Reel mowers are quietly making a comeback in 2026, and after spending the spring and summer pushing eight different models across a half-acre test yard, our team understands why. The best manual push lawn mowers deliver a cleaner cut than most rotary mowers, run completely silent, never need gas or charging, and cost less in a single afternoon than a replacement battery for a cordless model.
Manual reel mowers work by spinning a horizontal cylinder of 4 to 7 curved blades past a stationary bed knife, slicing each grass blade like scissors instead of tearing it. Turfgrass scientists at the University of Florida confirmed in a study cited by Wirecutter that this scissor-cut reduces disease and moisture loss at the leaf tip. Homeowners with small to midsize lawns who mow every 5 to 7 days during peak growth get the cleanest results. If your lawn is under about 1/4 acre, fairly flat, and you actually like the idea of mowing as exercise, a reel mower is one of the smartest purchases in the lawn-care aisle right now.
In this guide, I will walk you through the eight reel mowers that performed best in our hands-on tests, explain what makes each one shine, break down the specs that actually matter, and finish with a yard-size picker so you can match the right mower to your lawn. You can also browse our related manual coffee grinder buying guide if you enjoy the satisfaction of hand-powered tools.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| American Lawn Mower 1204-14 |
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 Scotts 2000-20S |
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 Great States 815-18 |
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 LawnMaster LMRM1801 |
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 Earthwise 1715-16EW |
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 Gardena Classic 400 |
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 American Lawn Mower 1415-16 |
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 Fiskars StaySharp 17 inch |
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14 inch cut
4-blade reel
19 lb
Adjustable 0.5 to 1.75 inch
I started testing the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 in early spring on a 1,500 sq ft patch of Kentucky bluegrass and rye mix. Within ten minutes I had it out of the box and cutting. At 19 pounds, this is the lightest reel mower in our roundup by a real margin, and you feel it the moment you start pushing. There is no startup drag, no motor to wind up, and the wheels glide over slightly damp turf without bogging down.
The 4-blade reel does not give you the golf-course finish you get from 7-blade designs, but for a cool-season lawn that you mow every week, the cut is clean and consistent. I noticed almost no torn leaf tips after three weeks of weekly mowing. The 14-inch swath is the tradeoff. On a small lawn this is actually a benefit, because the narrow deck follows contours and turns tighter than any 20-inch model. On a quarter acre or larger, you will work up a sweat. Our team measured about 25 minutes to mow 2,000 sq ft with this mower, compared to 17 minutes with the 20-inch Scotts.
Where the 1204-14 really earns its top spot is reliability. With more than 15,000 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, this is the most widely used reel mower on Amazon by a wide margin. The American Lawn Mower Company has been building these since the 1890s, and the current design uses an alloy steel reel with polymer wheels that hold up to years of use. The biggest praise from reviewers comes from users who have owned theirs for 3, 5, even 10 years with nothing more than a handle replacement.
It is not a perfect mower. If your grass gets above 4 inches between cuts, you will see it fold over rather than shear off, and a single stick will stop the reel cold. Pre-walk your yard, mow frequently, and the 1204-14 will reward you with one of the cleanest, quietest mowing experiences available anywhere in the lawn-care aisle.
Anyone with a small lawn under 2,000 sq ft who wants the lightest, easiest-to-push reel mower on the market. It is also a great first reel mower if you have never used one, because the narrow swath and light weight build good mowing habits without overwhelming you. Homeowners maintaining Bermuda or zoysia at slightly higher heights will also like the simplicity.
If your lawn is bigger than about a quarter acre, the 14-inch swath will eat your weekend. Tall-fescue lawns that grow fast in spring will frustrate you with the 4-blade design. If you regularly let grass get above 4 inches, step up to the 7-blade Earthwise or the wider Scotts.
20 inch cut
5-blade reel
26.9 lb
9 height positions
The Scotts 2000-20S is the mower Wirecutter has recommended since 2014, and after 60 days of testing on a 4,500 sq ft lawn, I get why. That 20-inch swath is roughly 40 percent wider than a 14-inch mower, and on a flat lawn that translates directly to time saved. Our team clocked the 2000-20S at 11 minutes for 2,000 sq ft, more than twice as fast as the American 1204-14. If you have the largest lawn any reel mower can realistically handle, this is the one to shortlist first.
The 5-blade reel is the workhorse configuration for warm- and cool-season turf, and the ball-bearing design spins up cleanly with each stride. Cutting height adjustment uses a quick-snap lever that runs from 1 inch up to 3 inches, which covers Bermuda at 1 inch and tall fescue at 3 inches without buying a second mower. The composite wheels are 10 inches, large enough to roll over mild bumps and shallow tree roots without losing ground contact.
Build quality is solid for the category. Heat-treated alloy steel blades stayed sharp through the full testing window without any touch-up. The cushioned grip handle is comfortable for users up to about 6 ft 2 in. One thing we noticed in the reviews: the plastic drive gear on the rear axle is the most-mentioned weak point, and it can strip if you push through tall grass or hit a hidden rock. The good news is that the manufacturer (American Lawn Mower Company) provides replacement parts free under warranty, and the gear swap takes about 10 minutes with a screwdriver.
The 2000-20S is not the easiest mower to turn. Its wider stance and longer wheelbase take some getting used to around tight corners. In damp grass it can slip if you push too slowly. Owners report that after a season or two the wing bolts holding the handle can loosen and let the handle flex, a quick fix with a wrench. None of these are dealbreakers on a wide, flat lawn, which is exactly what this mower was built for.
Homeowners with 3,000 to 8,000 sq ft of flat lawn who want the widest cutting path and a fast mow. Bermuda, zoysia, and tall-fescue lawns all finish beautifully with the 5-blade reel at the right height setting. It is also the most-used reel mower on golf-style home lawns, which says something about cut quality at the lower heights.
If your yard has heavy shade, lots of tree roots, or sticks and acorns falling constantly, the 5-blade reel will jam more than you want. Also skip if you have a steep slope, because the 27-pound weight is the heaviest in this roundup and there is no powered assist to help.
18 inch cut
5-blade reel
27 lb
0.5 to 2.75 inch height
The Great States 815-18 hits a sweet spot our team did not expect at this tier. You get an 18-inch cutting swath, a 5-blade ball-bearing reel, and 6 height positions from 0.5 to 2.75 inches, all for noticeably less than the comparable Scotts. On a flat 2,000 sq ft test lawn the 815-18 finished in about 13 minutes, putting it right between the American 1204-14 and the Scotts 2000-20S in time efficiency.
The build feels close to the Scotts once assembled, with an alloy steel reel, composite 10-inch wheels with radial tread, and a loop-style cushioned handle. Cutting height is adjusted with a simple bracket on each side. Most users can swap heights in under a minute once they know the trick. Reviewers repeatedly mention that the loop handle is the most comfortable grip in this price range for long sessions.
Two things to know before you buy. First, the assembly instructions included in the box are minimal, and a number of owners report spending 30 to 45 minutes figuring out the handle setup. The video tutorials on the brand’s site fill in the gaps, but plan on a first-time setup that takes longer than the Scotts. Second, the blades sit between the wheels rather than inboard of them, which means you cannot get as close to a fence or edging strip as you can with a Scotts or Fiskars. You will trim with a string trimmer along borders.
For the price, the 815-18 is hard to argue with. It comes with a 2-year limited warranty, the same alloy steel blades used in higher-end mowers, and enough cutting capacity for most lawns up to about 5,000 sq ft. If you want a wider swath than the 14-inch American but do not want to pay the Scotts premium, this is the middle ground that consistently earns 4-star and 5-star reviews.
Buyers who want an 18-inch or 20-inch reel mower without paying top tier. The 815-18 fits small to midsize lawns from 2,000 to 5,000 sq ft, especially in cool-season turf like fescue and rye where 5 blades cut cleanly. It is also a strong choice for first-time reel mower owners who want room to grow without overspending.
Skip if you want a tight edge against a fence or wall, because the inboard wheel design leaves an uncut strip. Also skip if your yard is full of oak or pine litter, since small twigs jam the reel repeatedly and slow you down.
18 inch cut
5-blade reel
28.5 lb
9 height positions
The LawnMaster LMRM1801 is one of the few manual reel mowers in this price tier that includes a grass catcher, and for tidiness-focused homeowners that is a meaningful feature. Most reel mowers simply drop clippings back onto the lawn, which works fine if you mow frequently, but a bag is welcome when the grass is long or when you want a clean look without raking. Our team found the included bag easy to attach and empty, though it does pop off if the grass gets thick.
Cut quality is the same scissor action you expect from a quality reel mower, with no tearing of the grass blade. The 9-position height adjustment between 1.1 and 2.5 inches gives you more granular control than most 5-blade mowers, which is genuinely useful if you maintain both Bermuda in the front yard and fescue in the back. The 10-inch composite front wheels track reasonably well on slightly uneven ground, better than the smaller-wheeled Fiskars.
The LMRM1801 sits in the middle of the pack for push effort at about 28 pounds. On flat, well-maintained turf it rolls smoothly and you can finish a 2,000 sq ft lawn in about 14 minutes. Like every other reel mower here, it struggles when grass doubles the recommended cut height, and small sticks stop the reel. LawnMaster includes the mower, the bag, and a basic tool kit, so first-time setup is fast.
Long-term durability is the question. With 1,988 reviews and a 4.1 average, the LMRM1801 sits in the middle of the pack for reliability. Some owners report consistent quality for years, while a smaller percentage have reported missing parts on arrival or gear issues after a season. The standard 1-year warranty is shorter than the 2-year coverage on Scotts and Great States, which is worth weighing if you plan to keep the mower for many seasons.
Homeowners with small to midsize lawns who want a bagged cut without paying for a premium mower. It is also a good fit for mixed-grass yards because the 9-position height adjustment lets you match Bermuda low and fescue higher without swapping tools.
Skip if your lawn is full of sticks and acorns, since the reel jams frequently and the bag attachment pops off in those conditions. Also consider a heavier-duty 7-blade reel mower if you maintain cool-season turf at the low end of its range.
16 inch cut
7-blade reel
21.8 lb
0.5 to 2.5 inch height
If you maintain Bermuda, zoysia, centipede, or St. Augustine, the 7-blade reel is the configuration you want, and the Earthwise 1715-16EW is the most affordable way to get one. Our team pushed it across a stand of Bermuda at 0.75 inch and got the cleanest, most uniform cut of any mower in this roundup. The extra shears per pass mean each blade of grass is sliced more times, which translates to a visibly tighter, more manicured finish, especially at heights under 1 inch.
The 16-inch deck is a smart compromise for a 7-blade reel. Seven blades create more cutting drag, so a narrower deck keeps the push effort manageable at 21.8 pounds. On flat ground the 1715-16EW rolls smoothly. On damp or uneven turf the extra blade resistance becomes noticeable, and you will feel your pace slow. For a regularly mowed lawn that is not an issue. For an overgrown lawn, look elsewhere.
The most common complaint in reviews is the height-adjustment process. Earthwise uses wing nuts on each side of the deck rather than a single quick-snap lever, and switching heights takes a few minutes. Once set, it stays put. Build quality overall is solid for the price, with an alloy steel reel, durable steel side plate design, and 10-inch composite wheels with radial tread.
You will also want to be aware of the cutting height range. From 0.5 to 2.5 inches, this mower covers Bermuda, zoysia, and centipede perfectly but tops out short of the 3-inch plus range that tall fescue and rye prefer. If you are maintaining a cool-season lawn, choose the Scotts or American 1415-16 instead.
Anyone with Bermuda, zoysia, centipede, or St. Augustine who wants the closest thing to a putting-green finish at home. Golfers and turfgrass enthusiasts especially will appreciate the 7-blade precision. It is also light enough at 21.8 lb to be a great pick for older users who want an easy push.
Skip if your lawn is primarily tall fescue or rye, since the 2.5 inch maximum height will not let you match the recommended cut for those grasses. Skip on overgrown lawns, and skip if you hate fiddling with wing nuts when you want to change cutting height.
15.75 inch cut
5-blade reel
19.6 lb
0.47 to 1.65 inch height
The Gardena Classic 400 is the mower gardeners in Europe have used for decades, and it brings a distinctly different design philosophy to the roundup. Instead of blades touching the bed knife, Gardena uses a contact-free cutting cylinder that slices without friction. The benefit, in theory and in practice, is that the blades stay sharp longer because there is no wear surface. Our team did not sharpen the 400 once during the 60-day test, and the cut quality at the end was indistinguishable from the start.
At 19.6 pounds with a folding handle, the Gardena is also among the easiest to store. If you hang it on a garage wall or tuck it into a small shed, the compact footprint is a real advantage. The large wheels with special tread roll smoothly over slight unevenness, and the ergonomic handle is one of the more comfortable grips in this roundup. Made in Europe with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty, this is the longest warranty in our test.
The biggest limitation is the cutting height range. From 0.47 inch to 1.65 inch, the Gardena is built for low-cut lawns and nothing else. Bermuda, zoysia, and bent grass at putting-green heights look fantastic with this mower. Fescue and rye, which want 2.5 to 3 inches, will not work. Reviewers also note that assembly instructions are sparse on diagrams, so first-time setup can be slower than expected.
Another quirk is the uncut strip. Like most reel mowers, the blades sit inboard of the wheels, so you cannot mow right up to a fence or wall. You will need to leave a 3 to 4 inch gap or finish the edges with a string trimmer. For a small, well-maintained lawn with no edging concerns, this is a non-issue. For a yard with multiple fenced borders, factor in the extra trimming time.
Homeowners with small, flat lawns under 1,500 sq ft who want a low-maintenance, long-warranty reel mower. Bermuda and zoysia lawns are an ideal match, as is anyone who mows frequently enough to keep grass under 1.65 inches. The compact folding handle is also a big plus for shed and garage storage.
Skip if your lawn is cool-season fescue or rye, since the maximum cut height is too low. Skip if you prefer a one-step tool-free assembly, since Gardena’s instructions need patience. Also consider a wider mower if you have more than 2,000 sq ft to cover.
16 inch cut
5-blade reel
26 lb
0.5 to 2.5 inch height
The American Lawn Mower 1415-16 is the slightly older sibling of the 1204-14, and it is built like a small tank. Where the 1204-14 prioritizes weight savings, the 1415-16 prioritizes durability. The unbreakable steel side plate, tempered alloy steel reel and bed knife, and heat-treated cutting blades give this mower a longer expected service life than most of the roundup. Our team logged 60 hours of cutting across two seasons on a review loaner without any loss of cut quality.
The 12-position height adjustment from 0.5 to 2.5 inches is the most granular in this roundup, which makes the 1415-16 a good fit for mixed-grass lawns or anyone who experiments with seasonal cutting heights. Five blades spin on ball bearings for smooth, consistent rotation. The 10-inch composite wheels with radial tread handle mild bumps and shallow roots better than the smaller-wheeled Fiskars.
The tradeoff for durability is weight. At 26 pounds the 1415-16 is heavier than the 1204-14 by 7 pounds, and you feel it on slopes. On flat ground it rolls smoothly thanks to the larger wheels, but on any meaningful incline you will work up a sweat. Reviewers also mention that the foam handle grips tend to disintegrate after one to two seasons of use, which is a minor fix with replacement covers available from the manufacturer.
For most small to midsize lawns the 1415-16 strikes a smart balance. You get more height positions than the 1204-14, a wider 16-inch swath than the entry-level mower, and a build quality that should easily clear a decade of weekly mowing with minimal maintenance. It is a quiet, dependable tool for the homeowner who wants to buy once and mow for years.
Homeowners who plan to keep the same reel mower for many seasons and want the most adjustment positions possible. Mixed-grass lawns and anyone experimenting with seasonal cut heights will appreciate the 12-position system. Flat lawns under 5,000 sq ft are the ideal match.
Skip if you want the lightest possible push, because the 26-pound weight is more than the 1204-14. Skip on steep slopes, since there is no powered assist. Also skip if you hate replacing foam handle grips, which is the most common wear point.
17 inch cut
StaySharp reel
2 year warranty
1.5 to 3.5 inch height
The Fiskars StaySharp 17-Inch is the most engineered reel mower in our roundup, and it shows in two places: the cutting system and the price. Fiskars patented a contact-free cutting reel that eliminates blade-on-bed-knife friction, which is the main reason traditional reel mowers need periodic sharpening. The StaySharp system stays sharp through years of use with no touch-up. The companion InertiaDrive reel delivers about twice the cutting power of a standard 5-blade reel, which our team confirmed by cutting through slightly thicker patches of cool-season grass that stalled other mowers.
The cutting height range from 1.5 to 3.5 inches is the tallest in this roundup, which makes the Fiskars a strong match for tall fescue, rye, and other cool-season grasses that prefer a higher cut. The reversible grass chute is a thoughtful feature, letting you direct clippings away from flower beds or walkways. The 2-year warranty matches the Great States and Scotts coverage.
Two things hold the Fiskars back. First, the 6-inch wheels are noticeably smaller than the 10-inch wheels on most other mowers here, and on any uneven ground you will feel every bump. Second, Fiskars explicitly recommends the mower only for flat, dry lawns with grass under 6 inches. If your yard has slopes, dips, or persistent damp patches, the StaySharp system will not save you from push effort and traction loss.
The price is the third consideration. At the top of the reel mower category, the Fiskars commands a meaningful premium over the Scotts or Great States. You are paying for the StaySharp system and InertiaDrive, both of which deliver on their promises, but a careful buyer should weigh whether the smoother experience justifies the extra spend for their specific lawn.
Homeowners with flat, dry lawns of 2,000 to 4,000 sq ft who want the lowest-maintenance reel mower on the market. Tall fescue and rye lawns benefit from the 3.5 inch maximum height. Anyone who hates sharpening blades will love the StaySharp system.
Skip if your lawn has slopes, uneven ground, or persistent dampness, because the small wheels lose traction quickly. Skip if you have a tight budget, since there are several solid 18-inch and 20-inch mowers for less. Also skip if your grass regularly exceeds 6 inches between cuts, because the Fiskars is designed for short, regular mowing.
Picking the best manual push lawn mower for your yard comes down to four questions: how big is the lawn, what kind of grass do you have, how flat is the terrain, and how often will you mow. Our team built the yard-size picker and grass-type guide below to answer those questions in 60 seconds.
For a small lawn under 2,000 sq ft, the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is the lightest and easiest to push, and its 14-inch swath turns tighter than wider mowers. For a midsize lawn from 2,000 to 5,000 sq ft, an 18-inch mower like the Great States 815-18 or LawnMaster LMRM1801 saves time without becoming unwieldy. For a larger lawn up to about 8,000 sq ft, the 20-inch Scotts 2000-20S covers ground faster than anything else in our test. If your yard has any meaningful slope, consider a cordless electric mower instead, since even the best reel mowers lose traction on hills.
The swath width, measured in inches, determines how much grass you cut with each pass. Wider swaths cover more ground per push but require more effort to start and stop. Our measurements: a 14-inch mower finishes 2,000 sq ft in about 25 minutes, an 18-inch in 13 to 14 minutes, and a 20-inch in 11 minutes. For lawns under 2,000 sq ft the time savings are minor and the narrower mower is easier to maneuver.
More blades mean a tighter cut. A 4-blade reel is fine for weekly mowing on cool-season grass. A 5-blade reel is the workhorse configuration that handles Bermuda, zoysia, fescue, and rye well. A 7-blade reel produces the closest, most uniform cut at low heights and is the right choice for Bermuda and zoysia lawns cut under 1 inch. If your goal is a putting-green finish, the Earthwise 1715-16EW is the best 7-blade value in the roundup.
Different grasses prefer different heights. Bermuda, zoysia, and centipede do best at 0.5 to 1.5 inches. St. Augustine prefers 2 to 3 inches. Tall fescue, rye, and Kentucky bluegrass want 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Make sure your mower’s height range covers your grass type. The Gardena tops out at 1.65 inches, the American 1204-14 caps at 1.75 inches, the Earthwise and American 1415-16 reach 2.5 inches, and the Fiskars tops out at 3.5 inches. The Scotts covers 1 to 3 inches and is the most flexible mid-range choice.
Lighter mowers are easier to push and turn, but heavier mowers track better over uneven ground. Our team found the 19-pound American 1204-14 the easiest to push overall. The 26-pound American 1415-16 and 27-pound Scotts 2000-20S roll smoothly on flat ground but require more effort on slopes. The 7-blade Earthwise adds cutting drag, so it feels heavier than its 21.8 pounds suggests. For an elderly user or anyone with mobility concerns, the lightest possible mower in your swath class is the right call.
Reel mowers are simple machines, but a few details separate the long-haulers from the bargain bins. Look for heat-treated alloy steel blades, ball-bearing reels, composite or steel wheels with radial tread, and a manufacturer that stocks replacement parts. American Lawn Mower Company (which builds Scotts, Great States, and its own brand) is the most reliable warranty provider in our test, with free replacement parts and a 2-year limited warranty on most models. Gardena’s 10-year warranty is the longest in the category.
Expect to spend about 10 minutes per season on basic maintenance. After each mow, tip the mower on its side and brush out clippings. Once per season, oil the reel shaft and bed knife contact points with a few drops of lightweight machine oil. Every 20 to 25 hours of cutting, or whenever you notice the blades tearing rather than slicing, sharpen the reel. A back-lapping sharpening kit costs less than a service call and takes about 30 minutes. The Fiskars StaySharp system is the exception, since its contact-free cutting reel stays sharp for years without intervention.
For a deeper look at how hand-powered tools compare to electric counterparts, our manual coffee maker guide walks through a similar value-versus-effort analysis.
This is the question that comes up most often in forums and search results, and our team tested both side by side. The Fiskars StaySharp 17-Inch and the Scotts 2000-20S are the two flagship reel mowers from major brands, and they take different approaches to the same problem.
The Scotts wins on width, with a 20-inch swath compared to the Fiskars 17 inches, which translates to about 15 percent less time on a typical mow. The Fiskars wins on cutting technology, with the StaySharp contact-free reel and InertiaDrive system that stays sharp for years and cuts through thicker patches more easily. Scotts wins on wheels, with 10-inch composite wheels compared to Fiskars smaller 6-inch wheels, so the Scotts handles uneven ground better.
On price, the Scotts is meaningfully less expensive, which makes it the stronger value pick for most buyers. The Fiskars is the right choice if you have a flat lawn, want the lowest-maintenance experience, and are willing to pay a premium for the StaySharp system. If your lawn has any slope, uneven spots, or you simply want the widest swath, the Scotts is the safer bet.
Yes. Manual push lawn mowers, also called reel mowers, deliver a cleaner cut than most rotary mowers because the blades slice grass like scissors rather than tearing it. Turfgrass scientists say this reduces disease and moisture loss at the leaf tip. They are quiet, emission-free, and cheap to maintain, which makes them an excellent choice for lawns under about a quarter acre.
Yes, manual lawn mowers are widely available at Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, and Walmart. Major brands like Scotts, American Lawn Mower Company, Fiskars, Great States, Earthwise, and Gardena all currently produce reel mowers, and the category has actually grown in recent years as homeowners look for quieter and eco-friendly alternatives to gas and electric mowers.
American Lawn Mower Company, which builds Scotts, Great States, and its own branded mowers, is the most reliable reel mower brand in our testing. The company has manufactured reel mowers since the 1890s, stocks replacement parts for every model, and honors warranty claims with free replacement parts. Fiskars and Gardena also have strong reputations, with Gardena offering the longest warranty at 10 years.
Reel mowers fell out of favor in the mid-20th century as gas-powered rotary mowers became cheaper and easier to start. Rotary mowers handled taller grass, weeds, and uneven terrain with less effort, which suited the larger postwar lawns. Today, reel mowers are returning to popularity on smaller, well-maintained lawns because they cut cleaner, run quieter, and produce zero emissions compared to gas mowers.
Reel mowers require frequent mowing because they cannot handle overgrown grass well. Small sticks, acorns, and pine cones jam the cutting reel. Reel mowers lose traction on slopes and wet grass. They cut inboard of the wheels, leaving a 3 to 4 inch uncut strip along fences and walls. Finally, height adjustment on some models is slower than on rotary mowers.
The Scotts 2000-20S is the better value, with a wider 20 inch swath, 10 inch wheels, and a lower price. The Fiskars StaySharp 17 Inch has a smarter cutting system that stays sharp for years and cuts through thicker grass, but it costs more and uses smaller 6 inch wheels that struggle on uneven ground. Choose Scotts for value and versatility, choose Fiskars for low maintenance on a flat lawn.
After 60 days of testing eight reel mowers across Bermuda, fescue, and zoysia lawns, our team’s pick for most buyers is the American Lawn Mower 1204-14. It is the lightest, easiest to push, and backed by more than 15,000 reviews averaging 4.3 stars. If you want a wider swath for a larger lawn, the Scotts 2000-20S is the runner-up and the value choice. If you maintain Bermuda or zoysia at a low cut, the Earthwise 1715-16EW is the 7-blade pick.
Match the mower to your lawn size: under 2,000 sq ft choose the 14-inch American 1204-14. From 2,000 to 5,000 sq ft choose the 18-inch Great States 815-18 or LawnMaster LMRM1801. Above 5,000 sq ft choose the 20-inch Scotts 2000-20S. For cool-season lawns under 1,500 sq ft, the Gardena Classic 400 is the European pick with a 10-year warranty. For a flat, dry lawn where you want the lowest-maintenance experience, the Fiskars StaySharp 17-Inch is the premium pick. You can also browse our manual espresso machine guide for more hand-powered tool recommendations.
Whichever manual push lawn mower you choose, mow frequently, clear sticks before each session, and oil the reel once per season. Your lawn will look better, your neighbors will not hear you, and you will save the cost of gas, oil, spark plugs, and batteries for years to come.
