Top 7 Best Reel Mower For Beginners
The best reel mowers for beginners are models like the LawnMaster LMRM2001, American Lawn Mower 1204-14, and Earthwise 1715-16EW, chosen for their ease of use, lightweight design, and effective cutting performance.
Reel mowers offer a healthier cut for your lawn by cleanly slicing grass blades, promoting quicker recovery and reducing the risk of disease, making them an excellent choice for those new to lawn care. Their manual operation also provides a quiet and eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered machines, perfect for smaller yards or maintaining a pristine finish.
We’ve tested and narrowed down the field to seven top-performing reel mowers suitable for beginners, evaluating each on factors like assembly ease, maneuverability, and cutting consistency across various grass types. This guide will help you find a reliable and user-friendly option to start your lawn care journey. Dive into our detailed comparison to discover the perfect reel mower for your needs.
3 Standout Picks: Wider cutting paths, Frequent mowing, and Versatile grass types
Start with these 3 standouts. Each leads for a different kind of buyer, so use the badges and quick highlights to find your closest match.
American Lawn Mower 1204-14
- 14-inch cutting width
- 4-blade reel
- Lightweight design
Earthwise 1715-16EW
- 16-inch cutting width
- 7-blade reel
- Adjustable cutting height
7 Models Side by Side: Features, Best Use Cases, and Tradeoffs
The recommendations above are our strongest matches for different priorities. Below, compare the complete 7-product lineup side by side by rating, standout features, ideal use cases, and practical tradeoffs so you can identify the best fit for your needs.

- 20-inch cutting width
- 5-blade reel
- 9 cutting positions

- 14-inch cutting width
- 4-blade reel
- Lightweight design

- 16-inch cutting width
- 7-blade reel
- Adjustable cutting height

- 14-inch cutting width
- 5-blade reel
- Includes hand sharpener

- 14-inch cutting width
- 5-blade reel
- Includes grass catcher

- 14-inch cutting width
- 5-blade reel
- T-style handle

- 16-inch cutting width
- 5-blade reel
- 4 height settings
7 Models Reviewed in Depth
#1. LawnMaster LMRM2001

20 Inches
5 Blades
9
You’ll appreciate the wider 20-inch cutting path of the LawnMaster LMRM2001, which means fewer passes to cover your lawn. Its 5-blade reel ensures a clean, scissor-like cut for a healthier lawn, and the 9 adjustable cutting positions offer great flexibility. The 10-inch wheels provide good maneuverability, and the motorless design makes it a quiet, eco-friendly option.
While it offers a wider cut, it’s still best suited for regularly maintained lawns and may require more effort on thicker grass compared to smaller models. This mower is a solid choice for those with slightly larger yards who want the benefits of a reel mower and appreciate the efficiency of a wider cut.
Pros
- Wider 20-inch cutting path
- Highly adjustable cutting height
- Quiet and eco-friendly operation
Cons
- May struggle with very tall grass
- Requires regular lawn maintenance
- More effort on thick grass
Specifications
#2. American Lawn Mower 1204-14

4 Blades
19 Pounds
Manual
You’ll find this American Lawn Mower to be a reliable and eco-friendly choice for maintaining your lawn. Its 14-inch cutting width and 4-blade reel offer a clean cut, and at only 19 pounds, it’s exceptionally easy to maneuver. The manual operation means no emissions, no noise, and minimal maintenance, making it perfect for regular upkeep of smaller yards.
While it excels at cutting grass up to 4 inches, it’s less effective on taller or thicker growth, so frequent mowing is key. This mower is ideal for beginners who want a simple, green solution for a well-maintained lawn, but consider a wider or more robust model if your grass tends to get long.
Pros
- Excellent for regular mowing
- Very lightweight and easy to push
- Environmentally friendly
Cons
- Less effective on tall grass
- Requires frequent mowing
- Basic cutting height range
Specifications
#3. Earthwise 1715-16EW

7 Blades
Versatile
Adjustable
You’ll find the Earthwise 16-inch reel mower to be a capable tool, especially with its 7-blade design for a finer cut. It’s noted for handling various grass types, including bent grass, Bermuda, and Zoysia, thanks to its adjustable cutting height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches. The 10-inch composite wheels contribute to smooth operation, and like other reel mowers, it offers an eco-friendly, emission-free experience.
However, its manual nature means you’ll need to put in the effort, and it performs best on well-maintained, relatively flat lawns. This mower is a good fit for those who need a versatile reel mower for different grass types and appreciate its planet-friendly design, but it’s not the best choice for overgrown or very uneven terrain.
Pros
- Handles various grass types well
- 7-blade reel for a finer cut
- Planet-friendly operation
Cons
- Requires physical effort
- Best on maintained lawns
- Not for overgrown areas
Specifications
#4. American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2

Hand Sharpener
5 Blades
Manual
You’ll appreciate the convenience of the American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2, which comes with a hand sharpener to keep the 5-blade reel in top condition. Its 14-inch cutting width and scissor-action cut provide a clean finish for your lawn. The manual operation is eco-friendly and requires no fuel or batteries, making it a simple and quiet choice for yard care.
Similar to other reel mowers, it’s best suited for regularly maintained lawns and may require extra effort on taller or thicker grass. This model is a great pick for beginners who want a straightforward reel mower and value the included tool for easy blade maintenance, but it’s not designed for tackling overgrown areas.
Pros
- Includes hand sharpener
- Clean scissor-action cut
- Eco-friendly and quiet
Cons
- Not for tall or thick grass
- Requires manual effort
- Best on maintained lawns
Specifications
#5. American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC

14 Inches
5 Blades
Manual
You’ll appreciate the clean, scissor-like cut this American Lawn Mower provides, leaving your grass looking healthier. Its 14-inch cutting width and 5-blade reel are well-suited for smaller, regularly maintained lawns, and the included grass catcher makes cleanup a breeze. The manual operation means no gas, oil, or charging, making it an eco-friendly choice.
However, be aware that this mower performs best on relatively level terrain and may struggle with tall or thick grass, requiring extra passes. It’s an excellent option for beginners with small yards who prioritize a greener approach, but skip it if you have a large or very uneven lawn.
Pros
- Clean scissor-like cut
- Eco-friendly manual operation
- Includes grass catcher
Cons
- Not ideal for tall grass
- Best for level lawns
- Requires manual effort
Specifications
#6. Scotts 304-14S

Cushioned Grip
Tool-less
Alloy Steel
You’ll find the Scotts 304-14S reel mower offers a comfortable user experience, featuring a T-style handle with a cushioned grip for easier maneuvering. Its 14-inch cutting width and 5-blade heat-treated alloy steel reel provide a clean, even cut. The tool-less assembly means you can get it ready quickly, and its lightweight, manual operation is both eco-friendly and quiet.
This mower is best suited for maintained lawns and may require multiple passes on taller or thicker grass. It’s a solid choice for beginners prioritizing comfort and ease of use for small to medium-sized, well-kept yards, but it’s not the ideal tool for tackling overgrown or challenging lawn conditions.
Pros
- Comfortable T-style handle
- Easy, tool-less assembly
- Lightweight and quiet
Cons
- Not for tall or thick grass
- Requires manual effort
- Best on maintained lawns
Specifications
#7. EWORK 23-Inch Push Reel Mower

16 Inches
4
Manual
You’ll find the EWORK 23-Inch Push Reel Mower convenient for quick lawn maintenance, offering a 16-inch cutting width and a 5-blade system for efficient mowing. It features four adjustable height settings, making it easy to customize your cut. The 10-inch wheels and foam-wrapped handle are designed for comfortable pushing, and its motorless design ensures it’s pollution-free and quiet.
It’s important to note that this mower is intended for regularly mowed lawns with grass under 2-4 inches; it’s not suitable for tall grass or weeds. This makes it a good choice for light, frequent touch-ups on smaller, well-maintained yards, but you’ll need a different tool for heavy-duty yard work or overgrown areas.
Pros
- Good for quick touch-ups
- Comfortable handle and wheels
- Pollution-free and quiet
Cons
- Not for tall grass or weeds
- Requires regular mowing
- Limited cutting height range
Specifications

Effortless Edges: Your First Reel Mower Adventure
Stepping into the world of reel mowers can be a breath of fresh air, literally. For those seeking a simpler, more eco-friendly way to maintain their lawn, a reel mower offers a satisfyingly manual approach. But with various options available, choosing your first one deserves a little consideration to ensure you find a tool that makes yard work a pleasure, not a chore.
The Anatomy of an Easy-Care Mower
When you’re ready to buy, keep these key elements in mind to ensure your new reel mower is a perfect fit for your needs and your lawn.
- Cutting Width: Consider the size of your lawn. Wider mowers cover more ground with each pass, potentially saving you time on larger areas, while narrower ones offer greater maneuverability in tight spots.
- Blade Type and Material: Most reel mowers feature multiple blades that spin to cut grass cleanly. Look for models with durable blade materials designed for longevity and a sharp, consistent cut.
- Adjustability: The ability to easily adjust the cutting height is crucial for maintaining your grass at the optimal length for its health and appearance. Check how simple this adjustment process is.
- Wheel Design: The wheels play a significant role in how easily the mower glides across your lawn. Larger wheels can often handle uneven terrain more smoothly than smaller ones.
- Handle Comfort and Ergonomics: You’ll be pushing this mower, so a comfortable, adjustable handle can make a world of difference, reducing strain during use.
Common Traps to Sidestep
Even with the best intentions, a few missteps can lead to a less-than-ideal purchase. Keep these common pitfalls in mind.
- Buying a mower that’s too heavy or cumbersome for your physical ability, making the task feel like a workout rather than maintenance.
- Overlooking the importance of blade sharpness and ease of sharpening; dull blades can tear grass, leading to an unhealthy lawn.
- Choosing a model with a cutting height adjustment that is difficult or time-consuming to change, limiting your flexibility.
Your Effortless Cut Awaits: The Perfect Reel Mower
Ready to ditch the gas and embrace a greener mow? For a no-fuss start, the LawnMaster 20” is your go-to, offering a wide, forgiving cut. If you’re after a classic, reliable performer, the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is a solid choice. Need a bit more cutting power and a sharp edge from the get-go? The American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2 with its included sharpener is your winner. For those who want to tidy up as they go, the American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC with a grass catcher makes cleanup a breeze.
All these fantastic options are designed for ease of use, making them ideal for beginners. Don’t wait to achieve that perfectly manicured lawn! Check the latest availability using the buttons above.
Final 3 Picks: Wider cutting paths, Frequent mowing, and Versatile grass types
Ready to decide? These 3 recommendations remain our strongest choices for different priorities after weighing the full comparison.
American Lawn Mower 1204-14
- 14-inch cutting width
- 4-blade reel
- Lightweight design
Earthwise 1715-16EW
- 16-inch cutting width
- 7-blade reel
- Adjustable cutting height
