14-Inch 5-Blade Manual Push Reel Lawn Mower Cordless, with Removable Grass Catcher Bag & Adjustable Cutting Height, for Yard & Garden Grass Cutting Review

Overview

The 14-Inch 5-Blade Manual Push Reel Lawn Mower is a budget-friendly, muscle-powered cutting tool designed for small lawns and eco-conscious homeowners who want to ditch gas, cords, and batteries. With a removable grass catcher bag and adjustable cutting height, it targets those with modest yards (under 1/4 acre) who prefer a quiet, low-maintenance approach to lawn care. At just $84.99, it’s one of the cheapest reel mowers on the market, but the 3.3-star rating hints at some trade-offs.

Who Should Buy This

• Apartment dwellers with tiny patches of grass – If your “lawn” is a 200-square-foot strip or a small courtyard, this mower’s 14-inch cutting width is plenty, and it stows easily in a closet or corner.
• Eco-purists who hate gas cans and extension cords – You want zero emissions, zero noise complaints, and zero trips to the gas station. This mower delivers a whisper-quiet, clean cut with zero fuel or electricity costs.
• Budget-conscious homeowners with flat, well-maintained lawns – If your grass is never more than 3 inches tall and your yard is free of sticks, rocks, and thick weeds, this mower can save you money over a gas or electric model.
• Fitness-minded gardeners who want a light workout – Pushing a reel mower burns about 200 calories per hour. If you’re looking to combine yard work with a gentle walk, this fits the bill.

Key Features Breakdown

• 14-Inch Cutting Width – This is narrow. It’s fine for tiny lawns, but on a 1/4-acre yard you’ll be making a lot of passes. For comparison, most gas mowers cut 20–22 inches. Expect about 30% more walking time vs. a standard mower.
• 5-Blade Reel – More blades typically mean a finer, scissor-like cut. Five blades is average for a budget reel mower; premium models often have 7–10. It’ll handle thin, soft grass well but struggles with thicker blades like Bermuda or St. Augustine.
• Removable Grass Catcher Bag – A rare feature at this price. Most cheap reel mowers have no bagger. This one clips onto the back and holds a modest amount of clippings. It’s useful for preventing clumps on the lawn, but it’s small and fills up fast on even slightly damp grass.
• Adjustable Cutting Height – This model offers a few height settings, typically between 1 and 2.5 inches. That’s fine for warm-season grasses cut short, but it won’t handle a tall, overgrown lawn. If your grass is above 3 inches, you’ll need to trim it first with a string trimmer.
• Manual Push (No Motor) – Zero fuel, zero battery, zero noise. You also get zero power assist. On flat ground it’s easy; on slopes or thick grass, you’ll feel the resistance in your legs and back.

Pros

1. Dead quiet – You can mow at 6 AM without waking the neighbors. The only sound is the blades clicking against the bed knife.
2. No fuel or electricity costs – Plug it in? No. Fill a gas can? No. Charge a battery? No. You pay once and you’re done.
3. Lightweight and easy to maneuver – At around 15–20 pounds, you can lift it over flower beds, carry it up steps, and hang it on a wall hook.
4. Low maintenance – No oil changes, no spark plugs, no air filters. Just keep the blades sharp (a file or sharpening kit every season) and the wheels turning.
5. Environmentally friendly – Zero emissions, zero noise pollution, and no plastic battery packs to dispose of after a few years.
6. Surprisingly good for short, fine grass – If you mow often (every 3–4 days) and your grass is soft fescue or Kentucky bluegrass, the scissor cut is cleaner than a gas rotary blade.

Cons

1. Struggles with tall or thick grass – If you let the lawn get over 3 inches, the reel will jam, skip, or just flatten the grass instead of cutting it. You’ll have to go over it twice or cut it short first.
2. Narrow cutting width – 14 inches means more passes, especially on lawns over 1,000 square feet. You’ll feel the extra time on a hot day.
3. Cheap build quality – At $85, you’re getting budget materials. The plastic wheels, thin steel frame, and basic reel bearings won’t last a decade. Several reviews mention blades loosening or the bag attachment breaking within a season.
4. Not for uneven or bumpy ground – Reel mowers need a flat, smooth surface to cut evenly. Bumps, dips, or rocks cause the reel to skip patches and scalp high spots.

Bottom Line

The 14-Inch 5-Blade Manual Push Reel Mower is a decent entry-level option for someone with a very small, flat, and well-maintained lawn who wants to cut costs and noise to zero. It’s not a tool for thick turf, tall grass, or large yards—those will leave you frustrated. For $84.99, you get a lightweight, quiet mower with a bagger that’s rare at this price, but you also get narrow width and build quality that won’t survive heavy use. If your lawn is under 2,000 square feet and you’re willing to mow twice a week, it’s a solid buy. For anything bigger or tougher, save up for a wider, sturdier reel mower (like a Scotts or Great States) or go with a corded electric.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this mower cut my tall, overgrown grass?
A: No. Reel mowers work best on short grass (under 3 inches). If your lawn is overgrown, you’ll need to trim it down with a string trimmer or push mower first, then use this for regular maintenance cuts.

Q: How do I sharpen the blades?
A: The blades can be sharpened with a flat file or a specialized reel sharpening kit. You’ll need to remove the reel (usually held by a bolt on each side) and file each blade edge evenly. Expect to do this once or twice per season depending on use and debris.

Q: Does the grass catcher bag actually work?
A: It works okay on dry, short grass. On damp or long grass, clippings tend to clog the chute and the bag fills quickly (holds maybe 1–2 gallons). You’ll need to empty it frequently. Many users find it easier to just let clippings fall as mulch.