A garden hose reel is a must to have a garden tool to store the hose properly and enhance its lifespan. It aids in performing all the gardening and other watering tasks. It winds up the hose without getting tangled or kinking and thereby prevents water blockage. Before making its purchase, we recommend you consider the following points. Hose Reel Capacity (Length & Width): Based on the hose reel type and its size, the length of the hose reel will range from 100 – 400 feet capacity. The length of up to 150 feet is enough for basic tasks, whereas 150 – 400 feet length for giant hoses. Different hoses have different widths and the common option available are 5/8-inch or 3/8-inch. You have to choose according to your requirements. Material: Hose reel is made of different types of materials like metal, plastic & resin. The built quality and material will determine its longevity and durability.
Hose reels made with metals (like stainless steel, cast iron or aluminum) is perfect for heavy-duty works and can sustain in any weather. Lightweight material (like fiberglass or plastic) made hose reels are the best for portability. Hose reel made with resin is stronger, durable, and lasts for a longer time.
Type: There are 4 main types of hose reels available – wall-mounted, stand-alone, cart, and storage pots. Based on the storage space you can accommodate; you can choose any one among them. For further detail information, read on to our detailed “Buying Guide”. We have also provided a list of our top picks for your reference.
The Best Garden Hose Reel Table
Best Hose Reel Reviews
1. Gardena Retractable Hose Reel
Gardena is a best brand known for its garden hoses, lawn care, and other garden related tools and accessories. This is one of the highest-rated hose reel options from Gardena. This Gardena hose reel is another automatic retractable garden hose reel option. You will get a maximum hose length capacity of 82 feet with a supported hose width of 1/4-inch, which makes it quite easy and fast to use and store it effectively. It has 180-degree swivel wall bracket and hardware set that can be quite handy for mounting the hose reel in different ways. Also, you will get a 2-year warranty with this hose reel. Its ergonomically shaped handle will let you take out effortlessly and also best for frost-protected storage. Best Features:
Automatic retraction function (15-rollup) with an integrated steel spring. Can be mount on wall or corner with its hose guide bracket. Decent build quality. Attach hose to anti-drip device for no more water dripping during transport or after watering. Remove box from bracket and store in a frost-protected place. 82 feet hose length capacity with ¼-inch width. 180-degree swivel mount for ease of use.
Components:
Wall mounted hose box Nozzle/sprayers Wall bracket Connecting hose Wash brushes User manual Warranty card
2. Giraffe Retractable Garden Hose Reel
Giraffe Tools is a global leader in hose & hose reel. They offer various features and maintain its outstanding quality for more than decades. This Giraffe retractable garden hose reel adopts 130 feet hybrid hose, which can be locked at any length by pulling it and thus covers every corner of the garden/lawn. With its auto-rewind feature, the hose will roll up automatically. It is an all-weather flexible and durable hybrid hose that ensures leak-resistant and long-lasting. This air hose has a width of ½-inch that makes it perfect for heavy-duty applications. It also offers a maximum working pressure limit of 300 PSI. This compact and portable hose reel come with 2 years warranty, just like other hose reel options out there. It features a 180-degree swivel mount, 7 function spray gun, easy grab mobile handle, zero-tangle hose layering, a unique hose lock mechanism, UV stabilized protection, and inspection hatch for maintenance. Best Features:
Auto rewind system with spring Strong unique hose lock mechanism at any length. 7 function spray gun for watering plants and lawn. 2-year warranty 180-degree swivel mount for ease of use. Premium 130Ft ½-inch garden hose 1000kPa hose burst pressure Easy to mount on the wall Easy grab collapsible mobile handle High-grade water hose made with polypropylene that ensure abrasion-resistant.
Components:
Giraffe 130ft wall mount hose reel 7-pattern nozzle 6ft brass fitting leader hose Tapping screw (4) Expandable bolts (4) User manual
3. Liberty Garden Multi-Directional Garden Hose Reel
Liberty Garden is another brand that is known to make tools for your garden as per its name. You get a straightforward yet highly effective design with this hose reel that allows you to easily store and retract the hose whenever needed. It can hold up to a 125 feet water hose with a supported hose width of ⅝ inches that is quite similar to other options out there. And since it uses an 18 gauge steel construction, it is quite durable and reliable and comes with a decent 3-year warranty. It has a pull-up knob on the side for 360-degree rotation and easily storing the garden hose whenever needed. You also get a 90-degree solid brass swivel mounting bracket with this hose reel that makes it quite easy to use. This hose reel even as a storage tray on the top for easily storing your most-used garden tools if needed. Best Features:
125 feet hose length capacity ⅝ inch hose width supported 3-year warranty Durable 18 gauge steel construction 90-degree swivel mounting bracket made out of brass 360 degree pull up knob on the side Storage tray at the top for storing tools
Components:
Hose Reel User manual Warranty card
4. Suncast Resin Hideaway Durable Outdoor Storage Reel
Suncast can be another great option if you are looking for garden tools and equipment. The Suncast Resin hideaway hose reel offers the highest storage capacity when compared with options in this article. It has a box-like shape and a very easy to use design. This allows you to easily store a 225 feet long hose in this hose reel. You also get a maximum supported hose width of ⅝ inch that is quite similar to other options out there. As a result, you can easily store almost any garden hose in this hose reel without any issues. It offers a durable build quality and hides the hose as per the name. You get a side hose guide and handle in this hose reel that allows you to store any garden hose easily. This hose reel is quite small in terms of its external dimensions. As a result, you can easily store in your backyard or garage when not in use. Best Features:
225 feet hose length capacity ⅝ inch hose width supported 3-year warranty Durable build quality Lid on the top Side guide and handle for easy storage Large storage capacity
Components:
Hose Reel User manual Warranty card
5. AMES 2398110 Metal Wall Mount 125 Foot Hose Capacity
Ames is a highly popular brand with a great rating that makes various garden tools. You can also find multiple great hose reel options from Ames including the one mentioned here: This hose reel from AMES is the cheapest option in this article. And even then, it can offer a lot of things that make it a great choice if you are on a budget and want an affordable and value for money option. You can use this hose reel to store up to a 125 feet hose of a maximum width of ⅝ inches without any issues. Despite the highly affordable price tag of this hose reel, it can offer a 90 days warranty. And when combined with its decent build quality, you can expect this hose reel to last for a long time without any issues. You get multiple clips in this hose reel that are useful for easily storing the hose inside it whenever needed. Best Features:
125 feet hose length capacity ⅝ inch hose width supported 90 days warranty Decent build quality Clips for hose storage Comes with a leader hose Fully assembled out of the box Easy to mount on a wall
Components:
Leader hose Hose Reel User manual Warranty card
6. Flexzilla Retractable Enclosed Plastic Air Hose Reel
Flexzilla is another popular brand that makes all kinds of tools, including garden tools. It even makes a decent hose reel that we have mentioned here. This hose reel from Flexzilla can be a great option if you are looking for heavy-duty options. It can be used as an air hose reel as well as a water hose reel as per your requirements. And just like the Goodyear hose reel mentioned earlier, this one also comes with a 50 feet long air hose. This air hose has a width of ⅜ inch that makes it perfect for heavy-duty applications. It offers a maximum air pressure limit of 150 PSI that is quite decent for the given price. You also get a simple and easy to use mounting mechanism in this hose reel. This allows you to mount it either on a wall or on the ceiling as per your wish. And this hose reel comes with a 2-year warranty just like various other hose reel options out there. Best Features:
50 feet hose length capacity 3/8 inch hose width supported 2-year warranty Plastic covered hose reel Easy to mount Works as an air hose and water hose reel
Components:
Hose Reel User manual Warranty card
7. Goodyear Air Hose Reel Retractable
Goodyear is a brand that is mainly known for making tires for all kinds of vehicles. But it also makes a hose reel that is primarily made for air compressor but can also work with garden hoses at your home. This Goodyear hose reel is present in the 3rd position in this article as it is one of the most heavy-duty options out there. It can take a wide 1/2 inch 50 feet hose with a maximum pressure of 300 PSI. In other words, you can use this hose reel for your garden as well as other heavy-duty applications if needed. Unfortunately, you only get a 1-year warranty with this hose reel. You can easily mount this hose reel on the wall, floor, or the ceiling for ease of use without taking any extra space in your garage. Since it uses steel for its construction, it is quite strong and sturdy in terms of its build quality. Its included hose comes with a hose stopper that can be quite useful for a lot of users out there. Best Features:
50 feet hose length capacity 1/2 inch hose width supported 1-year warranty Strong steel construction Includes hose stopper Mount on wall, floor, or ceiling Works with air, water, and oil hoses.
Components:
Heavy-duty hose Hose Reel User manual Warranty card
How to Choose a Garden Hose Reel:
To pick the right one from various models, you have to consider various factors before shopping for a hose reel. Let’s have a look at what are those factors to be considered….
1. Types:
There are 4 main types of garden hose reels – cart, wall-mounted, stand-alone, and retractable. Before knowing about them in detail, you should consider a few things like where you want to place them, how often you use the reel, how much hose length you need & your space availability, and how strong it should be. Why because all these factors are crucial to make the right decision on which one suits you best for you. Wall – Mounted: This type of garden hose reel is attached to the house and they vary in the way they attach to the house. You can wall-mount the hose reel in either parallel or perpendicular or both ways (in few cases). A parallel mount hose reel will pull out the hose along the wall side, while a perpendicular mount will pull the hose straight and away from the wall. This hose reel is the best option for those who don’t want to take it with them to different places. A few models offer a 180°pivot bracket to let the reel pivot 180°, which means the hose will allow you to water your garden conveniently. Some other models come with handles, which let you easily wind up the hose and store it properly. You have to mount this type of hose reel securely to an exterior wall. In case, if you are not capable of doing that (or) not comfortable with this wall mount, then try a different option. Stand-Alone (or) Hideaway Hose Boxes: Are you living in an area where it gets extreme snow during winters and hot during summer? Then hideaway hose reel is your best companion, as it helps to keep the hose from being exposed directly to the sunlight, wind, or freezing conditions and thereby extends its lifetime. It fully encloses a hose without attaching it to a wall. It allows you to blend into your desired landscaping. Thus, you can keep the box out of the sight to hide and protect the hose from external elements. Its larger handles will help to crank the hose more easily and place the tubing evenly along with the reel. Cart: It is a perfect and convenient option for those looking for an easy and quick way to move the hose reel to different places without leaving the hoses outside. With its large storage capacity and wheeled holder, it is quite useful for larger yard and simple to roll the hose inside a shed or garage after the work done. The hose length of most cart hose reel can hold up to 400 feet (or more). Garden hose carts are mostly used by people working in commercial gardens or professional landscapers. Pneumatic tires in some quality models will allow for easy movement over moderately rough terrain. Storage Pots/Decorative Reel: This is another common type of hose reel used widely by most people. It is a pot used to store smaller yet more flexible hoses. It is sold in different color and decorative options.
2. Hose Capacity:
The hose length is the main thing to consider while shopping for the garden hose reels. Measure the distance from the spigot to the areas till you will be watering to know your required hose length. For instance, a 200-ft hose on a reel with a 150-ft hose capacity may lead to spilling off (or) prevent the reel from proper winding (or) both in some cases. Check out the pack for information on both hose reel capacity and hose length to ensure you are buying the right one (or) simply measure the existing hose to know its length. A general rule is to select a hose reel that supports the hose with 50 feet longer than your hose. This will give the hose some extra room to expand & contract in the heat while using. So, keep in mind that to purchase a bit bigger reel than you need the exact length, particularly having any limitation on the arm strength making the last few feet to roll up.
3. Material:
Most of the garden hose reels are made with either metal, plastic or resin. Based on your watering needs, you have to select the hose pipe construction material. Metals (cast aluminum, stainless-steel, cast iron, or brass) are made for heavy-duty usage, and can accommodate wider & longer hoses. It is strong, sturdy, durable and long-lasting. The main drawbacks of this construction material are that it is bulky and heavy to move around. Rusting is another problem faced by these metal tools while spending a lot of time outdoors. So, it is essential to purchase a hose reel having rust-resistant parts. Stainless steel or aluminum alloys are considered the best options for metal garden hose reels. Some hard resin hose reels won’t rust, yet they are not strong as a metal hose reel. While plastic, fiberglass, and other resin models are considered the lighter option and ideal for residential lands. But they are not durable as a metal type of hose reels (steel or aluminum). It let you carry the hose easily all around the lawn. Verdict – For a heavy-duty reel, go with metal made hose reels. For portable hose reel, invest in plastic or fiberglass options for long-time usage. Choose resin-based hose reel for long-lasting hose reel (especially for hideaway types).
4. Retractable Vs. Non-Retractable:
If dealing with large gardens (or) want to save your time and effort for completing your watering task quickly, then the hose reels with an automatic retraction feature are your best option. While the non-retractable or manual hose reels are good for medium – largen garden areas, but it has to wind up manually, which is a most difficult task, especially for beginners. Retractable Winding Hose Reels: A hose reel with this function will pull the hose back automatically into the unit and thereby neatly roll up the hose inside the unit. These are simple, easy and quick to use, as they require a bit of power to pull out the hose. Some models offer a user-friendly mode of operation, in which a pedal is used to operate the rewind system to retract the hose automatically. Manual or Non-Retractable Hose Reels: It is the best option for large gardens, and large-diameter hoses. Here some experience is required for the user to rewind the hose properly without damaging it and also, it consumes a lot of time and energy.
5. Leader Hose:
A leader hose is included in most garden hose reels, which is used to attach the hose reel to the faucet/spigot for proper water supply. Check out the pack information before buying a new one or connecting to your existing hose to know whether its diameter matches properly or not. If not, you are unable to thread them. For instance, a 5/8-inch hose will not fit on a 3/4-inch diameter of a leader hose. The length of a leader hose is determined by the place where you store the hose and its closeness to a water source. For example, if installing a hose reel with a 6-feet leader hose length from 4 feet away from the spigot, then the leader hose is long enough and most of its length becomes idle. Also, check out the width (how wide) of the leader hose. We find most of these garden hoses come with 5/8-inch in diameter, allowing adequate water flow and pressure. Also, you may notice models with 3/4-inch & 1/2-inch options. The wider the hose means the more space it takes for a hose to set on the reel.
6. Durability:
If you are using the hose reel more often, then pick a strong, reliable, and durable model to withstand the outside weather and stay longer. Generally, the durability of a product/appliance will depend on its construction material. Buying a heavy-duty (or commercial) hose reel is considered a financial investment. So, it is essential to check out the durability of the hose reel before buying. Usually, people working in large yards or living in areas with a yearly growing season must require a durable product compared to those who work in smaller gardens or living in an area with a 3 – 4 months growing season. As per its construction material, the stainless-steel hose reel is perfect for heavy-duty commercial applications. Aluminum is considered an ideal choice for homeowners due to its lightweight and no-rust nature. Plastic resists rusting and is light in weight, yet may weaken/brittle when exposed to extreme sunlight/outside weather and thereby have a shorter lifespan. Also, make sure to store the hose reel properly, irrespective of retractable or manual winding after every usage. This helps to maintain the hose longevity by enhancing its durability and thereby make your investment-worthy.
7. Reel with Hose or No Hose:
Usually, we notice two types of hose reel designs – a fully enclosed unit with an inside included hose and a unit without an inside hose (supply your own hose). Most experts suggest a hose reel with its own hose installed inside is the best and complete storage solution for any type of garden/watering tasks. But if you want to substitute the inside installed hose, then it would be difficult to fit another same sized hose (or) unable to fit another hose type. In case, if your hose reel offers an automatic retraction facility, then you have to more careful and if it breaks, simply change the whole unit. While using a separate hose for the reel, you have to be cautious that it has to fit properly. It would be easy, quick and simple to replace the hose.
8. Stationary Vs. Portable:
You can attach the hose reels to either on the wheels for portability or permanent location (wall-mounted on the house’s side). To know which one is your best option, you have to check the size of your garden/landscape, whether it is a large yard area or a small patch with grass and bushes. If you have a large garden area, then go with a wheeled hose reel, as its mobility will help to cover the whole area easily and effectively. Also, the hoses are heavy and carrying one around is a bit hard to move. If having smaller spaces in which the hose can reach everywhere easily, then a stationary or wall-mounted hose reel works fine. They remain in the same place, yet provides the essential hose length to complete their watering tasks.
9. Design:
Though they are not a part of your home interior décor, still it has to look attractive to make you use them effectively without an eyesore. So, check for a stylish hose reel that comes in a wide variety of metal finishes and colors to look as an accent piece in your garden. Or simply pick a hose reel that comes in neutral colors and designs to get blend effortlessly into your landscape.
10. Ease of Use:
An easy-to-use hose reel will definitely save a lot of time and effort. Based on power, there are two main types of hose reels available – manual and automatic. The manual reel is used for small-sized lawn areas and a bit difficult to use, whereas the automatic or electric-powered reel is easy to use and operate. Since the automatic one provides essential speed and efficiency, it is preferred by most users over the manual one. The automatic hose reel powered by a 12-volt power source will wind up and retract the hose with a simple press of a button. So, select the perfect hose reel that works well without any issues and helps you in completing your work/task with ease.
11. Other Features:
The hose reels have some add-on features that you have to know to have a better user experience. Take a look at those features while shopping for the hose reels. Connections – There are some connections fitted to the hose by using OEM while installing the hose reel. It let you attach water bars, sprinklers, and spray guns with ease for its better performance. If the hose and reel combo has already installed with brass fittings, then choose accessories that are compatible with the hose for its proper fittings. Leaf-Proof – It is a common feature to consider for the hose reel with their hoses (included inside hose). It ensures that hoses are perfectly leak-proof, all you need is to check for their leak-proof mark while buying. This mark indicates its durability and built quality. Hose Stopper – Hose reel has a rubber hose bumper that acts as a brake while performing the reeling process. In the same way, there is a hose stopper for retracting the hose to let you get the desired length, as it stores the length permanently to make it use easier. Also, it will be easier to retract the hose. Basket – A convenient basket is included in few wall-mounted hose reels to store small, regularly used garden tools (like gloves, hand cultivators, and extra hose nozzles). Also, exposing to elements will shorten the tool’s lifespan. So, choose a hose reel having storage bin inside a covered unit. Lockable Feature – If safety and security is your main concern, then check out the hose reel that gets locked after its use. There are various brands offering hose storage accessories or lock system. You can grab the one to store the hose reel in a safe place. Hose Guide – A hose guide option is included in hose reels to prevent kinking while unwinding and winding. Since hoses tend to pull together while being wound, and thus prevent the turning the hose reel. Swivel Base – Are you looking to move the reel in multi-directional without sloping it? Then use stationary hose reels with a swivel base, as it helps you to adjust the hose direction while unwinding the reel to pull in different directions. So, the reel stay in place with a swivel, yet allow you to spins the hose in different directions. If the hose stored in a tight spot against the home (or) using in a way without requires swiveling, then ignore this option.
12. Additional Accessories:
Most hose reels come with different types of leaders or fittings to attach the reel to the water outlet. Other than standard fittings, consider a nozzle for the end of the reel so you can easily control the water flow. It is quite useful when you want to walk your tool out around the garden but switch off before getting back to turn off the water supply. Make sure that not to leave water in the hose in frosty weather, as the water inside the hose may freeze and thereby damages your garden tool.
13. Warranty:
Besides the type of hose reel and its construction material, one has to check for the warranty offered by the manufacturer before buying the product. Most hose reels come with a minimum warranty of 1-year and a few offers a long warranty of 5 years or 10 years. So, choose the hose reel with decent quality and built construction to last longer.
Why Garden Hose Reel is Required?
Generally, the one who has a hose then they must possess this hose reel to store them properly in a manageable way. It protects the hose from UV rays or pets with sharp teeth, which may damage the hose & garden. Here are a few purposes/benefits that make it a must to have in every garden with a hose.
Prevents Kinks in Hose – After completing the watering task, one has to store the hose properly in the hose reel to prevent kinks. Detects Leaks from Hose – One can easily detect the leakage in the hose while storing it. Also, regular usage of hose reel properly will help to prevent these leaks in the hose, and thereby saves water. Organized – This coil will help to keep the hose tidy and well-organized rather than having a loose hose, which is lying around. Also, one can easily identify the hose in the garden and this reel will ensure the safety of your garden hoses. Safety – Safety, especially for children, who play with everything on their way. So, the hose reel, particularly the wall-mounted reel will be safe to store reel from your children. Also, garden hoses will be hard to found, as they often green and can blend in the grass. So, a hose reel will prevent this from happening. Improves Efficiency – By organizing the hose reel properly, you can get easy access whenever you need it. So, one can store the hose without causing tangles or knots and thereby use it for a longer time. It saves your money, time and efficiency why because you get all the control over the hose. Protect the hose – The usage of a hose reel will protect the hose from extreme / harsh weather situations. So, the hose remains protected even on hot summer days, freezing winter days or watery rainy days. Also, the rabbits or rats won’t eat or damage your hose.
How to Hook up a Hose Reel?
A feeder hose is included in most hose reels to connect the reel to the spigot, as it allows the center of the reel to spin and pull the hose on for storage purposes. Fit the feeder hose on most standard faucets with adapters (included in the case). In case, if you want to attach a water filter, hose timer, or similar attachment, do it before you hook up the hose feeder. If using a wall-mounted reel model, then attach the reel to the surface or wall, where you like to fix it. Make sure to check for studs or other weight-bearing locations to attach the reel. Hoses are quite heavy, especially when they are full of water. Provided the reel won’t come with the already attached hose. Then simply install the hose by looking at the reel setup. If you have a hose guide? Then slide the hose end through the guide before attaching it. This prevents you from the entire hose back through the hose guide later. When once you get through the hose guide, then screw the end of the hose onto the feeder attachment on the reel. If having a hand-cranked model, now use the crank to draw the hose back onto the reel. For automatic models, push the retract button as per the manufacturer’s instructions to install the hose.
Maintenance Tips:
Here are some basic maintenance tips which you have to follow throughout the season to extend the life of the hose reel.
Avoid any cross-threading while attaching the hose to the faucet or leader hose. If done accidentally, then the brass thread of the hose coupling may cut the plastic water system threads and thereby results in permanent leakage. Regularly check for defective O-rings and ensure that the right size of replacements as per the user manual or manufacturer’s website. For this, detach the hose reel, by using a screwdriver to remove any bolts, remove the shield, and install the new O-ring. Drain out all the water from the hose and reel and store it properly inside for winter. Oil the bushings by coating degreaser on a fabric towel or paper. Spread it over the shaft, knob, bushings or other parts of the hose reel. Seal it and air dry before you add a final lubricant coat to make it work and look effectively. Before storing the hose reel, most manufacturers recommend disassembling the reel, clean all its pieces, and spray them with a finish-protecting clear coat. If unable to store it inside, then remove the reel from the faucet, remove nozzles or attachments, and clear out the remaining water (if any). Place a little bit of silicone grease on the rubber gaskets (or) replace any missing or dried out gaskets while starting each season. Store the hose properly to protect them properly. Never place them in an area where it gets direct sunlight (or extreme weather), as the UV rays will break down their lining and thereby damages them. Ensure to wind up the hose properly after using it. Also, the reel should be cleaned, yet won’t use harsh chemicals for its cleaning.
Conclusion
If you like to store your gardening tools properly managed, then a hose reel is great to have. You can find multiple kinds of hose reels that all have different features and specifications. And thus, we have mentioned some of the best hose reel options in this article. You can also find a detailed buying guide for the best hose reels along with all of their details to learn everything about them.
If you want a highly reliable and durable hose reel option, then you can go with the Gardena Retractable Hose Reel. It comes with a 2-year warranty and you will get a maximum hose length capacity of 50 feet with a supported hose width of 1/4-inch, which makes it quite easy and fast to use and store it effectively. The Suncast Resin Hideaway hose reel can be quite useful if you want to store a large-sized hose reel. It comes with a hose reel length capacity of up to 225 feet with a hose width of ⅝ inch. You also get a pretty decent warranty of 3 years with this storage box like hose reel. And it offers all this for a very justified price tag that makes it a great value for money option. Although if you are on a budget, then you can go with the AMES 2398110 that is the cheapest option present in this article. Despite its highly affordable price tag, it can offer a hose length capacity of 125 feet along with a hose width support of ⅝ inch that is quite decent for the given price. You even get a 90days warranty with this hose reel that makes it quite durable and reliable when compared to much more expensive options.
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