A garden hose trolley puts an end to the hassle of collecting, storing and transporting the hose before and after watering the garden. With this practical tool, rolling up and transporting the garden hose is child's play. In this guide you will learn what to look out for when buying a hose reel.
A garden hose reel made of quality material will last longer
Our recommendations
our recommendation
GARDENA CleverRoll M Easy Set: hose trolley with a capacity of up to 60 m, particularly stable, with comfortable hose guide in a robust metal frame, drip stop (18517-20)
72.95 EUR To the product| Type | with hose reel |
|---|---|
| hose incl. | Yes |
| roll-up system | hand crank |
| material | plastic, metal |
| Adjustable handle height | Yes |
| Weight | 6.7 kg (incl. hose) |
| wheels | n/a |
This hose trolley set from Gardena convinces in terms of quality, comfort and scope of delivery. The hose reel with a capacity of up to 60 meters is equipped with a 20 meter long flexible hose including a nozzle, which can be replaced if necessary. Otherwise, all the necessary system parts are also supplied. The advantages include the ability to rotate the drum by 180 degrees, the stability provided by the fold-out base and the raised wheels, and the angled hose connection inside the drum, which prevents the garden hose from kinking and ensures maximum water flow. Reviewers also praised the hose trolley's space-saving storage. All you have to do is fold in the base and the crank and push the handle down.
our recommendation
Hozelock Mounted Hose Trolley (60m), with 50m hose
99.33 EUR To the product| Type | with hose reel |
|---|---|
| hose incl. | Yes |
| roll-up system | hand crank |
| material | plastic, metal |
| Adjustable handle height | n/a |
| Weight | 7.5 kg (incl. hose) |
| wheels | gummed |
Like the winner in our comparison, the Hozelock hose trolley also brings a garden hose with it. This is even 50 meters long and therefore ideal for larger gardens. Its diameter is 12.5 millimeters. A qualitative highlight are the rubberized wheels, which ensure that the garden hose reel is easy to manoeuvre. Most reviewers on Amazon are very happy with this model. Most of them describe the price-performance ratio as “top” or “excellent”.
our recommendation
WOLF-Garten - hose trolley WS 50 Z; 5222000
70.96 EUR To the product| Type | with hose reel |
|---|---|
| hose incl. | no |
| roll-up system | hand crank |
| material | Galvanized steel, plastic |
| Adjustable handle height | n/a |
| Weight | 2kg |
| wheels | n/a |
If you want to buy an "empty" hose trolley without a garden hose, the steel version from WOLF-Garten is a good choice. The garden hose trolley is considered to be robust, durable and flexible in use as well as lightweight. It can be used for hoses with a length of up to 50 meters - with a diameter of ½ inch. Amazon customers define the model as a stable and "decent product". It is above all the rust-proof and durable material that makes this hose trolley a recommended option that hobby gardeners can usually enjoy for many years.
Purchase Criteria
Type
With hose reel: With the classic garden hose reel, the hose reel is open, so it has no protective housing around it. Advantages: You enjoy a clear view of the hose. This allows you to quickly notice any holes or tears. In addition, hose trolleys with an open hose reel are easier to maintain. Disadvantage: Garden hose and drum are mercilessly exposed to all weather conditions.
With hose box: In the case of garden hose trolleys with a hose box, the garden hose is in a housing. This protects the hose from external influences when it is rolled up. Another advantage is that such models usually have a so-called hose guide, which prevents twisting and consequent kinks. Disadvantages are the higher maintenance effort and the fact that you can only see the garden hose through a small viewing window.
Pure hose trolley vs. set with hose
Garden hose trolleys are available on their own or as a set with a garden hose. If you don't have a hose yet, you should look around for an all-in-one model - if only to avoid having to research whether the hose trolley and garden hose are compatible. In addition, you often save money with a set. Tip: Garden hose trolleys with a hose box usually come with a built-in hose, while versions with an open hose reel are often designed "barely".
roll-up system
hand crank: With a hose trolley with a hand crank, you have to lend a hand yourself. This roll-up system is more strenuous for the hobby gardener, but a model with a crank costs significantly less than a version with an automatic roll-up system.
automatic roll-up: Self-retracting garden hose reels are effortless to use. If the garden hose is to be rolled up or down, all you need to do is press a button or lever - the hose holder does everything else automatically, usually by means of a built-in steel spring mechanism. But: Automatic winders and unwinders are of course more expensive than manually operated variants.
material
Most of the hose trolleys available on the market are made of plastic. However, there are also models made of metal and/or steel. The latter are particularly robust and durable, but often weigh and cost more. As long as the plastic reel is well-made and therefore UV-resistant and weather-resistant in general, there is nothing to be said against giving preference to such a garden hose reel. Important: If you do decide to buy a metal or steel one, make absolutely sure that it is corrosion-resistant.
compatibility
No matter which basic model you choose - you should always make sure that it suits your requirements in order to avoid making a bad purchase. In summary: The connections and connections of the garden hose reel, garden hose and water tap must harmonize. In this context, values such as the diameter of the various elements and the hose length play an important role. When making your selection, check whether all components are compatible.
handle height
Choose a garden hose reel with a handle height that suits your height. If the grip is too low, back pain is inevitable. In short: the handle should be high enough so that you can push and pull the hose reel in an upright position. Ideally, the handle can be steplessly adjusted in height, with a wide range that also enables very tall people to move the hose trolley in a way that is easy on their backs.
wheels
There are garden hose trolleys with rubber or plastic wheels. Rubberized wheels are stronger and more durable. They are also easier to slide over damp or wet surfaces. Plastic wheels become porous over time. They can tear and form sharp edges that can lead to injuries. On the other hand, plastic wheels are easier and quicker to clean.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a garden hose cart?
A garden hose reel is a mobile garden hose reel that has several advantages: The garden hose can be easily rolled up and down and stowed neatly and space-savingly. Thanks to the wheels, the hose or hose reel can always be pushed quickly and easily to the spot in the garden that you want to water.
What weight should a garden hose reel have?
The lighter the hose trolley, the better you can maneuver it. However, the "flyweights" among the garden hose reels often have shortcomings in terms of stability. Heavy models are tougher to move, but stand more stable. Our recommendation: Give preference to a hose trolley that weighs around five to seven kilograms (including the hose).
Which brand manufacturers offer good garden hose trolleys?
Gardena, Kärcher, WOLF-Garten, Einhell, Hozelock and Cellfast are among the best-known and most popular brands for practical hose reels and hose boxes.
Where is the best place to buy a garden hose reel?
Garden hose reels are usually available in a more or less large selection in all well-stocked hardware stores and garden centers. But online at amazon.de you can also benefit from a considerable range and an all-round pleasant shopping experience. Generally, you can return a hose reel that doesn't impress you free of charge.
How much does a garden hose cart cost?
Simple hose trolleys made of plastic, with a hand crank for manual winding and without a garden hose are available from around 30 euros. The more features and accessories the garden hose reel includes, the more expensive it is. The best hose trolleys made of steel with an integrated garden hose, automatic reel and hose guide often cost over 150 euros.