Best Reel Mower for Tall Grass: 5 Picks That Actually Cut It

You skipped two weeks of mowing. Now the lawn looks like a hayfield, and your trusty reel mower is sitting in the garage judging you. Sound familiar?

A reel mower can handle tall grass, but only if you pick the right one and use it correctly. Blade count, cutting height range, wheel size, and your mowing technique all matter more than brand names. Get those right and you’ll cut through grass most people would tackle with a gas mower.

Below are five reel mowers that genuinely work on tall grass, matched to specific buyer types. You’ll also find setup advice, maintenance tips, and honest comparisons so you can decide if a reel mower fits your lawn at all.

Here’s a quick spec comparison to help you narrow things down before reading the full reviews.

Features	American 1204-14	Scotts 2026-20S	American 2026-20	American 1804-18	American 1415-16SK2
Cutting Width	14 inches	20 inches	20 inches	18 inches	16 inches
Blade Count	4-blade reel	5-blade reel	5-blade reel	5-blade reel	5-blade reel
Cutting Height Range	0.5 to 1.75 inches	1 to 3 inches	2 to 3 inches	0.5 to 2.75 inches	Not specified
Grass Catcher	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
Best Use Case	Small, manicured lawns	Medium to large lawns	Large lawns, catching clippings	Mid-size yards, adjustable cuts	Small yards, sharpening included

American Lawn Mower 1204-…

This is the mower for someone with a small, well-kept lawn who wants zero fuss. Think a 2,000 square foot yard, mostly fescue or bluegrass, mowed every week. The 14-inch deck and 19-pound frame make it easy to push around flower beds and tight corners.

The four-blade reel spins fast and cuts cleanly when grass is under four inches. It’s light enough to hang on a wall, and the polymer wheels roll smoothly over flat ground. For a renter or a first-time homeowner with a postage-stamp lawn, this does the job without gas, oil, or noise complaints.

Here’s the honest part: this mower struggles with tall grass. The cutting height tops out at 1.75 inches, so if your grass is over four inches, you’ll be making multiple passes with heavy overlap. It’s not the right tool for an overgrown lot. It’s the right tool for someone who mows regularly and wants simplicity.

• 19 pounds total weight, easy to store and carry
• 4-blade reel with 14-inch cutting width
• Adjustable height from 0.5 to 1.75 inches
• 8.5-inch polymer wheels for smooth rolling
• No gas, no oil, no emissions

Best for: Homeowners with small, maintained lawns who mow weekly and want a lightweight, no-maintenance push mower.

Scotts 2026-20S 20-Inch 5…

Picture a half-acre suburban lot with a mix of sun and shade. The grass gets tall between mowings, and you want a mower that covers ground fast. The Scotts 2026-20S fits that scenario well. The 20-inch deck and 10-inch dual-tracking wheels roll over uneven ground without much effort.

Five heat-treated alloy steel blades stay sharp longer than cheaper reels. The quick-snap height adjustment goes from 1 to 3 inches, which gives you room to raise the deck for tall grass and lower it for a finished look. Tool-less assembly means you’ll be mowing within 15 minutes of opening the box.

The trade-off? No grass catcher. Clippings drop back onto the lawn, which is fine if you mow often and don’t mind visible clippings. If your grass is really tall, you’ll need to double-pass and let the clippings scatter. It’s also heavier than the 14-inch model, so pushing uphill takes more effort.

• 20-inch cutting width for faster coverage
• 5-blade ball bearing reel for a clean cut
• 1 to 3 inch cutting height adjustment
• 10-inch dual-tracking wheels
• Cushioned ergonomic handle grip

Best for: Suburban homeowners with medium to large lawns who want a wider cut and don’t mind clippings on the grass.

American Lawn Mower 2026-…

If you have a large lawn and hate raking clippings, this mower was built for you. The 20-inch cutting path and included grass catcher mean fewer passes and a tidier yard. It suits someone with a quarter-acre or more who wants to collect clippings instead of mulching them back.

The five-blade reel delivers a scissor-like cut that promotes healthier grass growth. Height adjusts from 2 to 3 inches, which is ideal for tall grass because you can set it high and avoid scalping. The ergonomic handle reduces hand fatigue on long mowing sessions.

One limitation: the 2-inch minimum cutting height means you can’t cut very short. That’s fine for most tall-grass situations, but if you want a putting-green finish, look elsewhere. Availability can be spotty, so check stock before committing.

• 20-inch cutting width with 5-blade reel
• Grass catcher included for clean disposal
• 2 to 3 inch adjustable cutting height
• Ergonomic handle for comfortable grip
• 5-year protection plan available

Best for: Large-lawn owners who want to catch clippings and keep the yard looking manicured without raking.

American Lawn Mower 1804-…

This one hits a sweet spot for mid-size yards where grass height varies. The 18-inch deck is wide enough to cover ground but narrow enough to maneuver around trees and garden beds. The height range from 0.5 to 2.75 inches gives you flexibility for different seasons and grass types.

The U-style handle with cushion grip makes a real difference on longer mowing sessions. Your wrists won’t ache after 30 minutes. The five-blade reel cuts cleanly, and the included grass catcher keeps things tidy. For someone with a 5,000 to 8,000 square foot lawn, this is a practical choice.

The downside is weight. It’s heavier than the 14-inch model, and pushing through thick grass takes effort. If you have steep slopes or very tall grass, you’ll feel it. But for flat or gently rolling lawns, it’s manageable.

• 18-inch cutting width with 5-blade reel
• Adjustable height from 0.5 to 2.75 inches
• U-style handle with cushion grip
• Grass catcher included
• Lightweight and low maintenance

Best for: Homeowners with mid-size yards who want adjustable cutting heights and a comfortable handle for longer mowing sessions.

American Lawn Mower 1415-…

This mower suits someone with a small yard and a sharpening problem. The included hand sharpener is the standout feature here. Reel mower blades dull faster than most people realize, especially in thick grass. Having a sharpener in the box means you can maintain a clean cut without buying extra tools.

The 16-inch cutting width and 10-inch polymer wheels make it stable and easy to push. Five blades deliver a precise cut. It’s light enough to carry, and the noise-free operation means you can mow early without waking the neighbors.

The cutting height isn’t specified in the product data, so check the listing for exact numbers. That’s a minor annoyance. Also, no grass catcher, so clippings stay on the lawn. For small yards, that’s usually fine. For larger lawns, you’ll want to rake or use a bagging attachment.

• 16-inch cutting width with 5-blade reel
• Hand sharpener included
• 10-inch polymer wheels for maneuverability
• No gas, no oil, no emissions
• Lightweight and easy to store

Best for: Small-yard owners who want to sharpen their own blades and keep maintenance costs low.

How We Chose These Products

We started by looking at what actually matters for tall grass: cutting height range, blade count, wheel size, and weight. A mower with a low maximum cutting height won’t handle tall grass no matter how many blades it has. We prioritized models with adjustable height ranges that go up to at least 2.5 inches.

We also considered real-world use cases. A 14-inch mower for a small yard is a different tool than a 20-inch mower for a half-acre. We matched each product to a specific buyer type so you can see yourself in the recommendation. Availability and maintenance requirements also factored in. If a mower needs frequent sharpening or has spotty stock, we noted it.

Buying Guide: What Really Matters

Cutting height range is the first thing to check. Tall grass needs a high cut. If the mower tops out at 1.75 inches, it’s not a tall-grass tool. Look for a range that goes to at least 2.5 inches. That gives you room to raise the deck and avoid clogging.

Blade count matters, but not the way most people think. A 5-blade reel cuts cleaner than a 4-blade, but it also creates more suction and can clog in wet, thick grass. A 7-blade reel cuts even finer, but it’s more prone to jamming in tall grass because the blades are closer together. For tall grass, a 5-blade reel is usually the sweet spot.

Wheel size affects how easily the mower rolls over uneven ground. Bigger wheels handle bumps and thick grass better. Weight matters too. A heavier mower is more stable but harder to push. If you have a flat lawn, weight is less of an issue. If you have slopes, go lighter. For more on handling thick grass, see this guide to reel mowers for thick grass.

Our Top Recommendation

The Scotts 2026-20S is our top pick for most people with tall grass. The 20-inch deck covers ground fast, the 5-blade reel cuts cleanly, and the 1 to 3 inch height range gives you room to handle grass up to about 4 inches. It’s not perfect for overgrown lots, but for regular maintenance on a medium to large lawn, it’s the best balance of price, performance, and ease of use.

If you have a smaller yard and want to save money, the American Lawn Mower 1415-16SK2 is a solid runner-up. The included sharpener is a nice touch, and the 16-inch deck is manageable for tight spaces. For large lawns where you want to catch clippings, the American Lawn Mower 2026-20 is the better choice. And if you’re curious about how reel mowers compare to other types for tall grass, this best lawn mower for tall grass guide covers the alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a reel mower cut grass taller than 6 inches?
Not effectively. Most reel mowers max out around 4 inches of cutting height. If your grass is 6 inches or taller, you’ll need to mow in stages, lowering the deck gradually over several days. Or use a string trimmer first to knock down the bulk.

How often should I sharpen reel mower blades for tall grass?
Every 10 to 15 mowing sessions if you’re cutting tall grass regularly. Tall grass dulls blades faster because the reel works harder. A dull reel tears grass instead of cutting it, which leaves brown tips and invites disease.

Why does my reel mower jam in tall grass?
Three common reasons: the grass is wet, the cutting height is too low, or you’re pushing too fast. Let the grass dry, raise the deck, and slow down. Overlapping passes by 50 percent also helps. If it still jams, the blades may need adjustment or sharpening.

Is a reel mower better than a gas mower for tall grass?
For grass under 4 inches, a reel mower gives a cleaner cut and is better for the lawn. For grass over 6 inches, a gas or electric rotary mower is more practical. If you’re comparing options, this electric reel mower guide covers models with more power for tough conditions.