Gardening is a great way to relax and have beauty surrounding your home. However, it’s not always easy to water the plants. Most people live in areas with slight drought conditions, making it hard to rely on Mother Nature.
It’s important to find the best garden hose reel. This is going to keep the tubing organized so that it doesn’t snag. Plus, it is safer because you aren’t dragging long hoses through the garden.
We take a look at 12 products and help you find the right one. Plus, we talk about the benefits of hose reels and how to use them.
Table of Contents
6 Benefits of Using a Garden Hose Reel
There are a variety of benefits for using a garden hose reel. These include:
Be More Efficient/ Save Time
When you use a garden hose reel, you are going to save a lot of time. You don’t have to unravel your entire hose and get all the kinks out. Reel it up fast and take just what you need for your outdoor projects.
This also helps with productivity because you can control the hose. That way, the job is easy, less time-consuming, and simpler.
Take Care of It
Your hose sees a lot of use. When it is dragged along the ground, it can get punctures. Hose reels can prevent this.
Also, your hose can get knotted and kinked. Without a reel, the hose gets folded, as well. This prevents water from going through, so you have to fix it before using it.
A hose reel means that you don’t have to deal with those issues. The hose stays in excellent condition for longer, which saves you money.
Longer Lifespan
Hoses can become quite expensive. Even if you choose the more budget-friendly options, you want it to last a long time. Coiling the hose properly on the reel allows you to extend its service life.
That means it doesn’t get exposed to air or the environment as much. In fact, you could prolong the lifespan of your hose by about three times as long when using a reel. It’s a minimal risk that there are going to be leaks or rips when a reel is used.
You’re Safer
If you don’t use a hose reel, the hose is likely to be unorganized. That can cause you to trip over it and have an accident. Children and pets can also get injured if the hose is just lying around.
A hose reel is designed to keep the hose in place and keep it in good condition. That way, you and your family aren’t going to get hurt while playing or using the tool.
Organize Your Space
The hose reel is going to look very professional. You can organize all of the hoses and make sure that they are ready to use the next time.
This organizational tool is helpful when you want a clean space with which to work. That way, people can admire the garden instead of seeing the hoses you used to water.
A Safeguard
When you use a hose reel, you are protected, your family is protected, and the hose itself is safe. Everything comes together, looks organized and allows you to enjoy the garden you’ve worked hard to grow.
The 12 Best Garden Hose Reels on the Market
We talk about 12 different garden hose reels, which means it is a lengthy article. The table below can help you find each of the products more easily.
The garden hose reel from Eley is made of aluminum alloy and is a gooseneck swivel. It also comes with its own polyurethane hose.
You can choose to assemble it and mount it perpendicularly or parallel. It can hold about 125 feet of hose with a 5/8-inch diameter. This means you can easily have enough length to water the entire garden.
Of course, it comes with a warranty guaranteeing that it isn’t going to break, rust, or leak for 10 years. This gives you peace of mind to know it’s going to last and be durable. Though assembly is required, it comes with appropriate mounting hardware.
2. Liberty Garden 704 Decorative Garden Hose Reel
If you’re interested in something decorative, the garden hose reel from Liberty Garden might be ideal. The hose isn’t included, but it can hold up to 125 feet with a 5/8-inch diameter.
It’s made of cast aluminum so that it isn’t going to rust. Plus, it has aluminum and brass plumbing fixtures. They’re powder-coated to make it weather resistant.
You can easily pull out the hose to use it. It’s fully assembled and comes with a crank to rewind the hose for storage.
Plus, this product has a shelf, which allows you to store a few garden tools or nozzles. Please note that the mounting hardware isn’t included.
3. Liberty Garden 710 Navigator Rotating Garden Hose Reel
Another decorative option comes from Liberty Garden and is called the Navigator. It also holds a hose of 5/8-inch diameter of up to 125 feet long. There are eight different locking positions so that the hose isn’t going to fight you while it’s out.
You’ve also got a crank handle, which is detachable. There’s a storage tray at the top so that you can easily keep track of the tools you need that day. If that weren’t enough, it swivels a full 90 degrees from the base.
There’s also a feature that allows the reel to rotate a full 360 degrees. Therefore, you aren’t going to get stopped while trying to rewind or unwind.
It’s made of 18-gauge steel, which can rust. To offset this, there’s a powder coat finish to protect it and make it weather resistant.
4. Giraffe Tools Retractable Garden Hose Reel
When you want something durable and sturdy enough for anything, Giraffe has what you need. This garden hose reel is retractable and can be locked at every length. The auto-retract feature goes at a slow speed to protect the reel and hose.
It already comes with an attached hose, which is 130 feet long and 1/2-inch in diameter. Generally, it takes about 15 seconds for the entire hose to get retracted.
The hose itself also comes with different patterns. That way, you can choose a different water spray for each purpose.
Of course, the bracket is durable and pivots about 180 degrees. You can water every inch of the garden effectively. Plus, you get the wall plugs and screws needed for stone, brick, or concrete constructions.
5. GARDENA Retractable Hose Reel
Do you want an all-in-one hose reel system? The one from Gardena might be suitable. It’s got a locking mechanism, which means you can give it a short pull, and it retracts quietly and slowly.
You also get a 7-foot connector hose and 115 feet of hose inside. The steel spring inside it makes sure that the retraction is even and powerful. Plus, it features a hose guide to prevent the hose from tangling or twisting.
The wall bracket also has spaces where you can store your wash brushes and sprayers. It also features an appropriate nozzle.
6. Gardena 8010 Hose Reel
The 8010 model from Gardena is small and lightweight. It’s designed to sit on the ground, and you can move it a little. Of course, the connector for the spigot is at the back, so you need a short hose to work it.
It features grey and blue colors, making it look pretty next to almost any house. You also get the hose included, which means you can easily set it up.
This product is fully assembled. All you’ve really got to do is connect the hose to the spigot, and you are ready to go. Of course, you can pull out just what you need and then crank it back.
7. Giraffe Metal Hose Reel Box
The Giraffe brand also has a hose reel made of metal. It features an anti-rust coating, so it’s going to be suitable for all weather conditions.
Its metal base is strong enough to stay in place while you are pulling the hose out to use it. This hose reel doesn’t work with the ¾-inch diameter hoses. You need a 5/8-inch diameter and can hold up to 150 feet, though it isn’t included.
This product is decorative and features an auto-tracking system. That way, the hose isn’t going to get kinked while you are hand-cranking it back into place.
8. Suncast Outdoor Storage Hose Reel
Those who want a decorative hose reel might like the Suncast brand. It looks like a little wicker box and has a slot for the hose to sit. You can easily grab it when you need it.
There is also a hand-crank on the side. It is made of resin, though it doesn’t look exceptionally sturdy. Still, you’ve got a slide-track guide that makes it easy to unwind and wind the hose without any kinks.
Even with 225 feet of hose, you can still store a few tools or garden gloves inside it. It’s designed to stay in place, but the hose is long enough to reach most garden spaces.
9. Liberty Garden 712 Multi-Directional Garden Hose Reel
Do you want something that looks old-fashioned? If you don’t mind seeing the hose, the Liberty Garden 712 model might be ideal. It holds a hose of 5/8-inch diameter and 125 feet, but it’s not included.
Of course, it is weather-resistant because of the bronze powder-coated finish on the 18-gauge steel. You also get full reel rotation and a swivel so that the hose and reel move with you as you are unwinding it.
Everything is assembled. All you’ve got to do is attach its handle and mount it where you desire it to be.
10. Liberty Garden 870 Garden Hose Reel Cart
When you want something portable, the hose reel cart from Liberty Garden is suitable. It’s durable and made of 13-gauge steel. However, it has a powder coat finish to make it weather-resistant.
You can hold 300 feet of hose with 5/8-inch diameter. There is also a non-slip handle that makes it easy to retract.
It’s designed to look quaint and old-fashioned, but you are going to see the hose and the reel. It comes with 10-inch pneumatic tires, making it portable. That way, you can go where you need to be to water the garden effectively.
11. Ironton Garden Hose Reel Cart
If you want a portable hose reel cart, the Ironton brand might work well. It features a tubular steel frame, but it’s suitable for any type of weather. You can easily roll the wheels through any terrain and don’t have to worry about puncturing holes in them.
The hose isn’t included, but you can buy one that’s 5/8-inches in diameter and 300 feet long. There is also a basket to one side, so you can store some accessories and water the garden at will.
Of course, you also get the leader hose, which is 6 feet long. Plus, there is a hand crank to make it easy to get the hose back on the reel.
12. AMES 2388340 ReelEasy Side Mount Reel
A side reel works well for those who don’t want the bulk of the reel sticking out from the house. AMES offers an excellent option. It’s assembled, so you just have to mount it. Plus, you can hold about 100 feet of hose with a 5/8-inch diameter.
There is also a leader hose, which makes it easy to connect the reel to the spigot. With an integrated hose guide, the product aligns the hose for you, ensuring that it winds up without any trouble. Just grip the side and wind up your hose when you’re done!
How to Choose a Garden Hose Reel?
It’s important that you purchase the right garden hose reel for your home. To do that, you need to know the types of reels that are available. Of course, you should be aware of other factors, too.
Types of Hose Reel
There are seemingly endless types of garden hose reels on the market. However, the most common ones include wall- and cart-mounted versions, as well as cabinets. We talk about all three below:
Wall-mounted
Wall-mounted garden hose reels are usually very sturdy and come with all of the hardware you need to install them. They’re simple and look like an arched structure. Then, the hose gets looped over it and hangs there until you need it.
Alternatively, some wall-mounted versions have handles. That way, you can easily wind up the hose and store it.
Cart-mounted
Generally, the cart-mounted hose reel allows you to easily store and move the hose while it is on the reel. It can look like a simple contraption or be a decorative piece. Regardless, it has wheels so that you can move it along the grass wherever you need it to be.
Hose Cabinet
The hose cabinet is often stationary and decorative. That way, it looks like a quaint little box that sits beside the house or in the shed. It usually has a crank, which allows you to retract the hose.
Then, the hose nozzle stays outside of the box. This helps you see where to go to get it.
Retractable or Non-retractable
Most hose reels feature a crank to retract it back. The benefit here is that you can turn it and get the hose back on the reel after you’re done with it. Often, it saves you some energy.
Non-retractable reels still allow you to put the hose back on the reel. However, you must wind it up yourself. Sometimes, the mount moves, allowing you to roll it and guide the hose.
Length & Width of Hose
You need to think about the length of your hose and how wide it is. Most hoses are about 5/8-inch in diameter, which allows for adequate water pressure and flow. However, you can also find ¾-inch and ½-inch options.
The wider the hose, the more water can go through. However, it also means that it takes more space for the hose to be on the reel.
Of course, the length of the hose also matters. You’ve got to see how long it is and then figure out the farthest point that it can go from the water source. Making sure that the hose can water every part of the garden is important.
Then, you need a hose reel that can hold the full hose. This is going to keep it organized and unkinked.
Hose Reel & Cabinets Made Of
You can find many materials for the hose reel and cabinets. Generally, nylon is used for the hose itself. The reel is often made of metal or PVC. The cabinets or carts might be made of stainless steel or aluminum.
Likewise, the cabinets are often made of durable plastic. However, they can also be made of a non-corrosive metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel.
Durable & Easy to Use
The reel you buy has to be durable. You want to use the same one for many years. Often, it is best to buy the hose at the same time.
That way, you know that both products are new and designed to last for a few years. You’re not going to need to make repairs to the reel or have to get a different one because it is highly durable.
How to Install Garden Hose Reel?
Though the hose reel is likely to come with the screws you need, it might be wise to get ones that are longer and suitable for your home’s material. For example, you can find screws that go into the wood, brick, concrete, and more.
The reel should have a short hose, which is the connector. It gets threaded onto the end of your hose, allowing the reel to be installed close to the faucet.
Measuring the short hose allows you to place the reel close enough to the spigot to prevent stretching. Mark this area with some chalk.
Make sure that the hose reel is flat against the house. It needs to be located where the screws are going into the upper portion of your siding. The bottom parts of the rows can be hollow, which means the screws might break with the weight.
If you’ve got a brick house, make sure that the screws are in the brick and not the mortar joints. They are weaker. Make sure you mark the screw holes first.
Now, set aside your reel and get your drill and appropriate drill bit. It’s best to use three-inch galvanized screws here. Drill out the holes, making sure that they are slightly smaller than your screw diameter.
Add plastic anchors for a brick house. They are going to hold the screw in place. Now, you can squeeze some clear silicone into the holes to prevent moisture from getting inside.
Quickly grab the reel and put it against the wall so that the holes match up. Drive your screws into the holes until it is flush with the wall and snug. Make sure it’s sturdy before letting go.
Add the hose to the reel’s short hose connector. Then, you can turn the crank so that the garden hose goes onto your reel.
6 Tips on How to Use Hose Reel Perfectly
Here are a few tips on how to use your reel the right way:
1. Manual or Spring Reels
Manual reels have a crank with a handle. The drum then turns. You can use your hands to coil the hose back onto the reel, though it is time-consuming and requires some effort.
Spring reels don’t use physical work and can save some time. They use a spring system to unwind and rewind the hose. Of course, they also allow you to lock the hose at a particular length while using it to prevent damage.
2. Power Reels
You can get a hose reel powered by electricity, water, or air. They wind up the water pipe quickly and efficiently. However, they’re often used commercially.
3. Placement
You should make sure that you mount the reel to the wall that’s closest to the backyard or garden. This is going to protect it from getting damaged and ensure that it is long enough for your needs.
4. Dimension and Length
The dimensions and length of the hose are important when it comes to operating the reel. If the hose length exceeds the capacity of the reel, it can get kinked, twisted, or damaged. Therefore, it is going to get cracked and start leaking.
Make sure that the hose you choose is the right length for your reel. This information is often found in the description of the product.
5. Handle It Carefully
When you handle the hose or reel, make sure that you’re not going to damage it. Don’t pull the hose out quickly because you could damage the mechanism and the piping. Otherwise, you may not be able to use the reel as it is intended, which defeats the purpose of owning one.
6. Maintenance and Storage
Make sure you store the hose properly so that it is protected completely. It should not be put in a place where it gets direct sunlight because the UV rays can break down its lining.
You should also ensure that you’re winding the hose up after using it. The reel itself should be kept clean, but you shouldn’t use harsh chemicals.
Conclusion
We feel that the best garden hose reels are the Eley Wall Mount Reel (1041 model) and the Suncast brand. Those who want a concealed hose might prefer Suncast. It looks like wicker and is easy to use.
Others might not mind the hose being seen. The Eley brand comes with a connector hose and everything else you need to water your garden effectively.
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