A hose box protects the garden hose from the weather and dirt. So it can extend the life of the hose. It also allows for compact and tidy storage of the garden hose. Find out what types there are and what to look out for when buying a hose box.
A hose box protects the garden hose from environmental influences
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Gardena Comfort wall-mounted hose box 25 roll-up automatic: Swivel hose reel, 25 m Gardena quality hose, short locking stops, including wall bracket, system parts and syringe (8023-20)
EUR 209.90 To the product| hose length | 25 m |
|---|---|
| automatic roll-up | Yes |
| centrifugal brake | Yes |
| Assembly | Wall |
| material | plastic |
Gardena's hose box is one of the bestsellers on Amazon. If you look at the characteristics of the model, you will understand why. Here are the most important features: quiet automatic reel with centrifugal brake, garden hose (25 meters) included, as well as a connection hose, a wall bracket that can be swiveled by 180 degrees, the dowels, an assembly aid, a hose guide, a drip stop, an anti-theft device, a carrying handle and also a syringe. The reviewers at Amazon praise above all the good workmanship, the simple assembly and the strong functionality of the hose box.
our recommendation
Hozelock Auto Reel hose box with 40m hose
163.16 EUR To the product| hose length | 40 m |
|---|---|
| automatic roll-up | Yes |
| centrifugal brake | Yes |
| Assembly | Wall |
| material | plastic |
The hose box from Hozelock has similar characteristics as our comparison winner. It also offers an automatic roll-up and contains all the connections required for the water tap, including the inlet hose and a spray nozzle. In addition, the box integrates a water stop and a child safety device and can be swiveled by 180 degrees on the wall bracket. The hose length of 40 meters should be emphasized - ideal for larger gardens. Most reviewers on Amazon are very satisfied. From the quality to the handling to the scope of delivery, everything seems to be great.
our recommendation
Kärcher Premium hose box CR 7.220 Automatic
123.99 EUR To the product| hose length | 20 m |
|---|---|
| automatic roll-up | Yes |
| centrifugal brake | Yes |
| Assembly | Wall |
| material | plastic, metal |
The hose box from Kärcher also functions as a variant with an automatic roll-up mechanism. Compared to the other two models, the integrated hose is slightly shorter at 20 meters. However, the version has a metal bracket as a holder, which ensures a very stable attachment. Many Amazon reviewers describe the box and the extensive accessories as high quality. The compact design is also practical. Thanks to the excellent price-performance ratio, you are making a very good choice with the Kärcher hose box if your garden is not too big.
Purchase Criteria
With or without hose
With hose: Most hose boxes already integrate a hose. This has the advantage that you get a complete package right away. The disadvantage, however, is that you usually cannot change the built-in garden hose. That means: If the hose doesn't fit or breaks, the hose box is often no longer usable.
Without hose: Occasionally you will find hose boxes without a hose - and then mostly without a complete cover. This variant is particularly recommended if you already have a weatherproof garden hose that you are satisfied with. When buying, make sure that the connectors on the hose box and garden hose fit together.
our recommendation
Kärcher Premium HR 7.300 hose carrier (watering station with detachable hose drum, storage box, wall bracket)
43.51 EUR To the producthose length
Whether the hose is permanently installed in the hose box or you put one in an empty box yourself: It should always be long enough so that you can easily reach all areas of the garden. This is particularly important for a hose box with a wall bracket. Measure from the point where you want to attach the box to the most distant watering point in your green oasis to determine the required hose length.
Manual or automatic reeling
Manual roll up: A hose box that can be operated manually is less expensive, but requires significantly more effort to roll up and down. Such a version is more suitable for smaller gardens and front yards. Ideally, the box will have a hose guide (usually standard on automatic models!). This feature facilitates manual unrolling.
our recommendation
Kärcher Compact hose box CR 3.110
36.99 EUR To the productautomatic roll-up: A hose box with an automatic reel has a steel spring whose gear enables the automatic reeling. The spring also prevents the hose from kinking and knotting during the winding process. Depending on the hose box, however, it can be a bit strenuous to unroll the garden hose - the gardener has to do this part manually. Especially longer garden hoses are sometimes challenging. In addition, a hose box with automatic reel is more expensive.
Assembly
wall mount: You can attach a wall hose box at a height that is comfortable for you. This eliminates tedious bending and bending. In addition, the box then has its permanent place near the water pipe and is ready for use at any time. If you choose a hose box with a wall bracket, you should make sure that the box can be swiveled 180 degrees so that you can easily reach all areas of the garden.
Mobile: Of course, the enormous flexibility speaks in favor of a mobile hose box. You can use the hose box wherever there is a water connection, such as a water socket. For example, you can also take it with you on a camping holiday. However, you have to carry the box over and over again - from the tool shed to the garden and back, and from one watering spot to another - reconnecting and disconnecting each time.
material and processing
The majority of hose boxes are made of plastic. If possible, check before you buy whether it is a stable, ideally UV-resistant and frost-proof material. Components that are subject to heavy wear should be processed to a particularly high standard. With some wall-mounted hose boxes, certain parts of the bracket are made of metal or steel, which is a sign of quality because these materials can withstand greater loads. In the case of hose boxes with a permanently installed garden hose, the latter must of course be robust and durable.
Additional functions and handling
A centrifugal brake is useful for a hose box with an automatic roll-up mechanism. It ensures that the hose is rolled up slowly and in a controlled manner. A drip stop valve is generally important. It prevents water from the hose from dripping into the box body. A carrying handle should also be available with a wall-mounted hose box - so that it can be used on the move if necessary. With storage options for hose attachments on the box, you have everything right at hand. There are also hose boxes with anti-theft and/or child safety devices.
scope of delivery
Purchasing a hose box is no small matter. The scope of delivery must therefore include everything you need for installation. With a wall-mounted hose box, all the necessary individual parts should be supplied, from the bracket to the dowels. In order to use the hose immediately, you also need a piece of hose for coupling to the water tap as well as the appropriate quick couplings and connections. It is optimal if the set also includes a syringe or shower for the hose.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a hose box?
A hose box is a storage place for the garden hose. It consists of a hose reel onto which the hose is rolled up and a housing that protects the hose from external influences. The hose remains permanently in the box. When using, pull it out through the appropriate opening. The connection hose for the water tap comes out of another opening.
What are the advantages of a hose box?
In a hose box you keep the garden hose well protected, space-saving and tidy. The special system also prevents the hose from becoming a tripping hazard. In the case of a hose box with automatic reel-up, you also save yourself the sometimes tedious task of manually reeling up the hose after use.
Which brands offer good hose boxes?
The best-known and most popular brands for hose boxes are Gardena and Kärcher. There are also solid versions from Hozelock, Cellfast, Fuxtec or Brandson at a reasonable price.
Where is the best place to buy a hose box?
Hose boxes are available in well-stocked garden centers and hardware stores, such as Dehner, OBI, Hornbach, toom, hagebaumarkt, Bauhaus and others. However, Amazon offers you the largest and most varied selection. You can even find an affordable version of the AmazonBasics own brand there.
our recommendation
Amazon Basics Wall Mounted Hose Reel with Auto Retract Hose 25m
To the productHow much does a hose box cost?
This primarily depends on whether you want to buy a simple manual reel model or a hose box with an automatic reel. The latter is significantly more expensive and usually costs around 120 to 200 euros. Variants without an automatic are available from around 30 euros.