6 Best Alternatives to the CRAFTSMAN 16-Inch Manual Reel Mower (2026)

How the alternatives compare

American Lawn Mower 16" 5-Blade Manual

The American Lawn Mower 1604-16 matches the Craftsman’s 16-inch cutting width and manual power source but weighs 18 pounds, which is 5 pounds lighter. This reduced mass makes it easier to push on small, flat lawns. It also includes a grass catcher for clipping collection, similar to the Craftsman model. The trade-off is that it lacks the Craftsman’s adjustable cutting height lever, requiring you to adjust settings manually. It is a practical choice if you prioritize a lighter tool for quiet mowing sessions. The slightly different dimensions may affect storage fit, but the core function remains comparable. You gain maneuverability but lose the convenience of quick height adjustments. This model suits users who value weight savings over adjustable settings.

American Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower

The American Lawn Mower 1415-16 offers a 16-inch cut and manual operation like the Craftsman but weighs 25 pounds, making it 2 pounds heavier. It does not include a grass catcher, which means you will need to rake clippings or leave them on the lawn. This omission reduces the initial footprint but requires more post-mowing cleanup. The Craftsman model provides the option to bag clippings, which this unit lacks. You save complexity by removing the bag but gain extra weight to push. This mower is best for users who do not mind raking or prefer the clippings to decompose naturally. It is a solid budget option if you do not need bagging capabilities. The heavier build may offer more stability on uneven ground compared to lighter models.

Scotts 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower

The Scotts 2607-16S features a 16-inch cutting width and manual power but uses a 7-blade reel instead of the Craftsman’s 5-blade design. This additional blade count can provide a cleaner cut on fine turf grasses like Bermuda or fescue. However, it weighs 23 pounds, matching the Craftsman, and lacks a grass catcher. You get improved cut quality but sacrifice the ability to collect clippings. The Scotts model is ideal for users who prioritize lawn aesthetics over debris management. The 7-blade system requires consistent pushing speed to maintain cut quality. It is a premium choice for those with small lawns and specific grass types. You trade the Craftsman’s bagging option for a potentially smoother finish on delicate grass varieties.

Walensee 16-Inch Push Reel Mower

The Walensee WBLM-001-16 is a 16-inch push reel mower that weighs only 15.4 pounds, making it significantly lighter than the 23-pound Craftsman. It includes a grass catcher, offering the same bagging functionality. The key difference is its cordless power source, which contrasts with the Craftsman’s purely manual reel. This motor assistance reduces the effort required to push the mower, especially in thicker grass. You gain ease of use and a lighter weight but lose the zero-emission, noise-free operation of a manual reel. This model suits users who want quiet operation but find manual pushing too strenuous. It is a good middle ground between manual and electric mowers. The trade-off is the need to charge the battery, unlike the Craftsman which requires no power source.

Earthwise 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower

The Earthwise 1715-16EW offers a 16-inch cut and manual power with a 7-blade reel, differing from the Craftsman’s 5-blade setup. It weighs 21.8 pounds, which is slightly lighter than the Craftsman’s 23 pounds. Like the Craftsman, it is a push mower designed for small lawns. However, it does not include a grass catcher, so you must manage clippings differently. The 7-blade system may provide a finer cut, similar to the Scotts model. You gain a potentially better cut quality and slightly reduced weight but lose the bagging option. This mower is best for users who prioritize cut quality and do not mind raking. It is a lightweight alternative if you do not need to collect debris. The lack of a bag simplifies the design but adds post-mowing work.

VEVOR 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower

The VEVOR HS-GT1603B provides an 18-inch cutting width, which is 2 inches wider than the Craftsman’s 16-inch deck. It weighs 25.1 pounds, making it 2 pounds heavier. This wider cut covers more ground per pass, potentially reducing mowing time. It includes a grass catcher, matching the Craftsman’s bagging capability. The trade-off is the increased weight and wider footprint, which may be harder to maneuver in tight spaces. You gain efficiency on larger areas but lose the compactness of the 16-inch model. This mower is ideal for users who want a wider cut on flat lawns. The heavier build requires more pushing effort. It is a good choice if you need to cover more area quickly and can handle the extra weight.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Craftsman 16-Inch Manual Reel Mower with Bag

Best for: Small, flat lawns with short grass

Power Source

Manual reel

Cutting Width

16 in

Drive Type

Push

Cutting Height

1-3 in

Mowing Function

Bag

Application

Lawn

View on Amazon: Craftsman 16-Inch Manual Reel Mower with Bag Affiliate link

This Craftsman manual reel mower features a 16-inch cutting width and five durable steel blades. It offers an adjustable cutting height from 1 to 3 inches. The unit includes a grass catcher for bagging clippings, though reel mowers cut like scissors, so capture is not perfect. It weighs 23 pounds and uses 10-inch front wheels with 6-inch rear trailing wheels for maneuverability. It suits small, flat lawns where you prefer a quiet, pollution-free option.

Pros

• 16-inch cutting width with 5 steel blades
• Adjustable cutting height from 1 to 3 inches
• Includes a grass catcher for bagging
• Lightweight 23-pound design with padded grip
• 10-inch front wheels and 6-inch rear trailing wheels

Cons

• Only cuts grass up to 3 inches high
• Grass catcher captures only a portion of clippings
• Requires manual pushing with no motor assistance

Good fit if

• You have a small lawn under 3 inches tall
• You want a quiet, emission-free mowing experience
• You prefer lightweight equipment for easy storage

Skip if

• You have tall grass exceeding 4 inches
• You need to mow steep slopes or hills
• You want a motorized drive for effortless pushing

Verdict: Craftsman 16-Inch 5-Blade Manual Reel Mower fits owners of small, flat lawns who want a quiet, low-maintenance tool. It works best for frequent mowing of short grass where bagging is optional.

2 Also great

American Lawn Mower 16" 5-Blade Manual

Best for: small, flat lawns requiring quiet mowing

Power Source

Manual reel

Cutting Width

16 in

Drive Type

Push

Cutting Height

1/2 to 2-1/2 in

Mowing Function

Grass catcher

Application

Lawn

View on Amazon: American Lawn Mower 16" 5-Blade Manual Affiliate link

This manual reel mower features a 16-inch cutting width and a five-blade reel for a scissor-like cut. It includes a grass catcher to collect clippings. The cutting height adjusts from 1/2 to 2-1/2 inches via wheel and roller positions. It weighs 18 pounds and requires no power source. It suits users with small, level lawns who prefer quiet, engine-free operation.

Pros

• 16-inch cutting width with a five-blade reel
• Includes a grass catcher for clipping collection
• Adjustable cutting height from 1/2 to 2-1/2 inches
• Weighs only 18 pounds for easy handling

Cons

• Height adjustment requires manual repositioning of components
• Grass catcher may be less practical for large lawns
• Struggles with tall grass, weeds, or uneven ground

Good fit if

• You have a small, regularly maintained lawn
• You want a quiet, engine-free mowing experience
• You prefer to collect grass clippings

Skip if

• You have an uneven or hilly lawn
• You need to cut tall grass or weeds
• You want quick height adjustments without tools

Verdict: American Lawn Mower 1604-16 16-Inch 5-Blade is a practical option for those with small, flat lawns who value quiet operation and clipping collection. It fits users who do not mind manual height adjustments and careful mowing techniques.

3 Best budget

American Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower

Best for: small lawns needing quiet operation

Power Source

Manual reel

Cutting Width

16 in

Drive Type

Push

Deck Material

Tempered alloy steel

Cutting Height

0.5-2.5 in

Mowing Function

Manual reel

View on Amazon: American Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower Affiliate link

This American Lawn Mower model offers a 16-inch cutting width with a 5-blade heat-treated alloy steel reel. It features an adjustable cutting height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches and durable 10-inch polymer wheels. The unit weighs 25 pounds and operates manually. It is a pollution-free, noise-free option for small to medium lawns. You get a scissor-action cut that stays sharp over time.

Pros

• 16-inch cutting width with 5-blade reel
• Adjustable cutting height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches
• Heat-treated alloy steel blades stay sharp
• Durable 10-inch polymer wheels for maneuverability
• Lightweight at 25 pounds

Cons

• Requires manual pushing for power
• 16-inch width is narrower than some competitors
• No grass catcher included in this model

Good fit if

• You want a quiet, zero-emission mower
• You have a small to medium lawn
• You prefer low maintenance equipment

Skip if

• You need to cut grass taller than 4 inches
• You have a large property requiring speed
• You want a motorized or self-propelled drive

Verdict: American Lawn Mower 16" 5-Blade Manual Reel is a solid manual choice for users who prioritize quiet operation and low maintenance. It fits small yards where pushing power is manageable and a 16-inch cut is sufficient.

4 Also great

Scotts 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower

Best for: Small lawns with fine turf grasses

Power Source

Manual reel

Cutting Width

16 in

Drive Type

Push

Application

Lawn

Dimensions

19.3 × 21.8 × 49.5 inches

Weight

23 pounds

View on Amazon: Scotts 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower Affiliate link

The Scotts 2607-16S is a manual reel mower with a 16-inch cutting width and a 7-blade reel. It weighs 23 pounds and features a padded U-handle for control. This model suits small to medium lawns with fine to medium turf grasses like Bermuda, zoysia, ryegrass, and fescue. The lightweight design aids maneuverability.

Pros

• 7-blade reel for clean, precise cuts
• Padded U-handle for improved control
• Lightweight 23-pound construction
• 16-inch cutting width

Cons

• Heavier than most 5-blade alternatives
• Push-only drive requires physical effort
• No grass catcher included

Good fit if

• You have a small to medium lawn
• You grow fine to medium turf grasses
• You prefer a precise cut over speed

Skip if

• You have large or uneven terrain
• You want a battery-powered option
• You need a grass catcher system

Verdict: Scotts 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Mower fits users with small lawns who prioritize cut quality over ease of push. It is a solid choice for maintaining Bermuda, zoysia, ryegrass, or fescue.

5 Also great

Walensee 16-Inch Push Reel Mower

Best for: Small lawns needing quiet, manual mowing

Power Source

Manual reel

Cutting Width

16 in

Drive Type

Push

Deck Material

Alloy steel

Cutting Height

0.6 to 1.5 in, 4 positions

Mowing Function

Grass catcher

View on Amazon: Walensee 16-Inch Push Reel Mower Affiliate link

The Walensee 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower uses a scissor-like cutting action to slice grass cleanly. It features a 16-inch cutting width and four adjustable height settings from 0.6 to 1.5 inches. The unit weighs 15.4 pounds and includes a grass catcher. Its large 8.5-inch drive wheels aid maneuverability on uneven terrain. This cordless, manual mower requires no gas or electricity.

Pros

• 16-inch cutting width with 5 precision blades
• 4-position adjustable cutting height from 0.6 to 1.5 inches
• Large 8.5-inch drive wheels for smoother pushing
• Includes a grass catcher for bagging clippings
• Lightweight at 15.4 pounds for easy handling

Cons

• Manual push operation requires physical effort
• Limited to 4 cutting height settings
• No battery or electric motor assistance

Good fit if

• You want a quiet, eco-friendly mowing solution
• You need a lightweight mower for small lawns
• You prefer manual operation without cords or gas

Skip if

• You have a large lawn requiring fast mowing
• You need variable height adjustments beyond 4 settings
• You prefer motorized assistance for pushing

Verdict: Walensee 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower suits small yards where quiet, manual mowing is preferred. It fits users who value lightweight design and clean cuts over speed or power assistance.

6 Best premium

Earthwise 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower

Best for: Small lawns needing quiet, lightweight mowing

Power Source

Manual reel

Cutting Width

16 in

Drive Type

Push

Deck Material

Steel side plate

Cutting Height

0.5-2.5 in

Mowing Function

Manual reel

View on Amazon: Earthwise 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower Affiliate link

The Earthwise 1715-16EW is a manual push reel mower with a 16-inch cutting width. It features a 7-blade alloy steel reel and 10-inch composite wheels. The adjustable cutting height ranges from 0.5 to 2.5 inches. This model uses a durable steel side plate design. It suits you if you want a lightweight, planet-friendly option for small lawns.

Pros

• 7-blade alloy steel reel stays sharp longer
• Adjustable cutting height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches
• Lightweight at 21.8 pounds
• 10-inch composite wheels for smooth pushing

Cons

• No grass catcher included in this model
• Steel side plates may rust over time
• Manual push requires physical effort

Good fit if

• You have a small lawn under 5,000 square feet
• You prefer a lightweight mower for easy storage
• You want a quiet, emission-free mowing experience

Skip if

• You need a grass catcher for clean-up
• You have thick or wet grass that clogs reels
• You want an electric or gas-powered option

Verdict: Earthwise 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower fits small lawns where you value quiet operation and easy storage over high capacity.

7 Best 18 inch

VEVOR 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower

Best for: Users wanting a wider 18-inch manual cut

Power Source

Manual

Cutting Width

18 in

Drive Type

Push

Cutting Height

1.37-2.44 in

Mowing Function

Bagging

Application

Yard, Lawn

View on Amazon: VEVOR 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower Affiliate link

This VEVOR push mower offers an 18-inch cutting width, wider than the 16-inch models in this guide. It uses five UNS1566 steel blades and adjusts from 1.37 to 2.44 inches. The unit weighs 25.1 pounds and includes a grass catcher bag. You get a cushioned U-shaped handle and four large wheels for easier pushing. It requires no electricity or fuel.

Pros

• 18-inch cutting width for faster coverage
• Five UNS1566 steel blades for durability
• Adjustable cutting height from 1.37 to 2.44 inches
• Includes a grass catcher bag for debris collection
• Cushioned ergonomic handle reduces physical strain

Cons

• Heavier build at 25.1 pounds compared to lighter alternatives
• Limited cutting height range compared to motorized mowers
• Requires manual pushing without power assist

Good fit if

• You want a wider 18-inch cutting deck
• You prefer steel blades for long-term sharpness
• You need a quiet, emission-free tool

Skip if

• You need motorized power for steep hills
• You require a cutting width under 16 inches
• You want adjustable speeds for different grass types

Verdict: VEVOR 18-Inch 5-Blade Manual Reel Mower fits users who prioritize a wider 18-inch cut and durable steel blades over the standard 16-inch size. It is a solid choice for flat lawns where you can manage the manual effort.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

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