Most Reliable Retractable Garden Hose Reels: The Best Garden Hose In 2024

September 24, 2022

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Ever spend more time wrestling with a tangled mess of hose than actually watering your garden? You’re not alone. Standard garden hoses are bulky, prone to kinks, and a pain to store. But check our tips, fellow green thumbs! Retractable hose reels offer a convenient and space-saving solution to all your hose woes.

Read our buying guide if you want a retractable or expandable water hose system. Our top pick is GARDENA’s Retractable Hose Reel, a solid retractable reel system that fits well on existing outside water sources near lawns, gardens, or driveways.

Choosing The Best Retractable Garden Hose Reels

Table of Contents

Benefits Beyond Storage

Retractable reels go beyond just keeping your hose neatly coiled. They also:

Reduce hose kinks: Say goodbye to frustrating blockages caused by twisted hoses.
Protect your hose: By keeping it off the ground and out of the sun, a reel extends the lifespan of your hose.
Make watering easier: No more dragging a heavy hose around the yard. Simply pull out what you need and retract it with ease.

Choosing the Right Reel

There are two main types of retractable hose systems:

Retractable Reels: These reels feature a sturdy base that mounts to your wall or spigot. In some models, The hose remains a standard length and retracts using a crank handle, spring mechanism, or even an electric motor.
Expandable Hoses: These innovative hoses contract and expand depending on water pressure. While convenient for storage, they may not be ideal for tasks requiring consistent water flow, like sprinklers or nozzles.

Features to Consider

Size and Length: Choose a hose length that reaches all areas of your garden without excess. Consider the hose diameter (typically 1/2″, 5/8″, or 3/4″) for a balance between water flow and weight.
Hose Material: Vinyl or plastic hoses are affordable but less durable. Rubber hoses are stronger but heavier. Hybrid hoses with a mix of materials offer a good compromise.
Leak-proof Connections: Ensure the hose and reel have secure, leak-proof fittings to prevent wasted water.
Retraction Method: Consider the ease of use for the retraction mechanism, whether it’s a manual crank, spring-assisted reel, or electric rewind.
Warranty: Look for a product with a decent warranty for peace of mind.

Retractable Water Hoses We Recommend

Best of the best: GARDENA’s Retractable Hose Reel

Our opinion: This is a good choice for homeowners with dedicated outdoor water outlets for gardening or car washing.

Pros: The hose is heavy-duty and very durable. Spring-assisted rolling and pulling action is more manageable than manual spooling. The mounting bracket can hold many accessories.

Cons: Hefty (30 pounds), difficult to transport. The spring retraction mechanism can fail sooner than expected.

Sale

GARDENA 8055-81 (100') Wall Mounted Retractable Reel with Hose Guide, Automatic retraction for Easy Watering

Convenient watering: Give the 100 foot, high quality garden hose a short pull after use and it safely retracts itself, while the integrated hose guide prevents twisting or tangling
Flexible use: The Retractable Hose Reel can be swiveled 180 degrees due to its practical wall bracket, preventing kinks while watering and can be positioned close to the wall when not in use
Bonus hose guide and bracket template: Attach the hose guide to sharp corners or a flat surface using the provided hardware to prevent any hose damage, the bracket template allows easy installation
Safe storage: Using a standard padlock (not included) you can lock the reel to the wall bracket to protect from theft, and in frost-prone areas, the reel can easily be removed and stored indoors
Items delivered: 1x GARDENA Retractable Hose Reel with bonus guide, GARDENA premium hose, 5 ft connecting hose and connection fittings, Adjustable Spray Nozzle and easy install bracket with template

Best value for your money: GrowGreen’s Improved Expandable Hose

Our opinion: While not mounted on a retractable reel, this affordable, expandable hose provides the same convenience as full-length retractable models.

Pros: Available in several different lengths. Brass fittings are durable. Hose self-contracts for more accessible storage. Very lightweight — less than six pounds.

Cons: Expandable hose shrinks between uses; not ideal for slow garden irrigation or lawn sprinklers.

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Third Option: Power Products USA’s Retractable Hose Reel

Our opinion: This retractable water hose reel pivots as it releases or reels in the hose, making it great for homes with a centralized outdoor water supply.

Pros: The retraction reel is mounted on a swivel. Spring retraction mechanism rated for five years of service. High-quality brass fittings. Retraction speed is steady and controlled.

Cons: Hose diameter is smaller than average (half an inch), so water pressure and volume can be affected.

POWER Retractable Hose Reel 100 ft x 1/2” - Brass Fittings, Super Heavy Duty, 3 Layer Hybrid Hose, Slow Return System, Patented Nozzle Protector - Wall Mounted Water Hose Reel

[WE HAVE THE BEST PRODUCT (GUARANTEED)]: Our auto-retract hose reel keeps the exceeding hose out of the working space and locks it in place at different intervals. The mounting brackets allow a 180-degree swivel (mounting hardware included), so you can place it on the wall. The hose is made it with a 3 layer-hybrid material, with unbeatable product durability and quality!
[SLOW RETURN SYSTEM AND NOZZLE PROTECTOR]: Our automatic garden hose reel 100 ft comes with a unique nozzle protector and a slow return system, which prevents the hose from causing damages or harming someone when retracting. Perfect for garden watering, car washing, sidewalk, garage cleaning, and much more!
[LOCKED AT ANY LENGHT & 180 DEGREE COVERAGE]: When you pull the hose to a certain length, it automatically locks at that position, so you don't have to pull it all the time. The robust wall bracket allows the water hose holder to pivot 180 degrees, so you can water every part of your garden. Screws and wall plugs are provided which are suitable for brick, concrete and stone.
[100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED OR YOUR MONEY BACK]: Our retractable garden hose has a 3-year warranty! If you, by any chance, do not like our product, please feel free to return them and we will refund you, no questions asked! We want your purchase experience with us to be as smooth as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are retractable garden hose reels?

- Retractable hose reels are storage systems for garden hoses that automatically or manually rewind the hose onto a reel when not in use.
  
  What are the benefits of using a retractable hose reel?
  - More accessible storage: No more tangled mess of hose to deal with.
  - Reduced kinks: Keeps the hose neatly coiled, preventing water flow blockage.
  - Protects the hose: Extends the lifespan by keeping it off the ground and out of direct sunlight.
  - Makes watering easier: Pull out only the length you need and retract with ease.
  - Space-saving: Ideal for smaller yards or balconies with limited storage space.

What are the different types of retractable hose reels?

- - - There are two main types:
      - Retractable reels: Feature a base that mounts to a wall or spigot. The hose retracts using a crank, spring mechanism, or electric motor.
      - Expandable hoses: Contract and expand based on water pressure. It is convenient for storage but may not be ideal for tasks requiring constant water flow.

What size and length of hose should I choose?

- - - - Consider the area you need to water. Choose a length that reaches all areas without excess.
        
        Typical hose diameters are 1/2″, 5/8″, or 3/4″. A larger diameter provides more water flow but can be heavier.

What hose material is best?

- - - - Vinyl/plastic: Affordable but less durable and prone to leaks.
        
        Rubber: Strong and weather-resistant but heavier and more expensive.
        
        Hybrid: Combines materials for a balance of durability and weight.

What features should I look for in a retractable hose reel?

- - - - Leak-proof connections to prevent wasted water.
        
        Easy retraction method (crank, spring-assisted, or electric).
        
        Swivel functionality for added maneuverability (optional).
        
        Material quality and warranty for long-lasting use.

How do I retract a hose on a retractable reel?

- - - - It depends on the reel type. Manual reels use a crank handle, while spring-assisted reels might have a button or require a slight tug to initiate retraction. Electric reels rewind automatically.

What is the burst rating, and what PSI should I aim for?

- - - - The Burst rating indicates the pressure a hose can withstand before bursting. Aim for at least 350 psi for safe use.

Is it safe to drink water from a retractable hose?

- - - - No. Garden hoses can leach chemicals into the water. Use a dedicated drinking water hose.

How do I maintain a retractable hose reel?

- - - - Regularly check for leaks and loose connections. Wind the hose completely after use to prevent kinks. Store the reel in a shaded area during winter.

Conclusion

Retractable hose reels are a game-changer for any gardener. They offer convenience, storage benefits, and protection for your hose. Considering your needs and the above features, you can find the perfect reel to transform your watering routine from a chore to a breeze.

So ditch the hose wrangling and embrace the ease of retractable reels – your garden (and your sanity) will thank you for it!

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API