10 Best Reel Mowers 2026 in the United States

The American Lawn Mower Company 16-Inch 5-Blade Vintage Reel Lawn Mower is a solid choice for those wanting an eco-friendly, manual mower that’s quiet and easy to maintain. It has a 16-inch cutting width, which works well for smaller to medium-sized lawns but may require more passes on larger areas. The 5 sharp, heat-treated alloy steel blades hold their edge for years, providing a clean cut. You can adjust the cutting height between 0.5 and 2.5 inches in five steps, allowing some flexibility depending on your grass type and lawn care preferences.

Weighing 20 pounds, it’s light enough to push comfortably and its 10-inch polymer wheels with metal hubs help with smooth maneuvering over various surfaces. The wooden upper handle gives a classic feel but might not offer the ergonomic comfort found on some newer models. Assembly is required, but users generally find it straightforward.

This mower is ideal if you want a low-maintenance, pollution-free alternative to gas or electric mowers and have a smaller yard where the 16-inch width is practical. However, if you have large lawns or prefer powered options for quicker mowing, this might feel a bit slow. It is a dependable, vintage-style reel mower that balances efficient cutting with environmental friendliness.

The LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower features an 18-inch cutting width, which makes it a suitable choice for medium-sized lawns, allowing you to cover a good amount of ground with each pass. It comes with five steel blades, known for delivering a scissor-like cut that is healthier for your lawn compared to traditional mowers that can tear the grass.

The mower also offers excellent versatility with nine adjustable cutting heights ranging from 0.75 inches to 2 inches, making it easy to customize the length of your lawn to your preference. Adjusting the height is straightforward and user-friendly, making it accessible for most users. Weighing in at 33.1 pounds, it is relatively lightweight for a reel mower, which aids in maneuverability. The 10-inch front wheels and ergonomic handle design further enhance this ease of use, making it easier to navigate around obstacles and edges.

The inclusion of a collection bag is a handy feature to keep your lawn tidy without extra effort. Being motorless, the LawnMaster LMRM1801 is environmentally friendly, requiring no gas or batteries, and thus low on maintenance.

The American Lawn Mower Company 1725-16GC 16-inch 7-Blade Reel Mower with Grass Catcher is designed for those who enjoy maintaining short, thick grass types such as Bermuda, tiff, bent grass, and zoysia. One of its strengths is the 7-blade reel, which provides a precise cut and is especially effective on these specific grass types. The cutting width of 16 inches ensures that you can cover a decent amount of lawn with each pass, and the adjustable cutting height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches offers flexibility to achieve your desired grass length.

The 10-inch wheels make the mower easy to maneuver, and the T-style handle with a cushioned grip adds to the comfort during use. The mower is made of heat-treated alloy steel, which keeps the blades sharp for years, reducing the need for frequent maintenance. Weighing 21 pounds, this reel mower is relatively lightweight, making it easy to push without much effort.

However, being a manual mower, it requires physical effort to operate, which might not be suitable for everyone, especially those with larger lawns or physical limitations. Additionally, while the grass catcher is a useful feature, it may need frequent emptying if you have a large lawn. In conclusion, this reel mower is ideal for lawn enthusiasts with small to medium-sized lawns and specific grass types who appreciate the eco-friendliness and quiet operation of a manual mower.