A small lawn doesn’t need a roaring gas engine or a tangle of extension cords. Reel mowers rely on a hand-pushed reel of blades that snip grass like scissors, which means quieter sessions, no fuel smell, and minimal upkeep. They’re well-suited to tight lots, townhouse strips, and anyone who’d rather trade a Saturday afternoon of engine noise for a quick walk behind a quiet machine.
The Shortlist At A Glance
Casince Cordless Lawn Mower 17 in Walk Behind
PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-inch Gas Push Mower
LawnMaster LMRM1401 Push Reel Mower 14-Inch
LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Mower 16-Inch
LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Mower 18-Inch
Great States 204-14 Hand Reel Mower 14 Inch
Meet The Standout Selections
The Casince straddles the line between a traditional reel mower and a modern battery machine. Unlike the purely manual picks further down this list, it runs on two 20V 4.0Ah batteries, so there’s no pushing through tall grass with brute force. The 17-inch cutting deck and six height positions between 1 and 3 inches give plenty of flexibility for most lawn types.
For a typical suburban yard under a quarter acre, you get a quieter alternative to the PowerSmart EasyGlide without sacrificing a wider cut. Depending on grass thickness, runtime stretches up to around 40 minutes per charge cycle. Reel-style purists may overlook it for not being motorless, but households that want less effort get a noticeable upgrade here.
The Upside
- Battery operation removes the physical strain of pushing a manual reel through thicker turf.
- Six height positions from 1 to 3 inches cover everything from a closely cropped look to a slightly longer summer cut.
- The 17-inch deck trims more lawn per pass than the 14-inch LawnMaster LMRM1401, cutting mowing time on medium lots.
- No gas, oil, or extension cords means cleaner storage in a garage or shed.
- Quieter than the PowerSmart EasyGlide, which helps in noise-sensitive neighborhoods.
Things To Consider
- Battery runtime drops in tall or wet grass, so a larger yard may need a mid-session charge.
- Heavier than a manual reel mower, which matters on slopes or for anyone who prefers an ultra-light push.
- Owners commonly report the plastic deck needs careful storage to avoid cracking in cold winters.
Who It Suits Best
Homeowners with a small to mid-size flat lawn who want battery convenience without stepping up to a full gas machine.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
Shoppers who want a purely mechanical reel with zero charging should look at the Great States 204-14 instead.
The PowerSmart EasyGlide is the brute of this roundup, and that is exactly its purpose. It runs on a 144cc four-stroke OHV engine with an automatic choke, so starting is straightforward even on cool mornings. The 21-inch steel deck covers more ground per pass than any reel mower on this list, and the 3-in-1 system handles side discharge, mulching, or bagging.
For yards that have outgrown a manual reel, this model trades the simplicity of the Great States 204-14 for raw cutting efficiency. Six height settings keep the cut adjustable across seasons. You may find the engine noise jarring after months of using a quiet reel, but it makes short work of overgrown patches that would stall a smaller push mower.
Positive Takeaways
- 144cc overhead-valve engine delivers enough torque for thicker grass without bogging down.
- Steel deck resists dings and rough handling better than plastic-bodied alternatives.
- Three cutting modes (mulch, bag, side discharge) suit changing lawn conditions through the year.
- Wider 21-inch path means fewer passes than the 17-inch Casince or the 18-inch LawnMaster LMRM1801.
- Automatic choke simplifies cold starts for less experienced operators.
Honest Caveats
- Gas and oil maintenance add ongoing ownership steps compared to any reel mower on this list.
- Significantly louder than battery or manual options, which limits early morning use in close neighborhoods.
- Heavier push effort than the LawnMaster reel lineup, especially on uneven ground or slopes.
Made For
Homeowners with a mid-to-large lawn who need more cutting power than a reel mower can offer and don’t mind routine engine upkeep.
Consider Something Else When
Anyone prioritizing quiet operation and zero fuel should pick the LawnMaster LMRM1602 instead.
The LawnMaster LMRM1401 is the smallest reel mower in this guide, and that simplicity is its appeal. A 14-inch cutting width and 10-inch front wheels let it slide into tight corners and narrow side yards where a wider deck would force extra trimming afterward. Four height positions between 1 and 2.5 inches give enough range for typical cool-season grasses.
Where the PowerSmart EasyGlide pushes through with engine torque, this model asks for leg power. The scissor-like reel cuts cleanly without tearing grass blades, which tends to support healthier turf over a season. For a small patch under 1,500 square feet, the trade-off feels fair.
Useful Highlights
- Lightweight body and 10-inch wheels turn easily around flower beds and landscape features.
- Five-blade reel produces a clean scissor cut that supports healthier grass recovery.
- Motorless design means no fuel, batteries, or cords to manage across the year.
- Compact footprint stores neatly in tight shed or garage spaces.
Small Caveats
- Tall or wet grass demands more pushing effort than the wider LawnMaster LMRM1801.
- Limited to heights up to 2.5 inches, which may not suit lawns kept longer for summer stress tolerance.
- Blade reel needs occasional manual adjustment to keep a clean cut over the years.
Right Fit For
Owners of small, flat lawns with tight landscaping who want a low-effort, motor-free cutting routine.
Look Elsewhere When
Households with a larger or thicker lawn should step up to the LawnMaster LMRM1801 for fewer passes.
The LawnMaster LMRM1602 sits comfortably in the middle of this reel mower family, and for many shoppers that’s exactly where it should land. The 16-inch cutting deck trims faster than the 14-inch LMRM1401 but still maneuvers through standard gate openings. Four cutting positions ranging from 1 to 2.5 inches cover the typical suburban preference.
Compared to the Great States 204-14, this model adds a slightly wider path without a noticeable weight penalty. The five-blade reel handles common turf types cleanly, and 10-inch front wheels keep the push smooth across mild unevenness. It is a sensible middle ground for first-time reel owners.
Strong Points
- 16-inch width trims more lawn per push than the 14-inch LMRM1401.
- Five-blade reel cuts cleanly without tearing, which supports a tidier-looking lawn.
- Compact enough to store vertically in many sheds, freeing floor space.
- No engine noise, fuel, or charging, making it neighborhood-friendly at any hour.
Points To Note
- Push effort climbs in grass that has grown past four inches between cuts.
- Maximum cut height tops out at 2.5 inches, limiting taller summer settings.
Best Suited To
Homeowners with an average small-to-mid lawn who want a step up from the smallest reel without going to the widest.
Swap It Out When
Shoppers wanting maximum reel width in this category should pick the LawnMaster LMRM1801.
The LawnMaster LMRM1801 is the widest reel in the LawnMaster lineup and arguably the most versatile. An 18-inch deck covers ground quickly, while nine cutting positions between 1.1 and 2.5 inches give finer control over the final look than the 4-position LMRM1401 or LMRM1602. The 10-inch front wheels track steadily across mild unevenness.
This is the model to consider when a Great States 204-14 or LawnMaster LMRM1401 feels too narrow but a gas machine like the PowerSmart EasyGlide feels like overkill. You may find the wider deck slightly harder to pivot in tight corners, so very small lots still benefit from the 14-inch option.
Good Reasons To Consider
- Wider 18-inch path shortens mowing time compared to the 14- and 16-inch siblings.
- Nine height settings offer finer tuning for seasonal lawn preferences.
- Five-blade reel keeps grass tips clean, which supports stronger regrowth.
- Motorless operation keeps ongoing ownership costs near zero beyond occasional blade care.
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Wider deck reduces agility around sharp landscaping corners versus the LMRM1401.
- Heavier push feel in overgrown grass, especially compared to battery options like the Casince.
Who Should Grab It
Homeowners with a larger reel-mower-sized lawn who want maximum width and detailed height control without gas power.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Anyone managing very tight side yards and narrow gates should pick the Great States 204-14 instead.
The Great States 204-14 has been a familiar name in manual mowing for years, and that longevity speaks to its straightforward design. A 14-inch cutting width, hand-pushed reel, and lightweight frame keep things simple for first-time reel owners. There is no engine, no battery, and no cord, which makes storage and seasonal startup nearly effortless.
Compared to the LawnMaster LMRM1401, this model offers a similar footprint with a no-frills approach that many casual shoppers appreciate. The scissor-like reel action leaves clean cuts that look tidy after a few passes. For a postage-stamp lawn or a narrow side strip, the trade-offs are easy to accept.
Everyday Perks
- Lightweight build makes it approachable for shoppers new to reel mowing.
- Motorless design keeps ownership costs minimal beyond occasional blade cleaning.
- 14-inch width handles tight side yards and narrow gates without trouble.
- Clean scissor cut supports healthier grass recovery in well-maintained turf.
- Stores compactly in small sheds or even garage corners.
Practical Considerations
- Push effort climbs quickly in tall, weedy, or uneven patches.
- Best limited to small, regularly mowed lawns for a frustration-free experience.
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
First-time reel owners and anyone with a small, well-kept lawn who wants the simplest, lightest option on this list.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Shoppers with a mid-size lawn wanting more height flexibility should consider the LawnMaster LMRM1602 instead.
Picking The Right Reel Mower For Your Lawn
A reel mower looks simple, but a few specs change how it actually performs day to day. Deck width controls how many passes a yard needs, height range determines how short or tall the grass can sit, and blade count shapes cut quality. For most small lawns, a 14- to 18-inch deck covers ground quickly without becoming unwieldy.
Deck Width And Lawn Size
A 14-inch reel, like the Great States 204-14 or LawnMaster LMRM1401, fits narrow side yards and tight gates. A 16- or 18-inch deck, like the LawnMaster LMRM1602 or LMRM1801, speeds up cuts on wider suburban lots. Anything larger usually means stepping up to the battery Casince or a gas model.
Cut Height And Grass Type
Cool-season grasses often look best at 2 to 3 inches, so a mower topping out at 2.5 inches, like most reels here, may feel limiting in summer. Warm-season grasses tolerate shorter cuts and match the lower end of these ranges. More height positions give finer seasonal control, which is where the LawnMaster LMRM1801 stands out with nine settings.
Push Effort And Terrain
Reel mowers work best on flat, regularly mowed lawns. Tall or wet grass demands more leg power, and rough ground compounds the effort. Battery and gas options reduce strain but introduce their own maintenance routines.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Pitfalls Shoppers Hit
Choosing a reel mower purely by deck width is a common trap, since a wide reel on a tiny yard adds weight without saving time. Another slip is ignoring height range, which matters for anyone who lets grass grow longer during hot months. Skipping blade care is a third, since dull reel blades tear grass and undo the main benefit of going manual.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Spending more in this category typically buys wider decks, finer height adjustment, or battery convenience. The LawnMaster LMRM1801 charges a small premium for nine height settings, while the Casince adds battery power for less pushing effort. Each upgrade pays off only when the lawn actually demands it, so match the price step to the yard’s real needs rather than the spec sheet.
Closing Remarks
Reel mowers reward regular mowing on small-to-mid lawns with quiet operation, clean cuts, and very little upkeep. Match the deck width to your lot, the height range to your grass type, and the power source to your terrain. Any of the six picks above will handle that match well if the rest of your routine stays consistent.