Dealing with overgrown, high grass can be a real challenge. Whether you’ve had a busy spell, gone on vacation, or simply have a section of your yard that seems to defy regular mowing, you need a lawn mower that can handle the heavy lifting. Standard mowers can bog down, stall, or leave an uneven mess. That’s where specialized mowers designed for tall grass come in. We’ve tested and reviewed some of the top contenders to help you find the best lawn mower for high grass, ensuring your lawn looks neat and tidy, no matter how wild it gets.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 6 Best Lawn Mower For High Grass Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Mower
The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 is a classic choice for a reason. This 14-inch reel mower is surprisingly capable for its size and eco-friendly nature. While it excels at regular maintenance, it can handle moderately tall grass if you’re patient.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 4-blade reel for a clean cut
- ✓ Lightweight design (19 lbs) for easy maneuverability
- ✓ Adjustable cutting height (0.5”-1.75”)
- ✓ Environmentally friendly (no gas, no oil, no emissions)
Why We Recommend It
If you’re looking for a simple, reliable, and green way to maintain your lawn, this American Lawn Mower is a solid pick. It’s perfect for smaller to medium-sized yards and provides a quiet mowing experience. It’s a great starter mower for those new to reel cutting, and it’s robust enough for regular use.
Best For
Homeowners with small to medium lawns who prefer an eco-friendly and quiet mowing solution, and are willing to tackle taller grass with a bit of extra effort.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Quiet operation and zero emissions
- Easy to assemble and maintain
- Provides a healthier cut for grass blades
- Affordable and budget-friendly
Cons:
- May struggle with very dense or extremely tall grass
- Requires more physical effort than powered mowers
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’ve been using a traditional gas rotary mower for years and had heard good things about reel mowers. There’s a lot of options, and I tried out a Scotts 16″ Elite Reel Mower first from a local store before upgrading to this 18-Inch 5-Blade Reel American Lawn Mower, and overall, I am pleased with it.”
Customer Review: “Perfect little rotary mower, I have a strip about 100′ long and 10″ wide that my robot mowers can’t cut because it is too close to the curb. My riding mower can’t cut it low enough without scalping the ground, so this was the perfect solution. I was a little skeptical because one wheel is on the grass.”
2. LawnMaster MEB1216K 16-Inch 12AMP Electric Lawn Mower
The LawnMaster MEB1216K is a powerful corded electric mower that offers a great balance of performance and eco-friendliness. With its 12 AMP motor, it has the muscle to tackle taller grass without the emissions of gas mowers.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Strong 12 AMP motor with 3,500 RPM
- ✓ 16-inch cutting width for efficient mowing
- ✓ 5 cutting positions (1.4-inches to 3-inches)
- ✓ No gas or batteries required, reducing maintenance
Why We Recommend It
This LawnMaster model is an excellent choice for those who want more power than a reel mower but prefer an electric option. It’s relatively lightweight and easy to handle, making it suitable for various yard sizes. The consistent power output means fewer stalls in thicker patches.
Best For
Users with medium-sized lawns who need a reliable electric mower that can handle moderately overgrown grass efficiently.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful motor for its class
- Environmentally friendly operation
- Easy to start and use
- Low maintenance compared to gas mowers
Cons:
- Corded design can limit range
- May still struggle with extremely dense, waist-high grass
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Update 7-10-25 I still love this lawn mower! Still works perfectly! I’ve had two people borrow it and they were amazed that such a light mower with a battery performed as good as their (now broken) gas heavy duty lawn mower. I was skeptical about buying the lawnmower, because the price was cheap but h”
Customer Review: “Way back in 2011 I bought a Black & Decker CM1836 36-Volt Cordless Lawn Mower (not from Amazon, but I got it for a steep discount and was eager to get rid of the smelly, difficult-to-start gas lawn mower I’d been using). Unfortunately, It was awful (it’s discontinued now but strangely has good revi”
3. LawnMaster LMRM1801 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
The LawnMaster LMRM1801 steps up the reel mower game with an 18-inch cutting width and a 5-blade system. This wider cut and better blade configuration mean it can handle slightly taller and denser grass more effectively than smaller reel mowers.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Wide 18-inch cutting deck
- ✓ 5-blade reel for a cleaner, more efficient cut
- ✓ 10-inch front wheels for improved maneuverability
- ✓ 9 cutting positions (1.1-inches to 2.5-inches)
Why We Recommend It
For those on a budget who need a bit more power from a manual mower, this LawnMaster model is a fantastic option. It offers a superior cut compared to many other reel mowers and is still very environmentally friendly. It’s a great step up for anyone looking to ditch their gas mower.
Best For
Budget-conscious homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns who need a more robust reel mower capable of handling slightly tougher grass conditions.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent cutting performance for a reel mower
- Wider cutting path saves time
- Easy to assemble and use
- Environmentally friendly and quiet
Cons:
- Still requires manual pushing power
- May struggle with very thick, tall weeds
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I waited until I had used this mower a few times before leaving this review. This is my take on this mower. This goes in the top five greatest purchases I have made on Amazon. I never buy an important item online without a lot of research. I read every review like this one, so I will do my best to p”
Customer Review: “Anyone can put this together in less than 5 minutes. All’s needed is a fraction of upper body strength in order to snap on the handle bar assembly. No tools required besides your bare hands. Best Mower I have ever owned. Period. I no longer worry about an extension cord getting in the way, gas not k”
4. Great States 415-16 16-Inch Reel Mower
The Great States 415-16 is another sturdy manual reel mower known for its durability and performance. It features heat-treated alloy steel blades that stay sharp longer, making it a reliable tool for maintaining your lawn, even when the grass gets a bit unruly.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 16-inch cutting width
- ✓ 5-blade ball bearing reel
- ✓ Heat-treated alloy steel blades for longevity
- ✓ Adjustable cutting height (1″-2.5″)
Why We Recommend It
This is a great option for those who appreciate a well-built, traditional tool. It offers a clean cut and the satisfaction of a manual mower. It’s a great way to get some exercise while keeping your lawn in check, and it’s a dependable choice for homeowners looking for a long-lasting solution.
Best For
Homeowners with smaller to medium lawns who prefer a manual mower and value durability and a sharp, consistent cut.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Durable construction for long-term use
- Blades stay sharp for a good amount of time
- Easy to maneuver
- Eco-friendly operation
Cons:
- Can be tiring to push through very tall grass
- Limited cutting height range might not suit all preferences
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “My favorite thing about this simple lawn mower is that it’s easy to adjust the height. There is a learning curve so be patient if you don’t get it right away. I prefer a reel mower because it’s easy to maintain, store and use. My lawn was a little overgrown but this still got it pretty good. When I d”
Customer Review: “I bought this a year ago after doing a lot of research on various web sites, and it’s met all my expectations. I get a good work out using it to mow the yard, so I can feel as if I’m killing two birds with one stone. It isn’t too heavy for me to push (I’m an average-height, lighter-weight woman), an”
5. 2-in-1 Electric Dethatcher and Scarifier for Lawn Care
While not strictly a mower, this 2-in-1 Electric Dethatcher and Scarifier is incredibly useful for dealing with overgrown lawns, especially those with thick thatch. By removing dead grass and loosening compacted soil, it prepares the ground for better growth and can make subsequent mowing much easier. It’s a tool that complements any mower when tackling challenging grass conditions.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Dual functionality: dethatcher and scarifier
- ✓ Powerful 13-amp motor with 3,600 RPM
- ✓ 14-inch working width
- ✓ 5-position depth adjustment
Why We Recommend It
This tool is perfect for those times when the grass is so thick and matted that even a powerful mower struggles. By dethatching first, you reduce the density and make the mowing process much smoother. It’s a proactive approach to managing tough lawn conditions and is a great addition to your lawn care arsenal.
Best For
Anyone dealing with thick thatch, matted grass, or compacted soil that hinders regular mowing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Effectively removes thatch and loosens soil
- Improves lawn health and prepares it for mowing
- Powerful motor handles tough jobs
- Adjustable depth for different needs
Cons:
- Requires a separate dethatching step before mowing
- Not a direct mowing solution
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Assembly was required but not unlike any lawn mower or similar tool. I was plugged in and a-thatchin’ within 15 minutes of unboxing. There are several height adjustments, the highest of which will bring any plants, weeds, debris, or uneven growth on your lawn down to a uniform almost-ground-level hei”
Customer Review: “This lawn dethatcher and scarifier has truly helped me a lot. My yard used to feel dull and heavy, but after using this tool, the grass became softer, cleaner, and much more vibrant. It clears out the thick layer of thatch, dead plants, and stubborn debris stuck around the roots, allowing air, water”
6. BLACK+DECKER MTC220 3-in-1 Cordless Lawn Mower, Edger, and Trimmer Combo
The BLACK+DECKER MTC220 is a versatile 3-in-1 tool that can function as a mower, edger, and trimmer. While its primary mowing function is best suited for smaller areas and lighter grass, its ability to transform makes it handy for tackling overgrown edges or smaller patches of tall grass when combined with its trimming function.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 3-in-1 functionality: Mower, Edger, Trimmer
- ✓ Cordless design for freedom of movement
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to handle
- ✓ Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) system
Why We Recommend It
This is a great option for homeowners with smaller yards or specific areas that need regular attention. While it might not be your primary tool for a large, heavily overgrown lawn, its versatility means you can use it to clean up edges and tackle patches of longer grass effectively. The convenience of cordless operation is a big plus.
Best For
Users with small yards, multiple lawn features (like flower beds or pathways), or those who need a multi-functional tool for light mowing and edge trimming.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very versatile with three functions in one
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Good for smaller areas and detail work
- No gas or cords to deal with (in mower mode)
Cons:
- Mowing deck is small and best for lighter grass
- Battery life may be a limitation for larger areas
- Not ideal for dense, tall grass as a primary mower
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I live in Phoenix on an acre parcel and most of it is in desert landscape. Therefore no formal lawn to mow. Yaaa. However when it rains here the weeds grow, well like weeds. Fast and furious. This year we had lots of rain and lots of weeds. I’ve been running a battery powered weed eater every day f”
Customer Review: “I absolutely adore this mower/whacker! I have multiple small areas of grass that were once a pain to drag a heavy lawn mower over. I also wasn’t a fan of keeping and dealing with gas to mow a few small areas. This tool is lightweight and switches between mow/whack easily. Not a great choice for wet/”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Lawn Mower For High Grass
Essential Factors We Consider
When selecting the best lawn mower for high grass, we focus on a few key elements. First and foremost is the power and torque. High grass puts a significant strain on the mower’s engine or motor, so more power is generally better. We look for mowers with robust engines or high amperage motors that won’t bog down easily. Next, we consider the cutting deck and blade system. A wider deck can help cover more ground, and a sharp, durable blade designed for tougher tasks is crucial. For very tall grass, sometimes multiple passes or a mower with adjustable cutting heights that can be set higher initially are beneficial. Maneuverability is also important; you don’t want a mower that’s too cumbersome to handle in overgrown conditions. Finally, we think about the durability and build quality, as these mowers will be put through their paces.
Budget Planning
The price range for lawn mowers that can handle high grass varies significantly. Manual reel mowers, like the American Lawn Mower Company or Great States models, are the most budget-friendly, typically ranging from $100-$200. Electric mowers, such as the LawnMaster MEB1216K, generally fall into the $200-$400 range. More powerful gas-powered mowers or specialized heavy-duty models designed for extreme overgrowth can cost upwards of $500 to over $1000. Consider the size of your lawn and how frequently you expect to tackle high grass when determining your budget. Investing a bit more in a powerful mower upfront can save you frustration and time in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right lawn mower for high grass depends on your specific needs and yard conditions. For moderate overgrowth, a powerful electric or a well-built reel mower can suffice. For truly challenging situations, a robust gas-powered mower might be necessary. Don’t forget to consider tools like dethatchers, which can make mowing high grass more manageable. Always prioritize safety and ensure you’re comfortable operating the mower you choose. For more insights on mower selection, you might find our guide on how to choose the best lawn mower for your yard helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a reel mower cut high grass?
A: Reel mowers can cut moderately high grass, especially those with more blades like the LawnMaster LMRM1801. However, they are best suited for regular maintenance and may struggle with grass that is excessively tall (over 6 inches) or very dense. Multiple passes or pre-treatment with a dethatcher might be necessary.
Q: What type of mower is best for thick grass?
A: For thick grass, a mower with a powerful engine (gas or high-amperage electric) and a sharp, durable blade is ideal. Self-propelled models can also be very helpful as they do some of the work for you. Some users find specialized mulching mowers effective as they can finely chop thick clippings.
Q: How can I make mowing tall grass easier?
A: To make mowing tall grass easier, consider using a mower with a higher cutting setting for the first pass, then lowering it for a second pass. If the grass is extremely dense or matted, dethatching it first can significantly reduce the load on the mower. For very large areas, a riding mower or a wide-deck self-propelled mower is recommended.
Q: Do I need a special mower for overgrown lawns?
A: While not strictly a “special” mower, you’ll need one with sufficient power and a robust cutting system. Gas-powered mowers often offer the most raw power for extreme overgrowth. Electric mowers are improving, and some higher-amperage models can handle challenging conditions. Reel mowers are generally not the best choice for severely overgrown lawns.
Q: What is the difference between a dethatcher and a mower?
A: A dethatcher is a tool designed to remove dead grass, roots, and debris (thatch) that build up on the lawn’s surface and at the soil line. This improves air, water, and nutrient penetration. A mower, on the other hand, cuts the grass blades to a desired height. While they serve different purposes, using a dethatcher before mowing can make the mowing process much more effective on overgrown or matted lawns.
Tackling high grass doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding your lawn’s needs and choosing the right equipment, you can maintain a beautiful and healthy yard. Whether you opt for the simplicity of a reel mower for regular upkeep or the raw power of a gas mower for those challenging overgrown situations, there’s a solution out there for you. If you’re dealing with specific grass types like St. Augustine, our guide on the best lawn mower for St. Augustine grass might be helpful. Remember, proper maintenance is key for any mower; check out our tips on how to maintain your lawn mower for better grass cutting to ensure it performs its best, even with high grass. Happy mowing!