With a hose reel, the annoying folding and unfolding of the garden hose finally comes to an end. The practical device makes it easier for you to roll up after watering the garden and also helps you to store the hose to save space. Find out what to look out for when buying!
A hose reel can be open or closed
Our recommendations
our recommendation
GARDENA Classic wall-mounted hose reel 60 with hose guide roller: For easy wall mounting, with drip stop, angled connection, high capacity, space-saving (2650-20)
49.45 EUR To the product| drive | manually |
|---|---|
| Assembly | wall, mobile |
| With hose? | no |
| material | plastic |
| Weight | 400g |
| hose capacity | 35 (3/4")-60 (1/2") m |
The Classic Wall Hose Reel from the German brand Gardena is one of the bestsellers of its kind on Amazon. It owes this to the general popularity of the manufacturer and its own functional strength. The hose reel has a drip stop. It also has a very high hose capacity. Amazon reviewers continue to praise the easy handling of the hose reel. Even longer hoses can be easily rolled up with the hand crank.
our recommendation
Bradas AG 131 wall mounted hose reel portable
33.95 EUR To the product| drive | manually |
|---|---|
| Assembly | wall, mobile |
| With hose? | no |
| material | galvanized steel |
| Weight | about 2.8 kg |
| hose capacity | 35 (3/4")-50 (1/2") w |
The first thing that catches the eye with the Bradas hose reel is the material - because it is relatively rare for a hose reel to be made of galvanized steel. This basic feature makes the hose reel extremely robust, resilient and durable, but also relatively heavy. Luckily, it doesn't have to be worn. You can attach them to the wall. Most reviewers on Amazon are very positive about the quality and functionality.
our recommendation
Cellfast garden hose stand ALUPLUS 45 m, 1/2", 55-150
16.00 EUR To the product| drive | manually |
|---|---|
| Assembly | mobile |
| With hose? | no |
| material | aluminum, plastic |
| Weight | 100 g |
| hose capacity | up to 45 m (1/2") |
If you want to get to know the system with a hose reel without spending more money than absolutely necessary, we recommend the Cellfast version. It is particularly cheap, but is still convincing in terms of workmanship. Although it is not as functional as the winner in our comparison, that only makes sense given the price. In short, you can use the model to test whether this type of hose storage brings you an advantage - we strongly assume that it will.
Purchase Criteria
kind
Classic hose reel: The "real" hose reel does not have a housing that protects the rolled-up hose from external influences.
hose box: In principle, the hose box functions as an extended hose reel. It is covered with a housing that also offers the hose “shelter”. However, with such a model, you cannot see whether the garden hose is rolled up properly - i.e. without kinks.
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 productattachment
wall mounting: As a rule, the hose reel is supplied with a wall bracket and the necessary mounting accessories (dowels) and can be easily attached to the house wall. It is advisable to do this near a water connection. The mount should swivel. This is the only way to ensure that you can water all areas of your green oasis from the wall with the water hose.
Mobile use: In addition to the wall-mounted hose reels, there are also mobile versions that can be transported from A to B using a handle. Of course, these models have the advantage of being flexible. However, the constant wearing can also be exhausting and annoying. A low weight is essential for such a hose reel.
combined solution: There are also combi solutions to choose from, i.e. hose reels that can be mounted with a wall mount on the one hand, but can also be easily detached from the bracket and carried with the built-in handle on the other.
roll-up mechanism
Manual with hand crank: Most hose reels have a hand crank that you turn by hand to wind the garden hose. Depending on how easy or stiff the crank is, you only have to use a little or a little more force. In any case, manual models are not as convenient to use as automatic versions, but they are often significantly cheaper.
Automatic with steel spring gear: Hose boxes in particular often have a steel spring mechanism and a button or lever. By operating this same button or lever, you set the transmission in motion. The hose reel then automatically rolls up the garden hose. A decelerating function is helpful here so that the hose does not whip around uncontrollably while it is being pulled in.
Additional functions
In addition to the automatic hose retraction with or without "Slow Motion", there are other functions that are well suited to a hose reel. An anti-drip system is an advantage. It ensures that no more water drips from the hose after use. This protects the valuable resource and your wallet - especially since the function extends the life of the garden hose. There are also hose trolleys. These are mobile hose reels that reveal a frame with wheels.
our recommendation
AquaRoll S, sin montar.
39.68 EUR To the productSet with garden hose
While a hose box usually includes a garden hose in the scope of delivery or even in the box, classic hose reels usually come “empty”. If you want to buy a version with a hose, you have to analyze not only the quality of the reel but also that of the garden hose. The basic quality and the hose length play the most important roles. Conversely, with a variant without a hose, it is important to ensure that the connection of your own or separately purchased water hose harmonises with the hose reel.
material processing
Most of the hose reels are made of plastic. There are also versions that are partially or completely made of metal or steel. The latter two materials are more robust and durable per se, but often also make the reels more expensive. Conversely, many high-quality models made of plastic are now available - these should be UV-resistant and unbreakable. You should attach particular importance to the processing. Reviews and test reports are very helpful here.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a hose reel?
A hose reel is a useful garden utensil that serves as a winding aid for the garden hose and at the same time enables it to be stored easily. There are different types of hose reels, such as the open hose reels without a housing versus the closed hose boxes, and the hand crank models versus the automatic versions with steel spring gears.
How does a hose reel work?
Whether with a hand crank or automatically, the basic principle of a hose reel is always the same: As soon as you turn the crank or - in the case of automatic dispensing - press the button or lever, the hose is rolled onto the reel, at best without kinks. So the garden hose is neatly and compactly stowed away after each use - whether on the house wall next to the water tap or in the tool shed.
Which brands offer good hose reels?
For many hobby gardeners, nothing beats Gardena - also with regard to a hose reel. The German brand from Ulm has different variants ready - from classic types to hose boxes to hose trolleys, everything is included. The products impress with their good price-performance ratio. However, this is also offered by other manufacturers, such as Bradas and Cellfast.
Where is the best place to buy a hose reel?
Hose reels are usually available in all well-stocked garden centers as well as in larger hardware stores such as OBI or Bauhaus. Sometimes you can even find hose reels or hose boxes at the discounters Lidl and Aldi. For the largest possible selection, it is best to look around at Amazon, where the order and return processing is impressive in addition to the range.
How much does a hose reel cost?
Simple hose reels without additional functions and protective housing are available from around 15 euros. Most models are priced between 30 and 200 euros - depending on the functionality, the quality and the manufacturer. In principle, automatic hose reels are of course more expensive than versions with a hand crank.