The Best Hose Reels

No gardening or outdoor project is complete without a decent hose reel. These accessories can keep your hose firmly in place and help extend its life and usability by leaps and bounds. But not every hose reel will do the job right, which is why we've made this list of the ones we found to be the most useful. Read on for easier spray-downs today.

What to Look For

We kept a few essential qualities in mind when searching for the perfect hose reel: Does it hold a hose reliably and neatly? Can it stay in place when you need it by your side? Can it be moved easily when it’s time to put it away? Finally, is it well-made enough to last for years of outdoor activity? Each hose reel on our list was selected with these guidelines in mind. Our favorite hose reel came from Sageme, thanks to its heavy-duty durability and convenient design for quick hose access. We also loved the KLZ cart for its ability to let us take our hose anywhere, thanks to its transportable nature. Read on to see which hose reel you’ll want freshening up your outdoor environments of choice.

Sageme Heavy Duty Metal Hose Reel

Built for smooth service

This sturdy hose reel is a must for any outdoor worker thanks to its easy installation and durable design.
Best Overall

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This sturdy hose reel won our hearts with its ease of use and reliable construction. It’s easy to install on most wall surfaces and is sure to stand firm thanks to its heavy-duty steel construction. The open top makes it a simple matter to grab your hose at a moment’s notice and set it back without having to worry about knots or tangles. For a simple and reliable hose reel, this is one of the best you can find.  

Pros 

  • It’s a very inexpensive option considering the quality of its design.  
  • The heavy steel construction means it can reliably hold more than one standard-sized hose with ease.  

Cons 

  • DIY purists may have quibbles with the alignment of the mounting screws.

Suncast Resin Outdoor Hideaway Hose Reel

A worthy contendor

The box design of this hose reel is as unique as it is helpful.
Runner Up

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Don’t let the rustic look of this hose reel fool you: when used, it’s as convenient as can be. This sturdy resin box allows you to discretely store your hose in a compact space that won’t look out of place in any typical garden or yard. Its crank handle system also allows you to unfurl your hose and keep it straight all the while. Those looking for something with an old-school feel but modern capabilities will love this hose reel. 

Pros 

  • It comes fully assembled, so setup is a breeze. 
  • The box is robust enough to comfortably hold hoses that haven’t completely drained. 

Cons 

  • Heavier, less-flexible hoses may take some elbow grease to wind and unwind all the way.  

KLZ Kart & Hideaway Hose Reel

Wheel it in

Taking this hose reel for a spin is a simple matter.
Best Cart Design

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While not what one usually thinks of when they hear “portable,” this wheeled hose reel is second to none when it comes to mobility. It nearly erases the problem of getting your hose around to the other side of the house when needed. Plus, it’s totally assembly-free, so you can get to hosing as soon as you take it out of the box. Moving your hose is no problem with the help of this convenient hose reel.  

Pros 

  • The crank winds your hose smoothly in and out of the cart.  
  • It’s very lightweight, making it easier for older or infirm users to move.  

Cons 

  • For those that live in climates with harsh weather, you may have to store it indoors to keep it in top shape.  

Giraffe Tools Retractable Garden Hose Reel

Everything you need

This comprehesnive hose reel is one of the few to come packaged with its own hose.
Best Design

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This hose reel comes with a robust suite of features you won’t find in many other products. It includes its own 130-foot hose that can be locked in place at any point you choose, as well as a slow return system that keeps the hose free of kinks. It’s also easy to assemble and disassemble in minutes, letting you move it to different locations at will. We didn’t know a hose reel could come with this many bonuses, but we’re glad we learned.  

Pros 

  • The crank is easy to use and winds the hose smoothly.  
  • It can be moved from side to side wherever it’s mounted, letting you adjust its position for ease and comfort.  
  • The hose comes with nine different types of spray pressures and styles.  

Cons 

  • The hose itself is not as thick as a typical garden hose.  

Liberty Garden Products Decorative Steel Hose Reel

The look to beat

No hose reel will add as much class to your backyard as this one.
Best Style

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Even if you don’t put much thought into the aesthetics of your hose reel, you will after seeing this choice from Liberty Garden Products. Its beautiful alloy steel design holds up to 12 pounds and has a surface on top for further decoration. The exterior is powder coated, too, removing any need to worry about the weather. This is a pick for people who want their hose reel to have as much style as substance. 

Pros 

  • The crank has an excellent grip that allows you to easily pull and push your hose as needed. 
  • Its bronze coloring goes well with a lot of traditional household designs.  

Cons 

  • It doesn’t come packaged with mounting equipment.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hose reel used for?

Hose reels are best used for keeping your hose off the ground, which will not only prevent your walkway from getting cluttered but also keep your hose from getting kinks. A good-looking hose reel can even enhance the aesthetics of your yard or garden.

What type of material should I buy a hose reel in?

Hose reels have a surprising array of material constructions, from hard plastic to cast steel, and all of them have different advantages and drawbacks. A light plastic hose reel might work well if it spends most of its use under shelter, while you may want to go with a heavier metal reel if you plan to leave it exposed to the elements more often.

About the Author

Chris is a self-proclaimed geek who spends his time writing, learning about weird subcultures, and, of course, gaming. A gamer and a streamer, Chris loves connecting with the gaming community and understands that every gamer’s rig is unique. He wants to makes sure you have the equipment you need to for the most optimal gaming experience.

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