Best Garden Hose Reels: 8 Models Compared by Hose Length and Rewind

A good garden hose reel holds enough hose to reach your farthest bed, rewinds without kinking, and mounts where your spigot already is. The Giraffe Tools 130 ft Retractable Hose Reel is our Best Overall pick because it ships with 130 ft of 1/2 in. hose, rewinds on its own and locks at any length. If you want a thicker hose, the VEVOR 100 ft Retractable Hose Reel pairs a 5/8 in. hose with a slow rewind of about 10 seconds. This guide compares 8 garden hose reels across five styles: retractable wall reels, a swivel wall reel, hideaway boxes, an upright stand and a rolling cart.

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On this page

1. Compare Garden Hose Reels by Type, Hose and Rewind
2. Detailed Reviews: Best Garden Hose Reels
3. Check Whether the Hose Is Included
4. Plan the Mount Before You Buy a Wall Reel
5. How to Choose a Garden Hose Reel
6. Which Garden Hose Reel Should You Choose?
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Final Verdict

Compare Garden Hose Reels by Type, Hose and Rewind

Detailed Reviews: Best Garden Hose Reels

1. Giraffe Tools 130 ft Retractable Hose Reel (Best Overall)

• 130 ft + 5 ft leadHose length
• 1/2 in. hybridHose type
• Auto rewindRewind
• 2 yearsWarranty

Best for: yards where the farthest bed sits 100 ft or more from the spigot and one wall reel has to reach every corner.

Why it ranks #1: it pairs the longest included hose in this guide with automatic rewind, which gives it 29 ft more total hose than the VEVOR at #2.

The 130 ft retractable section plus a 5 ft lead gives this garden hose reel 135 ft of total hose. The 1/2 in. hybrid hose is lighter to drag than a 5/8 in. hose, and Giraffe Tools says it passes 200 PSI and 600 PSI burst tests. An aluminum guide lays the hose back in even rows as it rewinds, which keeps it from kinking inside the case.

The any-length lock lets you stop at 40 ft for the vegetable beds, and the reel holds there. A two-point bracket spreads the pull across two anchors, and the reel swivels 180 degrees to water both sides of a corner. It also unclips from the bracket for winter storage. Giraffe Tools recommends a post larger than 4×4 if you are not mounting it on a wall.

Skip it if you run sprinklers that need more flow. The VEVOR 100 ft reel uses a 5/8 in. hose.

2. VEVOR 100 ft Retractable Hose Reel (Best for 5/8 in. Hose)

• 100 ft + 6 ft leadHose length
• 5/8 in. PVCHose type
• Slow auto rewindRewind
• 9 patternsNozzle

Best for: lawns and large beds watered with sprinklers or wands that benefit from a wider hose.

Why it ranks #2: it gives up 29 ft of reach compared with the Giraffe at #1 in exchange for a 5/8 in. hose and a slower, safer rewind.

VEVOR builds this retractable hose reel around 100 ft of triple-layer PVC hose plus a 6 ft lead, with a 3/4 in. brass fitting at the faucet end. VEVOR says the hose passed at least 200 PSI pressure testing and a 600 PSI burst test, and it estimates the reach at about 9,688 sq ft from one mounting point.

The rewind takes 10 to 11.5 seconds for up to 98 ft of hose, so the nozzle does not fly back across the patio. VEVOR rates the steel spring for more than 20,000 retractions. A ratchet lock holds the hose at any length, the shell is frost-resistant PP plastic, and the bracket swivels 180 degrees.

Skip it if your farthest bed is more than 100 ft away. The Giraffe Tools 130 ft reel reaches 135 ft.

3. Liberty Garden 712 Navigator Wall Hose Reel (Best Swivel Wall Reel)

• Holds 125 ft of 5/8 in.Capacity
• 18-gauge steelFrame
• 360°, 8 positionsRotation
• 5 ft leaderIncluded

Best for: a wall next to the spigot where you pull hose to the left, the right or straight out.

Why it ranks #3: it is the best manual wall reel here, but it sits below the two retractable reels because the hose and wall anchors are not included.

The Liberty Garden 712 Navigator holds 125 ft of 5/8 in. hose on an 18-gauge steel frame with a bronze powder coat. Pull up a knob and the carriage turns a full 360 degrees, then locks in one of eight positions, so the hose leaves the reel facing the way you walk. That avoids the sharp bend that wears hoses at the inlet.

Water enters through a 90-degree solid brass swivel, and all fittings are brass. A 5 ft leader hose connects the reel to the faucet. The reel arrives assembled apart from the crank handle, and a tray on top holds nozzles and small tools.

Skip it if you want a reel that works out of the box. The Giraffe Tools 130 ft reel ships with its hose.

4. AQUAZILLA Metal Hose Reel Deck Box (Best Hideaway Box)

• Holds 150 ft of 5/8 in.Capacity
• Galvanized steelShell
• Crank + hose guideRewind
• Up to 150 PSIPressure

Best for: patios and decks where you want the hose out of sight and no holes in the wall.

Why it ranks #4: it is the top hideaway pick, with 50 ft more capacity than the Suncast box at #7 and a steel shell, but you supply the hose.

AQUAZILLA builds this hose reel box from galvanized steel sheet with a dark brown powder coat, and lists it as strong enough for one person to sit on. It holds 150 ft of 5/8 in. hose, handles water pressure up to 150 PSI and comes with a 5 ft leader hose.

A guide on the front moves side to side as you crank, laying the hose in even rows and keeping your hands off it. The water connections are aluminum, which AQUAZILLA says resist stripping and corrosion better than plastic. The lid lifts for access to the reel inside.

Skip it if you want the hose to rewind by itself. The Giraffe Tools 130 ft reel retracts with a tug.

5. Gorilla GRS-200H Aluminum Hose Reel (Best Rust-Proof)

• Holds 200 ftCapacity
• AluminumFrame
• Forged brassFittings
• Built-in guideWinding

Best for: wet climates and coastal yards where painted steel reels tend to rust.

Why it ranks #5: its rust-proof frame and 200 ft capacity beat the steel reels above on durability, but the listing does not state the hose diameter, which makes sizing harder.

Gorilla, a brand of Tricam Industries, builds the GRS-200H on an aluminum frame that does not rust, with forged brass connections and leak-proof seals. It holds up to 200 ft of hose, so one reel can serve a large yard from a single spigot.

A built-in alignment guide lays the hose evenly as you wind, which helps stop kinks. The wide base keeps the reel steady when you pull hose off at an angle, and the upright handle lets you carry it to another faucet. The listing does not say which hose diameter the 200 ft figure assumes or whether a leader hose is included.

Skip it if you need to roll a long hose across a big lot. The VEVOR Hose Reel Cart has wheels and holds 300 ft.

6. VEVOR Hose Reel Cart, 300 ft (Most Hose Capacity)

• Holds 300 ft of 5/8 in.Capacity
• Powder-coated steelFrame
• BrassFittings
• Storage basketExtras

Best for: large lots and small acreages where one hose has to reach far beyond the spigot.

Why it ranks #6: it has the most capacity in this guide, but a 300 ft cart takes more effort to wind and store than the wall reels and boxes above.

This VEVOR hose reel cart holds up to 300 ft of 5/8 in. hose, twice the capacity of the AQUAZILLA box. The frame is steel with a weather-resistant powder coat, and the fittings are brass. A storage basket carries nozzles, a sprinkler or hand tools.

Solid PVC wheels and a low center of gravity keep the cart upright on rough ground, and a non-slip handle turns the reel. The listing is inconsistent on wheels: the title says four and the description mentions two, so check the product photos before you buy. The hose is sold separately.

Skip it if you water a small yard or patio. The Suncast 100 ft Hideaway takes far less space.

7. Suncast 100 ft Hose Hideaway (No Assembly Needed)

• Holds 100 ft of 5/8 in.Capacity
• ResinShell
• Side crankRewind
• NoneAssembly

Best for: small patios and front yards where you want a tidy box by the spigot the day it arrives.

Why it ranks #7: it is the simplest setup in this guide, but its resin shell and 100 ft capacity put it behind the steel AQUAZILLA box at #4.

Suncast makes this hose hideaway from resin in the USA, and it ships ready to use with no tools or hardware. It holds up to 100 ft of 5/8 in. vinyl hose on a reel inside the box, and a side handle winds it in. Set it on a patio, deck or lawn beside the faucet.

Resin does not rust and wipes clean, so upkeep is light. Suncast states the 100 ft capacity for vinyl hose, which usually has thinner walls than rubber hose, so a heavier hose may not fit the full length. The light taupe finish blends with beige siding and stone patios.

Skip it if you need more than 100 ft. The AQUAZILLA Deck Box holds 150 ft.

8. Giraffe Tools 65 ft Retractable Hose Reel (Best for Small Yards)

• 65 ftHose length
• 1/2 in. PVCHose type
• Auto rewindRewind
• 9 functionsNozzle

Best for: townhouse yards and patios where the plants sit within about 60 ft of the spigot.

Why it ranks #8: it uses the same rewind system as #1 in a smaller size, and ranks last only because 65 ft covers the least ground in this guide.

This Giraffe Tools retractable hose reel holds 65 ft of 1/2 in. PVC hose. Like the 130 ft model, it locks at any length and rewinds with a light tug, and a guide system winds the hose back without tangles.

The top cover opens, so you can watch the hose wind and clear a jam. The bracket swivels 180 degrees, and a 9-function nozzle comes in the box. Giraffe Tools suggests a post larger than 4×6 if you mount it away from a wall.

Skip it if your farthest bed is more than 60 ft away. The Giraffe Tools 130 ft reel reaches 135 ft.

Check Whether the Hose Is Included

The most common mistake with a garden hose reel is assuming it comes with a hose. Only the three retractable reels here ship with one: the Giraffe Tools 130 ft, the VEVOR 100 ft and the Giraffe Tools 65 ft. The Liberty Garden 712, AQUAZILLA box, Gorilla GRS-200H, VEVOR cart and Suncast hideaway list a capacity, which is how much hose they hold, not what is in the box.

Capacity figures usually assume a 5/8 in. hose. A 1/2 in. hose is thinner, so more of it fits; a thick rubber hose takes more room, so less fits. Suncast, for example, rates its box for 100 ft of vinyl hose.

To size a reel, measure from the spigot to your farthest bed along the path the hose will actually take, then add 10 to 15 ft for corners and slack. Choose a reel whose capacity, or included hose, covers that number.

Plan the Mount Before You Buy a Wall Reel

A retractable reel pulls against its bracket every time you draw the hose out, so the mount matters as much as the reel. Giraffe Tools recommends a post larger than 4×4 for the 130 ft model and larger than 4×6 for the 65 ft model when you are not using a wall. The Liberty Garden 712 ships without mounting hardware, so buy anchors that suit your siding: lag screws into a stud or wood post, or masonry anchors for brick.

Mount the reel within reach of the spigot. The leader hoses here run 5 to 6 ft (5 ft on the Giraffe 130 ft, Liberty Garden and AQUAZILLA, 6 ft on the VEVOR 100 ft), so a reel more than about 5 ft from the faucet will need a longer leader. If you use your side yard as a work zone, a wall reel there keeps the hose off the path.

How to Choose a Garden Hose Reel

Hose length and capacity

Pick a reel that reaches your farthest bed with 10 to 15 ft to spare. In this guide, included hose ranges from 65 ft on the Giraffe Tools 65 ft to 135 ft total on the Giraffe Tools 130 ft, and capacity on the hose-free models runs from 100 ft (Suncast) to 300 ft (VEVOR cart). Small patios and townhouse yards suit the low end. Large lots, or a vegetable garden dug into the back lawn, need 125 ft or more.

Hose diameter: 1/2 in. vs 5/8 in.

Choose 5/8 in. when you run sprinklers or need more water at the nozzle, and 1/2 in. when weight and storage space matter more. A 5/8 in. hose carries more water at the same pressure but is heavier to pull out and takes more room on the reel. The two Giraffe Tools reels use 1/2 in. hose; the VEVOR 100 ft and every capacity-rated box, cart and wall reel here are listed for 5/8 in., except the Gorilla, which does not say.

Rewind: automatic vs manual crank

Automatic rewind is the easier daily choice; a manual crank is simpler and has no spring to wear out. The three retractable reels here rewind with a tug, and the VEVOR slows the return to 10 to 11.5 seconds so the nozzle does not snap back. The other five use a crank, and the AQUAZILLA and Gorilla add a guide that lays the hose evenly as you wind.

Mounting style

Match the reel to where your spigot is and how far you walk. Wall reels (Giraffe Tools, VEVOR 100 ft, Liberty Garden) save floor space but need a solid mount. Boxes (AQUAZILLA, Suncast) sit on a patio and hide the hose. The Gorilla stand can be carried between faucets, and the VEVOR cart rolls to the far end of a big yard. If you are planning a small garden layout, mark the spigot and reel spot first.

Frame material

Choose aluminum or resin for damp or coastal sites, and powder-coated or galvanized steel for strength. The Gorilla is aluminum and the Suncast is resin, so neither rusts. The AQUAZILLA is galvanized steel, the Liberty Garden 712 is 18-gauge steel, and the VEVOR cart is powder-coated steel. The retractable reels sit in enclosed cases; VEVOR lists a frost-resistant PP plastic shell for its 100 ft model.

Which Garden Hose Reel Should You Choose?

• If you want one reel that does it all, choose the Giraffe Tools 130 ft, because it ships with 135 ft of hose and rewinds by itself.
• If you water with sprinklers, choose the VEVOR 100 ft, because its 5/8 in. hose carries more water.
• If your hose needs to leave the wall at different angles, choose the Liberty Garden 712, because its carriage turns 360 degrees and locks in eight positions.
• If you want the hose hidden on a patio, choose the AQUAZILLA Deck Box, because it holds 150 ft inside a steel box.
• If rust is a problem where you live, choose the Gorilla GRS-200H, because its frame is aluminum.
• If you water a large lot, choose the VEVOR Hose Reel Cart, because it holds 300 ft and rolls.
• If you want zero setup, choose the Suncast 100 ft Hideaway, because it needs no assembly.
• If your yard is small, choose the Giraffe Tools 65 ft, because it gives you auto rewind without extra hose to store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a retractable hose reel worth it?

Yes, if you water most days and want the hose put away without cranking. A retractable reel rewinds with a tug and locks at any length, and it usually ships with its hose. The trade-offs are a spring that can wear over time and a fixed hose length, so measure your yard before you buy.

Retractable vs manual hose reel: which is better?

A retractable reel is faster to use; a manual reel is simpler and lets you pick your own hose. Manual reels and carts also hold more: up to 300 ft on the VEVOR cart here, compared with 135 ft on the longest retractable model. Choose by how far you water and how often.

What size hose reel do I need?

Measure from the spigot to your farthest bed along the walking route, then add 10 to 15 ft. Buy a reel whose included hose or rated capacity covers that distance. Remember that capacity ratings usually assume 5/8 in. hose, so more 1/2 in. hose will fit.

Can I use a 1/2 in. hose on a reel rated for 5/8 in.?

Yes. Garden hoses in the US share the same 3/4 in. thread at the ends, so a 1/2 in. hose connects to the same fittings, and more of it fits on the drum. Check that the hose sits snugly in any guide so it winds evenly.

Can I leave a hose reel outside in winter?

Disconnect and drain the hose before the first freeze, because water left inside can freeze and split the hose or fittings. Retractable models like the Giraffe Tools 130 ft unclip from their brackets for indoor storage. Most boxes and steel reels can stay outside once the hose is drained, but check the maker’s care notes for very cold climates.

Why is my hose reel leaking at the connection?

A worn or missing rubber washer is the usual cause. Replace the washer at the faucet and the reel inlet, and tighten the coupling by hand. Brass fittings, used on the Liberty Garden, Gorilla and VEVOR models here, resist cracking better than plastic ones.

Final Verdict

The Giraffe Tools 130 ft Retractable Hose Reel is the best garden hose reel for most yards: it ships with 135 ft of hose, rewinds on its own and locks at any length. If you water with sprinklers, the VEVOR 100 ft reel’s 5/8 in. hose is the better match, and if you would rather hide the hose, the AQUAZILLA box holds 150 ft. Before you order, measure from your spigot to the farthest bed and check that the reel covers it.

For a garden that needs less watering in the first place, see our list of drought tolerant perennials for full sun.