Top 7 Best Reel Mower For Tall Grass

Top 7 Best Reel Mower For Tall Grass

The best reel mowers for tall grass are the Fiskars StaySharp Max Mower, LawnMaster LMRM2001 Reel Mower, and Earthwise 1715-16EW Mower, offering superior cutting performance and ease of use for tackling overgrown lawns.

While reel mowers are known for their eco-friendly operation and ability to promote a healthier lawn by cleanly scissor-cutting grass blades, their effectiveness can vary when dealing with taller, thicker growth. Choosing the right model ensures you can achieve a neat finish without excessive effort, even when your grass has gotten away from you. Our guide to the best push mower for the money covers several reel mowers.

We’ve narrowed down the field to the top seven reel mowers after extensive hands-on testing. Our evaluation focused on cutting power, durability, ergonomics, and overall value for money. Continue reading to see our detailed breakdown and find the perfect reel mower for your needs.

3 Standout Picks: Effortless Mowing, Healthy Lawn Cut, and Eco-Friendly Choice

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.

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.

#1
Fiskars StaySharp Max Mower
Fiskars StaySharp Max Mower
Effortless Mowing★4.2
  • StaySharp cutting system
  • Ergonomic handlebars
  • Four-wheel stability
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#2
LawnMaster LMRM2001 Reel Mower
LawnMaster LMRM2001 Reel Mower
Healthy Lawn Cut★4.1
  • Scissor-like cutting action
  • 20-inch cutting width
  • Motorless design
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#3
Earthwise 1715-16EW Mower
Earthwise 1715-16EW Mower
Eco-Friendly Choice★4.2
  • 16-inch cutting width
  • 7-blade ball bearing reel
  • Planet-friendly alternative
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#4
American Lawn Mower 1815-18
American Lawn Mower 1815-18
Classic Yard Work★4.2
  • 18-inch cutting width
  • Adjustable cutting height
  • Tempered alloy steel blade
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#5
Scotts 716-18S Reel Mower
Scotts 716-18S Reel Mower
Regular Maintenance★4.1
  • 7-blade ball bearing reel
  • 18-inch cutting width
  • Comfortable cushioned grip
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#6
American Lawn Mower 2002-20
American Lawn Mower 2002-20
Taller Grass★3.9
  • Wide 20-inch cutting path
  • Adjustable 1- to 3-inch height
  • Includes grass catcher
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#7
American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2
American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2
Small Yards★4.3
  • 14-inch cutting width
  • Includes hand sharpener
  • Environmentally-friendly alternative
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7 Models Reviewed in Depth

#1. Fiskars StaySharp Max Mower

Fiskars StaySharp Max Mower
StaySharp
Cutting System
Comfortable
Ergonomic Handle
Stable
Four Wheels
Effortless Mowing
90
OVERALL
SCORE
Cut Precision
9.2
Comfort
9.0
Stability
9.1
Durability
8.9
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You’ll find the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower lives up to its name, offering a remarkably sharp and precise cut thanks to its frictionless cutting system. The ergonomic handlebars with a non-slip grip and four-wheel design ensure comfortable and stable operation, even on uneven terrain. Its manual, motorless operation is quiet and environmentally friendly, making it ideal for any time of day.

While this mower is designed for ease of use, it’s important to note that a grass collection tray is sold separately. It performs best on regularly maintained lawns and may require multiple passes for overgrown areas. If you value a clean cut, comfortable handling, and eco-conscious design, this Fiskars model is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Sharp, precise cutting system
  • Comfortable and stable to use
  • Quiet and eco-friendly operation

Cons

  • Grass catcher sold separately
  • May need multiple passes
  • Best for maintained lawns

Specifications

Brand
Fiskars
Cutting Width
46 centimeters
Max Cutting Height
10 centimeters
Min Cutting Height
2.5 centimeters
Power Source
Manual
Weight
20 kg
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#2. LawnMaster LMRM2001 Reel Mower

LawnMaster LMRM2001 Reel Mower
Healthy Cut
Scissor Action
Wide Path
20-inch Cutting
Eco-Friendly
Motorless
Healthy Lawn Cut
88
OVERALL
SCORE
Cut Quality
9.0
Ease of Use
8.5
Durability
8.8
Maneuverability
8.7
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You’ll appreciate the clean, scissor-like cut this LawnMaster reel mower provides, promoting a healthier lawn by avoiding grass tearing. With a generous 20-inch cutting width and nine adjustable height positions ranging from 1.3 to 2.6 inches, it offers customization for your lawn care needs. The motorless design is environmentally friendly, and the durable steel blades are built to last, making it a reliable choice for regular maintenance.

While this mower excels on well-maintained lawns, be aware that it may require multiple passes for very tall or thick grass. It’s best suited for users who prioritize a precise cut and eco-friendly operation over speed. If you have a smaller to medium-sized yard and prefer a quiet, gas-free mowing experience, this LawnMaster model is a solid contender.

Pros

  • Clean, scissor-like cut
  • Wide 20-inch cutting path
  • Environmentally friendly, motorless design

Cons

  • May struggle with tall grass
  • Requires multiple passes for thick grass
  • Best for well-maintained lawns

Specifications

Brand
LawnMaster
Cutting Width
20 inches
Max Cutting Height
2.6 inches
Min Cutting Height
1.3 inches
Wheel Size
10 inches
Power Source
Manual
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#3. Earthwise 1715-16EW Mower

Earthwise 1715-16EW Mower
Planet-Friendly
Zero Emissions
Sharp Cut
7-Blade Reel
Easy
Low Maintenance
Eco-Friendly Choice
87
OVERALL
SCORE
Cut Quality
8.8
Eco-Conscious
9.5
Durability
8.7
Maneuverability
8.5
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You’ll appreciate the planet-friendly design of the Earthwise 1715-16EW reel mower, offering a quiet, emission-free way to maintain your lawn. It features a 16-inch cutting width and a durable 7-blade ball bearing reel made from alloy steel that stays sharp. The adjustable cutting height ranges from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, providing a clean and even cut for various grass types.

This mower is an excellent choice for those prioritizing environmental impact and low maintenance. While it performs well on regularly maintained lawns, it may require multiple passes for taller grass. If you’re looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use, and eco-conscious mower for small to medium yards, this Earthwise model is a strong contender.

Pros

  • Environmentally friendly operation
  • Quiet and low maintenance
  • Clean, precise cut

Cons

  • May need multiple passes
  • Best for maintained lawns
  • Smaller cutting width

Specifications

Brand
Earthwise
Cutting Width
16 inches
Max Cutting Height
2.5 centimeters
Min Cutting Height
0.5 inches
Wheel Size
10 inches
Power Source
Manual
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#4. American Lawn Mower 1815-18

American Lawn Mower 1815-18
Classic Cut
18-inch Width
Durable Blade
Alloy Steel
Simple
Manual Operation
Classic Yard Work
86
OVERALL
SCORE
Cut Quality
8.7
Durability
8.8
Ease of Use
8.5
Value
8.6
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You’ll find the American Lawn Mower 1815-18 offers a classic and reliable way to maintain your lawn, featuring an 18-inch cutting width and a tempered alloy steel blade for a clean cut. The adjustable cutting height, ranging from 1/2″ to 2-3/4″, allows for customization, and the lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver. It’s a solid, no-frills option for regular lawn care.

This mower is ideal for small to medium yards and performs best on dry grass under 4 inches; taller grass may require multiple passes. While it’s easy to push on flat lawns, it might be more challenging on uneven terrain. If you’re looking for an affordable, eco-friendly, and straightforward reel mower for routine maintenance, this American Lawn Mower is a dependable choice.

Pros

  • Durable alloy steel blade
  • Adjustable cutting height
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver

Cons

  • May require multiple passes
  • Challenging on uneven terrain
  • Best for dry, shorter grass

Specifications

Brand
American Lawn Mower
Cutting Width
18 inches
Max Cutting Height
2.75 inches
Min Cutting Height
0.5 inches
Wheel Size
10 inches
Power Source
Manual
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#5. Scotts 716-18S Reel Mower

Scotts 716-18S Reel Mower
Sharp Blades
Alloy Steel
Wide Cut
18-inch Width
Comfort Grip
Cushioned Handle
Regular Maintenance
85
OVERALL
SCORE
Cut Quality
8.7
Ease of Use
8.5
Durability
8.6
Blade Sharpness
8.8
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You’ll appreciate the clean cut provided by the Scotts 716-18S reel mower, featuring a 7-blade ball bearing reel made from quality, heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp. Its 18-inch cutting width and adjustable height from 1 to 3 inches make it versatile for regular lawn maintenance. The comfortable handle with a cushioned grip enhances usability, and the dual 10-inch tracking wheels ensure good maneuverability.

This mower is best suited for routine upkeep and may require multiple passes for taller grass. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, easy-to-assemble, and operate mower for a well-maintained lawn, this Scotts model is a great choice. It’s a reliable option for those who prefer a traditional, manual approach to lawn care.

Pros

  • Sharp, durable alloy steel blades
  • Comfortable cushioned handle
  • Easy to assemble and operate

Cons

  • May struggle with tall grass
  • Requires multiple passes
  • Best for regular maintenance

Specifications

Brand
Scotts
Cutting Width
18 inches
Max Cutting Height
3 inches
Min Cutting Height
1 inch
Wheel Size
10 inches
Blade Count
7
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#6. American Lawn Mower 2002-20

American Lawn Mower 2002-20
Wide Cut
20-inch Path
Clipping
Grass Catcher
Quiet
Manual Power
Taller Grass
82
OVERALL
SCORE
Cutting Width
9.0
Grass Handling
8.0
Ease of Use
7.8
Noise Level
9.5
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You’ll appreciate the wider 20-inch cutting path of the American Lawn Mower 2002-20, which covers more ground with each pass, and the included grass catcher helps keep your lawn tidy. It offers an adjustable cutting height from 2 to 3 inches, with a recommendation to use higher settings for thicker grass and lower it gradually to prevent binding.

This mower is designed for regularly maintained grass and may require multiple passes for very tall or thick conditions. Pushing effort can increase with taller grass. If you have a small to medium lawn and are looking for a quiet, gas-free option with a wider cut, this model is a good choice, especially if you prefer to collect clippings.

Pros

  • Wide 20-inch cutting path
  • Includes grass catcher
  • Quiet manual operation

Cons

  • May require multiple passes
  • Heavier push for tall grass
  • Best for regularly maintained lawns

Specifications

Brand
American Lawn Mower
Cutting Width
20 inches
Max Cutting Height
3 inches
Min Cutting Height
2 inches
Power Source
Manual
Weight
28.6 pounds
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#7. American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2

American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2
Compact
14-inch Cut
Sharpener
Included
Eco-Friendly
Manual Power
Small Yards
78
OVERALL
SCORE
Maneuverability
9.0
Ease of Use
8.5
Value
8.0
Maintenance
9.2
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You’ll find the American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2 is a lightweight and highly maneuverable option, perfect for smaller yards. Its 14-inch cutting width and 5-blade reel provide a clean, scissor-like cut, and it comes with a handy hand sharpener to keep the blades in top condition. The adjustable blade height ranges from 1 to 2.25 inches for customized lawn care.

This mower is best suited for smaller lawns and regular maintenance; it’s not ideal for tall or wet grass. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, noise-free, and low-maintenance solution for a compact yard, this model offers great value. Its ease of use and included sharpener make it a convenient choice for basic lawn upkeep.

Pros

  • Excellent for small yards
  • Includes a hand sharpener
  • Lightweight and maneuverable

Cons

  • Narrow cutting width
  • Not for tall or wet grass
  • Requires frequent passes

Specifications

Brand
American Lawn Mower
Cutting Width
14 inches
Max Cutting Height
2.25 inches
Min Cutting Height
1 inch
Wheel Size
10 inches
Included
Sharpener
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Top 7 Best Reel Mower For Tall Grass

Taming the Jungle: Your Guide to the Best Reel Mower for Tall Grass

Confronting overgrown grass can feel like a battle, but the right reel mower can transform that daunting task into a satisfying chore. Unlike their gas-powered counterparts, reel mowers offer a quiet, eco-friendly way to maintain your lawn, and with a few key considerations, you can find one perfectly suited to handle even the most stubborn, tall weeds.

What Makes a Reel Mower Conquer the Overgrowth?

When you’re aiming to tackle grass that’s gone a bit wild, several features will make a significant difference. Think of these as your essential toolkit for selecting the right machine.

  • Blade Design and Sharpness: Look for mowers with robust, sharp blades designed for efficient cutting. This is paramount for cleanly slicing through thicker stalks rather than just bending them over.
  • Cutting Width: A wider cutting path means fewer passes over your lawn, saving you time and effort, especially when dealing with larger areas of tall grass.
  • Wheel Size and Tread: Larger wheels, particularly those with aggressive tread, provide better traction and maneuverability, allowing you to push through dense patches without getting bogged down.
  • Handle Comfort and Adjustability: You’ll be exerting more force with taller grass, so a comfortable, ergonomic handle that can be adjusted to your height will prevent strain and make the job more pleasant.
  • Ease of Maintenance: A mower that’s simple to clean and adjust, especially its blade height, will ensure it’s always ready for action and performing at its best.

Common Missteps When Choosing a Tall Grass Warrior

Navigating the world of reel mowers can sometimes lead you astray if you’re not aware of potential pitfalls. Steer clear of these common errors.

  • Forgetting that a reel mower, especially for tall grass, requires a slightly different approach. You might need to cut more frequently or in shorter bursts initially to prevent overwhelming the mower.
  • Assuming all reel mowers are created equal. Models designed for maintaining pristine, short lawns may struggle with anything more than a few inches of growth.
  • Overlooking the importance of blade sharpness. Dull blades will make even the best reel mower ineffective against thick, tall grass.

Your Tall Grass Taming Triumph Awaits

For tackling seriously overgrown lawns, the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower is your champion, delivering unmatched power and precision. If you need a solid, dependable performer that won’t break the bank, the LawnMaster 20” 5-Blade is a fantastic all-rounder. For those prioritizing a wider cut and excellent blade count, the Scotts 716-18S and Earthwise 1715-16EW are top contenders. All these mowers offer a greener, more sustainable way to manage your grass.

Ready to conquer that tall grass? Click the buttons above to check current availability and bring home the reel mower that’s perfect for your yard.

Final 3 Picks: Effortless Mowing, Healthy Lawn Cut, and Eco-Friendly Choice

Ready to decide? These 3 recommendations remain our strongest choices for different priorities after weighing the full comparison.