The 10 Best Reel Mowers
This review has been updated 12 times since it was first published in February of 2021. If you’ve got sensitive neighbors or a postage-stamp patch of lawn, you can probably do without power landscaping equipment that takes up valuable storage space when it’s not raising a fuel-guzzling ruckus in your yard. A compact and eco-friendly reel mower from our handy assortment only needs someone to push it to quietly and efficiently cut grass down to an HOA-approved height in short order.
10. LawnMaster LMRM1601
For no-hassle mowing at a price that won’t strain the tightest of purse-strings, the LawnMaster LMRM1601 (around $68) is a solid choice to get the job done without stinking up the neighborhood, unless you count the smell of body odor from working up a sweat to use it.
- Comfort-grip angled handle
- Various cutting height settings
- Heavier than other models
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9. Greenworks 2-in-1
Although a gap between the blade edges and wheels can make it difficult to achieve precise results in tight spaces, the Greenworks 2-in-1 (appx. $55) does a respectable job of clearing a 16-to-20-inch-wide path of overgrown greenery on each pass to be composted or kicked to the curb.
- 4-year warranty
- Affordably priced
- Snags on small obstructions
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8. Scotts 2000
Regular groundskeeping sessions with the classic Scotts 2000 (appx. $131) can help you stay out of hot water with the local homeowners’ association, and enjoy a little fresh air and exercise while you’re at it. Quick-snap levers make height adjustments intuitive and user-friendly.
- Inexpensive and easy to use
- No toxic emissions
- Results may be a bit uneven
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7. Remington RM3000
The Remington RM3000 (about $48) reliably snips and collects the cuttings from a small-to-medium area with ease, and going from one grass level to another is as simple as flipping a switch by each set of double wheels. It’s no trouble to maintain and backed by a 2-year warranty.
- Detachable catcher included
- Handles moderately uneven terrain
- Ineffective on taller growth
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6. Gardena Silent
The only sound you’ll hear from a Gardena Silent (around $186) is the gentle whirring of the cylinder, which won’t even drown out birdsong — much less disturb the neighbors — or spew out smelly fumes as you crisscross the yard in stealth mode any time of day or night.
- Friction-free design
- Two different handle styles
- Mesh grass collector sold separately
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5. Sun Joe Mow Joe
A nine-position adjustment lever and dual wheel design make the Sun Joe Mow Joe (appx. $100) a handy tool for keeping up appearances with a variety of grasses and cutting areas. It’s lightweight and maneuverable, so it’s also a good way to get in a healthy workout every time you mow.
- Fully covered by 24-month warranty
- Mulching bag attachment included
- Ergonomic cushioned handle
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4. American Lawn Mower
With either a T-style or rectangular handle and multiple blade types and settings to choose from, American Lawn Mower (appx. $104) can provide the solution you need to make quick work of trimming unruly growth in small spaces, or in broader swaths of up to 1-1/2 feet in width.
- Budget-friendly price
- Precise cutting edges
- Lightweight and low maintenance
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3. DuroStar Lawn Demon
The DuroStar Lawn Demon (around $77) has an adjustable rotary cylinder and comes with a removable clippings catcher to tidy up your turf, whether you like to leave the mulch in place, add it to a compost pile, or bag up trimmings to go out to the curb.
- 20-inch-wide cutting path
- Five stay-sharp cutting surfaces
- Large all-terrain wheels
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2. Great States
Elegant simplicity makes the Great States (around $112) line of lawn care equipment as practical as it is affordable. Rust-resistant, powder-coated steel blades stand up to frequent use and come in a range of sizes and configurations to get the job done right.
- 14-18-inch cutting widths
- Customizable roller settings
- Optional grass catcher
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1. Fiskars StaySharp
From the 17-inch base model to the brawnier Max version, the Fiskars StaySharp (appx. $178) delivers nearly effortless, exceptional cutting power at adjustable heights, with a chute that can be repositioned to spit out grassy mulch in whatever direction you prefer.
- Lifetime warranty
- Push-assist technology
- Long-lasting blade edges
