If you want your home to have that perfectly green garden you see in magazines and envy, the one item you must own as part of your gardening essentials should be a reliable retractable water hose reel. Whether it is for your garden at home or you are in the business of maintaining gardens for others, a good hose reel is a must-have.
With nature becoming more and more unpredictable by the day, you cannot depend on its provisions to keep your garden as green and beautiful as you would like it to be. Moreover, even if nature was to stay consistent, long dry spells are part of the natural cycle and as such you will need to water your grass, flowers, vegetables or whatever else you have growing in the backyard, to keep them healthy during the hot season.
To deliver the water from the source to the garden, or wherever else you need it to go, you will need a hose as a delivery system. The hose, however, should not work on its own. To get the best out of your water hose, you have to combine it with a hose reel.
Garden hose reels come in many designs. Some can be bolted to the ground, others mounted onto walls, or they may be in form of wheeled carts. Most home gardeners prefer to use hideaway hose reels, which come in attractive housings because of the beauty they add to the outdoor environment. Some hose reels have automatic mechanisms while others require manual operation.
Although they are mainly bought for the purpose of gardening, that is not all your garden water hose reel is good for. Using it together with the hose, you are able to water your gardens, wash your car, clean the compound and do whatever other task requires you to deliver water away from the source, and then store your hose away neatly when you are done.
Therefore, whether you bought your hose for personal or commercial gardening purposes, adding a hose reel to it will make it much more efficient, more durable and your watering task much easier.
TYPES OF GARDEN HOSE REELS
Garden hose reels can be put into two main categories; automatic garden hose reels and the manual garden hose reels. Automatic hose reels use hands-free retracting mechanisms that retract the hose without your involvement while manual hose reels come with a crank, which you use to manually retract the hose.
AUTOMATIC HOSE REELS
Automatic garden hose reels are very popular because of the convenience they provide. Self-winding hose reels are favorites for people who wish to use as little energy as possible in watering their gardens. They are especially useful to gardeners who have mobility problems or those who wish to avoid putting extra stress on their backs by bending down to crank the reel.
Automatic hose reels are divided into three classifications depending on the method of operation. There are those that are battery-operated, some are water-power, while others are spring-driven.
A battery-operated garden hose reel uses an internal motor to reel the hose back in. It comes with a rechargeable battery and a charging unit for when you need to juice the battery up. Many of these, depending on manufacturer, come with a manual backup option for use when the battery fails or when you have no access to electricity for recharging.
This is by far the most convenient hose reel and it is ideal for use by anyone but most importantly for the elderly and those with back injuries. Some of these even come with a foot switch so you do not have to do any bending when retracting the hose.[/su_spoiler]
Like the name suggests, a spring-powered garden hose reel uses a spring to retract the hose. As you pull out the hose, it creates tension on a spring and once you are done, the tension pulls the hose back in and rolls it onto the reel. Like the others, this type of automatic garden hose reel uses a smart mechanism to neatly, and evenly spread the hose on the reel so it can be easily pulled out the next time it is needed.
This auto-retract garden hose reel has some limitations, though. The more you pull the hose out, the more tension it creates on the spring, making it harder and harder to pull. This becomes really hard if you are working with a long hose. The ideal hose length that a spring-driven hose reel can comfortably handle is about 30 meters. So if you need much more length on your hose, you might have to look at another type of automatic hose reel.
Water-powered hose reels are very efficient and effortless to operate which makes them a favorite pick for many people. They use waterpower to reel the hose in and neatly coil it up around the reel. These are among the best hose reels and they are common in many homes. Once you are done using the hose, flip a knob to start the retracting mechanism. The water must, however, be left running as the hose is retracted.
As the hose retracts and winds around the reel, the water is ejected through a drain tube or from the main hose depending on the design. This means that about 3 to 5 gallons, depending on the length of the hose, will be wasted in the process, especially if you are using a long hose. So keep this in mind when making the purchase. This waste can, however, be avoided by either capturing the water into a pot and using it for some outdoor tasks or by running the drain hose into a watering can and using it to water window boxes or flower pots and other such chores.
MANUAL GARDEN HOSE REELS
Manual rewind garden hose reels come with a handle attached that is used to manually rewind the hose onto the reel. The handle is attached to a drum and as the handle is turned, it pulls the hose and coils it around the reel. These direct crank hose reels can handle very long lengths, especially on thin hoses.
Direct crank garden hose reels come either in hideaway or cart from. Hideaway hose reels are designed for both functionality and decor. They give you a safe place to roll up and keep your hose while at the same time blending in with or enhancing your outdoor decor.
Many of the manual hideaway hose reels also use smart track methods to evenly spread the hose over the reel while the cranking continues.
Manual hose reels are physically intensive and more time consuming, but if you do not mind using some energy in retracting your hose, then they too are an excellent way of storing garden hoses.
THE 5 BEST AUTOMATIC GARDEN HOSE REELS
SUNCAST RSW125D AQUAWINDER 125-FOOT CAPACITY HOSE REEL
Suncast RSW125D Automatic Garden Hose Reel
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Buy NowKey Features & Specifications:
- Automatic
- Water-powered
- Leader and discharge hoses included
- 125 ft. of 5/8 in. standard vinyl hose capacity
- Two garden stakes included
- Hands-free rewinding
- Smart Trak™ hose guide
- Fully assembled
- Durable resin construction
When it comes to gardening tools and essentials, the Suncast brand is known for producing some of the best items on the market. This is especially true in regards to their automatic retractable water hose reels. One such impressive automatic water hose reel is the Suncast Aquawinder 125-Foot Capacity Hose Reel. The hose reel is designed for both style and functionality with a style that blends easily with outdoor furniture and hands-free rewinding to make your watering tasks effortless.
The water-powered hose reel automatically retracts the hose once you are done with your watering tasks. All you need to do it flip a lever and the hose will be pulled without any need for you to touch it. Using its Smart Trak™ hose guide mechanism, the reel winds your hose neatly for safe storage and to avoid any kinks. What is even more remarkable is that it comes fully assembled and ready to use so you do not have to struggle with putting it together.
This auto rewind hose reel comes with everything you will need for its easy installation including a discharge tube in case of excess water, a leader for attaching the hose reel to the faucet and two garden stakes to use in securing it to the chosen location on the ground.
Please handle the reel and its housing with care to avoid damage. A few users have noticed that if not handled with care, the lever can easily break off. In case this happens, a replacement can be acquired from Suncast and the replacement process is very easy.
Because you have to leave the water running as the hose rewinds, there will be some water wasted in this winding process. Avoid this waste by collecting the water discharged during the rewind and using it in other chores like cleaning garden tools.
Our Verdict:
This Suncast auto rewind hose reel lives up to the legacy set by Suncast. It is a blend of excellent function and style. A combination of the efficient auto-retract system and a design that blends in with outdoor decor makes it a favorite for many users and rightfully so.
SUNCAST PW100 POWERWIND 100-FOOT CAPACITY AUTOMATIC REWIND GARDEN HOSE REEL
Suncast PW100 Powerwind Automatic Hose Reel
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Buy NowKey Features & Specifications:
- Winds hose automatically
- Includes rechargeable battery and charger
- Foot pedal function for easy use
- Comes fully assembled
- Smart Trak™ hose guide
- Manual crank for battery back-up
- Has a storage bin for storing supplies
- Included two stakes and a leader
- Liftable lid
- 100 ft. of 5/8 in. standard vinyl hose capacity
The Pw100 Powerwind Automatic Rewind Garden Hose Reel is designed for ultimate ease in rewinding your hose. This automatic rewind hose reel uses a motor to effortlessly retract the hose. It works with the Smart Trak™ hose guide system to evenly wind the hose and avoid performance kinks. The hose hides in its neat hideaway bin, which has a lid on top for easy access to the hose.
Additionally, it comes fully assembled so no extra work for you there and to add even more convenience, the auto rewind hose reel is operated with a foot pedal so no need to keep bending down. Rewinding the hose takes about a minute. The hose reel comes with a leader to join the reel to the faucet, stakes for securing the reel to the ground and a Tilt-out storage bin for storing supplies.
It comes with a rechargeable battery and a charger unit for when you need to recharge. Depending on the type of hose and its length, the battery can last you up to 15 cycles without the need to recharge. In case of battery failure, or if you just don’t have access to electricity for charging, the hose reel can still be operated to retract the hose using a manual crank.
Our Verdict:
This is hands down one of the best auto rewind garden hose reels and most of those who have used it agree as evidenced by the excellent ratings on Amazon and other authority sites.
RL FLO-MASTER 65HR8 RETRACTABLE HOSE REEL WITH 8 SPRAY PATTERN NOZZLE, 65-FOOT
RL FLO Master 65HR8 Automatic Retractable Water Hose Reel
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Buy NowKey Features & Specifications:
- 8 patterned nozzle included
- Includes a 66” leader hose
- Includes mounting hardware
- Comes with a 65’ of reinforced 5/8” hose
- Has a carrying handle
- Mounting bracket with a 180˚ swivel
This spring-assisted auto rewind hose reel is one of the best in the market. The use of springs to reel the hose in and its operation very. It comes with a 65 ft. kink-resistant, UV-protected hose of very high quality so there is no need to buy a one.
It is designed to be mounted on a stone or brick wall with a mounting bracket that allows for a 180-degree swivel. This makes the reel and hose set easier to install and use without fear of damage. In case you need to dismount it, simply remove the unit from the mounting bracket, pull the steel pin out and disconnect from the faucet. The modern design includes a handle that enables you to carry it conveniently once dismounted.
The hose and reel should not be left outdoors in temperatures below 32 degrees. Such temperatures make the hose less flexible and difficult to reel. Thanks to its easy dismounting process, it can easily be removed for storage during winter. For further protection, always empty the hose after use.
In case of high temperatures and high water pressure, the water will heat up and damage the hose. To extend its useful life, mount the reel in a shade. The hose and reel set should never be immersed in water but if you wish to clean the hose before retracting it, simply use a piece of cloth and some clean water.
Although this self-winding water hose reel has received excellent reviews from the majority of its users, there are a few who have noticed issues with the retracting system after a couple of months of usage.
Our Verdict:
There is no doubt that RL Flo-Master has made an excellent auto rewind water hose reel. It comes with a sturdy hose, it is easy to mount and dismount, and it has an efficient reeling system.
SUNCAST AQUAWINDER 125-FOOT CAPACITY HOSE REEL
Suncast Aquawinder Automatic Water Hose Reel
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Buy NowKey Features & Specifications:
- Water-powered automatic hose reel
- Hands-free rewinding
- Smart Trak hose guide
- 125 ft. of 5/8 in. standard vinyl hose capacity
- Durable plastic casing with wood-like texture
- Two garden stakes included
- Discharge tube and leader hose included
This retractable water hose reel is another good one from Suncast. It uses water pressure to retract the reel at just a flip of the lever. The hands-free rewinding makes this an easy and effortless hose reel to use. With the help of the Smart Trak hose guide tracks, the hose reel neatly coils and layers the hose on the reel so it can be easily retrieved.
It takes up to 125 ft. of 5/8 hose so you have enough hose length to water even a big garden. The hydro-powered hose reel comes in a neat housing that will go well with any outdoor look. You can install it on the patio, the deck or the ground. The hose reel needs to be put on even ground for better for better performance and durability.
It comes with two garden stakes for securing it on the ground and a discharge tube for use during the rewind process. Because the hose reel is water powered, water has to stay running as the hose rewinds. This is a concern for many users because the process wastes water. However, this water does not have to be wasted. The water that is released through the discharge tube can be collected into a watering can or any other container and used for other outdoor tasks.
Our Verdict:
This is one of the best garden hose reels from Suncast and it will give you great value for money. It is excellent in both performance and style. The wood-like texture of its storage bin and its subtle color blend right into the outdoor environment. It can be installed anywhere outside and it will never look out of place.
LEGACY LEVELWIND RETRACTABLE GARDEN HOSE REEL
Legacy Levelwind Retractable Garden Hose Reel
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Buy NowKey Features & Specifications:
- Levelwind™ technology
- Seven position locking bracket
- Adjustable hose stopper
- Free standing base
- Hose size: 5/8 in. x 50 ft.
- Durable construction
- Hose included
This automatic rewind garden hose reel uses the Levelwind™ Technology which ensures smooth coiling of the hose by layering it back and forth across the reel, making it easy to reel it out. The adjustable hose stop ensures that the length of the hose remaining after retraction is as short as possible.
The latching mode switch allows you to choose between extended use or immediate automatic rewinding every three feet. The automatic water hose reel is versatile in its style of usage; you can either mount it on the wall or ceiling, carry it using its handle or set it on the ground against its flat base. It is operated by simply flipping the lever.
The UV stabilized polypropylene material ensures durability and protection against the harsh rays of the sun. The hose reel has an extra large swivel, which allows great flexibility thereby reducing flow restrictions. You can either leave the reel to swirl freely in the mounting bracket or use the locking brace to lock it into position -it has up to seven locking angles.
The auto-rewind water hose reel costs more than many others on the market and several users expected much more from it at that price.
Our Verdict:
This is a sturdy and efficient auto garden hose reels with great flexibility in usage. You can mount it on the wall, use it set on the grand or carry it. If you like to have some options in how you use your hose reel, then this is the right one for you.
THE 5 BEST MANUAL HIDEAWAY GARDEN HOSE REELS
SUNCAST CPLPTW175 SLIDE TRAK HOSE HIDEAWAY, 175-FEET, MOCHA BROWN
Suncast CPLPTW175 Slide Trak Hose Hideaway
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Buy NowKey Features & Specifications:
- Aluminum connections
- 175′ of 5/8″ hose capacity
- Sturdy resin construction
- Durable contemporary design
- Comes fully assembled
- Sturdy resin construction
Suncast’s Slide Trak Hose Hideaway is an excellent way to keep your hose. The contemporary design of this hideaway hose reel box is equal parts beautiful and functional. It hides your hose safely while at the same time adding to the beauty of your place in a durable resin material that withstands the harsh outdoor conditions.
This manual hideaway hose reel uses aluminum connections to enhance performance and prevent leakage, cross-threading, and corrosion while the Slid Track hose guide mechanism winds the hose on the reel evenly to optimize storage capacity and prevent performance kinks. The garden hose reel hideaway comes fully assembled to save you the trouble of assembling.All you have to do is connect it to the water supply, stake it down and you are good to go.
Users especially like it for its sturdiness and durability, the fact that it comes with sturdy stakes and comes pre-assembled. Another huge plus on this manual hose reel is its easy cranking system that does not leak. Its users testify to the flawless cranking system that uses little effort and winds the hose evenly without leakage.
Others, however, have mentioned the fact that the hose slips off the spool as you rewind it and may not wind evenly so you have to use your other hand to keep it in place. Some have also mentioned that the lack of the smart tracks common in many Suncast garden hose reels makes this one less efficient. Others also mentioned their dissatisfaction with durability.
For best reeling results, straighten the hose out before starting to reel it in. This helps minimize the strain on the hose guide and the chances of the hose slipping off the reel. Also, ensure that the end of the hose is open so that the water drains out as you rewind.
Our Verdict
This hideaway hose reel is a good purchase for the price. It uses some effort to reel the hose but it does not leak and is durable enough to last you some good summers. To minimize issues with the cranking system, remember to straighten the hose out before starting to reel it in.
NEVERLEAK DECORATIVE METAL DECK HOSE REEL
Neverleak Decorative Metal Water Hose Reel
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Buy NowKey Features & Specifications:
- Sturdy metal design
- 150-ft hose capacity
- Auto-Track to feature
- Durable NeverLeak aluminum
- Leader hose included
This metallic hideaway hose reel is made from sturdy material and comes in a stylish decorative design. The hose reel hideaway box is made with the NeverLeak aluminum, which is durable and can withstand cold temperatures. The body of the hose reel is coated with powder making it weather resistant.
It is designed to resist cross-threading and prevent leakage. Its beautiful design will look great anywhere you chose to place it and it is strong enough for you to sit on if you want to. The metallic hideaway hose reel can handle any heavy hose but to stop it from tipping over, anchor it to the ground for more stability. Using the auto-track mechanism, the hose is guided evenly over the reel to enable easy reeling out, avoid kinks in the hose, and maximize storage capacity.
AMES has other decorative hideaway hose reels including the NeverLeak Auto-Track Poly Wrought Iron Designer Series Hose Cabinet and the Neverleak Decorative Metal Deck Hose Deck.
Our Verdict
The Neverleak Decorative Metal Deck Hose Reel from AMES strikes a good balance between functionality, beauty, and durability. If you are looking for a hideaway hose reel that will fit in or enhance your outdoor decor while staying sturdy enough to withstand whatever nature throws at it, then you will find this one a good purchase.
SUNCAST MOCHA WICKER 225-FOOT CAPACITY SMART TRAK HIDEAWAY HOSE REEL
Suncast Mocha Wicker Smart Trak Hideaway Hose Reel
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Buy NowKey Features & Specifications:
- Smart Trak hose guide
- Sturdy resin construction
- Comes fully assembled
- Durable contemporary design
This hideaway garden hose reel is another winner from Suncast. Its design is meant to achieve both performance excellence and outdoor beauty. It follows Suncast’s traditional pw construction to give you a safe and beautiful place to keep your garden water hose after use.
The hose reel employs the Smart Trak hose guide system that makes reeling your hose in and out as efficient as possible. The system spreads the hose neatly over the reel to maximize storage capacity, allowing it to store an incredible 225ft of hose length. The cranking system does not require a lot of energy and can handle heavy duty hoses but go slow on the cranking if you are using a heavy duty hose.
To safeguard both the hose reel and the hose, always keep them inside during cold weather and when in use, keep the hose reel in a shade.
Our Verdict
Yet another winner from Suncast. It gives you a safe and beautiful little home for your hose and has near flawless operation.
NEVERLEAK DECORATIVE METAL HOSE CABINET
Neverleak Decorative Metal Hose Reel Hideaway
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Buy NowKey Features & Specifications:
- Never Leak aluminum water system
- Stands up to cold temperature
- Holds up to 150′ of 5/8 inch diameter hose
- 8 times stronger than the plastic water systems
- Stylish Furniture inspired design
- Includes leader hose
The Never Neverleak Decorative Metal Hose Cabinet from AMES is a stylish hose reel set that lives up to its name. The reel box is made from sturdy aluminum that can stand up to cold temperatures and resist cross threading. This material makes the casing 8 times stronger than the regular ones that are made from plastic.
The hideaway hose reel is smooth and easy to crank and keeps your hose working with no kink. The stylish retractable water hose reel comes with very clear installation instructions but you might not even look at them since the process is very straight forward.
Many have testified to its excellent performance, the strength of the aluminum storage bin, and the fact that it truly never leaks. All those that have used it agree that the bin is extraordinarily sturdy.
However, some have complained that the crank can easy break. For those who have complained to AMES, replacement parts have been swift to arrive. Secondly, there have also been some complaints that you sometimes need to manually guide the hose onto the reel to achieve even distribution.
Similar products from AMES include the NeverLeak Auto-Track Poly Wrought Iron Designer Series Hose Cabinet and the Neverleak Decorative Metal Deck Hose Reel with 150-Foot Hose Capacity.
Our Verdict:
This stylish decorative hideaway hose reel will complement your outdoor setting perfectly and it is so sturdy you can even sit on it without worrying that it will break. This hose reel is built to last and it is a good purchase to make. Just pay some attention to the crank and the distribution of the hose on the reel.
SUNCAST SWIVEL HOSE HIDEAWAY WITH SMART TRAK HOSE GUIDE & BIN
Suncast Swivel Garden Hose Hideaway With Smart Trak
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Buy NowKey Features & Specifications:
- Large storage bin
- Smart Trak™ hose guide tracks
- Comes fully assembled
- 225 ft. of 5/8 in. standard vinyl hose capacit
- Included garden stakes
- Base swivels in any direction
- Patented Easylink® system for watertight connection
- Includes leader hose
The hose reel storage box sits on a base that swivels in any direction, making it extremely flexible and allowing you to water in any direction without fear of damaging it or restricting flow. It comes with stakes for securing it to the ground, a spacious and durable storage bin and a leader hose to connect the reel to the faucet. The Patented Easylink® system ensures that the hose reel and hose are connected tightly to prevent leakage.
The near effortless crank reeling pulls the hose back in once you are done using it and the Smart Trak™ hose guide tracks layer the hose neatly onto the reel. This prevents kinks and allows for easy retrieval.
Our Verdict:
This swivel Smart Trak® hose hideaway has amazing storage capacity, does not require a lot of effort and can rotate in any direction. Its rotating base sets it apart from other hideaway hose reels in its category. It is an excellent addition to your home gardening essentials and those who have used it agree with us.
BENEFITS OF USING A GARDEN HOSE REEL
There are several benefits to using a hose reel to roll up and store your hose.
Health & Safety: Without using a hose reel to roll up and store your hose, the hose will be left lying around the grounds. This increases chances of someone tripping over it and injuring themselves. To avoid such accidents, it is advisable to roll up the hose and safely store it away on a hose reel.
Easy access: Hose reels are often mounted on walls or secured to the ground. This ensures that your hose is kept in a permanent place and you always know where to find it. Even when mobile carts are used, you always know where to find the cart.
Increased Efficiency: When a hose is retracted and rolled over the reel, it is neatly and evenly layered. This prevents it from being entangled, allowing it to be easily retrieved the next time, and maintains steady performance with no kinks.
Improved Durability: By keeping your hose inside the hideaway casing, you safeguard it from damage. If the hose is left exposed, it can be physically damaged or it might suffer UV damage. Keeping it inside a hose reel hideaway prevents this damage.
Minimizing leakage: By storing your hose safely, you minimize the chances of leakage that would have been caused by the damage to the hose.
Decor: Hideaway hose reels often come in decorative designs that are meant to fit in with the outdoor environment. Keeping your hose in a nice decorative housing is definitely better than having it lying around your grounds. If you are in the business of landscaping and gardening, using a hose reel to store your garden hose enhances your professional image in the eyes of your clients.
MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
Garden hose reels, just like any other valuable item, need to be handled and maintained with care if you want them to last. Follow the below tips to ensure efficient performance of your hose reel, lengthen its useful life and resolve any minor issues you might encounter.
- Always drain the hose reel before winter begins so that no water is left trapped. If water is left to freeze in hose reel, it may cause serious damage to the reel, the hose or even the pipes. Drain the hose reel and hose and store them inside above freezing temperatures.
- For battery-powered hose reels, recharge the battery before it completely discharges to enable a longer battery life. Additionally, it is advisable to remove the battery and store it in a safe location if you are going to take more than thirty days without using your hose reel.
- Install your hose reel in a shade to protect the storage bin, the hose reel and the hose from UV damage and ensure longer useful life.
- If a hose reel is mounted more than five meters up and the reel is not retracting, try reducing the height of the mount to reduce the weight that the drive spring has to pull.
- If the latch mechanism on the drive spring is coiled out and the mechanism is engaged, it means that the u-bolts on the reel are not properly positioned so you need to reposition them.
- Always ensure flexible connectivity of the feed to the reel to avoid excessive binding to the main hub bearing and shaft. Excessive binding to the main shaft causes poor retracting and leaking.
- Avoid bolting your hose reel to uneven ground as this often distorts the frame, which restricts smooth hose retraction due to a bind on the main support shaft.
- If your swivel is leaking, either the ‘O’ ring is worn out or a wrong one is being used so you need to replace it. A loose swivel may also cause the leaking or it may be because the shaft threads did not get enough threat sealing. In this case, more thread sealant should be applied and the swivel assembly re-tightened.
- If your spring retractor is not locking in place properly, there could be a bent latch pawl or plate or a broken latch spring. In that case, you need to replace the broken part.
If the above tips do not help or are not applicable to your particular model, contact the manufacturer or seller’s customer care division for advice.
WRAPPING IT ALL UP
Garden hose reels come is many designs and types to suit the different needs and style preferences of the users. Some are free standing, some have wheels, others need to be bolted to the ground, while others are to be mounted on walls. Some come with hands-free operating mechanisms while others require some effort in retracting the hose. Choose one that you feel fits in with your needs both in terms of design and in terms of operation.
If you prefer your hose retracting process completely effortless, pick an automatic hose reel but if you do not mind using a some energy to rewind your hose, then you can pick one that has a manual crank.
Garden hose reels, just like any other item that you purchase for long time use, should be properly researched before purchase. You do not want to realize that the design or operation does not work for you after the hose reel has already been delivered.
Above all opinions, read and trust the reviews from others who have already used the particular hose reel that you are interested in. Regular customers give the most honest reviews and their opinions should be trusted above all. Their reviews are unbiased opinions base solely on their experience with that particular products and will help you avoid making mistakes when purchasing any item.
