The 6 Best Hose Reels for Simplifying Garden Chores, According to Testing

The Bottom Line

Overall, the best hose reel is the Gorilla Aluminum Zero Rust Premium Mobile Hose Reel because the wheels and sturdy aluminum frame make it a solid portable hose reel. For a less expensive option, the best hose reel is the Better Homes & Gardens Metal Hose Pot. The design is a more decorative option yet still has functional details, like drainage holes.

Our Testing Process

To find the best hose reels, we put 26 picks to the test at our lab in Des Moines, Iowa. There, we used a predetermined methodology to rank each pick based on six categories: setup, design, ease of use, portability, durability, and value. Our team was not aware of each pick’s price beforehand. 

When it came to setup, we timed ourselves assembling each pick and kept in mind any difficulties that may have occurred. For design, we took into consideration details like color and finishes, and how it might look in someone’s yard. 

In terms of ease of use, we were considering how easy it was to connect and manage a garden hose while using the reel. During this portion of the testing, we kept in mind how smoothly you could wind and unwind the hose, as well as whether or not you had to steady the reel yourself while using it. 

For portability, designs with wheels were evaluated based on how smoothly they could be maneuvered over different surfaces, like grass, pavement, and small rocks. It was also noted whether or not the design had wheels or handles to begin with. The durability of each hose reel was determined by each pick’s connections, and whether or not they seemed sturdy. We also made sure to note if there was any leakage when the hose was connected to a water spigot. 

To determine value, our team learned the price of each pick and considered if our findings warranted the price point. We also considered if we’d recommend it to family and friends and how we felt while using it.

What to Know about Hose Reels Before Shopping

Type

There are two basic types of hose reels: stationary and portable. Stationary hose holders are usually wall-mounted or staked into the ground. While hose pots can be moved, they are considered a stationary hose holder and are best when brought in and out seasonally.  

“Portable models are either wheeled or hand-carried,” Eley says. “Wheeled models are available with either two or four wheels.”

Material

Hose reels are available in a wide variety of materials, such as plastic, metals, and stone composites, each of which has its own benefits. 

“Non-corrosive metal material will provide the most durable and reliable performance,” Eley says. “Most people don’t realize how much stress the weight of a garden hose, full of water, can exert on the frame of a hose reel. Light-duty crank handles and frames will twist, bend, bind, and eventually break under the weight of the garden hose.”

Hose Capacity

Hose reels have a range of capacities, with some being 100 feet and others going as high as 400 feet. According to Eley, you typically won’t need a hose reel for a hose that’s 50 feet or less. 

“Hose lengths of 75 feet or more is when a hose reel becomes your friend and makes outdoor watering activities less frustrating and more efficient and enjoyable,” he says.

Additional Features

Although there are simple hose reels that certainly get the job done, there are some more advanced options that have helpful features worth considering. For example, pneumatic wheels improve portability and make it easy to navigate uneven terrain. Some styles even have baskets attached, which offer convenience for garden tools and accessories. 

Other Hose Reels We Tested

TomCare Garden Hose Holder Detachable Metal Water Hose Holder

The TomCare Garden Hose Holder is less expensive than some other picks and it only took 8 minutes for us to assemble, which was less time than some other options. Although there were not many pieces to put together, we noted that during set up the screws seemed very loose and even after tightening, the top felt wobbly. It might work for an expandable hose; however, it’s worth noting we found it difficult to wind our lightweight garden hose on this hose holder because it kept flopping from side to side. 

Yard Butler Hose Reel Handy Reel - Portable Hose Hanger

We found that the Yard Butler Hose Reel was easy to assemble and felt like durable, sturdy construction. However, due to the low profile design, we had to squat and stoop over the unit to wind the hose, as opposed to other options that allow you to stand. It was also noted that during assembly, one of our tester’s hands got dirty from some oil on the reel. 

Costway Garden Hose Reel Cart

We felt that the Costway Garden Hose Reel Cart was not durable enough for the price. The wheels got stuck when moving over gravel, and we had to bend uncomfortably low to reel in the hose. We also felt that some of the plastic parts could break easily under the weight of a heavy hose. We did appreciate that it was lightweight, however, and liked that the reel placement is adjustable.

Your Questions, Answered

Can you put an expandable hose on a hose reel?

In general, it is not recommended to put an expandable hose on a hose reel that you wind up. Instead, it’s worth considering a stationary hose holder or hose pot is a better choice for storing an expandable hose. 

How do you put a hose on a hose reel?

Most hose reels will have a leader hose that you will connect directly to your outside faucet. There will be a spigot attached to the hose reel where you will attach your garden hose. This is an important place to check for quality. 

“Few things are more aggravating to a consumer than a leaking hose reel. Not only does it affect water pressure and flow, but it makes a huge mess. The plumbing of a hose reel will consist of the inlet hose, the swivel (or rotary union), and possibly some internal piping,” Eley says. “A consumer should ensure that these items are made of quality material and are rebuildable or replaceable in case of failure.”

Once you have your hose attached to the reel, you slowly crank the handle to wind the hose onto the reel. You may want to use a hand to guide the hose evenly onto the hose reel. 

Can you use a hose reel without a leader hose?

According to Eley, you can use a hose reel without a leader hose but only as a storage device for the hose. 

“The inlet hose and swivel are the essential components required for a hose reel to have water flow through it while in use. Without either of those components, the reel would only serve as a storage device for the hose,” he says. To use the hose, the consumer would have to pull the entire length off the reel before attaching it to the faucet. Likewise, they would have to first detach the hose from the faucet before rolling it back on the hose reel.”

How can I determine how much hose I need?

When determining the best hose length for your outdoor space, there are a few factors to keep in mind, according to Eley. 

“Since water pressure and flow rate will decrease the more distance the water travels through a hose, we tell our customers not to buy more hose than is needed to reach the furthest watering point from the faucet,” he says. 

For a quick calculation, you can count paces from your faucet to the furthest distance you’ll want the hose to reach. Then, multiply it by three for the ideal length. 

Who We Are

Megan Boettcher is a freelance writer for Better Homes and Gardens, writing about a variety of topics including home design, holiday crafts, and more. To find the best hose reels, she considered insights from testers, who tested each pick at our lab in Des Moines, Iowa. She also consulted Warren Eley, vice president of sales and marketing for Eley Hose Reels, for additional insight.

What is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products. 

Looking for more products that have earned our BHG Recommends seal of approval? Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.