10 Best Garden Hose Reels of 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you own a garden hose, a hose reel can be a great addition to your garden tool collection. Not only will it protect your hose from damage, but it will also save you time and energy that you would have otherwise spent in untangling endless kinks and knots. You can also prevent accidents that could occur as a result of people tripping over the hose carelessly lying around your garden.

But with so many brands claiming to make the best models in the market, the search for the best hose reel can be quite bewildering. That is why we tested the popular options on the market to bring you reviews of the best garden hose reels. If you don’t know what to look out for when choosing the hose reel for your needs, our comprehensive buyer’s guide will point you in the right direction.

A Quick Glance at Our Favorites in 2023

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Liberty Garden 704 Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel	Durable build Comes fully assembled Includes a shelf	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		IRIS USA FHEX-15 All-in-One Retractable Hose Reel	Lightweight Value for money Includes everything you need to get started	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Giraffe SW-5 Metal Hose Reel	Sturdy build A comfortable grip on the crank handle Adjustable hose guide	CHECK PRICE
		Liberty Garden 510 Wall Mount Hose Reel	Super lightweight Compact Mounting hardware included	CHECK PRICE
		RL Flo-Master 65HR8 Retractable Hose Reel	Comes with brass fittings 180-degree swivel Includes a carrying handle	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Garden Hose Reels

1.  Liberty Garden 704 Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel – Best Overall

Liberty Garden Products brand has been making a variety of high-quality products for more than 15 years, and the Liberty Garden 704 Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel is no exception. It features brass, non-corrosive fittings, and a non-rust, cast aluminum build that is further coated with a weather-resistant powdered finish to ensure that it serves you for a long time to come.

The unit comes fully assembled, and all you need to do is mount it on the wall. Unfortunately, the mounting hardware and the hose are not included as part of the package, and you have to buy them separately. However, 5 feet of leader hose is included. Mounting the hose reel should be a fairly simple process you can do on your own since it only weighs 12.6 pounds.

You can hold a hose of up to 125 feet on this hose reel. Additionally, you can use the shelf space to hold more tools or potted plants.  To crown it all, the spiraled flourishes on this model are beautiful to look at and will enhance the overall look of your garden. Overall, the Liberty Garden 704 Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel easily takes the top spot for the best hose reel by providing great value at an affordable cost.

2. IRIS USA FHEX-15 All-in-One Retractable Hose Reel – Best Value

If you are looking for the best garden hose reels for the money, the IRIS USA FHEX-15 All-in-One Retractable Hose Reel is our best candidate.  You get everything you need to get started, including a hose and nozzle, at only a fraction of the price of the Liberty Garden 704 Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel. And the setup process is quite easy.

The hose reel measures 14.25” x 8.27” x 13.11” and weighs only 8.38 pounds. This compact and lightweight nature coupled with the built-in handle makes the unit quite portable and thus perfect for watering large gardens with ease. The hose is also long and lightweight, and you can easily roll and unroll it using the crankshaft.

This model is great for watering plants and flowers, and it includes a metal latch that enables you to lock the stream in the ON position to produce a consistent flow of water. With the five nozzle settings that include rinse, jet, flat, shower, and mist, you can produce different kinds of streams depending on your needs. However, the unit is made from plastic and may not be suited for heavy-duty applications.

3. Giraffe SW-5 Metal Hose Reel – Premium Choice

The Giraffe SW-5 Metal Hose Reel may be expensive, but it is worth every penny. Measuring 22.5” x 19.5” x 19.5” and weighing 30.9 pounds, the model is not mountable but is heavy enough to stay on your patio or deck when handling the hose. Apart from enabling you to water your plants and flowers with ease, its decorative features will also spruce up the look of your garden.

But the best thing about the Giraffe SW-5 Metal Hose Reel is its sturdy metal build that makes it durable and long-lasting. Additionally, the metal is also powder-coated to protect it from rust and corrosion, ensuring that the hose reel will still serve you for a long time to come.

The hose reel can hold 130 feet of ⅝-inch or 200 feet of ½-inch garden hose. With the auto-track system, you can distribute the hose evenly when rewinding. And thanks to the adjustable hose guide, reeling and unreeling the garden hose is easy and kink-free. Moreover, the plastic-coated crank handle also provides a comfortable grip throughout the process.

4. Liberty Garden 510 Wall Mount Hose Reel

The Liberty Garden 510 Wall Mount Hose Reel features a unique side reel design that allows for a more compact hose reel. It measures 11.5” x 16” x 16.14” but can still hold 100 feet of standard ⅝-inch garden hose. Although the hose does not come with the package, a 6-foot black leader hose is included.

Weighing only 3.45 pounds, the hose reel is super lightweight and is made from bronze-colored poly resin (molded plastic). Unlike its metal counterparts, the material will not rust. However, it is not as strong and durable as metal.

The hose reel features a keyhole design that makes it easy to install the unit and remove it for storage during winter. Additionally, the mounting hardware that includes wood screws and wall anchors come with the package. However, the locking mechanism that serves to keep the hose reel mounted on the wall is not tight enough and may not hold up long term.

5. RL Flo-Master 65HR8 Retractable Hose Reel

This retractable hose reel includes a 65 feet of reinforced ⅝-inch hose with a threaded brass end for durability. The hose stopper will lock the hose at your desired length to prevent retracting when in use, and the automatic guide will prevent the hose from overlapping while retracting. Additionally, the nozzle features eight settings (Shower, flat, soaker, mist, cone, jet, center, and triangle) to cater to different types of plants.

Mounting hardware is included, and the brackets allow for a 180-degree swivel to ensure you reach every part of your garden during watering. But it also includes a carrying handle, making it easily portable as well. However, it weighs 25.9 pounds and is quite heavy to carry around.

The RL Flo-Master 65HR8 Retractable Hose Reel includes too many plastic parts that may not stand the test of time. Moreover, we felt the retracting process could have been smoother. However, the manufacturer offers a one year warranty to cover damages caused by poor workmanship and faulty materials.

6. AMES ReelEasy Side Mount Reel

The AMES ReelEasy Side Mount Reel is super lightweight and compact, weighing just 1.2 pounds and measuring 19” x 8” x 20”. So setting it up is quite easy, especially since the mounting hardware is included in the original purchase. It can hold up to 100 feet of ⅝-inch hose but only includes a leader hose.

The unit comes fully assembled, and all you are required to do is mount it on the wall. The process is rather simple, and you will love the neutral color that allows the hose reel to blend in beautifully with any outdoor living space. However, the mounting hardware only includes flathead wood screws. So you may be forced to buy more screws for easier mounting.

Winding and unwinding the hose is easy thanks to the integrated hose guide that aligns the hose with the reel. Additionally, the easy-spin grip will provide added comfort when you are reeling the hose. The major issue we had with the AMES 2388340 is that some parts are made from cheap plastic materials.

7. GOODYEAR Air-Hose-Reel Retractable

The Goodyear brand has been around since 1839 and is known for its high-quality products. Its GOODYEAR Air-Hose-Reel Retractable model is easy to install, and you can mount it on the wall, ceiling, or floor. With the swivel bracket, the hose reel can rotate 180 degrees to ensure the stream of water reaches every corner of your garden.

Like other Goodyear products before it, this hose reel features a sturdy build made from heavy-duty propylene to ensure that it serves you for a long time without breaking apart. Additionally, the Hybrid Flex Polymer Hose is made from a blend of rubber and PVC and is resistant to water, oil, and the weather. It also has no memory, which helps to eliminate kinks.

You don’t need to worry about leaks since the hose includes inlet connection seals to guard against leakages and help keep your workplace safe. The latching mechanism also aids in reducing abrasion and wear by enabling you to lock the hose at your desired length. However, this unit is not cheap, considering it is made from plastic.

8. TACKLIFE GHR4A Wall Mounted Retractable Hose Reel

The TACKLIFE GHR4A Wall Mounted Retractable Hose Reel includes screws and wall plugs, and you can easily mount it on brick, concrete, and stone. It also includes a handle for portability. Additionally, the swivel brackets will enable you to rotate the unit 180 degrees to cover the entire breadth of your garden during watering.

Once you pull the hose, it automatically locks in your desired length, and you don’t have to keep pulling it every time. You can also retract the hose smoothly thanks to the braking mechanism that allows for a controlled slow rewind. You only need to tug the hose slightly, and it will retract automatically as long as you remember to drain out the water before reeling it back.

One of the good things about the TACKLIFE GHR4A Wall Mounted Retractable Hose Reel is that you can replace the hose in case it gets damaged. The 7-patterned hose nozzle will also allow you to cater to different plants. However, the fact that the unit won’t mount well on wood is a great disadvantage.

9. Power Retractable Hose Reel

The Power Retractable Hose Reel comes with a ⅝-inch x 50 + 6-foot hose and features a slow retractable system that prevents the hose from inflicting harm or causing damage when retracting. You only need to tug the hose a little, and it will retract automatically.

All the fittings are made from real brass, while the mounting bracket is made from strong steel that will not easily bend with use. Moreover, the hose is made from a three-layered hybrid material for durability and will lock at any length for convenient use. However, most of the other parts are made from cheap plastic, and you should not expect them to hold up for very long.

Although the mounting hardware is included, the bolts are not adequate, and you may have to purchase heavy-duty anchors and bolts to hold the hose reel in place securely. Overall, the Power Retractable hose reel gets the job done, but it leaves a lot to be desired in terms of quality. However, the 3-year warranty and 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee should give you some peace of mind.

10. Wellmax Retractable Water Hose Reel

This retractable hose reel features a wall bracket mount that will allow you to pivot the reel 180 degrees to ensure the hose reaches every part of your garden during watering. You can mount the unit on concrete, brick, stone, and wood.

The 17.06-pound hose reel houses a 65-foot hose with a diameter of ½ inch. It is made from high-quality PVC designed to withstand unfavorable weather conditions and will lock at your desired length. The slow auto rewind feature also works smoothly and will unwind the hose in 8-10 seconds. With the 8-patterned nozzle that includes center, mist, flat, soaker, cone, shower, and angle, you can water any type of plant with ease.

The spring is made from stainless steel and will not rust. However, most of the other parts are made from cheap plastic and may break down with heavy use. But the manufacturer offers a 30-day customer satisfaction guarantee, and you can return the hose reel no questions asked in case the quality is not up to your standards.

• See Also: 15 DIY Hose Reel Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures)

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Garden Hose Reel

Still not sure about what makes the best hose reel? Our buyer’s guide will tell you what you need to look out for when choosing one.

Portability

Some hose reels are permanently mounted on a wall, while others are freestanding and thus portable. If you own a big garden, you will need to buy a portable hose reel to reach even the farthest areas. A permanently mounted reel will be best suited for small gardens where the hose can reach the farthest end.

If you opt for a portable hose reel, you must consider weight and size. Lighter and smaller models are easier to carry and will be a convenient option when you have a large garden. Some hoses also include wheels and a handle, making them easier to move around.

Automatic vs. Manual

A manual hose reel will require you to reel back the hose after usage manually. That can be a painfully long process when you have a long hose. With an automatic one, you can quickly retract the hose by simply pushing a button or stepping on a pedal. Buying such a model will save you time and energy.

Materials

The type of materials used to make your hose reel will determine its durability. Buying a hose reel made from durable materials will spare you the trouble of having to replace it when it finally breaks down. A hose reel made from stainless steel or aluminum will serve you for a long time and will not be subjected to wear and tear. The metal can also be coated for extra protection.

Plastic models can also be quite durable when reinforced with resin or protectant. Moreover, plastic hose reels are lightweight, and you can easily carry them around with you when watering the garden. Although more durable, metal is heavier and less portable.

Size of the Property

The type of hose reel you buy will depend on the size of your garden. For instance, if you have a large garden, it would not make sense to buy a mountable hose reel; such a model would be best suited in a smaller garden. Bigger gardens will require a longer hose and, consequently, a larger hose reel to accommodate it. That hose reel should also include wheels and a handle to make it easier to move around when watering the garden.

Does it come with a Hose?

Some hose reel manufacturers are generous enough to include a hose as part of the package. You can kill two birds with one stone by getting one of these. It would save you the trouble of having to buy one separately. But if you already own a hose, you can still buy a hose reel without one. Apart from hoses, the unit can also include other accessories such as fittings and nozzles.

Price

The cost of buying a hose reel will vary depending on the type, capacity, and quality. But there are different price options to fit any budget. If you’re not willing to spend a lot of money on a premium option, you could opt for a simple wall-mounted hose reel with a crank handle to manually reel back the hose. But if you want an enclosed model where you can automatically retract the hose with a simple push of a button, be ready to spend a little bit more. Needless to say, quality should be the first consideration. Don’t just go for the cheapest option available.

Why You Should Buy a Garden Hose Reel

If you aren’t sure whether to buy a hose reel or not, the following are some reasons that will convince you to consider buying one.

To Avoid Kinks and Knots

If you leave your hose lying around, it will form kinks and knots. These will take time to undo and can be quite inconvenient when you want to water your garden immediately. Constantly twisting your hose can also damage it.

Avoid Accidents

The majority of hoses are green and will easily blend with the grass. If you leave them on pathways, there’s a chance that you will trip on them and fall. Buying a hose reel will protect you and your loved ones from such accidents.

Spruce Up Your Garden

Your garden will look untidy when the hose is lying carelessly on the ground. A hose reel conveniently houses it, leaving your garden looking neat and tidy. Additionally, some models include some eye-catching design features and will spruce up the look of your garden.

Protect the Hose

Housing the garden hose on the reel will protect it from damage caused by poor storage or exposure to harsh weather conditions such as temperature variations and UV light. A properly stored hose will be more durable and will serve you for many years.

Conclusion

Although there are plenty of options available, the right garden hose reel will depend on your unique needs. You will need to consider various factors, including size, cost, ease of use, and portability. We hope our reviews of the best garden hose reels of the year and the comprehensive buying guide will make your search for the perfect garden hose reel for your needs much easier.

If you’re still not sure what hose reel to buy, our reviews include some of the best models in the market. Feel free to choose any of them. But if you want a dependable model that will not disappoint you along the way, we recommend the Liberty Garden 704 Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel. It is our best overall pick. But if you are on our budget, the best value buy on our list is the IRIS USA FHEX-15 All-in-One Retractable Hose Reel.

See Also: 

• 10 Best Retractable Air Hose Reels