Last Updated on April 21, 2022 by Grow with Bovees
A garden hose reel is a convenient option for storing a garden hose. A reel can make your garden hose last longer and make your yard a safer place by keeping your hose out of the way.
We’ve reviewed the best garden hose reels to help you find the right product for your gardening needs.
Read on for our best garden hose reel reviews and a few tips for selecting the best one.
Reviews of the Best Garden Hose Reels
In a hurry? Here are our top picks;
We selected the following garden hose reels because they meet high-quality standards and address different needs.
Best Garden Hose Cart: Ames Aluminum Hose Reel Cart
This retractable hose reel is the best hose reel cart if you want a lightweight product that you can push and pull around your yard.
We like this hose reel because of its sturdy frame and convenient retractable feature, making it the perfect yard butler.
The frame of this freestanding reel uses aluminum because this durable material resists well to corrosion and other outdoor elements.
It is a product that will last you for years to come, and you can store it outdoors without worrying about damaging it.
Another benefit of aluminum is that it is a lightweight material. This convenient garden hose reel cart weighs a little under 20 lbs before you mount a hose on it.
It is ideal if you want a cart you can move to different spots in your yard, for washing cars in a different spot of the yard, or if you want to push the reel back into a shed or garage after watering your lawn.
The elliptical shape of the frame is a smart design choice for Ames because it allows for a more even distribution of the weight. Garden hoses can get heavy, especially before you drain them.
The elliptical frame allows you to move a heavy hose more easily.
The frame features a wide plastic handle. It’s a convenient feature for pushing or pulling the hose reel.
The handle has two plastic elements you can use to grab the handle without touching the aluminum frame that might get hot or cold depending on the temperature.
You will find two sturdy wheels you can use to maneuver this hose cart around. These plastic wheels are extremely durable, and they feature slight indentations to deliver more traction on grass or dirt.
The front legs of the frame have L-shaped feet for stability. It is a great feature that prevents the cart from tipping over. It is easy to set the hose reel down on an inclined or uneven terrain thanks to these sturdy feet.
The garden hose reel cart has a sturdy plastic spool that accommodates a hose size of 200 ft garden hose with a diameter of 5/8.”
Whenever you want to use the hose, you will find that the reel works by simply pulling on the hoses nozzle end, and you will get the length you need while the cart stays in place thanks to its sturdy frame.
There is a metal crank handle on the side of the hose reel with an anti-slip rubber grip. It is a convenient way to wind the hose back on the spool when you are ready to put it away.
The assembly process for the garden hose reel cart is very easy. You need to attach the handle and the hand crank before connecting the water inlet tube/leader hose to your garden hose.
You can then use the hand crank as a hose guide to wind the hose onto the spool.
The water inlet tube uses aluminum for a watertight connection. This tight connection is able to withstand the water pressure and prevent leaks and corrosion.
It is a durable feature that makes this quality hose reel cart an excellent investment and one of the best hose reel carts to have.
Pros:
- Sturdy and lightweight aluminum frame
- L-shaped feet for stability
- Hand crank feature
- Leak and corrosion-resistant water inlet tube
Cons:
- It only has a hose capacity that fits 200 feet of hose and hoses with a diameter of 5/8”.
- The wheels aren’t rugged enough for muddy environments.
Best Hose Reel Hideaway: Suncast Resin 225 ft Hideaway Outdoor Storage Reel
Exposure to UV rays can damage garden tools, including your hoses. Rubber, vinyl, and other materials can fade and crack if you leave them outdoors.
The best hideaway garden hose heel for protecting your hose from UV rays is this Suncast storage reel. It is a hose hideaway storage solution that shields your hose from the sun with a resin lid.
This hose hideaway is not the best type for your needs if you want a portable solution. However, this fixed storage box for hoses is ideal for working in areas with small yards or one can invest in a longer hose to reach all the spots you need to water.
We like this hose hideaway storage reel because of its discreet design. The color is a classic java color, and the box has a discreet square shape. There is a basket weave pattern on the sides to match rattan or wicker furniture.
The resin material can last for years without fading. The dimensions of the box are 20.5×25×20.5,” and the storage reel is fairly light at a little under 17 lbs.
It will not take up a lot of space, and it has a good reel capacity, being able to store a 225 ft hose with a diameter of 5/8.”
It is also the best of the retractable hose reels if you want closed storage. There is a hose guide that keeps the hose straight as it retracts inside of the box. The guide also distributes the weight of the hose evenly.
There is a hand crank on the side of the reel for easy operation and a reliable leak proof connection.
Pros:
- Protect your garden hose from UV rays
- Discreet and stylish design
- Guide keeps the hose straight
- Leak Proof connection
Cons:
- Not portable
- Only one color to choose from
Best Wall Mounted Hose Reel: Gardena Retractable Hose Reel
This product is the best if you are looking for a reliable, heavy duty and durable option. We think this product is the best wall mounted garden reel, and it is also one of the best rated garden hose reels for commercial applications and other heavy duty jobs.
A wall-mounted reel takes up less space in your garden, and you can store things underneath it in the extra capacity kit. You always know where your hose is, and you do not need to wheel a cart around.
This product is the best wall mount garden hose reel, and it features an automated roll-up feature instead of a hand crank, which ,in our opinion, makes it a better reel which is easier to use.
There is a sturdy steel spring inside of the reel that winds the hose back up onto the spool. All you have to do is give the hose a short pull, and the spring will start rolling it back up.
This hose reel comes with stainless steel mounting hardware. This includes a bracket, brass fixtures, screws, and a wall plug.
There is a handle on top of the reel, so you can easily remove the wall mounted unit from the bracket if needed.
The wall mount has a swivel base that swivels at a 180° angle. You can fold the box against the wall to save space or use the swivel feature to get a wider range of motion and reach every spot that needs watering.
There is a built-in guide for the hose. Its purpose is to keep the hose straight and prevent kinks when it goes back on the spool.
The wall bracket comes with some storage options for a hose nozzle, wash brushes, leader hoses and other accessories to keep the area of your hose tidy.
There is an anti-drip accessory that prevents water from dripping from the hose when you store it or transport the box.
This wall-mounted hose reel is also an excellent value since it comes with a 115 feet of hose.
Pros:
- Convenient wall-mount design
- Automated roll-up feature
- The box swivels on the wall mount
- Use the wall rack to store accessories
Cons:
- Can’t replace the hose that comes with the box
- Need a sturdy surface to attach the box
- Assembly required
Best Retractable Garden Hose Reel: Eley Portable Garden Hose Reel Cart
A cart is a convenient option if you have a large surface to water and need a way to transport your hose. It is also convenient if you live in a cold area and need to wheel your hose back in your garage or shed for indoor storage.
We think this product from Eley is the best portable garden hose reel because it features a sturdy aluminum frame and some large wheels.
The eley hose reel is easy to use, and its lightweight design allows you to move your hose easily.
Eley is a brand that specializes in hoses and other garden products, including commercial products. This manufacturer offers a 10-year warranty on this good hose reel, and you can expect excellent customer service.
We recommend Eley products because this manufacturer uses quality materials like aluminum or brass that won’t corrode over time.
This portable hose cart uses a smart design. You get a sturdy yet lightweight frame that uses diecast aluminum, making it the best metal garden hose reel on the market.
The production process of die cast aluminum consists of using high pressure to get aluminum to adopt a specific shape with the help of a mold. The result is a durable metal that resists corrosion while delivering an ideal strength-to-weight ratio.
You will also find a durable brass swivel. This heavy-duty part can support the weight of your hose and won’t corrode.
We like the balanced design of this L-shaped cart. It is ideal for maneuvering the cart, even if you are pushing or pulling it on uneven terrain.
The front of the cart is a wide bar that rests on the ground for stability, and you will find two large wheels in the back.
The wheels are far apart to make the cart more stable. They are a little over 10” high with rubber tires, and are ideal for navigating muddy or uneven surfaces.
There is a reliable braking system to get the cart to stop when you want to. The handlebars have textured grips for comfort.
You can use this cart to store a 150 ft hose with a diameter of 5/8” or a 100 ft hose with a diameter of ¾.” There is a hand crank on the front of the spool that you can use to wind up the hose.
The hand crank sits high on the frame of the cart, and you will not have to bend over to use it. You will also find a polyurethane water inlet tube that is easy to access on the front of the spool.
Pros:
- Diecast aluminum frame
- Easy to maneuver
- Rugged wheels
- Stable frame
Cons:
- Weighs 33 lbs
- No foothold to tip the cart
Liberty GARDEN 712 Single Arm Navigator Multi-Directional Garden Hose Reel, Holds 125-Feet of, 5/8-Inch, Bronze
The liberty garden hose reel is also considered to be one of the best hose reels to have in your garden. It is wall mounted and has a powder coated carriage that is conveniently rotating.
It has a decent hose capacity which is able to hold a hose length of 125 feet of hose and ⅝ inches in diameter including a leader hose of five feet. This product does, however, not come with a hose.
This heavy duty garden hose reel is made of 18 gauge steel with a powder coated finish, this bronze powder coat finish, makes it extremely durable and resistant to extreme weather conditions.
The liberty garden hose reel comes together with a convenient pull-up knob which is able to make full 360 degrees rotation, making the unwinding of the hose pipe effortless.
Another lovely feature of this product is the storage tray that it includes. With it you can easily store other frequently used nozzles and garden tools. Its solid 90 degree brass swivel protects the hose from any damage.
The liberty garden reel is fully assembled when purchased, one only needs to attach the crank handle manually. Unfortunately no mounting hardware is included in this product’s package.
Pros:
- Reel is fully assembled
- Durable powder coat finish making it weather resistant
- Heavy duty strong steel construction
- Comes with a leader hose
Cons:
- Hose not included
- Mounting hardware not included
Hose Reel Buying Guide
Which product is the best for your needs? Here are a few things to consider before choosing a hose reel.
How to Choose a Garden Hose Reel
A lot depends on how you will use the product, the size of the area you need to water, and a few other considerations. Here are a few questions to ask yourself.
How Often Do You Need to Water Your Garden?
Frequency is an important consideration. If you water daily, you need a hose reel that is easy to access.
A wall-mounted option or a lightweight cart that you can easily get in and out of storage would be convenient for frequent use.
Wheels are another feature to consider. A cart with rugged wheels will be easier to maneuver and put back into storage for daily use.
What Is the Size of the Area You Need to Water?
How far away from the watering zone is your outside water faucet situated? This will help determine the length of hose you will need.
Consider the size of the area you need to water and the terrain configuration. Can you leave your hose reel in one spot, or will you need to move it around?
Portability is an important feature if you need to cover a large area or if you have an uneven terrain with spots you can reach easily without moving the reel.
Again, look for sturdy wheels that will work well on grass. Look for a lightweight reel and make sure the frame is sturdy and stable.
You may well consider that you could be better off with the best expandable garden hose instead of a portable or fixed wall mounted hose reel.
What Kind of Weather Can You Expect in Your Area?
In the summer, UV rays can damage your hose. During the winter months, cold temperatures can freeze any water left inside the hose and cause it to burst.
A reel with a cover can protect your hose pipe from UV rays. The best option for extreme weather is a portable hose reel cart so you can store your hose indoors. Look for a reel with a compact design and a lightweight frame.
If you live in an area with mild weather, a wall-mounted reel or a portable cart with a heavier frame that you can leave outside would be convenient options.
Does the Reel Ensure an Even Distribution When Winding the Hose?
Putting a hose away with kinks or bends in it can result in cracks forming. When you coil a water hose manually, you can make sure you store it without any kinks.
If you decide to use a reel with a hand crank or automated system, it is best to have a guide feature that will straighten the hose, distribute the weight evenly on the spool, and prevent kinks from forming.
What Is the Length, Diameter, and Weight of the Garden Hose You Use?
Look for the best quality garden hose reels adapted to the length and diameter of the hose pipe you use.
The ideal hose length depends on the size of the area you need to water, and the best diameter depends on how much water flow you need.
A thinner inch hose is fine for most residential applications, but you might need a larger inch hose to cover a large area or for commercial uses. Also, long hoses would naturally be better for bigger yards.
Manufacturers design hose reels to accommodate a specific weight range. There is no need to get a hose reel with a frame that is too large and too sturdy for your hose, but you should also be careful not to overburden a reel with a hose that is longer than recommended. Longer hoses may cause the reel to tip over.
We recommend looking for a hose reel with a frame design that allows for stability. Features like wide wheels, L-shaped feet, or a wide frame will prevent the hose reel from tipping over and will make it easier to push it and set it down on terrain that might not be perfectly even.
Manual vs. Automatic
The winding system is an important consideration. A manual reel means you will have to operate a hand crank. The best rated garden hose reel we found, the Eley Portable Garden Hose Reel Cart, has a hand crank that is high enough on the frame so that you don’t have to bend over to operate it.
A hand crank isn’t a major drawback as long as it’s convenient to use. It gives you precise control over the speed of the spool, and you can keep an eye on the hose to make sure it goes back evenly onto the spool without any kinks.
An automated roll-up system is a good option if you want to save time or suffer from a condition like arthritis. You can find automated systems that use springs and some options that use electric motors.
However, you should know that an automated hose reel tends to cost more, and a hose reel with an electric motor isn’t going to be portable.
Closed vs. Open Storage
Closed storage is a must-have feature if you can’t store your hose indoors. Exposure to shifts in temperature, humidity, and UV rays can significantly reduce the lifespan of your garden hose.
Closed storage doesn’t replace indoor storage, but it can protect your hose to a certain degree. Hose reels with a closed storage box is a good investment that will make your hose last longer.
The benefit of an open storage reel is that it reduces the weight of the product and allows for portability. Open storage is fine if you live in an area with a mild climate or if you can store the hose and reel indoors at the end of the day.
Open storage – the benefit is that it reduces the weight of the reel and allows for portability! A reel with open storage is fine if you live in an area with a mild climate or if you can store the hose and reel indoors at the end of the day.
Final Thoughts on The Best Hose Reels
The ideal choice should be a product with a reliable frame that can support the weight of the hose you use. However, the most convenient features of hose reels are going to vary depending on your needs.
If you want something that is more durable and lasts longer, do not go after cheap hoses and cheap plastic reels. Rather assess what exactly it is you need for your area and find the product that is affordable but durable.
When having to choose between the different hose reels, it is important to consider whether you need a portable reel cart, where you will store the reel, and whether a manual or automated system makes more sense for you.
We think the Ames Aluminum Hose Reel Cart is the best garden hose reel for most residential applications. This garden hose reel has a strong reliable frame, large durable wheels, and a hand crank that is easy to operate.
The aluminum frame can support the weight of your garden hose while remaining lightweight and easy to maneuver around your yard. This product is definitely of great value for the money you spend.
If you’re looking for a hose reel that comes with more premium features, we recommend the Gardena Retractable Hose Reel. This wall hose reel helps you save space, and the automated roll-up feature is going to help you save time and energy.
All in all, choosing the correct hose reel is completely up to you and a personal choice. But before going and buying the first one you see, think about what it is you really need and then go for the purchase. Good luck!
