Easy to Use Garden Retractable Hose Reel

Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best garden hose reels of 2022. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.

You watered the plants, washed the car, and cleaned the driveway…. You are done for the day. All that's left to do is haul the big old mucky gardening hose back into place. Investing in a good garden hose reel can save you time and energy, allowing you to reel the hose in mess-free and with a lot less effort after each use, not to mention, it makes your garden look much tidier.

A good garden hose reel is practical and helps to make a garden look organized

Image credit: Shutterstock/Yingna Cai

A garden hose reel is one of those simple things we easily take for granted. While it might not be the most thrilling of purchases (although some decorative types are quite nice), anyone who has ever had a hose reel that has, for instance, broken, will be the first to say that gardening without one is a real pain.

Dragging a hose back and forth through puddles and mud is messy and heavy, trying to neatly wrap a long hose without a reel is arduous, and keeping the hose on the garden floor does not keep it protected from the elements (or pets and garden pests) either. In addition, picking up a slimy hose off the floor after a few days of rain to a plethora of slugs and other insects underneath is not the most pleasant experience.

A hose reel is necessary for serving as a hose protector to keep your hose clean, safe, and dry, and in preventing a longer hose from getting tangled or punctured. It can also prevent accidents (such as somebody tripping over a hose left on the floor) and generally keep the hose in optimal condition increasing its longevity.

Choosing a Garden Hose Reel—Buying Guide

Whether you're after a high-quality hose reel or a budget type, there are a few variations of this helpful purchase you should know about and some features that could help you with your selection. Some of the most common types of hose reel types are retractable hose reels, rotating crank types, open and closed box storage reels, wall-mountable options, decorative reels, and cart hose reels with wheels.

Types of Hose Reels

Here's more information about the more popular kinds of garden hose reels and their benefits.

• Retractable hose reel: A retractable hose reel, though usually the most expensive type of reel, will save you time and energy after any gardening project, big or small. At the push of a button, these automatic reels allow a heavy hose to be tucked in all by itself. These usually come with leader hoses to attach the main hose to.

• Crank style hose reel: Crank types are manual reels with a crank handle that users must rotate to bring the hose in. These are fine for smaller and lighter hoses but for extra-long, heavy hoses, it could be quite the chore reeling these things back in with a crank. If, however, using a hose is more of a rarity, you're up for the challenge, and the hose reel capacity can take the weight, then go for it.

• Closed box hose reel: Even the most durable garden hose can suffer some damage when left out in a heavy storm or in scorching heat. A closed hideaway storage box hose reel can both conceal a hose to make the space look tidy and protect it. Often retractable too, these closed-reel boxes come in various sizes to accommodate different hoses and, though they're often higher priced than other types, are highly recommended if you have the space for it as they are durable and will keep the hose fully protected.

• Open storage hose reel: An open storage reel is the most economical type of garden hose reel, though, due to its open design, won't provide much protection from the elements. However, it's still better than keeping the hose on the floor. This type of reel can be wall-mountable or hook-style and, since it is usually very lightweight, can also be carried easily around the garden for portable watering if necessary. It's also probably the only type of reel that can accommodate expandable hoses. In addition, if you own more than one hose, you don't need a special extra capacity kit; these reels can typically accommodate two or three hoses wrapped around them.

Hose Reel Considerations

The search for the best hose reel can be quite confusing with so many products on the market to store garden hoses in. If you are not sure exactly what you need (did it even cross your mind that you mind need a portable reel?), the below considerations can guide you in the right direction.

• Garden size and reel portability: A permanent, wall-mounted hose reel is best suited for a small or medium-size property. The first step is choosing (a) the hose length to suit your garden size, and then (b) the reel size to suit the hose size. If you want the hose to be used all over a large yard, a freestanding portable hose reel, preferably with wheels that would make it much easier to move around, will be a better option. These come in the form of cart-style hose reels.

• Hose reel material: Ideally, the garden hose reel you select should be weather-resistant and waterproof, and made of a material that is not susceptible to rust. Even a cheap plastic material can provide all these (at first), however, it cannot really offer you much in terms of holding up a heavy hose. It might, on the other hand, be just fine for a light hose for a balcony. A reel made from a durable coated metal or a reinforced plastic material will be able to support a heavier hose, handle wear and tear, and tackle the elements like a champ.

• Price: The most economical type of hose reel is an open-style hose reel or wall-mountable hook-style reel. Some of these options can cost as little as under US$10 but don't expect the plastic on those to last longer than a year or two. We have a couple of good open storage versions on our list for around US$20 that will get the job done for light-duty use. A wall-mounted hose reel with a crank handle can manually reel a hose in and these are also quite affordable. In contrast, if you are looking for an automatic enclosed model, you will need to invest a little more. Bonus features such as an extra storage bin for other garden tools or a brass swivel base will cost more but it really does depend on what you are looking for in a hose reel (a lot of the time you also pay extra for named brands, i.e. Yard Butler, Gardena, etc.).

Thomas' Top Picks for the Best Garden Hose Reel 2022

Below you'll find our list of the best hose reels for the garden on the market to cover an array of needs.

Best Overall Garden Hose Reel: Giraffe Tools Retractable Garden Hose Reel | Buy Now

Best Wall-Mounted Garden Hose Reel: GARDENA Retractable Hose Reel 82-Feet | Buy Now

Best Hose Reel Cart: FitRight Garden Hose Reel Cart | Buy Now

Best In-ground Hose Reel: GARDENA Hose Box Rollup | Buy Now

Best Crank Hose Reel: Liberty Garden 714 | Buy Now

Best Storage Box Hose Reel: Giraffe Metal Hose Reel Box | Buy Now

Best Garden Hose Reel for Large Yards: Gardena 8055 | Buy Now

Best Decorative Garden Hose Reel: GOFORWILD Garden Hose Holder | Buy Now

Best Heavy-Duty Garden Hose Reel: Liberty Garden 880-2 | Buy Now

Best Budget Garden Hose Reel: Liberty Garden 234 | Buy Now

Scroll down to read more about these top picks for the best garden hose reels according to thousands of garden hose reel reviews.

*Prices listed in this article were as shown in US$ on Amazon.com (USA) as of March 2022

1. Best Overall Garden Hose Reel—Giraffe Tools Retractable Garden Hose Reel

One of the best garden hose reels on the market comes from Giraffe Tools. This retractable, wall-mounted unit comes fully assembled and is equipped with a 120-foot, 200 psi, water-resistant hybrid hose and can swivel 180° allowing you to water your whole garden from any angle.

All you have to do to rewind the hose or lock it into place at the desired length is give it a good tug. The reel then retracts the hose without getting it all tangled up thanks to its automatic hose guide. This weather-resistant reel also comes with dial hose nozzles offering nine adjustable spray modes for all your gardening needs. Many customers give rave reviews about this reel's maneuverability and strength.

A snippet from one enthused customer's very long glowing review reads, "Dealing with my previous 100-foot hose was a nightmare… Since I have landscaping and plants all around my house, I wanted a hose that would be easy to manage… and ideally have less of a struggle with the reeling in and out… The reeling in is seamless… Price to value ratio appears to be very high… Is very much worth it if you love your garden as much as I do and want to ease up a bit on pulling the darn hose all around."

Specifications

Dimensions: 23 x 18 x 10 inches

Wall mountable: yes

Hose length capacity: 114 + 6 overall feet

BUY NOW: US$194.98, Amazon

2. Best Wall-Mounted Garden Hose Reel—GARDENA Retractable Wall Mount Hose Reel

For an organized and tidy-looking garden, the Gardena wall-mounted hose reel is a good option. The mounting bracket included allows for a 180° swivel so you don't have to wrestle with the hose when you need to move left or right around the property. When you are done with the yard work, simply fold the whole mechanism flush against the wall for a more minimal look.

Included with the wall mount hose reel is a hose guide bracket where you can even store extra nozzles, sprayers, and brushes so they are always accessible when you need them, as well as all mounting hardware, such as screws and wall plugs to make setup a breeze. There's even an ergonomically shaped handle if you want to carry it around or store it inside in harsher weather.

"This hose is a luxury item, but it is SO worth the splurge," reported one satisfied shopper. "[It] is so easy to pull out and rolls right back into place with a single tug… The hose pressure is excellent, and it doesn't kink easily. The sprayer nozzle is also very nice and durable… Switching out attachments is a cinch… Mounting the hose onto brick was a tiny bit tricky. But if a 29-year-old gal and her 57-year-old mom can do it, YOU can do it."

Specifications

Dimensions: 20 x 11 x 20 inches

Wall mountable: yes

Hose length capacity: 82 feet

BUY NOW: US$281.99, Amazon

3. Best Hose Reel Cart—FitRight Garden Hose Reel Cart

A molded plastic cart may be lighter and easier to carry than a metal one, but the FitRight hose reel cart comes with pneumatic tires which allow for easy hauling around a garden and property. Its durable powder-coated finish offers effective weather resistance, so there's no reason to keep it in storage when not in use. It also has a handy basket that allows you to carry all your gardening essentials around with you as you work.

This hose reel's foam-padded crank handle makes winding the hose back a breeze and it claims to keep a 300-foot, 5/8-inch hose evenly distributed on the reel—though one reviewer (who gave this 5 stars) reported that 300 feet of hose is a stretch and its capacity is more like 200 feet. As the hose reel cart comes with very specific instructions, it is easy to assemble everything within twenty minutes. Some customers noted that assembly might be harder for the elderly or those with arthritis.

Overall this hose reel is very durable and practical and just some of the five-star reviews that confirm this read, "Worth the money. Easy to use with commercial hoses," "It's holding up well and sturdy and is easy to move around the sidewalk and yard. It's worth it," and "Sturdy and reliable. Worth the price."

Specifications

Dimensions: 36 x 32 x 24 inches

Wall mountable: no

Hose length capacity: product description states 300 feet (customers report 200 feet), hose not included (except for the leader hose)

BUY NOW: US$199.99, Amazon

4. Best In-ground Hose Reel—Gardena Hose Box Rollup

No need to scour the yard for the most appropriate corner or the best wall space, or fiddle with any mounting hardware, to home your hose reel. The clever and super easy Gardena Hose Box Rollup makes storage (for the hose and for the reel itself) absolutely effortless in every single way. Saving time, effort, and space, this high-quality hose box sticks into the ground with its metal spike that you simply dig into the earth, turning until it's safely and sturdily in deep enough.

This versatile reel box comes fully assembled and is ready for use straight out of the packaging. Simply attach the leader hose to the box and you are ready to go. The 360° swivel mechanism allows for a maximum radius of movement letting you water the whole garden from any angle. It has a RollControl technology that pulls the hose back slowly and evenly to avoid damage and it has a spring inside the mechanism to prevent tangling and knots.

One happy buyer called this a "very well-designed and manufactured product," adding that they were "impressed by the quality feel of the product. Very robust and easy to use. The automatic rewind is excellent." Another purchaser commented that watering a very large garden with this takes very little effort at all, and yet another described that it is easy to install and works very well, and described it as a "sturdy bit of kit with solid German engineering."

Specifications

Dimensions: 21.26 x 9.25 x 18.31 inches

Wall mountable: no

Hose length capacity: 65.61 feet

BUY NOW: US$352.21, Amazon

5. Best Crank Hose Reel—Liberty Garden Hose Reel 714

The powder-coated cast aluminum Liberty garden hose reel can store 125 feet of hose in its crank hose reel and can also keep frequently used gardening tools and necessities clean, neat, and organized in its in-built basket. Unlike plastic hose reels, this one sports a weather-resistant strong steel construction and many customers have reported that this product is extremely well-made.

The brass fixtures allow for a 360° rotation, so you can continue unwinding it without extra effort or pulling. The smooth crank handle is easy to operate, even for older individuals, since its guide leads the hose. No mounting accessories are included in the package so you can opt for whichever kind you like, although stainless steel mounting hardware is recommended.

"This thing is built like a tank," wrote one happy purchaser, "and although a bit heavy to install, I managed to install it without the need of another set of hands." Another customer wrote, "It turns easily when winding the hose back on. Rotating the direction of the wheel is a little tricky, but easy when you figure out how the stop works. Nothing about this device requires great strength."

Specifications

Dimensions: 24 x 19.5 x 20.18 inches

Wall mountable: yes

Hose length capacity: 125 feet, not included

BUY NOW: US$168.49, Amazon

6. Best Storage Box Garden Hose Reels—Giraffe Metal Hose Reel Box

Made of sturdy metal with rust-resistant paint, the Giraffe SW5 heavy-duty storage box hose reel can be left outside in all types of weather and doesn't require any special maintenance to stay in good condition. While many cheaper plastic models would certainly topple over as you pull the hose around the garden, this sturdy number is heavy enough to stay put.

Its ergonomic crank handle manually winds the hose neatly into the box when you're done using it, and the hose reel comes fully assembled and equipped with a 5-foot leader hose. Its timeless dark green shade is designed to blend seamlessly in any type of yard, patio, or garden decor for a classic look.

Many customers rate this hose reel highly, even though it is on the pricier end of the spectrum. Overall, it is noted that this product is sturdy with a good amount of heft, is durable and is sure to last a long time, and has an impressive hose capacity too.

Specifications

Dimensions: 20.5 x 22.8 x 17 inches

Wall mountable: no

Hose length capacity: 150 feet of 5/8-inch hose, or 200-feet of 1/2 inch garden hose (not included), only 5-foot leader hose included

BUY NOW: US$189.89, Amazon

7. Best Garden Hose Reel for Large Yards—Gardena 8055 Garden Hose Reel

Featuring a 100-foot long hose comfortably housed within a heavy-duty, durable, and sturdy closed box, the Gardena 8055 is the ideal garden hose reel for larger gardens and there's no assembly required. With a simple pull, the mechanism will release the hose so you can get to watering, and once you've finished, another shorter pull will activate the spring-loaded retracting system that will then start automatically pulling the hose in, ensuring that it doesn't touch the muddy ground if you don't allow it

The integrated hose guide is designed to retract even long garden hoses smoothly and evenly without allowing them to get tangled or twisted. Along with the 100-foot, 1/2-inch garden hose, it also comes with a 5-foot leader hose, a premium-quality adjustable spray nozzle with various handy nozzle settings, and an easy-to-install 180° swivel bracket. Customers agree that this reel is worth its cost as its craftsmanship is superior to many similar models on the market.

One rave review reads, "I can't imagine having the kind you need to crank. This one you just pull it out and, when you're done, it is so incredibly easy to retract that you will never again leave any hose out. The quick connectors are great and it's really easy to take the screw out and bring it inside once the frost comes. The pivot on the mounting bracket makes it very easy to go from one side of your yard to the other. It's hard to say you really love something like a hose reel but I really do love this thing. It's really well made and easy to use. Plus the little fire-man style sprayer it comes with works great for watering plants."

Specifications

Dimensions: 18 x 10 x 16 inches

Wall mountable: yes

Hose length capacity: 100 feet

BUY NOW: US$249.99, Amazon

8. Best Decorative Garden Hose Reel—GOFORWILD Garden Hose Hanger

If you are looking for an attractive yet functional and economical way to store your garden hose, the GoForWild hose hanger is the way to go. This thing can hold up to 125 feet of a 5/8-inch hose as its saddle arc surface conforms to the hose's size. Meanwhile, its hand-painted decorative design complements any yard, and it's a good thing too since it will be mounted and on display at all times.

This product features a durable steel construction and is further powder coated to make it fully weather resistant. Customers who have used this brand and style of hose reel for years suggested mounting the reel higher and using bigger loops to hang longer hoses.

One satisfied shopper wrote, "I bought this product for the side of my garage for my 50-foot water hose and it is exactly what I was looking for! It is very durable and is big enough to hold an additional hose if needed. It comes with everything you need to securely install it."

Specifications

Dimensions: 11.8 x 10.2 x 6 inches

Wall mount: yes

Hose length capacity: 125 feet, not included

BUY NOW: US$21.99, Amazon

9. Best Heavy-Duty Garden Hose Reel—Liberty Garden 880-2 Hose Reel

Not many hose reels come with wheels (pneumatic tires to be precise), but for professionals looking for a commercial, heavy-duty reel to cart around large properties with ease, the Liberty garden 880-2 is one of the best around. This freestanding reel (similar to the popular Yard Butler EZ Turn hose cart) has a 13-gauge steel construction with an added powder-coated protective layer to withstand all weather conditions.

In addition to housing an entire hose of up to 300-feet in length, it can also store plenty of garden tools in its basket which is conveniently situated within grabbing distance just below the handlebar. Its non-slip handle makes cranking and collecting the hose easy, and the unit's low center of gravity will keep this cart upright.

One buyer wrote, "This hose reel has been a workhorse for me for almost 4 years now. I had to change the tires once last year… Otherwise, I have had no issues at all. I leave this out in the Texas heat and rains year-round and it's still solid and working well… This is quite portable considering that when full, the hoses themselves weigh a LOT because it can hold so much length… I have 250 feet of hose (3 hoses) wound around the reel. Would I buy this hose reel again? You bet!"

Specifications

Dimensions: 24 x 38.8 x 36.8 inches

Wall mount: no

Hose length capacity: 300 feet of hose, not included

BUY NOW: US$167.20, Amazon

10. Best Budget Garden Hose Reel—Liberty Garden 234 Hose Reel

A beautiful garden hose reel does not need to set you back financially. The Liberty garden 234 is a thoughtfully crafted reel, with a decorative touch that is also functional and durable. It can hold 125 feet of garden hose and hide it behind its attractive bronze star design. Featuring a heavy gauge steel construction, this hose reel resists rust. Further, the durable powder coat finish makes it weather resistant.

Mounting hardware is not included in the package. However, the keyhole mounting system makes it easy to install even for beginners. A most common reaction to this product by customers is that of delight at how sturdy it is and disappointment that it does not come with mounting hardware.

Overall though, as a customer clearly states "I love it. Both the design/style/sturdiness AND the price point. We did have a friend use a masonry drill and screws for concrete (we bought the screws separately) to install it into our brick exterior wall. It's holding up fabulously and looks quite classy. It's easy to use and great to keep the yard tidy and be able to mow right up to the house without having to stop and move hoses or hose boxes, etc."

Specifications

Dimensions: 11.75 x 7.6 x 7.5 inches

Wall mount: yes

Hose length capacity: 125 feet of hose, not included

BUY NOW: US$19.99, Amazon

The Best Garden Hose Reel—Summary

For a durable hose reel with a retractable mechanism and an impressive hose size capacity, you can't go wrong with the Giraffe swivel reel (US$194.98, Amazon). For a commercial-grade hose reel that is portable and can be used for landscaping or getting around a larger property or farm, the Liberty Garden 880-2 hose reel cart with wheels (US$167.20, Amazon) is a great option.

We hope our review of the best hose reels has been helpful. For more suppliers of related products, including grounds maintenance equipment, shrubbery trimmers, lawn equipment, garden tool handles, and garden carts, consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.

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