The best reel mowers produce sharp and straight cuts. Reel mowers work like scissors. And so, it’s healthier for the lawn health. The cut grass may have no tears. Therefore, you can avoid the cut line brown grass and the risk of disease.
The outlook of all kinds of reel mowers seems similar. However, their operation, function, and source of energy may be different. In other words, there are various types of reel mowers. As a result, it will take you a few minutes to determine which one is the most suitable. No need for trouble. In this very article, we will give you some recommendations.
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- The 7 Best Cordless Lawn Mowers For Your Garden
How to choose the best reel mowers?
Not all reel mowers are created the same. You need to differentiate one from the other. In this case, make sure to consider the factors that will be mentioned below, making it easier for you to arrive at a well-informed choice.
Cost-Effectiveness
When it comes to reel mowers, it is tempting to choose a product that comes with the cheapest price tag. However, while this can be good as you won’t have to spend a lot, it could lead to compromising quality. Many of the cheap reel mowers are made with the use of inferior materials. Their cut quality and durability can also be dismal. With this, it would be better to invest in a more expensive product if it is going to provide you with an assurance of having quality and functionality that will be hard to rival.
There are many factors that will affect the price of the reel mower. Its size, design, and overall construction, including the materials used, will all influence its price. Cost will also be dependent on the way the wheels and reel mower blades are made, among other essential components. If it is made by a trusted and established brand, there are also chances that it is going to be more expensive compared to those that are made by lesser known companies.
Reviews From Other People
If you are clueless about which option can prove to be the best, you can resort to reading online reviews or asking around people you personally know who have used reel mowers in the past. Ask them about their experiences. Ask them about customer service from the manufacturer, ease of use, comfort, cut quality, and other factors. By asking the right questions, you will be able to easily weigh the pros and cons from the possibilities that will confront you. Never make any final decision without consulting the feedback of its past users. If you have a friend or a neighbor who owns a reel mower, you can even see it personally. This is an opportunity for you to try the mower and see if it is a good fit for your needs.
Warranty Coverage
It is also important to consider the warranty that will be offered by the manufacturer. The standard warranty is one year, which is also the minimum. If you want the best value for money and the guarantee that your reel mower will be functional for a long time, look for products with at least a three or five-year warranty. Meaning, that within such a period, you can return the reel mower to the manufacturer and they can have it repaired for free if there are any defects. It is important, however, to keep in mind that there are certain conditions that will be necessary for the mower to be eligible for the warranty. For instance, if the problems are because of your negligence, it will most probably not be covered by the warranty.
Ease of Use
Many people, do not find mowing an appealing task. The reason is simple – it is tiring. This is especially true if you have a large yard and if you have to do it under the scorching heat of the sun. The good news is that mowing can be an easier activity. How is this possible? Through making sure that you have the right reel mower. It should be built with features that will make it user-friendly.
One of the most important would be the size and the weight of the reel mower. Remember, you need to push the mower to be able to do the job. Therefore, it is critical to choose one that has a compact and lightweight body, which means that you will not have to push it with much effort. However, smaller and lighter models can also have limited cutting paths, which is why they would work best only in small yards.
You should also take a look at the way the wheels are designed. They should be made in such a way that they can offer excellent traction and they must be easy to swivel. Regardless of the type of grass and surface, the wheel must be able to demonstrate an impressive performance. Otherwise, more effort will be required on your end in having the reel mower pushed.
Comfort
Discomfort is one of the most common complaints among people who are using reel mowers. Yes, they can indeed be uncomfortable, but this will depend on the specific brand and model that you will be choosing. To be assured of your comfort, one of the considerations would be the way the handle is designed. It should provide a contoured grip and should also be padded or well-cushioned. More so, a lightweight and compact reel mower will also be more comfortable to use that one that is heavy and large. Look at the design of the wheels as well. It should be constructed in such a way that it will be able to promote ease of maneuverability.
Cut Quality
This is another important consideration when trying to differentiate the options that you will have. To be assured of the best cut quality, you should look at the design of the blades. They should be made from excellent materials such as stainless steel. It should be durable to withstand many years. In addition, it should also be made to be flexible, which will provide it with the capability to work on any type of grass, even if they are long and thick. It will also be good if the blades have self-sharpening technology, which will minimize the effort that you have to spare when it comes to maintenance. A good cut quality means that it can trim grass at a consistent height.
Versatility
When it comes to reel mowers, when you talk about versatility, more often than not, this would be in reference to its cutting height. There are various cutting heights in different models. Make sure to choose one that is adjustable, providing you with flexibility. More than just having options for cutting height, the adjustments must also be a snap to make. In addition, a versatile model must also come with an adjustable handle, making it possible to have it positioned in such a way that it will be most comfortable for the user.
Maintenance
Generally speaking, reel mowers will require minimal maintenance. Nonetheless, to be sure of its long-term functionality, it is highly recommended that you should be knowledgeable enough to know how well it can be maintained. After every use, before keeping it in the storage room, make sure that it is cleaned properly. No grass clippings should be remained stuck on the wheels or blades. It will also be good to keep the blades well-lubricated. This is vital in terms of being able to maintain its sharpness. At all times, refer to the instructions from the manufacturer, including directions for care and maintenance.
Further reading: How to maintain your lawn mower?
The 7 Best Reel Mowers Of 2022
1. Great States 815-18 Reel Lawn Mower – Best push reel mower
Specifications:
| Mower type | Reel Mower |
| Power Source | Corded Mower |
| Cutting width | 18 Inches |
| Adjustable cutting height | YES (From 0.5 inches to 2.75 inches) |
| Weight | 27 Pounds |
The first item for you is an item from the Greenworks brand. With 18 inches cutting wide, you can snip the grass perfectly in a few minutes. This is one of the best choices for people who want to use the clippings as a kind of fertilizer. It has both rear bag and mulching capabilities. And so, the mower distributes the cut grass evenly. You won’t get annoyed because of the messy clippings.
Moreover, the adjustable mowing deck gives you a big convenience. Even if you have a tidy garden or a no-maintenance garden, this reel mower can cover all types. The range of height is from 0.5 inch to 2.75 inches. Thanks to the wide range, you needn’t waste your time repeating the mowing.
After all, those aren’t all of the highlights of this model. The dynamic wheel helps you move across the thick, wet, and breeze grass without any effort. Thanks to the 10 inches composite wheels. It works efficiently on uneven ground as well. (Recommendation: 5 Best Lawn Mowers for Large Uneven Ground)
Pros:
- The fast-cutting action.
- Grass bags and mulching are available.
- The wheel system is dynamic.
Cons:
- A short lifespan (about 4 years).
- You may need some force to operate it in an overgrown garden.
2. Sun Joe MJ501M 9-Position Adjustable Cutting Height – Top pick
Specifications:
| Mower type | Reel Mower |
| Power Source | Manual |
| Cutting width | 18 Inches |
| Adjustable cutting height | YES (9 levels, up to 2.44 inches) |
| Weight | 30 Pounds |
This is one of the top reel mowers for small gardens. It is ideal for people who wish for a perfect lawn with aesthetic borders on the lawn. The Sun Joe MJ501M is suitable for both males and females. Thanks to the lightweight, you won’t feel tired when operating this. Sun Joe MJ501M will have a longer lifespan compared to other models because the deck is made from rust-resistant materials.
The grass bag capacity is gallons of clippings. The bag is easy to empty as well. It is one of the best reel lawn mowers for uneven ground. The mower maneuvers on the lawns without any difficulties. This is because of 10 inches front wheels and 6 inches side wheels. The grip is made from foam. Moreover, the height is adjustable. This model is an affordable reel mower for everyone.
Pros:
- It’s small in size.
- The foam grip gives you a big comfort when pushing.
- 6.6 gallons grass bag.
- The deck is anti-rust.
Cons:
- Front wheels have a short lifespan.
- The max height is low.
- It produces a big noise.
3. Scotts 2000-20 20-inch Classic – Scotts Reel Mower
Specifications:
| Mower type | Reel Mower |
| Power Source | Self-propelled |
| Cutting width | 20 Inches |
| Adjustable cutting height | YES (From 1 inch to 3 inches) |
| Weight | 34 pounds |
Looking at the opinions of its users, one thing that is frequently highlighted is its ease of assembly. When it is taken out of the box, you do not have to exert a lot of effort in putting all the pieces together. There are no complications and the manufacturer also provides a comprehensive instruction manual.
More so, it should also be pointed out that it has Precision Blade Technology, which is perhaps one of the reasons for its dependability. It is equipped with five steel blades that have been heat treated for precision and durability. Nonetheless, there are some users who noted that in spite of this technology, it can still exhibit difficulty when cutting thick and large grass.
It also comes with Dual Wheel Tracking, which is one of the features making it user-friendly. It is designed with 10-inch composite wheels and 6-inch tracking wheels. However, since it is a push lawn mower, it is meant specifically for flat surfaces. When it is used in hilly areas, more effort will be required on your end.
Pros:
- Operates quietly
- Lightweight construction
Cons:
- Won’t cut tall grass
- Requires more effort in cutting thick grass
4. Staysharp Max Reel Mower, 18-Inch Fiskars Reel Mower – Best for budget
Specifications:
| Mower type | Reel Mower |
| Power Source | Manual |
| Cutting width | 18 Inches |
| Adjustable cutting height | YES (From 1 inch to 4 inches) |
| Weight | 52 Pounds |
Among other things, the StaySharp Cutting System is one of the best features of this Fiskars Staysharp Max reel mower. The blades are able to cut grass without touching each other. This is going to prolong its functional life and will also make sure that they are going to be sharp for an extended period.
This is a reel mower that is made for all grass types. It does not matter what kind of grass is in your lawn, it will be cut precisely by the lawn mower. It can work well in Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine, among others. It is a different story, however, once the grass grows too thick and long. Therefore, make sure to have it trimmed even before it grows.
It comes with an inset wheel design. The latter is beneficial in terms of side cutting and also when it comes to being easy to maneuver.
This reel mower has a cutting width of 18 inches. It will be able to easily trim your lawn even if it is a large one as it can cut a generous width in a single pass.
Pros:
- Adjustable handle
- Environmentally-friendly
Cons:
- Not best for overgrown grass
- No option for bagging
5. Fiskars 17-inch Staysharp Push Reel Lawn Mower
Specifications:
| Mower type | Reel Mower |
| Power Source | Self-propelled |
| Cutting width | 17 Inches |
| Adjustable cutting height | YES (From 1.5 inches to 3.5 inches) |
| Weight | 52.00 lbs |
This is basically the same with the push lawn mower that has been discussed above. The main difference is that it is smaller. It has a cutting deck with a width of only 17 inches. If you have a smaller lawn, this can prove to be an excellent alternative. Also, because of its size, it can be easy to maneuver. You do not need to exert a lot of effort in its use.
The blade is one of the most important parts of the reel mower and the manufacturer makes sure that it will be dependable. In this model, the blades are made from premium materials that will stay sharp for an extended period. Even through the years, you can be confident that its blades will demonstrate reliable cutting capability.
More so, compared to the traditional options for reel mowers that you can find in the market, the manufacturer claims that this is better because it is easier to push by as much as 30%. One of the reasons for this is its compact body, especially because the cutting deck has minimal width.
Pros:
- Compact body
- Easy to swivel
Cons:
- Limited cutting width
- Not good for large yards
6. Great States 415-16 16-inch Push Reel Lawn Mower
Specifications:
| Mower type | Reel Mower |
| Power Source | Manual |
| Cutting width | 16 Inches |
| Adjustable cutting height | YES (From 1 inch to 2.5 inches) |
| Weight | 1 Kilograms |
For those who are on the lookout for an affordable option, this should be on the top of the list. In spite of its practical price, however, quality and functionality will never be compromised.
This model comes with a 16-inch cutting width. It is not as generous as the ones from the higher end of the market, but if you only have a small lawn, this will be more than enough. Because the cutting width is minimal, you can also be sure that it is going to be compact and lightweight, making it user-friendly.
It is powered by five blades that are made from heat-treated steel. Without a doubt, the blades are durable. Even through the years, they will remain functional. Nonetheless, to be able to retain its best functionality, make sure to have it sharpened as instructed by the manufacturer.
When it comes to the comfort of the user, this is also going to be an impressive choice. The T-designed body, for instance, makes it easy to move around. It also comes with a cushioned grip which will promote comfortable handling. The wheels are also excellent as they are designed to move easily on different surfaces.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Adjustable height
Cons:
- Blades should be sharpened
- No collection bag
7. American Lawn Mower 1204-14 Hand Reel 14-inch Reel Lawn Mower
Specifications:
| Mower type | Reel Mower |
| Power Source | Self-propelled |
| Cutting width | 14 Inches |
| Adjustable cutting height | YES (From 0.5 inch to 1.75 inches) |
| Weight | 1 Kilogram |
For those who are looking for a reel mower that is economical, yet one that does not fall short in terms of quality, this will make an excellent pick. It has been a preferred choice by many because of its dependability and ease of use.
From its long list of innovative features, one that should be definitely highlighted is the high-impact wheel, which is directly proportional to its performance. It is designed with 8.5-inch diameter wheels, which are constructed from polymer. They also have an exceptional construction, making it easy to tread well in a variety of surfaces. Its traction provides it with a strong grip on the surface.
For the people who have already used this reel mower, one of the things they loved is how comfortable it is to use. One of the reasons for this is the fact that it weighs only 19 pounds. With this, moving the mower around will surely be almost effortless on your end. It also comes with plastic grips on its handle preventing slipping.
This model comes with an alloy steel reel. The latter is known for being long-lasting while being able to maintain minimal weight.
Pros:
- Competitive price
- Lightweight and compact body
Cons:
- Minimal cutting width
- Limited height options
FAQs on best reel mower reviews
1. Is it difficult to operate a reel mower?
There is no difficulty at all. You just need to push the reel mower. If the garden is maintained regularly, you can operate effortlessly. However, to a through tall and dense lawn, you may need more force.
2. Can a reel mower work on a rainy day?
Yes, it can. Although it is a rainy day, your reel mower can cut the grass easily.
Related Post: What is the best lawn mower for rainy days?
3. Should I cut the grass with a reel mower frequently?
In a normal situation, you can mow the lawn two to three times per week. If the grass is taller than one-third of the blades, this sign tells that the lawn needs mowing.
4. Do the blades need sharpening?
Sharpening the reel mower blade is one of the maintenance that you should do. The sharp blades help you cut faster and cleaner. Ideally, you sharpen the blades every 20 mowing hours.
Final thoughts on best reel lawn mowers
All of the items in this article perform stability with a low level of fuel consumption, even though we determine the best ones by considering some key aspects. If you are in a special situation, the best reel mowers list may not work. No type of reel mower can work effectively in an overgrown garden. Experienced gardeners often buy both the push and reel mower. The push mower helps cut the overgrown grass. On the other hand, you use the reel mower for grass weekly maintenance.
A mower that has a quiet engine, environmental, and no-need fuel can attract everyone. And fortunately, those are what we talk about the real mower. For the above reasons, investing in a reel mower is a must.