Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Grey Review

Overview

The Earthwise 1715-16EW is a 16-inch, 7-blade reel mower designed for homeowners who want a quiet, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance alternative to gas or electric mowers. It’s best suited for small to medium lawns (up to 1/4 acre) with relatively flat terrain and grass that’s kept at a moderate height—think tidy suburban yards, not overgrown meadows.

Who Should Buy This

• Homeowners with small, flat lawns (under 1/4 acre): If you’re pushing a mower for 20 minutes max, this reel mower is light, nimble, and won’t leave you wrestling with extension cords or gas cans. Perfect for postage-stamp front yards or compact backyards.
• Eco-conscious buyers who hate fumes and noise: This mower runs on human power—zero emissions, no gas, no oil, and whisper-quiet operation. You can mow at 7 AM without waking the neighbors or disturbing your own peace.
• Budget-focused homeowners seeking long-term savings: At $114, it’s a fraction of the cost of a decent gas mower, and there are no fuel costs, filter replacements, or spark plug changes. Just occasional blade sharpening.
• Homeowners who want a light workout with their mowing: Reel mowers engage your core and arms more than self-propelled models. If you’d rather burn a few calories than sit on a riding mower, this is your tool.

Key Features Breakdown

• 16-inch cutting width: This is narrower than most gas or electric mowers (typically 20–21 inches). It means more passes to cover your lawn, but it also makes the mower lighter (about 22 lbs) and easier to maneuver around flower beds, trees, and tight corners. Ideal for smaller yards.
• 7-blade cutting reel: More blades generally mean a finer, cleaner cut—like a scissor chop vs. a blunt tear. The 7-blade design gives you a manicured finish that many homeowners prefer over rotary mowers, especially on Bermuda or fescue grasses.
• Adjustable cutting height (1/2 to 2 inches): You can dial in the grass length with a simple lever adjustment. Note: this range is on the low side—great for warm-season grasses like zoysia, but not ideal for tall fescue or lawns you keep at 3+ inches. You’ll need to mow frequently.
• No engine, no battery, no cord: This mower is 100% manual. That means zero maintenance beyond keeping the blades sharp and the wheels clean. No gas, no oil, no charging, no tripping over extension cords.
• Lightweight at ~22 lbs: You can lift it into a truck bed or carry it up a few steps without breaking a sweat. Compare that to a 60+ lb gas mower or a 40+ lb electric.
• 7-inch wheels: These are on the smaller side for a reel mower. They roll fine on flat, even turf, but they can struggle on lumpy ground or thick grass. Larger wheels (10–12 inches) are better for uneven terrain.

Pros

• Incredibly quiet operation: All you hear is the soft whir of the blades and the click of the gears. No engine roar, no vibration. You can mow in a t-shirt and still hear birds singing.
• Zero emissions and no fuel costs: This is the greenest mower you can buy. No gas, no oil, no battery disposal—just your own leg power. Your wallet and the planet both win.
• Light and easy to maneuver: At 22 lbs, it’s one of the lightest mowers on the market. Pushing it uphill or around obstacles is genuinely easy, even for smaller-framed users.
• Simple, low maintenance: No spark plugs, no air filters, no carburetors. You sharpen the blades once a season (or replace them for ~$20) and keep the wheels clean. That’s it.
• Clean, scissor-like cut: Reel mowers slice grass cleanly rather than tearing it, which reduces browning at the tips and promotes healthier turf. Your lawn will look like it was trimmed with shears.
• Compact storage: Folds flat or stands upright without taking up garage space. You can hang it on a wall hook or stash it in a corner.

Cons

• Not for tall or thick grass: If your lawn gets shaggy (over 3 inches), this mower will struggle, clog, and leave uncut patches. You must mow frequently—every 4–5 days during peak growing season.
• Limited cutting height range (0.5–2 inches): This mower can’t handle lawns kept at 3+ inches. If you prefer a taller cut for drought tolerance or weed suppression, look elsewhere.
• Narrow 16-inch width: You’ll make more passes than with a 21-inch mower. On a 1/4-acre lawn, expect an extra 10–15 minutes of pushing.
• Small wheels struggle on uneven ground: Bumps, dips, or thick thatch can cause the reel to skip or the mower to bounce, leading to an uneven cut. Best on flat, well-maintained turf.

Bottom Line

The Earthwise 1715-16EW is a solid, budget-friendly reel mower that excels in its lane: small, flat lawns with frequent mowing. It’s quiet, clean, and nearly maintenance-free—a perfect fit for the eco-conscious homeowner who doesn’t want to deal with gas, cords, or loud engines. The trade-offs are a narrow cutting width, low height range, and limited ability to handle tall grass. If you keep your lawn at 2 inches or less and mow weekly, this mower will give you a beautifully manicured yard for years. If your grass gets shaggy or your yard has hills and bumps, you’ll be frustrated. Recommended for tidy suburban lawns under 1/4 acre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I sharpen the blades on this mower?
A: You can sharpen the reel blades with a sharpening kit or a file—just run the reel backward against a flat sharpening stone. Many owners also use a “back-lapping” kit (a compound that you spread on the blades and crank backward). Alternatively, replacement blade assemblies are cheap and easy to swap.

Q: Will this mower cut Bermuda grass or St. Augustine?
A: It works well on Bermuda grass (which stays low) and thin-bladed grasses. St. Augustine, with its thick, coarse runners, can jam the reel. If you have St. Augustine, keep it mowed very short and sharp blades are critical.

Q: How often do I need to mow with this reel mower?
A: During peak growth (spring and early summer), mow every 4–5 days. If you let grass get taller