But that is not all! Keep on reading to find out more!
Contents
- 1 In a Rush? My Best Hose Reels
- 2 Top 7 Best Hose Reels Reviewed
- 2.1 1. ELEY Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel – Best Overall
- 2.2 2. Liberty Garden 870-M1-2 Industrial Garden Hose Reel Cart – Biggest Hose Capacity
- 2.3 3. Ironton Garden Hose Reel Cart – Easiest To Use
- 2.4 4. Suncast JSF175 175 ft Hosemobile Reel Cart – Best Value
- 2.5 5. Liberty Garden 301 Decorative Garden Hose Reel Cart – Best Look
- 2.6 6. Hozelock 2415 2-n-1 Compact Reel – Most Practical
- 2.7 7. Suncast No-Leak Resin Wicker-Looker Hose Reel – Best Design
- 3 Choose Best Hose Reels Like a Pro
- 4 Common Questions I Receive
- 5 And the Best Hose Reel Is…
- 6 About The Authors
In a Rush? My Best Hose Reels
Are you in a rush? Check my comparison table to see the products I tested for this article and my favorites.
Here are our top picks:
PRODUCT | |||
ELEY Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel
- Best Overall Pick |  |
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Liberty Garden 870-M1-2 Industrial 4-Wheel Garden Hose Reel Cart, Holds 300-Feet of 5/8-Inch Hose - Tan - Biggest Hose Capacity |  |
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Hozelock Ltd 100-100-053 2415 0000 HOZELOCK 2 in 1 Compact Enclosed Reel & 25m Hose & Fittings/nozz, Multicolour - Most Practical Option |  |
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And here’s the rest of the garden hose reels I am talking about in my review:
Top 7 Best Hose Reels Reviewed
1. ELEY Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel – Best Overall
Key Features
- Best overall features.
- Holds 125 ft of 5/8-inch garden hose.
- Can be set parallel or perpendicular.
- Rugged and rust-proof metal construction.
- Comes with a 6.5 ft polyurethane feeder hose.
My Experience with the ELEY Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel
Meet the Eley Wall Mount Hose Reel! It’s the best wall-mounted hose reel I came across when searching for my garden equipment that makes life so much easier. The hose is designed to make your watering tasks a breeze and free of frustration.
I was very pleasantly surprised that testing the Eley Garden Hose Reel was effortless, as it has a progressive design that can be mounted on the wall in a parallel or perpendicular way for either left or right-hand rewinding. Yep, even lefties can use this product! As my husband is lefty, he was really glad to find this feature on this hose reel.
The first thing I want to point out is that this quality hose reel is made of highly durable rust-proof aluminum alloy and is equipped with an exclusive braking system that keeps the hosepipe from unspooling once you stop pulling on it. Tested and approved by me!
For more control over uncoiling, I could set the cam-lever break to “ON” or “OFF” for drag-free rewinding. The comfort-grip crank handle made winding and rewinding easy and painless. Exactly what I was looking for.
The standard Eley Hose Reel holds up to 125 ft of ⅝-inch garden hose, which is around the same as a hose pot. For my garden size, it was sufficient, but you can increase the size of the hose reel by 75 ft with the extra capacity kit that is sold separately.
Check this video to see how this reel performs:
Read more about this brand in our Eley Hose reel review.
What I Like
- Well-engineered
- First-class quality
- Made to last
- Holds 125 ft of hose
- Robust metal construction
- Suited for right or left-hand use
- Braking system
- Ergonomic comfort grip
- 10-year limited warranty
What I Don’t Like
- On the pricier side
- Not made in the USA
Product Details
- Material: Aluminum-alloy
- Dimensions: 20 x 9 x 19 inches
- Hose Capacity: 125 feet
My Rating: 5/5
2. Liberty Garden 870-M1-2 Industrial Garden Hose Reel Cart – Biggest Hose Capacity
- Perfect for professional/commercial garden/landscaping needs, Functional and durable
- Holds up to 300-feet of 5/8-inch hose (hose not included), Non-slip handle
- Features 13 gauge steel construction, durable powder coat finish that is weather resistant, Brass/galvanized fixtures,...
Key Features
- Holds 300 ft of 5/8-inch garden hose.
- Ideal for personal and professional use.
- Sturdy 13 gauge steel construction.
- Features 10-inch pneumatic tires for mobility.
- 5 ft leader hose included.
My Experience with the Liberty Garden 870-M1-2 Industrial Garden Hose Reel Cart
Looking for the best water garden hose reel cart on wheels? Well, look no further. The Liberty Garden 870-M1-2 is just what you need. I figured that not everyone would benefit from a wall-mounted reel, as gardens come in all shapes and sizes. While my garden is quite compact, you might need a hose reel on wheels to effortlessly drag around your yard.
The Liberty Garden 870-M1-2 can handle light gardening tasks as well as heavy-duty construction work. I mostly used it for the former, so I can’t really vouch for how well it’d work in a construction site. You can coil up to 300 ft of your standard ⅝-inch hose onto it. Pretty impressive!
What I like about this hose reel the most is its sturdy and robust 13-gauge steel construction with a powder-coat finish. All fittings are galvanized or made of brass. Brass is the most durable material for fittings, according to Easy Garden Irrigation, a garden watering systems online retailer. So you won’t have to worry about them getting damaged during extreme weather conditions. I can confidently say that this product can be ideal for all states.
Thanks to the four durable 10-inch pneumatic wheels, no corner of your garden will stay unwatered. When testing the hose reel, I pushed it anywhere I wanted, just to prove the point that it was indeed as sturdy as advertised. The hose reel cart also has a low center of gravity, so it won’t tip over when unwinding the hose.
The non-slip handle made coiling a hose back on the reel easy, even when my hands were wet and slippery.
What I Like
- Holds 300 ft of hose
- Strong steel construction
- Suited for professional use
- Durable 10-inch wheels
- 90-degree brass swivel connector
- Non-slip handle grip
- 5 ft leader hose included
- 3-year limited warranty
What I Don’t Like
- Prone to rusting
- May leak
Product Details
- Material: Metal
- Dimensions: 29.5 x 25 x 35.5 inches
- Hose Capacity: 300 feet
My Rating: 4.8/5
3. Ironton Garden Hose Reel Cart – Easiest To Use
Key Features
- Straightforward design.
- Holds 300 ft of ⅝-inch hose.
- Durable tubular steel frame.
- Accessory basket for storage.
- Includes 6 ft leader hose.
My Experience with the Ironton Garden Hose Reel Cart
The Ironton Garden is another garden hose reel with wheels that really made my gardening chores hassle-free.
You can tell this hose reel is a breeze to use just by looking at it. But I am here to prove it to you.
The hose design is simple yet effective, and it even has a convenient storage basket to hold your gardening gloves and a hand hoe.
The best part about this product was that it had no complicated parts; It makes me crazy when my products aren’t as practical as I expect them to be!
The whole frame is made of durable tubular steel with a powder coat finish. Powder coating stands up to the elements much better than paint, according to PHOS, an architectural lighting manufacturer. Also, the strong steel fasteners have a zinc finish.
The reel is large enough to hold a max of 300 ft of regular ⅝-inch garden hose. It also comes with a 6 ft leader hose for easy connection to the water supply.
This hose reel cart has withstood my wild test, too. I literally pushed it with me all over my yard, and it didn’t fall down once! The pneumatic wheels and solid steel axles are made for all kinds of terrain.
What I Like
- Simple and effective
- Easy to use
- Strong steel construction
- Holds 300 ft of hose
- 6 ft leader hose included
- Durable wheels
- Foam padded handle for comfort
- Built-in accessory basket
- 1-year limited warranty
What I Don’t Like
- Can leak
- Prone to rusting
Product Details
- Material: Steel
- Dimensions: 43 x 24 x 33 inches
- Hose Capacity: 300 feet
My Rating: 4.8/5
4. Suncast JSF175 175 ft Hosemobile Reel Cart – Best Value
- PORTABLE HOSE REEL CART: Back wheels and cart handle allow for easy transportation throughout your yard, patio, lawn, or...
- DURABLE: Molded plastic cart is built to resist rusting and corrosion for long-lasting outdoor use
- SMOOTH CRANK HANDLE: Crank handle makes winding and unwinding of the garden hose easy and kink-free
Key Features
- Great features for a low price.
- Holds 175 ft of ⅝-inch hose.
- Rust-resistant plastic construction.
- 6-inch wheels for easy transportation.
- Easylink system ensures a watertight connection.
My Experience with the Suncast JSF175 175 ft Hosemobile Reel Cart
Who says you have to spend a fortune on a hose reel? The Suncast JSF175 gives you all you need for a low price. It may not be the most elegant hose reel out there. But it’s one of the most affordable manual hose reels I tested, and it definitely gets the job done.
This plastic hose reel was quite compact, so I would say it would make a great addition to any small garden. It can store up to 175 ft of standard ⅝-inch vinyl garden hose, and count on it to keep your hose tidy and ready for immediate use.
Are you not good at reading assembly instructions? No worries, me neither! The good news for us is that the Suncast JSF175 comes fully assembled – no tools are needed! You can use it straight out of the box.
Put those two 6-inch wheels to use and push the cart where you need it. The reel can be left outside without worry. It is made of durable plastic that doesn’t rust or corrode, unlike its competitors I’ve reviewed here.
What I Like
- Affordable
- Portable design
- Stylish brown taupe color
- Hold 175 ft of hose
- Doesn’t rust
- Has hooks for holding the end of the hose
- Fully assembled
- 3-year limited warranty
What I Don’t Like
- Holds less than 175 ft hose
- Leader hose may break off
- Important parts made of plastic
Product Details
- Material: Plastic
- Dimensions: 24.5 x 24.5 x 24.5 inches
- Hose Capacity: 175 feet
My Rating: 4.5/5
5. Liberty Garden 301 Decorative Garden Hose Reel Cart – Best Look
- PORTABLE REEL: If you've ever gotten tired of hauling a heavy hose, only to strain to reach those hard-to-reach corners...
- DURABLE: Aside from providing attractive storage, the 301 Liberty Garden Hose Holder is built with an attractive and...
- CAPACITY: Easy reel feature keeps hose neatly stored and generous cart holds up to 200-feet of standard 5/8-inch hose
Key Features
- Stylish.
- Holds 200 ft of ⅝-inch hose.
- 5 ft leader hose included.
- Durable steel construction.
- Two 8.5-inch tires for mobility.
My Experience with the Liberty Garden 301 Decorative Garden Hose Reel Cart
How pretty is this hose reel cart? It will immediately brighten any garden with its robust 13 gauge steel construction in a bronze finish that is swirled into a pretty vintage pattern to fit your whimsical garden.
As much as I want to have all the beautiful equipment stored for my garden, the design of this hose reel serves a purpose. The construction isn’t just for looks; it can easily hold the weight of 200 ft of garden hose. The fixtures are either galvanized or made of brass, so they can withstand the outdoor elements pretty well.
If looks matter to you, consider the Liberty Garden 301 your go-to hose reel. It really is one of the most beautiful hose reels I tested, without sacrificing any functionality.
The specs here are as good as the cart’s design. The Liberty Garden 301 comes with a 5 ft leader hose, which will extend your reach into the garden. Thanks to the two 8.5-inch never-flat tires, I could push this hose reel cart anywhere on any terrain.
Those of you working without gloves in the garden and embracing the beauty of getting your hands dirty will be pleasantly surprised with the cushioned push handle that protects your palms from blisters.
What I Like
- Acts as a decor piece
- Holds 200 ft of hose
- Strong steel construction
- 8.5-inch wheels for mobility
- A 5 ft leader hose included
- 90° brass swivel connector
- Cushioned non-slip handle
- Storage basket
- 3-year limited warranty
What I Don’t Like
- May come with missing parts
- Not very stable when reeling the hose
Product Details
- Material: Alloy steel
- Dimensions: 30.5 x 39.8 x 27.3 inches
- Hose Capacity: 200 feet
My Rating: 4.2/5
6. Hozelock 2415 2-n-1 Compact Reel – Most Practical
- Can be wall mounted or used as a free standing reel
- Enclosed casing for added protection from wear and tear.
- Large winding handle for hassle free manual rewinding.
Key Features
- Practical 2-in-1 design.
- Comes with 82 ft of multipurpose hose.
- Durable plastic casing.
- Portable with folding carry handle.
- Can be mounted on the wall or used as a freestanding reel.
My Experience with the Hozelock 2415 2-n-1 Compact Reel
The Hozelock 2415 is one of the most practical hose reels I have come across. Its compact 2-in-1 design gets you a garden hose and a reel in one unit – no need to purchase any separate parts.
It has a strong enclosed plastic casing that stores 25 meters or 82 feet of multipurpose garden hose. It’s true that ametal hose pot can store lengthier hoses, but I found this one to be a lot more versatile. The plastic shell protects the hose from wear and tear when not in use.
This hose reel is equipped with a large winding handle and a folding carry handle, making it fully portable. Unlike a hose reel cart, I simply took it on the go without any hassle. After quite some time during my testing, I realized using it as a freestanding reel or fixing it on the wall could be an even better and more convenient option.
If versatility is what you’re after, Hozelock 2415 is a gem.
The Hozelock 2415 is ready for immediate use since it comes equipped with all necessary parts, including the threaded tap connector, hose end connectors, and hose nozzles.
What I Like
- Smart and practical design
- Easy to use
- Includes 25 meters of hose
- Made of high-quality plastic
- Easy to carry
- Can be mounted on wall
- 2-year warranty
What I Don’t Like
- May be hard to assemble
- Hose can get stuck in the case
Product Details
- Material: Plastic
- Dimensions: 10.83 x 15.55 x 16.34 inches
- Hose Capacity: 82 feet
My Rating: 4/5
7. Suncast No-Leak Resin Wicker-Looker Hose Reel – Best Design
- OUTDOOR GARDEN HOSE REEL: Features a neutral mocha exterior for a stylish and functional addition to your yard
- CONVENIENT DESIGN: Provides easy and convenient storage of up to 225 feet of 5/8" Standard vinyl garden hose
- NO-LEAK DESIGN: Aluminum connections prevent leaks for drip-free operation
Key Features
- Discreet, stylish design.
- Holds up to 225 ft of ⅝-inch vinyl hose.
- Sturdy resin construction.
- Folding handle for easy carrying.
- Watertight aluminum connectors.
My Experience with the Suncast No-Leak Resin Wicker-Looker Hose Reel
The Suncast Wicker-Looker Hose Reel has a discreet and stylish look that won’t ruin your exterior design. At one point, my neighbors tried to open it, thinking it was a basket. This proves the point that nobody will ever know that your garden hose is hidden inside a pretty brown wicker box. I used to have a metal hose pot for that purpose, but this one is like an actual camouflage for my hose reels!
The Suncast Wicker-Looker Hose Reel is a functional and fashionable addition to any backyard. It holds up to 225 ft of standard ⅝-inch vinyl hose, offering plenty of storage space.
Despite its reel capacity, the Suncast Wicker-Looker Hose Reel measures a desirable 26x21x21.5 inches. While it’s not really small, it doesn’t take up too much space in my yard.
Its pretty construction is made of sturdy resin and is resistant to fading and rust. The material is low maintenance and can be simply wiped down when dirty.
What I Like
- Discreet design
- Fits most exterior designs
- Holds 225 ft of hose
- Sturdy resin construction
- Aluminum connectors
- Resistant to fading
- A folding handle for carrying
- 3-year limited warranty
What I Don’t Like
- May leak
- Plastic handle can break
- May look bulky in small gardens
Product Details
- Material: Resin
- Dimensions: 26 x 21 x 21.5 inches
- Hose Capacity: 225 feet
My Rating: 4/5
Choose Best Hose Reels Like a Pro
Capacity
The first thing you need to do is check whether the whole hose length fits on the reel. Don’t worry if your garden hose is too long! You can buy a new no-kink garden hose from my review list by clicking here.
Keep in mind that companies tend to slightly overestimate the reeling capacity of their products. I highly recommend that you buy a hose reel with a little room to spare.
Buying a product that barely holds the length and weight of the hose pipe is not a good long-term investment. You may end up breaking the reel, or your hose might end up unwinding on its own. Besides, you don’t want to buy a new hose reel each time you upgrade to a slightly longer hose.
Some of the best hose reels typically measure from 25 ft to 100 ft. I have made sure to review products that can accommodate any standard hose length.
Some of the hose reels I tested, like the Liberty Garden 870-M1-2 and the Ironton Garden Hose Reel can hold 300 ft of ⅝-inch hose, which is more than enough for commercial work, let alone personal use.
Durability
The best garden hose reels can be made of various materials, from PVC blends to different types of metal. The goal is to find a product that can withstand your local weather. That said, the best materials for hose reels are plastic and metal, according to Wayfair, a leading online furniture and home improvement retailer. The photo above is courtesy of pauljoelhancock.
If you plan on using your hose every day and leaving it outdoors, you may want to consider buying an enclosed reel, like the Hozelock 2415 or Suncast Wicker-Looker Reel hose reels I reviewed above.
The durable rust-resistant plastic will keep the hose shielded from harsh outdoor elements like extreme cold, frost, rain, and heat. It means that you will spend less time winterizing. You can even opt for a metal hose pot, though these don’t usually have covers on top.
Feel free to get an open-style hose reel like an Ironton Garden Hose Reel Cart if you plan on storing it in the shed.
I always suggest spending a little bit more on quality than wasting money on repairs, like changing an eroded axle or treating the whole frame for rust.
Length of Leader Hose
Many hose reels come with a leader hose, which connects the reel to the spigot. A leader hose lets you place the hose reel further from the water source so you can use the whole length of your hose for watering. I really like using these, as they pretty much extend my reach, so I can get to all the corners of your yard. You could even get to your washing station if you have one.
Leader hoses come in a variety of lengths, some as short as 3 ft and others measuring well over 10 ft. The Eley Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel is 6 ft long and drinking water safe, so you can safely let your kids drink from it! Just make sure your hose is drinking water-safe like the reputable Flexzilla garden hoses are.
Portability
Keep in mind the size of your garden when buying a hose reel, especially if you have some distant outdoor areas that need tending. I generally like having a metal hose pot alongside my hose reels. But in the case of a big garden, you will need a portable hose reel, either a hose reel cart or a carrying type. The photo above is courtesy of Casey Fleser.
A portable hose reel cart should have a good set of pneumatic wheels that are durable and ready to conquer gravel, stone, mud, and grass. The Liberty Garden 870-M1-2 has a set of four 10-inch tires that ensure full mobility of the cart.
The carrying hose reel should be lightweight, compact, and equipped with a durable and comfortable handle for transporting. The Hozelock 2415 checks all the above-mentioned requirements of a good portable reel.
Common Questions I Receive
Is A Hose Reel Worth It?
A hose reel is worth it if you don’t have an effective way of storing your garden hose. If you spend more time detangling your hose than watering your garden, you should consider purchasing a hose reel. It will keep your hose tidy and in good condition.
What Is The Best Garden Hose Reel Cart?
The best garden hose reel cart is one with a good set of wheels and sturdy and stable construction. My top picks for the best garden hose reel cart include:
Who Makes The Best Garden Hose Reel?
It is hard to determine who makes the best garden hose reels. However, these are the brands that people trust and the most popular:
And the Best Hose Reel Is…
There are many different hose reels you can choose from. Each one has a unique set of features that are sure to make your watering tasks easier.
Still, I have to announce the best hose reels from my review list.
The clear winner of my review roundup is the Eley Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel. It is the best wall-mounted hose reel on the web, and it didn’t disappoint when I tested it out.
It has a progressive, adjustable design that beats the competition. You can mount it on the wall in a parallel or perpendicular way, either for left or right-hand use.
The Eley Wall Mount Hose Reel safely stores up to 125 ft of hose. It is made of rugged and robust, no-break aluminumalloy construction that will last you for years to come. Best of all, it is backed by a 10-year warranty that lets you know how confident the company is in its product.
The runner-up hose reels worth mentioning are the Liberty Garden 870-M1-2 and Hozelock 2415 2-n-1 . Both hose reels can turn your once stressful watering tasks into a relaxing hobby.
About The Authors
Last update on 2023-10-04 at 18:58 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API