry grass in light cuts for the best result from the wide path.

8. Scotts 2000-20S: Best for the widest cutting path

8

Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn: Best for the widest cutting path

8.3/10Our score

• 20-inch cutting width
• 5-blade ball-bearing reel
• 1 to 3-inch height range
• 10-inch dual tracking wheels

The 20-inch path covers more lawn per pass than every other pick here. Its 1 to 3-inch height range and dual tracking wheels make it the broad-coverage choice.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Widest 20-inch cutting path
• 3-inch maximum height
• Dual tracking wheels

Cons

• 26.9-pound weight
• Needs more room to turn than narrower mowers

The Scotts 2000-20S is the broadest mower here, with a 20-inch cutting width. It suits open lawns where covering more ground per pass matters more than fitting through tight spaces.

A 20-inch path means fewer passes on a larger lawn. Each pass still depends entirely on your energy, so a steady pace matters.

Its 5-blade ball-bearing reel uses heat-treated alloy steel blades. Cutting height adjusts from 1 to 3 inches across 9 positions, and 10-inch dual tracking wheels help guide the wider mower in a straight line.

The 3-inch maximum is the highest here, which helps when grass has grown taller between cuts. The 1-inch minimum means it will not cut as low as the 0.5-inch models.

It weighs 26.9 pounds and includes composite wheels, a handle and the mower. The manual design needs no gas or oil.

Choose it for a larger, open lawn with room to turn. Clear debris before mowing, clean the reel after use, and store it dry to keep the wide cut clean.

How to choose the best manual reel mower

The best manual reel mower for a small yard is usually 14 or 16 inches wide. Those widths are easier to guide around beds, paths and corners than an 18- or 20-inch mower.

For an open lawn, a wider mower can reduce the number of passes. The Scotts 2000-20S has the widest 20-inch path, while the LawnMaster LMRM1801 and Great States 815-18 offer 18-inch paths.

Which blade count should you choose?

Blade count helps describe the reel, but it should not decide the purchase by itself. The 4-blade American Lawn Mower 1204-14 favors a simple small-lawn setup, while the 5-blade models offer a common middle option.

Earthwise has the highest count here with 7 blades. Its more important advantage for some buyers may be the named grass compatibility and 0.5 to 2.5-inch cutting range.

What cutting height do you need?

Choose a mower whose height range matches the height you plan to maintain. Scotts 304-14S and American Lawn Mower 1204-14 both start at 0.5 inches, while the American Lawn Mower 1304-14 and LawnMaster LMRM1401 start at 1 inch.

If you want a higher maximum, Scotts 2000-20S reaches 3 inches, Great States reaches 2.75 inches and Earthwise and LawnMaster LMRM1401 reach 2.5 inches.

Are manual reel mowers worth it?

A manual reel mower can be worth it when you want a quiet, motorless tool for a maintained lawn. It avoids gas, oil, batteries and engine upkeep, but it needs your pushing effort and works best when grass is not tall or wet.

You can mow early or late without engine noise, with no fuel to store or charge to wait for. The trade-off is effort and timing, since skipping weeks of growth can turn an easy job into a hard one.

Height range and width should match your habits. A narrow mower suits tight spaces and frequent cuts, while a wider mower suits open ground where each pass counts.

Our guide on Is a Reel Mower Worth It? covers the main trade-offs. If you are new to this mower style, see Best Reel Mower For Beginners before choosing a width.

Consider storage and handling too, as a heavier wide model may be harder to move and store than a light compact one. Blade care is also part of the bargain, so keep the reel and bed knife clean and avoid wet grass.

Remove no more than a third of the blade at a time, clear debris before you start, and increase overlap on taller growth. Those habits keep the scissor-like cut working well and help the lawn stay healthy.

Choose a mower that fits the lawn you have and the routine you will keep. That fit matters more than chasing the widest path or the highest blade count.

How should you use and care for one?

Mow often enough that you remove no more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Clear lawn debris first, avoid wet grass and increase overlap when the lawn has grown taller.

Keep the reel and bed knife cutting cleanly by following the model's care instructions. Manual reel mowers have fewer engine parts than gas mowers, but the blades still need attention when the cut becomes uneven.

Best manual reel mower verdict

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is the best manual reel mower for most compact lawns because its 14-inch width, 4-blade reel and 19-pound weight keep the choice simple.

Its narrow path is easy to guide around tight corners and beds. The light weight also makes it simpler to carry, turn and store than the wider mowers in this roundup.

The 0.5 to 1.75-inch height range suits a lawn you plan to keep short and trim. If you mow often and avoid letting grass grow tall, that range should cover everyday needs.

Pick Earthwise for the named warm-season grass coverage. Its 16-inch width and 0.5 to 2.5-inch range sit in the middle, which can suit buyers who want more coverage than a 14-inch mower without jumping to 18 inches.

Choose Scotts 2000-20S for the widest path. The 20-inch width reduces passes on open ground, though it needs more turning room and weighs 26.9 pounds.

Choose Great States for a broad mower with a low minimum height. The 18-inch path and 0.5-inch minimum pair well for buyers who want coverage plus a short finish.

Choose Scotts 304-14S for a compact 5-blade mower with a 0.5-inch minimum. It keeps the small-lawn advantages of a 14-inch path while adding a ball-bearing reel.

Whichever width you pick, mow dry grass in light cuts and keep the blades clean. A manual reel mower rewards a steady routine, and the right fit will make that routine easier to keep.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for small lawns

   American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for warm-season grass

   Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for a 5-blade 14-inch mower

   American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade

   9.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What is the best manual reel mower for most small lawns?

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is the best manual reel mower for most small lawns in this comparison. Its 14-inch cutting width, 8.5-inch polymer wheels and 19-pound weight favor maneuverability.

It also has an adjustable 0.5 to 1.75-inch cutting range.

Are manual reel mowers good for tall grass?

Manual reel mowers work best when you mow regularly and avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade. The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is capable of cutting grass up to 4 inches tall, but its data says it is less effective on taller grass.

Wet grass can also lead to an uneven cut.

Is a 5-blade or 7-blade reel mower better?

A 7-blade reel gives you more blades than a 5-blade design, but blade count is only one part of the choice. Compare cutting width, height range, wheel size and your grass type.

Earthwise has 7 blades and is identified for Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St.

Augustine and Seashore Paspalum.

What width manual reel mower should you buy?

Choose a 14-inch mower when tight turns and compact spaces matter. An 18-inch or 20-inch mower covers more ground per pass, but the wider body needs more turning room.

The 16-inch Earthwise sits between those groups and offers a middle-width option.