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Best Reel Mowers for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best reel mowers for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: May 23rd, 2024

🌱Reel mowers are a hit among those who want to be kind to the environment and enjoy a quieter, low-maintenance way to keep their lawns trim. These human-powered mowers deliver a clean cut, help prevent lawn diseases, and save you from the noise and fumes of gas-powered alternatives. We've done our homework and rounded up the top models out there for 2024, making it simple to find the best reel mower, whatever your yard's size or your budget.

So whether you're working with a small city plot or a sprawling suburban lawn, we've got you covered.

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Overall Best: Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower

Fiskars Push Reel Lawn Mower, StaySharp Max, Manual Eco-Friendly Cordless Grass Trimmer, 18" Cut Width Mower 18"

The Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower stands out as our top choice for 2024 due to its blend of advanced technology and user-friendly design. Key features include the InertiaDrive and StaySharp cutting systems, which together provide superior cutting power and extend the blade’s life. This mower effectively tackles denser grass types like Zoysia and Bermuda, which can be challenging for other reel mowers. Its adjustable height settings allow for precise cutting, while the ergonomic handle reduces strain, making mowing a more comfortable experience. Overall, this model delivers outstanding performance, durability, and ease of use, securing its position as the best overall reel mower.

Lowest at Amazon

$266.85 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$99.75 at ecrater-USA

More Answers

Still curious about the Fiskars StaySharp Max Lawn Mower? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How easy is the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower to push?

Wondering how easy the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower is to push? Well, according to our research, it's pretty smooth sailing. It has a cool feature called the **InertiaDrive System** that really helps ease the effort compared to other reel mowers. This system gives a boost in cutting power and cuts down on jamming, making your mowing experience less of a workout. The mower uses what's called a **StaySharp Cutting System**, where the blades don’t actually touch each other. This clever design keeps the blades sharper for longer and means you won’t have to spend much time maintaining or sharpening them. From our data, quite a few people mention that this mower is easier to push, thanks to these innovative features. The manufacturer also markets it as a big step forward in terms of efficiency and user-friendliness. The mower also gets points for comfort with its ergonomic handle and one-touch height adjustment, making it easy to find a setting that works for you, whether you're tall or not so tall. Plus, the reversible grass chute helps with directing clippings and managing uneven terrain. Now, it's worth mentioning that this model is on the heavier side and costs a bit more than some other options. But, based on our findings, its durability and performance could help offset those initial costs in terms of reduced maintenance and blade sharpening over time. Many folks feel it's a worthy investment for its performance and longevity. So, if you're looking to make mowing less of a chore, the Fiskars StaySharp Max might just be a good fit, combining efficiency with convenience.

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What is the cutting width of the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower?

The Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower has an 18-inch cutting width, which we've found to be pretty effective for covering a good amount of ground while still being easy to move around your yard. About handling different grass types, the mower comes with the StaySharp Cutting System. This keeps the blades sharp for longer periods, which is pretty handy because it lessens how often you need to sharpen them and keeps the mowing consistent over time. However, there are a couple of things to consider if your lawn has really tall or dense grass. According to our research, it can struggle a bit with very tall or thick types of grass like Zoysia. This is mostly because, unlike rotary mowers, reel mowers don't have that suction effect to lift the grass before cutting it. So, for grass that's really long, you might have to go over sections more than once or from different directions to get a clean cut. Wet grass can also be challenging. While it can handle slightly damp grass, if it's too wet, the mower might clog, making it harder to push and affecting performance. So, it's ideal to mow your lawn when it's on the dry side or just a bit damp for the best results. Overall, the Fiskars StaySharp Max is a solid eco-friendly choice as long as you keep up with regular lawn maintenance. It's quiet and efficient, but maintaining a routine—cutting grass before it gets too tall or wet—will give you the best outcome with less hassle. That's what our findings and expert advice suggest, anyway.

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How well does the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower handle different grass types?

The Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower is pretty adaptable when it comes to handling various grass types. The manufacturer mentions it can mow grasses like St. Augustine, Zoysia, Bahia, and Bermuda quite effectively. A big part of this flexibility is due to its adjustable cutting heights, ranging from 1 to 4 inches, which lets you fine-tune it depending on your lawn's specific needs. So whether you're dealing with a lush St. Augustine lawn or a tougher Bermuda patch, you can tweak the mower to handle it. Our research indicates that while the StaySharp Max usually performs well, thicker and denser grasses like Zoysia might be more challenging. Some folks have found that such grass types might need a bit more effort, especially if they've grown too tall. You might need to push a bit harder or go over those sections more than once to get a neat cut. Keeping up with regular mowing can help with this since letting grass get too long increases the difficulty. The mower also features an InertiaDrive Reel, adding extra cutting power, which is great for tougher grass. If you're having issues with thick grass, adjusting the cutting height bit by bit can often make things run more smoothly without needing extra muscle power. In short, the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower handles a range of grass types well, especially when you keep up with regular maintenance and make sure not to let your grass get too long. If you're consistently on top of your lawn care, this mower should suit you nicely, providing a solid balance of power and adjustability for different lawn conditions.

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Runner-up: Sun Joe MJ502M Manual Reel Mower

Sun Joe MJ502M Manual Reel Mower w/Grass Catcher | 20 inch

The Sun Joe MJ502M Manual Reel Mower earns the runner-up spot for its efficiency and user-centric design. It features a 20-inch cutting width and a dual-wheel system, which make it easy to maneuver around obstacles and in tighter spaces. This mower is ideal for small to medium-sized yards, and the included grass catcher simplifies post-mowing cleanup by capturing clippings as you go. According to our research, customers appreciate its simplicity and performance, making it a reliable and eco-friendly choice for those seeking an effective manual mowing solution.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$119.00 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch Reel Mower

American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

The American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch Reel Mower is our top budget pick, offering excellent value without compromising on quality. Its lightweight and easy-to-push design is perfect for smaller yards, and the 14-inch cutting width ensures efficient mowing. The heat-treated steel alloy blades provide a clean cut and long-lasting durability. This mower is a practical choice for cost-conscious homeowners who want a simple, effective, and environmentally friendly way to maintain their lawn.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$94.99 at Amazon

Best for Larger Yards: Scotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower

Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower, Green

Designed with larger lawns in mind, the Scotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower makes mowing expansive areas more manageable. With a wide 20-inch cutting width and five heat-treated blades, this mower ensures a clean and efficient cut. The adjustable cutting heights provide versatility, accommodating different grass lengths for a well-manicured lawn. Users find it particularly effective for reducing mowing time while maintaining a pristine landscape, making it a top choice for those with more extensive green spaces.

Lowest at Amazon

$149.99 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$115.68 at AliExpress.com

Technical Pick: Remington RM3100

The Remington RM3100 combines practicality with innovative features, making it a great pick for tech enthusiasts. It offers nine adjustable height settings, ergonomic foam grip handles, and smooth maneuverability. With an 18-inch cutting width and mulching capabilities, it's ideal for lawns up to one-quarter acre. The inclusion of a grass catcher adds to its convenience, keeping your lawn neat and eliminating the need for additional cleanup. According to customer reviews, this mower’s customizable options and ease of use make it a standout choice for those looking for a bit more tech in their gardening tools.

Available at Amazon

View at Amazon

Best Electric: Scotts 16-Inch 20V Cordless Electric Reel Mower

Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2020-16S 20-Volt 16-Inch Electric Cordless Reel Lawn Mower, 2.0Ah Battery & Fast Charger Included

For those seeking the benefits of both manual and electric power, the Scotts 16-Inch 20V Cordless Electric Reel Mower is an excellent option. This model features a battery-powered motor that minimizes blade jamming, especially on flat terrains. While it comes at a higher price point compared to purely manual models, it offers the advantages of quiet operation and enhanced performance. Ideal for tech-savvy homeowners, this reel mower combines traditional reel mowing with modern convenience, ensuring a smooth and efficient mowing experience.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$309.99 at Amazon

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