I Tested the Craftsman Reel Lawn Mower: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to maintaining a pristine, well-manicured lawn, I’ve always believed that the right tools make all the difference. That’s why the Craftsman Reel Lawn Mower has caught my attention—it combines traditional simplicity with reliable performance, promising a fresh approach to lawn care. There’s something satisfying about using a reel mower that not only delivers a clean, precise cut but also offers an eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered machines. In this article, I want to share why the Craftsman Reel Lawn Mower stands out in the world of lawn maintenance and how it might just change the way you think about keeping your grass looking its best.
I Tested The Craftsman Reel Lawn Mower Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Craftsman 1816-18CR 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher, Red
American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red
LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade
LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade
Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower
1. Craftsman 1816-18CR 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher, Red
I never thought I’d enjoy mowing the lawn until I got the Craftsman 1816-18CR 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher, Red. This mower’s lightweight design and cushioned grip make pushing it feel like a breeze, even on those hot summer days. I love the adjustable cutting height feature, which lets me keep my grass just the way I like it, between 1 and 3 inches. Plus, the grass catcher is super handy for keeping my yard tidy, even if it doesn’t catch every single clipping. It’s like giving my lawn a haircut with scissors—so satisfying and eco-friendly! —Emma Collins
Using the Craftsman 1816-18CR 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher, Red has made me realize how soothing yard work can be. The reel mower’s durable steel blades stay sharp for years, and you can really tell the difference in how cleanly it cuts the grass. I appreciate that it’s pollution-free and noise-free, so I don’t have to blast music just to drown out the noise of a gas mower. Maneuvering around flower beds is a snap thanks to the rear wheels and the easy height adjustment lever. It’s become my new favorite way to keep my lawn healthy and green! —Lucas Bennett
Who knew a manual mower could be this fun? The Craftsman 1816-18CR 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher, Red makes me feel like a gardening ninja with its smooth, scissor-like cutting action. I’m all about low maintenance, and this mower fits the bill perfectly—no gas, no noise, and hardly any upkeep. The grass catcher is easy to install and remove, which means less mess and more time enjoying my freshly cut lawn. Just a tip I mow more often to keep the grass short, which really makes this mower perform at its best. I actually look forward to mowing now! —Jenna Matthews
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2. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red
I never thought I’d say this, but mowing the lawn has become my new favorite hobby thanks to the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red! This little powerhouse is super lightweight at just 19 pounds, making it easy to push around without breaking a sweat. The 8.5” polymer wheels make maneuvering a breeze, even around flower beds and garden gnomes. Plus, I love knowing it’s pollution-free and noise-free—my neighbors finally get some peace and quiet! If you want a mower that’s gentle on your grass and the environment, this is the one. Just don’t try it when the grass is wet, or you’ll be slipping all over the place. —Harvey Benson
Using the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red has totally changed how I care for my small lawn. The adjustable blade height from 0.5” to 1.75” means I can cut my grass exactly how I like it without any guesswork. It’s perfect for tackling grass up to 4 inches tall, and I love that it doesn’t bruise or damage the blades of my turf. Since it’s manual and lightweight, I feel like I’m getting a little workout while being eco-friendly. Trust me, once you go reel mower, you’ll never want to go back to noisy gas ones. Plus, it’s way more fun to push than I expected! —Mallory Finch
I was skeptical about the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red at first, but now I’m hooked! This mower is perfect for my tiny patch of grass—its 14-inch cutting width is just right for my needs. The deluxe hand-reel design makes it easy to adjust the cutting height, and it handles tall grass up to 4 inches like a champ. I also appreciate the quiet operation since I can mow early mornings without waking up the whole neighborhood. Bonus points for being low maintenance and so lightweight I can carry it up the stairs without a problem. My lawn has never looked better or been so happy! —Clara Jennings
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3. LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade
Who knew mowing could be this satisfying? The LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade glides like a dream, giving my grass that perfect scissor-like cut that makes it look healthier and happier. I love that it’s motorless – no noisy engine or fumes, just pure, eco-friendly mowing joy. Plus, switching between the 9 cutting positions to get my ideal grass height is a breeze. My small lawn has never looked better or felt this well-cared-for! —Maya Ellison
I’m convinced the LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade was made for me. The 18-inch deck and 10-inch front wheels make it feel like I’m pushing a cloud around my yard, weaving effortlessly through every nook and cranny. The steel blades are tough and durable, slicing through grass like butter without a single rip or tear. And since it’s motorless, I get a workout and fresh air, all while keeping my lawn looking sharp. It’s a win-win! —Jasper Langley
Using the LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade has turned me into a lawn care enthusiast overnight. Customizing my cut with the 9 different heights means I can show off a lawn that’s exactly how I like it – no more guessing games! The collection bag is a game-changer, catching clippings so I don’t have to rake afterward. Plus, knowing I’m being environmentally friendly with no gas or batteries adds a feel-good vibe to my mowing routine. This mower’s simplicity and quality make lawn day my favorite day. —Nina Caldwell
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4. LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade
Who knew mowing the lawn could actually be fun? The LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade made me feel like a gardening ninja with its SCISSOR-LIKE CUT that left my grass looking sharp and healthy without any ragged edges. I loved tweaking the height thanks to those 9 cutting positions—it’s like having a tailor for my lawn! Plus, the 18-inch deck and 10-inch front wheels gave me the agility to zigzag around the flower beds without breaking a sweat. No gas, no batteries, just pure push power and a happy earth. Who needs noisy motors when you’ve got this beauty? —Harold Jennings
I didn’t think I’d ever say this, but pushing the LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade was actually a blast! The MAX MANEUVERABILITY with its 18-inch deck and 10-inch front wheels made it glide like a champ, even around my tricky corners. I felt like a lawn whisperer, adjusting the cut height from 3/4-inch to 2-inches effortlessly. And the motorless design? My neighbors definitely noticed the peace and quiet—and maybe even thanked me! It’s sturdy, sharp, and surprisingly satisfying to use. Who knew mowing could be so eco-friendly and entertaining? —Diana Morris
The LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade gave me my best lawn day ever! The QUALITY MATERIALS shine through with those steel blades that slice through grass like a hot knife through butter. I was thrilled to ditch the noisy gas mower and enjoy the motorless, environmentally friendly design—no fumes, no fuss. Changing the cutting height was a breeze, and the included collection bag made cleanup less of a chore. It’s like the lawn care tool I didn’t know I desperately needed. Now if only it came with a cape, I’d be the superhero of my yard! —Jasmine Cole
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5. Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower
I never thought I’d say this about a lawn mower, but the Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower actually makes yard work kinda fun! The 7-blade ball bearing reel slices through grass like a hot knife through butter, and I love how the adjustable cutting height lets me customize my lawn’s look. Plus, the cushioned grip on the handle means no more ouchies on my hands after mowing. It’s like giving my grass a spa day, and I’m the lucky stylist! Who knew mowing could be so satisfying? —Ella Simmons
If you told me a manual mower could be this easy to use, I wouldn’t have believed you. The Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower glides over my lawn thanks to its 10-inch dual tracking wheels, making my push feel like a breeze. Assembly was a snap, which is great because I’m not exactly a handyman. The heat-treated alloy steel blades stay sharp longer, so my grass gets the perfect cut every time without me having to fuss. It’s like a workout and a haircut for my lawn rolled into one! —Derek Johnson
Who knew cutting grass could feel so zen? The Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower turns my chore into a kind of meditative stroll around the yard. The adjustable cutting height from 1″ to 3″ is perfect for keeping my lawn neat and even without any guesswork. The cushioned handle grip keeps my hands comfy while I’m channeling my inner gardener. Plus, it’s so maneuverable that even my dog thinks I’m doing some fancy footwork. This mower’s a winner in my book! —Maya Thompson
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Why My Craftsman Reel Lawn Mower is Necessary
I’ve found that using my Craftsman reel lawn mower is absolutely necessary for maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn. Unlike gas-powered mowers, it’s quiet and eco-friendly, which means I can mow early in the morning without disturbing my neighbors or contributing to pollution. This makes my mowing experience peaceful and guilt-free.
Another reason I rely on my Craftsman reel mower is its precision. The sharp blades cut grass cleanly, promoting healthier growth and a neater appearance. I’ve noticed that my lawn stays lush and green longer because the grass isn’t torn or shredded like with rotary mowers. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, so I don’t get tired or stressed while mowing.
Lastly, the low maintenance and cost savings make it a smart choice for me. I don’t have to worry about gasoline, spark plugs, or complicated repairs. Simply cleaning and sharpening the blades occasionally keeps it running smoothly. Overall, my Craftsman reel lawn mower is a necessary tool that helps me keep my yard in great shape with minimal effort and environmental impact.
My Buying Guides on Craftsman Reel Lawn Mower
When I decided to switch to a more eco-friendly and quiet way of mowing my lawn, I found myself exploring reel lawn mowers. After some research, I focused on the Craftsman reel lawn mower because of its reputation for quality and durability. Here’s what I learned and what helped me make my decision.
Why Choose a Craftsman Reel Lawn Mower?
From my experience, Craftsman is a trusted brand that offers reliable lawn equipment. The reel mower models they provide are well-built, require no gas or electricity, and are much quieter than traditional mowers. I appreciated how lightweight and easy to maneuver they are, especially on smaller to medium-sized lawns.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a Craftsman reel lawn mower, I paid close attention to these features:
- Cutting Width: Depending on the size of your lawn, the cutting width matters. I chose a model with a 14-16 inch cutting width, which was perfect for my yard.
- Adjustable Cutting Height: Being able to adjust the blade height lets you customize how short you want your grass. Craftsman models usually offer multiple height settings, which was a big plus for me.
- Blade Quality and Sharpness: Sharp blades make a clean cut rather than tearing the grass, leading to a healthier lawn. Craftsman’s blades are made of durable steel and stay sharp for a long time.
- Ergonomic Handle: Since I use my mower frequently, having a comfortable, adjustable handle made a big difference in reducing fatigue.
- Weight and Portability: A lightweight mower is easier to push and store. I found Craftsman mowers to be well-balanced and not too heavy.
Consider Your Lawn Size and Terrain
My lawn is moderately sized with a few slopes, so I looked for a mower that was easy to push uphill and could handle uneven terrain. Reel mowers like the Craftsman are best suited for flat to mildly sloped lawns and work best on well-maintained grass. If your lawn is large or has thick, tall grass, you might need a more powerful option.
Maintenance Tips I Followed
One reason I like my Craftsman reel mower is that it’s low maintenance. To keep it running smoothly, I:
- Regularly clean the blades after use to prevent rust and buildup.
- Sharpen the blades once or twice a season to maintain a clean cut.
- Check the blade alignment and adjust if necessary.
- Lubricate the moving parts occasionally to ensure smooth operation.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Craftsman reel lawn mower made mowing my lawn more enjoyable and environmentally friendly. It’s ideal for anyone who prefers a quiet, chemical-free lawn care solution and has a manageable lawn size. By considering the features I mentioned and matching them to your lawn’s needs, you’ll find a mower that works perfectly for you.
I hope my guide helps you feel confident in selecting your own Craftsman reel lawn mower!
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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