Spending as little as $20 can save you from the backbreaking task of uncoiling and winding up your garden hose. Garden hose reels range from simple, powder-coated ground stakes to elaborate models with decorative scrollwork that are meant to show off.
Garden hose reels are more than worth the expense—a basic option won’t set you back more than $20—plus they can extend the life of a hose, which is more likely to crimp and leak if stored on the garage floor. If you’re sold on the idea, read on for our best garden hose reel recommendations that work for a variety of needs and outdoor spaces.
For more great ways to make gardening easier and more enjoyable, check out our picks for the best garden hose nozzles, raised garden beds, and greenhouse kits.
Best Garden Hose Reels
Best Overall
Liberty Garden Products Multi-Directional Garden Hose Reel
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Best with Ground Stakes
TomCare Garden Hose Holder
(Video) Best Garden Hose Reel 2023 🏆 Top 5 Best Hose Reel for the MoneyRead more
What to Consider
Size
Unless you’re planning to buy a new garden hose, the one you have will determine the size of the reel you should get. Most garden hose reels can accommodate standard garden hoses that are 100 feet or longer, and some of the larger reels can handle hoses up to 300 feet long.
Location
Next, decide where you’re planning to put the hose reel. There are stationary wall-mounted or ground-stake reels, portable carts to store in the shed, and resin boxes that sit on the patio and keep your hoses completely hidden.
Mechanism
Most hose reels require some elbow grease, though there are pricier retractable hose reels that can help make your watering routine even easier. We cover both options below.
Key Features
The features you may come across are typically specific to the brand and style of hose reel you buy. For example, wall-mounted options can have wire baskets for holding gardening gloves and tools, hose guides, and swivels. Some large garden hose reels have wheels, which is a smart choice if you have a lot of ground to cover.
How We Selected
Here at PopMech, our experience with garden tools and accessories runs deep from extensive research and testing. Our selection includes durable, reliable garden hose reels in a range of popular styles from no-frills to decorative. We aimed to provide manual and retractable options across price points to suit different budgets, paying special regard to materials, weight, and ease of installation.
Best Overall
Liberty Garden Products Multi-Directional Garden Hose Reel
Best Overall
Liberty Garden Products Multi-Directional Garden Hose Reel
Pros
Durable and well designed
Reel rotates 360 degrees
Wire basket for stowing small items
Cons
A bit large
If you want a garden hose reel with style, this one is an excellent choice. The industrial reel is made of 18-gauge steel powder-coated in bronze, so it’ll hold up to the elements. It features a pull-up knob on the top that locks and unlocks the brass swivel mechanism so you can rotate the reel to face wherever you’re dragging the hose.
There’s also a small wire basket attached to the side for stowing extra nozzles or sprayers. It holds up to 125 feet of a standard 5/8-inch hose and comes fully assembled, which is a bonus, but there’s no mounting hardware included.
Key Specs
Size | 5/8 in. |
---|---|
Dimensions | 18.6 x 20.3 x 22 in. |
Weight | 15 lbs. |
Capacity | 125 ft. |
Pros
Simple, effective design
Great if mounting isn’t an option
Brass spigot
Cons
Not as sturdy as some other options
You’ll get even more bang for your buck with this freestanding garden hose reel made of heavy-gauge steel. This option features a brass spigot for extending a hose’s connection to give you better access if the spigot is in an awkward, hard-to-reach spot on your house.
It stands roughly 3.5 feet high and anchors securely in the ground with two stakes. The reel can hold garden hoses up to 125 feet long and comes in tan and white, along with steel gray.
Key Specs
Size | Not listed |
---|---|
Dimensions | 10.2 x 9.8 x 42.5 in. |
Weight | 9 lbs. |
Capacity | 125 ft. |
Best Hidden Hose Design
Giraffe Tools Metal Hose Reel Box
Best Hidden Hose Design
Giraffe Tools Metal Hose Reel Box
Pros
Inconspicuous design
Good capacity
2-year warranty
Cons
Requires bending
If you want to keep your garden hose out of sight, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more attractive way to hide it. This hose reel sits in a casing constructed of metal, with a rust-resistant coating and antique bronze finish.
The reel features a guide loop in front for tangle-free, hassle-free unrolling, along with a five-foot lead, and it holds 150 feet of a 5/8-inch garden hose, or 200 feet of a 1/2-inch garden hose. There’s also a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Key Specs
Size | 5/8 in., 1/2 in |
---|---|
Dimensions | 20 x 16 x 17 in. |
Weight | 26 lbs |
Capacity | 5/8-in. (150 ft.); 1/2-inch (200 ft.) |
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Best for Small Yards
Birdrock Home Hose Holder
Best for Small Yards
Birdrock Home Hose Holder
Pros
Eye-catching design
Relative inconspicuous
Cons
Uncoiling hose requires bending down
This rustic garden hose reel is perfect if you have a tiny yard or can’t mount one on the side of your house. It serves the practical purpose of keeping your space tidy and also looks attractive, accented with an embossed pattern and a bronze finish.
The center post is removable for uncoiling the hose easily, and there’s a hole on the side for snaking it through. It may appear small, but it holds hoses up to 100 feet long.
Key Specs
Size | Not listed |
---|---|
Dimensions | 19.5 x 19.5 x 11 in. |
Weight | 7 lbs. |
Capacity | 100 ft. |
Pros
Works well in small yards
Easy installation
Cons
Not as stable as wall-mounted options
This option is great if you don't want to drill holes on the side of the house or take up patio space. Made from rustproof metal with a simple design, the garden hose reel has three sharp stakes to stand firm in the ground, plus the top piece detaches from the base if you want to store the coiled hose in the garage. Choose from matte silver or black.
Key Specs
Size | Varies |
---|---|
Dimensions | 15.7 x 15.7 x 41.3 in. |
Weight | 5 lbs. |
Capacity | Varies |
Best Resin Wall-Mounted
Suncast Wall-Mounted Garden Hose Reel
Best Resin Wall-Mounted
Suncast Wall-Mounted Garden Hose Reel
Pros
Excellent capacity
Durable
Tray for small items
Cons
Only one color option
This wall-mounted option can handle up to 200 feet of a standard vinyl 5/8-inch hose. The garden hose reel is made from durable resin, with reinforced connections to eliminate drips and leaks and a small shelf on top to hold gardening gloves or anything you don’t want to lose in the yard while you work.
It’s available in neutral taupe and can be mounted to the side of the house or inside the garage.
Key Specs
Size | 5/8 in. |
---|---|
Dimensions | 18 x 21.75 x 19 in. |
Weight | 8.4 lbs. |
Capacity | 200 ft. |
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Pros
Nine spray modes
Durable casing
Locks at any length
Cons
Larger than it may appear
This is the most expensive picks on our list, but you can’t beat the convenience of a retractable reel to prevent the hose—and your back—from kinking. There’s a 130-foot hybrid hose coiled up inside that’s abrasion-resistant to ward off leaks, and the reel features nine spray modes plus 180-degree rotation.
The flexible hose locks at the length you desire and you can lift the entire reel out of the mount for storage in the off season.
Key Specs
Size | 1/2 in. |
---|---|
Dimensions | 22.8 x 10.2 x 17.6 in. |
Weight | 30 lbs; 40 lbs |
Capacity | 130 ft., 155 ft. |
Rachel Klein
Senior Commerce Editor
Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.
FAQs
Say Goodbye to Kinks With These Top-Rated Garden Hose Reels? ›
Rubber and metal hose pipes are much stronger and less likely to kink, crack or deteriorate in the sun.
What is the best hose pipe for not kinking? ›Rubber and metal hose pipes are much stronger and less likely to kink, crack or deteriorate in the sun.
Is there a garden hose that doesn t kink? ›The Bionic Steel Garden Hose is a sturdy, compact, and flexible option to use outdoors that doesn't kink. We tested the pro version, which comes in a 100-foot length and has sturdy brass fittings.
What makes a hose kink free? ›The springiness that comes from a more resilient material allows a hose to resist compression when the hose is bent in a loop to the point of kinking. The hose with a highly resilient material will spring out of the loop rather than compress into a kink.
Does Flexzilla garden hose kink? ›The official review: Flexzilla garden hose
It is durable, does not kink (for real), connects easily, and has a wider opening than any of the other flexible hoses.
Ans: Generally, stainless steel hoses are considered the best option than rubber or other hoses. They last longer, are hard-wearing, kink-proof, easy to wind up after using, and has the benefit of keeping the water temperature cool inside the hose than rubber hoses.
Are hose reels worth it? ›Garden hose reels are more than worth the expense—a basic option won't set you back more than $20—plus they can extend the life of a hose, which is more likely to crimp and leak if stored on the garage floor.
How do I choose a garden hose reel? ›Measure the distance from one end to the other to find the length of your hose. Your hose measurement will be your hose reel's capacity. Hose reels range in capacity from less than 50' to 50' – 100', 101' – 150', 151' – 200', 201' – 250', and over 250'.
What is the disadvantage of flexible hose? ›Facts about flexible braided hoses
Some of the reasons this might occur are: They don't have a very long shelf life – often just five years. Some products are of questionable quality. Correct maintenance is not carried out which can lead to rust, fraying or kinking.
PVC air hoses have a harder time in cold temperatures because it reduces their flexibility. A rubber hose keeps a stable flexibility level even in freezing temperatures, so does polyurethane air hoses and hybrid variants.
How long do flexible braided hoses last? ›
Generally, you should replace your flexible hoses every five years. However, it's a good idea to check them regularly. corrosion or rust spots on the braided section of pipe.
Do hose reels prevent kinks? ›"Using a retractable hose reel will greatly reduce the risk of kinks as you generally only pull out the length of hose you need and the hose itself is protected from the sun, weathering and damage by the hose reel casing it is retracted into," Loynes.
How do I make my garden hose more pliable? ›Try dipping the hose end into hot water for a few minutes. This should soften it and make it more pliable. Now that the hose is repaired, keep it in good condition by draining and coiling it each time you use it. Straighten out any kinks immediately, otherwise they will crease the hose and cause it to crack.
Do expandable hoses kink? ›Expandable hoses don't kink, twist, or tangle while in use the way conventional hoses tend to do.
What size hose gives more pressure? ›Does hose diameter affect water pressure? A Larger diameter hose helps maintain the current water pressure as there is less resistance to the natural flow. A smaller diameter restricts the water flow, and in turn reduces the water pressure, but it increases the velocity (speed) the water travels.
How do you store a kink free hose? ›After stretching it out, roll it in large 2 feet to 3 feet loops before securing it for storage. Having a hose reel can minimize this step and greatly help in keeping your hose kink-free and looped tight. One of the most common reasons for kinking is storing your garden hoses in tight coils for a long time.
Which Flexzilla garden hose is best? ›Flexzilla 100-foot Garden Hose
The hose is the most versatile on this list — you can choose from seven different lengths ranging from 3 feet long up to 100 feet long. It also comes in a bright green color so it's easy to spot while you're working outdoors and includes durable aluminum metal couplings.
Flexzilla® offers a variety of Air Hose Reels to make reeling in hoses easy. Some models feature Levelwind™ Technology – Flexzilla's unique winding system that automatically layers hose back and forth across the reel ensuring that the hose is coiled smoothly, easily… every time.
Is Flexzilla garden hose made in USA? ›Mark Weems, president of Legacy, says “Legacy is committed to the continued development of superior products designed and produced in Eastern Iowa.
Are braided hoses better than rubber? ›Braided lines are stiffer than rubber lines and are more durable. Add the proper hose ends to the tubing if you buy a roll of it. You could also purchase braided hose to fit specific applications. Braided hose provides better heat dissipation and better flow, which is important when choosing performance car parts.
Are braided stainless steel hoses better than rubber? ›
The braided stainless steel encases a rubber hose and provides a burst-resistant measure. These washing machine hoses have a lower failure rate than rubber hoses when properly installed. Note that in tight spaces when the hose may become bent or kinked, the braided stainless steel can dig into the rubber hose.
Which is better rubber or stainless steel water hose? ›Rubber hoses tend to be cheaper but less resistant to temperature fluctuations or UV radiation, while stainless steel hoses provide additional protection against those elements but come at a higher price point.
Why are expensive reels better? ›An expensive fishing reel will be much smoother, cast better, have a more reliable drag system, balance better with your rod, and generally make fishing more enjoyable.
Can you leave a hose reel outside? ›We are often asked, "Do I need to take my hose reel inside for the winter, or is it okay to leave it out?" Doing either is fine. Since our garden hose reels are made of aluminum-alloy, brass, and stainless steel, the cold winter temperatures and moisture will not harm them.
Are reels better vertical or horizontal? ›Of course, the ideal is to do it vertically, since it occupies the entire screen of the mobile device.
What are the three types of hose reel? ›The most common styles of hose reels are spring driven (which is self retracting), hand crank, or motor driven. Hose reels are categorized by the diameter and length of the hose they hold, the pressure rating and the rewind method.
What is the standard pressure for hose reel? ›Hose checks – hose reels are fully unwound and the condition of the hose and valves/nozzles checked. Pressure test – The equipment is filled with water presurised and inspected for any leaks to test the integrity of the reel and hose. Maximum working pressure usually 12 bar so test pressure is typically 18 bar.
Is 3 4 or 5 8 garden hose better? ›If you compare both hoses, you will find that the overall discharge rate of a ¾ inch water hose is significantly higher than that of a ⅝ inch pipe. At a length of 25 feet, a ¾ inch water hose is capable of delivering up to 72 gallons of water every minute, which is nearly twice as compared to ¾ inches.
Why do hose reels always leak? ›If you're hose reel is leaking, there are only three possible sources for the leak: The inlet hose has failed. The brass swivel has failed. The connection between the inlet hose and the swivel has loosened.
How do you break in a new hose? ›Polyurethane Garden Hose (The Breaking In Period)
This hose is remarkable once you get it out of its package, uncoil it completely to a fully extended position and then bake it out in the sun while under pressure for an hour or two.
Is leaving the hose on bad? ›
If you leave the garden hose attached, the hose can hold water. The water in the hose will freeze and expand, which could cause connected faucets, valves, and pipes to freeze and break.
What angle should a water hose be aimed for the water to land with the shortest horizontal distance? ›Ideally, the greatest range should be for water launched at a 45° angle.
What is the ideal hose size? ›A hose width of five-eighths inch is generally most useful. It's a good combination of water flow and pressure without being too heavy. If hose weight is an issue for you, a half-inch hose may be best. They tend to be lighter weight but because of the smaller diameter they don't carry as much water.
Why do Flexi hoses burst? ›So why do they burst? The rubber tube inside flexi hoses expands under pressure and the stainless steel braid is designed to prevent further expansion. However, if the stainless steel fails and breaks, water pressure will cause the rubber lining to bulge out of the sleeve and rupture.
What is the life expectancy of a flexi pipe? ›Flexi pipes made of plastic or rubber materials can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality of the material and the conditions in which they are used. However, some manufacturers claim that their flexi pipes can last for longer, up to 25 years or even more.
What is the strongest material for a garden hose? ›Rubber: Among the most durable choices for a garden hose, rubber is optimal, but it tends to be heavier than other materials and can cost more. Premium hoses often contain rubber. Vinyl: Flexible and lighter in weight than rubber, vinyl is a popular choice of hose manufacturers.
What air hose should I buy? ›The rule of thumb when picking your hose I.D is the higher the CFM requirement of your air tool, the larger the diameter hose you'll need. Hand held tools such as spray guns and nailers tend to require 1-3 CFM and will work perfectly well with a 6mm hose.
Which is better hybrid or rubber air hose? ›Rubber is more flexible and weighs more, which makes it lay on the ground better and is less likely to be tripped over. PVC is lighter, stiffer (especially in cold weather), and thus more abrasion resistant. It is also easier to yank around than rubber hose. The hybrid hose is an attempt to capture the best of both.
How often should braided supply lines be replaced? ›We recommend changing braided supply lines every 10 years to avoid injuries such as those sustained by the appliance service technician as well as to protect your home and other property from water damage. If you are unsure of how old your supply lines are or how to replace them, RMS can help.
Do braided hoses leak? ›Conversely, the braided hose gives the inside rubber hoses a little flexibility, but it can't leak because the metal holds in the rubber.
What is the difference between Type A and Type B for hose pipe? ›
With A-types, the levers are welded directly to the socket (or female) end of the fitting. On B-type fittings, the levers are welded onto a floating ring that slips over the ball (or male) end. It's really that simple!
Is PVC or rubber water hose better? ›PVC air hoses have a harder time in cold temperatures because it reduces their flexibility. A rubber hose keeps a stable flexibility level even in freezing temperatures, so does polyurethane air hoses and hybrid variants.
Do stainless steel hoses kink? ›A stainless steel hose like the Bionic Steel garden hose is kink-proof and won't crack over time like a rubber hose might. Additionally, the Bionic Steel garden hose is rust-proof and flexible, making it a great choice to use out in the garden or to pair with a lawn sprinkler.
Do rubber garden hoses kink? ›While all garden hoses will kink if twisted (yes, even the “kink-free” hoses), some are better than others. In general, reinforced and rubber hoses are less likely to kink than other kinds. When shopping for a garden hose, bend it into a U. If it kinks, pick another.
What is the difference between 1 2 inch and 3 4 inch hose? ›A 3/4-inch hose can deliver about three times the water of one with a 1/2-inch diameter. Size matters: Large diameter can compensate for variables affecting water pressure -- for example, if the water has to travel uphill. Hose length is a matter of preference.
Is Type A or B PEX better? ›Bottom line, PEX A is more resistant to burst pressure than PEX B. PEX A's expansive material can handle up to 500 PSI, which makes it reliable in extremely cold temperatures. Since PEX B is a more rigid material, it will not hold up as well in similar situations.
Is PEX A and B the same? ›Again, the main distinction lies in the manufacturing method, which is what assigns an A, B or C to PEX. PEX A is made using the Peroxide, or Engel, method. PEX B is formed using Silane, or Moisture Cure, method. This is the most common PEX pipe type out there.
What is the best metal for hose fittings? ›Brass - strong, durable, and corrosion resistant, with high temperature ductility and good conductivity. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and is the most common tube fitting metal used in industry because of its machinability and its excellent performance properties.
Is brass hose better than stainless steel? ›Overall, brass fittings are slightly less expensive than stainless steel fittings. In low-budget scenarios, brass is the better choice where the application requires good corrosion resistance but allows for lower pressure.
Can rubber garden hoses be left outside in winter? ›If you leave a garden hose outside for winter, it will be damaged in the spring. The extreme cold causes the internal lining to break. With a drained hose in your hand, carefully coil it into a three-foot diameter. Don't coil it into a tighter configuration, however.