Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Manual Reel Lawn Mower Review (716-18S): Quiet, Simple, and Surprisingly Effective
I spent time evaluating the Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 716-18S 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower because I wanted a simpler way to keep my yard tidy without dealing with gas, cords, fumes, or constant noise. I’ve used plenty of lawn equipment over the years, and I can say this right away: a manual reel mower is not for everyone. But for the right yard and the right expectations, it can be a genuinely satisfying tool. Our american lawn mower 14-inch 5-blade reel explains the trade-offs if you’re comparing models.
New to push mowers? Our greenworks 80v 42-inch riding mower review is a good starting point if you’d rather go powered.
Quick Verdict
Verdict: The Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Manual Reel Lawn Mower is an excellent low-noise, zero-emission choice for small to medium, relatively flat lawns. Its 7-blade reel delivers a noticeably cleaner cut than cheaper 5-blade models, and there’s virtually no maintenance beyond occasional cleaning and blade sharpening. The trade-off is real, though: you supply the power. If your lawn is large, thick, or uneven — or you hate physical effort — pick a gas or battery mower instead. If you value quiet, simplicity, and a crisp scissor-like cut, this mower earns its 4.2/5 rating from 410 buyers.
Rating: 4.2 / 5 ⭐ — Best for small, manageable lawns and low-effort maintenance routines.
Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower Review
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Key Specs
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 716-18S |
| Cutting Width | 18 inches |
| Blade System | 7-blade heat-treated alloy steel reel |
| Cutting Height Range | 1 to 3 inches (adjustable) |
| Wheels | 10-inch dual tracking wheels |
| Bearings | Ball bearing reel design |
| Power Source | Manual push (no gas, battery, or cord) |
| Handle | Cushioned, comfort grip |
| Price | ~$143 |
| Customer Rating | 4.2 out of 5 stars (410 reviews) |
Product Overview
The Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Manual Reel Lawn Mower is an 18-inch manual reel mower with a 7-blade cutting system, 10-inch dual tracking wheels, and an adjustable cutting height ranging from 1 inch to 3 inches. It uses a ball bearing reel design and heat-treated alloy steel blades, which are intended to stay sharp longer. Scotts also includes a cushioned handle for comfort and a design that’s meant to be easy to assemble and easy to maneuver.
At a price of $143, it’s not the cheapest manual mower on the market, but it also isn’t trying to compete with premium powered equipment. Instead, it aims to deliver a clean cut with minimal maintenance and no fuel or electricity costs. With a customer rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 410 reviews, it clearly resonates with a lot of buyers, though it’s not without its share of complaints.
In practical terms, this mower is best understood as a low-noise, low-maintenance solution for small to medium-sized lawns. Reel mowers cut grass with a scissor-like shearing action rather than tearing it like rotary blades — a method long recommended by turf extension programs because it causes less stress to the grass blade. I see this tool as a fit for people who like simplicity and don’t mind a little physical effort in exchange for a cleaner, quieter mowing experience.
Pros
- Quiet operation that actually feels refreshing — This is one of the biggest wins. The mower doesn’t roar, rattle, or wake up the whole neighborhood. Early morning mowing or quick touch-ups become much less annoying, especially if you’re trying not to disturb sleeping kids or neighbors.
- No gas, no cords, no charging stress — No fuel, battery life, extension cords, or engine maintenance. The mower is ready whenever you are, and there are zero ongoing operating costs after purchase.
- Clean cut quality on the right kind of grass — When the lawn is in decent shape and you’re mowing regularly, the reel design gives a neat, crisp cut that looks better than expected from a manual mower. The 7-blade reel delivers a more refined finish than cheaper 5-blade models.
- Lightweight and maneuverable — Easy to push and turn, especially around tighter spots. The 18-inch cutting width is a nice balance: wide enough to cover ground without feeling bulky. For smaller yards, walkways, and awkward corners, it’s genuinely easier to manage than a larger powered mower.
- Low maintenance is a real advantage — No oil changes, spark plugs, or engine troubleshooting. Keep it clean, store it properly, sharpen the blades occasionally, and it’s ready to go.
- Comfortable handle and decent grip — The cushioned handle sounds like a small detail, but it matters. It makes longer sessions easier on the hands. You’ll still feel the workout, but the grip itself won’t become a problem.
- Environmentally friendly and cost-conscious over time — No fuel burns, no electricity draws, no emissions. Once it’s purchased, there’s very little else to spend on, making it one of the cheapest mowers to own long-term.
Cons
- It takes more effort than a powered mower — This is the obvious trade-off: using the Scotts 716-18S is a workout. If your lawn is large, uneven, or thick with heavy grass, you will feel it. It’s not exhausting for a small yard, but it demands more work than a gas or electric mower.
- Struggles with tall or thick grass — Reel mowers perform best with frequent mowing. Let the grass get too long or too dense, and the reel will push over blades instead of cutting them, leaving an uneven finish and forcing multiple passes.
- Doesn’t handle twigs and debris well — Like all reel mowers, small sticks and hard debris can jam or stop the reel. You’ll need to clear the lawn before mowing, which adds a step gas mowers don’t require.
- No grass catcher included on all setups — Fine clippings are left behind (which is actually good for the soil as natural mulch), but if you prefer a bagged, manicured look, you’ll need to purchase a catcher separately or rake afterward.
- Height adjustment takes trial and error — Adjusting between the 1-inch and 3-inch settings isn’t difficult, but dialing in an even, consistent height across both sides can take a few sessions to get right.
- Not ideal for large lawns — At 18 inches wide and human-powered, covering a half-acre or more will eat your Saturday. This is a small-to-medium lawn tool, full stop.
What Other Buyers Are Saying
With a 4.2/5 average across 410 reviews, the pattern in customer feedback mirrors my experience. Happy buyers consistently praise the quiet operation, the lightweight build, and the quality of the cut on regularly maintained lawns — many specifically mention that the 7-blade reel outperforms cheaper 5-blade reel mowers they’ve owned. The recurring complaints center on effort: buyers with larger or overgrown lawns found it tiring, and some noted the mower bogged down in thick grass like St. Augustine or tall fescue. A handful of reviewers mentioned assembly instructions being sparse, though most reported setup taking under 30 minutes.
Who Should Buy the Scotts 716-18S?
- Buy it if: You have a small to medium, reasonably flat lawn (roughly up to a quarter acre), you mow frequently, and you want quiet, zero-emission operation with minimal upkeep.
- Skip it if: Your lawn is large, hilly, thick-stemmed, or often overgrown — or you simply want mowing to take as little effort as possible. A battery or gas mower will serve you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to mow with the Scotts 18-inch reel mower?
Plan on mowing once every 4–7 days during peak growing season. Reel mowers cut best when removing only about an inch of growth at a time. Letting grass grow too long between mows is the number one cause of poor results with any reel mower.
Can it cut tall or wet grass?
Not well. Reel mowers, including this one, struggle with grass over roughly 4 inches tall and should never be used on wet grass — clippings clump between the blades and the reel will smear rather than cut. Mow dry and mow often.
Does the Scotts 716-18S require assembly?
Yes, but it’s minimal. Most buyers report assembly in under 30 minutes with basic tools: attaching the handle, wheels, and cutting height lever. The instructions are sparse, so follow the diagrams carefully.
How do I sharpen the blades?
The heat-treated alloy steel blades hold an edge significantly longer than budget reels. When sharpening is eventually needed, you can use a reel mower sharpening kit (a lapping compound applied while back-spinning the reel) or take it to a professional. See our reel mower sharpener guide for the full process.
Is an 18-inch cutting width enough?
For lawns up to about a quarter acre, yes — the 18-inch width is actually a sweet spot among reel mowers, covering ground faster than 14–16-inch models without becoming heavy to push. Anything larger and you’ll spend significantly more time mowing.
Is a reel mower actually better for grass health?
Often, yes. Reel mowers shear grass cleanly like scissors, while rotary mowers tear at the blade, especially when dull. Clean cuts lose less moisture and are less susceptible to disease — a principle echoed by university turf extension guidance on proper mowing height and sharp blades. The trade-off is that reel mowers demand more frequent mowing to stay effective.
Final Thoughts
The Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Manual Reel Lawn Mower sits in that interesting middle ground where it feels old-school in the best way, but still practical enough for modern home use. It’s lightweight, quiet, and straightforward, and it asks something from the person using it: a manageable lawn, more frequent mowing, and a willingness to do the work yourself. If that sounds fine, this mower has a lot going for it — a clean cut, zero running costs, and the satisfaction of a simpler tool done right. For around $143, it’s an easy recommendation for the right yard.
