Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower - Manual Reel Mower for Small Lawns
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Is the Earthwise 1715-16EW Push Reel Mower Worth Your Money? A Complete Review for 2026
Buying a Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower Review can feel surprisingly overwhelming. You stand in the aisle (or scroll through Amazon), and suddenly you’re faced with dozens of options — gas-powered, electric, cordless, reel — each with specs that sound impressive but mean very little without context. If you’ve landed on the Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, you’re already narrowing your search in a smart direction. But is it the right mower for your lawn?
In this review, we’ll walk through everything you need to know — what it is, how it works, who it’s best for, and where it might fall short — so you can make a confident, informed decision without second-guessing yourself.
Product Overview: What Exactly Is the Earthwise 1715-16EW?
Before we dive into the details, let’s start with the basics. If you’re new to lawn care, the term “reel mower” might be unfamiliar. Think of it this way: a traditional gas mower works like a blender — it spins a single blade at high speed to chop grass. A reel mower, on the other hand, works like a pair of scissors. It uses multiple blades arranged on a cylinder (called a reel) that rotate as you push, snipping the grass cleanly against a stationary blade at the bottom. No engine. No gas. No cord. Just you, the mower, and your lawn.
The Earthwise 1715-16EW is a manual, human-powered push reel mower designed for homeowners who want a simple, eco-friendly way to maintain their lawns. Here’s a quick snapshot of its key specifications:
- Cutting Width: 16 inches — meaning it cuts a 16-inch-wide path with each pass
- Number of Blades: 7 (more on why this matters below)
- Wheel Size: 10-inch composite wheels
- Adjustable Cutting Height: 0.5 to 2.5 inches
- Frame Material: Durable steel side plates
- Blade Material: Alloy steel
- Price: $119
- Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (based on 1,773 reviews)
At $119, it sits in the affordable-to-midrange category for reel mowers. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but it’s also far from the most expensive — and as we’ll explore, the build quality and blade count give it a meaningful edge over budget alternatives.
Pros: What Makes the Earthwise 1715-16EW Stand Out
1. Seven Blades Deliver a Superior, Scissor-Like Cut
Most budget reel mowers come with 5 blades. The Earthwise 1715-16EW upgrades you to 7 blades. Why does this matter? Think of it like the difference between tearing paper with your fingers versus cutting it with sharp scissors. More blades mean more cutting points per rotation, which translates to a smoother, cleaner cut. A clean cut is healthier for your grass — ragged, torn grass blades are more susceptible to disease and browning. If lawn health is a priority for you, this is a significant advantage.
2. Adjustable Cutting Height for Versatile Lawn Care
The mower offers an adjustable cutting height range of 0.5 to 2.5 inches. This is important because different types of grass thrive at different heights. For example, Bermuda grass typically looks its best when cut short (around 0.5–1 inch), while St. Augustine grass prefers a taller cut (around 2–3 inches). With this range, you can tailor your mowing to your specific grass type and the season. Most basic reel mowers offer limited or no height adjustment, so this flexibility is a welcome feature at this price point.
3. Handles Bent Grasses That Other Reel Mowers Struggle With
Here’s where the Earthwise 1715-16EW truly differentiates itself. It’s specifically designed to cut bent grasses — including Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine, and Seashore Paspalum. These grasses grow low to the ground and spread horizontally, which can be challenging for mowers with fewer blades or dull cutting edges. The 7-blade alloy steel reel on this mower is engineered to handle these grass types effectively. If you live in the southern United States where these warm-season grasses are common, this feature alone could make this mower the right choice for you.
4. Alloy Steel Blades That Stay Sharp Longer
Blade maintenance is one of the biggest concerns with any reel mower. Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it, leading to an uneven, unhealthy lawn. The Earthwise uses alloy steel blades, which are harder and more durable than the standard carbon steel found on many competitors. In practical terms, this means you’ll need to sharpen or replace the blades less frequently — saving you time, money, and frustration over the life of the mower.
5. Zero Emissions, Zero Gas, Zero Noise
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room — or rather, the elephant that isn’t in the room. A push reel mower produces zero emissions. There’s no gasoline to buy, no oil to change, no spark plugs to replace, and no pull cord to yank on a Saturday morning while your neighbor glares at you. The Earthwise 1715-16EW is essentially silent in operation — just the soft whir of blades spinning against the cutting bar. If you value a quiet, environmentally friendly lifestyle, this mower aligns perfectly with those principles.
6. Durable Steel Side Plate Construction
The mower features a steel side plate design rather than the plastic frames found on many budget models. Steel is more resistant to impact, weather exposure, and general wear and tear. While it does add a bit of weight, it also means the mower is built to last season after season. For a product at this price point, the inclusion of steel construction is a genuine mark of quality.
7. 10-Inch Composite Wheels for Smooth Maneuverability
The 10-inch composite wheels are large enough to roll smoothly over uneven terrain without getting stuck in small dips or bumps. Composite material strikes a nice balance — it’s lighter than solid metal wheels but more durable than cheap plastic. This makes the mower easier to push across varied lawn surfaces, which is especially helpful if your yard isn’t perfectly flat.
Cons: Where the Earthwise 1715-16EW Falls Short
1. A 16-Inch Cutting Width Means More Passes
With a 16-inch cutting path, you’ll need to make more passes to cover your lawn compared to a mower with a wider deck. For a small yard (under 2,500 square feet), this is perfectly manageable. But if you have a larger property, mowing can become time-consuming and physically demanding. Gas mowers typically offer 21-inch cutting widths, which cover ground significantly faster. This is the trade-off inherent in most reel mowers — compact design means more work.
Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower - Manual Reel Mower for Small Lawns
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2. Physical Effort Is Required
Let’s be honest: a push reel mower requires real physical effort. There’s no motor doing the work for you. The blades only spin when the wheels turn, which means you are the engine. On flat ground, this is manageable for most adults. But if your lawn has slopes, thick or overgrown grass, or uneven terrain, pushing this mower can become exhausting quickly. It’s worth honestly assessing your fitness level and your yard’s topography before committing.
3. Not Ideal for Overgrown or Tall Grass
Reel mowers — including the Earthwise — work best on regularly maintained lawns. If you let your grass grow too tall between mowings, a reel mower will struggle. It may leave uncut patches, bog down, or require multiple passes over the same area. If your lawn is currently overgrown, you may need to first bring it down to a manageable height with a gas or electric mower before switching to the Earthwise for ongoing maintenance.
4. Assembly Can Be Tricky
Several reviewers have noted that assembly instructions could be clearer. While the mower doesn’t come with an overwhelming number of parts, some users have reported confusion about aligning the handle or adjusting the cutting height mechanism. If you’re not comfortable with basic assembly tasks, you may want to set aside extra time or have a handy friend help you out of the box.
5. No Grass Catcher Included
The Earthwise 1715-16EW does not come with a grass catcher. If you prefer bagging your clippings rather than leaving them on the lawn (a practice called grasscycling), you’ll need to purchase a separate attachment or rake up clippings manually. For some users, this is a minor inconvenience. For others who prefer a tidy, clippings-free lawn, it’s a notable omission.
Customer Reviews Analysis: What Are Real Buyers Saying?
With a 4.2 out of 5-star rating across 1,773 reviews, the Earthwise 1715-16EW enjoys generally positive feedback from buyers. Here’s a breakdown of the most common themes:
What Customers Love
Across the majority of positive reviews, three themes emerge consistently:
- Ease of use on flat, well-maintained lawns: Buyers with small to medium-sized yards and regularly mowed grass report that the mower performs beautifully, delivering clean, even cuts with minimal effort.
- Quiet operation: Many reviewers specifically mention how pleasant it is to mow without engine noise. Several note that they can mow early in the morning or late in the evening without disturbing neighbors.
- Great value for the price: At $119, customers frequently express satisfaction with the build quality and performance relative to the cost. Many compare it favorably to more expensive reel mowers.
- Effective on Bermuda and Zoysia grass: Owners of southern lawns with bent grasses consistently praise the 7-blade reel for handling these grass types cleanly.
What Customers Criticize
Negative reviews tend to focus on:
- Difficulty with tall or thick grass: Buyers who attempted to mow overgrown lawns report frustration with the mower’s inability to handle excessive growth.
- Handle stability concerns: A subset of reviewers mention that the handle can feel wobbly or loose over time, particularly at the connection points.
- Height adjustment challenges: Some users find the cutting height adjustment mechanism stiff or unintuitive, requiring tools or extra force to change settings.
Overall, the pattern is clear: customers who use this mower as intended — for regular maintenance of small to medium lawns — are overwhelmingly satisfied. Those who encounter problems typically fall outside the mower’s intended use case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall can the grass be before this mower struggles?
A: As a general rule, you should never attempt to cut more than one-third of the grass blade’s total height in a single mowing session. For this mower, that means grass should ideally be no taller than about 3 to 4 inches before you mow. If your grass is significantly taller than that, you’ll want to trim it down with another tool first, then use the Earthwise for regular maintenance going forward.
Q: Is this mower suitable for a large yard?
A: It depends on your definition of “large.” For yards under approximately 2,500 square feet, the 16-inch cutting width is perfectly workable. For larger properties, the time and physical effort required may become impractical. If you have a large yard but still want the benefits of a reel mower, you might consider whether a wider-cut reel mower (18–20 inches) would better suit your needs.
Q: Do I need to sharpen the blades, and how often?
A: Yes, like all reel mowers, the blades will eventually need sharpening. However, the alloy steel construction of the Earthwise blades means they hold their edge longer than standard carbon steel blades. Most homeowners can expect to go one to two full mowing seasons before needing to sharpen, depending on use and lawn conditions. Some users also apply a thin layer of oil to the blades after each use to slow corrosion and maintain sharpness.
Q: Can this mower handle hills or slopes?
A: The Earthwise 1715-16EW can handle gentle slopes, but steep hills will be challenging. Since you’re providing all the propulsion, pushing uphill requires significant effort, and controlling the mower on a downhill slope can be difficult. If your yard has notable elevation changes, this may not be the ideal primary mower — though it could still work well for flat sections.
Q: Is there any ongoing cost associated with this mower?
A: One of the biggest advantages of a reel mower is its near-zero operating cost. There’s no gas, no oil, no filters, and no spark plugs. The only potential ongoing expenses are occasional blade sharpening (which many homeowners do themselves with a sharpening kit) and replacement blades after several years of use. Compared to the recurring costs of a gas mower, the savings add up quickly.
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Earthwise 1715-16EW isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s perfectly okay. No mower is. Here’s who will get the most value from this product:
- Homeowners with small to medium-sized yards (under 2,500 square feet) who want a simple, low-maintenance mowing solution.
- Environmentally conscious consumers who want to reduce their carbon footprint and eliminate gas-powered equipment from their lawn care routine.
- Owners of bent grasses — particularly Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine, and Centipede — who need a mower specifically designed to handle these grass types.
- People who value quiet mornings and don’t want to disturb neighbors with noisy mowing sessions.
- Anyone looking to save money on lawn care over the long term by eliminating fuel, maintenance, and repair costs associated with gas or electric mowers.
- Beginners to lawn care who want a straightforward, no-frills tool that does one thing well.
This product is probably not the best fit for: homeowners with large properties, those with steep or hilly yards, people who frequently let their grass grow tall between mowings, or anyone who wants a hands-off, motorized mowing experience.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Earthwise 1715-16EW in 2026?
The Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a well-built, thoughtfully designed product that delivers on its core promise: a clean, quiet, environmentally friendly cut for small to medium lawns. At $119, it offers excellent value — particularly for homeowners with bent grasses who have struggled to find a reel mower that handles their lawn type effectively.
Is it perfect? No. The 16-inch cutting width demands patience on larger yards, the lack of a grass catcher is an oversight, and the physical effort required won’t suit everyone. But within its intended use case — regular maintenance of a modestly sized, reasonably well-kept lawn — it performs admirably and earns its 4.2-star rating.
If you’ve been searching for a Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower Review that’s affordable, durable, and genuinely good for the planet, the Earthwise 1715-16EW deserves a spot at the top of your shortlist.
Quick Checklist: Is This Mower Right for You?
Answer these five questions honestly:
- Is your lawn smaller than 2,500 square feet?
- Do you mow regularly (at least once a week during growing season)?
- Is your yard mostly flat with minimal slopes?
- Are you comfortable with a mower that requires physical pushing (no motor)?
- Do you value quiet operation and zero emissions over speed and convenience?
If you answered “Yes” to at least 3 of these questions, this product is right for you. The Earthwise 1715-16EW is a reliable, well-priced tool that will serve you faithfully season after season — as long as you’re within its sweet spot. For the right homeowner, it’s one of the smartest lawn care investments you can make in 2026.
