The Bottom Line
The Earthwise 16-inch reel mower is a solid choice for small to medium lawns with fine grass types. While it requires more effort than powered mowers, it delivers precision cuts with zero environmental impact and whisper-quiet operation.
Product Overview
The Earthwise 16-inch 7-blade reel mower represents a return to simpler lawn care fundamentals. This manual push mower cuts grass using a scissor-like action between seven tempered steel blades and a bedknife, creating clean cuts that promote healthier grass growth. Unlike rotary mowers that tear grass with spinning blades, reel mowers slice cleanly through each blade of grass.
Priced around $120-150, this mower includes an adjustable cutting height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, cushioned grip handles, and 10-inch composite wheels for smooth rolling. The cutting width measures exactly 16 inches, making it manageable for yards up to about 6,000 square feet. Assembly typically takes 15-20 minutes with basic tools included in the package.
What We Love
- Zero operating costs: No gas, oil changes, or electric bills. After the initial purchase, maintenance costs are minimal for years of use.
- Superior cut quality: The 7-blade system creates clean cuts that seal quickly, reducing water loss and disease susceptibility in fine grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia.
- Lightweight maneuverability: At just 26 pounds, it's easy to navigate around flower beds, trees, and tight corners where larger mowers struggle.
- Long-lasting blades: Tempered alloy steel construction means blades stay sharp for 2-3 seasons with normal use, requiring professional sharpening only occasionally.
- Neighbor-friendly operation: Cutting at 6 AM or 9 PM won't disturb anyone - the only sound is the gentle whisper of blades through grass.
Room for Improvement
- Struggles with tall grass: Grass over 3 inches tall often bends rather than cuts cleanly, requiring multiple passes or pre-trimming with another tool.
- Narrow cutting path: The 16-inch width means more passes compared to 20-22 inch mowers, potentially doubling mowing time for larger yards.
- Limited edging ability: The fixed wheel design makes it difficult to trim closely along fences, walkways, or garden borders without additional tools.
Real-World Performance
In actual use, this mower shines on well-maintained lawns with regular cutting schedules. The 7-blade reel creates a scissoring action that works best when removing no more than one-third of the grass blade length. On a typical 3,000 square foot lawn with Bermuda grass, expect about 25-30 minutes of mowing time, compared to 15-20 minutes with a powered rotary mower.
Standout Feature
The precision cutting action promotes healthier grass by creating clean cuts that heal quickly, reducing brown tips and disease entry points. This results in a noticeably greener, thicker lawn over time compared to rotary mowing.
The push effort required varies significantly with grass conditions. On dry, regularly maintained grass, the mower rolls smoothly with moderate effort. However, damp morning grass or slightly overgrown areas require considerably more force. The 10-inch wheels roll well over small sticks and uneven ground, though they can leave slight impressions on soft, wet soil.
User Experience & Setup
Assembly is straightforward with clear instructions and pre-aligned bolt holes. Most users complete setup in 15 minutes using the included tools. The height adjustment mechanism is intuitive - a simple lever system that maintains consistent cutting height across the entire blade width. Initial blade adjustment may require fine-tuning for optimal cutting performance.
"Setup was easier than expected, and I love how quiet it is for early morning mowing. My Zoysia grass looks fantastic with the clean cuts, though I had to learn to keep up with regular mowing to avoid tall grass struggles."
- Sarah from Georgia
Daily operation requires developing a steady, consistent pace. Rushing or stopping mid-cut can leave uneven patches. The cushioned handles reduce hand fatigue during longer mowing sessions, though the lack of self-propulsion means upper body and leg strength are important factors in user satisfaction.
Value Analysis
At $120-150, this mower offers excellent long-term value for appropriate applications. While the initial cost is higher than basic rotary mowers, the absence of fuel, maintenance, and repair costs creates savings over time. Professional blade sharpening costs $15-25 every 2-3 years, compared to annual tune-ups and fuel costs for gas mowers that can exceed $100 yearly.
💡 Compared to Similar Products: The Fiskars StaySharp Max costs $50 more but includes a grass catcher, while the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 costs $30 less but has only 5 blades and a 14-inch cutting width.
The environmental benefits add intangible value - zero emissions, no noise pollution, and no electricity consumption. For eco-conscious homeowners, these factors significantly enhance the overall value proposition despite the additional physical effort required.
Who Should Buy This?
This mower excels for homeowners with small to medium lawns featuring fine grass types who prioritize environmental responsibility and lawn health over convenience. It's particularly well-suited for those who enjoy physical activity and don't mind the extra time investment for superior cutting quality.
Perfect For:
- Fine grass owners: Bermuda, Zoysia, and bent grass respond beautifully to reel mowing with noticeably improved appearance
- Eco-conscious homeowners: Those seeking zero-emission lawn care without compromising cut quality
- Urban dwellers: Noise restrictions or early/late mowing needs make the silent operation invaluable
- Small lawn maintainers: Yards under 5,000 square feet where the exercise becomes manageable rather than exhausting
Skip If:
- Large property owners: Lawns over 8,000 square feet make the physical effort and time investment impractical
- Irregular mowing schedules: Letting grass grow tall defeats the reel mower's effectiveness
- Thick grass varieties: St. Augustine or tall fescue grass types resist clean reel cutting
"Perfect for my 4,000 square foot Bermuda lawn. Takes about 30 minutes, gives me good exercise, and my grass has never looked better. The neighbors appreciate the quiet operation too."
- Mike from Texas
Final Verdict
The Earthwise 16-inch reel mower delivers on its core promises of clean cutting, environmental friendliness, and quiet operation. While it demands more physical effort and works best on specific grass types, the superior cut quality and zero operating costs make it worthwhile for the right homeowner. The 7-blade design and quality construction justify the price point for small to medium lawns with fine grasses.
Recommended for eco-minded homeowners with well-maintained fine grass lawns under 6,000 square feet who value lawn health over convenience.
