Best Garden Hose Reel
6 Top Picks
4 Reviewers
9 Hours of Research
10 Considered Products
Shopping for the best garden hose reel isn’t easy, for the simple reason that there are so many to choose from. The hose reel market is huge to say the least, with every manufacturer (of course) claiming theirs is the best garden hose reel money can buy.
As with most purchases, the key to picking up the best hose storage system lies in first carefully considering your requirements and preferences. There’s no shortage of options – hose reel carts, wall mount hose reels, plastic and metal hose reels – all in various shapes, sizes and configurations.
In this product comparison, we’ll be taking a look at 10 of the best garden hose holders available online right now, along with the basics on how to choose the ideal hose storage system for your garden.3 Top Picks Garden Hose Reel
[OVERALL BEST GARDEN HOSE REEL]   | 4.6/5
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[BEST VALUE FOR MONEY]   | 4.5/5
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[BUDGET OPTION]   | 4.6/5
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Best of Each Type
Best Retractable
4.3/5
- Fully automated hose retraction, activated with a simple tug
Otherwise, the hose is automatically held firmly at the required length
Durable yet lightweight design that’s easy to mount to any surface
Best Portable
4.2/5
- A durable yet contemporary heavy-duty design for enhanced longevity
Capable of storing up to 175 feet of hosepipe, neatly and safely
Comes equipped with tough 6-inch wheels for effortless transportations
Best Wall Mounted
4.5/5
- One of the most sophisticated and stylish hose reels available
Capable of holding up to 125 feet of hose pipe
90-degree solid brass swivel with galvanized fittings prevents hose damage
What is a Hose Reel?
In the simplest of terms, a hose reel usually consists of a cylindrical reel and some kind of mechanism to ‘pull’ the hose back in, when you’re done with it. There are three primary different types of hose reel mechanisms, as follows:
Manual: An operating crank on the side of the reel operates the mechanism.
Automatic: These usually work with a spring-loaded mechanism that retracts the hose.
Electric: An upmarket alternative with an electronic motor built in.
Unsurprisingly, costs vary significantly from one type of hose reel to the next. You can spend less than $50 on something pretty decent, or step up to something in excess of $500 if preferred. It’s not to say expensive hose reels are always ‘better’ than a simpler garden hose hanger – personal preference plays a role.
Just as long as it gets the job done and is suitable for your garden, it’s entirely up to you which way you go.
Reasons to Use a Hose Reel
As for why you might want to invest in a hose reel, there are several key advantages to consider. All of which apply to every decent hose reel, irrespective of which type or configuration you go for.
Here’s why it pays to invest in a decent hose reel for your garden:
Organization
It’s exponentially easier to keep things organized outdoors (and in your garage or shed) with a quality hose reel at your disposal. One less thing to worry about keeping tidy and organized when going about your outdoor duties.
Longevity
Something else to consider is the way in which a good hose reel can also significantly boost the lifespan of your hose. Whether it comes complete with a hose or you need to buy one separately, a decent reel provides safe storage for the hose inside and boosts its longevity.
Convenience
Of course, the vast majority of people pick up hose reels for the simple convenience of it all. No more tangles, no more nuisance winding and so on – a helping hand when you’ve already got a ton to do outdoors! A good hose reel also looks way more attractive than a mass of tangled hose pipe on the floor.
Types of Garden Hose Reels
Any good quality hose reel will get the job done, so this is primarily a case of personal preference. However, it’s worth considering which of the options available will suit both your requirements and the size, type and layout of your garden.
There are technically five primary types of hose reels to choose from, though in some instances a hose reel will fall within multiple categories. Here’s a brief rundown of the basic different types of garden hose reels available:
Cart
As the name suggests, this is the type of hose that comes as part of a wheeled unit, or cart. The addition of a sturdy metal frame and heavy-duty wheels makes for an extremely easy contraption to transport around the garden. Great when working on particularly large outdoor spaces.
Wall-Mount
Many different types of garden hose reels can be mounted to exterior or interior walls, for added convenience. This can help keep your hose reel safely and discreetly out of the way when not in use, though it’s worth bearing in mind that most wall-mountable hose reels don’t ship with the fixings needed to mount them.
Retractable
The vast majority of hose reels feature some kind of winding system, as touched upon previously. The exception being the traditional garden hose hangar, over which the hose is simply draped when not in use.
Hideaway
This is a particularly attractive type of hose reel, which doesn’t actually look like a hose reel at all. The hose and its winding system is stored neatly inside an elegantly designed unit, which in its own right serves as a visually sophisticated feature for the garden.
Hanger
This is the classic garden hose hanger, which rather than retracting the hose simply suspends it in a convenient location. These are the simplest and often the cheapest hose storage devices available and have an indefinite lifespan.
What to look for in a hose reel
Once you’ve narrowed things down in accordance with your preferences and requirements, it’s then a case of finding the right tool for the job. Price shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when shopping for a hose reel – try to focus instead on all-round value for money.
Not to mention, the following four factors are of supreme importance:
Length
Right off the bat, your hose reel isn’t going to be much good to you if it’s too short. Hose lengths vary immensely from one product to the next, plus it’s worth remembering that not all hose reels come with a hose included. Something to consider, as you may need to buy an appropriate hose separately.
Portability
The extent to which portability matters will be determined by how and where you intend to use your hose reel. Some are happy to wall-mount their reels and leave them in the same fixed position permanently, while others need to carry (or wheel) theirs around to reach all areas of the garden.
Ease of use
Hose reels in general are pretty easy to use, but some are more effortlessly to work with than others. Particularly those with high-quality automatic or electric mechanisms for retracting the hose, keeping things neat, tidy and tangle-free.
Durability
Be sure to consider the materials the hose reel is made of, along with what the manufacturer offers by way of a warranty. Cut corners on a low-grade hose reel made of low-end materials and you’ll soon regret – buy right, buy once…as they say!
The 10 Best Hose Reels
Moving on, we’ll now be taking a look at 10 of the best hose reels currently available online. Each of which has been extensively tested and verified by hundreds of satisfied customers, having made the grade in terms of quality, performance and overall value for money.
Overview
By far one of the most attractive hose reels out there right now, the Liberty Garden Decorative Garden Hose Reel is less a tool and more a statement piece. Quality materials, heavy-duty construction and a gorgeous traditional design, with the capacity to accommodate a hose up to 125 feet in length.
Features and Benefits
A beautiful exterior design and a sophisticated addition to the garden
Heavy gauge aluminum construction and all brass fittings
Capable of accommodating a hose up to 125 feet in length
Supplied fully assembled and ready to use for maximum convenience
Five-foot leader hose included in the package
The unit also features a convenient top storage tray
Verdict
If you’re on the market for a hose reel that’s as pretty as it is practical, this is it. It’s also a surprisingly affordable option, when considering the quality of the materials and the workmanship in general.
4.6/5
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Overview
True to its name, the AMES NeverLeak Cold-Weather Resistant Hose Cabinet has been designed to eliminate annoying leaks from the equation. This elegant yet cutting-edge device features a unique aluminum water system and resistance to cross threading, enabling it to perform flawlessly throughout all four seasons.
Features and Benefits
An exceptionally discreet design that hides the hose entirely
Comfortable manual crank handle to the side
Manufactured from durable weather-resistant materials
Supplied complete with a quality hose
The auto-track system ensures the hose winds evenly when retracted
Designed to support hoses up to 150 feet in length
Verdict
A top pick among hideaway hose reels, which makes a great visual addition to any outdoor space. Its unique NeverLeak system is also a huge bonus, as are the comprehensively weather-proof properties of the unit in general.
4.5/5
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Overview
This is an impressive all-in-one kit, which comes with literally everything you need. Quite the contrary to the norm, the GARDENA Retractable Hose Reel ships complete with the reel, the hose itself and all the bits and pieces needed to mount it to any suitable indoor or outdoor surface.
Features and Benefits
Fully automated hose retraction, activated with a simple tug
Otherwise, the hose is automatically held firmly at the required length
Durable yet lightweight design that’s easy to mount to any surface
Comes complete with a premium quality 50-feet hose
The reel can be removed from the bracket anytime for total versatility
Integrated hose guide to prevent tangling and twisting
Comes complete with all brackets, screws and wall plugs needed
Verdict
No less than fantastic for anyone starting from scratch who needs a simple yet fantastically practical all-in-one solution. This is one of the few kits of its kind you can buy where you don’t need anything else to get up and running – it’s all right there in the box and up for grabs at a bargain price.
4.3/5
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Overview
Suncast is known for designing and manufacturing garden tools and accessories of unbeatable quality. In the case of the Suncast Hosemobile Reel Cart Hose Caddy, it’s more of the same – an extremely durable and relentlessly practical hose reel, which couldn’t be easier to transport around the garden.
Features and Benefits
A durable yet contemporary heavy-duty design for enhanced longevity
Capable of storing up to 175 feet of hosepipe, neatly and safely
Comes equipped with tough 6-inch wheels for effortless transportations
Compact and convenient – the hose reel cart measures 24.5" x 24.5" x 24.5"
Easylink system to ensure watertight connection between hose reel and hose
Designed specifically to blend in with most exterior home paint jobs
Ready to go right out of the box – no additional assembly required
Verdict
The Suncast Hosemobile Reel Cart Hose Caddy is basically a premium-quality cart caddy at an entry level price. It’s got all the makings of long-term investment of immense value for money, perfectly pairing practicality with portability. Perfect for anyone looking to step up to a cart caddy to use at home.
4.2/5
Things We Liked
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Overview
Next up comes another exceptionally decorative and desirable hose reel, with a classical antique-like design and heavy-duty cast aluminum construction. Not only is the Liberty Garden Navigator Garden Hose Reel designed to make your garden look great, it’s also got the durability needed to the job done for decades to come.
Features and Benefits
One of the most sophisticated and stylish hose reels available
Capable of holding up to 125 feet of hose pipe
90-degree solid brass swivel with galvanized fittings prevents hose damage
Also features a convenient storage tray and basket
No assembly required – just attach the handle and you’re good to go!
It’s easy to mount to any suitable outdoor surface
Verdict
The Liberty Garden Navigator Garden Hose Reel brings a dose of desirability to what’s usually a pretty uninspiring segment. Relentlessly durable and fantastic to look at, it’s another impressive statement-piece from a brand known for its eye-catching outdoor accessories.
4.5/5
Things We Liked
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Overview
Simplicity is the name of the game with the Yard Butler Wall Mount Hose Hanger – one of many reasons (literally) millions of these things have been sold over the years. If you’re simply looking for a durable and dependable hanger to keep your hose stored away when it’s not in use, the Yard Butler Wall Mount Hose Hanger has you and your garden covered.
Features and Benefits
Choose from a wide variety of new bright colors and decorative designs
Heavy-duty 12-gauge powder coated steel construction for maximum durability the
The original hose hanger with a unique and patented design
Capable of accommodating up to 100 feet of hose for easy retrieval
Quick and easy to mount to any suitable internal or external wall
Every Yard Butler ships complete with a money-guarantee from the manufacturer
Verdict
Pretty much as straightforward as it gets, the Yard Butler Wall Mount Hose Hanger takes a no-nonsense approach to hose storage. With no moving parts or mechanical components whatsoever, there’s little to nothing that can go wrong with it. All adding up to a fantastic long-term investment that represents outstanding value for money.
4.6/5
Things We Liked
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Overview
It’s more or less love at first sight with the Giraffe Metal Hose Reel, which is just about as good looking as a hose reel gets. Capable of accommodating a hose up to a maximum length of 200 feet, the Giraffe Metal Hose Reel boasts a beautiful exterior design and a high-end crank-operated retraction system that eliminates twists and angles from the equation.
Features and Benefits
Premium quality powder-coated metal for all-season use
Capable of accommodating up to 200 feet of garden hose
Auto-track system to ensure consistently even winding
Designed to bring a decorative touch to your exterior spaces
Double Seal Water System to prevent problematic leaks and spills
Minimal assembly requirements and no tools needed to get started
Verdict
You could argue that this is quite a lot to pay for a hose reel that doesn’t include the hose, but what you get in terms of value for money is superb. Along with being perfectly practical and a joy to look at, the Giraffe Metal Hose Reel also has the kind of durability that guarantees years (or even decades) of reliable use and consistent performance.
4.3/5
Things We Liked
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Overview
Moving on, the RL Flo-Master Retractable Hose Reel is another great example of a true all-in-one kit, which comes with everything you need to get started. Along with a generous 65-foot reinforced hose, this compact and convenient hose reel also comes with all the fittings needed to mount it. The reel can also be removed from the bracket with ease for maximum versatility.
Features and Benefits
Automatic spring-loaded retraction with internal auto-track guide
Comes complete with 65-feet of premium reinforced hosepipe
Easy to mount and comes with all fittings and fixtures included
Adjustable nozzle featuring eight different spray settings
The reel can be removed from the bracket and replaced with ease
Features a sturdy carrying handle for added convenience
Verdict
Considering the price this thing is currently selling for, you’d have to dig pretty deep to find fault with it. A fantastic hose reel at an equally fantastic price, which comes with everything you need right there in the kit. If you can live without any particularly sophisticated features and added extras, you really won’t go wrong with this thing.
3.8/5
Things We Liked
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Overview
A slightly more sophisticated take on the classic hose holder right now, which from top to bottom is quite beautifully put together. Designed to be anchored directly into your lawn (or elsewhere in your garden), it’s just the thing for keeping things neat and tidy. All with the added bonus of a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you’ve a few weeks to test it out and see if it’s for you!
Features and Benefits
A simple yet effective twist on the classic garden hose holder design
Manufactured from the highest quality metallic components for superb longevity
Capable of carrying a surprising amount of weight for its small size
Great for positioning conveniently and discreetly around the garden
Easy to assemble, connecting just a few components with no tools required
Covered by an impressive 12-month warranty as standard
Verdict
Simplicity and sophistication, brought together in perfect harmony by the TomCare Garden Hose Holder. There’s not really a great deal else to say, as it’s the simplicity of its design that makes it such a great outdoor accessory.
4.3/5
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Overview
Last but not least, the Suncast 225' Hose Reel is an elegantly designed hideaway hose reel, with more than enough capacity for up to 225 feet of hose pipe. It’s therefore suitable for even the biggest gardens and outdoor spaces, where it serves as a focal point and an elegant feature in its own right.
Features and Benefits
Manufactured from premium quality resin for year-round durability
Slide-Trak Hose Guide for quick and easy winding and retraction
Advanced seal-tightening design to eliminate drips and leaks
Surprisingly compact and discreet at just 20.5"L x 25"W x 20.5"H
Easy to assemble – no special tools or equipment required
Offers additional storage space for gloves, accessories and so on
Built to withstand the elements and perform in all weathers
Verdict
The Suncast 225 is everything you could expect from a hideaway hose reel and plenty more besides. Designed to be as practical and versatile as it is ornamental, the Suncast 225' Hose Reel represents a long-term investment in quality and desirability for your outdoor spaces.
4.5/5
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