- At a Glance: Best Garden Hose Reels in 2022
- Best Overall Garden Hose Reel Reviews
- Best for Hose Reels close to or under $100: The Budget Friendly Reels
- Garden Hose Reel Buyer’s Guide
- Garden Hose Reel FAQs
- Conclusion
- Helpful video on the Eley Hose Reel
We all know how exhausting yard work can be, especially if it’s been neglected through a frigid winter.
Whether it’s the beginning of spring or the middle of summer, it’s important to take care of your yard so that it stays as healthy as possible.
After a day of hard work outside, the last thing you want to do is have to struggle to put all of the equipment you used away, especially the dreaded hose.
Below are the best garden hose reel options that money can buy that will make completing your yard work that much easier!
At a Glance: Best Garden Hose Reels in 2022
1. Liberty Single Arm Navigator Garden Hose Reel
2. Suncast Resin Wicker-Looker Hose Reel
3. Liberty Garden 707 Garden Hose Reel
4. Gardena Retractable Hose
5. Eley Wall-Mount Garden Hose
Best Overall Garden Hose Reel Reviews
1. Liberty Garden 712 Single Arm Navigator Garden Hose Reel
This Liberty Garden multi-directional garden hose is a reel that can hold up to 125 feet of hose at once.
This garden reel has a beautiful bronze finish that will look great mounted on the outside of any house.
It is made out of durable 18 gauge steel and finished with a powder coat to prevent any damage it could get from the natural elements.
There is also a pull-up knob that makes this Liberty Garden hose reel rotate in any direction, preventing any kinks while you’re using the hose.
Product Highlights
This garden hose has a unique storage tray that is built-in for ultimate convenience; it can be used to store garden gloves, tools, or hose attachments.
There is a solid brass swivel that can spin up to 90-degrees, preventing any damage to the hose as you use it and while winding it up.
A big highlight for this product is that it comes completely assembled; all you have to do is attach the handle and put it on the exterior of your home.
What We Like
We love how easy it is to wind up the hose when we’re finished with yard work.
The storage tray is a nice plus that not many garden hose reels come with.
Another great thing that makes this one of the best hose reels on the market is how easy it is to install.
What’s more, the powder finish that makes it weather-resistant is a big plus for those who live in areas where it rains or snows a lot.
What We Don’t Like
One thing that we don’t like about this garden hose is that it doesn’t come with any mounting hardware.
As such, you’ll have to spend more money and find the proper mounting hardware, which is simply inconvenient.
Not really a major dislike, but it would also be nice if it came in finishes other than bronze.
The bronze looks great and works with most houses, but the finish isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
PROS
- Easy to install
- Has a storage tray
- 90-degree swivel
- Prevents kinks in the hose
- Comes assembled
CONS
- No mounting hardware included
- Some hoses are too heavy
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2. Suncast Resin Wicker-Looker Hose Reel
If you’re looking for something that looks casual and natural in your garden, the Suncast Aquawinder is a great choice.
This hideaway reel comes in a wicker cube design that doesn’t draw any unwanted attention wherever you decide to place it in your yard.
It can hold hoses up to 125 feet long, making it great for home or professional use.
The hose reel measures 24 by 27 by 23 ½ inches, which is plenty of room to contain the hose without taking up too much space.
Product Highlights
One of the main things that make this a great option is that it is automatic, reducing the amount of work that is needed from you.
The hose will wind up when you press down the lever, and you won’t need to do anything else.
The wicker-looking casing is made out of high-quality plastic that has a wood texture to blend into your yard.
The lever is clearly labeled, making it easy to put it in the position needed—whether that’s to reel in the hose or put it at rest for when you’re using the hose.
What We Like
One thing that stands out about this garden hose reel is that it automatically guides the hose, evenly distributing the hose side to side across the reel.
This prevents bunching & kinking within the hose box, ensuring the hose releases easily the next time you use it.
Another great thing about this garden hose reel is that it looks natural, thanks to the brown wood and wicker-looking finish.
It’s a hideaway reel, which means you can’t even tell a that a garden hose lives inside this house.
It also won’t break the bank, which is always a good thing when you’re shopping around for a new product.
What We Don’t Like
Though the brown is a great color option, it would be nice if it came in a green option as well to really blend in with the grass and plants.
It also takes a while to install the hose in the box, and the assembly time could have been shortened by making the box slightly bigger.
PROS
- Easy to use
- Hideaway reel that blends in with surroundings
- Affordable
- Automatically distributes the hose evenly on the reel
CONS
- No color options
- Needs to be firmly staked down with stakes provided
- Some users say that they thought components were aluminum, and the were plastic
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM
3. Liberty Garden 707 Garden Hose Reel
Liberty Garden makes another appearance as one of the best options for garden hose reels with the 707 model.
Like other popular garden hose reels on the market, the 707 can hold up to 125-feet of a 5/8-inch hose at once.
It boasts a powder coating finish that prevents things like rust from hard water.
It is made out of cast aluminum, making it durable enough to handle being outdoors all the time.
Product Highlights
This is a durable garden hose reel that will be safe from the elements, including snow, dirt, and rain.
It is designed with a built-in shelf that can be used to hold things, like garden tools or hose attachments, in a convenient place.
The way this reel is designed gives it an elegant look that will look great on any home’s exterior.
There is a circle in the front and center of the garden reel where you can wind the hose through to prevent it from unwinding into a big pile.
What We Like
One of the best things about this garden hose reel is that it has a large ergonomic handle, making it easy to wind and unwind the hose when needed.
We also think that its classy design gives each house a fancy touch without trying too hard.
The built-in shelf is large and can hold a lot of stuff, saving you storage space in your garage or tool shed.
The cast-aluminum and powder finish keep the reel safe from natural elements and prevents rust from building up.
What We Don’t Like
One of the negative things about the Liberty Garden 707 is that it doesn’t come with mounting hardware, which means you’ll have to buy one, costing you even more money.
Speaking of, this isn’t the cheapest option for something to keep your hose organized.
It’s also important to mention that the shelf has holes that are big enough for things like wire cutters to fall through.
PROS
- Comes assembled
- Cast-aluminum finish
- Easy to install
- Looks great on every house
- The large handle is easy to turn
CONS
- No mounting hardware included
- Holes throughout the shelf
- Not the cheapest option
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM
4. Gardena Retractable Hose
As you can tell by the name, this reel will automatically retract the garden hose when you’re done using it, saving you time and effort.
What’s more, it is designed to lock when not in use and keep the hose in place at all times, which can be important if you live with young children.
All of the necessary mounting hardware is included when you purchase the Gardena retractable hose reel.
Product Highlights
Inside this garden hose reel, you will find an integrated steel spring, which provides a powerful enough retraction that brings the hose all the way into the box in just seconds.
Each purchase also includes a hose guide bracket that can be mounted onto the wall or corner to hold things like nozzles or sprayers.
A unique feature that this garden hose reel has is the frost-protected storage container.
This allows you to keep the hose in there all year round.
The wall bracket also swivels, making it easy to use the hose all around your yard without needing to reposition anything.
What We Like
One of our favorite things about this Gardena retractable hose reel is that it comes with everything you need to get it set up within just a few minutes after unboxing it.
The container that the hose sits in while it’s not in use is large and can easily be taken down if you want to store it for winter.
Another thing that makes this one of the best options out there is how effortless it is to retract the hose when you’re done using it.
The mounting brackets that hold things like brushes, nozzles, and other tools are a great addition to the reel, as well.
What We Don’t Like
One thing that stands out about this product is the price tag.
While you get a high-quality product, it can be hard to justify spending such a big amount on a hose reel.
It’s also bulky and really stands out from the natural look of the outdoors, which can be a turn off for some users.
PROS
- Quickly retracts hose
- Easy to install
- Comes with mounting hardware
- Swivels left to right
- Has a locking mechanism
CONS
- Expensive
- Bulky
- Not aesthetically pleasing
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM
5. Eley Wall-Mount Garden Hose
The Eley garden hose reel takes the final spot on our list.
One thing that sets it apart is that it can be mounted parallel or perpendicular to the wall outdoors.
What’s more, unlike others on the market, the setup is easy for both left- and right-handed individuals.
It does come with a six-foot rubber connection hose that makes it easy to set up.
Product Highlights
This is an incredibly durable product that can be used at home or in professional settings.
It’s been rated at 150 PSI, allowing you to use it with any municipal water source.
You will find that it has brass fittings, and the mounting hardware is included, preventing you from having to spend any extra money.
This garden hose reel has a powder finish, keeping it safe from things like snow, rain, or sandstorms.
What We Like
This garden hose reel stands out for being the most heavy-duty out of the bunch.
One thing that stands out about it is how easy it is to install, no matter what your dominant hand is.
There is a large handle that has padding, which is used to ravel and unravel the hose for whenever you are using it.
This reel can also fit a longer hose than other reels on the market, which is great if you have a longer hose than the standard 125 feet.
What We Don’t Like
It definitely will stand out from the rest of your house’s exterior, which can be a downfall to some.
It may also be too big for some users, especially if you have a smaller hose.
Other than that, there aren’t too many things to dislike about this garden hose reel.
PROS
- Easy to install
- Drinking water Safe
- Built to last – 10 year no leak, no rust warranty
- Can fit larger hoses
- Ambidextrous handle
- Comes with mounting hardware
CONS
- Bulky
- Pricey
- Has an industrial look
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON ELEY.COM
Best for Hose Reels close to or under $100: The Budget Friendly Reels
If the reels above are all too expensive for you, you may be in the market for a less expensive garden hose reel. That’s why we also looked at all the budget friendly reels on the market and picked out the best.
If you’ve started poking around, you’ve probably noticed that there’s a range of options available as far as cheap garden hose reels are concerned. What’s better, an inexpensive self-retracting garden hose reel, or a higher quality reel with a hand crank?
There are quite a few inexpensive garden hose reel options and the one that best suits your need will depend on a variety of factors such as the length of hose needed, portability, auto-retract features, and more.
We found that the PayLessHere 4 wheel cart and the Suncast Hosemobile 2-wheel cart are the best bang for the buck on the market.
Let’s take a closer look to find out what is best for you!
1. PayLessHere 4-Wheel Garden Hose Reel Cart
This is another affordable option that is comparable to the Ironton Garden Hose Reel Cart reviewed above.
a sturdy 4 wheeled cart that allow for easy maneuverability around your yard.
It’s sturdy steel frame design equipped with a powder coating to prevent rusting should be a fixture in your garden for years.
Review
If you’re inclined to go with a 4 wheeled model, and the Ironton Garden Hose Reel Cart is a bit too pricey, you may consider the PayLessHere model.
Users complain less about rusting issues with the Payless garden hose reel cart than they do with the Ironton. This is likely due to the powder coat finish that the Payless manufacturers boast.
This is a stable cart with all terrain tires which will help you get your garden hose to every corner of your yard.
Due to it’s stability, it may be suited for elderly gardeners who have mobility issues.
The green powder coated paint not only prevents rust, it’ll be an aesthetically pleasing accoutrement for your garden.
Equipped with a comfortable padded handle and handy storage basket for easy access to your favorite gardening accessories.
It has a capacity of up to a 300ft garden hose, although some users say that it becomes hard to maneuver with 200ft or more of hose.
Some users also complain that the hardware included is cheap and which makes the model susceptible to leakage
Pros:
- Stable 4 wheel design
- Handy Storage Basket
- Steel frame with anti-rust powder coat finish
- 300 foot Garden Hose Capcity
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons:
- Some users complain of low quality hardware
- Tires are made of plastic, not rubber
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5. Suncast Hosemobile Pro Hose Reel Cart
This is another budget friendly, quality garden hose reel cart that allows for some maneuverability.
You won’t have to worry about any rusting issues with this model, which sits on a sturdy resin frame.
Review
This cart has wheels with an easy grip push handle making it easy to transport either for storage or to between your back & front yard.
Unlike steel models, which are susceptible to rust, the Suncast Hosemobile hose cart could be more durable in humid or moist climates that plague the steel framed carts.
With a 175ft hose capacity, you’ll be able to use this to water a small to medium sized yard.
The lightweight plastic frame enables users to easily transport to another water source or to store inside to prevent freezing.
The easylink system this model features coupled with the minimal amount of rust makes for a unit that is resistant to leaking.
The plastic frame does, however, have drawbacks. Some users complain that it breaks with rough usage.
It also does not come with a garden hose or nozzle. So, if you don’t have either of those items, you’ll need to factor that into your cost.
Pros:
- Anti-rust plastic frame
- Lightweight
- Brown taupe finish will look great next to any house color
- Easylink system resistant to leaking
Cons:
- Plastic components require delicate treatment
- May not last more than a few years
- Garden Hose, leader hose, and nozzle not included
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM
FINAL VERDICT: Best Cheap Water Hose
We like to think both of these water hose reels, not as cheap, but as the best bargains on the market.
The perfect hose reel is going to vary from person to person depending on what their needs are. If you you have some physical trouble getting around your yard, you may want to go with one of the sturdiness of the PayLessHere cart.
Overall, our number one under $100 garden hose reel is going to be the Suncast. The price tag is just so good and there aren’t many complaints about it breaking right away the way a lot of cheap products do.
Garden Hose Reel Buyer’s Guide
It’s important to know what to look for when you’re shopping around for a new product.
Below are some of the key features that make a big difference between one of the best options and one that isn’t worth your money.
Use this guide when comparing one product to another to find the garden hose reel that suits your needs.
1. Hose Reel Type
There are seven types of hose reels that you have to choose from, each having their own beneficial qualities to them.
If you’re looking for a hose reel that you attach to the exterior of your home and leave it there all year round, you may want to consider a stationary hose reel.
Then again, not everyone has a small yard, and you may need to take the cart with you to make sure that you can get into all the places that need watering.
For this purpose, you may want to opt for a portable hose reel or a hose reel cart that comes on wheels and usually has an ergonomic handle.
If you want something that will spruce up your yard, a decorative hose reel may be for you.
On the other hand, a hideaway hose reel is perfect for those who don’t want a hose reel to be an eyesore in their yard.
Lastly, spring-loaded and air hose reels are great options for people who want something that can retract the hose quickly.
2. Hose Length Capacity
Something else that’s important to consider is the hose length capacity on a garden hose reel.
If you own a standard garden hose that is ⅝-inches around and between 25 and 100 feet, you will likely be safe buying any of the garden hose reel options on the market.
With that being said, if you have a longer garden hose, you may want to pay attention to the capacity a reel has.
This way, you won’t have any excess hose hanging over the edge of the reel.
3. Movability
The best garden hose reels are easy to move around, and many have swivel features.
Imagine putting a garden hose reel on the side of your house and needing to go around the corner to fill a kiddie pool.
This is going to be much easier to do when you have one that can move left to right or one that can swivel 360-degrees.
You also want to consider something that you can move come wintertime, unless it has a powder coat finish protecting it from the elements.
4. Design
Design plays a major factor when it comes to picking out a garden hose reel.
As you’ve read above, there are quite a variety of design options to choose from.
The decision depends on your personal preferences and the aesthetic of your garden, your yard, and the exterior of your home.
You can get something that has a fancy metal design or something that blends right into the environment.
5. Build
The last feature to pay attention to when shopping around for a garden hose reel is the build.
The first thing to consider is where you live and the yearly weather you get there.
If you live somewhere with a lot of rain or snow, you may want to opt for a plastic reel or a metal one that has a weather-resistant coating.
Look at the build and see if it can support the weight of the hose you have, and then check to see if there are any special features, such as trays or shelves.
Garden Hose Reel FAQs
1. How does a hose reel work?
A hose reel works by having a cylindrical center and large circular sides to accompany a rolled-up hose.
With your hose attached to the spigot on the outside of your home, you’d wrap it around the base of a hose reel and begin to turn it until the hose is completely wrapped up.
Some have special features like levers, handles, and buttons that can retract the hose reel using springs or a built-in pulley system.
2. How do you attach a hose to a hose cart?
Depending on which model you have, attaching the hose cart can be rather easy, and all equipment should be included in the purchase.
There is usually a small hose that you’ll attach to the hose cart, which then attaches to your garden hose with a small screw piece.
After you’ve done that, you simply hold down that same end of your garden hose and begin wrapping it around the base of the hose cart until it’s completely wound up.
3. How do I install a hose reel?
Installing a hose reel will differ depending on which hose reel you end up buying, but a lot of them install relatively similar.
You want to make sure you measure how long the short hose is and that you place the hose reel close enough to the spigot; you can mark the spot with chalk or a pencil.
If you’re working with siding, you’ll want to install the screws on the thinner parts of the siding to make it easier to screw in; if you don’t, it can buckle and tear off the siding.
Simply drill the holes where they’re required and use the hardware included with the hose reel to finish the installation.
4. How do you attach a hose to an outside tap?
Attach the hose to an outdoor tap by first placing a hose connector onto the tap; your hose may have one built-in.
Next, screw the end of your hose onto the connector as tight as possible to ensure it won’t leak.
Turn on the water slowly to check for leaks, and if there’s none, then you’re ready to use the hose.
5. How do you fix a retractable hose?
You can use straight couplings to fix a retractable hose.
You can find these in a variety of sizes at just about any hardware store.
Cut off the damaged part of the hose and place a connector between the open ends.
Then, tighten the coupling as tight as possible and test to see if it’s tight enough by turning on the water.
Conclusion
Now that you’re practically an expert in finding the best hose reel, have you picked a winner yet?
If you ask us, our favorite out of the products above is the Eley Wall-Mount Garden Hose.
You can’t beat something that’s easy to install, and that retracts the hose for you!
The fact that it can easily be removed for winter storage is a big plus, as well.
If you’re on a budget, that may not be the option for you, and the Suncast No-Leak Resin Wicker-Looker Hose Reel will be your best bet.
Any of these options would be great choices and should be considered before spending any money.
Remember to keep in mind your environment, the size of the hose you own, and the design of the hose reel.
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