Earthwise 1816-18EW 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Grey Review

Overview

The Earthwise 1816-18EW is a manual push reel mower designed for homeowners who want a quiet, emission-free way to maintain a small to medium-sized lawn. With an 18-inch cutting width and 5-blade reel, it’s best suited for flat yards under 1/4 acre where the grass is kept at a manageable height. At just $129.89, it offers an affordable entry into manual mowing for those ready to ditch gas, extension cords, and ongoing maintenance costs.

Who Should Buy This

Homeowners with small, flat lawns (under 1/4 acre): This mower shines on modest-sized lots where you can finish the job in 30 minutes or less without breaking a sweat. It’s ideal for yards without steep slopes or dense, tall grass.

Eco-conscious buyers tired of gas and fumes: If you want zero emissions, no fuel mixing, and near-silent operation that won’t disturb neighbors or wildlife, this reel mower delivers exactly that.

Budget-minded shoppers seeking long-term savings: At $129.89, it’s cheaper than most gas or cordless electric mowers, and with no gas, oil, or battery replacements, your only recurring cost is a sharpening kit every few seasons.

Homeowners who enjoy light exercise while mowing: This isn’t a chore for everyone, but if you like getting a bit of fresh air and a gentle workout while tidying up the lawn, the Earthwise offers a satisfying, hands-on experience.

Key Features Breakdown

18-inch cutting width: This is a middle-of-the-road width for reel mowers. It’s wide enough to cover a standard lawn in a reasonable number of passes, but narrow enough to maneuver around flower beds and garden edges. Expect about 15–20 minutes for a typical 1/8-acre lot.

5-blade reel: More blades mean a finer cut. The 5-blade design delivers a cleaner snip compared to cheaper 4-blade models, reducing the risk of tearing grass. It’s especially good for Bermuda or fescue lawns kept at 2–3 inches tall.

Adjustable cutting height (1/2 to 1 7/8 inches): This gives you flexibility for different grass types and seasons. The adjustment mechanism is simple—just a single lever on each wheel—but it’s not infinitely adjustable. You get 5 preset positions, which is enough for most homeowners.

All-steel body with 10-inch composite wheels: The steel frame adds durability without making the mower too heavy (it weighs about 17 pounds). The composite wheels are lightweight and roll smoothly on level ground, but they lack the grip of rubber tires on damp or uneven turf.

5-blade cutting reel: This is a key spec. The reel is made from hardened steel and stays sharp for roughly 1–2 seasons with normal use. It’s designed to spin freely and cut cleanly, but it will struggle with thick, overgrown grass or weeds.

Side discharge (no bag): Unlike many reel mowers, this one doesn’t include a grass catcher. Clippings are left on the lawn as mulch, which returns nutrients to the soil. If you prefer a tidy, bagged finish, you’ll need to buy an optional catcher separately.

Pros

Quiet enough to mow at dawn: At under 60 decibels, this mower won’t wake the household or annoy neighbors. You can even listen to a podcast while mowing without headphones.

Zero fuel or electricity costs: After the initial purchase, your only expense is occasional sharpening. No gas, no oil, no batteries to replace.

Lightweight and easy to push: At 17 pounds, it’s manageable for most adults and can be lifted easily over curbs or into a shed. Even a teenager can handle it.

Simple, low-maintenance design: No belts, no spark plugs, no filters. Just keep the blades sharp and the wheels spinning. Storage is a breeze—no winterizing needed.

Good cut quality on well-maintained grass: When your lawn is under 3 inches and free of debris, the 5-blade reel leaves a clean, scissor-like cut that’s healthier for grass than a rotary mower’s ragged edge.

Affordable entry price: At $129.89, it’s one of the most cost-effective reel mowers on the market. You’d spend more on a quality manual sharpening kit for a premium brand.

Cons

Struggles with tall or damp grass: If you let the lawn get over 4 inches tall, or try to mow after rain, the reel will clog and drag. You’ll need to rake or trim tall patches first.

No grass catcher included: Many buyers expect a bag, but this model doesn’t come with one. You’ll need to buy the optional catcher if you don’t want clippings left on the lawn. That’s an extra $25–30.

Limited cutting height range: The highest setting (1 7/8 inches) isn’t suitable for all grass types, especially in hotter climates where you might want to leave grass at 2.5–3 inches for shade and moisture retention.

Not for large or uneven lawns: On anything over 1/4 acre, or with slopes, bumps, or thick St. Augustine grass, this mower will feel underpowered. You’ll be pushing harder and making multiple passes.

Bottom Line

The Earthwise 1816-18EW is a solid, budget-friendly reel mower that’s perfect for homeowners with small, flat lawns who value quiet operation, zero emissions, and low long-term costs. It won’t handle neglect or thick, wet grass well, but if you keep your lawn at a reasonable height and mow regularly, it delivers a clean cut with minimal fuss. For the price, it’s a great value—just be aware you’ll likely want the optional grass catcher, and plan to sharpen the reel every year or two. I recommend it for anyone looking to simplify their lawn care routine without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to sharpen the blades? With normal use on a typical lawn (mowing every 5–7 days), you’ll notice the cut quality declining after about 1–2 seasons. Sharpening the reel with a back-lapping kit (available for around $20) every year keeps it cutting cleanly. If you hit rocks or sticks, you may need to sharpen sooner.

Can I use this on Bermuda grass? Yes, Bermuda grass is actually ideal for reel mowers because it grows low and dense. Just keep the cutting height at 1–1.5 inches for best results. The mower will struggle if Bermuda gets too tall (over 4 inches), so mow frequently.

Does it come with a grass catcher? No, the base model does not include a grass catcher. You’ll need to purchase the Earthwise 7016-18EW grass catcher separately (around $25–30). If