Is your lawn looking more like a shaggy carpet than a perfectly manicured masterpiece? Many homeowners dream of that crisp, clean stripe pattern you see on professional sports fields. Achieving that look often involves choosing the right tool, and for many, that tool is a reel lawn mower. But stepping into the world of reel mowers can feel overwhelming. You hear about the quiet operation and the incredibly sharp cut, yet you also worry about maintenance or if it can handle your specific type of grass.
Choosing the perfect Rated Reel Lawn Mower means balancing performance with ease of use. You want the best cut without wrestling with complicated adjustments or constant sharpening. We understand that sorting through features, blade types, and price points is tough. That confusion stops here.
In this guide, we cut through the noise. We will break down exactly what makes a reel mower great, highlight the top-rated models for different yard sizes, and show you how to keep yours running smoothly for years. Get ready to transform your lawn care routine and finally achieve that envy-inducing perfect cut. Let’s dive into finding your ideal reel mower!
Top Rated Reel Lawn Mower Recommendations
- Wider 18-Inch Cutting Path – Cover more ground with each pass, reducing mowing time while delivering a precise, scissor-like cut with the 5-blade reel.
- Adjustable Cutting Height – Easily switch between ½ inch to 2 ¾ inches for the perfect lawn height, tailored to different grass types and seasons.
- Ergonomic U-Style Handle – Designed for comfort and control, the cushion-grip U-handle provides a secure, comfortable grip to reduce hand and wrist strain.
- Eco-Friendly & Low Maintenance – just a smooth, quiet mowing experience that’s better for your lawn and the environment.
- Convenient Grass Catcher – Keep your yard tidy with the included grass catcher, which efficiently collects clippings for easy disposal.
- SCISSOR-LIKE CUT: No ripping or tearing of grass blades for a better and healthier lawn
- DESIGNED FOR SMALL LAWNS: CUSTOMIZE YOUR CUT: Effortlessly change the height of your cut with 9 cutting positions varying between 1.1-inches - 2.5-inches
- MAX MANEUVERABILITY: Features an 18-inch deck and 10-inch front wheels for easy navigation around the lawn
- MOTORLESS DESIGN: Environmentally friendly with no gas or batteries needed
- QUALITY MATERIALS: Designed with durable steel blades built to last
- 4-blade reel mower with a cutting width of 14” and durable 8.5” polymer wheels for maximum maneuverability. Lightweight at only 19 pounds. Reel Lawn Mowers are great for small lawns..Deluxe hand-reel mower ideal for most turf grasses.
- This push lawn mower has an adjustable blade height of 0.5”-1.75”. Capable of cutting grass up to 4 inches tall and is less effective on taller grass.
- Manual grass cutter is environment-friendly alternative to other lawn mowers. This push mower is pollution-free, noise-free, low maintenance, lightweight and easy to use.
- A reel mower uses a cutting action that does not bruise or damage the blades of grass. For best results using a reel push mower, mow no more than 1/3 of the grass blade, so that the roots stay intact.
- Increase the amount of overlap while using your push mower if your lawn reaches a height of 4 inches or more. It’s better to mow smaller amounts more frequently than it is to let the grass get long. Try not reel mower when the grass is wet.
- SCISSOR-LIKE CUT: No ripping or tearing of grass blades for a better and healthier lawn
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR CUT: Effortlessly change the height of your cut with 4 cutting positions varying between 1-inch and 2-inches
- MAX MANEUVERABILITY: Features a 14-inch deck and 10-inch front wheels for easy navigation around the lawn
- MOTORLESS DESIGN: Environmentally friendly with no gas or batteries needed
- QUALITY MATERIALS: Designed with durable hardened steel blades built to last
- 7-blade reel mower for specific lawns. 7-blade reel mowers are best suited for grass types similar to Bermuda, tiff, bent grass and zoysia
- The 7-blade reel push mower is designed for the active lawn enthusiast enjoys maintaining their short thick grass types
- 7-blade reel with a cutting width of 16" and a newly designed durable 10" wheel for maximum maneuverability
- Mechanical lawn mower with an adjustable cutting height of 0.5"- 2.5"
- Manual grass cutter blades made of heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp for years. T-style handle with a comfortable cushioned grip for better comfort
- The Great States motor-less lawnmower with an adjustable cutting height of 0.5"-2.75" for a clean, even cut
- 18" cutting width 5-blade manual push mower with 5-blade ball-bearings, and 10" composite wheels
- Push mower blades are made of high-quality alloy steel that stay sharp longer
- Loop-style lawnmower handle with cushioned grips for comfort and maneuverability; Easy to assemble without special tools
- Planet-friendly and quiet motorless lawn mower design that is low-maintenance
- 20V Lithium-Ion Reel Mower brings power and innovation to this class of mower, use without the battery as traditional reel mower or with battery to power the cylinder for ultimate cutting performance.
- Best for manicured grasses, Bermuda and Centipede grasses for excellent lawn health. Reel mowers provides a clean, scissor-like cut that helps your grass heal faster and overall, a better choice for your lawn’s health.
- 15-inch cutting width
- Height adjustment is easily adjusted by a 4-position single lever changing heights from 0.5”- 2”
- 8-inch PVC wrapped wheels with ball bearings for durability and stability across multiple grass types
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Rated Reel Lawn Mower
A reel lawn mower is a fantastic tool for a neat, healthy lawn. They cut grass like scissors, giving you a clean, striped finish. Choosing the right one makes yard work much easier. This guide helps you pick the best Rated Reel Mower for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, check these important parts first. These features decide how well the mower works and how long it lasts.
Cutting Width
The cutting width tells you how wide a strip of grass the mower cuts in one pass. Wider mowers (like 18 or 20 inches) cover large lawns faster. Smaller mowers (14 or 16 inches) work better in tight spaces or small yards.
Cutting Height Adjustment
You must control how short or tall your grass stays. Look for mowers with easy-to-change height settings. Good models let you adjust the height quickly, often with a simple lever. Low settings cut grass very short; high settings keep it longer for drought protection.
Wheel Size and Material
Larger wheels roll easier, especially over bumpy ground or thick grass. Plastic wheels are lighter but can wear out faster. Rubberized or metal wheels offer better grip and durability.
Blade Quality and Number of Blades
This is the heart of the mower. More blades often mean a cleaner cut. Look for at least five or seven blades. The blades must be made of strong, tempered steel so they stay sharp longer.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used in the mower affect its weight, strength, and maintenance needs.
- Frame: A strong steel frame lasts a long time. Aluminum frames are lighter, which makes pushing easier, but they might not be as tough as steel.
- Blades: Always choose high-quality, hardened steel. These blades resist dulling when they hit small twigs or stones.
- Handles: Padded or ergonomic handles reduce hand strain during long mowing sessions.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some design choices make mowing a joy; others make it a chore.
Quality Boosters:
- Ball Bearings in Wheels: These reduce friction, making the mower glide smoothly across the lawn.
- Easy Sharpening Access: Some high-quality reel mowers allow you to sharpen the blades without taking the whole machine apart.
- Grass Catcher Attachment: A good, durable catcher keeps clippings off your shoes and collects them neatly.
Quality Reducers:
- Flimsy Plastic Parts: Cheap plastic gears or wheel hubs often break quickly under stress.
- Difficult Adjustment Levers: If adjusting the cutting height requires tools or a lot of effort, you will avoid setting it correctly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how often you will mow.
For Small, Flat Yards (Under 1/4 Acre): A lighter, 14-inch model works perfectly. You do not need heavy-duty components. Ease of storage is important here.
For Medium to Large Yards (Over 1/4 Acre): Choose a wider cutting path (18 inches or more) and durable wheels. You want a mower that rolls easily for long periods.
For Thick or Tall Grass: Reel mowers work best on grass that is cut regularly (weekly). If your grass gets very tall, you might need to pass over the area twice, or use a higher cutting setting first. Always push slowly for the best cut in tough areas.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Rated Reel Lawn Mowers
Q: Are reel mowers hard to push compared to gas mowers?
A: Generally, no. Since they have no engine, they are much lighter. They require a steady push, but they roll very easily when the blades are sharp and the wheels have good bearings.
Q: Do reel mowers handle weeds?
A: They cut soft weeds very well. However, thick, tough weeds or vines can sometimes jam the blades. They work best on maintained turf.
Q: How often do I need to sharpen the blades?
A: If you mow once a week on a normal lawn, you might only need to sharpen them once per season. If you hit dirt or small rocks often, you will need to sharpen them sooner.
Q: What is the best way to store my reel mower?
A: Store it in a dry place, like a shed or garage. Always ensure the blades are clean and dry before storing to prevent rust.
Q: Can I use a reel mower on slopes?
A: Yes, they are safe for slopes. Because they do not have a motor, you have total control over the speed, which is safer than controlling a motorized mower on an incline.
Q: What is the ‘scissor action’ cut?
A: Reel mowers cut grass by trapping the blade of grass between the rotating reel blades and the fixed bottom blade (the bedknife). This is like using scissors, which leaves a very clean, healthy edge on the grass blade.
Q: Do reel mowers leave grass clippings behind?
A: They drop the clippings right back onto the lawn. Since reel mowers cut so finely, these small clippings break down quickly and act as natural fertilizer.
Q: How do I choose the right cutting height?
A: Most experts suggest never removing more than one-third of the grass blade length at a time. Set the height so that you are only trimming the top portion of the grass.
Q: Are the noise levels loud?
A: Reel mowers are extremely quiet. You will hear the light “snip-snip” sound of the blades, but they do not produce the loud engine noise associated with gas mowers.
Q: What is the main disadvantage of a reel mower?
A: The main drawback is that they require a slightly longer, more consistent mowing schedule. They struggle with very tall, overgrown grass.