Have you had enough of unwinding and coiling your long hose purely by hand every time you use it?
If so, you should think about getting the best retractable garden hose reel today.
With this equipment, you won’t have to drag a long, heavy hose around, saving you a lot of time and energy.
It can also help protect high-quality hoses, which can be a bit pricey.
On top of all these, a hose reel will make your yard look much tidier.
Are you ready to buy one yet? Here are some of the top models that you should consider.
Comparison Chart
Best Retractable Garden Hose Reel Reviews
1. Gardena 18604 Auto Retractable Hose Reel on Metal Spike
Gardena is a name that homeowners from all over the world know very well.
It offers a complete range of pumps, watering systems, garden tools, and other lawn care products.
The 18604 is one of the high-tier models from its wide selection of high-quality hose reels.
It is a premium product designed for the most serious gardeners.
Product Highlights
The 18604 Auto Retractable Hose Reel is slightly more expensive than some other models.
That said, it has many valuable features that explain its heftier price tag.
- Smooth Retraction
With a length of 50 feet, this retractable hose reel will help you reach every nook and cranny in your yard.
What makes it even more effective is that every inch of it is very easy to access.
It automatically locks in place after you have uncoiled it to the desired length.
Once you finish watering your plants, you can just give it a short tug, and it will retract by itself.
A built-in hose guide will help prevent kinks or twists that could damage the hose.
- Flexible Use
Another thing that makes the 18604 a hit among garden enthusiasts is its straightforward use.
It has a metal stake that lets you mount the unit anywhere in your yard.
The body can also swivel to any angle, giving you the freedom to reach every corner.
The unit is solid and stable, with integrated protection against the elements.
- Leak-Proof
Like all the other Gardena hose reels, the 18604 uses a fitting system that makes it watertight.
You can count on this product to be leak-proof even after prolonged use.
The Good
There are many things to love about the 18604 Hose Reel, but what we like the most is its retraction mechanism.
It operates seamlessly and ensures slow but safe retraction.
The Bad
If there is anything that you should consider before buying this product, it is the price.
That said, it offers premium quality and performance, giving you a lot of bang for your buck.
Pros:
- Easy to operate
- Provides an extensive reach
- Highly durable
- Flexible installation options
Con:
- Pricier than some brands
2. Giraffe Tools Retractable Garden Hose Reel
Founded in 2017, Giraffe Tools is one of the newer players in the highly competitive lawn care space.
Nevertheless, it managed to secure its place among the more experienced companies, quickly establishing itself as a reputable brand.
It has an impressive selection of hose reels ranging from 60 to 155 feet, and this model is its mid-tier offering.
It is an excellent option for homeowners who want to find a healthy balance between cost and performance.
Product Highlights
This hose reel from Giraffe offers a cost-effective solution for your garden or yard.
- Auto Lock System
This product comes with an auto lock system that secures the hose once you have uncoiled it to your desired length.
With this feature, you can easily manage your hose, allowing you to focus on your garden or yard.
- Reliable Rewind Mechanism
Another feature that makes using this hose reel a breeze is its auto rewind system.
All you have to do is give it a gentle tug to activate the spindle and reel the hose in.
It complements the auto lock system perfectly, making your life easier as you tend to your garden.
- Highly Durable
The hose passed the strictest pressure tests, so you do not have to worry about leaks.
Giraffe Tools also designed it to resist all types of weather and withstand rough handling.
The Good
If we have to pick one thing to highlight about this product, it is the durable construction.
It is not common to find something this reliable in this price range.
The Bad
Some users have complained that the installation template does not match the actual base of the product.
It is something to consider before you drill holes in the wall or fence.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Has durable construction
- Great value for money
- Lighter than some models
Con:
- Installation is a bit tricky
3. Fiilpow HR8C Retractable Hose Reel With Automatic Rewind
Fiilpow is a company that specializes in home improvement and garden maintenance.
It offers a wide range of cordless power tools and other garden accessories for domestic applications.
The company has several hose reel product lines, and the HR8C is the bigger of the two.
Fiilpow designed it for homeowners who want a reliable hose reel that won’t sink their budget.
Product Highlights
The HR8C is a workhorse in the garden, but it won’t put too much strain on your wallet.
- Reliable Auto Rewind
This Fiilpow product comes with a reliable automatic rewind system that will retract the hose at a steady speed.
It needs only 15 to 18 seconds to rewind the entire length of the hose, which is 100 feet in total.
- Durable Build
The HR8C uses high-performance polymer as a material for its hose.
It is highly durable and resistant to extreme weather conditions and even minor explosions.
The connectors are solid brass and fitted with waterproof rubber rings for a tight seal.
Finally, the spindle is tested and guaranteed to support around 3,000 cycles of rewinding.
- User-Friendly Design
Another thing you would love about the HR8C is that it is very user-friendly.
Its case features a clamshell design, making it very easy to clean or replace the hose.
You just have to uncover the lid to gain access inside and do what you have to do.
It can pivot to 180 degrees so that you can direct your hose easily to any corner of your yard.
An integrated handle lets you carry the assembly easily to where you want to mount it.
The Good
The best thing we can say about the HR8C is that it is effortless to use.
From the clamshell design to its swiveling body, it has several features that can make your life in the yard easier.
The Bad
At 33.5 lbs, the HR8C is a bit on the heavy side.
Pros:
- Very easy to use
- Offers long service life
- The rewind system is reliable
- Available at a reasonable price
Con:
- Heavier than some models
4. Reductus Retractable Garden Hose Reel
There is not much information available about the company Reductus, but its hose reel is quite popular among online buyers.
It is one of the most affordable models in the market today, but it can hold its own against more expensive brands.
If you are looking for a reliable but affordable alternative, this product is for you.
Product Highlights
The Reductus Retractable Garden Hose Reel has all the essential features you often see in high-quality brands.
- Seamless Auto Rewind
This product comes with a self-winding mechanism that retracts the hose smoothly at an even speed.
This way, it avoids the formation of kinks and twists that could cause damage to the hose.
Like most other brands, you just need to tug the hose gently to activate the retraction.
- Heavy-Duty Performance
The Reductus Retractable Hose Reel is surprisingly durable for a product of this price point.
Its hybrid hose is resistant to abrasion and can withstand all types of weather.
The fittings are solid brass. Inside them, you will find leak-proof rubber rings.
It won’t rust or corrode either, even with heavy use.
- Easy to Use
The assembly can rotate up to 180 degrees, allowing you to move freely around your yard with your hose.
As for the nozzle, it offers ten spray functions, which is more than what some models provide.
The Good
What we like the most about this product is its heavy-duty performance.
This level of durability is hard to find in hose reels within this price range.
The Bad
Some users complain that the rewind mechanism is too strong and tends to draw the hose all the way in.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Has durable construction
- Seamless rewind mechanism
- Great value for money
Con:
- Rewind mechanism a bit strong
5. Bluebery Retractable Hose Reel
Blubery is another mystery brand whose product is more popular than the company itself.
This retractable hose reel is Blubery’s only offering, but it sells like pancakes online.
The hose it comes with is longer than in some brands, so it’s a great option if you have a large property.
Product Highlights
This hose reel has a lot to offer, and it is easy to see why many online buyers love it.
- Extensive Reach
The first thing that sets this hose apart from other brands is the length of its hose.
It runs a total of 130 feet for the half-inch hose, so you’ll have no problems reaching the farthest corners of your garden.
It even throws in a nozzle with eight different spray patterns so you can water your plants any way you need to.
- Lock at Any Length
Even if the hose is long, using it is hassle-free.
It has a locking mechanism that secures the hose in place once you’ve uncoiled it to a length you like.
The rewind mechanism is slow and steady, which is better for layering the hose.
- Durable Build
The outer shell of this hose reel is polymer PVC, a highly durable material.
It can withstand extreme conditions and stand up to rough handling.
The Good
The length of the hose is 130 feet, which is more than in some other brands.
It will allow you to reach the farthest corners of your yard, even if you have a sizeable property.
The Bad
Some users have experienced problems with retraction when the hose uncoils at 15 to 30 feet.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Locks at any length
- Offers long service life
Con:
- It might have retraction problems
Buyer’s Guide
Suppose you’ve been shopping around for a hose reel for some time now.
You know that there are so many available options.
Here’s how you can narrow down your selection and make your decision-making process more manageable.
Material
The hose reel material will determine how durable it will be, so you must choose wisely.
Polymer PVC is the standard choice for some of the best brands today.
Length
The next thing that you need to consider is the length of the hose attached to the hose reel.
This feature is essential if you have a big lawn or yard.
Ease of Use
A hose reel should make things easier for you in the yard.
Hence, it should be easy to use.
Look for design features like swiveling assembly, smooth retraction, and auto lock at any length.
Retractable Garden Hose Reel FAQs
1. Are retractable garden hose reels any good?
Yes, hose reels will do much of the heavy lifting for you when it comes to uncoiling and rewinding long hoses.
It can also protect your hose from wear and tear while keeping your garden tidy.
2. Can you replace a hose in a hose reel?
Yes, most hose reel models offer easy access to the hose, so you can replace or even fix it if needed.
3. How do I lubricate the fittings of a garden hose reel?
You could use petroleum-based lubricants on the bearings of the quick connect fitting.
A good alternative is to use vegetable oil, which is great if you drink water from your garden hose.
4. How do I replace the O-rings on a hose reel?
To replace the O-rings on the hose reel quick-connect fitting, remove the battery and the cover first.
Next, pull the hose all the way out until you can access the fitting, but do not remove the strain relief.
Next, remove the fitting so you can replace the old O-rings.
5. Can I use an anti-seize lubricant on the hose reel’s brass fittings?
Yes, many brands are non-corrosive and compatible with any type of metal, including brass.
Which Retractable Garden Hose Reel Should You Choose?
These options are high-performing hose reel models, and you can buy any of them without worrying about buyer’s remorse.
That said, the Gardena Retractable Hose Reel earns this year’s unofficial title of the best retractable garden hose reel.
Granted, it is a bit pricier, and the hose is shorter.
However, all it takes is one look for you to know that it is a premium product made with the highest quality.