Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push vs Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push
Quick Verdict
For most homeowners with small to medium flat lawns, the Great States 815-18 is the better choice. It offers a wider 18-inch cutting path, higher user ratings, and a 5-blade design that balances cut quality with pushing effort. The Earthwise 1715-16EW is a solid alternative for those with very narrow spaces, tighter budgets, or a preference for a finer cut from its 7-blade reel, but its 16-inch width means more passes per mow.
Side-by-Side
| Feature | Great States 815-18 | Earthwise 1715-16EW |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $116.00 | $114.06 |
| Cutting Width | 18 inches | 16 inches |
| Blade Count | 5 blades | 7 blades |
| User Rating | 4.3/5 (9,256 reviews) | 4.2/5 (1,765 reviews) |
| Best Yard Size | Up to 5,000 sq ft | Up to 4,000 sq ft |
| Reel Material | Steel | Steel |
| Weight (approx.) | 22 lbs | 18 lbs |
Where Great States Wins
Wider cutting swath – The 18-inch deck reduces mowing time by roughly 12% compared to the 16-inch Earthwise, making it noticeably faster on a 5,000 sq ft lawn.
Higher reliability and user satisfaction – With over 9,200 reviews and a 4.3-star average, the Great States has a proven track record. It’s a long-standing design known for consistent performance and easy maintenance.
Better for slightly taller grass – The 5-blade reel spins with less resistance than a 7-blade reel, so it can handle grass up to about 4 inches without bogging down as easily. This makes it more forgiving if you mow a day late.
Value per cut – For roughly the same price, you get 2 extra inches of cut width. Over a season, that saves noticeable time and effort.
Where Earthwise Wins
Finer cut quality – The 7-blade reel creates more cuts per rotation, producing a smoother, more manicured finish. If you’re after that golf-green look, the Earthwise delivers a cleaner scissor-like cut on grass kept under 3 inches.
Lightweight and maneuverable – At about 18 pounds, the Earthwise is 4 pounds lighter than the Great States. This makes it easier to push on slopes, lift over curbs, or store on a wall hook.
Slightly lower price – At $114.06, it’s about $2 less than the Great States. Not a major difference, but every dollar counts on a budget.
Better for narrow spaces – The 16-inch width lets it fit through tight garden gates and between raised beds more easily than the 18-inch model.
Which Should You Buy
Buy the Great States 815-18 if: you have a typical suburban lawn of 3,000–5,000 sq ft with some unevenness or growth variation. The wider cut saves time, the 5-blade design handles moderate grass height without stalling, and the massive review base confirms its durability.
Buy the Earthwise 1715-16EW if: you prioritize a polished, show-quality cut on a small, well-maintained lawn under 4,000 sq ft. It’s also the better pick for yards with lots of obstacles, narrow paths, or if you need the lightest possible mower for easy handling.
For the vast majority of users, the Great States 815-18 offers the best balance of speed, reliability, and value at nearly