I live in Sacramento, where summers are hot and dry. If you ignore your lawn, the grass takes over fast. Last year, my old gas mower quit on me—right when the grass was tall, the sun was blazing, and I had no patience left.
That’s when I started looking for something easier. I wanted a mower that was clean, quiet, and simple. That search led me to the Earthwise 1715-16EW Reel Mower.
At first, I wasn’t sure. Could this quiet, old-school mower really handle real grass? A year later, I’ve got answers—and a few surprises.
In this Earthwise reel mower review, I’ll share what I’ve learned. I’ll cover how it cuts, what makes it different, and the small things no one tells you. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview of the Earthwise 1715-16EW Reel Mower
- Product Name: Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch Manual Reel Mower
- Type: Manual mower with a 7-blade cutting reel
- Best For: Small to medium lawns. Works best on cool-season grass like fescue or bluegrass
- Price Range: Around $90–$120, based on where and when you buy
This mower is a solid pick if you want to skip gas, noise, and upkeep. From my use, it’s great for flat yards and folks who don’t mind taking their time.
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Why I Chose It
When I started shopping for a reel mower, I wasn’t after fancy features. I just wanted one that worked. Here’s what made the Earthwise 1715-16EW stand out to me:
Sharp, Alloy Steel Blades
This mower has 7 blades made of heat-treated steel. That makes a big difference. The blades stay sharp longer—great for finer grass like fescue. Most reel mowers at this price don’t offer this kind of blade quality.
Comfortable Loop Handle
I liked the loop-style handle right away. It gives a steady grip whether you’re going straight or turning. I’ve used others with stiff, odd-shaped handles. This one feels smooth and easy.
Lightweight, But Not Flimsy
It weighs about 26 pounds. That’s light enough to carry without effort. But it still feels sturdy—not loose or cheap like some other models I tried.
No Tools Needed to Adjust Cutting Height
This was a big plus. You can adjust the height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches using a lever on each wheel. No tools needed. It’s quick and simple.
Simple, No-Frills Design
I didn’t want extra stuff that might break. This mower keeps it simple. It cuts clean, and that’s all I needed for my flat yard.
What Could Be Better
This reel mower has a lot going for it—but it’s not perfect. After a full summer in Sacramento, here’s what I think could be better:
Struggles with Tall or Thick Grass
If your lawn gets too long, this mower has a hard time. It works best when you mow often. Once grass gets tall or thick—like Bermuda—it’s tough to push and doesn’t cut cleanly.
Not Great on Uneven Lawns
It rolls best on flat yards. My lawn is mostly smooth, but the bumpy spots are tricky. The wheels lift off, and I have to go over the same area again. If your yard is uneven, this might be a hassle.
No Grass Catcher Included
At first, this didn’t bother me. But I get why it might for others. The clippings fall behind, so you’ll need to rake. A catcher is sold on its own, but it took me time to find it online.
Not Ideal for All Grass Types
This mower works best on cool-season grass like fescue or bluegrass. That’s fine for my area. But for thick grass in the South—like St. Augustine or zoysia—it may not cut well.
Needs Regular Blade Cleaning
There’s no motor, but the blades still need care. After cutting damp grass, they can get sticky. A quick wipe keeps them clean, but it’s something to keep in mind.
My Personal Gardening Experience
One Saturday in late spring, I spent the morning mowing after a week of rain. The grass had grown fast. I’ll be honest—it wasn’t easy. The Earthwise 1715-16EW struggled in thick, damp spots. I had to go slow and make a few extra passes. But once I found a rhythm, it felt calm. No gas smell, no loud noise—just the click of the blades and some birds in the trees. It reminded me why I chose a reel mower.
Another time, it was one of those hot Sacramento days. Even the shade felt warm. I waited until 5 p.m. to mow, when it had cooled down a little. The loop handle helped a lot when turning, especially near the garden beds. I was sweaty but happy. The lawn looked clean, and it didn’t feel like I had pushed a tank across the yard.
One day, my neighbor looked over the fence and asked, “Is that thing actually working?” I let him try it. He laughed and said it felt “like cutting grass in slow motion.” But after a few passes, he smiled and said it cut really well.
Who Should Buy This?
If you like slow, quiet mowing—and want to skip gas and noise—this mower could be just right.
It’s a great fit for:
- People with small, flat yards – If your lawn is under 5,000 sq. ft. and mostly even, this mower works well. My yard in Sacramento is about that size, and it handles it fine.
- Those with cool-season grass – It cuts fescue and bluegrass well. If you live in the North or Midwest, you’re likely good to go.
- Folks who mow often – This isn’t for once-a-month mowing. It works best when you cut weekly, or even more.
- Anyone tired of noise – No gas, no fumes, no pull cords. I’ve even used it while my toddler napped.
- Gardeners who want light exercise – It’s not heavy, but you still move. Enough to feel like you did something.
- Eco-conscious users – No gas. No oil. Just clean, quiet mowing.
But it’s not for everyone. I wouldn’t suggest it if:
- Your grass is thick and fast-growing – Like Bermuda or St. Augustine. In hot, southern areas, it may struggle unless you mow often.
- Your yard is bumpy or uneven – The wheels can skip over dips. You’ll have to redo spots.
- You want to “set it and forget it” – It needs care. You’ll have to clean the blades and mow on schedule.
Bottom line: If you like hands-on yard work and want a clean, quiet tool for a small lawn, the Earthwise 1715-16EW is a smart buy.
Alternative Option to the Earthwise Reel Mower
Over the past few summers, I’ve tried a few reel mowers—just to see how they stack up. One of the main ones was the Scotts 2000-20. It gave me some surprises.
Earthwise vs. Scotts Reel Mower
Here’s how the Earthwise 1715-16EW compares to the Scotts 2000-20:
| Feature | Earthwise 1715-16EW | Scotts 2000-20 |
| Cutting Width | 16 inches | 20 inches |
| Blade Count | 7 blades – great for fine, cool-season grass | 5 blades – better for mixed grasses |
| Blade Material | Heat-treated alloy steel | Tempered alloy steel |
| Cut Height Range | 0.5–2.5 inches (easy lever adjust) | 1–3 inches (tool-free adjust) |
| Weight | 26 lbs – light and easy | 34 lbs – heavier, but stable |
| Best For | Small lawns with fine grass | Medium lawns, general grass |
| Bumpy Ground | Struggles a bit | Handles bumps better |
| Grass Catcher | Sold separately | Also sold separately |
| Ease of Push | Smooth on short grass; tough on thick spots | Easier on mixed grass types |
| Price Range | $90–$120 | $105–$140 |
My Take After Using Both
The Scotts mower felt nice with its wide cut—it helped me finish faster in open areas. But the Earthwise was sharper and more nimble near garden edges. It also cut my fescue better.
Still, after a week of rain and growth, the Scotts didn’t clog as much. It powered through better.
If you want speed and stability for a medium lawn, the Scotts 2000-20 is a good bet. But if you like a lighter, more precise feel for finer grass, the Earthwise 1715-16EW still comes out on top for me.
Final Thoughts
The Earthwise 1715-16EW won’t work for everyone. But for my small lawn in Sacramento, it’s done a great job. If you like quiet mowing, easy care, and don’t mind moving slow, it might surprise you too.
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FAQs – Earthwise Reel Mower Review
Is the Earthwise reel mower hard to push?
Not if you mow often. It rolls fine on short grass. Tall or thick grass can make it harder to push.
What grass does the Earthwise 1715-16EW cut best?
It works best on cool-season grass like fescue and bluegrass. It may not cut thick grass like Bermuda well.
Does the Earthwise reel mower need gas or oil?
No. It’s a push mower. No gas, no oil, and no cords. It’s clean and easy to care for.
Can you adjust the cutting height?
Yes. The height adjusts from 0.5 to 2.5 inches. You don’t need tools to change it.
Does it come with a grass catcher?
No. It doesn’t come with one, but you can buy it on its own if you want to collect clippings.
