Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push vs Sun Joe Manual Push Reel Lawn Mower with
Quick Verdict
The Great States 815-18 is the stronger choice for most homeowners. It combines a wider cutting path, a higher blade count, and significantly better user ratings at nearly the same price as the Sun Joe. The Sun Joe’s main advantage is its nine-position height adjustment, which offers more cutting flexibility, but it trails in cut quality, width, and overall reliability.
Side-by-Side
| Feature | Great States 815-18 | Sun Joe Manual Push Reel |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $116.00 | $114.99 |
| Blades | 5-blade reel | Not specified (standard reel) |
| Cut Width | 18 inches | 14 inches |
| Height Adjustment | Fixed positions (typically 3–5) | 9 adjustable positions |
| Best Yard Size | Up to 1/4 acre | Small lawns under 1/8 acre |
| User Rating | 4.3/5 (9,256 reviews) | 3.7/5 (6,014 reviews) |
Where Great States Wins
Cut quality and efficiency. The five-blade reel on the Great States produces a finer, cleaner cut than standard reel mowers. More blades mean more cuts per wheel rotation, which helps slice grass rather than tear it—especially important for thicker or slightly taller grass. The 18-inch cutting width is 4 inches wider than the Sun Joe, allowing you to cover more ground per pass. For a lawn of 1/4 acre or less, this translates to noticeably fewer passes and less time mowing.
Durability and reputation. With over 9,200 reviews and a 4.3-star average, the Great States has a proven track record. Users consistently report that it stays sharp longer, handles uneven terrain better, and requires less maintenance than competing reel mowers. The steel frame and straightforward design contribute to its longevity.
Value for money. At just $1 more than the Sun Joe, you get a wider cut, better blade count, and vastly superior user satisfaction. The price difference is negligible, but the performance gap is substantial.
Where Sun Joe Wins
Height adjustment versatility. The Sun Joe offers nine cutting positions, from roughly 1 to 2.5 inches. This is a genuine advantage if you maintain different grass types or like to vary cut height by season. The Great States typically offers fewer options, which may limit flexibility for those who want precise control.
Compact size. The 14-inch width makes the Sun Joe easier to maneuver in tight spaces, around flower beds, or in very small yards with lots of obstacles. If your lawn is tiny (under 1/8 acre) and full of curves and corners, the narrower deck can actually be a benefit.
Lower weight. The Sun Joe is generally lighter, which some users find easier to push on flat, well-maintained grass. However, this comes at the cost of cutting power on thicker or damp lawns.
Which Should You Buy
Choose the Great States 815-18 if you have a small to medium lawn (up to 1/4 acre) and want the best cut quality, widest coverage, and highest reliability. Its 5-blade reel and 18-inch width make mowing faster and the results more uniform. The price is essentially the same as the Sun Joe, but the performance and user satisfaction are clearly superior.
Choose the Sun Joe only if you absolutely need nine height positions—for example, if you maintain a very diverse lawn with different grass species or if you frequently change cut height. Also consider it if your yard is under 1/8 acre and extremely narrow or obstacle-filled, where a 14-inch deck is genuinely easier to handle.
For the vast majority of buyers, the