Are you shopping for the best hose reels? If so, the most important factors to consider are their capacity, portability, and material, among many others. Read on below as I discuss my favorite products in detail based on these essential features.
I’ve used a lot of garden hoses over the years, and one thing that really bothers me is when they can form kinks and knots. These can take a lot of time to undo, which can cause inconvenience, especially if you want to water your garden immediately.
Fortunately, you can consider getting a hose reel. This garden tool can protect your hose from damage and avoid endless kinks and knots.
In this article, I have summarized my top picks for the best hose reels on the market today. I will discuss each product in detail and list down its pros and cons.
I will also discuss the factors to consider when looking for a hose reel. This way, you will be more informed before finalizing your purchasing decision.
And to sum things up, I will answer some of your frequently asked questions about hose reels to give you a general idea about them.
So, without any ado, let us get on with the article!
Why You Should Buy a Garden Hose Reel
Before I get into my top picks, I would first like to discuss the benefits of having a garden hose reel.
The first reason to buy a hose reel is to avoid kinks and knots. These usually happen when you leave your water hose lying around. They can be difficult to undo, which makes them inconvenient when you want to water your garden immediately. The constant twisting of your hose can also lead to irreparable damage.
Another advantage of getting a hose reel is to prevent accidents. As you are probably aware, most garden hoses are green in color, and they can easily blend with the grass. So if you leave them on the lawn, you increase the chances of tripping on them and falling. With a hose reel, you can store the hose properly and protect yourself from such accidents.
Finally, you should buy a garden hose reel to protect the piping from damage. When you allow it to lie around, you are exposing the hose to harsh weather conditions, which can eventually harm it. If you store it properly, you can expect the hose to be more durable and will last you for a long time.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2022
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7 Best Hose Reels for Your Garden
Below are my top picks for the best hose reels on the market today. Each one can help prevent kinks and knots to avoid hose damage and accidents.
1. ELEY Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel – Best Wall-Mounted
The first product on this list of the best hose reels is the ELEY Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel.
As its name suggests, this unit can mount to the wall in either parallel or perpendicular configuration. It allows you to store your garden hose properly to avoid damaging it and prevent injuries from tripping.
Meanwhile, ELEY Garden Hose Reel already includes mounting hardware for both wood-frame and masonry surfaces. Hence, this item makes it easier to set up the tool.
For its construction, this wall-mounted garden hose reel uses alloy aluminum. It can withstand daily use, direct exposure to the sun, and a maximum temperature of 140°F. It also resists rust and leaks with a 10-year guarantee from ELEY.
Furthermore, it features a bronze-colored powder coat paint. It can blend with almost any exterior surface, such as brick, stone, stucco, and wood, to fit your outdoor space.
On top of all these benefits, the package comes with a polyurethane inlet hose and gooseneck swivel for your convenience.
It is no wonder why most customer reviews for this wall mount hose reel were positive. If there is any critique, it would be the expensive price tag. Some users also said that the reel is difficult to use when rewinding the hose.
But as you can see, the pros far outweigh the cons.
For this reason, I deemed the ELEY Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel as one of the best hose reels available today.
Pros:
- The alloy aluminum construction can resist leaks and rust to last you for years to come
- It allows you to mount the reel in either parallel or perpendicular configuration
- Maximum ratings of 140°F and 150 PSI
- The bronze-colored powder coat can fit well with almost any exterior surface
- The package includes mountain hardware, inlet hose, and gooseneck swivel for your convenience
Cons:
- Expensive hose reel
- Some customers said that the reel is difficult to use when rewinding the hose at a slight angle
2. GOFORWILD Garden Hose Reel – Best Budget
Those who are on a tight budget can consider getting the GOFORWILD Garden Hose Reel.
It features gauge steel construction. This material can effectively resist rust and withstand extreme weather. It is ultimately built to last, so you can take advantage of it for many years to come.
Additionally, this best hose reel offers excellent hose storage. It can handle up to 125 feet of hose (with ⅝-inch hose), which you can purchase separately. Hence, it can keep your garden area tidy and prevent the hose from forming kinks and knots.
Moreover, the GOFORWILD Hose Reel has a saddle arc surface. It can conform to the characteristics of the hose to ensure longer service life. It can also prevent the deformation of the hose whenever you are using it to water the plants.
Plus, this garden hose reel is easy to install. It can mount on the fence, side of the house, or even the wall.
Meanwhile, its compact size is ideal for small yards that need extra space.
On top of all these benefits, this hose reel has an attractive design, owing to the powder-coated finish. It can complement the decorations in your garden while conveniently storing your hose.
But before buying this decorative hose reel, it is best to consider its downsides. First, the package does not include an inlet hose, keyhole mounting system, and mounting hardware. You need to buy these tools separately, which adds to the total cost. Second, some users noticed rusting on the steel material after constant exposure to water.
But for its price, the GOFORWILD Garden Hose Reel is hard to beat. This decorative hose reel is my top recommendation if you are on a tight budget.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty gauge steel construction can last you for a long time
- It can hold 125 feet of ⅝-inch hose
- It protects the hose from getting deformed
- A durable powder coat finish can complement your garden decor
- Easy to install on the fence, side of the house, or wall
Cons:
- The package does not come with a hose and mounting system
- A few customers said that the material is susceptible to rust
3. Liberty Garden Steel Decorative Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel – Best Decorative
If you are looking for another decorative hose reel, then the Liberty Garden Steel Decorative Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel might be the right product for your needs.
It features sturdy steel construction with a durable powder-coated finish. This material is weather- and rust-resistant to ensure that it can last you for a long time.
Besides durability, this garden hose reel adds style to your yard, owing to the decorative design. It offers all brass or galvanized hose connections that can complement your existing garden decor.
What’s more, this decorative wall mounted hose reel can handle up to 125 feet of ⅝-inch hose. The package does not include the actual hose, but it comes with a five feet leader hose. This item allows you to connect the reel to the spigot for your convenience.
Plus, the hose reel already comes fully assembled. Simply attach the handle and mount it on your wall to enjoy your new garden tool.
Finally, this steel hose reel has a storage shelf. It allows you to set aside garden tools and nozzles that you often use.
Despite these benefits, there are still a few downsides to consider before finalizing your purchasing decision. First, it does not come with mounting hardware, so you need to buy this item separately. Second, a few customers noticed leaking where the brass pipe threads into the reel.
Overall, though, the Liberty Garden Steel Decorative Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel is a great choice if you want to pull your hose out easily in style.
Pros:
- Heavy gauge steel construction and all-brass or galvanized fittings to ensure durability
- A decorative hose reel with a powder coat finish
- A maximum capacity of 125 feet hose
- A convenient storage shelf allows you to set aside frequently used garden tools or hose nozzles
- The steel hose reel comes fully assembled to prevent complicated set-up
Cons:
- It does not include mounting hardware
- A few users experienced leaks where the brass pipe threads into the reel
4. ELEY Hose Reel Cart with Wheels – Best Cart
Do you intend to water a large area of your garden? If so, a mobile garden hose reel like the ELEY Hose Reel Cart might best suit your needs.
This garden cart boasts flat-free 10-inch turf tread tires. These wheels allow smooth mobility over uneven or rocky terrain, so you can cover a large area with relative ease. They can also guarantee stability and tip resistance.
Additionally, this hose reel cart features a durable tubular frame. It uses three materials, namely aluminum alloy, heavy brass swivel, and stainless-steel hardware, to ensure that it will last you for a long time.
Furthermore, the powder coat finish on the portable hose reel cart can prevent weather damage and rust. At the same time, it has a neutral bronze color to blend in with your existing garden decor and other types of surfaces.
Plus, the ELEY Hose Reel Cart offers rubber grips on the push and pull handlebars. These can guarantee easy and balanced mobility as well as comfortable use, owing to its 18 inches width.
There is even a free-spin crank handle and an on and off the cam-lever brake. Both these features allow you to rewind the hose easily.
Finally, this product comes with a 10-year guarantee against leaks and rust from ELEY. So if you ever encounter any issue with this portable hose reel, you can contact their customer service team.
However, it is essential to check the downsides of this hose reel before buying it. First, some users wished the unit stayed steady when reeling in the hose because it tends to move around a lot. Second, a few customers said that it is difficult to assemble.
Nevertheless, I still think the ELEY Hose Reel Cart is probably the best hose reel cart on the market today. It is my top choice if you want a mobile cart to cover more ground quickly.
Pros:
- Flat-free and turf tread tires ensure smooth movement over any terrain
- A high-quality tubular frame can resist rust and weather damage
- User-friendly free-spin crank handle to rewind the garden hose with ease
- Rubber grips on the 18-inch push and pull handlebars for comfort and mobility
- The item is backed by a 10-year guarantee of no leaks and rust
Cons:
- Some users said that the entire unit moves when they try to reel in the hose
- It is difficult to assemble
6. Giraffe Tools Retractable Hose Reel – Best Premium
The Giraffe Tools Retractable Hose Reel is another high-quality hose reel worth looking into.
It features a unique retractable system, which allows you to wind the hose easily and neatly. Hence, it can prevent the tubes from kinking and knotting after use.
Additionally, this retractable hose reel features a 180° swiveling bracket. It allows you to position the reel at your desired angle, which is handy if you tend to move around.
What’s more, this best garden hose reel is already pre-installed with a hybrid hose. Together with the innovative locking ratchet, it can lock at any length as you desire to cover every corner of your yard.
Plus, this water hose offers nine different nozzle patterns. Feel free to choose one that best suits your gardening needs.
There is even a sturdy polypropylene casing. It can protect the hose reel from possible deformation or fading due to sun or rain exposure.
Other useful tools in the package include a lead-in hose, a mounting bracket, and four anchor kits. These accessories ultimately deliver convenience.
Finally, Giraffe Tools offer a two-year limited warranty. So if you ever encounter any issues with the product, this guarantee allows you to ask for a refund or return.
However, before buying this product, it is best to consider its downsides. First, the unit is the most expensive on this list of the best hose reels. Second, a few users said that the mounting bracket is made entirely of plastic with no metal reinforcement or parts. Hence, it can get brittle with age and constant exposure to the sun.
Overall, though, I think the Giraffe Tools Retractable Hose Reel is worth the cost due to its high-quality construction and premium features.
Pros:
- A unique retractable system to wind the hose neatly
- A 180° swiveling bracket ensures flexibility of the reel
- The hybrid hose features abrasion-resistant and leakproof construction
- A polypropylene casing can prevent the deformation or fading of the hose reel
- The package already comes with useful tools, such as a lead-in hose, mounting bracket, and four anchor kits
Cons:
- Expensive hose reel
- Some users noticed that the mounting bracket is cheaply made, which can get brittle with age and when exposed to sun
7. Liberty Garden Single Arm Navigator Multi-Directional Garden Hose Reel – Best All-Around
The last product on this list of the best hose reels is the Liberty Garden Single Arm Navigator Multi-Directional Garden Hose Reel.
It can handle up to 125 feet of ⅝-inch hose, ideal for watering medium to large-sized lawns.
Meanwhile, the pull-up knob on the handle offers a full 360° rotation. It can guarantee effortless unwinding of the hose. At the same time, it allows you to position the handle into one of the eight positions for securing the reel in place.
Furthermore, this multi-directional garden hose reel features gauge steel construction. Together with the bronze powder coat finish, it ensures durability and style that can last you for years to come.
There is also a 90° solid brass swivel that can prevent hose damage.
Plus, this best garden house reel provides a storage tray where you can set your frequently used tools and nozzles.
On top of all these benefits, the unit already comes fully assembled. All you need to do is attach the handle to enjoy your new hose reel.
However, the package does not include a water hose and mounting hardware. Some users also noticed leaking through the weld and at the feeder hose connection.
Nevertheless, the Liberty Garden Single Arm Navigator Multi-Directional Garden Hose Reel is still worth considering. It is my top choice for the best all-around hose reel.
Pros:
- 360° rotating pull-up knob to unwind the hose
- A bronze powder coat finish to
- A maximum hose capacity of 125 feet
- A storage tray allows you to set frequently used tools and nozzles
- Gauge steel construction can last you for a long time
Cons:
- It does not include a water hose and mounting hardware
- Some users noticed leaking through the weld and at the feeder hose connection
Features That Make the Best Garden Hose Reels
If you are still unsure which best hose reel to invest in, do not worry. Below, I will discuss the essential factors you need to consider before finalizing your purchasing decision.
Size or Capacity
When looking for the best hose reels, one of the first things to consider is their capacity or the maximum hose length it can hold.
Most garden hose reels can handle standard-width hoses up to 100 feet long. They are ideal for those with a small yard.
However, if you have a larger garden or driveway, it is best to invest in a hose reel that can hold 200 to 300 feet hose.
Portability
You also need to think about the portability of the hose reel before finalizing your purchasing decision.
You can choose from stationary enclosures or models that can be attached to the side of a house. But you can also find several portable hose reels on the market.
These include a wall-mounted unit like a hose hanger or a storage box that remains in place. They are an ideal choice if you do not need to move around your yard when watering plants.
But if you own an expansive garden, you will also find These include cart-style models with wheels and freestanding stakes that allow you to place them anywhere and move around as needed. They ultimately make your gardening task easier due to their mobile and flexible design.
Overall, it is essential to consider the size of your landscape when deciding between a stationary and mobile hose reel.
Automatic vs. Manual
The next factor to consider when buying a hose reel is the winding style. Ask yourself how much work or effort are you willing to put into when retracting your hose.
If you do not mind exerting a little effort and want to save money, it is best to get a manual hose reel. It features a crank that you turn by hand to wind the hose. It also performs better when winding longer hoses because they tend to be troublesome for automatic reels.
On the other hand, an automatic hose reel is more convenient because it already winds the hose for you. All you need to do is press a button on the side of the reel to enjoy this benefit. The only downsides are their slightly higher price compared to basic manual models, and they require lithium-ion batteries.
Closed vs. Open Storage
You also have to think about the storage options of the hose reel before buying one. You can choose between a closed storage hose reel and an open storage reel.
The former includes a durable container that houses the reel and stores the hose inside. It also includes a lid on top to provide easy access to the hose. It is an ideal choice for those who want to protect their hose reel against harsh weather exposure.
Meanwhile, the latter does not have any container, so the hose is exposed and visible. However, it still offers some protection against dirt, debris, and other elements.
Material
The material of the hose reel is another essential factor to consider before finalizing your purchasing decision.
Common hose reels usually feature plastic, aluminum, steel, fiberglass, or resin construction.
Plastic hose reels are lightweight compared to different metal materials but not as durable. They also come in various colors to complement your garden decor. They are ideal for residential use or for those who want portability.
Aluminum hose reels can effectively resist rust, making them suitable in any weather. They are also lighter than most metals. Plus, they can handle longer hoses than a plastic reel. However, they tend to be slightly more expensive than the next type of material.
Steel reels are also rust-resistant like aluminum but cost lesser. The only downside is that they are heavier to pick up.
Finally, fiberglass reels are lightweight and durable, ideal for residential use. But they tend to be the most expensive models on the market.
Additional Features
You might also want to think of the additional features you may need when looking for the best hose reel.
Some models come with a storage bin. This feature allows you to set aside gardening tools, such as hose nozzles, hand cultivators, and gloves.
Stationary hose reels might sometimes include a swivel base for multi-directional movement. This way, it is easier to adjust the direction of the hose when unwinding it.
Other units even offer a hose guide to prevent kinking when winding and unwinding the hose.
Although these features can offer convenience, it is best to think if you really need them before buying a hose reel with these special properties.
Price
The last factor to consider before buying a hose reel is its price. Ask yourself how much are you willing to shell out for a single unit.
Do you need a manual or automatic retractable reel? Would you prefer a stationary or mobile reel? Maybe, you want a storage bin, a swivel base, or any other extra features. All these factors add up to the total cost of the item.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a hose reel work?
There are two common types of hose reels, and each one differs slightly in terms of operation.
The first one is a storage type with a fixed bracket that attaches to a wall or stands independently. It requires you to roll up the hose manually for proper storage. If you need to water plants, you need to remove the entire hose from the reel every time you use it.
Meanwhile, the other type is called a wind-up hose reel. It works similarly to a fishing reel that allows you to release and retract the hose as needed. It can either have a manual crank or a special mechanism that automatically releases and collects the hose.
How do you use a hose reel?
The way you use a hose reel will depend on its type.
If you have a wind-up hose reel, you can either operate it manually by turning the crank or pressing a button to unwind and wind up the hose automatically.
Those with a storage type of hose reel require you to release and collect the hose manually from the fixed bracket.
Where do you mount a hose reel?
A stationary hose reel allows you to mount the unit to a wall, on the fence, or even the side of the house. Just make sure that you have the appropriate mounting hardware, so you will not face any problems with the installation.
Conclusion
There you have it—my top picks for the best hose reels on the market today. Each one can help prevent kinks and knots to avoid hose damage and accidents.
But if I can only recommend one item, it would be the ELEY Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel. It features alloy aluminum construction that can withstand weather exposure, high temperatures, and rust. Additionally, the bronze-colored powder coat paint can blend with almost any exterior surface to match your outdoor space. Moreover, the package already comes with an inlet hose and gooseneck swivel for your convenience. Finally, the included mounting hardware makes it easier to attach the hose reel on the wall in either parallel or perpendicular configuration.
