Whether youre watering the lawn, washing the car, or cleaning the patio, the fact remains that when youre done, youll face the task of rolling your hose back up. If youve ever rolled up a hose by hand before, you already know the results are rarely pretty.
A hose reel allows you to store and organize your hose easily when not in use. But, how do you shop for one? Which features do you need and how much should you spend? Our guide to the best hose reel options on the market has all the answers youll need, read on.
Our Picks: Top Hose Reels On The Market
Lets jump right in and cover five of the top options that are available now. These hose reels are easy to store and organize your hose, while giving your yard the perfect look.
Liberty Garden Products Model 709
With the 709 hose reel, Liberty Garden Products offers a premium hose reel thats built to last at an affordable price.
The first thing youll notice is the heavy-duty steel construction of this hose reel, which has been powder coated in an attractive neutral tan color. This model is made of 13-gauge steel so it will withstand both hot summers as well as cold winters.
Although most people prefer to mount the hose reel on an external wall, you can leave it on the ground. Rubber feet are included to ensure non-skid operation should you choose not to wall mount the hose reel.
The unit is fully assembled right out of the box, and all youll need to do is attach the crank handle to the side of the reel. Also included is 13 cm of leader hose, which connects to any standard garden hose.
The 709 can corral an impressive 508 cm of garden hose. It can also accommodate hose as well.
The Liberty Garden Products Model 709 is a classic reel with a solid steel frame. It’s also one of the most affordable reels in its class.
Suncast Smart Trak SW200
Suncast is a trusted manufacturer of affordable hose reels. This Smart Trak model adds attractive decorative touches, so you can corral your garden hose without detracting from the beauty of your yard.
The SMW200 stores the water hose in a resin box that is UV resistant and has a wicker-like appearance. This is a far better option than wall-mounted models. This model is also available in several other finish options, each designed to blend seamlessly into your yard.
Suncasts Smart Trak technology is also featured on this hose reel. This guides the hose onto the reel without causing kinks or tangles. The hose reel’s cover protects your hose against harmful UV rays. This extends its life.
The model comes fully assembled. All you have to do is attach your garden hose to it and place it in your yard. This reel is only 56cm long, 53cm wide, and 55cm high. However, it can store a staggering 68.6m of garden hose.
The SMW200 cannot accommodate larger diameter hoses, unlike other models.
While the resin hose box is built to last and made from weather-resistant materials, its best to store this away for the winter in a shed or basement as extremely cold temperatures can cause this hose reel to warp or crack.
What could be better?
- Doesnt accept larger diameter hoses
- Resin material can warp or crack over time
Yardfitter AutoReel
Yardfitter may be the right model for you if Liberty Garden and Eley seem a little too heavy-duty or large for your needs.
The AutoReel has a lower capacity than the other models that we have covered and can rewind manually. It also rewinds automatically. This hose reel corrals 152 cm of standard garden hose, which is ideal for small and medium-sized yards.
This model includes everything youll need right out of the box, including the hose. This kit includes the hose reel equipped with AutoReel technology, 152cm of high-quality garden hose and all necessary mounting hardware. As a bonus, it also includes an 8-way deluxe spray nozzle.
If youre looking for the quickest and easiest hose reel to use, this may be the best choice for you.
While the AutoReel is made from high-density plastic, its easy to see this model deteriorating with regular use in extremely hot or cold climates, so it may be best to remove the reel and store it away each winter if you live somewhere with harsh winters. A one-year warranty is included, so youll be covered should anything go wrong within the first 12 months.
What We Like
- Includes everything you need right out of the box
- Affordable
- AutoReel self-winding technology
What Could Be Better
- Reel is made from plastic
- Short warranty
HOSELINK Automatic Retractable Garden Hose Reel
For those who are looking for the convenience of an automatic hose reel with a little extra length for larger yards, the HOSELINK system may be a good choice for you.
Similar to the model above from Yardfitter, this HOSELINK model provides everything youll need to get started in one attractive package. This package includes 25.0m of hose and a 6-foot leader hose. It also comes with an automatic hose reel and seven-function spraynozzle. All necessary mounting hardware and brackets are included.
The hose reel can be locked anytime after you reach the desired length. Like the Yardfitter above, the case comes in an attractive, neutral grey and white color that should blend nicely with the look of your home.
The hose provided is 9/41 cm in length, which is significantly smaller than standard garden hoses. Should something go wrong with the hose thats provided, theres no guarantee that youll be able to replace it with a standard diameter hose.
While all of the included components are high-quality, the reel is also made from plastic, leaving it susceptible to breakage or warping when exposed to extreme temperatures.
While this model is one of the most attractive and convenient to use hose reels on the market, the plastic construction and non-standard hose diameter may steer you towards one of the other models weve covered above.
What We Like
- Includes everything you need right out of the box
- Automatic hose retrieval
The Detailed Guide To Buying The Best Hose Reel
Whether you opt for one of the great options weve reviewed above, or youre considering a hose reel from beyond our list, there are some important facts youll need to know about hose reels and how to select the best one for your needs.
Types Of Hose Reels
Although they all have the same purpose, there are many reels available. Each one will suit your specific needs.
Wall-Mounted and Floor-Mounted
The wall-mounted reel is one of the most common configurations. These are among the most popular types of hose reels because theyre usually heavy-duty, attractive, and convenient.
Some models even feature decorative flourishes which add to the look of your homes exterior instead of detracting from it.
Some wall-mounted hose reels can also be mounted on the floor as well, and these are popular for certain industrial applications and use on boats.
Hose Carts
Hose carts are a popular choice for large yards and big gardens, where it is convenient to have the hose at your disposal.
Many carts have organizers that can hold your hose fittings, nozzles and attachments.
Hose carts come in a variety of materials. On the lower end of the price spectrum, resin carts are popular and are often available for less than Heavy-duty carts are also available and can cost several hundred dollars or more, especially if they have pneumatic wheels.
Hideaway Reels
Hideaway hose reels are among the most attractive designs and are a favorite of people who dont want 61.0 m of garden hose to retract from the beauty of their yard.
With these reels, the reel itself is usually enclosed within a decorative box which is often made from resin or plastic. It is easy to misinterpret the box as a piece or outdoor ottoman when the hose has been reeled up.
Check Out These Key Features
There are key features that will help you use your new hose reel.
Manual vs. Automatic
While manual reels dominate much of the market, automatic reels are becoming more popular, especially for people with smaller yards.
As the name implies, automatic hose reels take the work out of rewinding your hose and automatically rewind the hose for you when youre finished. Many of them also include a lock function so you can lock the hose in place once youve reached the area you need to water.
These models are typically more expensive, and they usually come with plastic cases, which are susceptible to weather damage.
Building Materials
Youll find hose reels made from many materials. The most common materials are metal, plastic, and resin.
A metal hose reel is usually the most durable, and theyre often made from steel or aluminum and then powder coated to prevent rust or premature wear.
Resin is the next most durable material, and they tend to be more durable and weather resistant than plastic reels, but still not as durable as metal.
Plastic and resin are lightweight as well, making them ideal for easy maneuverability.
Fittings
The best hose reels will be distinguished from the cheaper, less durable options by their fittings. You can make fittings from brass, aluminum, resin or even plastic.
You want a hose reel that will last for years. Look for one that has brass or aluminum fittings. Fittings of higher quality are available in more expensive models. You can even drink from them!
Keep in mind that when a hose reel starts to leak, poor quality fittings are usually to blame. This is the one thing you should focus on when searching for the best hose reel.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the hose need to be?
A: This will depend on the size of your yard. Most people need somewhere in the realm of 100-61.0 m of hose for their various projects around the yard. If you have more land, you will need a longer hose.
For people with smaller yards, somewhere in the 50-30.5 m range is typically best.
Q. Does it come with a Hose?
Many hose reels come with an included hose. These reels are usually on the lower or average end of the price range. The hoses that are included are usually medium-duty and are suitable for most projects around the yard.
However, if you have a high-quality hose or are in search of a new one, a Liberty Garden or Eley model may be a better choice. These brands rarely include a replacement hose.
Q. How can I care for my hose reel?
There is little to no maintenance required for many hose reels. Models made out of steel or aluminum are mostly maintenance free.
For hose reels made of plastic or resin, its best to store them away from the elements during the offseason to prevent against premature wear or breakage.
Q: How important is the warranty?
A: While a hose reel may seem like a product you wouldnt need a warranty on, the fact is a great warranty is an important feature to have.
Even cheaper hose reels typically cost around and a good warranty ensures that youll be covered in the event of premature breakage. Eley offers the longest and most comprehensive warranty, but theyre also among the most expensive brands on the market.
Final Verdict
When it comes to selecting the best hose reel, there are several key considerations to make. Ease of use, durability, and looks are all significant concerns during the buying process.
Overall, our choice for the best hose reel is the Liberty Garden Products Model 709. While there are higher-end models available, none of them offer the same blend of quality, ease of use, looks and affordability that Liberty Garden brings to the table with the Model 709.
If youre willing to shell out several hundreds of dollars on a hose reel, you may be better suited with a model from Eley.
