Buying Guide
Our Guide to the Best Reel Mowers Under $200
Six manual reel mowers under $200 with seven-blade reels, built-in sharpeners and 20 inch decks, sorted for lawns of up to a few thousand square feet.
By Gardening Is Ezee Editors
10 min read6 products evaluated
The step up to $200 buys two things reel mowers badly need: a sharp reel and a way to keep it sharp. Two American Lawn Mower models in this group ship with a hand sharpener, and the Scotts 7-blade steps up the reel itself. A reel that cuts cleanly leaves the tips of the grass healthy, while a dull one chews them and turns the lawn a faint brown a day later.
Everything here is manual, so power is you and traction. What changes between models is the wheel diameter, the reel's blade count and the range. The 10 inch wheels on the ALMC 1304 and 1415, the Great States 815 and both Scotts models roll over bumps that stall the 8.5 inch wheels on the Great States 204.
Think about how many seasons you want from it. A reel with a replaceable, sharpenable cutting system outlasts a throwaway, and at this price you are buying that longevity, not a wider cut.
Gardening Is Ezee field notes
The Garden Fit Check
A quick way to connect the shortlist to the space, workload and ownership details that matter after the box arrives.
- Start with the job
- American Lawn Mower 1415-16SK2 16 Inch leads this shortlist for Small to medium lawns kept for years. Use that fit as a reference point, then compare the alternatives against your own space and workload.
- Specs that separate the picks
- The first details to compare are 16 inch cutting width, 18 inch cutting width. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
- Trade-off to plan for
- Height range is not given in this listing
The Practical Shortlist
A garden-first look at 6 options, organized around the job each one suits best.
Best Overall
American Lawn Mower 1415-16SK2 16 Inch
Small to medium lawns kept for years
Our take Check price for American Lawn Mower 1415-16SK2 16 Inch (opens in a new tab)
Best Reel Quality
Scotts 716-18S 18 Inch 7-Blade Reel Mower
Cool-season lawns where cut quality matters
Our take Check price for Scotts 716-18S 18 Inch 7-Blade Reel Mower (opens in a new tab)
Best Low and Wide
Great States 815-18 18 Inch Reel Mower
Lawns cut at different heights through the year
Our take Check price for Great States 815-18 18 Inch Reel Mower (opens in a new tab)
Best for Larger Lawns
Scotts 2000-20S 20 Inch Reel Mower
Flat, larger lawns where fewer passes matter
Our take Check price for Scotts 2000-20S 20 Inch Reel Mower (opens in a new tab)
Best Compact with Sharpener
American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2 14 Inch
Small, short lawns with tight storage
Our take Check price for American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2 14 Inch (opens in a new tab)
Best Entry Price
Great States 204-14 14 Inch Reel Mower
Tiny, flat lawns kept short
Our take Check price for Great States 204-14 14 Inch Reel Mower (opens in a new tab)
Why Each Pick Made the Cut
Best Overall1 of 6
American Lawn Mower 1415-16SK2 16 Inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
A 16 inch five-blade reel on 10 inch wheels that ships with a hand sharpener, the best way to keep a reel cutting cleanly.
Best for
- Small to medium lawns kept for years
Our take
The ALMC 1415-16SK2 pairs a five-blade reel with a 16 inch cutting width, 10 inch polymer wheels and a hand sharpener in the box. It is pollution free, noise free and low maintenance, and the maker's guidance is to remove no more than a third of the grass blade per mow.
The sharpener is the reason it leads. Against the Scotts 716-18S, which has two more blades and a wider cut, the ALMC does not need a separate sharpening kit and costs less. Against the 14 inch ALMC 1304 it cuts 2 inches wider for a small step in price.
Buy it for a small to medium lawn you intend to keep for years. If you want a 3 inch cutting ceiling, look at the Scotts.
Key dimensions & specs
- 16 inch cutting width
- 5-blade reel
- 10 inch polymer wheels
- Hand sharpener included, so you can keep the reel cutting cleanly
Pros
- Hand sharpener included in the box
- 10 inch wheels roll over uneven ground
- 16 inch path with five blades
- No fuel, oil or engine noise to deal with
Cons
- Height range is not given in this listing
- Narrower than the 18 and 20 inch models
Best Reel Quality2 of 6
Scotts 716-18S 18 Inch 7-Blade Reel Mower on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Seven blades on a ball-bearing reel with an 18 inch path and a 1 to 3 inch range, the finest cut under $200.
Best for
- Cool-season lawns where cut quality matters
Our take
The Scotts 716-18S has an 18 inch path, a seven-blade ball-bearing reel, 10 inch dual tracking wheels, heat-treated alloy steel blades and a cushioned handle. The height range runs 1 to 3 inches, which covers the tall end that suits fescue and bluegrass.
Seven blades produce a finer cut than the five-blade ALMC 1415 and Great States 815, and the alloy steel reel stays sharp longer. The tradeoff is the 1 inch floor, which means it cannot go as low as the Great States 815's 1/2 inch, and the extra blades can clog on coarse stems.
Buy it for a healthy cool-season lawn where cut quality matters. For a low-cut warm-season lawn, take the Great States 815.
Key dimensions & specs
- 18 inch cutting width
- 7-blade ball bearing reel
- 1 to 3 inch height
- 10 inch dual wheels
Pros
- Seven blades give the finest cut here
- Reaches 3 inches for taller grass
- Heat-treated alloy steel stays sharp longer
- Cushioned handle keeps your hands comfortable over a long mow
Cons
- Cannot cut lower than 1 inch
- Seven blades may clog on coarse stems
Best Low and Wide3 of 6
Great States 815-18 18 Inch Reel Mower on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
An 18 inch five-blade reel that cuts from 1/2 to 2 3/4 inches, the broadest height range of the six.
Best for
- Lawns cut at different heights through the year
Our take
The Great States 815-18 has an 18 inch path, a five-blade reel on ball bearings, 10 inch composite wheels and a height range of 1/2 to 2 3/4 inches. The blades are alloy steel, the loop handle has cushioned grips, and assembly needs no special tools.
That range is the widest of the six, reaching both a golf-green low cut and a mid-height lawn. It beats the Scotts 716's floor by half an inch, while giving up a quarter inch at the top and two blades. There is no sharpener in the box.
Buy it for a lawn you vary through the seasons, or one on warm-season grass. Buy the Scotts if you keep grass tall.
Key dimensions & specs
- 18 inch cutting width
- 5-blade ball bearing reel
- 1/2 to 2 3/4 inch height
- 10 inch composite wheels
Pros
- Cuts from 1/2 to 2 3/4 inches
- 18 inch path with ball-bearing reel
- Tool-free assembly gets it working in a few minutes
- Loop handle with cushioned grips is comfortable to push
Cons
- No sharpener included, so upkeep costs extra
- Five blades cut less finely than seven
Best for Larger Lawns4 of 6
Scotts 2000-20S 20 Inch Reel Mower on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
A 20 inch five-blade reel with a 1 to 3 inch quick-snap height adjustment, the widest cut for larger flat lawns.
Best for
- Flat, larger lawns where fewer passes matter
Our take
The Scotts 2000-20S cuts a 20 inch swath with a five-blade ball-bearing reel and 10 inch dual tracking wheels. Height snaps from 1 to 3 inches without tools, the heat-treated alloy steel blades hold their edge, and the handle is cushioned. Assembly needs no tools.
Compared with the Scotts 716-18S, you get two more inches of width and two fewer blades, so you trade finish for speed. It has no sharpener, unlike the two ALMC SK2 models.
Buy it when the lawn is a few thousand square feet of flat cool-season grass and fewer passes matter. For a finer cut, take the 716-18S.
Key dimensions & specs
- 20 inch cutting width
- 5-blade ball bearing reel
- 1 to 3 inch height
- 10 inch dual wheels
Pros
- 20 inch path means the fewest passes
- Quick-snap height adjustment changes the cut without any tools
- Heat-treated alloy steel blades hold a sharp edge longer
- Cushioned handle keeps your hands comfortable over a full lawn
Cons
- Five blades cut less finely than seven
- No sharpener in the box, so upkeep costs extra
Best Compact with Sharpener5 of 6
American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2 14 Inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
A 14 inch five-blade reel with a hand sharpener and 10 inch wheels, for small yards where storage is tight.
Best for
- Small, short lawns with tight storage
Our take
The ALMC 1304-14SK2 is a 14 inch, five-blade mechanical mower with 10 inch polymer wheels and a hand sharpener. The height range runs 1 to 2 1/4 inches. It is lightweight and pollution free.
It shares the sharpener with the 16 inch 1415 but gives up two inches of width, and its 2 1/4 inch ceiling is lower than either Scotts or the Great States 815. Against the Great States 204 it adds the fifth blade, the bigger wheels and the sharpener.
Buy it for a small, short lawn where you want the sharpener. For anything much bigger, pick a wider mower.
Key dimensions & specs
- 14 inch cutting width
- 5-blade reel
- 1 to 2 1/4 inch height
- Hand sharpener included, so you can keep the reel cutting cleanly
Pros
- Hand sharpener included, so you can keep the reel cutting cleanly
- 10 inch wheels over a 14 inch deck
- Five blades instead of four give a slightly finer cut
- Lightweight and easy to store in a closet or shed
Cons
- Cuts only 14 inches wide, so larger lawns take longer
- Tops out at 2 1/4 inches, too low for tall grass
Best Entry Price6 of 6
Great States 204-14 14 Inch Reel Mower on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The simplest mower here: a 14 inch four-blade reel with 8.5 inch wheels and a 1/2 to 1 3/4 inch height range.
Best for
- Tiny, flat lawns kept short
Our take
The Great States 204-14 is a small manual mower with a four-blade reel, a 14 inch path, 8.5 inch polymer wheels and a 1/2 to 1 3/4 inch height range with a scissor-action cut. Like other reels, it is best on regularly mowed grass, and the listing advises mowing smaller amounts more often.
It has the smallest wheels and the lowest ceiling of the six, which restricts it to short grass on smooth ground. In exchange it is the lowest price here. The ALMC 1304 adds the fifth blade, bigger wheels and a sharpener for a modest premium.
Buy it for a tiny, flat, short lawn. Otherwise, take the ALMC 1304.
Key dimensions & specs
- 14 inch cutting width
- 4-blade reel
- 1/2 to 1 3/4 inch height
- 8.5 inch polymer wheels
Pros
- Costs the least of the six mowers in this group
- Cuts as low as 1/2 inch
- Scissor-action reel is quiet compared with a gas mower
- Small enough to store in a closet or tight shed
Cons
- 8.5 inch wheels struggle on bumps
- Only 1 3/4 inches at the top
How We Built This Shortlist
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Cut quality
- Blade count, bearings and steel type are weighed for how cleanly the reel should shear grass.
- Upkeep
- Included sharpeners and long-lasting edges score above mowers that leave sharpening to the buyer.
- Height range
- Floor and ceiling of the range decide which grass types each mower suits.
- Handling
- Wheel size, width and handle design affect effort on a full lawn.
- Value under $200
- Cutting width, blade count and height range weighed against price.
What Matters Before You Choose a Reel Mower
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Hand sharpener or sharpening plan
A reel mower cuts by shearing grass between the spinning reel and a fixed bed knife, so when either dulls, tips are torn instead of clipped. A hand sharpener kit, like the ones in the ALMC SK2 models, lets you touch up the edge at home. Without one, you need lapping compound or a shop. Look for the word sharpener in the title or bullet points.
Wheel diameter
Bigger wheels roll over bumps, twigs and soft patches instead of stopping dead. The Great States 204 uses 8.5 inch wheels, while the Scotts and Great States 815 use 10 inch ones. On uneven ground the difference is a mower that pushes smoothly or one that stalls and tilts.
Reel quality: bearings and steel
Ball bearings make the reel spin freely, so the mower is easier to push and cuts at lower speeds. Heat-treated alloy steel holds an edge longer than plain steel. The Scotts and Great States 815 list both, while the cheaper ALMC and Great States 204 do not.
Cut height vs grass type
Extension guidance lists tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass at 2 to 3.5 inches and Zoysia or hybrid Bermuda at 1 inch or lower, and reels tend to lose effectiveness above about 1.5 inches according to one source. That means a mower topping out at 1 3/4 inches suits warm-season turf, and one reaching 3 inches suits cool-season. Match the range to your grass.
Width vs storage
A 20 inch mower finishes a flat lawn faster but needs a bigger space in the garage or shed. A 14 inch mower stores in a closet. Measure the narrowest gate and the storage spot before choosing, and weigh the time saved on the lawn against the room it takes.
Match a Reel Mower to Your Garden or Yard
By Lawn Size
Width and wheels matter more as the lawn grows.
| Lawn size | Recommended pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1,000 sq ft, tight storage | American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2 14 Inch | Compact with a sharpener |
| 1,000 to 2,500 sq ft | American Lawn Mower 1415-16SK2 16 Inch | 16 inch path and a sharpener |
| 2,500 to 4,000 sq ft, varied height | Great States 815-18 18 Inch Reel Mower | 18 inch path, 1/2 to 2 3/4 inch range |
| Fine-cut lawn of moderate size | Scotts 716-18S 18 Inch 7-Blade Reel Mower | Seven blades |
| Larger flat lawn | Scotts 2000-20S 20 Inch Reel Mower | 20 inch path |
| Tiny flat yard | Great States 204-14 14 Inch Reel Mower | Basic, low-cost reel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By Budget
Street prices shift, so these are bands.
| Price range | Recommended pick | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| $85 to $90 | Great States 204-14 14 Inch Reel Mower | Basic four-blade reel |
| $95 to $105 | American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2 14 Inch | Sharpener and 10 inch wheels |
| $105 to $115 | American Lawn Mower 1415-16SK2 16 Inch | 16 inch cut and a sharpener |
| $110 to $120 | Great States 815-18 18 Inch Reel Mower | Broadest height range |
| $135 to $145 | Scotts 716-18S 18 Inch 7-Blade Reel Mower | Seven blades |
| $145 to $150 | Scotts 2000-20S 20 Inch Reel Mower | Widest cut |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Sharpener Included vs Not
- Sharpener in the box
- Lets you maintain the edge at home, which keeps cut quality up and extends the mower's life. In this comparison: American Lawn Mower 1415-16SK2 16 Inch and American Lawn Mower 1304-14SK2 14 Inch.
- No sharpener
- You rely on lapping compound or a shop, but may get a higher-grade reel. In this comparison: Scotts 716-18S 18 Inch 7-Blade Reel Mower, Scotts 2000-20S 20 Inch Reel Mower, Great States 815-18 18 Inch Reel Mower and Great States 204-14 14 Inch Reel Mower.
Most buyers should choose a mower with a sharpener, led by the 16 inch ALMC, unless they want the Scotts reel quality.
By Grass Type
The mower's range has to include your grass's preferred height.
| Grass | Recommended pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tall fescue or bluegrass at 3 inches | Scotts 716-18S 18 Inch 7-Blade Reel Mower | Range reaches 3 inches |
| Zoysia or Bermuda kept low | Great States 815-18 18 Inch Reel Mower | Cuts from 1/2 inch |
| Mixed lawn, mid height | American Lawn Mower 1415-16SK2 16 Inch | Five blades with a sharpener |
| Short turf in a tiny yard | Great States 204-14 14 Inch Reel Mower | Cuts from 1/2 inch |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
For Lawns With Bumps Specifically
- Look for
- Wheels of 10 inches or more, a rigid reel on ball bearings and a handle that lets you lift the front.
- In this comparison
- The Great States 815-18 18 Inch Reel Mower has 10 inch composite wheels and a ball-bearing reel. The Scotts 2000-20S 20 Inch Reel Mower adds a 20 inch path with 10 inch wheels.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- You want the finest cut or the widest path. The Scotts 716-18S offers seven blades and the Scotts 2000-20S offers 20 inches.
- Save if
- The lawn is small and flat. The Great States 204-14 or the ALMC 1304-14SK2 covers it, and the second adds a sharpener.
Before You Bring One Home
How often should I sharpen a reel mower?
When the cut turns ragged or the grass tips brown after mowing. How often depends on your lawn and soil, so test by cutting a piece of paper against the bed knife.
Are seven blades better than five?
For fine, even turf, yes. For lawns with coarse stems, fewer blades pass debris more easily. Sources disagree, so match the reel to the turf you have.
What happens if the grass gets too tall?
The reel lays it over instead of cutting it. Raise the setting, cut in stages and then lower it, mowing no more than a third of the blade at a time.
Do 10 inch wheels really matter?
On bumps and soft ground they do. Small 8.5 inch wheels, as on the Great States 204, sink and stall more easily.
Is the Scotts 716 worth more than the ALMC 1415?
If cut quality is the priority, yes: seven blades and alloy steel. If upkeep is the priority, the ALMC includes the sharpener.
Where should I store a reel mower?
Dry and indoors, with the reel clear of debris and lightly oiled at the pivots. Moisture rusts the bed knife and dulls the cut.
Bottom Line
Best overall: American Lawn Mower 1415-16SK2 16 Inch — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all reel mowers under $200 (2026) on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.