It goes without saying that a perfect garden is one that is properly maintained. And one of the tedious tasks is watering the plants and hydrating the grasses. We have struggled a lot with it.
Starting from getting our hands dirty when trying to grab the pipe to the waterline getting cut off because of a kink on the line, we faced it all.
Notice that we are stating past form here. Do you know why? Cause after we got our hands on one of the best retractable garden hose reels, those things were a thing of the past.
From then, maintaining the garden converted from something tedious to an entirely hassle-free task.
Product Image | Name | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Best overall GARDENA 82-Feet With Convenient Guide | • Hose diameter single 13 mm • Flexible use and easy transport • included wall bracket,plugs,screw | Price Please | |
Best for easy to install RL Flo-Master 65HR8 | • Mounting hardware is included • 65' Of reinforced 5/8" Hose • An 8-pattern nozzle is included | Price Please | |
Best for Sturdiness Flexzilla Enclosed L8250FZ | • UV stabilized polypropylen • Features Legacy’s 3/8 in. x 50 ft. • 150 pounds per square inch | Price Please | |
No products found. | Best for Light weight TACKLIFE 5/8'' 180 Degree Pivot | • Locked any length you want • 7 Patterns Hose Nozzles • 180 Degree Coverage | No products found. |
best for easy operation HOSELINK Automatic 7-Function 82-Feet | • Automatic rewind system • Made of reinforced 9/16” hose • User friendly connectors | Price Please |
Navigate Quickly
- 10 Best Retractable Garden Hose Reels
- 1. GARDENA 82-Feet With Convenient Guide – Best Overall
- 2. RL Flo-Master 65HR8 – Best for Easy Installation
- 3. Flexzilla Enclosed L8250FZ – Best for Sturdiness
- 4. TACKLIFE 5/8” 180 Degree Pivot – Best for Light Weight
- 5. HOSELINK Automatic 7-Function 82-Feet – Best for Easy Operation
- 6. Power 50 + 6 ft x 5/8” – Best for Patented Nozzle Protector
- 7. ORCISH 3/8 66 FT – Best for 9- function Spray Gun
- 8. Gartenkraft XG-75S – Best for Free Locking System
- 9. Giraffe 5/8 in. x 65 ft – Best for Any Length Lock
- 10. Rainwave RW-AR5880 – Best Swivel Wall Mounted Hose Reel
- Things to Consider Before Buying Best Retractable Hose Reels
- Top Rated Brands on the Market
- Benefits of Retractable Garden Hose Reel
- FAQs
- 1. What is the Best Retractable Garden Hose Reel?
- 2. Are Retractable Hoses Any Good?
- 3. How Do You Fix a Retractable Hose Reel?
- 4. Would I be Able to Use an Aftermarket Hose with the Retractable Hose Reels?
- 5. Can I Make the Hose of the Retractable Hose Reel Longer?
- 6. Is the Hose of the Retractable Hose Reels Durable?
- 7. Are Flexible Hoses Worth It?
- 8. Do Retractable Hose Reels Require Maintenance?
- Final Words
10 Best Retractable Garden Hose Reels
While trying to get one of these, we were bombarded with options. And you will too. However, we have learned a lot through extensive research and vigorous testing on top-rated models.
And from those, we have managed to sort this a list for you. We believe this will make the choosing process a piece of cake.
1. GARDENA 82-Feet With Convenient Guide – Best Overall
So, what makes an offering one of the best retractable garden hose reels in 2022? Well, you will get a good picture of it if you go through this review of the unit by GARDENA.
It integrates a steel spring. That spring works like wonders when it comes to providing a good amount of power for the retraction process. That, combined with the guide, will lower the overall chances of tangling, twisting, and kinking occurring on the line. There will be no need to bend to unwind the line properly.
The unit also includes a guide for making the mounting process feel like taking a walk in the park. It would be possible to easily install this on the wall or on the corner mounts. And it would be possible to keep some of the frequently used tools on the bracket. In other words, it can work as a tray.
There is a handle on the top. This integrated handle will come in handy when you would want to store it away in the winter. It even has an ergonomic shape, which will allow you to easily move it around. Taking it out of the bracket will be an effortless task as well.
Other than that, the unit comes with an 82 feet long pipe. That line should be long enough to work with all of the areas of your garden. Also, it would be possible to store the nozzle head on the guide. And it has a locking mechanism. This mechanism will allow you to release the line and lock it in position.
On that note, the package includes all of the mounting hardware. Starting from the wall brackets to wall plugs to screws, you will find all of the inside the packaging. So, there will be no need to get anything separately. It would be possible to start the installation process right after the package ships to your door.
• Integrates a steel spring, which offers high retracting power
• Includes a guide to make the mounting process easy
• Has an ergonomic handle on the top
• Comes with an 82 feet long line
• Features a locking mechanism
• Inside is prone to rust
• Can not offer a high water pressure
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
The main thing that makes this one purchase-worthy is the spring. It smoothens the retractable process by offering it a higher level of power. Also, there are other great things as well.
2. RL Flo-Master 65HR8 – Best for Easy Installation
While trying to choose units for the best retractable garden hose reels reviews, we tried to prioritize the retractable mechanism the most. And this one stood out the most when it comes to offering a smooth retractable motion.
First things first, the retractable mechanism! Like the previous model, this one also integrates a spring-loaded system. That will lower the overall speed of the retractable motion. So the pipe should wind up slowly and properly. Also, it will go inside smoothly, which is an important aspect for these.
The spring-loaded mechanism even has a stopper. That stopper will come in handy when trying to unwind an exact amount of line from the inside. It will lock the length and will not allow any extra length of pipe to come out. For that reason, managing the wire around will be an easy task for you.
In addition to that, there is an automatic guide. That will work like a charm to make the winding process smoother. It will lower the chances of the line overlapping during the procedure. Also, it will ensure that the pipe does not kink during the process.
Even the installation process is simple and straightforward. It bundles with mounting brackets that allow a complete 180-degree swivel. The package will also come with other required hardware. Because of that, there will be no need to go through the hassle of getting things separately.
Like the previous model we looked at, this one also has a handle on the top. It will be possible to easily remove the unit from the bracket because of that. Also, thanks to the ergonomic shape of the handle, carrying it around will not be an issue either. Moreover, it bundles with a 65 feet pipe that is of high-quality material.
On that note, the line will have a threaded-brass end. This end will make attaching different accessories a hassle-free process. The unit also bundles with a nozzle. It has eight different settings.
• Sports a spring-loaded mechanism to smoothen the retractable process
• Features a stopper
• Has an automatic guide to prevent overlapping
• Mounting system swivels to a full 180 degrees
• Includes a reinforced line
• Included pipe might be a bit short for some gardens
• Not that resistant to leaking
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
This one utilizes a spring-loaded mechanism for retractable motion. Also, it comes with a highly adjustable bracket.
3. Flexzilla Enclosed L8250FZ – Best for Sturdiness
A unit would not be the best retractable water hose reel without being durable, would it? Well, Flexzilla knew that well, and that is why they have managed to get this offering among the top-rated positions.
As we have mentioned, the unit is exceptionally durable. And the housing achieved such a trait for utilizing high-quality polypropylene. The material is UV stabilized as well. That means it will not get damaged, nor will the color fade when it is out in the harsh sunlight.
Apart from being durable, the unit is easy to use as well. It has an auto-latching mechanism. That will simplify the task of unwinding up the line. There will not be any extra line hanging around in your workspace. Also, it has a proper locking system that will lock the line per 18 inches of interval.
On that note, it even integrates an adjustable stopper. This will enable you to increase or decrease the length of the line according to your preference. Also, the auto-retracting process works flawlessly. It does not jam, nor does it make the pipe kink during the winding process.
Thanks to the included bracket, storing it will be an easy task as well. The bracket will let you mount this one on the wall or the ceiling. And for the swivel design, it would be easier to make the housing pivot in any direction. There will be no need to struggle that much when it comes to managing the line.
Alongside that, it includes a 50 feet long hose. It is 3/8 inches in diameter and can work at a higher water pressure. The rating for the working pressure is 150 pounds per square inch. Also, it can withstand water work optimally even when the water temperature is reasonably high.
In addition to that, it includes a lead-in hose. And as the mainline is highly flexible, working on the corner of the garden will be pretty easy. Also, the fittings are pretty durable.
• Housing is of high-quality polypropylene
• Has UV stabilizing for resisting UV ray damages
• Features a latching mechanism
• Comes with an adjustable line stopper
• Includes a highly flexible water line
• Length of the line is relatively short
• Does not have a proper amount of tension on the retractable spring
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
The fact that it has reasonably durable housing makes it worthy of every penny. Also, it has an adjustable line stopper.
4. TACKLIFE 5/8” 180 Degree Pivot – Best for Light Weight
No products found.
No products found.
One thing that makes these the best auto retractable garden hose reel is a good locking mechanism. Well, TACKLIFE had factored that in when they were bringing this unit out in the market.
Let us first talk about the thing that makes it stand out the most. The locking mechanism will allow you to lock the pipe at any given length. And it works exceptionally well. It can properly lock the line in place and will not let it unwind any further, even if you keep pulling it.
The rewind system is pretty advanced too. It utilizes a braking mechanism that will make sure that the pipe rewinds slowly. For that reason, the chances of accidents occurring will be reasonably low. Also, the mechanism makes the winding process smooth, which is something that we can take for granted.
Apart from the braking mechanism, the unit comes with a 65 feet line. This line is highly flexible, making it easier to control. And because of the flexible nature, it will be easier to work on the tricker places of your garden. The lead line is 7 feet long. Also, the braking system will ensure all the line is layered neatly inside.
It bundles with a wall bracket that is highly adjustable. The mount offers a pivoting range of 180 degrees. That will make handling the line around easier. Also, as it is going to come with all of the required hardware, there will be no need to go through any hassle for the installation process.
Other than that, it has a handle on the top. This handle has an ergonomic shape. That means you can firmly grab into it. And it will enable you to easily pivot the unit around and move it from one place to another during harsh and tough weather.
Lastly, the package will include a nozzle. It has seven different settings. Each of the settings has a different spraying pattern.
• Features a highly advanced locking mechanism
• Utilizes a reliable braking system to smoothen the rewind system
• Comes with a 65 feet long secondary hose
• Includes a spray that has seven different patterns
• Bundles with a highly adjustable mounting bracket
• Durability of the housing is not that high
• Not that light in weight
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
First, the locking system of the unit works reasonably well. Secondly, the braking system is highly reliable.
5. HOSELINK Automatic 7-Function 82-Feet – Best for Easy Operation
Even though there are plenty of units available in the market, there are only a few that has a simple and straightforward installation process. And this one from HOSELINK is among those few.
This auto retractable garden hose reel includes a bracket that is pretty easy to work with. It will be possible to set the bracket up into a wall in a few minutes because of how easy it is to work with. Also, it is going to ship with all of the other installation hardware. So, getting extra things will not be a necessity.
Moving the unit around will be an easy task as well. There is a large-sized handle on the top. And thanks to the high-quality brass threaded ends on the lead, and the mainline, connecting the pipes will be easy too.
On that note, the hose that it comes with is 82 feet long. That amount of length should be enough to work with most of the large gardens. Also, thanks to the durable nature of the line, you can expect to get extended use out of it. It will not leak, nor will not show flow issues that easily.
Other than that, the line features an intuitive braking system. This ‘stop anywhere’ system will ensure that the pipe does not kink during the rewind process. The system will enhance the lifespan of the line and make sure that you do not have to go through the hassle of holding it straight during the unwinding process.
Talking of which, the retractable system of the unit is highly reliable. It utilizes a smooth and slow motion of the unwinding process. For that reason, the line should go in neatly. Also, the slow-motion of the process will make sure that no accidents are occurring during the rewind process.
It also integrates a spring-loaded mechanism. This system will offer an additional level of power to the retractable feature of the unit.
• Installation process is hassle-free
• Comes with all the required hardware
• Bundles with an 82 feet long line
• Included hose is reasonably durable
• Features a proper and safe braking system
• Housing is a bit large in size
• Might be a bit hard to install on wooden frames
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
The installation process of the unit is pretty simple. Also, it includes a reasonably durable hose.
6. Power 50 + 6 ft x 5/8” – Best for Patented Nozzle Protector
On the lookout for a heavy duty retractable garden hose reel? Well, you can stop your search right here because Power is offering the thing that you were probably looking for all this time!
So, what makes this one heavy-duty? Well, the obvious answer would be the included hose. It is 50+6 feet long and features a construction of a hybrid material that is reasonably sturdy. And the line has three different layers. That will enhance the overall durability even further. You can expect to get extended use out of it.
The included mounting bracket is pretty adjustable. It will offer the ability to pivot the housing to a full 180 degrees. And for the smooth swiveling gears, the pivoting should be pretty smooth as well. Also, as it will come with all necessary hardware, there will be no need to go through any hassles in terms of the installation process.
Apart from that, the unit integrates a proper locking mechanism. This mechanism will provide the freedom to lock the line at any given length. And as the system is automatic, you should not worry about struggling with levers and switches. Also, the lock can properly hold the line in place.
Other than the locking mechanism, the retracting system is pretty smooth as well. It utilizes an automatic mechanism that will slowly and safely pull the wire for the winding process. So there will be a low chance of any accidents occurring.
Additionally, the pipe has a nozzle protector on the end. That will do a proper job in protecting the nozzle from environmental elements. Also, it can act as a handle for the pipe. You can hold it while pulling the line. Also, the line is pretty flexible, allowing you to manage it properly in the corners of your garden.
It also has a handle on the top. This steel handle is reasonably durable and should be able to withstand harsh environments.
• Line has three different layers, making it highly durable
• Utilizes a proper locking mechanism
• Housing is reasonably adjustable
• Bundles with a proper mounting bracket
• Uses a slow and safe retracting motion
• Diameter of the hose is not that high
• Comes with cheap bolts
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
The unit comes with a heavy-duty hose that will surely be capable of withstanding the test of time. Also, the mounting bracket is highly adjustable too.
7. ORCISH 3/8 66 FT – Best for 9- function Spray Gun
While scrutinizing the units to choose the best retractable hose reels garden, one thing that we checked is the overall build quality. And this one from ORCISH has managed to amaze us in that regard.
First of all, the overall build quality of the unit is pretty solid. The housing is of high-quality material that can withstand harsh and tough environments. Also, the included pipe is of heavy-duty PVC material. The line is explosion-proof and has anti-freezing properties. Basically, it is going to last for a long amount of time.
Other than the overall build quality, the housing is pretty compact in size. For the compact nature, there will be no need to sacrifice too much space on the walls or the mounting place. Also, the included mounting bracket is easy to work with. That will make the installation process easy and straightforward.
On that note, the include line is 66 feet long. It is highly flexible as well. Because of being long and flexible, managing it around the corners will be a breeze. Also, there is a locking mechanism that offers more control over the length of the pipe. As it can properly lock the line, there will not be an extra line in the workplace.
Aside from that, it includes a highly functional nozzle. The nozzle has nine different spray settings. Those will let you properly spray the water. Some of the settings will increase the overall coverage as well. Also, thanks to the pivoting mechanism of the housing, you would have higher control over the angle as well.
Besides that, the retractable mechanism of the unit is pretty smooth. It opts for slow and steady motion, which will not only make the unwinding process smoother but also increase overall safety. The chances of accidents occurring during the rewinding process should be reasonably low.
It even has a handle on the top. The handle is pretty lard and will allow you to easily move the unit from one place to another.
• Features a construction of high-quality materials
• Line is 66 feet long and is highly flexible
• Sports a pivoting mounting bracket
• Includes a highly functional nozzle
• Utilizes a safe rewinding mechanism
• Nozzle feels a bit cheap
• Can not offer that high water flow rate
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
The overall construction of the unit is pretty solid. Also, it utilizes a smooth and safe retracting mechanism.
8. Gartenkraft XG-75S – Best for Free Locking System
A highly adjustable locking mechanism can make the process of managing the line around easy. And that is exactly what you are going to enjoy if you get this unit from Gartenkraft.
To begin with, it utilizes a free locking system. This mechanism will offer the ability to lock the pipe at your preferred length. That means if you want to, you can lock the length at 5 feet, 10 feet, or any other length up to 75 feet. This ability will make sure that there is no extra line in your workplace.
Even the retracting mechanism is reasonably smooth. It utilizes a patented technology to make the overall retracting process safe. And as it is going to use slow motion, there will be no need to worry about any accidents occurring while the line is getting retracted. The braking system works like a charm as well.
Unlike some of the other units, this one comes with an access panel. That panel is on the top, where it will be easy to access. And through that, it would be possible to adjust or replace the hose easily. Disassembling the whole housing will not be necessary because of that.
Apart from that, it includes an adjustable mounting bracket. This bracket can swivel to a full 180 degrees. So, it will be pretty easy to get a proper angle on the line. Also, the package includes a mounting kit, which is going to do a proper job in making the setup process easy.
On that note, removing the housing from the bracket is pretty easy too. There will be no need for extra tools for that. It has a quick disconnect mount specifically for that dismounting process. And thanks to the handle on the side, transporting the unit from one place to another will be hassle-free.
Lastly, it comes with a multi-functional nozzle. There are plenty of different spray settings on that.
• Utilizes a free locking system that provides a higher level of control
• Integrates a patented retracting technology
• Easy to set up and easy to disassemble
• Bracket swivels to a full 180 degrees
• Comes with a mounting kit
• Fittings on the line is not that high in quality
• Includes cheap connectors
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
The thing that makes this worthy of purchase is the free locking mechanism. Also, it integrates advanced retracting technology.
9. Giraffe 5/8 in. x 65 ft – Best for Any Length Lock
While browsing through the listings, you might want to opt for a unit that comes with a proper retractable garden hose reel wall mount. Well, in that case, you need to have a look at what Giraffe is offering here.
First of all, it includes a proper mounting bracket. This bracket can be easily installed onto a wall. And thanks to the package including all of the necessary parts, the installation process should be a walk in the park. There will be no need to go through any complicated process for setting this one up.
Additionally, the bracket can swivel to a complete 180 degrees. This pivoting mechanism will offer you the ability to move the line around while working with your garden. As a result, the task of maintaining the corners of your garden should become hassle-free.
On that note, the bracket has a quick disconnect mechanism. By activating it, it will be possible to easily take the housing off. There will be no need to work with tools just to remove the unit from the bracket. This ability will come in handy during the winter seasons.
Alongside that, the unit includes a heavy-duty hose. It is of high-quality materials and should be able to withstand regular use and harsh environments pretty easily. Also, it is highly resistant to leakage and bursting. So, it would be natural for you to expect an extended use out of it.
Other than that, it will bundle with a nozzle. The nozzle is highly functional as it has different spraying settings. There are nine different settings, to be exact. And each of them flows the water in different patterns. Also, there is a stopper on the line, making sure the nozzle does not hit the housing while winding.
Talking of which, it has a proper retractable mechanism. The mechanism opts for slow and smooth motion, which lowers the chances of accidents.
• Comes with a proper wall mounting bracket
• Bracket swivels to a complete 180 degrees
• Includes a heavy-duty hose
• Hose has a stopper on end to prevent the nozzle from hitting the housing
• Easy to disconnect and easy to install
• Housing does not have that high build quality
• Might ship with missing screws
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
If you were looking for something that comes with a proper wall mount, then this one is it. Also, the bracket swivels 180 degrees.
10. Rainwave RW-AR5880 – Best Swivel Wall Mounted Hose Reel
You might not be looking for a retractable garden hose reel 100 ft. Instead, you might want to go with something that has a bit short line. Well, if that is the case, keep this one from Rainwave on your consideration list.
First of all, the line is 80 feet long. This length is not too long, nor is it too short. In fact, it is the perfect length for gardens that are medium to large in size. And for having this perfect length, it would be possible for you to properly work on every inch of your garden.
Apart from that, this unit integrates an automatic locking mechanism. This mechanism works like a charm. There will be no need to do anything manually to make the line lock in place. All you need to do is gently release the tension from the line, and it will lock in place. And it stays secure in that place as well.
Other than that locking mechanism, the retracting mechanism of the unit is praiseworthy as well. It utilizes a slow but steady motion. Such a motion is well known to lower the chances of any accidents occurring. And the same case is applicable for this one as well.
The line even has a stopper in the end. That stopper will prevent the nozzle from hitting directly on the opening. And the end of the line has a good quality fitting. So, attaching different types of nozzles to it will not be a hard task. Also, the quality of the line is pretty good too.
Additionally, the package will come will all of the things you will need during the installation process. And as it is going to come with all the things, you will not have to purchase anything separately. Also, the installation process is pretty simple and straightforward too. It is easy to take the unit out of the bracket as well.
• Includes an 80 feet long line
• Installation process is hassle-free
• Utilizes a highly reliable locking mechanism
• Locking mechanism is pretty easy to use
• Features a safe and smooth retracting mechanism
• Some of the units only retract ¾ of the entire line
• Build quality of the housing is not that praiseworthy
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
It includes a line that is not that long or too short in length. Also, the locking and the retracting mechanisms of the unit are pretty smooth and reliable.
Things to Consider Before Buying Best Retractable Hose Reels
We know how excited you are to get one of the units we reviewed. However, before you rush in and decide to spend your valuable money on something, there are a couple of things you need to consider.
Those will increase the chances of getting something that is well worth the money. And the points are:
Build Quality
Firstly, consider the overall build quality of the unit. Here, you need to check the housing first. Check the material and the quality of the material.
We would recommend opting for the ones that use high-quality material for the housing. Those are going to last for a long amount of time without showing any issues.
Then, check the quality of the included pipe. For this case, our recommendation would be to go for the ones that are of heavy-duty material. Those have a higher ability to withstand harsh and tough environments.
Length of the Line
The second thing that should be in your consideration is the length of the line. You need to consider the overall size of your garden first. If the garden is relatively large in size, opt for the ones that are longer than 60 feet.
However, if the garden is small to medium in size, the ones with 50 feet line should be good enough.
Flexibility
Another thing about the line that you must consider is flexibility. However, it is going to depend on the material primarily.
Nevertheless, we would highly recommend opting for the ones that are flexible. With those, getting water to the corner and the tricky places of the garden will be easy.
Connectors
Aside from the flexibility of the line, keep the connectors or the fittings of the line in your consideration. Make sure that they are of higher quality, or else the threadings are going to strip pretty easily.
And if the threads do strip, the connector and the entire hose will become useless.
Stopper
It is pretty important for the line to have a stopper. Without that, the nozzle will directly hit the opening of the unit. Also, without a stopper, the pipe might retract all the way inside.
And if that happens, unwinding it will be a big hassle, and you would not want that, right? So, check whether there is a stopper or not.
Locking Mechanism
Another important thing that must be in your consideration is the locking mechanism. Here, check how well the lock works.
If the lock can not securely hold the line in position, you would not be able to enjoy the things that a locking mechanism can offer.
Secondly, consider how easy it is to activate the mechanism. There are some that will activate automatically right after you let go of the lever.
Those would be easier to work with, and you would have a higher level of control over the line with those.
Retracting Mechanism
Apart from the locking mechanism, you also need to factor in the retracting mechanism. For this, the thing you need to check is the smoothness.
The smoother the mechanism, the fewer chances of kinks and tangles occurring. And if the line does not kink or tangle, it will last for a long amount of time.
Other than that, consider whether the mechanism utilizes a safe motion or not. If it retracts the line quickly, the chances of accidents occurring will be reasonably high.
For example, if you happen to step on top of the line during the retracting process, you are most likely going to fall flat.
Nozzle
Some of the brands are going to include a nozzle with the line. Now, if the one you chose does come with a nozzle, first, check the build quality.
It would be better to opt for a unit that does not come with a nozzle than to get one that comes with a low-quality nozzle.
On the other hand, check how functional the nozzle actually is. Our recommendation here would be to opt for the ones that have different settings.
Those spray settings will make it easier to spread the water to your plants and other places in the garden.
Mounting Bracket
One of the important things about a retractable hose reel is the mounting bracket. If the mounting bracket is not proper, you would have to lay it on the ground.
The mechanisms are not going to work that well if the unit is not properly mounted to something.
Considering that, you need to put proper emphasis on the mounting bracket. Check the overall quality first. Ensure that they are of high-quality material.
Then, consider how easy it is to install the bracket. The easier the installation process is, the fewer hassles you need to go through.
Included Hardware
The last thing you need to consider is the included hardware. We would highly recommend checking whether the box comes with all the parts or not.
If the unit comes with missing hardware, you need to purchase them separately, which would not be a cost-effective approach.
Top Rated Brands on the Market
As you can see, the market is pretty competitive. There are multiple brands offering their units. However, there are some brands that are pretty well-known for providing high-performing units. And they are:
Gardena
The thing that makes their offerings achieve a good rating is the retractable mechanism. Most of their units will utilize a steel spring, which will increase the power of retraction.
The unit we reviewed comes with a guide too. That will prevent the line from tangling and kinking.
RL Flo-Master
Like Gardena, RL Flo-Master is also going to integrate its units with a spring-loaded mechanism. Some of their offerings will even have an automatic guide, which will make sure that the line does not overlap.
The model we reviewed from them includes a high-quality hose as well.
Flexzilla
The brand Flexzilla is not that far behind RL Flo-Master and Gardena. They have high-performance units to offer to the market. And the one we looked at can work at a high water pressure as well.
TACKLIFE
The manufacturer TACKLIFE is pretty popular. And they have gained all their popularity by offering high-quality and high-performance units to the market.
To know about what their units can offer, you can go through the model we reviewed. That has a highly reliable retracting mechanism.
Benefits of Retractable Garden Hose Reel
You might be guessing what changed after we got our hands on one of these. Well, the benefits that we have started enjoying make getting one of these totally worthy. And these are the benefits that we started enjoying:
Lower Rate of Knotting
We have mentioned before that while watering the plants, the water line got cut off a couple of times because of knots. Well, after using one of these, we never faced a situation like this.
While most of the units might not be able to totally eliminate the chances of kinking occurring, they will surely lower the chances of that happening.
Easy to Manage
One of the frustrations we had with the regular process of rolling the pipes is that they were pretty hard to wind, and while winding, the line would catch too much dirt.
And those would eventually end up on our hands. Well, that stopped happening as well.
Extended Use
By properly managing the pipe, it became less vulnerable to wear. Also, as there will be fewer occurrences of knots, the line will not tear that easily.
And some of the reels are highly resistant to environmental elements, making them achieve a higher lifespan as well.
FAQs
1. What is the Best Retractable Garden Hose Reel?
According to us, the unit that has a proper retractable mechanism and a reliable stopping mechanism is worthy of that position.
Also, the unit must have a good overall build quality because it would be pretty much impossible to expect to get extended use out of it without that.
2. Are Retractable Hoses Any Good?
The retractable hose is totally worth the money. They make the task of managing the line around feel like dragging a hot knife through a slab of butter.
Also, thanks to the proper locking mechanism that some have, it will be easy to properly control the line during the unwinding process.
3. How Do You Fix a Retractable Hose Reel?
If your hose reel is not working properly, the chances are that there is a jam. Here, you need to go a bit deeper into the mechanism. A quick patchwork will not do the trick. Lube up the mechanism and check whether the jam is still there or not.
If the unit does not get fixed, we would recommend contacting the manufacturer.
4. Would I be Able to Use an Aftermarket Hose with the Retractable Hose Reels?
Most of the units are going to come with a leader hose. You can detach the secondary hose from there and install your preferred pipe with it.
However, some of the units might not offer you this option. But it would be possible to change the built-in hose. Then again, the hose must be a direct replacement.
5. Can I Make the Hose of the Retractable Hose Reel Longer?
It is possible to elongate the built-in hose of the retractable hose reels. However, you need to find an aftermarket hose that the same connector as the hose of the unit.
There are some workarounds if you can not find something that has the same connectors, but you need to handle a lot of attachments for those.
6. Is the Hose of the Retractable Hose Reels Durable?
The durability of the pipe will vary from one offering to another because not all of the brands are going to use the same material.
Usually, the ones that are of high-quality materials are the most durable. They would be able to withstand tough usage cases pretty easily.
7. Are Flexible Hoses Worth It?
The flexible pipes will let you work with the corners easily. There will be no need to pivot the unit from the bracket to get a certain angle for your line.
Considering that, we would say that they are very much worth the money. However, do consider whether they are durable or not.
8. Do Retractable Hose Reels Require Maintenance?
Like any other product, proper maintenance is highly recommended if you want to get extended use out of the retractable hose reels.
Here, you need to open the unit up once in a while to clean up the inside. Lube up the moving parts and check for clogging. This maintenance process will also lower the chances of jams occurring.
Final Words
As you can see, getting one of the best retractable garden hose reels is not that hard. All you need to know is know about the brands and have a clear idea about their top offerings.
Nevertheless, our top pick is the GARDENA 82-Feet With Convenient Guide. It has a proper locking system, and most importantly, the steel spring makes the overall retracting process smooth yet fast.