Finding the right 21 inch push mower can transform your lawn care routine. Whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly option or something simple and effective, these mowers offer a great balance of coverage and maneuverability. We’ve tested and compiled a list of some of the top contenders to help you make an informed decision for a beautifully maintained yard.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best 21 Inch Push Mower Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower
The Scotts 2000-20S 20-inch 5-blade classic push reel lawn mower is designed for easy, eco-friendly yard care, offering exceptional quality and performance. This classic manual reel mower features a 20-inch cutting width and a 5-blade ball bearing reel, making mowing a breeze. It has a Quick-snap 1″-3″ cutting height adjustment for a clean, even cut every time, and its blades are made of quality, heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp longer.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 20-inch cutting width for efficient coverage.
- ✓ 5-blade ball bearing reel for a smooth, clean cut.
- ✓ Easy cutting height adjustment (1″ to 3″).
- ✓ Durable, heat-treated alloy steel blades stay sharp.
Why We Recommend It
This Scotts reel mower is a fantastic choice for those seeking a quiet, environmentally friendly way to maintain their lawn. It’s incredibly easy to use and requires minimal maintenance, making it perfect for busy homeowners or anyone who prefers a simpler approach to yard work. If you’re tired of the noise and hassle of gas mowers, this is a great alternative.
Best For
Ideal for small to medium-sized lawns with relatively flat terrain. It’s also perfect for anyone prioritizing an eco-friendly and quiet mowing experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly and quiet operation.
- Easy assembly and use.
- Provides a clean, scissor-like cut that’s good for grass health.
- Requires no fuel or electricity.
Cons:
- May struggle with very thick or tall grass.
- Requires manual effort to push.
Customer Reviews
“As much as I love gardening, I hate mowing the lawn. I hate lugging my power mower out of the garage and maneuvering it around our cars and all my husband’s junk. I hate the noise it makes. It’s heavy to push and hard to get it into tight spaces. I thought I was at least avoiding the hassle and envi”
— Customer Review
“After cutting my lawn with a gas-powered mower last summer, I wanted to simplify things. I really don’t want to stress over spark plugs and oil and gasoline, and hoping that my engine will start when I pull the cord. All the maintenance. We already have a car for that. I wanted something I could und”
— Customer Review
2. Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
The Great States 815-18 18-inch 5-blade push reel mower is an excellent option for a clean, consistent cut. This motor-less mower boasts an adjustable cutting height from 0.5″ to 2.75″, making it versatile for different grass lengths. Its 18-inch cutting width and 5-blade ball-bearing reel, paired with 10″ composite wheels, ensure smooth maneuverability and a precise finish. Like many quality reel mowers, the blades are crafted from high-quality alloy steel designed to maintain their sharpness.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 18-inch cutting width for good coverage.
- ✓ 5-blade ball-bearing reel for smooth operation.
- ✓ Wide cutting height range (0.5″ to 2.75″).
- ✓ Durable alloy steel blades for longevity.
Why We Recommend It
We love the Great States 815-18 for its reliable performance and user-friendly design. It’s a step up in cutting width from some smaller models, making it efficient for many lawns. If you’re looking for a robust, manual mower that delivers a clean cut without the noise and emissions of a gas mower, this is a top contender. It’s a great example of how a well-designed push mower can handle yard work effectively.
Best For
Suitable for small to medium-sized lawns, especially those with well-maintained grass. It’s a great choice for gardeners who appreciate a clean cut and a quiet mowing experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Quiet and eco-friendly.
- Effective cutting performance on most lawn types.
- Easy to assemble and start using.
- Low maintenance requirements.
Cons:
- Can struggle with very dense or overgrown grass.
- Requires physical effort for pushing.
Customer Reviews
“We have a lot of lawn to mow, but are not fussy about it being mowed every week or “perfectly”. Use the gas mower for some of the big areas, but wanted to try and become more environmentally friendly and LESS NOISY! First, the assembly. Let me say that even tho’ I am a 61 year old female, I am VER”
— Customer Review
“Do not hesitate, get this one!! This is a great lawn manual lawn mower! I am amazed at how it is just the right weight to not jump when pushing it and not feel like you a pushing a shopping cart with a broken wheel. It is very smooth and can easily be pushed with one had with little effort. My grass”
— Customer Review
3. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Mower
The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 is a 14-inch, 4-blade push reel mower that offers a natural cut at a great price point. Weighing in at just 19 pounds, it’s incredibly lightweight and maneuverable, featuring 8.5-inch polymer wheels. This model provides an adjustable blade height ranging from 0.5″ to 1.75″ and is best suited for grass up to 4 inches tall. As an eco-friendly, manual option, it’s pollution-free, noise-free, and requires very low maintenance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Very lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- ✓ Affordable price, making it a budget-friendly choice.
- ✓ Quiet and eco-friendly operation.
- ✓ Simple, low-maintenance design.
Why We Recommend It
This American Lawn Mower Company model is a fantastic entry-level reel mower. Its lightweight design and simple operation make it accessible for almost anyone, and the price is hard to beat. It’s a testament to how effective a basic, well-made push mower can be for maintaining smaller, simpler lawns. It’s a great way to go green without breaking the bank.
Best For
Perfect for individuals with small yards, tight budgets, or those who prioritize a lightweight and easy-to-handle mower. It’s also ideal for anyone new to reel mowers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for the price.
- Extremely lightweight and easy to push.
- Environmentally friendly and quiet.
- Minimal assembly and maintenance.
Cons:
- Smaller cutting width (14 inches) means more passes on larger lawns.
- Not ideal for very thick or tall grass.
Customer Reviews
“Okay first of all, I’d just like to say that I am autistic, and I absolutely LOATHE mowing the lawn. The mower is too loud, the vibrating of the handle makes my arms go numb, and I can never quite pull on the cord hard enough to get it started by myself. I always have to find someone else to turn it”
— Customer Review
“The media could not be loaded.This is one of the best purchases I’ve made in a long time. I grew up using a heavy old-fashioned reel mower, so I thought I knew what to expect. However, as you will see in this video, this newer model is much lighter, easier to maneuver around, and cuts grass like a d”
— Customer Review
4. Earthwise LSW70021 21-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper
The Earthwise LSW70021 21-inch push lawn sweeper is designed for efficiently collecting dry leaves and light yard debris from maintained lawns. It works best on flat surfaces and short grass, requiring multiple passes for optimal results. This sweeper is a manual tool, meaning no cords or batteries are needed, making it an eco-friendly option for keeping your yard tidy.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 21-inch sweeping width for good coverage.
- ✓ Manual operation – no power source needed.
- ✓ Designed for dry leaves and light debris.
- ✓ Works best on maintained, flat lawns.
Why We Recommend It
This Earthwise lawn sweeper offers a simpler, more convenient way to clean up your yard compared to manual raking. It’s a good option for homeowners who want to gather fallen leaves and light debris without the noise and hassle of a leaf blower or the effort of raking. While it’s best suited for specific conditions, it can significantly reduce cleanup time.
Best For
Ideal for small to medium yards with dry leaves and light debris. It’s particularly useful for those who prefer manual, eco-friendly yard tools.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Eco-friendly and quiet operation.
- No need for electricity or gas.
- Can be effective on dry leaves.
- Reduces the need for raking.
Cons:
- Performance can vary significantly with grass height and terrain.
- May require multiple passes to collect debris effectively.
- Not ideal for wet leaves or heavier debris.
Customer Reviews
“I was – like many – a little skeptical when I seen this product, but decided to give it a try.Some context:I do have a full household of the sleep-all-day / turn-up-half-way-through-any-chore-and-offer-help adolescents, so its difficult to get help when it comes to things like raking and collecting “
— Customer Review
“Ok, the ratings and reviews on this yard sweeper run from terrible to great. My experience is on the higher side of middle.I like the idea more than the workability of the product, but I won’t give it up either. I have almost 3 acres of yard and I live in the southeast so we are talking leaves and”
— Customer Review
5. 21-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper with Large Hopper
This 21-inch push lawn sweeper features a large hopper, adjustable height, and a durable steel frame, designed for efficient leaf and grass collection. Its 21″ brush width makes it safe and easy to use. Constructed with premium, high-strength engineering plastic, it’s a quiet and eco-friendly manual tool that doesn’t require cords, batteries, or fuel. The adjustable height settings allow for different types of debris collection.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 21-inch sweeping width for broad coverage.
- ✓ Large capacity hopper reduces emptying frequency.
- ✓ Adjustable height for varied debris and grass conditions.
- ✓ Quiet, manual operation is eco-friendly.
Why We Recommend It
This 21-inch push lawn sweeper is a practical tool for keeping your lawn tidy. The adjustable height is a key feature, allowing it to adapt to different cleanup needs, from collecting leaves to grass clippings. Its large hopper capacity means you can cover more ground before needing to empty it, making yard cleanup more efficient. It’s a good alternative to raking for maintaining a neat yard.
Best For
Homeowners looking for an efficient manual tool to collect leaves, grass clippings, and other light yard debris from a variety of lawn conditions. It’s great for large yards where regular cleanup is needed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Effective at picking up leaves and grass clippings.
- Large hopper reduces the need for frequent emptying.
- Adjustable height settings offer versatility.
- Quiet and environmentally friendly.
Cons:
- Can struggle with uneven terrain or very wet debris.
- Hopper can fill quickly with large amounts of leaves.
Customer Reviews
“Works great. It’s not the best for bulk leaves in an isolated area (because the hopper can fill quickly) and can struggle on uneven terrain if it’s set to low. The highest 2 settings work great for leaves. The middle setting will pick up dead grass and leaves. Middle and 2nd lowest settings work gre”
— Customer Review
“I’ve got 2.57 acres so it’s so time consuming with all the leads it picks them up though and very good. Sticks too and small rocks.Easy to put together and to use.”
— Customer Review
Complete Buying Guide for Best 21 Inch Push Mower
Essential Factors We Consider
When picking the best 21 inch push mower, we look at several key features. The cutting width is crucial, with 21 inches offering a good balance between coverage and maneuverability. We also consider the type of blades (reel vs. rotary), ease of height adjustment, weight, and the overall build quality for durability. For manual mowers, we prioritize smooth-rolling wheels and comfortable handle grips. For lawn sweepers, the hopper capacity and ease of emptying are vital.
Budget Planning
The price range for 21 inch push mowers can vary. Simple reel mowers are often the most budget-friendly, offering excellent value for their basic yet effective design. Electric or battery-powered models will typically be at a higher price point. Lawn sweepers also come in a range of prices, generally falling somewhere between basic reel mowers and powered mowers. Always consider the long-term value and any potential maintenance costs when budgeting.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 21 inch push mower depends on your lawn size, grass type, and personal preferences for eco-friendliness and noise levels. Whether you opt for a classic reel mower for a quiet, manual experience or a lawn sweeper for efficient debris collection, these tools can make yard maintenance more manageable and enjoyable. Don’t forget to consider factors like how to start a push lawn mower if you’re opting for a manual model to ensure smooth operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a reel mower and a rotary mower?
A: A reel mower uses a cylinder of rotating blades that scissor the grass against a stationary bedknife, providing a clean cut. A rotary mower uses a single, high-speed blade that spins horizontally to cut the grass.
Q: Are 21 inch push mowers good for large lawns?
A: While a 21-inch cutting width is efficient for small to medium-sized lawns, it can become time-consuming for very large areas. For larger properties, you might consider a wider cutting deck or a self-propelled model. You might also want to check out guides on the best push lawn mower for rough terrain if your yard has challenging spots.
Q: How often should I sharpen the blades on a push mower?
A: For reel mowers, regular sharpening is important for optimal performance. Depending on usage, you may need to sharpen them a few times a season. For rotary mowers, blade sharpening is also recommended periodically. Learn more about how to sharpen push lawn mower blades.
Q: Are manual push mowers effective on thick grass?
A: Manual push reel mowers generally perform best on shorter, well-maintained grass. Thick, tall, or wet grass can be challenging for them. If you have a lot of thick grass, you might need a more powerful mower; see what’s considered the best lawn mower for thick grass.
Q: What maintenance is required for a push lawn mower?
A: Manual push mowers require minimal maintenance, primarily cleaning after use and periodic blade sharpening. Lawn sweepers also need basic cleaning. For gas-powered push mowers, regular maintenance like oil changes and spark plug checks are necessary; you can find more on lawn mower maintenance practices.
In conclusion, a 21 inch push mower can be a fantastic addition to your lawn care arsenal, offering a blend of efficiency and ease of use. Whether you prioritize an eco-friendly, quiet experience with a reel mower or need to tidy up leaves and debris with a lawn sweeper, there’s a great option out there for you. Explore these top picks and find the perfect 21 inch push mower to keep your yard looking its best.