Maintaining a small lawn doesn’t require a loud, gas-guzzling machine. For those seeking a quiet, eco-friendly, and satisfying way to care for their grass, a hand reel push mower is an excellent choice. These manual mowers provide a clean, scissor-like cut that promotes a healthier lawn, all while giving you a bit of light exercise. They are remarkably low-maintenance, cost-effective, and free from the hassles of fuel, oil, or electrical cords.
If you have a flat or gently sloped yard of a half-acre or less, a reel mower can handle the job with ease. The key is selecting the right model with the appropriate cutting width and features for your specific needs. To help you find the perfect match, we’ve curated a list of the top hand reel push mowers that combine performance, durability, and ease of use for small lawn owners.
Our Top Picks for Hand Reel Lawn Mowers
- American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
- LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade
- Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch Push Lawn Mower
- American Lawn Mower Company 50514 14″ 11-Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower
- Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
- Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower
- LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade
- Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch 12-Amp Electric Lawn Mower
- Multi Sharp MS1109E Sharpening Kit For Razorcut 38 Lawn Mower
- Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower
American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
As a classic in the manual mower category, this American Lawn Mower Company model is a fantastic starting point for small lawn care. Weighing only 19 pounds, it is incredibly lightweight and easy to push, making it an ideal choice for those with limited physical strength or storage space. Its 14-inch cutting width is perfectly suited for navigating around garden beds and tight corners.
The mower features a durable 4-blade reel that provides a clean cut for most turf grasses. You can adjust the cutting height from 0.5 inches to 1.75 inches to suit your lawn’s needs. This is a truly eco-friendly option, operating without any noise, fumes, or power cords, which makes for a peaceful mowing experience.
LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade
The LawnMaster LMRM1602 offers a slightly wider cut and an extra blade for an even finer trim. Its standout feature is the scissor-like cutting action, which cleanly slices each grass blade instead of tearing it. This method is better for the health of your lawn, helping to prevent brown tips and disease.
With four cutting height positions ranging from 1 to 2 inches, you have good control over your lawn’s appearance. The 10-inch front wheels enhance stability and maneuverability, allowing you to easily guide the mower across your yard. This model strikes a great balance between a manageable size and an efficient cutting path.
Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch Push Lawn Mower
Great States is another trusted name in manual mowers, and the 204-14 model is a reliable and affordable workhorse. It shares a similar 14-inch cutting width and lightweight design with other top picks, making it simple to operate and store. The 8.5-inch polymer wheels provide a smooth roll over your lawn.
This mower is built with longevity in mind. The blades are constructed from heat-treated alloy steel that is designed to stay sharp for years. When the time finally comes, they can be sharpened, extending the life of the mower significantly. It’s a practical, no-fuss option for regular maintenance of a small lawn.
American Lawn Mower Company 50514 14″ 11-Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower
For those who want the environmental benefits of an electric mower but prefer not to push a reel mower, this model is a compelling choice. It delivers gas-like power from its 11-amp motor, capable of handling various grass types without the noise and fumes of a gas engine.
As a corded model, you never have to worry about battery life or running out of power mid-mow. You simply need to manage the cord as you work. This mower is ideal for smaller properties where an outlet is always within reach, offering a powerful yet clean and quiet mowing solution.
Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
If you have a lawn that is on the larger side of “small,” the Great States 815-18 offers a more efficient 18-inch cutting width. This wider deck means you can cover more ground with fewer passes, reducing your mowing time. The five-blade ball-bearing reel ensures a smooth, consistent cutting action.
This model also provides a greater range of height adjustment, from 0.5 inches up to 2.75 inches, giving you the flexibility to cut your grass shorter or let it grow a bit longer for a lusher look. The 10-inch composite wheels help it glide effortlessly over the terrain.
Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower
The Scotts 2000-20S is the largest manual reel mower on our list, boasting a substantial 20-inch cutting width. This is the tool for someone with a larger, flat lawn who is committed to a purely manual, eco-friendly approach. Its classic design is both functional and durable.
It features a quick-snap height adjustment system that allows you to change the cut from 1 to 3 inches with ease. The 10-inch dual tracking wheels provide excellent stability and help the mower roll in a straight line. The heat-treated alloy steel blades are built to maintain their sharp edge over many seasons of use.
LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade
This LawnMaster model is another excellent 18-inch option, designed specifically for small lawns that need a bit more coverage. It emphasizes a healthy cut with its scissor-like action, which prevents grass bruising and promotes a lush, green carpet of turf.
Where it really stands out is its precision, offering nine different cutting positions from 1.1 inches to 2.5 inches. This gives you unparalleled control over your lawn’s height. Combined with the 10-inch front wheels and an 18-inch deck, it offers a great combination of maneuverability and efficiency.
Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch 12-Amp Electric Lawn Mower
The Sun Joe MJ401E is a powerful corded electric mower that takes the physical effort out of mowing while remaining environmentally friendly. Its 12-amp motor provides ample power for a clean cut, and the 14-inch steel blade handles the job effectively.
This mower includes practical features like a 3-position height control to adjust your cut and a collapsible handle for compact storage. It also comes with a 10.6-gallon grass bag to collect clippings, keeping your lawn looking neat and tidy after every use.
Multi Sharp MS1109E Sharpening Kit For Razorcut 38 Lawn Mower
While not a mower itself, this sharpening kit is an essential accessory for anyone who owns a reel mower. Over time, even the highest quality blades will need maintenance to perform their best. This kit is designed specifically for certain Brill Razorcut models to restore a factory-sharp edge.
The kit includes three abrasive pads and is very easy to use, requiring no messy resins or complicated tools. Regular sharpening with a kit like this will ensure your manual mower continues to deliver a perfect, clean cut for years to come, maximizing your investment.
Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower
The Earthwise 1715-16EW is a compact and efficient corded electric mower perfect for small lawns. Its 16-inch cutting width offers a good balance between maneuverability and coverage, allowing you to navigate around obstacles while still mowing a decent swath of grass with each pass.
As an electric model, it operates quietly and without emissions, making it a neighbor-friendly choice. The steel deck is durable and built to last. This mower is a straightforward, reliable tool for anyone looking for an easy-to-use electric option to maintain their small yard.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Hand Reel Push Lawn Mower for a Small Lawn
I think choosing the right hand reel push mower for a small lawn comes down to a few key factors that make the experience either a peaceful chore or a frustrating workout. Since you’re not dealing with a huge area, you can focus on the details that really matter for a clean cut and easy use.
First, consider the cutting width. For a small lawn, a narrower cutting width, typically between 14 and 18 inches, is often perfect. It makes the mower more maneuverable around tight corners, garden beds, and trees. A wider mower might seem like it would get the job done faster, but in a confined space, it can be more of a hassle to handle. The number of blades on the reel is also important. A five-blade reel generally gives a finer, cleaner cut than a standard four-blade model because it makes more scissor-like cuts per rotation. If you want that pristine, striped lawn look, a higher blade count is the way to go.
Next, look at the mower’s height adjustment. This is a feature you’ll use more than you might think. Changing seasons or weather might require you to let your grass grow a bit longer or cut it shorter. A central, single-lever adjustment system is a huge quality-of-life improvement. It allows you to change the cutting height for all wheels at once, which is far easier than adjusting each wheel individually with a separate bolt or lever. Trust me, you’ll appreciate this convenience.
The mower’s frame material dictates its durability and weight. Steel frames are incredibly robust and provide a solid feel, but they are heavier. Aluminum frames are much lighter, making the mower easier to push and lift for storage, and they are also rust-resistant. For a small lawn where you’re not pushing for hours, the weight might be less of an issue, but the corrosion resistance of aluminum is a nice bonus. Don’t forget about the handle. A comfortable, ergonomic handle that you can adjust to your height will prevent a lot of back strain. Some models even have folding handles, which is a game-changer for saving space in your shed or garage.
Finally, think about maintenance. Reel mowers are simple, but they do require occasional sharpening and adjustment to keep them cutting cleanly. Some brands offer easier sharpening kits or have services available. Reading reviews about how easy a particular model is to maintain can save you future headaches. When you’re looking at the 10 best hand reel push lawn mowers for small lawns, pay close attention to these features to find the perfect match for your yard and your routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hand reel mowers actually effective at cutting grass?
Yes, they are very effective, but with a few conditions. Reel mowers work like a pair of scissors, cleanly snipping the grass blades. They perform best on firm, flat ground and when used regularly. If you let your grass grow too tall and woody, the mower might just bend the grass over instead of cutting it. For a well-maintained, small lawn, a reel mower provides an exceptionally clean and healthy cut.
What type of grass is best for a reel mower?
Reel mowers excel on fine-textured grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, and Fescues. These grasses stand up straight and are easily snipped. They can struggle with very thick, coarse, or stemmy grasses like St. Augustine or Zoysia, especially if the lawn is not perfectly level. If you have a mix of grass types, consistent mowing is key to success.
How difficult are they to push compared to a gas mower?
This is a common concern, but modern reel mowers are surprisingly easy to push. Their lightweight design, often using aluminum frames, and the fact that the spinning reel helps pull the mower forward, makes the effort minimal. On a flat, small lawn, I find it requires less overall effort than starting and guiding a heavy gas mower. The challenge comes more from ensuring your lawn is free of large sticks and debris that can stop the reel.
How often do I need to sharpen the blades?
It depends on how often you mow and the size of your lawn. For a typical small lawn, you might only need to sharpen the blades once every one to two years. A clear sign that sharpening is needed is when the mower starts tearing the grass tips instead of giving a clean cut. Some people also lightly backlap the blades annually as a form of maintenance. When reviewing the 10 best hand reel push lawn mowers for small lawns, I always check what owners say about long-term maintenance.
Can I use a reel mower on a bumpy or sloped lawn?
Bumpy lawns are the main weakness of a reel mower. The cutting action relies on a very small gap between the reel blades and the bed knife. If a wheel goes over a bump or dip, that gap can change, leading to an uneven cut or missed patches. A gentle slope is usually fine, but a steep hill can be physically challenging to push up. For the best results, your lawn should be relatively flat and smooth.