Unlike gas or electric mowers, reel mowers rely on manual operation, making them eco-friendly, quieter, and low-maintenance. With many models on the market, choosing the right one can be confusing.
This Reel Mower Comparison Chart simplifies your decision by comparing popular models across different brands based on cutting width, blade type, wheel size, and key features.
Reel Mower Comparison Chart
Scotts
| Model | Cutting Width | Blade Type | Wheel Size | Adjustable Height | Weight | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotts 2000-20 | 20 in | 5-blade | 8 in | 5 settings | 26 lbs | $80–$100 |
| Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-16 | 16 in | 5-blade | 7 in | 3 settings | 22 lbs | $70–$90 |
| Scotts Classic 20 | 20 in | 5-blade | 8 in | 4 settings | 25 lbs | $90–$110 |
Fiskars
| Model | Cutting Width | Blade Type | Wheel Size | Adjustable Height | Weight | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower | 18 in | 5-blade | 9 in | 4 settings | 30 lbs | $150–$170 |
| Fiskars StaySharp Eco | 16 in | 5-blade | 8 in | 3 settings | 24 lbs | $120–$140 |
| Fiskars StaySharp Classic | 20 in | 5-blade | 10 in | 5 settings | 32 lbs | $160–$180 |
American Lawn Mower Company
| Model | Cutting Width | Blade Type | Wheel Size | Adjustable Height | Weight | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1204-14 | 14 in | 5-blade | 6 in | 3 settings | 19 lbs | $60–$75 |
| 1204-16 | 16 in | 5-blade | 7 in | 3 settings | 21 lbs | $70–$85 |
| 1204-18 | 18 in | 5-blade | 8 in | 5 settings | 23 lbs | $80–$100 |
| 20-inch model | 20 in | 5-blade | 10 in | 6 settings (2-3 in) | 28.6 lbs | $90–$110 |
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Great States
| Model | Cutting Width | Blade Type | Wheel Size | Adjustable Height | Weight | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 415-16 | 16 in | 5-blade | 7 in | 3 settings | 22 lbs | $70–$85 |
| 415-18 | 18 in | 5-blade | 8 in | 4 settings | 24 lbs | $80–$95 |
| 415-20 | 20 in | 5-blade | 9 in | 5 settings | 26 lbs | $90–$110 |
Earthwise
| Model | Cutting Width | Blade Type | Wheel Size | Adjustable Height | Weight | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ERM18016 | 16 in | 5-blade | 8 in | 3 settings | 23 lbs | $100–$120 |
| ERM18018 | 18 in | 5-blade | 9 in | 4 settings | 25 lbs | $120–$140 |
| ERM18020 | 20 in | 5-blade | 10 in | 5 settings | 28 lbs | $140–$160 |
| 1715 | 16 in | 7-blade | 10 in | 7 settings (0.5-2.5 in) | 21.8 lbs | $90–$110 |
Greenworks
| Model | Cutting Width | Blade Type | Wheel Size | Adjustable Height | Weight | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RM1400 | 14 in | 5-blade | 10 in front / 6 in rear | 9 settings (1.06-2 in) | 23.9 lbs | $80–$100 |
| 25052 | 16 in | 5-blade | 10 in | 4 settings (1.125-2.25 in) | 26 lbs | $90–$110 |
| 25072 | 20 in | 5-blade | 10 in | 3 settings (1.375-2.5 in) | 30.4 lbs | $100–$130 |
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Sun Joe
| Model | Cutting Width | Blade Type | Wheel Size | Adjustable Height | Weight | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJ503M | 14 in | 5-blade | 8.5 in | 9 settings (1.1-2.9 in) | 22 lbs | $70–$90 |
| MJ501M | 18 in | 5-blade | 8.5 in | 9 settings (0.5-2.5 in) | 26 lbs | $90–$110 |
| MJ502M | 20 in | 5-blade | 6 in rear | 9 settings (1.2-2.4 in) | 30 lbs | $100–$120 |
Craftsman
| Model | Cutting Width | Blade Type | Wheel Size | Adjustable Height | Weight | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304-14CR | 14 in | 5-blade | 8.5 in | 4 settings (0.5-1.75 in) | 20 lbs | $60–$80 |
| 1816-16CR | 16 in | 5-blade | 10 in | 6 settings (1-3 in) | 22 lbs | $80–$100 |
| 1816-18CR | 18 in | 5-blade | 10 in | 6 settings (1-3 in) | 24 lbs | $90–$110 |
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Remington
| Model | Cutting Width | Blade Type | Wheel Size | Adjustable Height | Weight | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RM3000 | 16 in | 5-blade | 10 in front | 9 settings (0.75-2.5 in) | 25 lbs | $80–$100 |
| RM3100 | 18 in | 5-blade | 10 in | 9 settings (0.75-2.5 in) | 28.4 lbs | $100–$120 |
Amazon Basics
| Model | Cutting Width | Blade Type | Wheel Size | Adjustable Height | Weight | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18-Inch Reel Mower | 18 in | 5-blade | 10 in | 7 settings (0.5-2.75 in) | 25.5 lbs | $70–$90 |
How to Choose a Reel Mower
- Cutting Width: Wider decks cut more grass per pass, but may be harder to maneuver.
- Blade Type: Most reel mowers have 5-blade or 7-blade cylinders; more blades give a cleaner cut.
- Wheel Size: Larger wheels roll more smoothly on uneven terrain.
- Adjustability: Some mowers allow height adjustment for different grass lengths.
- Ease of Use: Lightweight models are easier to push and store.
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FAQs
Which is the best reel mower?
The best reel mower depends on your lawn size, terrain, and personal preferences. For small to medium lawns, lightweight models like Scotts 2000-16 or Sun Joe MJ504M are excellent for ease of use. For larger or premium lawns, Fiskars StaySharp Max or Allett Classic 20 offer wider cutting widths, sharper blades, and smoother performance.
Which is better, 5-blade or 7-blade reel mower?
A 7-blade reel mower generally provides a cleaner, more precise cut than a 5-blade model because it slices the grass more times per pass. However, 5-blade mowers are lighter, easier to push, and sufficient for most home lawns. The choice depends on whether you prioritize cutting quality or ease of use.
How many blades are best for a reel mower?
For most home lawns, a 5- to 7-blade cylinder is ideal. Fewer than 5 blades can result in a rough cut, while more than 7 blades may be heavier and harder to push without a significant improvement in cut quality for residential lawns.
How tall of grass will a reel mower cut?
Reel mowers work best on grass that is up to 3–4 inches tall. They are not designed for overgrown lawns. For taller or very thick grass, it’s recommended to first trim with a rotary mower or reduce the height gradually over multiple passes.
What are the disadvantages of a reel mower?
- Requires physical effort; can be tiring on large lawns.
- Less effective on very tall or thick grass.
- Not suitable for lawns with many obstacles like rocks or sticks.
- Limited cutting width compared to gas or electric mowers, so it takes longer to mow large areas.
Why did people stop using reel mowers?
Reel mowers were largely replaced by gas and electric rotary mowers due to convenience. Motorized mowers require less effort, can handle taller or thicker grass, and cut larger areas faster. Reel mowers remain popular for small lawns and environmentally conscious homeowners because of their low maintenance, quiet operation, and eco-friendliness.
