Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower Review: The Quiet Revolution for a Perfect Lawn

For years, my weekend lawn care ritual was a symphony of sputtering engines, gasoline fumes, and the deafening roar of a rotary mower. It felt like a necessary chore, a battle against an ever-growing green carpet. I’d finish, covered in clippings and smelling like a gas station, feeling more drained than accomplished. I started to wonder if there was a better way—a more peaceful, precise, and environmentally friendly approach to achieving that perfectly manicured lawn. The constant maintenance, the winterizing, the trips to buy fuel—it all felt like overkill for my modest suburban yard. This dissatisfaction led me down a rabbit hole of lawn care forums and videos, where I rediscovered a classic tool: the reel mower. It promised a quiet, clean cut and a return to simplicity, which is precisely what led me to test the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower.

What to Consider Before Buying a Walk-Behind Lawn Mower

A walk-behind lawn mower is more than just a tool; it’s a key solution for maintaining the health and aesthetic of your property. Whether you’re chasing the “golf course look” or simply keeping your yard tidy, the right mower makes all the difference. The primary benefit is direct control over your lawn’s appearance, promoting healthier grass growth through consistent cutting and, in the case of reel mowers, a cleaner, scissor-like action that prevents tearing and disease. They are essential for homeowners who take pride in their outdoor space and prefer a hands-on approach to maintenance over hiring a service.

The ideal customer for a manual reel mower like this one is someone with a small to medium-sized lawn (typically under 3,000 sq. ft.), who values quiet operation, zero emissions, and the physical exercise it provides. It’s perfect for enthusiasts with low-growing, dense turf like Bermuda, Zoysia, or St. Augustine who are aiming for a very low, precise cut. However, it might not be suitable for those with very large properties, uneven or bumpy terrain, or lawns with tough, tall weeds. If you have a huge yard or physical limitations, a self-propelled gas or battery-powered rotary mower would be a more practical alternative. For those who want power without the fumes, a cordless electric model offers a great middle ground.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Cutting Width & Lawn Size: The 16-inch cutting width of this Earthwise model is ideal for smaller lawns, offering excellent maneuverability around flower beds and obstacles. For larger properties, a wider deck (20 inches or more) will significantly reduce the number of passes and the time spent mowing. Assess your yard size and complexity before deciding.
• Cutting Height & Grass Type: This mower’s 0.5″ to 2.5″ range is a dream for warm-season grasses that thrive when cut low. If you have a cool-season grass like Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass that prefers a height of 3″ or more, this mower’s maximum height might be a limitation. Always match the mower’s capabilities to your specific turf type for optimal lawn health.
• Materials & Durability: The Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower features an alloy steel 7-blade reel and a steel side plate design, which speaks to its durability. Cheaper mowers may use more plastic components that can crack or fail over time. We’ve found that a solid metal frame and ball bearing wheels are indicators of a machine built to last for many seasons.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A manual mower’s primary appeal is its simplicity. There’s no oil to change or gas to store. However, maintenance still exists—the blades will need periodic sharpening and proper adjustment to maintain cut quality. Consider the ease of height adjustment, the comfort of the handle, and the overall weight (at 21.8 lbs, this model is quite light) for a pleasant mowing experience.

Understanding these factors ensures you select a mower that not only cuts your grass but also fits your lifestyle, your lawn’s specific needs, and your long-term maintenance preferences.

While the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is an excellent choice for a specific type of lawn enthusiast, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, from manual to self-propelled, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing Simplicity and Solid Steel

Upon unboxing the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, the first thing we noticed was its straightforward, no-frills design. The box contained just a handful of parts: the main blade assembly, a four-piece handle, two grip pads, and a small bag of hardware. Assembly was intuitive and took us less than 30 minutes, confirming what many users have reported. A word of caution: the blades are incredibly sharp right out of the box, so wearing gloves during assembly is highly recommended. The most delicate part of the process was snapping the small e-rings into place, which required a firm tap with a screwdriver handle. Once assembled, the mower feels solid yet surprisingly lightweight at just under 22 pounds. The steel side plates and alloy reel give it a sense of durability that belies its simple mechanics. The padded T-handle is comfortable, though, as we’ll discuss later, its multi-piece construction has some drawbacks.

Performance Deep Dive: The Art and Science of the Reel Cut

A reel mower isn’t just a tool; it’s a commitment to a different philosophy of lawn care. It demands more frequency and a bit more attention to your yard’s condition, but the payoff is a quality of cut that rotary mowers simply cannot replicate. We put the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower through its paces on a Bermuda grass lawn to see if it lived up to the hype.

The 7-Blade Scissor-Cut: Precision for a Golf Course Finish

The heart of this machine is its 7-blade ball bearing reel made of alloy steel. Unlike a rotary mower that rips and tears at grass blades with a single, high-speed blade, a reel mower functions like a pair of scissors. The seven blades spin against a stationary bedknife, snipping each blade of grass cleanly. This precise cut is far healthier for the turf, preventing jagged edges that can turn brown and make the lawn more susceptible to disease. During our tests, the result was immediately noticeable. The lawn looked greener and sharper, an observation echoed by a user who noted, “My neighbor told me my lawn looked great! I have to admit the cut was cleaner and sharper and left it looking greener!”

This mower truly excels on dense, low-growing grasses. We tested it on Bermuda grass, starting at a height of 1.5 inches and gradually working our way down. The 7-blade configuration provides a higher frequency of cut, meaning it performs better at lower heights and with a faster walking pace. Pushing it briskly yields a smoother, more uniform finish. For those aiming for that putting green aesthetic, this mower is a revelation. We found its ability to cut as low as 0.5 inches is a standout feature, a sentiment shared by users pursuing ultra-low maintenance, with one enthusiast stating, “If you are trying to go low on your Bermuda to 0.5 this is the only option, more blades, better cut.” The resulting stripes, thanks to the rear rollers, are impressive for such a lightweight machine, adding a professional touch to the finish.

Assembly and Adjustability: Simple Mechanics with Room for Improvement

As mentioned, putting the mower together is a straightforward affair. The simplicity is part of its charm—no complex engines or wiring to worry about. However, this simplicity reveals a few design compromises. The four-piece handle, while comfortable, is a common point of criticism. We found that despite tightening the hardware securely, a slight wiggle persists. As one user aptly put it, “Handle has been wiggling since day one. It should’ve been one piece so it’s less janky.” While this didn’t impede functionality during our tests, it does detract from the otherwise solid feel of the cutting assembly.

Adjusting the cutting height is manageable, but not tool-free. It requires removing the wheels to move the axle to different height slots, which range from 0.5 to 2.5 inches. While this is a set-it-and-forget-it task for most, it’s less convenient than the single-lever systems on many modern mowers. The most significant limitation we encountered, and a recurring theme in user feedback, is the 2.5-inch maximum height. This is perfect for many warm-season grasses but too short for cool-season varieties that prefer to be kept longer. Ingenious users have developed simple modifications, like adding a larger PVC roller to the back, to effectively raise the cutting height. This vibrant community of “modders” speaks to the mower’s solid foundation and potential, but it’s a factor to consider if you need a higher cut out of the box. You can explore its full specifications and user modification ideas online.

Pushing Performance and Maneuverability: A Quiet Workout

Mowing with the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a unique sensory experience. The only sound is a gentle, satisfying “snip-snip-snip” as the blades shear the grass. It’s quiet enough to mow early in the morning without disturbing anyone. At under 22 pounds, it is incredibly light and easy to push on level ground with properly maintained grass. We could easily maneuver it with one hand, as one user demonstrated in a video review. This lightweight design makes it easy to navigate tight corners and store by hanging it on a wall.

However, the performance is directly tied to the condition of your lawn. This mower is not a brush hog. It is designed to maintain an already cut lawn, not tackle a jungle. We confirmed that you must clear the lawn of twigs, gumballs, or small rocks before mowing. Even a small twig will jam the reel, bringing you to an abrupt halt. A quick backward pull or a tap on the wheel usually dislodges the obstruction, but it can be frustrating. Furthermore, if the grass is too tall or thick, it will require significantly more effort to push, often needing multiple passes at progressively lower height settings. One 73-year-old user managed to cut knee-high grass with four passes, a testament to its capability and their tenacity, but it’s not the intended use. For best results, adhere to the “one-third rule”—never removing more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single mow—which means mowing more frequently, typically every 3-4 days during peak season.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, user feedback confirms our findings: this is a fantastic mower for a very specific purpose. The praise is highest among lawn care enthusiasts with warm-season grasses who are chasing a low, perfect cut. One user with a background in professional landscaping was initially skeptical but became a convert, choosing the 7-blade model for their Bermuda grass and loving the results. Another noted, “This reel mower is better than any other manual reel mower I’ve owned! It has my lawn looking better than any of my neighbors’.” The community has also embraced modifying the mower, with a popular upgrade being the replacement of the stock rear rollers with a heavier conveyor roller for better stability and striping.

On the critical side, the feedback is equally consistent. The wobbly multi-piece handle is the most common complaint, followed by the mower’s tendency to jam on small debris. Some users, particularly those with mixed or tougher grass types, found it ineffective. One reported, “…there would still be many thick pieces of grass that did not get cut… it made it look like I didn’t even cut the grass.” This highlights the importance of matching this mower to the right type of lawn. It’s not a universal solution, but for its target grass types, it performs exceptionally well.

Alternatives to the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

While the Earthwise reel mower offers a unique, manual experience, many homeowners prefer the convenience of powered options. If the idea of a workout isn’t appealing, or if your lawn is larger or has tougher grass, here are three excellent battery-powered alternatives that deliver great results without the gas and oil of traditional mowers.

1. Greenworks 40V 16″ Brushless Lawn Mower 4.0Ah

For those who like the 16-inch deck size of the Earthwise but want the ease of a powered motor, the Greenworks 40V model is a perfect match. It offers the same maneuverability for small to medium yards but replaces your pushing power with a brushless electric motor. This is a rotary mower, so it uses a different cutting action that is more forgiving on taller, tougher grass and less prone to jamming on debris. It’s an ideal choice for someone who wants an eco-friendly solution but isn’t committed to the frequent mowing schedule required by a reel mower.

2. Greenworks 21″ Self-Propelled Mower with String Trimmer and Blower Kit

If your yard is larger or has slopes, the upgrade to a self-propelled model is a game-changer. This Greenworks kit not only provides a powerful 48V self-propelled mower with a wider 21-inch deck to reduce mowing time, but it also bundles in a string trimmer and leaf blower. This all-in-one package runs on the same battery system, offering incredible value and convenience. It’s the perfect alternative for a homeowner looking to replace their entire suite of gas-powered tools with a quiet, efficient, and powerful electric ecosystem.

3. Greenworks 48V 5-Piece Garden Tool Set

This comprehensive set from Greenworks is for the homeowner who wants to completely overhaul their yard care arsenal. It includes a 20-inch push mower, string trimmer, leaf blower, chainsaw, and hedge trimmer, all powered by the same 48V (2x24V) battery platform. While the Earthwise focuses on doing one thing perfectly, this kit provides a versatile solution for every landscaping task. It’s the ultimate alternative for those who want a single, integrated battery system to power their entire yard maintenance routine, offering immense value and eliminating the need for gas-powered equipment entirely.

Final Verdict: A Specialist Tool for a Superior Cut

After extensive testing, our conclusion is clear: the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is not a general-purpose lawn mower, but a specialized instrument for the discerning lawn enthusiast. If you have a small to medium-sized yard with a dense, low-growing turf like Bermuda or Zoysia, and you aspire to a pristine, golf-course-quality finish, this mower is arguably one of the best values on the market. Its quiet, emission-free operation and the superior health benefits of its scissor-like cut are undeniable advantages. However, it demands a commitment: you must keep your lawn free of debris and mow frequently.

It’s not for everyone. If you have a large, weedy, or bumpy lawn, or if you prefer to let your grass grow taller between cuts, you should look to a powered rotary mower. But for the right person and the right lawn, this mower turns a weekly chore into a peaceful, rewarding ritual. If you’re ready to embrace a new approach to lawn care and achieve a cut that will make your neighbors envious, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability of the Earthwise 1715-16EW today.