American Lawn Mower Company 2415-16 16-I vs Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 716-18S 18-In
Quick Verdict
The American Lawn Mower Company 2415-16 is the better choice for most homeowners with small, flat lawns. It offers a solid balance of price, performance, and user satisfaction, backed by an exceptionally large number of reviews (22,499) that indicate consistent reliability. The Scotts 716-18S is a more specialized tool for those who prioritize a wider cutting path and a finer, more manicured finish from its 7-blade design, but it costs about 30% more and has fewer user evaluations.
Side-by-Side
| Feature | American Lawn Mower 2415-16 | Scotts 716-18S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.99 | $142.89 |
| Cutting Width | 16 inches | 18 inches |
| Blade Count | 5 blades | 7 blades |
| Power Source | Manual (push reel) | Manual (push reel) |
| Best Yard Size | Up to 5,000 sq. ft. | Up to 8,000 sq. ft. |
| User Rating | 4.3 / 5 (22,499 reviews) | 4.2 / 5 (5,926 reviews) |
Where American Lawn Mower Wins
Price and Value: At $109.99, the American Lawn Mower costs $32.90 less than the Scotts. This is a meaningful saving, especially for a manual reel mower where performance differences are incremental. Over 22,000 reviews confirm its reliability across many different users and conditions.
Ease of Use on Small Lawns: The 16-inch cutting width is lighter and easier to maneuver in tight spaces, around flower beds, and through narrow gateways. For a yard under 5,000 square feet, the narrower cut is rarely a limitation, and the lighter weight reduces fatigue.
Proven Track Record: With more than four times the number of user reviews as the Scotts, the American Lawn Mower has a much larger base of long-term feedback. This gives buyers greater confidence that the mower will perform as advertised and hold up over multiple seasons.
Adjustability: The American model typically offers a simple, tool-free height adjustment system (often from 1/2 inch to 2 1/2 inches), making it easy to switch between grass lengths without needing wrenches.
Where Scotts Wins
Wider Cutting Path: An 18-inch cutting width covers 12.5% more grass per pass than the American’s 16-inch width. This reduces the number of passes needed on a medium-sized lawn, saving time and effort. For yards between 5,000 and 8,000 square feet, this advantage becomes noticeable.
Finer Cut Quality: The 7-blade design (versus 5 blades on the American) creates more cuts per wheel revolution. This results in a smoother, more manicured appearance, especially on shorter grass. The Scotts is better suited for homeowners who want a golf-green finish on a flat, well-maintained lawn.
Build Quality and Durability: The Scotts model uses a heavier-gauge steel frame and a sealed bearing system on the wheels. Many users report that it feels more robust and holds its adjustment longer than budget reel mowers. The extra weight also helps the blades spin through thicker grass without stalling.
Better for Slightly Larger Lawns: The combination of the wider 18-inch cut and the 7-blade reel makes the Scotts more efficient on lawns up to about 8,000 square feet. It can handle Bermuda, fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass at moderate heights without excessive effort.
Which Should You Buy
Choose the American Lawn Mower 2415-16 if:
- You have a small lawn (