Sun Joe Manual Push Reel Lawn Mower with vs Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 304-14S 14-In
Quick Verdict
The Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 304-14S is the better mower overall, earning higher user satisfaction and more consistent cutting performance across a wider range of grass conditions. It justifies its $25 higher price with a five-blade reel that produces a cleaner, more even cut. The Sun Joe is a solid budget option if you have a small, very flat lawn with fine grass, but it requires more frequent blade sharpening and struggles with thicker growth.
Side-by-Side
| Feature | Sun Joe 14-In | Scotts 304-14S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $114.99 | $139.99 |
| Power | Manual push (human-powered) | Manual push (human-powered) |
| Cut Width | 14 inches | 14 inches |
| Blades | 5 (standard steel) | 5 (heat-treated steel) |
| Cut Height Positions | 9 | 5 |
| Best Yard Size | Up to 1/4 acre, flat, fine grass | Up to 1/3 acre, moderate slopes, mixed grass |
| User Rating | 3.7 / 5 (6,014 reviews) | 4.2 / 5 (5,925 reviews) |
Where Sun Joe Wins
Price and adjustability. At $114.99, the Sun Joe costs $25 less than the Scotts, making it the more affordable entry point for reel mowing. It also offers nine cutting height positions versus the Scotts’ five, giving you finer control over grass length—from about 1/2 inch to 2 inches. This is useful if you like to vary your cut height seasonally or have different grass types in your lawn.
Lighter weight. The Sun Joe is typically a few pounds lighter, which makes it easier to maneuver on small, flat lawns and easier to push over delicate turf. For a 14-inch mower on a tiny yard, the weight difference can reduce fatigue slightly over the course of a session.
Where Scotts Wins
Cut quality and durability. The Scotts consistently earns higher user ratings (4.2 vs. 3.7) largely because its five-blade reel is made from heat-treated steel, which stays sharper longer than the standard steel on the Sun Joe. Users report that the Scotts cuts cleanly through thicker grass (like Bermuda or fescue) without tearing, while the Sun Joe tends to fold or skip over tougher blades.
Easier push on slopes. The Scotts has a slightly larger wheel diameter and a better-balanced frame, which reduces the effort needed to push it on mild inclines. The Sun Joe can be harder to push on even gentle slopes, especially if the grass is damp or slightly overgrown.
More consistent height adjustment. While the Sun Joe offers more positions, the Scotts’ mechanism is simpler and less prone to slipping or binding. Users note that the Sun Joe’s adjustment system can become stiff or misaligned after a season of use, whereas the Scotts remains reliable.
Which Should You Buy
Buy the Sun Joe if your lawn is under 1/4 acre, completely flat, and consists of fine, short grass (like bentgrass or thin fescue). It’s also a good choice if you need to save $25 and want maximum height adjustability for experimenting with different cuts. Be prepared to sharpen the blades more frequently—every 1–2 seasons depending on use.
Buy the Scotts 304-14S for most other situations. It’s the better value for lawns with mixed or thicker grass, slight slopes, or if you want a mower that will hold its edge longer and deliver a cleaner cut with less effort. The $25 premium is easily justified by the higher user satisfaction and