Earthwise 1715-14 Review

Introduction: Why I Decided to Try a Reel Mower

After years of pushing a gas-powered mower around my modest quarter-acre lot, I started to question the entire routine. The noise, the smell of exhaust, the maintenance of spark plugs and oil changes, and the constant trips to the gas station started to wear on me. I wanted something simpler, quieter, and more in tune with the actual act of mowing. That’s when I started looking at reel mowers. The Earthwise 1715-14 kept popping up in my searches, largely because of its low price and extremely lightweight design. At just 19 pounds, it promised to be a breeze to push. I ordered one, assembled it in about 15 minutes, and spent the next month putting it through its paces on my lawn. Here is my complete, honest review of the Earthwise 1715-14 reel mower.

How I Tested It

To give you a realistic picture, I used the Earthwise 1715-14 exclusively for four full weeks during the peak growing season of late spring. My lawn is a mix of Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, with a few patches of clover. I mow on a weekly schedule, which means the grass is typically around 3 to 4 inches tall when I start. My yard also has some gentle slopes and a few tight corners around flower beds.

I tested the mower in three different conditions: first, on a freshly cut lawn where the grass was only about 2 inches tall. Second, on grass that had gone a full week and was closer to 4 inches. And third, on a patch of grass that I let grow for two weeks to simulate thick, overgrown conditions. I also paid close attention to how the mower handled on wet grass (morning dew) and on dry, sunny afternoons. I timed each session, noted how many passes I needed to make, and checked the quality of the cut afterward.

Performance: The Good, The Bad, and The Grassy

Cut Quality on Short Grass

When the grass is short and well-maintained, the Earthwise 1715-14 performs admirably. The five-blade reel spins freely and makes a satisfying scissor-like cut that leaves a clean, even surface. I was genuinely impressed with how it handled my lawn when I kept up with a weekly schedule. The cut is precise, and because it’s a reel mower, it doesn’t tear the grass like a rotary blade can. The result is a lawn that looks manicured, almost like a putting green. If you are someone who mows frequently and keeps your grass on the shorter side, this mower will give you a beautiful finish.

Handling Thicker Grass

Here is where the mower starts to struggle. When the grass gets above 3.5 inches, the reel begins to clog. The grass blades don’t get cut cleanly; instead, they get pushed down or bent over by the reel. I found myself having to stop and clear the reel every few feet when tackling grass that was closer to 4 inches. The mower simply lacks the torque to handle thicker stalks. It’s not a problem with the design so much as a limitation of all manual reel mowers, but the Earthwise 1715-14 is particularly sensitive to tall grass. If you let your lawn go for more than a week, you will be frustrated.

Tall and Overgrown Grass: A No-Go

I deliberately let a 10-foot by 10-foot section of my lawn grow for two weeks to simulate neglect. The grass was about 6 to 7 inches tall, thick, and a bit stalky. The Earthwise 1715-14 could not handle it. The reel would spin, but it would grab a few blades, then stall, then grab a few more. I tried pushing slower, faster, and at different angles. Nothing worked. I ended up having to use my old gas mower to cut that section down first. This mower is strictly for maintenance cuts, not for reclaiming an overgrown lawn. If you have a yard that gets away from you, this is not the tool for you.

Ease of Pushing and Maneuvering

This is the Earthwise 1715-14’s strongest feature. At 19 pounds, it feels like pushing a toy compared to a gas mower. I could easily push it with one hand while holding a coffee in the other. The wheels are large enough to roll over small bumps and uneven ground without jarring your arms. Turning is effortless; you can pivot it on its rear wheels to make tight circles around trees and flower beds. The lack of a heavy engine or battery pack makes it incredibly nimble. If you have a small yard with lots of obstacles, you will love how easy it is to maneuver.

Height Adjustment

The height adjustment is simple and tool-free. There is a single lever on each wheel that lets you change the cutting height. There are four settings, ranging from about 1 inch to 2.5 inches. I found the mechanism to be sturdy enough, though the plastic components do feel a bit flimsy. It works, but I would not want to be adjusting it every single mow. I set it to the middle setting and left it there for most of my testing. It’s a functional system, but it lacks the precision of a gas mower’s dial adjustment.

Build Quality and Value: Lightweight but Lightweight in Feel

Frame and Materials

The Earthwise 1715-14 is built around a plastic frame. The main body, the reel housing, and the wheel hubs are all made from high-impact plastic. This is what keeps the weight down to 19 pounds, but it also introduces a concern about long-term durability. During my testing, the frame did not break or crack, but it does flex noticeably when you push against resistance. If you hit a large rock or a hidden root, I worry that the plastic housing could crack. The reel itself is made of steel and feels sharp and well-machined. The blades are replaceable, which is a plus. But the overall impression is that this is a budget tool, not a heirloom-quality piece of equipment.

Wheels and Bearings

The wheels are plastic with a rubberized tread. They roll smoothly on flat ground, but they don’t have ball bearings. They use simple bushings, which means they will eventually wear down and develop wobble. After four weeks of use, the wheels still spun freely, but I could feel a slight amount of play developing. For a mower in this price range, that’s expected. But if you plan to use it for several seasons, you may need to replace the wheels at some point.

Assembly and Maintenance

Assembly took me about 15 minutes. The instructions are clear, and all the hardware is included. You just need a Phillips head screwdriver. Maintenance is minimal. You should keep the blades sharp, which requires removing the reel and using a sharpening kit. You also need to lubricate the wheels and the reel bearings occasionally. Because there is no engine, there is no oil to change, no spark plugs to replace, and no gas to mix. That is a huge advantage if you hate maintenance.

Value for Money

The Earthwise 1715-14 is one of the most affordable reel mowers on the market. It costs significantly less than a good gas mower or even a decent electric mower. If you have a small, flat lawn and you are willing to mow frequently, it pays for itself in fuel savings and reduced maintenance costs. However, you are getting what you pay for. The plastic frame, narrow cutting width, and limited performance on thick grass are all compromises. It is a fantastic value for the right user, but it is not a universal solution.

Who Should Buy the Earthwise 1715-14

This mower is perfect for a specific type of homeowner. If you have a small lawn, under 4,000 square feet, and you are committed to mowing at least once a week, this mower will serve you well. It is also ideal for people who dislike noise and fumes. You can mow early in the morning or late in the evening without bothering your neighbors. The lightweight design makes it a great choice for older individuals or anyone with limited strength who still wants to maintain their own lawn. It is also an excellent option for renters who don’t want to invest in an expensive mower but need something to keep a small yard tidy.

On the other hand, you should avoid this mower if you have a large lawn, if you frequently let your grass grow tall, or if you have thick, coarse grass varieties like Bermuda or zoysia. It is also not suitable for yards with heavy thatch or lots of weeds. If you want a mower that can handle occasional neglect or tough conditions, stick with a gas or electric model.

My Verdict: Honest Thoughts After a Month of Mowing

After a full month of using the Earthwise 1715-14, I have a clear picture of what it is and what it is not. It is a lightweight, easy-to-push, quiet, and affordable reel mower that delivers a beautiful cut on short, well-maintained grass. It is a joy to use on a small, flat lawn, and the lack of maintenance is genuinely liberating. I found myself actually looking forward to mowing, which is something I never thought I would say.

But it is also a mower with clear limitations. The narrow 14-inch cutting width means you will make more passes. The plastic frame feels less durable than metal alternatives. And it simply cannot handle thick or tall grass. If you are not diligent about mowing weekly, you will fight with it. I also noticed that on slightly damp grass, the reel clogs more easily than I expected.

For the price, I think the Earthwise 1715-14 is a solid entry-level reel mower. It does exactly what it promises: it cuts grass quietly and without fuel. But it asks for a commitment from you. You have to mow often, you have to keep the grass short, and you have to accept that it is not a heavy-duty machine. If you can meet those conditions, you will be happy with it. If you want a mower that can handle anything you throw at it, look elsewhere.

In short, the Earthwise 1715-14 is a specialist tool, not a generalist. It excels in its niche, but it will frustrate you if you push it beyond its limits. For my small, well-kept lawn, it has earned a permanent place in my shed. I just keep my gas mower handy for those times when life gets busy and the grass gets a little too tall.