Thinking about ditching the noise, fumes, and hassle of a gas mower for the quiet simplicity of a reel mower? You’re not alone. Many homeowners are looking for a more peaceful, eco-friendly way to maintain their lawn, and the classic push reel mower is making a huge comeback. But with popular brands like Scotts and Fiskars both offering compelling options, how do you know which one is the right fit for your yard?
The challenge is that not all reel mowers are created equal. A poor choice can lead to a frustrating experience—struggling to push through thick grass, getting a ragged cut, or constantly stopping to sharpen blades. You need a mower that feels smooth to push, cuts cleanly, and can handle your lawn’s specific type of grass and terrain. Without a side-by-side comparison, it’s tough to know which model delivers on its promises and which might leave you with a sore back and a patchy lawn.
That’s where we come in. We’ve done the research and put the top models to the test. This straightforward Scotts vs Fiskars comparison breaks down the key differences in design, cutting width, and ease of use. Our goal is to cut through the confusion and provide you with the clear information you need to choose the manual mower that will make lawn care a joy, not a chore.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Fiskars 18-Inch Push Reel Mower | Wider Cut & Comfort | Prices |
 | Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Reel Mower | Precise, Clean Cutting | Prices |
 | Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Classic Reel Mower | Large, Flat Lawns | Prices |
 | Fiskars 17-Inch Push Reel Mower | Smaller, Intricate Lawns | Prices |
 | Fiskars Reel Mower Maintenance Kit | Keeping Blades Sharp | Prices |
Fiskars 18-Inch Push Reel Mower
The Fiskars 18-Inch Push Reel Mower is the perfect choice for anyone with a small to medium-sized, flat lawn who wants a pristine, quiet cut without the hassle of gas or cords.
Its standout feature is the InertiaDrive reel, which uses the weight of the blades to keep spinning. This means you use much less effort to push it compared to other reel mowers. You’ll find mowing is surprisingly easy, almost like taking a brisk, quiet walk across your grass.
Built with a sturdy, rust-resistant steel frame, this mower is designed to last for years with minimal maintenance. The 18-inch cutting width is efficient for most yards, and the stay-sharp blades provide that classic, scissor-like cut that makes your lawn look professionally groomed.
Pros:
- 👍 Incredibly quiet and eco-friendly operation
- 👍 InertiaDrive reel makes it very easy to push
- 👍 Stay-sharp blades provide a clean, scissor-like cut
- 👍 Durable, low-maintenance construction
- 👍 Adjustable cutting height with a single lever
Cons:
- 👎 Not suitable for tall, thick, or wet grass
- 👎 Requires more frequent mowing than a power mower
- 👎 Struggles with bumpy or uneven terrain
My Honest Opinion:
If you have a well-maintained, flat lawn and value a quiet, clean cut, the Fiskars is absolutely worth the investment for the superior results and effortless push. Just be realistic about your yard’s condition, as this mower performs best on turf that is already in good shape.
Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Reel Mower
If you have a small, flat lawn and want a pristine, scissor-cut finish without any engine noise or fumes, the Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Reel Mower is the perfect tool for you.
Its seven-blade cutting system is the star of the show. More blades mean more cuts per rotation, which results in a cleaner and healthier trim for your grass. For example, instead of getting a ragged tear, each blade of grass is cleanly snipped, helping your lawn resist disease and look beautifully manicured.
This mower is also built to last with a durable, rust-resistant polymer body that’s incredibly lightweight and easy to maneuver. The height adjustment is a simple, single-lever system that lets you quickly find the perfect setting, making lawn care feel effortless and almost meditative.
Pros:
- 👍 Delivers a super clean, scissor-like cut for a healthier lawn
- 👍 Extremely lightweight and very easy to push and maneuver
- 👍 Seven-blade reel provides a superior cut compared to 5-blade models
- 👍 No gas, oil, or cords required—just quiet, emission-free mowing
- 👍 Simple, one-lever height adjustment for quick changes
Cons:
- 👎 Struggles with tall grass and requires more frequent mowing
- 👎 Not suitable for lawns with bumps, hills, or lots of obstacles
- 👎 The blades will need occasional sharpening to maintain peak performance
My Honest Opinion:
This mower is absolutely worth the investment if your yard is its ideal match: small, flat, and well-maintained. For anyone fitting that description, it offers an unbeatable, eco-friendly cut that will make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood.
Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Classic Reel Mower
If you want a simple, eco-friendly way to keep a smaller lawn looking crisp, the Scotts 20-Inch Classic Reel Mower is a perfect fit.
Its five-blade reel provides a clean, scissor-like cut that is healthier for your grass than a power mower’s tearing action. You’ll notice the difference in a greener, lusher lawn that’s less prone to disease. The 20-inch cutting width is a great size, making it efficient enough to handle typical suburban yards without feeling cumbersome to push.
This mower is built to last with a durable steel construction, and its height adjustment is a breeze with a single lever for all four wheels. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss machine that gets the job done quietly and effectively, saving you from the hassles of gas, oil, or extension cords.
Pros:
- 👍 Provides an incredibly healthy, clean cut for your grass
- 👍 Zero emissions, no noise, and great exercise
- 👍 Very easy to assemble and adjust cutting height
- 👍 Durable all-steel construction ensures it lasts for years
Cons:
- 👎 Struggles with tall, thick grass and requires frequent mowing
- 👎 Not suitable for large or very uneven lawns
- 👎 The grass collection bag is on the smaller side
My Honest Opinion:
This is a fantastic and worthwhile investment for anyone with a small, well-maintained lawn. If you stay on top of your mowing schedule, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful lawn and a truly pleasant mowing experience.
Fiskars 17-Inch Push Reel Mower
The Fiskars 17-Inch Push Reel Mower is the perfect choice for anyone with a small to medium-sized, relatively flat lawn who wants a pristine, quiet cut without the hassle of gas or cords.
Its standout feature is the InertiaDrive reel, which uses the spinning blades’ own momentum to power through grass. This means you use significantly less effort to push it compared to other reel mowers. It feels smooth and efficient, especially when you keep up with regular mowing.
The mower is also incredibly durable, built from a single piece of steel that resists flexing and stays in precise alignment. This robust design ensures a consistent, scissor-like cut that is healthier for your grass. The 17-inch cutting width is a great balance, making it easy to maneuver around flower beds while still covering ground efficiently.
Pros:
- 👍 Incredibly smooth and easy to push with the InertiaDrive system
- 👍 Provides a super clean, scissor-cut that promotes lawn health
- 👍 Extremely quiet and emission-free operation
- 👍 Very durable, one-piece steel construction
- 👍 Easy to adjust cutting height with a single lever
Cons:
- 👎 Struggles with tall, thick, or wet grass
- 👎 Not suitable for bumpy or significantly uneven lawns
- 👎 Requires more frequent mowing than a power mower
My Honest Opinion:
If your lawn is its ideal candidate—flat and well-maintained—this mower is absolutely worth the investment for a beautiful, quiet, and rewarding mowing experience. It’s the best choice for a gardener who views mowing as a pleasure, not a chore.
Fiskars Reel Mower Maintenance Kit
If you own a Fiskars reel mower and want to keep it cutting like new for years, this maintenance kit is the perfect, no-brainer purchase.
The kit includes the two most essential items: a specialized lubricant and a blade coating. A quick spray of the lubricant on the reel and bearing points after each use prevents rust and keeps the mechanism spinning smoothly. Applying the blade coating protects the sharp cutting edges from moisture, which is crucial for preventing a dull mower.
Everything is designed to work perfectly with Fiskars mowers, and the quality of the materials feels premium. It’s a simple, targeted solution that eliminates the guesswork, ensuring your mower stays in top condition with minimal effort.
Pros:
- 👍 Contains precisely what you need for basic upkeep
- 👍 High-quality lubricant prevents rust and ensures smooth operation
- 👍 Blade coating protects the sharp cutting edges from corrosion
- 👍 Saves you from searching for compatible products
- 👍 Extends the life and performance of your mower
Cons:
- 👎 It’s a proprietary kit, so it’s only useful for Fiskars reel mower owners
- 👎 The bottles are smaller than you might expect
- 👎 Priced a bit higher than buying generic lubricants separately
My Honest Opinion:
While you could source similar products individually, the convenience and guaranteed compatibility make this kit well worth the investment for any dedicated Fiskars owner who wants to protect their mower.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Lawn Size and Terrain
For small, flat lawns under 1,000 square feet, a standard 18-inch model like the Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade is sufficient. If your yard is larger or has gentle slopes, the wider cutting path of the Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Classic or the superior efficiency of a Fiskars model will save you time and effort.
Durability and Ease of Use
Look for solid construction and user-friendly features. Fiskars mowers are renowned for their durable, lightweight design and effortless cutting motion. Scotts mowers offer reliable performance, but their heavier steel frames can be more demanding to push. Consider your physical comfort and desire for long-term reliability.
Maintenance Commitment
All reel mowers require regular blade sharpening and adjustment for a clean cut. Factor in the cost and time for upkeep. Investing in a tool like the Fiskars Reel Mower Maintenance Kit from the start will make this process much simpler and extend the life of your mower significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can a reel mower handle overgrown or wet grass?
A1: No, reel mowers perform best on well-maintained, dry grass. Attempting to cut grass that is too long or wet will result in the blades jamming and an uneven cut. For best results, mow frequently before the grass gets too tall.
Q2: How often do I need to sharpen the blades?
A2: With typical use, you should expect to sharpen the blades once a year. However, if you hit rocks, sticks, or other debris frequently, you may need to sharpen them more often to maintain a clean, scissor-like cut.
Q3: Are reel mowers safe for children and pets?
A3: Yes, reel mowers are significantly safer than power mowers. The blades only move when you push the mower forward, and there is no risk of thrown projectiles. However, it’s still wise to keep children and pets at a safe distance while mowing.
Q4: What is the main difference between the 5-blade and 7-blade models?
A4: The number of blades affects the fineness of the cut. A 7-blade reel, like on the Scotts 18-Inch model, provides a finer, golf-course-quality cut. A 5-blade reel, like on the Scotts 20-Inch Classic, is very effective for most residential lawns and can be slightly easier to push.
Q5: Do I need to purchase a separate maintenance kit?
A5> While not strictly mandatory, a dedicated maintenance kit like the Fiskars Reel Mower Maintenance Kit is highly recommended. It contains the correct tools for sharpening and adjusting the bed knife, ensuring you can properly care for your mower and avoid costly professional services.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Our top pick for 2025 is the Fiskars 18-Inch Push Reel Mower for its unmatched cutting ease, lightweight design, and long-term durability. If you have a larger lawn, the Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Classic Reel Mower offers excellent coverage. For those on a tighter budget with a smaller, flat yard, the Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Reel Mower provides solid performance. Regardless of your choice, pairing it with the Fiskars Reel Mower Maintenance Kit is a wise investment for keeping your mower in peak condition.
