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The 3 Best Hose Reels of 2024

We tested retractable and manual hose reels from manufacturers like Eley, Flexzilla, Liberty Garden, and more to find out which were the best for your home and garden.
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Best Hose Reel Review
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Credit: Hale Milano
By Hale Milano ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 1, 2024

The Best Hose Reels for 2024


Searching for a convenient way to store and use that tangle of garden hose in your garage? Hose reels have evolved a lot over the years. This subsection of the home and garden watering market now encompasses devices of different styles with many different features and capabilities. You might be interested in a hose reel thanks to their integrated storage capabilities, their convenience in preventing tangles of garden hoses taking up space in your garage, or their automatic retracting capabilities. Hose reels can also be a big investment, and there are a lot of factors that can influence your decision. Our team of experts researched all the options available today before purchasing and conducting hands-on tests to find the best retractable and manual hose reels. We'll help you determine the features that are most important to you and make recommendations for the best reel to meet your needs.

While hose reels may be the evolution of the standard garden hoses, they are by no means the only option on the market. Whether it's a more traditional garden hose you want for simplicity and durability, or a space-saving expandable hose for tight quarters like a boat or RV, there are lots of models and designs to choose from. You can also upgrade your current hoses with one of the best hose nozzles to improve your spray performance, an easy and cost-effective switch!

Editor's Note: Our hose reel review underwent a major overhaul on October 1, 2024. We completely redid our testing metrics, designed new hands on tests, and updated our lineup of hose reels to include the most common on the market today.

Top 10 Hose Reels - Test Results

Displaying 1 - 10 (scroll right)
 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Hose Reel
 Top Pick Award
Best Premium Manual Reel
Top Pick Award
Best Rotating Manual Reel
      
Price $160 List
$149.95 at Amazon
$249 List
$249.00 at Amazon
$247 List$204 List
$154.93 at Amazon
$200 List
$159.10 at Amazon
$231 List
$234.99 at Amazon
$160 List
$169.99 at Amazon
$168 List
$159.58 at Amazon
$251 List
$251.00 at Amazon
$29 List
$30.70 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Pros Intuitive latching zones and easy to unwind, strong rewind power, user-friendly featuresModern and sleek design, excellent spray volume, easy to use, ergonomic quick connectors and valvesPremium quality materials, sturdy and durable, high-capacity hose lengthMetal construction, reel rotates 360 degrees, includes either a shelf or basketAudible and tactile locking zones every foot, firm rewind powerExtra long connector hose, flat base for portabilitySmooth and intuitive latching zones, easy to mount and unmount for winterization or storageGreat nozzle and spray settings, long hose lengthEasy to mount, metal mounting bracketBudget friendly, 100-foot hose length capacity
Cons Below average connectors, no valvesLarge size given hose length, expensiveFixed reel direction, expensive, hose not includedWide mounting base, hose not includedTwist-type nozzle, very sensitive quick release connectorsHose is too stretchy to trigger rewind, sensitive locking zones and push button nozzle, expensiveBelow average spray performance, hose twists and kinks occasionallyChallenging to unwind and unlock to rewind, lacks sufficient winding power, minor leaks from nozzle and connector hoseLacks sufficient winding power, doesn't coil hose neatly when rewinding, substandard spray performance and features, expensiveQuestionable quality and major leaks, fixed reel direction, hose not included
Bottom Line This all-around high performer has smooth and intuitive handling, and is packed with features to make your watering chores a breezeThis beautiful hose reel is convenient, performs great, and has high-quality valves and connectors to make set up and tear down a breezeThis manual hose reel is great, if you already have a standard garden hose, thanks to premium materials, a variety of mounting options, and an excellent user experienceThis feature-packed option rotates freely and includes a shelf, making it ideal for multi-directional gardens and storing accessoriesThis model is convenient and intuitive to use, but some included features like a twist nozzle and touchy quick releases left us frustratedThis high visibility hose reel is great for portable reel performance thanks to a flat base and handle, but has a learning curve to the hose latching and unlatchingThis reel has great spray performance and is easy to use, but twists and kinks more than most hose reels in our lineupThere were some challenges using this hose that left us turning to other similarly priced modelsThis expensive option leaves a lot to be desired when compared to other hose reels in our lineupThis budget-friendly hose reel is perfect if you're not sure about using one or looking to save money for other expenses
Rating Categories Ayleid Retractable... Hoselink Retractabl... Eley Wood Post Mount Liberty Garden Sing... Gardena Wall Mount Flexzilla Pro Retra... Giraffe Tools Retra... Glahoden Retractable Macnaught Retracta... Suncast Sidewinder...
Convenience (35%)
8.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
7.5
5.0
4.5
3.5
Performance (35%)
8.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
6.0
2.0
Construction Quality (20%)
7.0
7.5
10.0
8.0
6.0
6.5
6.0
6.5
5.0
5.0
Variety of Options (10%)
9.5
7.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
9.0
8.0
7.5
5.0
3.0
Specs Ayleid Retractable... Hoselink Retractabl... Eley Wood Post Mount Liberty Garden Sing... Gardena Wall Mount Flexzilla Pro Retra... Giraffe Tools Retra... Glahoden Retractable Macnaught Retracta... Suncast Sidewinder...
Hose Length Capacity 65, 100, 130 feet 50 & 82 feet 125 feet for standard or 200ft of extra capacity for 5/8 inch diameter 125 feet 100 feet 70 feet 130 feet 115 feet 82 feet 100 feet
Hose Included Integrated Integrated No No Integrated Included Integrated Integrated Integrated No
Connector Hose Length 6 feet 7 feet 6 feet 5 feet 5 feet 11 feet 6 feet 6 feet 6.5 feet 4.5 feet
Retraction Mechanism Retractable Retractable Fixed Manual Reel Rotating Manual Reel Retractable Retractable Retractable Retractable Retractable Fixed Manual Reel
Rotation Ability 180° 180° None 360° 180° 135° 180° 180° 180° None
Nozzle Included Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Coupling Shape Hex Hex and Round Quick Release Hex Hex Round Hex Hex Hex Hex Round
Material PVC Anti-UV polymer Metal Metal Polymer UV stabilized polypropylene Polypropylene Anti-UV polymer Polymer Plastic
Coupling Material Brass Brass Aluminum-alloy Brass Plastic Aluminum-alloy Brass Brass Brass Brass
Reel Type Wall Mount Mountable Wall or Post Mount Mountable Mounted Mounted or free standing Mountable Mountable Mountable Mountable
Dimensions 18" x 9" x 15" 24" x 11" x 19" 19" x 20" x 16" 20" x 19" x 22" 18" x 10" x 16" 19" x 12" x 17" 24" x 18" x 11" 21" x 11" x 17" 21" x 10" x 19" 16" x 12" x 16"
Hose Diameter Capacity 1/2 inch 9/16 inch 5/8 or 3/4 inch 5/8 inch 1/2 inch 1/2 inch 1/2 inch 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch 1/2 inch 5/8 inch
Length Tested 100 foot 82 foot 125 foot capacity n/a 100 foot 70 f00t n/a 100 foot 82 foot n/a


Best Overall Hose Reel


Ayleid Retractable Reel


80
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Convenience 8.0
  • Performance 8.0
  • Construction Quality 7.0
  • Variety of Options 9.5
Available Lengths: 65, 100, 130 ft | Reel Type: Retractable
REASONS TO BUY
Intuitive locking and latching zones
Strong winding power
User-friendly and helpful features
REASONS TO AVOID
No valve
Below average connectors

We were impressed with the Ayleid Retractable Reel. It proved to be a balanced and high-performing hose reel packed with helpful features. The Ayleid is also one of the least expensive hoses we tested. This hose reel checks all the boxes; it was easy to install and use, and it had ergonomic features and excellent spray performance. It also was easy to unwind and it worked smoothly from all different angles. Our testers especially appreciated features like a collapsing handle and integrated hose brush to clean off debris, which helped this option stand out from the pack. It's also available in a variety of length options, ranging from 65 to 130 feet, helping you customize your hose reel to your needs. After all our testing, we found ourselves reaching back for the Ayleid because it worked well, with little extra thought or effort required.

While there is a lot to love about the Ayleid, there are a few minor drawbacks that, while disappointing, we didn't think impacted performance. We found the connectors on the hose aren't as ergonomic as other options. This isn't an issue if you plan to only keep the Ayleid in one spot, but could be if you plan on disconnecting and moving it frequently, whether to other spigots or for storage. There is also no o-ring included, so we found that the connectors had a slight leak. By adding a spare ring we had around, we completely fixed the problem. Additionally, there's no dedicated valve built into the hose. We found valves to be a helpful feature in the event you need to swap nozzles or want to stop the flow of water to the hose without walking back to the spigot. That said, these are quite minor complaints for such a high-performance and budget-friendly model. Another high-performing and aesthetic option is the Hoselink Retractable Reel. This premium option is ideal for permanent mounting in visible locations and does have two valves and excellent spray and nozzle performance, but costs significantly more.

Read more: Ayleid Retractable Reel review

The Ayleid easily retracts it's 100-foot hose in about 15 seconds, storing it protected from the elements and ready for next time with no tangles or kinks.
Credit: Hale Milano

Best Premium Manual Reel


Eley Wood Post Mount


77
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Convenience 7.0
  • Performance 7.0
  • Construction Quality 10.0
  • Variety of Options 8.0
Hose Length Capacity: 125 - 200 ft | Reel Type: Fixed Manual Reel
REASONS TO BUY
High-quality construction and materials
Sturdy and durable
High hose-length capacity
REASONS TO AVOID
Hose not included
Expensive

The Eley Wood Post Mount is a premium manual hose reel. From the materials it's made from to the craftsmanship and even instructions, it's evident that this reel is a durable option that will last a long time in the elements. It has two different mounting directions, with the reel parallel or perpendicular to the mounting surface, and an additional mounting kit can adapt it for mounting on a wood post versus a flat wall. Our testers noted that the reel operates smoothly, and even with a heavy hose on, it is sturdy and stable in use. The Eley reel can hold up to 200 feet of hose, depending on the diameter. Overall, this excellent option is ideal if you're looking for a manual reel and have a favorite heavy-duty garden hose you want to use with it.

The Eley has a few features that hinder its suitability for a broader range of scenarios. First and foremost, the fixed reel direction means that winding and unwinding is limited to a wide angle directly out from the reel; dragging the hose away at a 90-degree angle will quickly result in a jam. Also, for the price, this is a very expensive reel that does not even include a hose; meaning your investment isn't finished quite yet. Lastly, we found that when reeling in the hose, though this process is easy, the coils didn't lay neatly, even though they did fit on the reel. Overall, we still found this reel to be an excellent option for a durable model that will last for many years in the elements. If you're still interested in a manual reel, the Liberty Garden Single Arm Navigator boasts many of the same advantages as the Eley, but also rotates freely. The Ayleid Retractable Reel or Hoselink Retractable Reel are other great options that are more featured and include a hose, as well as automatic winding and retraction.

Read more: Eley Wood Post Mount review

The Eley is one quality hose reel, but does require a hand to guide the hose as you wind. The Eley nozzle is also prone to getting bumped on, though it's more than durable enough to survive.
Credit: Hale Milano

Best Rotating Manual Reel


Liberty Garden Single Arm Navigator


76
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Convenience 8.0
  • Performance 7.0
  • Construction Quality 8.0
  • Variety of Options 7.0
Hose Length Capacity: 125 ft | Reel Type: Rotating Manual Reel
REASONS TO BUY
All metal construction
Reel rotates 360 degrees
Includes a shelf for accessories
REASONS TO AVOID
Wide mounting base
Does not include a hose

The Liberty Garden Single Arm Navigator is a rotating manual hose reel that blends the convenience and features of most retractable reels with the durability and timelessness of manual reels. The Liberty boasts a sturdy all-metal construction and easily bolts together with included hardware and tools. The reel hangs below a shelf that's perfect for storing accessories. We love that the handle rotates freely during winding, allowing a secure grip, and the whole unit is sturdy enough to support a 100-foot and ¾-inch diameter hose with ease. We recommend this option if you already have or want to use a traditional garden hose, but still want the storage and rotational benefits of a retractable reel.

Like most manual reels in our lineup, the Liberty does not include a hose or nozzle, so you'll need to buy those separately. Additionally, the mounting base is quite wide, meaning a 4x4 post, a common method for mounting hose reels, won't be adequate. Another more durable manual reel to consider is the Eley, though it has a fixed direction. Also, consider the Ayleid or Hoselink for an integrated retractable hose reel that both includes a hose and allows you to rotate the reel freely.

Read more: Liberty Garden Single Arm Navigator review

The Liberty is a convenient and easy to use manual reel that boasts a 100-foot storage capacity and a rotating reel so that you can wind and unwind your hose from a variety of angles in your yard.
Credit: Hale Milano

Best on a Tight Budget


Suncast Sidewinder Mounted


32
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Convenience 3.5
  • Performance 2.0
  • Construction Quality 5.0
  • Variety of Options 3.0
Hose Length Capacity: 100 ft | Reel Type: Fixed Manual Reel
REASONS TO BUY
Budget-friendly
100-foot length capacity
REASONS TO AVOID
Significant leaks
questionable quality
No hose included

The Suncast Sidewinder Mounted hose reel is an entry-level and budget-friendly option. By far the biggest advantages to this reel are the price, as well as the fact that it boasts a 100-foot length capacity, on par with others in our lineup. That said, a full-size garden hose will push this reel to its limits, and you'll likely notice wobbling and instability while using it. If you're not careful when connecting the reel to the mount, there will likely be some leaks as well. That said, for light-duty hoses, or a temporary hose reel solution, the Suncast is likely adequate. While other reels may perform better, offer more features, or be more durable, we recommend this model for those considering a hose reel, but not ready to shell out the money for a higher-performing reel.

Like other fixed reels in our lineup, the Suncast can only be mounted in one direction, and doesn't rotate once mounted. The handle is also fixed on the reel, meaning it won't rotate as you wind the reel; a potentially uncomfortable and chaffing experience. Though we didn't experience issues during testing, the plastic material of the Suncast also raises concerns about durability; but for the price, it can't be beat. The biggest drawback to the Suncast is its instability and leaking; it took several tries to attach the reel to the mount and latch it; and several more to prevent enough leaks to enable adequate spray pressure. If you're willing to pay more for a manual reel, the Eley Reel is an extremely durable option that will leave you impressed with its quality, convenience, and performance.

The Suncast is a bit wobbly but can still hold a 100-foot hose; its most attractive feature is its price.
Credit: Hale Milano

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
80
Ayleid Retractable Reel
Best Overall Hose Reel
$160
Editors' Choice Award
78
Hoselink Retractable Reel
$249
77
Eley Wood Post Mount
Best Premium Manual Reel
$247
Top Pick Award
76
Liberty Garden Single Arm Navigator
Best Rotating Manual Reel
$204
Top Pick Award
68
Gardena Wall Mount
$200
68
Flexzilla Pro Retractable
$231
67
Giraffe Tools Retractable
$160
56
Glahoden Retractable
$168
52
Macnaught Retracta Retractable Garden
$251
32
Suncast Sidewinder Mounted
$29

hose reel - we tested a variety of hose reels to help you determine which style...
We tested a variety of hose reels to help you determine which style and model is best for you.
Credit: Hale Milano

How We Test Hose Reels


The GearLab testing team are experienced, and seasoned professionals, well versed in sussing out why some products are a must-buy, and others are a bust. When we took on the challenge of evaluating hose reels we knew we'd be up to the test; segmenting out the different kinds and styles of reels, as well as what makes a reel ideal for the beginner, and experienced, home gardener? We tested three different types of hose reels — retractable, fixed manual, and rotating manual — over the course of several months comparing and contrasting the strengths and weaknesses of each. We reeled and unreeled each multiple times to gauge convenience and intuitiveness. We also evaluated the hoses, if included, for spray performance, maneuverability, and kinking. We conducted hands-on and on-line research to compare the variety of options, models, and capacities that each reel and manufacturer offered too. Throughout all of this we annotated any doubts or noteworthy design and construction quality data points to help determine which hose reels can best keep up with the demands of yard work.

We test across four key metrics for hose reels:
  • Convenience (35% of overall score weighting)
  • Performance (35% weighting)
  • Construction Quality (20% weighting)
  • Variety of Options (10% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab


GearLab is the best place to find research backed reviews, where every single product is tested by real people in the real world. We combine hours of meticulous research and analysis, evaluating every option across a variety of objective, measurable, and repeatable tests. GearLab purchases every product tested at retail value, so there's never a financial incentive to favor a specific brand or option. Our lead tester responsible for our multiple hose categories, including hose reels, is a GearLab veteran across a variety of yard tool and equipment categories. Yard and home DIY enthusiast Hale Milano knows a fair bit about choosing the right equipment for the job. After testing garden, expandable, and hose reels, Hale is well-versed in the different features that make some hoses great and others a nightmare. He's examined thousands of feet of hoses throughout all manner of watering-related chores in order to help determine which hose reels are the best across our testing lineup and will help you get the most out of your next hose-related experience.

A retractable reel like the ones shown can be a great asset to your...
A retractable reel like the ones shown can be a great asset to your yard tool collection. They take out a lot of the manual work of winding a hose, making watering chores that much easier.
The hex nut and plastic flanges slide back on the Ayleid's...
The hex nut and plastic flanges slide back on the Ayleid's connector. Our only complaint was a slight leak due to no gasket.
We found the Suncast Sidewinder leaks at the connection points...
We found the Suncast Sidewinder leaks at the connection points, making it less than optimal for keeping good water pressure.
We analyzed and tested every feature and component of these reels to ensure we would make the best recommendations for your home and garden.

Analysis and Test Results


Hose reels are available in all kinds of different styles, options, and materials. If you've used standard garden hoses before, but never tried a reel, choosing the right style can be overwhelming, yet also offers a lot of solutions to your troubles with a plain hose. We began our review and test process by researching online the most popular and interesting reels. From there, we selected the ten most promising models for side-by-side comparison at our homes. We mounted and used each reel for several months, objectively and subjectively comparing its ease of use and performance, annotating the pros and cons of each model. After we had a grasp on each, we analyzed and summarized our findings to provide our recommendations on which hose reels are the best for different needs.

Types of Hose Reels
We segmented our lineup of reels into three different reel styles based on their design.
-Retractable Reels: All-in-one options that include a hose and automatically retract it when the latching mechanism is released. Retractable reels tend to be able to rotate in their mounting bracket close to 180 degrees.
-Fixed Manual Reel: These are wind-up reels that require you to manually wind the hose with a crank or handle. Typically, a hose is not included.
-Rotating Manual Reel: Another manually wound option that also offers the benefit of rotating in the bracket, enabling you to wind and unwind from a greater range of angles.


What's the Best Value?


Hose reels of all types tend to be relatively expensive pieces of equipment, though depending on the style you get, some may come with a hose and nozzle included. We select our lineup based on the most promising and interesting features, regardless of price. We also avoid factoring price into our scoring analysis, although we do consider it when comparing and contrasting overall scores and performance at the end, because we want to ensure our recommendations offer excellent and relative value for the performance each model offers.

hose reel - the cost of a hose reel that includes a hose and nozzle often makes...
The cost of a hose reel that includes a hose and nozzle often makes it worth the investment.
Credit: Hale Milano

The Ayleid Reel is not only one of the top-performing hose reels in our lineup, but also one of the most economically priced options, making it a great option for your chores and for your wallet. The Ayleid is available well under the cost of other reels, and yet offers excellent convenience, performance, and durability compared to those options, a double win.

hose reel - the ayleid was not only one of our favorites to use, but offers...
The Ayleid was not only one of our favorites to use, but offers excellent value thanks to a more accessible price point.
Credit: Hale Milano

On the far end of the spectrum is the Suncast Sidewinder that, although it didn't perform nearly as well as more richly featured options in our lineup, is so budget-friendly that its value can't be ignored. Nevertheless, we did experience significant leaks with this model.

The Suncast isn't the most convenient to use, but you can't beat the price, especially if you're looking for a temporary solution.
Credit: Hale Milano

Convenience


To test each hose's convenience, we evaluated the smoothness of unwinding and winding each hose — whether that is via the reel's retraction capabilities or manual winding. We considered the different angles at which you could wind and unwind without jams. For retractable reels, we evaluated the strength that it possessed to rewind a hose full of water.

Reel Types and Abilities
 Retraction MechanismDegree of Rotation AbilityHose Included
Ayleid Retractable ReelRetractable180Integrated
Hoselink Retractable ReelRetractable180Integrated
Eley Wood Post MountFixed Manual ReelNoneNo
Liberty Garden Single Arm NavigatorRotating Manual Reel360No
Flexzilla Pro RetractableRetractable135Included
Gardena Wall MountRetractable180Integrated
Giraffe Tools RetractableRetractable180Integrated
Glahoden RetractableRetractable180Integrated
Macnaught Retracta Retractable GardenRetractable180Integrated
Suncast Sidewinder MountedFixed Manual ReelNoneNo

We tested the latching and locking zones, noting whether they were intuitive, audible, tactile, or non-existent. Also, we noted the reels that rotate from where they are secured to unwind in different directions.

hose reel - the ability to rotate from its connection point can make a hose reel...
The ability to rotate from its connection point can make a hose reel more convenient, especially if there is a locking system like this one.
Credit: Hale Milano

Retractable reels, thanks to their retracting capabilities, led the pack of our convenience test. The top three performers in this metric were the Ayleid, Hoselink, and Gardena Wall Mount. Each of these retractable reels boasts smooth winding and unwinding performance, sufficient power to rewind a full hose at maximum extension, and rotates almost 180 degrees on the reel mount. Most importantly, each of these reels has intuitive locking and unlocking that lets you move around unencumbered.

The Hoselink reel sits high in the mount, and rotates just over 180 degrees.
Credit: Hale Milano

Despite being a manual reel, the Liberty Garden is another convenient model that scored well, even higher than some of the retractable options. This manual reel also rotates like most of the retractable reels, vastly improving the user experience. The handle rotates freely on the reel as well, making rewinding a breeze.

hose reel - the liberty's reel can rotate 360 degrees and lock in place at one...
The Liberty's reel can rotate 360 degrees and lock in place at one of seven different positions, convenient if your spigot is centrally located.
Credit: Hale Milano

The Giraffe Tools Retractable is another retractable reel that scored highly in our lineup. It isn't quite as smooth as other options, however its latching zones are almost imperceptible and quite intuitive. During testing we moved around our yard at random, and this hose seemed to retract or expand exactly the way we needed it to.

hose reel - the giraffe reel has one of the most fluid latching and unlatching...
The Giraffe reel has one of the most fluid latching and unlatching zones of any model we tested, letting you easily reel out or retract just the right amount of hose with a slight tug.
Credit: Hale Milano

One of the primary reasons to purchase a hose reel is the convenience that it provides you. Reels can easily accommodate a 100-foot plus hose, and store it in a tangle and mess free container. On top of that, some add automatic retracting and rotating abilities that mean hose reels can easily solve many of the troubles of standard garden hose users.


Performance


Our performance metric, weighted the same as convenience, tested the actual hose and spray capabilities of each reel. We looked at the connectors, tested for leaks, and assessed the spray and nozzle performance of each model. Lastly, we annotated hoses that were more likely to kink or jam in the reel during usage. As with our convenience metric, the top two scoring models for performance were the Ayleid and Hoselink. Both these hoses, despite differences in size, were excellent across all of our performance tests.

hose reel - the ayleid (left) and hoselink (right) have many similar design...
The Ayleid (left) and Hoselink (right) have many similar design features and excellent performance.
Credit: Hale Milano

The Ayleid is a thinner diameter hose, but still has excellent nozzle options and spray performance. We didn't have any issues with the connectors, though they aren't as robust and ergonomic as other options, and we had to get a wrench to tighten it fully so it wouldn't leak. The hose is light and maneuverable, and we didn't have any issues with it kinking or jamming.

Not only are the latching zones quite frequent on the Ayleid, the hose is flexible and maneuverable; making it easy to navigate through your garden.
Credit: Hale Milano

The Hoselink is significantly wider in diameter than most other retractable reels, and because of this, has excellent spray volume and water pressure. Though the nozzle has eight different settings, we noticed that four of them seemed quite similar. The on-off valves on the nozzle and connector hose are great, making connecting and disconnecting the hose and nozzle easy. We noticed no issues of the hose kinking or jamming during our testing.

hose reel - the hoselink (outer hose) and ayleid (inner hose) were equally high...
The Hoselink (outer hose) and Ayleid (inner hose) were equally high performers despite difference in size and diameter.
Credit: Hale Milano

A few hoses did an acceptable job in this metric, with minor performance issues. The Flexzilla Pro was easy to connect and we noticed no issues with leaks, but the hose is quite stretchy, so was tricky to adjust. The Macnaught Retracta did well enough in this metric, with no leaks or connector issues, but the integrated hose was the only one in our testing that was prone to kinking.

hose reel - the macnaught retracta wasn't the highest-scoring hose reel in our...
The Macnaught Retracta wasn't the highest-scoring hose reel in our testing, and we found it challenging to unwind.
Credit: Hale Milano

On the lower scoring end of our testing, the Suncast Sidewinder definitely leaked a lot. We almost wondered if there might have been a defect with our unit. There was no included nozzle, and the unit wobbled a lot during testing, though we didn't have issues with the hose kinking.

hose reel - the suncast wobbled a lot, and it leaked terribly. still, its low...
The Suncast wobbled a lot, and it leaked terribly. Still, its low price tag is appealing.
Credit: Hale Milano


Making sure that a reel is user-friendly is critically important when considering hose reels; however, convenience without performance will still result in frustration. Leaky connectors and a kinking hose could create more headache than help.


Construction Quality


We evaluated construction quality based on several factors. First, we looked at the mount and mounting process, and whether it is likely to hold up to years of pulling and tugging on a full hose. We also considered day-to-day durability, noting any issues found during our course of testing. Lastly, we considered the material that each is made of, and though we didn't push any to the point of breaking during testing, made judgements based on the material thickness and quality.

The Eley brand of hose related tools has shown across different product types to be high-quality and durable options, and this hose reel is no different. The Eley Wood Post Mount earned a well deserved perfect score in our construction quality thanks to excellent craftsmanship, durable materials, and premium build quality. The solid metal construction holds a 100-foot garden hose full of water very stable, and doesn't wiggle or budge at all during winding and unwinding while cranking on the handle.

hose reel - the fittings and fixtures on the eley are solid brass and...
The fittings and fixtures on the Eley are solid brass and professional-grade.
Credit: Hale Milano


The Liberty Garden is another all-metal manual hose reel that scored well in our construction quality metric. Durable and thick materials, as well as thoughtful design and build considerations, inspire confidence in the longevity of this reel. We also appreciated that the shelf provided some protection of the hose from the elements, increasing its longevity as well.

hose reel - a wide mounting bracket provides stability, and the all metal shelf...
A wide mounting bracket provides stability, and the all metal shelf was fantastic for storing accessories on the Liberty Garden reel.
Credit: Hale Milano


The Hoselink is the highest scoring retractable reel in our construction quality test. It is significantly larger than most other reels in our lineup but the construction quality and thick UV-resistant polymer are well made and durable. Though not directly related to construction quality, the Hoselink has a modern and sleek aesthetic, and we felt that the care and attention to detail in its design translated into the quality of construction and ultimately longevity.

hose reel - though the hoselink is mostly plastic, it is a solid unit with brass...
Though the Hoselink is mostly plastic, it is a solid unit with brass connectors, and it's one of the more aesthetically pleasing options in our lineup.
Credit: Hale Milano


Hose reels, like most garden tools, get put through a lot of use and abuse, as well as exposure to the elements. A hose reel that is well constructed can handle seasons of use, while a model with less considered mounts and materials may have a lifespan of only one summer.


Variety of Options


We looked across the manufacturer's lineups to evaluate how many options each hose model is available in. We factored in the ability to easily winterize a hose reel in this metric, based on the fact that options like valves and quick-releases or handles played into that ability. Our variety metric also evaluated the hose capacity of each reel, or the different length options they are available in. Next, we noted whether a hose, nozzle, and valve is included with each reel. Lastly, this metric factors in the length of the connector hose which impacts the number of mounting options you'll have.

Hose Specs
 Connector Hose LengthHose Length CapacityHose Diameter Capacity
Ayleid Retractable Reel6 feet65, 100, 130 feet1/2 inch
Hoselink Retractable Reel7 feet50 & 82 feet9/16 inch
Eley Wood Post Mount6 feet125 or 200 feet5/8 or 3/4 inch
Liberty Garden Single Arm Navigator5 feet125 feet5/8 inch
Flexzilla Pro Retractable11 feet70 feet1/2 inch
Gardena Wall Mount5 feet100 feet1/2 inch
Giraffe Tools Retractable6 feet130 feet1/2 inch
Glahoden Retractable6 feet115 feet1/2 inch, 5/8 inch
Macnaught Retracta Retractable Garden6.5 feet82 feet1/2 inch
Suncast Sidewinder Mounted4.5 feet100 feet5/8 inch

Yet again, the Ayleid is one of the leading hose reels in this metric, thanks to a plethora of options and features. The Ayleid is available in three different length options: 65, 100, and 130 feet. We tested the 100 foot model and it is one of the more compact hose reels in our lineup. The Ayleid also includes a nozzle, hose, handle, and brush. The integrated brush is a great feature that cleans any yard debris off the hose before storage. The handle folds down into the reel but is helpful for removing and carrying the unit around when it's not mounted. It has a 6 foot connector hose.

The lay-flat handle is a great feature that makes moving your hose...
The lay-flat handle is a great feature that makes moving your hose reel so much easier, allowing you to put it away and protect it from the elements.
The integrated debris brush is a thoughtful touch on this reel;...
The integrated debris brush is a thoughtful touch on this reel; easily cleaning off leaves and mulch that got stuck to the hose.
The Ayleid's thoughtful features like a fold-flat handle and integrated brush elevated its appeal.


Another high-scoring model in this metric is the Flexzilla Pro Retractable. The Flexzilla boasts an 11-foot connector hose, double most others in our lineup. We also loved the fact that it has a flat base and carrying handle, making this hose reel somewhat portable. In theory, you could connect this reel with another one, as opposed to the spigot, effectively doubling its 70-foot hose length. The Flexzilla comes with a hose, nozzle, and push button valve.

hose reel - we chained the flexzilla together with a regular garden hose and...
We chained the Flexzilla together with a regular garden hose and were able to reach previously untouched areas of our yard. It's a bit heavy when full of water, but the portability of this reel is nice.
Credit: Hale Milano

As evidenced by the multiple styles of hose reels, there are a variety of options to choose from, and some may suit your needs better than others. A wider variety of options means a better chance of getting what you need.


How to Choose a Hose Reel


How Much Hose Length Do You Need?


Some hose reels come with a hose, whether integrated or simply included. Others do not, but each hose reel can only hold a certain length of hose. It's important to note how much hose you need for your space, and to purchase a hose reel that can hold that length.

Where Do You Plan to Mount Your Reel?


Location, location, location. It's important to note where you are hoping to mount your reel to make sure it will fit and function properly. Different reels require different mounting area. You also have to make sure there are no obstacles that may get in the way. How far is your desired mounting area from a spigot? Each hose reel has a certain length of connector hose, limiting how far it can be stationed from the spigot. Another consideration is whether you plan to purchase a rotating reel, or a stationary one. A rotating reel will require more clear space to maneuver properly. Also, some reels have the ability to be mounted parallel or perpendicular to the mounting surface. Make sure to check the specifications of the model you're considering.

Retractable or Manual?


Probably one of the most important considerations when choosing a reel is whether you would like a retractable or manual one. While it could be argued that a retractable reel is the most convenient, some manual options that are stable and wind smoothly can also be quite user-friendly.

Other Features to Consider


While not always necessary, a great feature set can make your hose experience much simpler. A hose reel with a locking mechanism can help you keep control of your hose, making your job easier. Also, some reels that include a hose also may include a nozzle. Sometimes it's nice to get everything you need in one bundle, although some people may prefer to purchase a hose and/or nozzle of their own choosing. Other features you may find include an integrated debris brush to knock leaves and grass from your hose, a free-standing base so you can extend your work beyond your spigot, or an included shelf or basket for storing accessories or other tools.

Conclusion


Hose reels offer convenience and storage; helping you keep long messy garden hoses coiled neatly and ready for use at a moment's notice. Whether you prefer a style that is manually wound and can be used with your favorite hose that you already have, or you want a retractable option that comes with an integrated hose, there's a variety of options available that will suit your needs. We hope our meticulous testing and analysis of the most popular options available today help you make the decision on which is best for your needs.

hose reel - hose reels can turn a jumbled pile of hose into something neat and...
Hose reels can turn a jumbled pile of hose into something neat and orderly, making watering and gardening more convenient and less of a chore.
Credit: Hale Milano

Hale Milano