The 6 Best Garden Hose Reels

Are you tired of struggling with a tangled and messy garden hose after a long day of yard work? A garden hose reel could be the solution you need. While uncoiling a hose is easy, putting it back together can be a struggle. With a garden hose reel, you can wind your hose back up effortlessly and store it neatly, ready for the next use. In addition to its convenience, a hose reel can also help keep your yard safe and visually appealing by preventing tripping hazards and unsightly clutter. There are various types of garden hose reels on the market, from manual to automatic options, and some even come with additional features such as wheels or storage compartments. Keep reading to learn more about garden hose reels and find the perfect one to suit your needs.

Why Use a Garden Hose Reel?

If you’re like me, you know how frustrating it can be to put away a garden hose after using it. That’s where a garden hose reel comes in handy! With its various features, such as spools, hand cranks, or automatic retractable mechanisms, winding up your hose becomes an effortless task. Not only that, but a hose reel also provides a designated spot to store your hose, ensuring that it doesn’t create a tripping hazard or get damaged by a vehicle or mower. Plus, it adds to the overall appearance of your yard, keeping your hose neatly contained and adding a decorative touch. With a garden hose reel, you’ll save time and effort while also keeping your yard safer and more aesthetically pleasing.

The 6 Best Garden Hose Reels

I’ve put together a list of the best garden hose reels on the market based on my research and analysis. These top picks have been chosen for their outstanding features, ease of use, and long-lasting durability.

Suncast Powerwind Automatic Hose Reel

• Dimensions: 18 x 20 x 22 inches
• Weight: 27.8 lbs
• Warranty: 3 years

The Suncast Powerwind Automatic Hose Reel is an excellent option for anyone who wants to take the hassle out of coiling up their garden hose. What sets this reel apart is the fact that it has a motor that automatically does the winding for you. With just a press of a button or a push of a foot pedal, the motor kicks into gear and coils the hose up with ease. The reel is designed to hold up to 100 feet of hose and comes with a Smart Trak guide to ensure that the hose winds up smoothly without any kinks or tangles. The reel also has a rechargeable 12-volt battery that can last for up to 20 uses on a single charge, and a back-up hand crank in case the battery runs out of power. Additionally, the reel comes fully assembled and has a storage bin on the front to store your garden tools and supplies. Overall, the Suncast Powerwind Automatic Hose Reel is a must-have for anyone who wants to simplify their yard work routine.

Pros:

• Comes fully assembled
• Automatically coils hose for you
• Foot pedal means you don’t have to kneel or bend down 
• Long-lasting battery
• Storage bin for tools and supplies

Cons:

• Heavy to move when the hose is installed

Gardena Automatic Wall Mount Hose Reel

• Dimensions: 27 x 11 x 22 inches
• Weight: 25 lbs
• Warranty: 5 years

The Gardena Automatic Wall Mount Hose Reel is all about making your life easier. The first thing that stands out is the wall bracket, which allows you to hang the reel at a convenient height for easy access. The box also swivels 180 degrees, so you can move it around to water different parts of your yard without the hose getting twisted or kinked. With just a push of a button, the motor starts retracting the hose back into the reel, saving you time and energy.

The rechargeable 18-volt battery is another great feature, providing about 70 roll-ups on one charge. Inside the box, you’ll find an integrated steel spring and hose guide to make it easy to pull out and retract the hose without any tangling. And when you’re not using the hose, you can fold the box into the wall to save space. The Gardena Automatic Wall Mount Hose Reel also comes with a 115-foot hose, a 6.5-foot leader hose, wall brackets and plugs, and a spray nozzle. Overall, this is a well-designed and reliable hose reel that will help keep your yard looking neat and tidy.

Pros:

• Wall-mounted for easy access
• Box swivels 180 degrees and can be removed for storage
• Long-lasting battery
• Anti-drip device
• Comes with a hose and spray nozzle

Cons:

• Expensive

Giraffe Hideaway Metal Hose Reel Cabinet

• Dimensions: 22.6 x 19.3 x 18.8 inches
• Weight: 30.9 lbs
• Warranty: 2 years

If you’re looking for a practical and durable way to store and protect your garden hose from the elements, the Giraffe Hideaway Metal Hose Reel Cabinet might be the perfect solution for you. This hose reel cabinet is built to last, made from sturdy metal and can hold up to 200 feet of standard ½-inch hose or 130 feet of ⅝-inch hose. One of the best features of this cabinet is the convenient hand crank on the side that makes winding up the hose quick and easy.

In addition, the cabinet includes a rust-resistant aluminum fitting that securely attaches the hose to the reel, and an auto-track system that ensures the hose winds up evenly without any tangles. The hose guide in the front can also be adjusted to fit the direction of the hose.

Not only is this hose reel cabinet functional, but it’s also weather-resistant thanks to its powder-coated metal finish. You can rest assured that it can handle any kind of weather without rusting or corroding. Plus, the metal water seal system with connectors makes it ten times stronger than plastic parts. So keep your garden hose safe and tidy with this sturdy and attractive hose reel cabinet.

Pros:

• Solid metal frame is sturdy and durable
• Weather-resistant
• Auto-track system distributes hose evenly across the reel
• Strong aluminum connectors

Cons:

• Can be difficult to roll up longer hoses

Liberty Garden 704 Decorative Wall Mount Hose Reel

• Dimensions: 15.5 x 21.5 x 13.5 inches
• Weight: 12.6 lbs
• Warranty: 3 years

The Liberty Garden 704 Decorative Hose Reel not only adds a touch of style to your backyard but also saves valuable space while ensuring longevity. The elegant spiraled ‘wrought iron’ pattern gives the impression of an antique reel, but it’s made of durable cast aluminum with brass fittings that are capable of handling any weather. You can mount it on any wall within reach and use the side crank handle to roll up to 125 feet of hose.

With this reel, you can count on a smooth experience as it comes equipped with a brass swivel inside the reel box that helps guide the hose in and out of the mechanism. The reel box also includes a notched groove positioned next to the opening to hold the end of the hose firmly in place, ensuring a secure fit. It also comes with a shelf on top, making it easy to store your garden tools.

Unlike other wall-mounted hose reels, the Liberty Garden Decorative Wall Mount reel is sturdy and can withstand significant pressure without bending or warping. The heavy-duty aluminum is powder-coated to prevent rusting, while the brass swivel and galvanized brass fixtures that connect the hose are also corrosion-resistant. This reel is a stylish and long-lasting addition to any garden.

Pros:

• Compact to save space
• Heavy-duty cast aluminum is incredibly durable 
• Brass fixtures are corrosion-resistant
• Storage shelf for tools and supplies

Cons:

• Mounting hardware is not included

Suncast 175-Foot Hosemobile Reel Cart

• Dimensions: 24 x 20 x 32 inches
• Weight: 12 lbs
• Warranty: 3 years

If you’re looking for a way to effortlessly move your hose around your property, a hose reel cart might be a perfect solution.

The Suncast 175-Foot Hosemobile Reel Cart is a strong and easy-to-use cart made of durable resin that can hold up to 175 feet of hose, even in harsh weather conditions.

One of the benefits of this cart is that it comes fully assembled with a leader hose, so you can start using it right away without any extra assembly. The EasyLink system ensures that the connection between the garden hose and the reel is tight and leak-free.

The cart features a side hand crank that makes it simple to wind up the hose and four wheels that allow you to easily move the cart to different areas of your property. The handle also includes a hook where you can hang your hose when you’re not using it.

Since it’s made of rust-free resin, cleaning is easy with just a hose and some water.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Resin material won’t rust and is easy to clean
• Hook on the handle to hang hoses or tools
• Comes fully assembled

Cons:

• Resin material can crack in freezing temperatures

Liberty Garden 879 Four-Wheel Industrial Hose Reel Cart

• Dimensions: 34.5 x 23 x 31 inches
• Weight: 36 lbs
• Warranty: 3 years

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty hose reel cart for your yard work, I highly recommend the Liberty Garden 870. This cart has four pneumatic tires that make it easy to maneuver across all kinds of terrain, even when it’s loaded with up to 300 feet of a standard hose. And with a brass swivel connector and a hand crank, it’s a breeze to coil up your hose when you’re finished.

Although it is more expensive than your typical two-wheeled hose reel cart, the Liberty Garden 870 is built to last. Its frame is made of 13-gauge steel that’s powder-coated to withstand the elements, and the galvanized brass connectors are rust-resistant. The four wheels provide stability, and the low center of gravity ensures that it won’t tip over on uneven ground.

In addition to its durability and ease of use, this hose reel cart has some added features that make it even more convenient. The non-slip handle is comfortable to grip, and there’s a hook underneath it where you can hang your hose when it’s not in use. The cart also comes with a five-foot leader hose, and although you’ll need to assemble it yourself, the instructions are straightforward and easy to follow.

Pros:

• Four wheels for increased mobility and stability
• Made of strong powder-coated steel
• Low center of gravity prevents tipping
• Can hold hoses up to 300 feet in length

Cons:

• Can be difficult to reel in longer hoses

What to Consider When Buying a Garden Hose Reel

When looking for a hose reel, it’s important to consider a few key factors. Firstly, the size of your yard should determine whether you need a portable hose reel or a stationary one. The length and weight of your hose should also be taken into account, as this will impact the capacity of the reel you choose. Additionally, if you plan on moving the reel across different types of terrain, such as uneven or rocky surfaces, you’ll want to look for a reel with sturdy wheels that can handle the job. Overall, taking these factors into consideration will ensure that you select a hose reel that’s the right fit for your specific needs.

Types of Hose Reels

When looking for a garden hose reel, you’ll want to consider which type best suits your needs. Cabinet hose reels are perfect for those who want to keep their hose hidden from view and protected from the elements, while wall-mounted options are great for saving space and easy access. Cart hose reels are perfect for those who need to move their hose around the yard or to different areas of the property. It’s also important to decide whether you want a manual or automatic one. Manual reels require you to use a hand crank to wind the hose back up, while automatic reels use a motor to do the work for you with just the push of a button. Understanding these options will help you make an informed decision about which garden hose reel is right for you.

Automatic (Retractable) Hose Reels vs Manual Hose Reels

In my experience, automatic hose reels are definitely the way to go if you want a convenient and hassle-free option for coiling up your garden hose. With just the push of a button, the motor does all the hard work for you, and you don’t have to worry about kinks or tangles. However, they can be pricier than manual hose reels and require charging the battery regularly. On the other hand, manual hose reels offer a wider range of options, including portable options with wheels and stylish cabinet-style reels. While they do require a bit more effort to use, they are usually more affordable and still get the job done. Ultimately, the choice between automatic and manual hose reels comes down to personal preference, budget, and how frequently you use your garden hose.

Capacity

When considering a hose reel, it’s important to think about the length of your hose to ensure that the reel can accommodate it. While manufacturers often list the maximum hose length a reel can hold, it’s important to keep in mind that this is not always accurate. It’s better to opt for a reel with a slightly larger capacity than you need to avoid any problems. It’s also important to remember that longer hoses require more strength to reel in, especially as the reel becomes filled with the hose. This is why automatic hose reels are becoming increasingly popular as they require less physical strength to use. It’s worth considering your own physical ability before selecting a hose reel.

Durability

When it comes to hose reels, durability is key. You want to look for a product that can withstand pressure, weight, and different weather conditions. I recommend choosing a hose reel with a sturdy frame, such as powder-coated steel or thick resin, for maximum strength. It’s also important to consider the materials used in the inner workings of the hose reel, like the swivel and hose connector. Brass and aluminum are great options as they are tough and can handle heavy use. While plastic parts may be cheaper, they are often more prone to breaking and may not last as long as metal parts. Investing in a high-quality, durable hose reel can save you time and money in the long run.

Final Thoughts

When choosing a hose reel, it’s important to consider how much time and effort you want to put into coiling your hose, as well as your budget. While cheaper options may seem appealing, they often come with less durability and can end up costing more in the long run. Investing in a higher-quality hose reel made with sturdy materials like steel and brass can save you money and hassle in the future. You also want to think about the features that matter most to you, like whether you prefer an automatic or manual reel, and whether you need a wall-mounted or portable option. At the end of the day, the best hose reel for you will be determined by your specific requirements and personal preferences.