You know the scene. Saturday morning, you drag out the gas mower, pull the cord fifteen times, and finally get it sputtering. The neighbors shoot you looks. The fumes hang in the air. After an hour, you have a headache and a yard that still looks uneven. There is a better way.
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Manual reel mowers and modern cordless electric mowers have changed the game. They are quieter, lighter, and nearly maintenance-free. No gas, no oil changes, no spark plugs. For small to medium lawns, they cut just as cleanly as a riding mower – sometimes cleaner because the scissor action on a reel mower doesn’t tear the grass blades. And brands like Craftsman and American Lawn Mower Company have been making them for decades.
We looked at five models that represent the best of what’s available this year. Three are classic reel mowers, one is a reel mower with a built-in sharpener, and one is a battery-powered Craftsman V20 push mower. Each solves a different problem. Whether you need zero noise, zero emissions, or just a lighter machine to push around, one of these will fit.
Here is how the key specs stack up side by side:
| Features | American 1415-16 | CRAFTSMAN V20 | American 2026-20 | American 1415-16SK2 | Craftsman 1816-16CR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cutting Width | 16 inches | 20 inches | 20 inches | 16 inches | 16 inches |
| Cutting Height Range | 0.5–2.5 in | 1.5–3.5 in | 2–3 in | 0.5–2.5 in | 1–3 in |
| Grass Catcher | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Power Source | Manual | Battery (2x 5Ah) | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Special Feature | Lightweight, polymer wheels | Low-profile deck, vertical storage | 5-year protection plan | Included sharpener | Padded grip, trailing wheels |
American Lawn Mower 1415-16
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The American Lawn Mower 1415-16 is the entry-level workhorse for anyone who wants a simple, no-fuss reel mower. It cuts a 16-inch path with five heat-treated alloy steel blades. The 10-inch polymer wheels roll smoothly over most terrain. This model is best for small lawns under a quarter acre where you do not need a grass catcher.
What stands out is the adjustable cutting height from half an inch to two and a half inches. The scissor action stays sharp for years because the blades are made from hardened steel. You never buy fuel, never charge a battery, and never hear more than a gentle click-click as the reel spins. It also handles grass up to four inches tall, which is surprising for a manual mower.
The trade-off is the lack of a grass catcher. Clippings fall back onto the lawn, which some people like for mulching but others find messy. The cutting width of 16 inches means more passes on a larger yard. And the height adjustment is a manual screw-type system, not a lever. It works fine but takes a few minutes to change all four wheels.
- 16-inch cutting width, 5-blade reel
- Cutting height: 0.5 to 2.5 inches
- Heat-treated alloy steel blades
- 10-inch polymer wheels
- Weighs about 25 pounds
Best for: Homeowners with a small, flat lawn who want zero maintenance and zero emissions.
CRAFTSMAN V20 Mower
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The Craftsman V20 is a battery-powered push mower, not a reel. It uses two 5Ah batteries and a brushless motor to run for up to 50 minutes. The 20-inch steel deck covers ground fast. This is the model for people who like mechanical mowers but are sick of gas and extension cords.
The low-profile deck sits just 10 inches high at the lowest setting, so you can mow under shrubs and low-hanging branches. Vertical storage saves 78% less floor space – you can hang it on a wall or lean it in a corner. Dual levers adjust the cutting height from 1.5 to 3.5 inches. The brushless motor is more efficient and quieter than a gas engine, but still louder than a reel mower.
The biggest limitation is runtime. 50 minutes is enough for a typical quarter-acre lot, but if your grass is thick or damp, the batteries drain faster. The second battery is handy, but you need to remember to charge both. Also, at 50 pounds, it’s heavier than any reel mower here. Not a problem on flat ground, but hills will test your grip.
- 20-inch cutting width, brushless motor
- 2x 5Ah batteries with 2 chargers
- Up to 50 minutes runtime
- Low-profile deck (10 in at lowest)
- Vertical storage capability
Best for: People with medium lawns who want the ease of electric without the noise and fumes of gas.
American Lawn Mower 2026-20
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The American Lawn Mower 2026-20 takes the reel mower concept up a notch with a 20-inch cutting path and an included grass catcher. It covers more ground per pass than the 16-inch models, making it a good fit for lawns up to half an acre. The five-blade reel produces a clean, scissor cut.
Cutting height adjusts between 2 and 3 inches. That range is narrower than other models, but it hits the sweet spot for most cool-season grasses. The grass catcher clips on and off easily. Because reel mowers don’t throw clippings with force, the catcher won’t fill as full as a bag on a rotary mower, but it keeps the lawn tidy. The 5-year protection plan adds peace of mind.
The main drawback is the limited height range. If you like your lawn very short (under 2 inches) or let it grow tall before mowing, this mower won’t work well. The wider cutting width also makes it harder to push through thick, tall grass. It’s best for frequent mowing when the grass is only a few inches high.
- 20-inch cutting width, 5-blade reel
- Cutting height: 2 to 3 inches
- Grass catcher included
- 5-year protection plan
- Ergonomic handle
Best for: Homeowners with larger, well-maintained lawns who want a catcher and a wide cutting path.
American 1415-16SK2 with Sharpener
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The American 1415-16SK2 is nearly identical to the base 1415-16, but it comes with a hand sharpener. For anyone who wants to maintain the blades themselves, this is a smart addition. A sharp reel cuts cleanly; a dull one leaves ragged edges and requires more pushing force.
Otherwise, the specs match the 1415-16: 16-inch cut, 5 blades, 10-inch polymer wheels, height adjustment from 0.5 to 2.5 inches. The scissor action is gentle on grass – it clips the blade instead of chopping it, so the lawn stays greener. The included sharpener is a simple tool that runs along the reel and cutting bar. Using it once a season keeps performance high.
The downside is the same lack of a grass catcher. And the sharpener, while useful, is a small manual tool that requires some elbow grease. It won’t restore heavily damaged blades. For most owners, it’s enough to maintain an edge for years. If you prefer zero maintenance, the regular 1415-16 might be simpler.
- 16-inch cutting width, 5-blade reel
- Hand sharpener included
- Cutting height: 0.5 to 2.5 inches
- Polymer wheels, light weight
- Environment-friendly, no noise
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who plan to keep their reel mower sharp for a decade.
Craftsman 1816-16CR
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The Craftsman 1816-16CR is a 16-inch reel mower with a grass catcher and a padded cushioned grip. It has 10-inch front wheels and 6-inch rear trailing wheels. The trailing wheel design makes it easier to maneuver than models with four fixed wheels. Cutting height adjusts from 1 to 3 inches via a lever – much quicker than individual wheel adjustments.
Blades are durable steel that stays sharp for years. The grass catcher can be installed or removed in seconds. You can mow without it if you prefer mulching. Craftsman includes a note that the catcher won’t trap all clippings because reel mowers don’t generate much force. That is honest and realistic. The company recommends mowing before grass exceeds 3–4 inches for best results.
The trade-off is that the 16-inch width is slow on larger lawns. The steel blades are sharp out of the box but will eventually need sharpening, and there is no sharpener included. The padded grip is comfortable, but the handle itself is fixed height – not adjustable for very tall or short people. Still, this is a well-built, classic reel mower from a trusted brand.
- 16-inch cutting width, 5-blade reel
- Cutting height: 1 to 3 inches (lever adjustment)
- Grass catcher included
- Padded cushioned grip
- 10-in front / 6-in rear wheels
Best for: Homeowners who want a classic Craftsman reel mower with a catcher and easy height adjustment.
How We Chose These Products
We started with the most common complaint we hear from homeowners: mowing takes too much time, costs too much in fuel, or annoys the neighbors. Then we looked at what brands have been making reliable push mowers for years. Craftsman and American Lawn Mower Company have decades of experience. We selected models that cover different needs – from the simplest manual reel to a battery-powered option.
Each product was evaluated on build quality, cutting performance, ease of use, and maintenance requirements. We read user reports and checked specifications against real-world conditions. We did not include any mower that requires gas or a cord, because the trend is clearly toward cleaner, quieter operation. The five finalists all have solid reputations and deliver on their promises.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Cutting width determines how many passes you need. A 16-inch mower is fine for a small lawn, but for anything over a quarter acre, go with a 20-inch model. Cutting height range matters if you have different grass types or if you like to mow low in spring and higher in summer. Most reel mowers adjust between 0.5 and 3 inches. If you need a wider range, a battery mower like the Craftsman V20 gives you 1.5 to 3.5 inches.
Grass catcher or no catcher? Reel mowers without catchers leave clippings on the lawn, which is healthy but some people prefer a clean look. Catchers on reel mowers work, but they don’t fill fully. Battery mowers have standard baggers that collect most clippings. Consider your lawn size and how often you want to rake.
Maintenance is another big factor. A reel mower needs no oil, no filters, no fuel. You might sharpen the blades once a year. A battery mower requires charging the batteries and occasionally replacing them. Neither is hard, but if you want absolute minimal effort, a reel mower wins. If you want speed and power without pushing, a battery mower is better.
Our Top Recommendation
The best all-around choice for most people is the American Lawn Mower 2026-20. It offers a wide 20-inch cutting path, a grass catcher, and a 5-year protection plan. The height range of 2 to 3 inches covers the most common settings. It cuts cleanly, requires no fuel, and is quiet enough to use at dawn. It’s a perfect fit for the homeowner who wants to mow a typical suburban lawn without the hassle of gas or batteries.
If your yard is very small or you want the absolute lowest price, go with the American Lawn Mower 1415-16. It’s simple, light, and cheap. For those who need an electric option with more power than a reel mower, the Craftsman V20 is excellent – just keep the batteries charged. And for the nostalgic buyer who wants a Craftsman badge and a padded grip, the 1816-16CR delivers a solid reel mowing experience with a catcher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a reel mower handle thick, tall grass? Only if you mow frequently. Reel mowers work best when you cut no more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. If the grass is over 4 inches, you need to mow in two passes or let a rotary mower handle it first. The manual says to mow before grass reaches much over 3–4 inches.
How often do I need to sharpen reel mower blades? Once a season is typical for a home lawn. If you hit rocks or sticks, you may need to do it mid-season. The American Lawn Mower 1415-16SK2 includes a sharpener, which makes it easy. For other models, you can buy a sharpening kit or take the reel to a small engine shop.
Do battery mowers like the Craftsman V20 last as long as gas mowers? Yes, the brushless motor should last many years. The batteries will eventually lose capacity after 300–500 charge cycles. A set of replacement batteries costs less than a new gas mower. Overall, the total cost of ownership is lower because there is no fuel, oil, or spark plug replacement.
Is a 16-inch mower too slow for a half-acre lot? It will take longer. A 16-inch mower covers about 16 inches per pass; a 20-inch covers 25% more per pass. On a half-acre lawn, the time difference can be 20–30 minutes. If you have that much lawn, go with a 20-inch model or a battery mower for faster work.