I remember the first Saturday I pushed a manual mower across a patch of cool-season grass, listening to nothing but the whisper of steel on blade. That quiet ritual is exactly why I keep coming back to reel mowers for small yards. If you’re tired of gas fumes, pull-cord frustration, or the constant drone of a battery model, this list is built for you.
Reel mowers cut grass with a scissor-like action, slicing each blade instead of tearing, which many lawn-care folks say leads to a healthier, greener yard over time. They also need almost no maintenance, store in a closet, and cost a fraction of their powered cousins. The trade-off is physical effort and limits on grass length and terrain.
Below are seven solid picks spanning pure manual reels to hybrid battery-powered walk-behinds for shoppers who want a bit of motor assist. I’ll explain what each does well, where it falls short, and who it’s genuinely built for.
A Closer Look At The Lineup
Casince 17-inch Cordless Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-inch Gas Push Mower
LawnMaster LMRM1401 14-Inch Push Reel Mower
LawnMaster LMRM1602 16-Inch Push Reel Mower
LawnMaster LMRM1801 18-Inch Push Reel Mower
Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14-inch Mower
Litheli 40V 16-Inch Cordless Brushless Mower
Why These Options Stand Out
For shoppers who want the simplicity of a walk-behind without the noise or fumes of gas, the Casince 17-inch cordless mower lands in a sweet spot. Its 17-inch cutting deck with six height settings (1 to 3 inches) gives plenty of flexibility for the kind of varied mowing heights that pop up across a typical spring-to-fall season.
Two 20V 4.0Ah batteries work in tandem, and the listed runtime covers up to about 5,380 square feet on a charge, which translates to a small or mid-size suburban yard without scrambling for an outlet mid-cut. Compared to the pure manual options later on this list, the battery assistance means you’ll still finish the job when the grass is tall or slightly damp.
Useful Highlights
- Dual 20V 4.0Ah battery setup stretches runtime across most small-to-mid yards.
- 17-inch deck hits a practical middle ground between narrow agility and faster coverage.
- Six height positions from 1 to 3 inches handle seasonal growth shifts without swapping tools.
- No gas storage, no oil changes, and noticeably quieter than the PowerSmart gas model below.
Things To Consider
- Runtime shrinks on dense or wet grass, so a larger yard may need a mid-session battery swap.
- Brushless-style battery mowers tend to cost more than a basic reel, so budget-conscious shoppers should weigh it against the manual picks.
Key Specs
Who It Suits Best
Suburban homeowners with a small-to-mid yard who want a battery-powered walk-behind that’s lighter than a gas mower but easier than pushing a pure reel.
Look Elsewhere When
Shoppers on a tight budget or anyone who wants zero charging and zero batteries should look at the LawnMaster LMRM1401 14-Inch Push Reel Mower for a simpler, manual experience.
I included the PowerSmart EasyGlide because not everyone wants a manual reel, and some yards simply outgrow one. The 21-inch steel deck is the widest on this list, so each pass covers more ground than the Casince 17-inch cordless above or any of the LawnMaster reels further down.
It pairs a 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine (OHV means overhead valve, a layout that generally runs cooler and more efficiently than older side-valve designs) with an auto choke for simpler starts, and the 3-in-1 system supports side discharge, rear bagging, or mulching. Six height adjustments round out a setup geared toward homeowners who want one mower that handles thick or tall grass without complaint.
Everyday Wins
- 21-inch steel deck cuts mowing time noticeably compared to 16 or 17-inch walk-behinds.
- 3-in-1 design lets you bag, mulch, or side-discharge without buying extra attachments.
- 144cc OHV engine with auto choke gives easier cold starts than older manual-choke gas mowers.
- Six height positions cover everything from a low manicured cut to a higher summer setting.
- Steel deck holds up to bumps and rough patches better than lightweight plastic housings.
Worth Noting
- Gas engines need oil checks, spark plug service, and fuel stabilizer if stored over winter.
- It’s louder and heavier than the battery and reel options, which can matter in close-knit neighborhoods.
- Lacks self-propel, so sloped yards can wear you out faster than a powered-drive model.
Made For
Homeowners with larger, thicker, or slightly uneven lawns who want gas power and a wide deck, and who don’t mind basic engine upkeep.
Consider Something Else When
If your yard is small and you want a quieter, no-fuel experience, the LawnMaster LMRM1801 18-Inch Push Reel Mower is a better fit for the reel-mower approach.
The LawnMaster LMRM1401 is the most nimble pick on this list. Its 14-inch cutting width and 10-inch front wheels slide between raised beds, swing around tight corners, and tuck into a narrow storage closet at the end of the day. For townhouse courtyards or a postage-stamp backyard, that agility matters more than raw cutting width.
Like the other LawnMaster reels, it cuts with a 5-blade reel that shears grass rather than tearing it, which many lawn-care enthusiasts credit with cleaner leaf tips and greener turf. Four height positions from 1 to 2.5 inches keep it flexible across common cool-season grass types.
Advantages To Know
- 14-inch deck and compact wheels make it the easiest pick on the list to maneuver around landscaping.
- Motorless design means no fuel, no charging, no engine noise to bother anyone on a Saturday morning.
- 5-blade scissor-style cut is gentler on grass blades than rotary mowers.
- Lightweight frame is easy to carry down stairs or hang on a wall hook.
Points To Keep In Mind
- Pure manual push, so tall or wet grass takes noticeably more effort than with the Casince cordless model.
- 14-inch width means more passes across anything beyond a small yard.
- Best results require fairly regular mowing so blades don’t outgrow the reel.
Quick Facts
Best Suited To
Apartment dwellers, townhome owners, and anyone with a small, flat lawn who wants a quiet, lightweight reel they can store in a closet or shed.
Skip It When
Shoppers with a larger yard who want fewer passes should step up to the LawnMaster LMRM1801 18-Inch Push Reel Mower for a wider pure-reel cut.
Sitting between the 14-inch and 18-inch LawnMaster reels, the LMRM1602 is the practical middle child. The extra two inches over the LMRM1401 translate to fewer passes across a typical small suburban lawn, and it still handles gates and tight turns that would frustrate a 21-inch deck like the PowerSmart’s.
It carries the same 5-blade scissor-cutting reel, four height positions from 1 to 2.5 inches, and 10-inch front wheels as the smaller LawnMaster, so the cut quality stays consistent across the lineup. For shoppers torn between compactness and coverage, this 16-inch model answers the question neatly.
The Upside
- 16-inch width trims mowing time compared to the 14-inch reel without losing nimble handling.
- Same gentle scissor cut as the rest of the LawnMaster reel family.
- No fuel, no batteries, and no winterizing routine to remember.
- Reasonable price point keeps it accessible for first-time reel-mower shoppers.
Honest Caveats
- Still fully manual, so overgrown grass demands more pushing effort than the Casince battery model.
- Four height positions are fewer than the nine-step 18-inch LawnMaster, which can matter if you like fine-tuning seasonal height.
Feature Snapshot
Right Fit For
Small suburban yard owners who want a step up from a 14-inch reel but don’t need the full 18-inch width, and who want a manual mower that still feels light.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Shoppers who want battery assistance for tall or wet grass should consider the Litheli 40V 16-Inch Cordless Brushless Mower instead.
The LMRM1801 is the widest pure reel on this list, and that extra width shows up where it counts. An 18-inch deck covers more ground per pass than the 14-inch or 16-inch LawnMaster models, which matters for anyone maintaining a yard on a weekly schedule through peak growing season.
It also steps up to nine cutting positions ranging from 1.1 to 2.5 inches, giving finer control than the four-position reels above. The 10-inch front wheels and the same 5-blade scissor-style reel keep the cut quality consistent across the LawnMaster lineup.
What Earns Its Place
- Widest reel deck here, cutting more grass per pass than smaller LawnMaster models.
- Nine height positions give more seasonal flexibility than the four-position reels.
- Still motorless, so storage is simple and there’s no fuel or battery to manage.
- Scissor-style cut is gentler on grass blades than rotary action.
Some Limits To Know
- Wider deck means it doesn’t fit through every narrow garden gate the way the 14-inch LMRM1401 does.
- Manual push effort grows with the deck width, especially on tall grass, so it isn’t ideal for anyone wanting effortless mowing.
Who Will Love This
Homeowners with a mid-size yard who want a pure-reel cut with wider coverage and more height options, without stepping up to gas or battery power.
Another Choice May Suit
Anyone with a tiny courtyard or narrow side yard will find the LawnMaster LMRM1401 14-Inch Push Reel Mower easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
The Great States 204-14 is a long-standing entry-level reel that has earned its reputation on simplicity and price. It’s the most affordable pick on the list, and it sticks to the basics: a 14-inch cutting reel, no motor, no cord, no battery. For someone stepping into reel mowing for the first time, that low commitment is the main draw.
Its compact footprint slides easily through a side gate and stores in a tight space, much like the LawnMaster LMRM1401. The trade-off is fewer listed height adjustments and a lighter build, so it’s best matched with small, well-tended lawns rather than thick or weedy turf.
A Favorable Mix
- Lowest price point on this list, making it the easiest reel to try without much investment.
- Compact 14-inch design works well in small yards and narrow storage spots.
- Zero fuel, zero batteries, and virtually no routine maintenance.
- Scissor-like cut that many homeowners say keeps grass tips cleaner.
Trade-Offs To Consider
- Fewer listed height adjustments than the LawnMaster reels, so fine-tuning seasonal height is limited.
- Lightweight frame can feel less planted over bumpy ground, and parts availability can vary since it’s a long-running model.
Perfect Match For
First-time reel shoppers, renters, and anyone who wants the lowest-cost way to try a manual mower on a small, regularly mowed lawn.
Swap It Out When
Shoppers who want more height positions and a slightly sturdier reel should step up to the LawnMaster LMRM1602 16-Inch Push Reel Mower.
The Litheli 40V closes out the list for shoppers who like the reel-mower ethos but want motor help on tougher weeks. Its brushless motor (a motor design with no carbon brushes, so it generally lasts longer and needs less servicing than brushed alternatives) eliminates oil changes, spark plugs, and carburetor cleaning, sidestepping the maintenance that comes with the PowerSmart gas model.
The 16-inch deck mirrors the LawnMaster LMRM1602 for cutting width, but adds six height positions between roughly 1 and 3 inches, plus a 50-liter collection bag and mulching capability. Two included 5.0Ah batteries give it more capacity than the Casince setup above.
Notable Gains
- Brushless motor delivers consistent power with virtually no routine engine upkeep.
- Dual 5.0Ah batteries extend runtime for mid-size yards in a single session.
- Six height positions from roughly 1 to 3 inches cover most seasonal adjustments.
- 50-liter collection bag plus mulching gives flexible clippings handling in one tool.
- Quieter than the PowerSmart gas mower, with no exhaust fumes.
- 16-inch deck lands in a familiar size for shoppers moving up from a manual reel.
Factors To Consider
- Higher price point than the manual LawnMaster reels, so budget-focused shoppers may lean toward the LMRM1401.
- Runtime drops in tall or thick grass, and batteries lose capacity over years of regular use.
Feature Card
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Shoppers who want a battery-powered walk-behind with low maintenance and enough runtime for a typical small-to-mid suburban yard.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Anyone committed to a fully manual, no-battery setup will be happier with the Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14-inch Mower for the lowest-effort, no-charging approach.
Picking the Right Reel Mower for Your Yard
Matching the mower to the lawn makes more difference than chasing the widest deck. Lawn size, grass type, slope, and storage all shape which pick actually fits daily life.
Cutting Width and Yard Size
The wider the deck, the fewer passes across the lawn. A 14-inch reel like the LawnMaster LMRM1401 or Great States 204-14 works well for small courtyards and townhome patches. Mid-size suburban lawns tend to feel less tedious on 16-inch or 18-inch reels like the LMRM1602 or LMRM1801. Once the yard pushes past a comfortable push-mower size, a powered option such as the Casince 17-inch cordless or the Litheli 40V 16-inch reduces fatigue.
Height Adjustments and Grass Type
Cool-season grasses like fescue and Kentucky bluegrass often look best at the upper end of a mower’s range, while warm-season grasses such as Bermuda and Zoysia handle lower cuts. Pickers that offer more height positions, like the nine-step LawnMaster LMRM1801 or the six-step Litheli 40V, give more flexibility for seasonal shifts.
Power Source: Manual vs. Battery vs. Gas
Manual reels are quiet, lightweight, and virtually maintenance-free, but they demand consistent mowing and effort. Battery models add power for taller grass at the cost of charging and eventual battery replacement. Gas mowers like the PowerSmart EasyGlide handle thick growth and wide areas but introduce fuel, oil, and noise into the routine.
Storage, Weight, and Maneuverability
Reel mowers shine in storage, often hanging on a wall or sliding into a closet. Battery models are heavier but still manageable, while gas mowers take up the most space and benefit from a sheltered corner of a shed or garage.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Pitfalls Shoppers Hit
A common mistake is choosing a reel mower with a deck too wide for the yard’s gates and pathways, which turns every mow into an awkward obstacle course. Another is buying a manual reel for a lawn that grows aggressively between cuts, since reel blades work best on shorter, more frequent passes. Overlooking storage space can also lead to a mower that lives in the rain because it never fit on the planned hook.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Stepping from a basic 14-inch reel to a wider 18-inch or adding battery power brings real-world gains in fewer passes and easier handling of thicker grass. Higher-tier picks like the Litheli 40V also trade the maintenance of a gas engine for the long-term convenience of a brushless motor and dual batteries. For shoppers who mow often, want a tidier cut, or simply dislike the noise and upkeep of gas, the upgrade typically earns its keep.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I mow with a reel mower? Most reel mowers perform best when the lawn is cut before it grows more than a third above the desired height, often once a week during peak season.
Can a reel mower handle tall or wet grass? Reels work best on shorter, drier grass. For consistently tall or damp growth, a battery or gas walk-behind makes the job much easier.
Do reel mowers really cut better than rotary mowers? Many lawn-care enthusiasts say yes, since the scissor-like action slices each blade cleanly rather than tearing it, which can lead to greener, healthier-looking tips.
How do I sharpen the blades on a reel mower? Most manufacturers recommend professional sharpening every few seasons, though backlapping kits are available for handy shoppers who want to maintain the edge at home.
Are reel mowers hard to push? On short, even turf they’re easy. On tall, thick, or uneven grass, the effort grows, which is why matching the mower type to the conditions matters.
The Takeaway
A good reel mower turns a noisy weekend chore into a quiet, almost meditative routine. Match the deck width to the yard, pick the power source that fits your tolerance for effort and upkeep, and the rest tends to fall into place. Any of the seven picks above can serve a small or mid-size lawn well, so the right one is simply the one that fits how you actually mow.