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10 Best Reel Mowers
From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
Buying Guide for the Best Reel Mowers
Choosing a reel mower is a great step toward simple, eco-friendly lawn care. Reel mowers are those classic, human-powered mowers with rotating blades—ideal for small to medium lawns and for those aiming to avoid noise, fumes, and maintenance issues of gas or electric mowers. To pick the right reel mower, you'll want to think about your lawn's size, the grass type and thickness, your own physical comfort, and how much time you're willing to spend mowing. Paying attention to a few key features will help you find a mower that makes regular mowing easier, more efficient, and satisfying.Cutting WidthThe cutting width is the span the mower cuts with every pass, usually measured in inches. Wider cutting widths (around 18–20 inches) cover more ground at once, letting you finish faster, but can be heavier and harder to maneuver in tight spaces or intricate lawns. Narrower widths (around 14–16 inches) are lighter and easier to handle, especially for smaller or detailed lawns, but will require more passes for the same area. Choose a width based on your lawn’s size and shape: bigger lawns benefit from wider mowers, while smaller, detailed lawns or lawns with lots of obstacles are easier with a narrower mower.
Blade CountThe blade count refers to how many blades are on the reel. More blades (like 7 or more) give a cleaner, finer cut, which is especially good for short, fine grasses, but they can be tougher to push through thick or tall grass. Fewer blades (4 or 5) are easier to push and better at handling longer or coarser grass, though the cut may be slightly less even. Consider what kind of grass you have and how often you mow—short, fine, frequently cut lawns benefit from more blades, but if you have thick or sometimes overgrown grass, fewer blades might suit you better.
Adjustable Cutting HeightAdjustable cutting height lets you control how short you cut your grass. Mowers usually offer a range, for example from 0.5 to 3 inches. Higher settings are good for longer, thicker grass or for hotter climates where keeping the grass longer protects roots. Lower settings are suitable for neat, close cuts on well-maintained lawns. If you like to change your lawn’s look or adapt to different seasons, look for a mower with a good range of easily adjustable heights.
Weight and ManeuverabilityReel mowers come in a variety of weights, mostly between 15 and 35 pounds. Lighter mowers are easier to push and turn, which can be especially important for users who want a less strenuous mowing experience or have a lawn full of curves and corners. Heavier models can cut thicker grass more effectively but might be harder to push over long sessions or uphill. Think about your lawn’s layout and how much effort you want to exert when picking a mower—pick lighter if easy handling is your top concern.
Grass Discharge StyleSome reel mowers simply let the clippings fall back onto the lawn (mulching), while others have a grass catcher attached to collect clippings. Letting clippings fall can return nutrients to your lawn and saves you from emptying a bag, but can look untidy if you mow infrequently or dislike the look. Grass catchers are a good option if you prefer a cleaner appearance or want to use clippings for mulch elsewhere. Choose based on your preference for cleanup and what you plan to do with the grass clippings.
Handle Comfort and AdjustmentA lot of reel mowers have adjustable or cushioned handles to make mowing more comfortable. Adjustable handles let you set the height so it’s easier on your back and arms, especially important if you’re taller or shorter than average. Cushioned grips reduce hand fatigue on longer mowing sessions. If you plan to mow often or for longer periods, handle comfort will really make a difference; try to pick a model with an adjustable or ergonomically designed handle.