American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-I vs Earthwise 1314-14EW 14" 5-Blade Economy
Quick Verdict
For most homeowners with small, flat lawns under 5,000 square feet, the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 is the better value. It offers a proven design with thousands of positive reviews at a lower price. The Earthwise 1314-14EW is a strong alternative if you want an extra blade for a finer cut and are willing to pay a premium for a slightly newer design, but its higher price and fewer reviews make it a less proven choice.
Side-by-Side
| Feature | American Lawn Mower 1204-14 | Earthwise 1314-14EW |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $87.99 | $109.99 |
| Blades | 4-blade | 5-blade |
| Cut Width | 14 inches | 14 inches |
| Weight | ~20 lbs | ~18 lbs |
| Best Yard Size | Up to 5,000 sq ft | Up to 5,000 sq ft |
| Rating | 4.3/5 (22,498 reviews) | 4.2/5 (1,765 reviews) |
Both mowers are manual reel push mowers with identical cutting widths and similar weight. The key differences are blade count and price.
Where American Lawn Mower Wins
Value and Proven Track Record. The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 costs $22 less than the Earthwise model. With over 22,000 reviews and a 4.3-star average, it is one of the most popular reel mowers on the market. This extensive feedback indicates reliable performance over many years.
Ease of Use. The 4-blade design is slightly simpler to adjust and maintain. Replacement blades and parts are widely available due to the mower’s popularity. The cutting height adjusts easily without tools, and the mower is known for being quiet and easy to push on level terrain.
Better for Thicker Grass. While both mowers work best on thin, well-maintained grass, the 4-blade design with a slightly heavier build provides a bit more momentum, helping it cut through grass that is slightly taller or thicker than ideal.
Where Earthwise Wins
Finer Cut Quality. The Earthwise 1314-14EW has 5 blades instead of 4. This means each revolution makes more cuts, producing a finer, more manicured finish. If you want a lawn that looks like it was cut with a reel mower (clean, scissor-like cuts), the extra blade is a real advantage.
Lighter Weight. At about 18 pounds, the Earthwise is roughly 2 pounds lighter than the American model. This makes it slightly easier to maneuver and turn, especially on smaller lawns or around flower beds.
Slightly Quieter Operation. The 5-blade design distributes cutting forces more evenly, resulting in a quieter cutting action. This is a minor benefit but noticeable if you mow early in the morning or near neighbors.
Which Should You Buy
Buy the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 if: you want the best value, a proven design with thousands of positive reviews, and a mower that handles slightly thicker grass. It is the smarter choice for most people with small, flat lawns who want a reliable, low-maintenance manual mower without overspending.
Buy the Earthwise 1314-14EW if: you prioritize a finer, more precise cut and are willing to pay $22 more for an extra blade. It is also a good choice if you want a slightly lighter mower for easy maneuvering. However, its smaller review base means it is less proven over the long term.
For the vast majority of buyers, the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 offers the best combination of