Christopher Michel has been the Senior Food and Gardens Editor at Country Living Magazine since March of 2021. Chris has over ten years of experience writing and editing for national magazines and websites, mostly in the food space, such as Cooking Light, The Kitchn, Rodale’s Organic Life, and Bon Appetit. Prior to that, Chris worked in a variety of food spaces in New York City. In 2022, Chris completed the Alabama Master Gardener’s Program hosted by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
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Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?
Are you a new homeowner or a longtime gardener? If so, you may be looking to upgrade your garden tools. One item you may need is a new garden hose. You just can't get a good-looking yard or a healthy garden without plenty of water.
While you're at it, consider how that hose is being stored. You may find that the old hose rack attached to the side of the house doesn't quite cut it.
Winding up 50 feet of hose or more by hand is a giant pain. And the hose itself often just ends up either full of water-stopping kinks. Do yourself a favor and get a hose reel.
A good reel makes winding—and unwinding—your hose a breeze. You can water the lawn or the garden when you need it, and put it right away again. The hose won't end up sitting in the mud, developing cracks and leaks.
A hose reel does not have to be expensive. However, if you want it to last a few years, a more expensive one can be worth the investment.
We have compiled a list of our four favorite hose reelers. They vary in price and usage. Options include mobile cart-like reels, wall-mounted versions, and all-in-one retractable hoses.
For ease and simplicity, it simply doesn't get better than this retractable garden hose, which is a hose and automatic reel in one. Mount the 130-foot spring-loaded hose next to your spigot. It will unwind as far as you need, then automatically retract.
2
Best Mounted Hose Reel
Liberty Garden Multi-Directional Hose Reel with Single Arm Navigator
This heavy-duty all-metal wheel pivots a full 360 degrees. A knob then locks it into place to keep from spinning. The movement is so smooth that unreeling and reeling in any direction is a snap. Plus the powder-coated metal is sturdy enough that it will last for years without breaking or rusting.
If you're renting, or otherwise don't want a reel attached to a wall, this cart is hard to beat. It's budget-friendly and will easily hold 100 feet or more of hose. The all-plastic frame isn't the sturdiest, but you can keep it working for years with careful treatment. One caveat: the wheels are not great, so plan to leave it in one place, or pick up and carry.
If you want a hose cart that'll last, this one is for you. This reel is expensive, but it is also very durable. It features large wheels that will easily move over even very rocky ground. This could be the last reel you ever need.
Even the best hose reel will be frustrating if you're trying to wind up stiff, inflexible hose. Do yourself a favor and invest in this long-lasting, kink-free version.
