Best Garden Hose Reel
After a great deal of research, and much time spent examining many different garden hose reels on the market today, we have determined that the best garden hose reel is the Eley Rapid Reel Wall Mounted Garden Hose Reel.
The Rapid Reel is a fantastic garden hose reel, is well made, and will serve your needs for years to come. This modern garden hose holder has extremely impressive build quality. The design and construction of this outdoor garden hose station make it our top choice among the best garden hose reels.
For a detailed review of the Eley Rapid Reel, see our Product Reviews section below.
Runner Up: Best Automatic Garden Hose Reel
If you’re looking for an automatic garden hose reel, then the best choice is the Suncast RSW125D Aquawinder 125-Foot Capacity, Hose Reel.
The Aquawind feature works well, and if you don’t want to be bothered with reeling the hose in and out, this feature is quite helpful. The housing is attractive, and it is discreet enough to blend in with most outdoor patio environments.
The 125′ capacity is decent and will be enough for many. This is the best retractable garden hose reel. If you are looking for more information on this unit, check out our reviews below.
Last update on 2024-12-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Runner Up: Best High Capacity Garden Hose Reel
If water hose reel storage capacity is an absolute requirement for you, your best choice is the Suncast CPLSSM200B Swivel Hose Hideaway with Smart Trak Hose Guide. This unit has the highest capacity on our product list and is quite functional.
It is not the prettiest garden hose reel out there, but it does the job and can store 225′ of garden hose. The Smart Trak hose guide means you can pull that hose in and out as needed. The Suncast Swivel Hose HideAway garden hose reel is a good choice if hose capacity is paramount to your needs.
For a more detailed review of this product, please see our Product Reviews section below.
Last update on 2024-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Garden Hose Reels
Kinked, damaged water hoses are a constant frustration to all homeowners and garden enthusiasts, and a high-quality garden hose reel can help keep the damaged hoses to a minimum, help keep the kinks out of the hoses, and keep the yard nice and tidy with an attractive hose housing.
But which one is the best garden hose reel?
There are many different units available on the market today with different designs, positives, and negatives, and it is difficult to determine the right one for the right budget and needs. In this article, we will examine several different options, cover the plusses and minuses of each, and determine the best garden hose reel.
Some of the best water hose holders mount to the side of the house, while others are self-contained boxes that sit on the ground. Most of them do not include the hose, and certain types of hoses (such as the never-kink style garden hose with the metal wrapper) may not work with all housings, so it is wise to make sure that the hose you want to use will fit the housing you like best.
There are a wide variety of different garden hose reels available, and in this article, we will look at several of the best ones!
Garden Hose Reel Buyer’s Guide
In this section, we will look at many of the different aspects of garden hose reels, in order to better give context to the product reviews below.
Garden Hose Length Considerations
In the description of each hose reel, the maximum hose length capacity is given. For those buyers with large lawns without built-in sprinkler systems, some manufacturers promote that their reels can hold up to 300 feet of garden hose, at 5/8″ thickness. It should be noted that these maximum recommendations are assumed to be the quantity of hose that can be held without kinks or issues with reeling and winding.
In general, it is better to purchase a hose reel that can handle a larger capacity than what you will need to reach your furthest point.
Start by measuring from the location of where you intend to place your hose reel, to the furthest point you intend to water. From there, build in a little extra distance for flexibility, and you’ll know the maximum necessary capacity for your garden hose reel.
For example, if you’re looking to reach 250′ from the hose reel to get that back corner of your parcel, you may want to get a hose reel capable of handling 275-300′ of hose to give yourself some margin of error.
Hose Reel Housing Options
There are two basic categories of hose storage housing: reel boxes or carts, and wall mounts.
Fixed Wall Mount
Wall mounts are more out of the way than hose reel boxes and tend to be a little stronger than boxes. Wall mount style hose holders are generally fastened directly to the exterior of a house or shed, adjacent to a spigot. These are permanent mounts, and require holes to be drilled directly into the siding, masonry, concrete, or whatever the material near the spigot is.
For this reason, wall mounts are impractical for renters or homeowners unwilling to mar their exterior with drill holes or other permanent alterations.
If you are a renter and are considering a wall mount water hose reel holder, we strongly recommend you discuss with your landlord before installing!
Another consideration is the number of drill holes an individual unit will require. Some are only a couple of holes, while others may involve six or more drill holes. The more holes, the stronger and sturdier the unit will be, but more holes will mean more problems to deal with in the future should you decide you no longer like the hose reel in that location.
Wall mounted hose reels cant be fixed at a natural height, which is a significant advantage over cart or box style reels. No need to strain the back while operating a low-to-the-ground box reel or cart reel.
Free Standing Carts and Boxes
Cart and Box reels tend to not be as strong as wall-mounted reels, but their lack of strength is made up for by portability. The cart reels have wheels right on their frame, and the box reels are pretty easily picked up and moved. Neither is permanently attached to the house, so these may be a better choice for renters or for people who don’t want to deal with drills and bolts.
Box reels that are staked into the ground tend to stay put, but cart style hose reels with wheels attached may be more inclined to topple over in a storm, or at times when the garden hose is being pulled out at an awkward angle. Also, box and cart style hose reels are more of a target for theft than wall-mounted hose reels are, as they are easily disconnected and carried away.
If you have multiple spigots, a cart or box style reel may be helpful to you: you don’t necessarily need to buy a reel for each spigot, but could easily move the single garden hose reel from one spigot to the next.
Materials Considerations
Garden hose reels are made from a variety of different materials, though a few materials come up pretty frequently. Generally, the hose reels are made of either a metal body or a plastic frame.
Metal Body
Metal garden hose hangars are common and are often a good material choice for a garden hose reel. Aluminum is a popular choice and can withstand the elements very well. Rain, snow, and wind are typically not a concern to aluminum (it’s commonly-used in house siding and trim, so it is capable of lasting for many years without issue). Aluminum is a strong material and is capable of withstanding the pressure of tightly-wound hose reels without cracking.
The metal is generally finished with a powder coat of paint to help maintain the finish. Many wall-mounted hose reels are made of die-cast aluminum and tend to be more industrial garden hose reels than the plastic ones.
Plastic Body
Often garden hose reel carts and boxes are made of plastic, specifically resin plastic. These molded plastics are strong, light, and are quite weather resistant. Barring extremes, they can be left outside in the cold, and in the heat, and should not crack or rust, though the color may fade over time. If possible, placing them in a shaded area will increase their functional lives.
The gears and rotation mechanisms on a resin plastic garden hose winder are more apt to fail over time than on metal hose reels, and constant unreeling and re-reeling of garden hose will gradually wear out these gears. These hose reels should be treated a little bit more carefully than aluminum hose reels in order to increase their longevity.
Hose Connection Materials
A common point of failure of garden hose reels is the fixture that connects the garden hose to the hose reel. Ideally, this fixture should be made of brass, which is strong, secure, and corrosion-resistant. Unfortunately, it is also expensive, so some manufacturers use cheaper materials for that hose connection. Over time, the connection may rust and the seal fail, causing water leakage and headaches!
When choosing a garden hose reel, look for a brass fitting, ideally. If brass is not available, a strong metal with a rust-resistant finish is acceptable.
Conclusion
A good garden hose reel is a necessity for any aspiring gardener or outdoor enthusiast. Water is necessary for plants, cleaning, and freshening the patio area. An attractive and unobtrusive garden hose reel will keep the hose neat and tidy, but largely out of sight for those lounging on the patio, and out of the way of people walking around.
No more worries about people getting tripped up in the hose either, and no need to walk through the freshly-wet ground the hose is lying in! Keeping the garden hose properly reeled and secured will increase the life of the garden hose, and will save money over time.
Getting the right hose reel for your needs is best, and we hope that the product comparison above will guide you to the perfect option for your setup.
Consider the required hose length, whether you want a wall mount or ground box, and the materials of the housing and of the fixture. From there, you’ll find the best outdoor garden hose reel for your needs. Happy watering!
Garden Hose Reel Reviews
Here we look at several of the different options on the market and examine the pros and cons of each. To conclude, we will make our pick among the best hose reel reviews.
Suncast Aquawinder® 125-Foot Capacity Hose Reel
The Suncast Aquawinder 125-Foot Capacity Hose Reel is an excellent start to our examination of the best garden hose reels. It auto rewinds the garden hose that has been unreeled through a unique water-powered rewind system. This translates to hands-free auto rewind of your garden hose when you’re done, saving you from cranking away to get the hose back in. Pretty cool stuff!
The Details
The water hose stand is made of sturdy resin wicker, which means no rust, mold, or wear to worry about. The Aquawinder includes the leader hose and discharge tube (but not the main garden hose) and the hose reel fully contains the hose inside the housing. This unit is 24″ x 27″ x 23.5″ and weighs 22lbs. Suncast offers a 3-year limited warranty with this unit.
Be sure to fully secure this garden hose dispenser to the ground/deck prior to use in order to ensure proper functionality. It is best to unwind the hose prior to turning on the water for ease of use. Once you’re done it will auto rewind, and during the rewind phase, it will expel around 2 gallons of water until the hose is fully back in its container.
The Bottom Line
The Suncast Aquawinder is one of the best retractable garden hose reels. It looks elegant enough in the garden and works very well. It can be acquired with free shipping through Amazon.com, though it is not available through Amazon Prime.
- AUTOMATIC HOSE REEL: Water-powered wicker garden hose reel uses Smart Trak...
- HANDS FREE: To rewind the hose, simply press a lever and it automatically...
- DURABLE: The hose reel is made of durable plastic casing with a wood-like...
- GENEROUS CAPACITY: Hose reel has a 125' of 5/8 hose capacity- perfect for...
- IDEAL SIZE: The hose reel measures 24" x 27" x 23.5", perfect for your...
Last update on 2024-12-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Eley / Rapid Reel Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel Model 1041
The Eley Rapid Reel Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel 1041 is the most expensive product on our list, and for a good reason: it is the Cadillac of garden hose reels! The Eley Rapid Reel is extremely high quality and is very highly rated by users. It has an attractive, modern hose reel design, and is both minimalist and functional.
The Details
The Eley Rapid Reel is made of virtually rust-proof die-cast aluminum with a bronze powder-coat. This finish offers long-lasting strength and is capped with a brass swivel and a polyurethane inlet hose.
With more capacity than the Suncast Aquawinder, the Eley 1041 can handle up to 150′ of 5/8″ garden hose (here we have it paired with a Flexzilla garden hose). This industrial garden hose reel mounts to an exterior wall, and can either be mounted parallel to the wall, or perpendicular to it for multiple setup options.
The Eley metal hose holder has an impressive warranty! Eley offers a 10 year no leak, no break warranty, which shows they stand behind their products.
The Rapid Reel weighs 20 lbs and can be set up to be operated either left handed or right handed, depending on the needs of the user. The crank is full-palm sized for ease of use when cranking the hose back in.
The Rapid Reel 1041 garden hose organizer does not have a hose guide, meaning things can get jumbled if not reeled-in correctly.
The Bottom Line: Best Modern Hose Reel
If you’re the kind of person who appreciates quality and only wants to buy things once, the Eley Rapid Reel 1041 is the garden hose spool for you. It is our favorite wall mounted hose reel. Unfortunately, this garden hose keeper does not have free shipping, nor is it eligible for Amazon Prime. With that said, it is still extremely popular with Amazon customers, which hints at the quality of this product.
If you like the Eley Design, but don’t want a wall-mounted system, you may want to check out our review of the Eley Garden Hose Reel Cart.
Liberty Garden Products Decorative Non-Rust Cast Aluminum Wall Mounted Garden Hose Reel With 125-Foot Capacity
The Liberty Garden Products Decorate Cast Aluminum Wall Mounted Garden Hose Reel is quite a mouth full, and decidedly non-modern in its design – it has a very ornate look. This decorative garden hose hanger may not be modern, but it is a high-quality garden hose reel at a great price point.
The Details
Like the Eley Rapid Reel, the Liberty Garden wall hose holder is a powder coated metal wall-mounted unit, with slightly lower (but still respectable) hose capacity of 125′. It includes 5′ of leader hose to connect it to the house spigot, but it does not include the garden hose itself.
The Liberty Garden Hose Reel comes fully assembled in an antique bronze finish, with a similar color palette to the Eley Rapid Reel. The look of the reel is antique, which is a far leap from the Eley’s simple and modern look.
One nice feature on the Liberty Garden Hose wheel is that it includes a 7″ x 14″ metal top shelf for holding hose accessories, perfect for hose nozzles or other sprayer attachments that don’t otherwise have a good home.
The Bottom Line
The Liberty Garden Decorative Garden Hose Reel is definitely a contender for the best garden hose reel, especially when the price is considered.
- Holds 125-feet of 5/8-inch garden hose (hose not included)
- Constructed of non-rust, cast aluminum and feature brass and aluminum...
- Easily pull your hose out for use, then rewind for storage, Comes fully...
- Features a shelf ideal for frequently used garden tools and nozzles, 5-feet...
- Mounting hardware not included
Last update on 2024-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Suncast PTW175 Mocha Wicker 175-Foot Capacity Hose Reel
The Suncast PTW175 Mocha Wicker Hose Reel is similar in look, design, and materials to the Suncast Aquawinder mentioned above. However, it does not have the unique water pressured powered winding feature showcased on the Aquawinder.
The Details
Though it is missing the aqua-wind feature of the Suncast Aquawinder, the Suncast PTW175 garden hose storage containers can support a greater hose quantity: up to 175′ of garden hose. This hose capacity capability is a nice feature for those with larger yards or more complex lawn setups.
The PTW175 has a smart track hose guide and a side crank for reeling in the hose, which works well, though it is significantly more effort to use than the Aquawinder. The Suncast PTW175 retractable water hose reels come fully assembled in the same resin wicker material as the Aquawinder, and is durable and attractive.
The Bottom Line: A Solid Modern Garden Hose Holder
The Suncast PTW is an excellent option for a garden water hose reel, and is one of the least expensive choices in the category. It is available with free shipping through Amazon, but it is not offered on Amazon Prime.
- OUTDOOR GARDEN HOSE REEL: Features a wicker style java exterior for a...
- INCLUDES SLIDE TRAK HOSE GUIDE: Makes winding and unwinding of the garden...
- TIGHT SEAL: A strong, reinforced system ensures water-tight connection...
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy resin construction is resistant to fading,...
- IDEAL SIZE: Measures 23" x 23" x 18" to keep your yard organized without...
Last update on 2024-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Suncast Swivel Hose Hideaway with Smart Trak Hose Guide CPLSSM200B
The Suncast Swivel Hose Hideaway with Smart Track Hose Guide CPLSSM200B is yet another excellent option in the garden hose retractable reel space. It features a resin structure and with a two-tone brown and tan scheme which is not the most beautiful on our list, but it is functional and unobtrusive.
The Details
The Suncast Swivel Hose Hideaway is made of molded plastic and is durable and weather-proof. It has by far the largest water hose storage capacity of any of the options on this list, clocking in at 225′ of hose storage.
The CPLSSM200B uses a swivel base for ease of rotation around the lawn, though the base must be properly secured using stakes to the ground.
Note: two stakes are included. If you want additional stakes you can purchase these: Master Mark Plastics 12103 A.B.S. Anchor Kit, 3-Pack. Alternately, you can use bolts to the patio for the unit to work properly.
If pressure is applied to the top while reeling, it does not need to be secured to the ground. The Suncast Swivel Hose Hideaway features the same SmartTrack Hose Guide that is found on the Suncast PTW175 for ease of use in reeling in the garden hose.
This retractable water hose reel is 26″ x 21″ x 23.4″ and weighs 23lbs.
The Bottom Line
This water hose retractable reel is an excellent choice for the price and is certainly the best garden hose reel cart if you’re looking for large capacity and quality build.
While it is not available through Amazon Prime, Amazon does offer free shipping for these water hose storage containers.
- Effortless Hose Storage: The Suncast Swivel Smart Trak Hose Hideaway offers...
- Versatile Functionality: With a 225-foot capacity, this hose reel is ideal...
- Durable Construction: Built from weather-resistant resin, this garden hose...
- Space-Efficient Design: At 25.75" W x 24.25" D x 24.25" H, this compact...
- Built for Everyday Life: Picture a more perfect home with Suncast. We help...
Last update on 2024-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Garden Hose Reel
All of the units on this list are among the best garden hose reels available. Each one has some advantages and disadvantages, and depending on your needs, each could be the best choice for you. However, if we had to choose just one of these garden hose reels, we would have to go with the Eley Rapid Reel Wall Mounted Garden Hose Reel 1041. It is attractive yet unobtrusive, extremely functional, and very well built.
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