10 Best Reel Mowers 2025 in the United States

The American Lawn Mower Company 1725-16GC 16-inch 7-Blade Reel Mower with Grass Catcher is designed for those who enjoy maintaining short, thick grass types such as Bermuda, tiff, bent grass, and zoysia. One of its strengths is the 7-blade reel, which provides a precise cut and is especially effective on these specific grass types. The cutting width of 16 inches ensures that you can cover a decent amount of lawn with each pass, and the adjustable cutting height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches offers flexibility to achieve your desired grass length.

The 10-inch wheels make the mower easy to maneuver, and the T-style handle with a cushioned grip adds to the comfort during use. The mower is made of heat-treated alloy steel, which keeps the blades sharp for years, reducing the need for frequent maintenance. Weighing 21 pounds, this reel mower is relatively lightweight, making it easy to push without much effort.

However, being a manual mower, it requires physical effort to operate, which might not be suitable for everyone, especially those with larger lawns or physical limitations. Additionally, while the grass catcher is a useful feature, it may need frequent emptying if you have a large lawn. In conclusion, this reel mower is ideal for lawn enthusiasts with small to medium-sized lawns and specific grass types who appreciate the eco-friendliness and quiet operation of a manual mower.

The Great States 415-16 reel mower is a solid choice for homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns who prefer an eco-friendly, manual cutting option. It offers a 16-inch cutting width, which is decent for maneuvering around tighter spaces but may require more passes on larger lawns. The mower features heat-treated blades that hold their sharpness longer, ensuring clean cuts that help keep your grass healthy.

Adjusting the cutting height is straightforward, ranging from 1/2 inch up to 2.5 inches, allowing you to tailor the grass length to your preference, although adjustments need to be made on both sides at the same time, which can be a slight inconvenience. Weighing just around 2.2 pounds, this mower is lightweight and easy to push, making it less tiring to use. The handle sports a T-style design with a powder-coated finish, which resists rust and enhances durability while providing a comfortable grip. The 10-inch ball bearing wheels improve maneuverability and smooth operation over uneven ground.

The relatively narrow cutting width means it could take longer to mow larger areas compared to wider models. Also, as a manual reel mower, it requires more physical effort than gas or electric mowers. For those with a small yard looking for a quiet, low-maintenance mower that’s good for the environment, the Great States 415-16 is worth considering.

The Great States 815-18 is a solid choice if you're looking for a simple, eco-friendly reel mower. It offers an 18-inch cutting width, which is a good size for small to medium lawns, letting you cover ground efficiently without being too bulky. The mower features 5 sharp alloy steel blades that provide a clean cut, and their quality helps them stay sharp longer than average. You can easily adjust the cutting height between 0.5 and 2.75 inches in six steps, allowing some flexibility depending on your grass type or season.

Weighing 27 pounds, it’s light enough to push comfortably, especially with the loop-style handle which includes cushioned grips for better control and less hand fatigue. The 10-inch composite wheels roll smoothly, making maneuvering easier on flat or slightly uneven lawns. Assembly is straightforward and doesn’t require special tools, which is great for users who want to get started quickly. Since this mower is entirely manual, it’s quiet and requires very little maintenance, perfect if you want to avoid gasoline or electric models.

Because it’s manual, it’s best suited for smaller lawns or those who don’t mind a bit of physical work. It might struggle on very tall or thick grass, and if you have a large yard, pushing it could become tiring. Also, the metal construction is durable, but it means the mower is not as lightweight as some plastic alternatives. If you have a small to medium yard and value simplicity, quiet operation, and an environmentally friendly design, the Great States 815-18 fits well. For bigger lawns or very thick grass, you might want to consider a powered mower.