Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Never wrestle with a garden hose again.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Luckily, using a hose reel or hose cart can make tending to your garden an easier task.
Overall, the best Gorilla Aluminum Zero Rust Premium Mobile Hose Reel.
The hose reel is made of an anodized aluminum frame, which one tester said felt solid.
Credit: Amazon
Overall, we felt wed be comfortable leaving this durable option out in the open between uses.
Forged brass fittings on the side of the reel allow you to connect your hose to this unit.
The frame is made of durable steel, and it has brass fittings for a leak-free connection.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Plus, the 16-inch spoked pneumatic tires on this hose reel easily travel over grass or an uneven landscape.
We also appreciated that the handle was easy and comfortable to use.
Overall, its recommended you use this reel with a more flexible hose design.
Theres also the option to add two more wheels for additional mobility.
Its more expensive than other similar styles.
The reel features 10-inch rubber tires that make it easy to maneuver this hose cart across any landscape.
Set up took 35 minutes, which is longer than some other assembly times during testing.
There’s also a small storage compartment, so you could keep gloves and gardening tools handy.
Testers found that the wheels are not easy to maneuver on grass.
For those who prefer a simple, plastic option, consider KLZs Hose Reel Cart and Hideaway.
The unit comes fully assembled, so all you have to do is attach your hose and start watering.
Plus, we found that it was lightweight and easy to use.
Unlike some other picks, this hose reel features a storage area near the handle.
You have to wind the hose yourself, which will take extra time after each use.
This black lacquer-coated steel frame can hold up to 150 feet of hose.
Overall, we appreciated the simplicity of it.
Its heavier and more expensive than some other picks.
The cart is sturdy and our tester reported that reeling a hose in and out was seamless.
Credit: Amazon
The style also features a wire basket thats a great place to store garden tools while you work.
The reel did not come with mounting bolts and installation instructions are vague.
TheFlexzilla Retractable Water Hose Reelimpressed us during testing.
The steel frame was durable, and we appreciated that it came equipped with a basket.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Conveniently, this garden hose reel comes with a hose that is already connected to the reel.
Connecting the hose to the water supply was easy, and using the reel was a breeze.
Pulling the hose required a simple tug, and the reel retracted it back quickly.
We loved the design of this reelit features a large covered base that hides the majority of the hose.
Its compact and comes with a handle, making portability super convenient.
Its well constructed, and based on the build we expect it to last against harsh weather conditions.
Product Details: Materials:Poly combo |Weight:Not available |Dimensions:19.
For those looking for a wall mounted reel, theGiraffe Tools 5/8 in Retractable Garden Hose Reelis top tier.
The hose came out smoothly without any tugging or resistance, and the retraction was just as smooth.
It did retract at a moderately slow but steady pace.
The reel is made of polypropylene plastic, and was durable enough to withstand everyday use during our testing.
Overall, this reel is great for daily use, and definitely worth the price point.
This hose reel doesnt have wheels.
There is a positioning guide that guides the hose to wind easily and directs it seamlessly onto the reel.
The design is simple and blends in with most outside aesthetics.
It felt sturdy and weighs 20 pounds, and it never tipped over during use.
We used a 100-foot hose during testing, though this reel has a hose capacity of 225 feet.
Its also an affordable option since it costs less than $100.
Our team was not aware of each picks price beforehand.
It was also noted whether or not the design had wheels or handles to begin with.
We also considered if wed recommend it to family and friends and how we felt while using it.
Stationary hose holders are usually wall-mounted or staked into the ground.
Gardeners should also consider retractable hose reels that are built to retract the hose automatically.
This not only saves time but also prevents stress at the end of a long day of yard maintenance.
“The most common materials are steel, brass, and aluminum,” McCoy says.
If you opt for a hose reel made out of metal, be sure it is non-corrosive.
According to Eley, you typically wont need a hose reel for a hose thats 50 feet or less.
For example, pneumatic wheels improve portability and make it easy to navigate uneven terrain.
Some styles even have baskets attached, which offer convenience for garden tools and accessories.
We also felt that some of the plastic parts could break easily under the weight of a heavy hose.
Credit: Eley
We did appreciate that it was lightweight, however, and liked that the reel placement is adjustable.
Your Questions, Answered
Can you put an expandable hose on a hose reel?
How do you put a hose on a hose reel?
Winding up the hose was a smooth process thanks to the tall design.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Most hose reels will have a leader hose that you will connect directly to your outside faucet.
There will be a spigot attached to the hose reel where you will attach your garden hose.
This is an important place to check for quality.
Few things are more aggravating to a consumer than a leaking hose reel," Eley says.
“Not only does it affect water pressure and flow, but it makes a huge mess.
You may want to use a hand to guide the hose evenly onto the hose reel.
Can you use a hose reel without a leader hose?
How can I determine how much hose I need?
Then, multiply it by three for the ideal length.
Who We Are
Michelle Loveis a writer for Better Homes & Gardens.
She has written about a variety of different topics, including gardening, interior design, and kitchen products.
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Looking for more products that have earned ourBHG Recommends seal of approval?
Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.
Credit: Amazon
The lightweight, plastic hose reel has 5-inch wheels and can hold a hose up to 150 feet long.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
With three 7-inch tines and a steel frame, this hose reel offers a simple, straightforward design.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Walmart
Despite weighing over 45 pounds, the rubber wheels made it effortless to pull over various terrains.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Credit: The Home Depot
The hose reel conveniently came with a hose, so we didn’t have to attach one.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Lory Stewart
Credit: Amazon
The hose reel came with a mounting template, screws, a hose, and a hose nozzle.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Laura Miller
Credit: Walmart
The plastic storage box came completely assembled.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Michelle Ehrich
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
