10 Best Reel Lawn Mowers 2025 in the United States

The American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14GC is a 14-inch 5-blade push reel lawn mower that stands out for its environmentally friendly operation, as it is both pollution-free and noise-free. Its 14-inch cutting width is suitable for small to medium-sized lawns, while the 5-blade reel and 10-inch polymer wheels enhance maneuverability. The mower's blades are made from heat-treated alloy steel, which ensures long-term sharpness and durability.

Additionally, it features an adjustable cutting height between 1 and 2.25 inches for a customizable lawn cut. Weighing 18 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to handle, making it accessible for users of varying strength levels. The T-style handle with a cushioned grip further improves comfort during use. One notable inclusion is the grass catcher, which helps in collecting clippings and maintaining a clean lawn.

However, the 14-inch cutting width may require more passes on larger lawns, and manual operation can be more labor-intensive compared to powered mowers. Despite these minor drawbacks, this mower is an excellent choice for those seeking a low-maintenance, eco-friendly lawn care solution.

The Great States 415-16 is a solid choice if you have a small to medium-sized lawn and want an eco-friendly, manual reel mower. It offers a 16-inch cutting width, which is a bit narrower than some larger mowers, so it’s best suited for smaller yards where maneuverability matters. The mower features heat-treated blades that stay sharp longer, providing a clean and quality cut without needing electricity or gas. You can adjust the cutting height from half an inch up to two and a half inches, allowing flexibility depending on your grass type or season, though you need to adjust both sides evenly, which might take a little patience.

Its 10-inch ball bearing wheels help it roll smoothly, and the T-style handle with a powder-coated finish is designed for durability and rust resistance. At just over 2 pounds, it’s quite lightweight, making it easy to push and store. However, the narrower cutting width might mean more passes on larger lawns, and adjusting the height on both sides can be a bit fiddly.

This mower serves as a reliable and straightforward tool for those who want a low-maintenance, environmentally friendly mower for smaller green spaces.

The Earthwise 2001-20EW is a manual reel lawn mower with a 20-inch cutting width, making it suitable for small to medium-sized lawns. Its 5-blade reel is made from heat-treated alloy steel, which means the blades stay sharper longer, helping deliver clean and even cuts. The mower’s cutting height can be easily adjusted between 1 and 3 inches, giving some flexibility for different grass lengths.

Weighing about 27 pounds, it is light enough to push comfortably without being too heavy, which is important for maneuvering around your yard. The handle features an ergonomic design with a cushioned grip, adding to user comfort during use. Users will appreciate that it requires no electricity or gas, making it eco-friendly and low-maintenance.

As a manual mower, it demands physical effort and may not be ideal for larger, thick, or uneven lawns. The cutting height adjustment range is somewhat limited, which might not suit all grass types or preferred cutting lengths. Also, while the mower is praised for its build quality and ease of assembly, its smaller rear wheels could affect stability on rough terrain. This mower is a good choice if you’re looking for a simple, environmentally friendly option for regular lawn upkeep on flat or gently sloped areas.