Reel Mower vs Electric Mower: Which Suits Your Lawn? (October 2026)

On this page (7 sections)

1. Reel mower vs electric mower: what is the main difference?
2. Which mower takes more effort to use?
3. Which mower suits your lawn size?
4. How do reel and electric mowers handle grass height?
5. What power setup fits your routine?
6. Which mower is easier to maintain?
7. Which mower should you choose?

Choose a reel mower for a small lawn you can mow often; choose an electric mower when you want powered cutting across more grass. A reel mower runs on your push, while electric models use a battery or cord.

The best fit depends on your lawn size, how often you mow and how much effort you want to put into pushing. A compact reel mower can be simple to store and use, while electric models offer wider cutting paths or a combined trimming setup.

For this comparison, we checked the listed features and focused on manual effort, cutting width, grass height and power source. The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is the manual option, while the EGO and BLACK+DECKER models show two different electric setups.

Reel mower vs electric mower: what is the main difference?

A reel mower uses your push to turn its blades; an electric mower uses battery or corded power. That difference affects how you move across the lawn and what you need nearby.

A push reel mower has a rotating reel of blades and a bed knife. The blades meet in a scissor-like action as you push, so the mower’s cutting action depends on your movement.

An electric mower powers its cutting system without you driving the blades forward by hand. The EGO is a cordless battery mower; the BLACK+DECKER is a corded combination tool with a mower deck, string trimmer and edger.

If you’re new to this style of mower, what a reel mower is explains how its blades cut and what to expect from manual mowing.

Which mower takes more effort to use?

A reel mower asks more of your legs and arms, while an electric mower uses power for cutting. You still guide either mower, but only the reel mower relies on your push to turn its blades.

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 weighs 19 lb according to its product description. That makes it a relatively light option to move, but it doesn’t remove the effort needed to push and turn the reel.

The EGO weighs 82 lb according to its specs. A battery powers its cutting, and the mower has a 21 in cutting width, but you still need to move and guide it around the yard.

The BLACK+DECKER weighs 9.9 lb and combines mowing, trimming and edging. Its small size may suit compact spaces, though you must manage its cord and switch between tasks.

A reel mower can make sense if your lawn is small, level and kept short. If you are weighing it against a gas mower, see reel mower vs gas mower.

If you want a powered cut over a wider area, a cordless electric model may better suit your routine.

To weigh the upkeep tradeoff, read whether a reel mower is worth it.

Which mower suits your lawn size?

A reel mower is most practical when the lawn is small enough to mow regularly; a wider electric mower can cover more ground per pass. The right choice also depends on obstacles, gates and storage space.

The 1204-14 has a 14 in cutting width, and the EGO has a 21 in cutting width. The wider EGO path may mean fewer passes across an open stretch, while a narrower mower can be easier to steer through tight areas.

The BLACK+DECKER’s 12 in width is paired with a string trimmer and edger. That can help when you want one compact tool for a small lawn and nearby edges, but its fixed 1.6 in cutting height limits how much you can adjust the cut.

Measure narrow gates and storage spaces before choosing. A mower that fits through your access points and has room to turn is easier to use than one chosen by cutting width alone.

How do reel and electric mowers handle grass height?

A reel mower is best for grass you keep short, while the electric models here allow taller cutting heights. The EGO’s seven height positions span 1.25 to 4 in; the manual reel options have narrower ranges.

The 1204-14 is described as capable of cutting grass up to 4 in tall, but less effective on taller grass. Its listed adjustable height range is 0.5 to 1.75 in, so check the mower’s adjustment instructions to set it for your lawn.

The 1304-14 adjusts from 1 to 2.25 in and is also described as capable of cutting grass up to 4 in tall. The BLACK+DECKER’s listed cutting height is fixed at 1.6 in.

For reel mowing, the product guidance recommends removing no more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. It also advises mowing more frequently rather than letting grass grow long, and avoiding wet grass.

What if you want a gas-powered reel mower?

The products in this comparison include manual reel mowers, but reel mowers can also have other power setups. Our guide to gas-powered reel mowers explains the category and what to compare before choosing one.

Don’t assume that adding power changes every part of the cut or makes a mower right for every yard. Check the specific mower’s cutting width, height range and recommended lawn conditions.

What power setup fits your routine?

Choose manual power if you want to mow without a cord or battery; choose battery power for cordless cutting, or corded power when a cord can reach the lawn. Each setup has a different constraint.

A reel mower is ready to use without charging or plugging in, but you supply the effort. The American Lawn Mower models are described as pollution-free and noise-free during operation.

The EGO includes a 56V 6.0Ah battery and charger. Its stated runtime is up to 55 minutes per charge, and the battery is compatible with other EGO 56V ARC Lithium tools.

Actual runtime can vary with mowing conditions, so consider whether one charge suits your lawn.

The BLACK+DECKER connects to power with a cord. Its cord retention system helps prevent accidental disconnection, but you’ll need to keep the cord clear as you work.

If you’re starting with a manual mower, reel mowers for beginners can help you compare practical options. For a cordless option aimed at another type of buyer, see cordless electric mowers for seniors.

Which mower is easier to maintain?

A reel mower avoids battery charging and cord management; an electric mower avoids the manual reel’s push-powered cutting. Each still needs care according to its instructions.

The product descriptions characterize the American Lawn Mower reel models as low maintenance. The 1204-14 description says sharpening is needed at least once every 3 to 5 years, but the right interval depends on use and blade condition.

A battery mower needs its battery charged before mowing. The EGO battery takes 80 minutes to charge with its included charger, according to the product details.

Store and care for the battery as its instructions direct.

A corded mower needs a suitable cord and careful cord handling. Inspect the cord before use and follow the tool manual’s safety instructions.

No mower is maintenance-free. Keep blades or cutting parts in good condition, clear grass after use as the manual permits and store the mower in a dry place.

Which mower should you choose?

Pick a reel mower if you have a compact lawn, can mow often and are comfortable supplying the push; pick an electric mower if powered cutting or a wider path matters more. Your lawn shape and routine should guide the final choice.

Choose the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 for a small lawn and a 14 in manual mower. Choose the EGO if you want a 21 in cordless mower, adjustable cutting heights and a battery rated for up to 55 minutes.

Choose the BLACK+DECKER if you have a compact area and want a corded tool that also trims and edges. The 1304-14 is another manual option, with a five-blade reel and a 1 to 2.25 in height range.

For the reel mower vs electric mower decision, choose the option you can use consistently. A reel mower fits a short, regularly maintained lawn; an electric mower fits a routine where battery or corded power makes mowing easier.

Frequently asked questions

Is a reel mower harder to push than an electric mower?

A reel mower needs your pushing effort to turn its blades, while a battery or corded electric mower powers its cutting action. How hard either feels depends on the lawn, grass height, terrain and mower design.

A reel mower works best when you keep up with mowing and avoid tall or wet grass.

Can a reel mower cut tall grass?

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is described as capable of cutting grass up to 4 in tall, but less effective on taller grass. For a cleaner result, keep to the guidance to remove no more than one-third of the grass blade and mow more often instead of letting it grow long.

Should I choose a battery or corded electric mower?

A battery mower avoids a trailing power cord, but its runtime depends on the charge. A corded model can run while connected to power, but you need a cord that reaches the work area and must manage it while mowing.

Match the power setup to your lawn layout.

Does a reel mower give grass a different cut?

A reel mower cuts with a scissor-like action, which the American Lawn Mower Company describes as a way to avoid bruising or damaging grass blades. The result also depends on keeping the blades sharp and mowing grass at a suitable height.