The bushes are pruned, the lawn is mowed, and the planting beds are weeded. The yard and garden are looking great—except for that pile of twisted hose. To put it in its place, consider a garden hose reel: a cylindrical spindle made of metal, fiberglass, or plastic on which to wind and neatly store your hose.
There are various types of garden hose reels available. Which is the right one? That depends on the size of a property, gardening style, and personal budget. Below, find a list of top picks and some pointers for choosing the best hose reel.
- BEST OVERALL: Liberty Garden 712 Single Arm Navigator Hose
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Yard Butler Deluxe Heavy Duty Wall Mount Hose Hanger
- RUNNER UP: Liberty Garden 707 Wall Mount Garden Guide Hose Reel
- BEST YARD STAND: Sorbus Manger Garden Hose Holder Stand
- BEST DECORATIVE: Birdrock Home Water Hose Holder – Copper
- BEST SELF-RETRACTING: Giraffe Retractable Garden Hose Reel Wall Mounted
- BEST WITH WHEELS: Liberty Garden Industrial 2-Wheel Hose Reel Cart
- BEST FOR SMALL YARDS: Giraffe Retractable Garden Hose Reel with 65 ft Hose
- BEST FOR LARGE YARDS: Gardena Frost Proof – “M” Hose Cart + Hose Guide
- BEST PORTABLE: Gorilla Aluminum Zero Rust Premium Crank Reel
- BEST HEAVY DUTY: Giraffe Tools Metal Hose Reel Box
How We Chose the Best Hose Reels
We researched the most sought-after hose reels in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their design, material, hose capacity, and other special features included by top brands.
After extensive product research, we included options in our list of top picks that were made with heavy-duty steels, plastics, and other metals to withstand long-term use and stay functional after enduring rain, run, and inclement weather. As for design, these models were made with manual or automatic reels with hose guides, automatic retraction, and/or bracing to keep standard garden hoses in place while in use or not in use.
These hose reels come with capacities of 60 to 300 feet with standard ⅝-inch garden hoses and some come with baskets and shelving built-in, leader hoses, mounting hardware, drainage holes, and specialty spray nozzles to meet any user’s preference.
Our Top Picks
These top picks include products in a variety of categories to suit a variety of needs. Read on to discover some of the best hose reels on the market today.
Photo: amazon.com
Strong steel construction and a weather-resistant coating make the Liberty Garden Single Arm Navigator Hose Reel a rugged, traditional-style mounted reel. It holds 125 feet of 5/8-inch hose and includes a 5-foot leader hose and a storage tray for additional nozzles and tools.
A pull-up handle on top allows for 360-degree rotation, and the reel can also be locked into eight different secure positions so that excess hose doesn’t spill off the reel. This hose reel comes fully assembled; all the user has to do is attach the handle.
Product Specs
- Material: Steel
- Hose capacity: 125 feet of ⅝-inch hose
- Leader hose: Yes
- Manual vs. automatic: Manual
Pros
- Weather-resistant coating prevents this reel from wearing down over time
- Leader hose and built-in storage tray hold hose nozzles and other accessories
- Pull-up handle allows for 360 degree rotation for ease of use
- Reel can be locked into 8 height options so the hose doesn’t fall off or move
Cons
- Spool may be too small for hoses larger than ⅝ inches
- Mounting hardware does not have a weather-protection coating and may rust over time
Get the Liberty Garden hose reel at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Northern Tool + Equipment.
This reasonably priced hose hanger from Yard Butler holds 100 feet of 5/8-inch hose. Users can mount it at a regular height or a little higher and use big long loops to hang a longer hose.
The 12-gauge powder-coated steel has extra bracing and a patented design that prevents sagging; eliminates crimps, kinks, and tangles; and extends the life of the hose.
The hose hanger comes in a weathered verdigris finish in purple, green, or blue. And it also comes in a floral and spiral design to add a little style to the yard.
Product Specs
- Material: Powder-coated steel
- Hose capacity: 100 feet of ⅝-inch hose
- Leader hose: No
- Manual vs. automatic: Manual
Pros
- Versatile design can be mounted anywhere on a wall, fence, and more
- Extra bracing on this patented design prevents any disfiguration or sagging
- Prevent any and all kinks, crimps, and tangles while in use
- Comes in several finishes to match current backyard fixtures
Cons
- No hose reel or leader hose built in; all rolling must be done manually
- Hanging hardware not included; may be tricky for first-time buyers
Get the Yard Butler wall mount hose hanger at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
This Liberty Garden Wall Mount Hose Reel has an aluminum body with a durable powder coat finish for added rust resistance. The brass/galvanized connections add to the appeal. The reel has a 5-foot leader hose.
Users can easily pull out the hose for use and then use the hand crank to reel it in for storage. The hose guide ushers the hose along to avoid kinks when winding and unwinding.
The hose reel holds a hose up to 125 feet long and 5/8-inch in diameter. The hose reel comes fully assembled and has a convenient top tray for storing garden tools and nozzles. The mounting hardware is not included.
Product Specs
- Material: Powder-coated aluminum and galvanized brass
- Hose capacity: 125 feet of ⅝-inch hose
- Leader hose: Yes
- Manual vs. automatic: Manual
Pros
- 5-foot leader hose adds to user-friendliness and convenience
- Large hand crank and hose guide are easy to use for pulling in the hose when finished
- Comes fully assembled; read to install right out of the box
- Top tray is built in for hose nozzles and other accessories
Cons
- Mounting hardware not included with purchase; may be tricky for first-time buyers
Get the Liberty Garden 707 hose reel at Amazon, Wayfair, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Target.
A limited budget is no excuse for a haphazard hose, thanks to the Sorbus Manger Garden Hose Holder Stand. Standing 34.75 inches high and able to hold 125 feet of 5/8-inch garden hose, this budget-friendly stand features a curved platform and powder-coated, heavy-gauge steel construction for long-lasting weather resistance.
Install this hose stand in the ground, but avoid sandy or loose soil, where it won’t be able to stand securely. Then, attach the hose directly to the spigot—no leader required. The three long anchor points at the bottom hold the stand firmly in place.
Product Specs
- Material: Powder-coated, heavy-gauge steel
- Hose capacity: 125 feet of ⅝-inch hose
- Leader hose: No
- Manual vs. automatic: Manual
Pros
- 34.75-inch height keeps the hose reel up and out of reach of pests
- Curved platform prevents tangles, kinks, and movement while keeping the hose in place
- Stakes built into the bottom keep the hose reel in place during inclement weather; can be placed anywhere on grass or turf
Cons
- Staked design is not suitable for concrete, tile, or other hard surfaces
Get the Sorbus hose reel at The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
This water hose holder from BirdRock Home provides a charming way to store a garden hose so that it’s out of the way, orderly, and untangled. The center pole offers the user a way to guide the hose into the pot by allowing the user to wrap the hose around it in a circle. Once stored, the user can remove the pole and store other tools on top of the hose.
The solid steel construction makes the pot lightweight and sturdy, and the copper color gives it added charm. It’s a lovely addition to a backyard, a deck, or a porch. The drainage hole at the bottom removes rainwater and prevents it from overflowing with water.
Product Specs
- Material: Steel
- Hose capacity: 100 feet of hose (compatible size not listed)
- Leader hose: No
- Manual vs. automatic: Manual
Pros
- Removable center pole integrated; keeps the hose rolled neatly while in use or not in use
- Lightweight and sturdy construction can be transported wherever needed in the backyard
- Drainage hole allows for any condensation or excess water to drain
Cons
- No compatible hose size listed; may not fit larger hose sizes neatly
- Not as ergonomic as comparable options; must be spooled manually
Get the BirdRock hose reel at Amazon, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Target.
Photo: amazon.com
Water the lawn or the garden from different angles and positions in the yard. This wall-mounted hose reel from Giraffe Tools comes with a 180-degree rotation bracket that provides extensive coverage for the lawn.
The built-in 124-foot garden hose can lock at any length for convenient watering and to avoid tripping over the excess hose. The automatic hose guide prevents kinking while retracting, and the hose comes with nine adjustable spray modes.
To retract the hose, the user simply needs to tug on the hose lightly and rewind it into the polypropylene casing. The casing won’t deform or fade in the sun or the rain. It can be easily removed from the wall-mount bracket by lifting the handle upward for those who want to store the reel in colder months.
Product Specs
- Material: Polypropylene
- Hose capacity: 124 feet
- Leader hose: Yes
- Manual vs. automatic: Automatic
Pros
- 180-degree rotation allows the user to reach any area of the garden or backyard
- Automatic hose guide prevents kinking and retracts on its own while the user moves around
- 9 adjustable spray modes built into the nozzle to satisfy any user’s preference
- Casing will not deform or fade due to sun, rain, or inclement weather
with 3-prong stakes for stability
Cons
- Mounting may be tricky for first-time buyers; may require more than one set of hands to install
- Some users report poor quality in the spray nozzle; may break under strain
Get the Giraffe garden hose at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Move around the yard, farm, and garden with ease. This hose reel boasts two 16-inch pneumatic tires that can easily roll over most terrain. It can hold a 5/8-inch hose up to 300 feet long, and it comes with a 5-foot leader hose and brass/galvanized fixtures.
The basket on the back of the portable hose reel is great for carting around tools and supplies. And the durable 13-gauge steel construction with a powder-coated finish will last a while and will resist rust. The cart has a low center of gravity to keep it from tipping.
Product Specs
- Material: Galvanized brass and powder-coated 13-gauge steel
- Hose capacity: 300 feet of ⅝-inch hose
- Leader hose: Yes
- Manual vs. automatic: Manual
Pros
- Dual 16-inch pneumatic tires can roll the unit around the yard
- 5-foot leader hose allows for added ease of use and convenience
- Basket built-in can hold additional hose nozzles and accessories of needed
- Powder-coated 13-gauge steel construction resists rust and wear-and-tear
Cons
- Hardware for this unit is not stainless steel; will rust over time
- Tires may need to be pumped from time to time; tend to deflate if left without additional air
Get the Liberty Garden Industrial 2-hose reel at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
This hose reel from Giraffe Tools comes with a built-in 60-foot hose and a 5-foot hose lead. To use the hose, the user simply needs to pull it out of the casing and when it’s time to store the hose for the day, give it a slight tug, and the hose retracts slowly until stored.
The automatic guide prevents tangling, and the plastic stopper will stop the hose at the desired length. When mounting the reel to the bracket on the wall, the bracket boasts a 180-degree swivel, so users have a better reach around the yard. The nozzle has nine different water patterns for various uses.
Users can remove the casing from the wall-mount bracket during colder months and store the hose reel in the garage and out of the elements.
Product Specs
- Material: PVC
- Hose capacity: 60 feet
- Leader hose: No
- Manual vs. automatic: Automatic
Pros
- 5-foot leader hose adds user-friendliness and convenience upon installation
- Automatic guide prevents kinks, tangles, and unwanted movement while in use or not in use
- Stopper prevents the hose from being reeled in farther than it should be
- The built-in bracket boasts a 180-degree swivel for reaching any area of the yard
Cons
- Some users have reported poor construction; may break or crack with heavy-duty use
Get the Giraffe hose reel at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Reach the corners of a large yard with this hose cart from Gardena. The cart is able to support a hose up to 300 feet long, and its two wheels allow users to wheel the cart around the yard as needed. Once it’s in place, the user can fold out the kickstand to keep the trolley in place while watering—even while pulling out the hose.
The trolley also comes with a hose guide to help with rolling up the hose and ensuring that it is done evenly and without any hassle.
The angled hose connection on the inside of the reel prevents the hose from bending—this helps with continued water flow. And the anti-drip, frost protected design helps prevent leaking in colder months.
Product Specs
- Material: Plastic and metal
- Hose capacity: 300 feet
- Leader hose: No
- Manual vs. automatic: Manual
Pros
- Dual wheels allow the user to roll the unit around the yard for ample reach
- Frost-protected material can survive colder nights and temperatures
- Kickstand hold the unit in place while the user sprays the desired area
- Hose guide and angled hose connection built-in prevents kinks, tangles, and other unwanted movement
Cons
- May have too many bells and whistles for some users
- Some users have reported difficulty while using the hose reel
Get the Gardena hose guide at Amazon.
Portability means a lot when it comes to watering large gardens or lawns. So, for the best portable option available, trust the Gorilla Aluminum Zero Rust Premium Crank Reel. The upright handle on this model is comfortable to use while maneuvering and the 7-inch solid flat-free wheels are suitable for use on any terrain.
This hose reel cart also has a high-strength anodized aluminum frame, high-impact blow molded reel, forged brass fittings, and a cast-aluminum crank for heavy-duty use. Rely on the easy-access connections, torque-tight fittings, and hose guide for holding 200 feet of hose.
Product Specs
- Material: Aluminum, brass, and cast-aluminum
- Hose capacity: 200 feet
- Leader hose: Yes
- Manual vs. automatic: Manual
Pros
- 7-inch never-flat wheels and comfort handle allow for easy maneuvering while in use
- Very heavy-duty construction; anodized aluminum frame blow molded reel, and forged brass fittings
- Easy to use; easy-access connections, torque-tight fittings, and hose guide
Cons
- Hand crank is a little small; may take more work to reel in the hose
- Connectors may not attach to some hose models on the market
Get the Gorilla crank reel at The Home Depot or Amazon.
For areas that see a lot of inclement weather or dogs that like to roughhouse in the backyard, the Giraffe Tools Metal Hose Reel Box is the perfect choice. The strong metal housing has a rust-resistant coating and aluminum connections lasts through sun, rain, and inclement weather. This box also has a dark green coloring that fits in a backyard setting perfectly and carrying handles for portability.
This box has an easily assembled crank handle and a hose guide to keep a ⅝-inch 150-foot hose or ½-inch 200-foot hose in place and the 5-foot leader hose adds even more user-friendliness.
Product Specs
- Material: Metal and aluminum
- Hose capacity: 150 to 200 feet
- Leader hose: No
- Manual vs. automatic: Manual
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction; metal housing, a rust-resistant coating, and aluminum connections
- Carrying handles built-in for portability; can be carried anywhere in the yard
- Easily assembled crank handle and a hose guide allow for ease of use
Cons
- May be cumbersome to carry this model around; no wheels built in
Get the Giraffe Tools hose reel at Amazon.
What to Consider When Choosing a Hose Reel
Various factors go into choosing the best garden hose reel for watering a lawn. Some of those considerations are the size of the yard and the length and diameter of the hose. Users can also consider the ability to manually crank the hose and any additional features they might want—like a place to store some gardening tools.
Hose Capacity
The primary consideration for a hose reel is the length of the hose. To determine the right length, measure from the spigot to the areas needing watering. A 200-foot hose on a reel with a 150-foot capacity will result in the excess spilling off, preventing the reel from winding properly, or both.
To ensure that the hose length and reel capacity are suitably matched, check packaging information on both if buying new, or measure the existing hose.
Leader Hose
Most garden hose reels include a leader hose to attach the hose reel to the spigot. Whether users will be connecting an existing hose or buying a new one, check the packaging information to verify that the diameters match or they won’t be able to thread together. For example, a 5/8-inch garden hose won’t fit on a leader hose with a 3/4-inch diameter.
The proper leader hose length depends on where the hose will be stored and its proximity to the water source. If the hose reel comes with a 6-foot leader and is installed 4 feet from the spigot, the leader hose will be long enough.
Portable vs. Stationary
Hose reels can be attached to a permanent location, such as the side of a house, or on wheels or stakes for portability. To decide what will work best, consider the size of the landscape. Is it a fairly large area, or a patch of grass and a smattering of bushes planted close to the foundation?
Users with a big yard may benefit from the mobility of a metal hose reel cart. Hoses are heavy and lugging one around is hard work; hose reel carts make the job easier. A garden hose stand that users can relocate around the yard might be ideal for a medium yard.
Alternatively, smaller backyards where the hose easily reaches everything in need of water should be fine with a wall-mounted unit like a hose hanger or a storage box that remains in place.
Manual vs. Automatic
How much work are you willing to put into winding your hose? Manual hose reels have a crank that you turn by hand to wind the hose. Automatic models have a button on the side of the reel that, when pressed, winds the hose. They’re usually powered by lithium-ion batteries.
Longer hoses can be troublesome for automatic reels, which may have difficulty winding in the entire length of the hose. Automatic hose reels are more convenient, though priced higher than basic manual models.
Closed vs. Open Storage
Folks who prefer to stow the garden hose out of sight should opt for a closed (hideaway) storage hose reel. With these, the hose is enclosed in a container that houses the reel; a lid on top provides access to the hose.
In addition to concealment, closed storage protects the hose from the elements, which can increase its longevity. The alternative is an open storage reel where the hose is exposed and visible but still tidy and contained on the reel.
Material
The most common hose reels are generally made of plastic, fiberglass, aluminum, steel, or resin.
- Plastic hose reels are lightweight compared to the different metals, making them a good pick for portability and ideal for residential use. But they are not as durable as a metal reel. For those looking for variety in color, plastic hose reels come in different colors.
- Fiberglass reels are also lightweight and make a good choice for at-home use.
- Aluminum reels are lighter than steel but heavier than plastic and fiberglass. Aluminum makes a good metal choice when looking for something resistant to rust. And, aluminum reels can accommodate longer hoses over plastic reels. They make a good selection for heavy-duty jobs in any weather.
- Steel reels are less expensive than aluminum, albeit heavier to pick up. These reels are also rust resistant and can hold longer hoses than plastic reels. For example, users can find a Liberty hose reel that can house a hose up to 300 feet long.
- Resin hose reels are strong and durable and they won’t rust. They are also lightweight. Most hideaway reels are made of resin and protect a hose over a long period. Resin hose reels will weaken over time in the sunlight, but they last longer than other materials.
Additional Features
Though they’re generally simple devices, hose reels may come with a few bells and whistles.
- Some wall-mounted hose reels include a convenient storage bin for small, frequently used garden tools like additional hose nozzles, gloves, and hand cultivators. Bins are preferable to baskets, since exposure to the elements is likely to shorten the lifespan of these tools.
- Stationary hose reels may feature a swivel base that allows for multidirectional movement. Swiveling saves users from having to adjust the direction of the hose as it unwinds when pulled in different directions. The unit stays in place but spins as it changes direction.
- Garden hose reels may also include a hose guide that prevents kinking when winding and unwinding—a nice option since hoses have a tendency to bunch up, particularly while being wound, which prevents the reel from turning.
FAQs
For more information about the best hose reel, check out these answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If additional concerns arise, contact the manufacturer.
Q. How do I choose a hose reel?
When choosing a garden hose reel, consider the length and diameter of the hose you want to connect to ensure compatibility. The size of your yard will help you choose between portable and stationary. If you have a large yard, you may want to find the best hose reel cart.
Then you need to make decisions regarding your willingness to manually reel, the material you want, how much you want to spend, and any additional features you may wish to have.
Q. Are brass hose fittings better than plastic?
Brass hose fittings are more durable than plastic fittings; they are more robust and will last longer in the event of rain or inclement weather. While plastic may be suitable for some fittings, this material tends to break easily, especially when hoses are attached with high tension. Though brass is also more expensive than plastic, it is definitely worth while to buy brass over plastic..
Q. Which type of hose reel material lasts the longest?
Brass, aluminum, and stainless steel hose reels last the longest.longer than any other materials on the market. These materials are made to withstand moisture and heavy-duty use making them perfect for outdoor use. If taken care of, these options are also rust-resistant and will not wear over time. Plus, these metals are strong enough to withstand frequent use.
Q. What kind of hose reel is best for small yards?
The best garden hose reel for a small yard is the Giraffe Retractable Garden Hose Reel with 65 ft Hose. Since this model is made with a short hose, it reches just enough space for watering without taking up a lot of space on a wall or fence. Plus, this model comes with a nozzle for satisfying any type of spraying preference.
Q. Where do you mount a hose reel?
Users should mount a garden hose reel close to a water spout, preferably on a wall or a fence. Most hose reels come with a leader hose that could be 5 to 6 feet long, making it easier to install a mount where you want it.
However, some models are made to be portable or freestanding and can be mounted or placed anywhere in the yard.
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