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Maintaining a lush and thriving garden or yard during warmer months means watering more often—and hauling your garden hose to and from the garage can be a pain. Along with less schlepping and having a dedicated, convenient place to store your hose, garden hose reels help prevent kinks and tangles, plus they protect your hose from accidentally getting run over by lawn equipment.
There are higher-end models that house the hose entirely and can help prolong its lifespan by cutting down exposure to the elements. Other basic, less expensive options are freestanding and connect to a spigot or simply stake into the ground and feature a hose hanger that neatly holds a coiled hose.
Whether you have a small vegetable garden or a sprawling lawn to water, these are the best garden hose reels we recommend.
For more great ways to make gardening easier and more enjoyable, check out our picks for the best garden hose nozzles, raised garden beds, and greenhouse kits.
The Best Garden Hose Reels
- Best Overall: Giraffe Tools Retractable Garden Hose Reel
- Best Budget: Aqua Joe Garden Hose Stand
- Best Retractable: Liberty Garden Products Multi-Directional Garden Hose Reel
- Best Box: Giraffe Tools Metal Hose Reel Box
- Best for Small Yards: Birdrock Home Hose Holder
What to Consider
Capacity
Unless you’re planning to buy a new garden hose, or using one that you already own, the the size of the hose factors in to the reel you should purchase. Most garden hose reels can accommodate standard garden hoses that are 100 feet or longer, and some of the larger reels can handle hoses up to 300 feet long.
If you’re only tackling small yard jobs, a reel with 100-foot capacity will do just fine. If you’re preserving a larger, manicured lawn, then look for hose reels that can accommodate larger hose sizes.
Mounting and Portability
Some hose reels are stationary, like stakes, while others are meant to be wall-mounted inside your garage or on the side of your house. Portable carts can store in a shed, and boxes can sit on your deck or patio throughout the seasons without damaging the hose.
We recommend a wall-mounted or stationary hose reel if you're watering close to your house, and a rollable cart if you're taking care of a garden or greenery that is further into your yard.
Wind-Up Method
Most hose reels require some elbow grease, since many have manual winding mechanisms with a crank-style handle. This can be ideal for shorter hoses, but it takes more time to fully wrap up if you’re using a longer hose. They are also typically more affordable.
Automatic wind-up garden hoses feature a mechanism that automatically retracts the hose onto the reel with a button or lever, saving time and effort. Automatic or retractable garden hose reels work best for larger yards, or if you have frequent watering needs.
Durability
Look for garden hose reels that are made with durable and long-lasting materials like resin, polypropylene, and metal. They can withstand outdoor conditions like UV rays, inclement weather, and moisture. This can ensure that you have reliable storage for your garden hose, even with frequent use or left outside.
How We Selected
To find the best hose reels, we first began by researching reliable options from popular garden brands like Giraffe Tools and Liberty Garden Products. We focused on criteria like durability, portability, and wind-up methods and considered models constructed from sturdy materials like polypropylene and metal that can withstanding harsh weather and continuous use.
Capacity is another important factor because garden hose reels need to be compatible with common hose sizes, so we included hose reels that can hold up to 200 feet. We also looked for retractable, mounted, and stationary options and aimed to find models that suit different needs and budgets. Our final selection represents the best garden hose reels across several categories, including best overall and best budget.
Pros
Nine spray modes on the included hose- Durable casing
- Locks at any length
Cons
- Larger than it may appear
While this is the most expensive pick on our list, you can’t beat the convenience of a retractable reel to prevent the hose—and your back—from kinking.
The reel includes a 130-foot hybrid hose that is abrasion-resistant to ward off leaks, and it comes with a nozzle that has 9 different spay types, plus 180-degree rotation. The flexible hose locks at the length you desire, so you don't risk unwinding more than you need and creating tangles.
The reel is automatically retractable: just give a little tug on the hose and it'll wind back into the base. Mounting only requires a couple of screws, and you can lift the entire reel out of the mount for storage in the off season.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 22.8 x 10.2 x 17.6 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Polypropylene |
| Wind-up Method | Automatic retractable |
| Weight | 30 lbs; 40 lbs |
| Capacity | 130 ft., 155 ft. |
Best Budget
Aqua Joe Steel Garden Hose Stand with Solid Brass Faucet
Pros
- Simple, effective design
- Great if mounting isn’t an option
- Brass spigot
- Compact and unassuming
Cons
- Not as sturdy as some other options
You’ll get even more bang for your buck with this freestanding garden hose reel made of heavy-gauge steel. This option features a brass spigot for extending a hose connection to give you better access, so you won't have to deal with awkward angles if the spigot on your house is in a hard-to-reach spot.
It stands roughly 3.5 feet high and anchors securely in the ground with two stakes, and the reel can hold garden hoses up to 125 feet long.
Key Specs
| Capacity | 125 ft. |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10.2 x 9.8 x 42.5 in. |
| Material | Heavy-gauge steel |
| Weight | 9 lb |
| Wind-up Method | Stationary, manual wind-up |
Pros
- Inconspicuous design
- Good capacity
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Requires bending
If you want to keep your garden hose hidden and out of the way, then this storage box is the way to go. This hose reel sits in a casing constructed of metal, with a rust-resistant coating for added durability, topped off with an antique bronze finish.
The reel has a guide loop in front for tangle-free, hassle-free unrolling, along with a five-foot lead, and it holds 150 feet of a 5/8-inch garden hose, or 200 feet of a 1/2-inch garden hose.
The lid opens from the top so you can inspect the interior contents in case there's a blockage, and there’s a two-year manufacturer’s warranty if you have any quality issues.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 20 x 16 x 17 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Metal |
| Wind-Up Method | Crank-style manual |
| Weight | 26 lbs |
| Capacity | 5/8-in. (150 ft.); 1/2-inch (200 ft.) |
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Best Retractable
Liberty Garden Products Multi-Directional Garden Hose Reel
Pros
- Durable and well designed
- Reel rotates 360 degrees
- Wire basket for stowing small items
Cons
- A bit large
The industrial reel of this garden hose storage option is made of 18-gauge steel, powder-coated in bronze, so it’ll hold up to the elements. It features a pull-up knob on the top that locks and unlocks the swivel mechanism, so you can rotate the reel to face wherever you’re dragging the hose.
There’s also a small wire basket attached to the side for stowing extra nozzles or sprayers. It holds up to 125 feet of a standard 5/8-inch hose and comes fully assembled, which is a bonus, but there’s no mounting hardware included.
Key Specs
| Capacity | 125 ft. |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 18.6 x 20.3 x 22 in. |
| Material | Powder-coated 18-gauge steel |
| Weight | 15 lbs. |
| Wind-up Method | Manually retractable |
Pros
- Sturdy and durable build
- Basket for tools and accessories
- Heavy-duty wheels
Cons
- Some customers reported quality issues/parts missing upon delivery
If you're looking to transport your garden hose and accessories as you move around your yard, then we recommend this cart from Giraffe Tools. It comes with flexible, heavy-duty rubber wheels to handle a variety of terrain, and the sturdy metal build and brass fittings are suitable for all weather.
The hose guide allows you to neatly reroll your line, and the non-slip handle makes for easy cranking, and the reel has a 250-foot capacity.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 35.3 x 21.97 x 37.67 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Metal, brass |
| Wind-up Method | Manual hand crank |
| Weight | 35.27 lbs |
| Capacity | 250 ft. |
Pros
- Eye-catching design
- Relative inconspicuous
Cons
- Uncoiling hose requires bending down
This rustic garden hose reel is perfect if you have a tiny yard or can’t mount one on the side of your house. It serves the practical purpose of keeping your space tidy and offers reliable storage for your hose, while acting as a more of an accent piece that can blend in with your decor.
It's made with stainless steel, and the center post is removable for uncoiling the hose easily, and there's a hole on the side of the base for snaking it through. It may appear small, but it holds hoses up to 100 feet long.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 19.5 x 19.5 x 11 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Wind-up Method | Manual |
| Weight | 7 lbs. |
| Capacity | 100 ft. |
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Best Resin Wall-Mounted
Suncast Resin Wall-Mounted Handler Hose Reel with Crank
Now 23% Off
Pros
- Excellent capacity
- Durable
- Tray for small items
- Comes fully assembled
Cons
- Manual hand crank isn’t ideal for longer hose sizes
This wall-mounted option can handle up to 200 feet of a standard vinyl 5/8-inch hose. The garden hose reel is made from durable resin, with reinforced connections to eliminate drips and leaks.
There is a small shelf on top to hold gardening gloves or anything you don’t want to lose in the yard while you work. The reel also comes fully assembled, so you can tend to your garden or lawn almost immediately.
Key Specs
| Capacity | 200 ft. |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 18 x 21.75 x 19 in. |
| Material | Resin |
| Weight | 8.4 lb |
| Wind-up Method | Manual hand crank |
Pros
- Works well in small yards
- Easy installation
- Rustproof
Cons
- Not as stable as wall-mounted options
This garden hose holder is a great option if you don't want to drill holes on the side of the house or take up patio or garage space.
Made from rustproof metal with a simple design, the garden hose reel has three sharp stakes to stand firm in the ground, plus the top piece detaches from the base if you want to store the coiled hose in a shed.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 15.7 x 15.7 x 41.3 in. |
|---|---|
| Material | Metal |
| Wind-up Method | Freestanding |
| Weight | 5 lbs. |
| Capacity | Varies |
Amber Joglar
Digital Content Producer
Amber is the Digital Content Producer for Popular Mechanics, Runner's World and Bicycling, where she covers a range of tasks for the commerce team. She also writes fashion and beauty content for Best Products. Her work has been featured across all of the Enthusiast Group sites. In her free time you can likely find her watching horror movies, reading a good thriller book, or listening to a comedy podcast.
Rachel Klein
Senior Commerce Editor
Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.
