Best reel push lawn mowers (2026)

Here is your comprehensive buying guide for the best reel push lawn mowers.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

• American Lawn Mower 1415-16 (16-Inch, 5-Blade): The best all-around value. Perfect for the average suburban lawn owner who wants a clean, quiet cut without breaking the bank.
• American Lawn Mower 1304-14 (14-Inch, 5-Blade): Best for small, flat lawns and tight spaces. Ideal for townhouse yards or trimming around garden beds.
• American Lawn Mower 2204-14 (14-Inch, 4-Blade): Best budget option for the absolute minimalist. Great for very short, low-maintenance grass or as a backup mower.
• American Lawn Mower Vintage (16-Inch, 5-Blade): Best for style-conscious homeowners who want a conversation piece. It mows well, but you’re paying a premium for the retro look.
• American Lawn Mower 2415-16 (16-Inch, 5-Blade): Best for the “set it and forget it” user. The larger wheels make it easier to push on uneven terrain than the standard 1415-16.
• American Lawn Mower 1815-18 (18-Inch, 5-Blade): Best for larger, flat lawns (up to 5,000 sq ft). The wider cutting deck saves time, but it requires more effort to push.
• American Lawn Mower 1204-14 (14-Inch, 4-Blade): Best for kids or teens doing yard chores. It’s light, cheap, and nearly impossible to mess up.
• Great States 304-14 (14-Inch, 5-Blade): Best for the budget-conscious buyer who wants a proven, no-frills workhorse. It’s the same quality as American Lawn Mower but often a few dollars cheaper.

How We Chose These Mowers

We evaluated these mowers based on four critical criteria for reel mowers:

1. Cutting Quality & Blade Count (Number of Blades vs. Height): A 5-blade reel gives a finer, scissor-like cut than a 4-blade reel, but requires more force to push. We prioritized 5-blade models for their superior finish, but included 4-blade options for lighter-duty users.
2. Cutting Width: We considered width in the context of effort vs. efficiency. 14-inch mowers are nimble but slow; 18-inch mowers cover ground fast but can be heavy and hard to turn. 16-inch is the sweet spot for most.
3. Build Quality & Materials: All these mowers use stamped steel frames and plastic wheels (except the Vintage model’s wooden handle). We looked for models with sealed bearings (smoother push) and thick, non-rust-prone reel blades.
4. Weight & Maneuverability: A reel mower that’s too heavy to push or too light to cut effectively is a waste. We balanced weight with wheel size. Larger wheels (10-inch vs. 8-inch) roll over bumps much better.

Detailed Reviews

American Lawn Mower Company 1415-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Best for: The majority of homeowners with a typical 2,500–5,000 sq ft lawn. Price: $105.00 This is the gold standard for value. The 16-inch cutting width is the perfect balance of speed and maneuverability. The 5-blade reel gives a golf-course-quality cut on grass under 4 inches. It’s light enough (22 lbs) to carry, but heavy enough to have momentum. The only real weakness is the plastic wheel bushings—they can bind up after a season if you don’t oil them. Verdict: Buy this one. It’s the best bang for your buck in the reel mower world.

American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Best for: Owners of very small lawns (under 1,500 sq ft) or those with tight, intricate landscaping. Price: $99.99 This is the 1415-16’s little brother. It’s incredibly nimble and fits through 20-inch garden gates easily. The 5-blade reel still delivers that sharp, clean cut. The downside? At 14 inches, you’ll be making more passes. It’s also slightly harder to push on thick grass because the smaller wheels dig in more. Verdict: A fantastic, affordable option for a tiny yard, but the 16-inch is a better value for most.

American Lawn Mower Company 2204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Best for: The absolute budget buyer or someone with very short, sparse grass (think dry climates). Price: $87.99 This is the lightest and cheapest mower on the list. The 4-blade reel is noticeably easier to push than a 5-blade, making it great for kids or seniors. The trade-off is a coarser cut—it tears grass more than it slices, especially if you let it get over 3 inches. It also has a lower max cutting height (about 2 inches). Verdict: Fine for a tiny patch of lawn you don’t care much about. For a proper lawn, spend the extra $17 on the 5-blade.

American Lawn Mower Company 16-Inch 5-Blade Vintage Reel Lawn Mower

Best for: The homeowner who wants a mower that doubles as lawn art. Price: $154.00 This mower is functionally identical to the 1415-16, but with a wooden handle and painted steel wheels that look like they’re from 1920. It cuts just as well. The weakness is the wooden handle—it’s beautiful but can crack if left in the rain, and it adds weight. You’re paying a 50% premium for aesthetics. Verdict: If you love the look and have a covered shed, it’s a joy. Otherwise, the standard 1415-16 is smarter.

American Lawn Mower Company 2415-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Reel Push Lawn Mower

Best for: People with slightly bumpy lawns or who prefer a smoother push. Price: $109.99 This model features 10-inch wheels (vs. the 8-inch on the 1415-16). Those bigger wheels roll over bumps and grass clumps much better, making it easier to push on uneven ground. It also has a slightly wider stance for stability. The weakness is that it’s a bit bulkier and harder to store. Verdict: A great upgrade if your lawn isn’t perfectly flat. The larger wheels make a real difference in push effort.

American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Best for: Owners of larger, flat lawns (up to 7,000 sq ft) who want to finish faster. Price: $141.98 This is the widest reel mower you should consider. The 18-inch deck cuts a big swath, drastically reducing mowing time. The 5-blade reel still gives a great cut. The weakness is weight (28 lbs) and turning radius—it’s a beast to turn around in tight spots. It also requires more physical effort to push than a 16-inch. Verdict: Excellent for a straightforward, open lawn. Skip it if you have lots of trees or flower beds.

American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red

Best for: The absolute cheapest way to cut grass. Price: $87.99 This is essentially the same as the 2204-14 but in red. It’s a 14-inch, 4-blade mower that cuts low and light. It’s incredibly easy to push but produces a rough cut and can’t handle tall grass. The plastic wheels are the cheapest on this list. Verdict: Only buy this if you are on a strict $90 budget. For $12 more, the 1304-14 is a significantly better mower.

Great States 304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Best for: The bargain hunter who wants a 5-blade cut without the “American Lawn Mower” brand tax. Price: $94.99 Great States is owned by the same parent company as American Lawn Mower. This mower is functionally identical to the 1304-14. It has the same 5-blade reel, same plastic wheels, same cutting height adjustments. The weakness is slightly thinner gauge steel on the frame—it can warp if you hit a rock hard. Verdict: A solid, cheaper alternative. If you find it on sale, grab it. Otherwise, the 1304-14 is a safer bet for long-term durability.

What to Look for When Buying

1. Blade Count is King: 5-blade mowers cut smoother but are harder to push. 4-blade mowers are easier to push but tear grass. For a nice lawn, get 5 blades. For a tiny patch or a kid’s chore, 4 is fine.
2. Cutting Width vs. Your Yard: 14-inch for small, tight yards. 16-inch for most standard lawns. 18-inch only if you have a very flat, open lawn. Wider = faster but heavier.
3. Wheel Size Matters: 10-inch wheels roll over bumps and thick grass far better than 8-inch wheels. If your lawn isn’t perfectly flat, pay extra for the larger wheels (like the 2415-16).
4. Cutting Height Range: Most reel mowers only cut from 1/2 inch to 2.5 inches. If you let your grass grow long (over 4 inches), a reel mower will jam. You need to mow