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Home » Best Manual Lawn Mower: A Buyer’s Guide to the 10 Best Lawn Mowers

Best Manual Lawn Mower: A Buyer’s Guide to the 10 Best Lawn Mowers

Jennifer Igra

Published by Jennifer Igra

Fact checked by Paul

Manual lawnmowers can never go out of style. They have been an efficient and effective way to cut grass without needing heavy-duty equipment.

If you’re looking for the best manual lawnmowers on the market today, then lucky for you, we’ve got you covered.

Below is a list of the ten best manual lawnmowers for different purposes. Come and have a look.

Best Overall

Amazon best-selling product B00004RA3E

Our rating

Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S

  • 20″ cutting width for wider coverage.
  • 10″ dual tracking wheels for easy gliding.
  • 1 “-3” cutting height adjustment for a clean cut.
RUNNER-UP

Amazon best-selling product B00004RA3F

Our rating

American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14

  • Adjustable blade height of 0.5″ -1.75″
  • Cutting blades made of heat-treated materials that stay sharp for years
  • Sturdy 8.5″ polymer wheels for maximum maneuverability
Best Value

Amazon best-selling product B002ZVOLY8

Our rating

Greenworks 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher

  • Four position height adjustments for better cutting range
  • Two-in-one features providing mulching and rear bag capabilities
  • 2″ rear wheels for better maneuverability
Best Manual Lawn MowersMowing Height Rang
Best OverallScotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower1″ – 3″
Runner-UpAmerican LawnMower Company 1204-140.5″ -1.75″
Best ValueGreenWorks 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher1 1/8″ – 2 1/4″
Best with Grass CatcherSun Joe MJ500M 16-Inch Manual Reel Mower088″- 1.88″
Best Reel Mower for All Grass TypesGreat States 815-18 Push Reel LawnMower0.5 “-2.75”
Best for Small LawnsGreat States 304-14 Push Reel Lawnmower0.5 “-1.75”
Best for Tough GrassEarthwise 1715-16EW Push Reel LawnMower1″ – 2.5″
Best Upgrade PickFiskars Lawn Mowers: StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower1 “-4”
Best AdjustableFiskars 17 Inch Staysharp Push Reel Lawn Mower1.5″ – 3.5″
Best LightweightGreat States Reel Mower Standard Full Feature LawnMower1.5″ – 2.5″

Top 10 Best Manual Lawn Mowers

Here are the ten best manual lawnmowers for everyday use and different purposes.

1. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower [Best Reel Mower Overall]

Detailed review

For all the manual mowers we tested, the Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S is far ahead of the competition regarding precise cutting and cut quality.

Its cutting height reaches up to three inches tall, which makes it a convenient and versatile choice for various types of grass and lawns.

What we liked the most is that it didn’t jam even if we encountered an uneven lawn. It cuts and glides quickly and without many problems.

It blows past the competition with all the mowers in its price range. There’s not much we can say about this product because it has everything you want in a mower.

Main Features

  • Ergonomic handles
  • 20″ cutting width
  • 10″ dual tracking

Whether you have a small or big lawn, this is one of the best push lawnmowers on the list.

Pros

  • It offers quiet operation even on tall grass
  • Great for different grass types
  • It comes with an adjustable cutting height lever
  • Amazing cutting strength
  • Low maintenance

Cons

  • It doesn’t have a grass catcher
  • Wheels have squeaking noise after long usage
  • It would have been nice if it had adjustable handles for added comfort

Feedback from Experts and Users

“My yard has never looked so good! This thing cuts sharply and at the perfect height. Resulting in an almost manicured look to the lawn.” – Anonymous, Amazon

2. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 [Runner-Up]

Detailed review

Users looking for the best reel lawn mowers made by a trusted brand should purchase the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14.

It comes in second on our list, as the first one is ahead by only a fraction of its performance and functionality.

This manual reel mower houses four steel grass cutter blades that perfectly mow the grass.

The cushioned handle allows for a more comfortable time when mowing. Overall, its lightweight and classic design make it easier to push and maneuver in different types of grass.

Main Features

  • Eco-friendly reel mower alternative to gas-powered lawn mowers
  • Cutting blades made of heat-treated alloy steel
  • Adjustable blade height of 0.5″ -1.75″ with scissor action cut

If you have a small lawn and are looking for a manual reel mower to do the work for you in such a pleasant manner, this reel mower is up to the task.

Pros

  • This reel mower cuts like most gas mowers that are more expensive
  • Great for thick grasses
  • Low maintenance and sharp grass blades
  • Better than most reel mowers within the price range
  • It can mow wet grass without problems

Cons

  • Not great for uneven terrain
  • Wheels don’t offer precise maneuverability
  • Not for large lawns

Feedback from Experts and Users

“It works great. Love how its manual. The thicker weeds are harder for it, but overall Im very pleased” – Anonymous, Amazon

3. GreenWorks 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher [Best Value]

Detailed review

While some reel mowers aren’t capable of cutting and mulching simultaneously, that’s not the case with the GreenWorks reel mower.

This little mower is great even if it has fewer blades than most reel lawnmowers on our list, but it tackles weeds and thick grass like a champ.

Few reel lawnmowers also have the capability of catching grass like what this reel mower can. It is one of the reasons why we put this as our best value for the amount of work it can do for you.

Overall, the grass-catching mechanism and the extra sharp blades make mowing a breeze. We highly recommend this reel mower for small to medium-type lawns.

Main Features

  • 16″ cutting width
  • 4-position height adjustment
  • Grass-catching mechanism

This reel mower isn’t your typical mower due to its capability to catch grass after cutting.

Pros

  • Easy to push around
  • It includes grass clippings collector
  • Cutting height easy to adjust
  • Convenient sharpening process like most push reel mowers

Cons

  • When the grass catcher is full, it makes it hard to maneuver
  • Light weight bed knife adjustment system

Feedback from Experts and Users

“One of the best purchases I’ve ever made!Anonymous, Amazon

4. Sun Joe MJ500M 16-Inch Manual Reel Mower [Best Reel Mower with Grass Catcher]

Detailed review

A tight budget is never a problem when looking for the best reel mower. You have yourself the sun Joe MJ500M 16-Inch Manual Reel Mower!

Despite being a very affordable lawn mower on our list, the Sun Joe reel mower packs necessary features that make it a great product.

This is one of the best reel mowers with a removable grass-clipping collector.

There are also four adjustable cutting heights on this reel mower, which is a great addition to the price point.

Another amazing feature of this manual reel mower is its light weight and compact design, which makes gliding through grass a breeze.

Main Features

  • Four-position manual height adjustment
  • Maximum cutting height of two inches
  • Two large 8.8-inch make the mower easy to maneuver

Overall, this Sun Joe is one of the best reel mowers for the price. It is relatively cheap by quite a few dollars but does the job precisely.

We highly recommend this reel mower for users who are tight on budget but need to mow grass for their lawn’s health.

Pros

  • It comes with a large grass clippings collector
  • Amazing maneuverability
  • Great value for money
  • Its blades are sharp
  • Good for small areas

Cons

  • The handle feels unsteady and makes the mower difficult to push

Feedback from Experts and Users

“Easy to assemble. the bag to catch grass is very useful.” – Anonymous, Amazon

5. Great States 815-18 Push Reel Lawn Mower [Best Reel Mower for All Grass Varieties]

Detailed review

Those users who want a reel mower that can cut a wider swath may want to consider this reel mower from the Great States company.

This reel mower is lightweight and compact, allowing easy mowing through different lawn sizes.

In addition, this reel mower has blades made of a heat-treated alloy that retains its sharpness longer than most electric mowers sold today.

Main Features

  • Mowing height range of 0.5 to 2.75 inches
  • 17.5 inches swath
  • 10-inch wheels
  • Heat-treated alloy blades

It has an adjustable cutting height from as low as 0.5-inch up to 2.75-inches, making it an ideal manual reel mower for taller grasses.

What we liked the most about this product is its silent operation; its wider cutting width allows it to cover a wider area in such a short amount of time.

Pros

  •  Bigger wheels allow the mower easy to maneuver
  • Alloy blades retain their sharpness longer than other reel mowers
  • Wider cutting width cuts down mowing time
  • Easy operation

Cons

  • Mower requires the disassembly of the wheels when blades need resharpening
  • More edge trimming

Feedback from Experts and Users

“It was easy to push and get around things and great on grass.” – Anonymous, Amazon

6. Great States 304-14 Push Reel Lawnmower [Best Reel Mower for Small Lawns]

Detailed review

For users who have a small lawn and are looking for a reel mower that is right for this type of task, this reel lawn mower is the best one you can buy.

It has a swath width of 14-inches, making it ideal for small-sized lawns. This reel mower also has a ball-bearing reel, making it comfortable to mow around.

In addition, its grass blades are made of a heat-treated alloy known for retaining its sharpness for long periods.

This reel mower also has a low adjustable cutting height from 0.5 to 1.75 inches, which makes this reel mower great for small grass.

The narrow and lightweight design is light enough to carry around while mowing around the area. Overall, it is one of the best reel mowers out there that is compact and sharp.

Main Features

  • Heat-treated alloy blades
  • T-style handlebar with cushioned grips
  • 14″ Cutting width
  • 5-Blade ball bearing reel

Overall, what we liked the most about this product is that it’s easy to push around and cuts finely.

Its heat-treated alloy blades are sharp enough to mow through different types of grass.

Pros

  • Easy to push around
  • Low maintenance
  • Silent operation
  • It has a maximum cutting height of 1.75-inches
  • This mower cuts easily

Cons

  • Requires a wrench for adjusting the height
  • Not great for mowing uneven ground
  • Does not cut near the edges

Feedback from Experts and Users

“I’m in love with this lawn mower. It’s just as easy, if not easier, to use than a gas-powered lawn mower.” – Anonymous, Amazon

7. Earthwise 1715-16EW Push Reel Lawn Mower [Best Reel Mower for Tough Grass]

Detailed review

The Earthwise Push Reel Lawn Mower is one of the few reel mowers on our list with seven blades. Yup, you read that right, seven blades!

It can cut 16-inches of swath without many issues and can cut a grass height of 0.5 to 2.5 inches, far from other reel mowers in this price segment.

In addition, this manual mower weighs around 26 pounds, making it easy to push and carry around the lawn whenever you pick and choose spots.

The T-handlebar allows easy maneuvering in tight corners and trees, and the handgrip has nonslip features for added comfort.

Main Features

  • 7 alloy steel grass blades
  • 6″ cutting width
  • 7-blade ball bearing reel
  • Durable steel side plate design

Overall, we’re impressed with this mower’s ability to get past everything.

We encountered no problems during our backyard test, whether wet or thick grass.

Pros

  • It comes with an adjustable cutting height option
  • Great for dense grasses at low height
  • Easy and convenient to use

The Cons

  • Not a great option for tall grasses
  • Handle feels flimsy
  • Harder to push than most reel lawnmowers

Feedback from Experts and Users

“I just had my first mow with it after getting it delivered 2 hours ago. Wow, awesome little machine! – Anonymous, Amazon

8. Fiskars Lawn Mowers: StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower [Best Upgrade Pick Reel Mower]

Detailed review

If you have the budget to take it up a notch, the Fiskars mower is a great addition to your daily mowing needs.

It features StaySharp blades that reduce the need for resharpening and allow easy cutting with different types of grass, especially if you plan to mow during early spring!

This reel mower’s InertiaDrive features allow this reel lawn mower to power through denser grasses with ease, unlike standard mowers.

The Fiskars reel mower is not your regular mower as it has a maximum cutting height of four inches, which pales in comparison to most gas mowers and electric mowers.

Main Features

  • Adjustable cutting height: 1 to 4 inches
  • Inertia drive features deliver 50 percent more cutting power
  • StaySharp technology makes it easier to push

Like most Fiskkars mowers, they are incredible at cutting different types of lawns. They can also cover a wide area in one sitting.

Pros

  • It can mow wet grass with such precision and ease
  • Easy and convenient to use
  • Ergonomic design
  • It can handle taller grass
  • Heavy-duty construction 
  • Four inches of maximum mowing height

Cons

  • Twice the price of most reel lawnmowers sold on the market
  • It is quite heavy than some reel mowers weigh
  • It is really expensive

Feedback from Experts and Users

“Once you realize the limitations of reel mowers, you know that this is one of the best options out there.” – Anonymous, Amazon

9. Fiskars 17 Inch Staysharp Push Reel Lawn Mower [Best Adjustable Reel Mower]

Detailed review

Another product from Fiskars, this reel mower is an amazing addition if you’re dealing with thick and wet grass.

Moreover, this reel mower features an InertiaDrive real, providing thicker blades that cut through like a cake!

Its thicker and sharper blades are perfect for everyday use as it retains their sharpness even if used daily.

Overall, this reel mower is a dream come true for users.

Main Features

  • InertiaDrive features deliver 50 percent more cutting power
  • StaySharp technology makes it easier to push
  • Eco-friendly design

Overall, we liked Fiskars’ products because they deliver the best possible outcome for your lawn.

Its blades are sharp and cut with precision, while the body is light enough to be pushed easily through different terrains.

Pros

  • Silent operation when mowing your entire lawn
  • Easy to assemble and use
  • Good for taller grass
  • A better alternative than a traditional mower

Cons

  • It should be assembled properly, or it won’t cut evenly
  • It is quite expensive

Feedback from Experts and Users

“Great price. This is the 3rd one we’ve purchased. Love it! It is used regularly & often. Definitely got our monies worth out of it.” – Anonymous, Amazon

10. Great States Reel Mower Standard Full Feature Lawn Mower [Best Lightweight Reel Mower]

Detailed review

This Great Staes Reel mower should be a fun way to mow your lawn as its composite wheels make life easier to maneuver in different terrains.

This reel mower has five blades, is sharp, and doesn’t dull easily.

Main Features

  • 10-inch ball bearing wheels
  • Heat-treated steel alloy reel mower blades
  • 16-inch cutting width

It can easily mow through tall grass with ease and precision, while the ergonomic cushioned handle allows for a more comfortable time of pushing.

Pros

  • It comes with adjustable cutting height features
  • The blade width is wide enough to cover bigger lawns
  • Amazing build quality
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Cushioned handle grips

The Cons

  • Not great for uneven surfaces
  • It doesn’t tackle thick weeds.

Feedback from Experts and Users

“Cutting grass; lightweight, easy to maneuver; handle somewhat difficult to attach to mower but good guidance provided by the distributor of the product.” – Anonymous, Amazon.

What Are the Advantages of Using Manual Reel Mowers?

When mowing your lawn, there are always advantages when using a manual reel mower.

There are several reasons why manual reel lawn mowers are better than your average rotary mowers and a gas-powered mower.

  • They Don’t Use Gas. A manual reel mower doesn’t use any gas as a gas mower does. As a result, you don’t need to buy gas from your local gasoline store.
  • Cheaper. Even some of the most expensive reel lawn mowers cost way less than the cheaper electric mower. The best part is you don’t have to deal with maintenance.
  • Silent Operation. A gas mower and an electric mower are quite loud to operate. But with a manual reel mower, you don’t have to deal with all the noise as it doesn’t use any electricity or machine.
  • Straightforward. Once you’ve purchased your reel mower, all you have to do is set it up, and off you go.

There are still a lot of advantages when using manual reel lawnmowers, but these four are prime examples of why push lawn mowers are better than gas or electric mowers.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Lawn Mower

Before buying a reel mower, you might want to consider a few factors before buying one.

Blades and Cutting Height

Most reel mowers are equipped with four or five blades the most. Each blade has a distinct feature, such as being heat-treated or coated with rust-proof materials.

We recommend choosing reel mowers with several blades, as it cuts more efficiently and precisely. More blades mean a cleaner cut.

Swath Width and Grass Type

American lawns feature different types of grass, and each is different from one another.

When choosing reel mowers, you should consider the grass type when buying a new one.

Wider mowers are the preferred choice for easy-to-cut grass, whereas narrower reel mowers are recommended when cutting thicker grasses.

Additional Features

Additional features such as a grass catcher, ergonomic cushioned handles, and big rollers are a bonus to make your life easier when mowing.

Choose manual push mowers with these features, as they can make your life easier. Padded handles make it easier to grip when mowing, whereas big rollers make maneuvering easier.

Most reel mowers have several features that make the entire product enticing. Choose what is convenient for you.

Conclusion – Why Do We Consider [Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S] the Best?

We consider the Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S the best reel mower on our list because it provides a good balance of performance, cutting power, precision, and ease of use.

Scotts stands tall from the rest of the competition. We liked how affordable the reel mower is and exceeded our expectations from its price point.

Overall, Scotts Outdoor Power Tools gives you the edge concerning every department.

It is everyone’s dream to have a mower like the Scotts Outdoor Power Tools that is good for daily use.

Best Choice

Amazon best-selling product B00004RA3E

Our rating

Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower

  • Ergonomic handles
  • 20″ cutting width
  • 10″ dual tracking

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have further questions about manual reel mowers, you might find them further down below.

About Jennifer Igra

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York City known for it’s green gardens. Jennifer, a 30 year old gardener and green living fanatic started Igra World to share her gardening journey and increase gardening awareness among masses. Follow Igra World to improve your gardening skills.

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