The Best Hose Reels for Your Garden

Watering hoses get left scattered on the ground and tangle to the point where it becomes a hassle to gather it all up. To prevent your hose from twisting, consider a hose reel to gently store your garden hose.

Your long and heavy hose is just itching to be coiled up and reeled into a sturdy box or decorative storage pot. Regardless of the design of the hose reel, it’s important to invest in a reel to maintain the lifespan of your watering hose, as it can get damaged if it’s not properly stored. In this article, we’ve assembled several different types of hose reels, from the affordable ones that are mounted on the wall to those that come with wheels.

Finding the Right Hose Reel

When you’re shopping for a new hose reel, consider these important features:

• Construction: Whether you’re looking to buy an affordable wall mount hose hanger, a reel cart, or a stylish cabinet, they should all be made of steel to withstand weather damage and to prevent sagging and tangles in your hose.
• Hose Length: Be sure to consider the length of your hose before deciding which style to purchase because different reels can only hold a certain length.
• Style & Design: As we’ve already mentioned, there are plenty of styles and designs to choose from when searching for a hose reel. Those that can be mounted will also benefit you if they swivel and automatically retract with a gentle tug. A crank is a wonderful feature if your reel doesn’t retract on its own.

Best Overall: AMES NeverLeak Cold-Weather Cabinet

This weather-resistant cabinet is stylish and durable, and will safely stow your watering hose so that you’ll never have to worry about tangles or kinks ever again. It comes in jet black and features a crank to safely reel your hose back in the box. The cabinet holds up to 150 feet of hose and is built to withstand cold temperatures, so don’t be scared to leave it out during the winter.

Best Design: Liberty Garden Products Single Arm Navigator Hose Reel

Liberty Garden offers four classy yet modern-looking garden hose reels for you to choose from: the Basket, the Navigator, the Revolution, and the Single Arm. They all hold up to 125 feet of hose and feature heavy-duty steel construction for extra durability. Each one also comes with a pull-up knob that has full 360-degree reel rotation for effortless unwinding and features either a convenient shelf or storage basket for frequently used garden tools and gloves.

Best with Wheels: Liberty Garden Products 4-Wheel Garden Hose Reel Cart

For the best reel cart, we also look to Liberty Gardens. There are numerous style options to purchase, with some carts available with different-sized garden hoses. These functional and durable carts are perfect for large yards and for those who work in commercial gardens or who do professional landscaping. It’s pretty light to steer around the yard, features a crank to reel in the hose, and can hold up to 300 feet of hose.

Best Retractable: Giraffe Tools Retractable Garden Hose Reel

This reel is preinstalled with a 130-foot hybrid hose, which can lock at any length you desire and will surely cover every inch of your garden. To retract, give a gentle tug, and the hose reel will retract automatically. Assembly is easy, as you mount it on the wall using the 180-degree rotation bracket and screws. With the quick-release system, you can easily lift on the handle to remove the reel for storage.

Best Value: Yard Butler Wall Mount Hose Hanger

For the most affordable option, we like this heavy-duty wall mount hose hanger. It comes in four different colors and is made of solid steel, so it won’t get affected by rain. This classic hose holder is easy to install and will quickly store your hose, regardless of the length. It doesn’t get any simpler or better than this hose reel.