American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 18-I vs Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S 20-I

Quick Verdict

For most homeowners with small to medium flat lawns, the American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 is the better choice. It offers a slightly tighter cut width, a higher user rating, and a lower price—making it the more practical and reliable option for typical reel mowing needs. The Scotts 2000-20S is a solid alternative if you prefer a wider cutting path and need to cover ground faster, but its lower rating and slightly higher cost make it a secondary pick.

Side-by-Side

Both mowers are manual push reel models with identical 5-blade reel designs. The key differences are the cutting width, price, and review scores. The American model is narrower, cheaper, and more highly rated. The Scotts is wider, slightly more expensive, and has a decent but less robust review base.

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

• Higher User Satisfaction – With a 4.3 rating from over 22,000 reviews, the 1815-18 has a proven track record of reliability and ease of use. The large sample size indicates consistent performance across many users.
• Lower Price – At $141.98, it saves you $8.01 compared to the Scotts. For a manual mower, that savings can go toward a sharpening kit or spare blades.
• Better for Tight Spaces – The 18-inch cutting width is slightly narrower, making it easier to maneuver around flower beds, garden edges, and narrow pathways. It also produces a more precise cut in small, intricate lawns.
• Lighter Overall Feel – While not specified in the title, the narrower American model is generally lighter than the wider Scotts, reducing fatigue during longer mowing sessions.

Where Scotts Wins

• Faster Mowing – The 20-inch cutting width covers 11% more grass per pass. If you have a larger lawn (up to 1/3 acre) or want to finish quicker, the extra width saves time.
• Slightly Wider Availability – The Scotts brand is widely sold at big-box retailers, so finding replacement parts or service may be easier in some regions.
• Slightly More Modern Design – The Scotts 2000-20S has a more contemporary look and a slightly updated wheel design, which some users find rolls more smoothly over flat turf.

Which Should You Buy

Choose the American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 if you have a small to medium lawn (up to 1/4 acre), value reliability backed by thousands of positive reviews, and want to save money. It’s the better all-around choice for precision cutting and maneuverability.

Choose the Scotts 2000-20S if your lawn is on the larger side of medium (up to 1/3 acre) and you prioritize mowing speed over a slightly tighter cut. The extra 2 inches of width can make a noticeable difference in total mowing time, especially on open, flat areas.

For most users, the American model’s combination of lower cost, higher ratings, and proven performance makes it the clear winner. Only opt for the Scotts if you specifically need the wider cutting path and are