Automatic and self retracting hose reels are very convenient for using and storing a garden hose. You have many options from spring loaded retracting hose reels to even battery powered automatic hose reels. I like the Giraffe Heavy Duty Wall Mounted Retractable Garden Hose Reel because it has 180 degree rotation that is needed for maneuvering around the yard and the quick release system makes it very convenient for assembling and disassembling.
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These are our choices for best automatic garden hose reels:
- Giraffe Heavy Duty Wall Mounted Retractable Garden Hose Reel (click here to view)
- Suncast Powerwind 12 Volt Battery Powered Automatic Hose Reel (click here to view)
- BluBird RMX BluSeal Retractable Garden Hose Reel (click here to view)
- Giraffe Wall Mounted Retractable 1/2″ Garden Hose Reel (click here to view)
- Gartenkraft Self Retractable Hose Reel (click here to view)
- Hoselink Automatic Retractable Garden Hose Reel (click here to view)
- RL Flo-Master Retractable Garden Hose Reel (click here to view)
- Power Heavy Duty Retractable Wall Mounted Hose Reel (click here to view)
- Ames NeverLeak AutoWinder Self Retractable Garden Hose Reel (click here to view)
- Flexzilla Automatic 1/2″ Garden Hose Reel (click here to view)
Probably the first thing you need to determine when shopping for an automatic garden hose reel is do you want a wall-mounted reel, or a box reel? Wall-mounted self retractable hose reels are easier to keep up out of the way, but obviously when you mount a reel to a fence or wall, you’ll only be able to use that reel in that area of your yard.
Automatic box reels can give you greater flexibility to move around if you have a bigger yard. While most automatic box reels don’t come with wheels, they do come with handles that make moving fairly easy. Retractable box reels usually come with extra storage, which helps keep your hose equipment organized.
You’ll also need to make sure you find a hose reel that has the storage capacity to fit the length of hose needed for your yard. A standard garden hose diameter is 5/8″, and most automatic hose reels can store 75+ feet of 5/8″ garden hose, but it’s always best to double check and confirm. In this article let’s take a closer look at the best automatic hose reels so you can find an option that fits your needs.
Table of Contents
Best Automatic Hose Reels
Giraffe Heavy Duty Wall Mounted Retractable Garden Hose Reel
The thing I like best about this automatic garden hose reel is how convenient it is to install and use. The unit comes pre installed, so all you have to do is anchor the mounting bracket with the 4 screws they supply, attach the hose reel to the mounting bracket and you are ready to go. Not only is this hose reel convenient to assemble, the automatic guidance system makes it very easy to use and wind the hose back up.
This is the current price of this Giraffe self winding hose reel available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about this reel:
- Benefits – This wall mounted automatic garden hose reel is extremely convenient that comes pre-installed, where all you have to do is mount to a post or wall. The mounting screws, 5/8″ hose, and the leader hose are also included. The hose will lock in place once you get to a desired length and once you are done you simply tug on the hose and it will self-wind back up. The self guiding system also makes sure it goes back in correctly without kinks.
- Storage Capacity – This reel can store up to 90 feet of 5/8″ diameter hose. A standard garden hose has a 5/8″ diameter, but if you are using a larger diameter hose (for example, 3/4″), be sure to take that into account when determining your storage capacity needs. As mentioned, this retractable garden hose reel also comes with a lead-in hose.
- Assembly – This Giraffe Heavy Duty Wall Mounted Retractable Garden Hose Reel comes pre-installed, meaning all you have to do is mount the reel to a post or a wall. The unit comes with 4 mounting screws, so all you need is the tools to mount it where you want it.
Click here to buy this Giraffe retractable hose reel available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). This automatic garden hose reel is also available in other sizes.
Suncast Powerwind 12 Volt Battery Powered Automatic Hose Reel
If you are looking for an automatic hose reel that is mobile, this Suncast Powerwind automatic hose reel is battery operated so you can move it around wherever you need. Most automatic hose reels are wall mounted, but this is a box reel that comes with a rechargeable battery that drives the motor which will self retract a wide range of hose types. This is very convenient if you have a big yard or want to use a different hose than what they supply.
This is the current price of this Suncast automatic garden hose reel available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about this reel:
- Benefits – This box automatic hose real is battery powered making it easy to move it around the yard. The battery is rechargeable, so you don’t have to buy new batteries all the time. You power it with a pedal and it does all the work of reeling the hose back in. Another feature that I really like about this hose reel is the added storage bin that can store small garden tools like a nozzle.
- Storage Capacity – This reel can store up to 100 feet of 5/8″ diameter hose. A standard garden hose has a 5/8″ diameter, but if you are using a larger diameter hose (for example, 3/4″), be sure to take that into account when determining your storage capacity needs. You’ll also want to make sure this reel has the strength to handle the PSI of your hose if using a larger diameter hose.
- Assembly – These boxes come fully installed, but there is small amount of assembly. In general, this is very easy to get ready and start using. These boxes are nice because you don’t have to worry about mounting on a wall or post.
Click here to buy this Suncast automatic hose reel available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Remember, that while a hose comes with this unit, you can use your own hose if you want.
BluBird RMX BluSeal Retractable Garden Hose Reel
What I really like about this BluBird RMX BluSeal retractable garden hose reel is the durability you get from the heavy-duty 18-Gauge steel frame. The ratchet system allows you to lock the hose in at any interval you want, giving you the flexibility you need to do the projects at all lengths of the hose. The self retractable reel allows you to quickly and easily put the hose away.
This is the current price of this BluBird retractable garden hose reel available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about this reel:
- Benefits – This wall mounted automatic hose reel is made of powder coated steel that is corrosion resistant. Being made of steel gives this garden hose reel the durability that some others don’t have. It has 4 way roller guides that keep the hose from kinking or tangling when it is self retracting.
- Storage Capacity – This reel can store up to 50 feet of 5/8″ diameter hose. If you replace the hose with a smaller diameter, for example 1/2″, you would be able to have a longer hose. With that said, if you are needing a reel that can handle a hose longer than 50″, you likely would want to choose another reel.
- Assembly – The garden reel comes fully assembled, but you will need to have the screws for mounting to your wall or post, as mounting hardware is not included with the purchase. This reel does come with a 3 foot lead-in hose, so wherever you mount it will need to be close to a water source or purchase a longer one.
Click here to buy this BluBird retractable hose reel available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). This garden hose reel makes a lot of sense for those prioritizing durability.
Other Automatic Garden Hose Reels to Consider
- Gartenkraft Self Retractable Hose Reel This Gartentkraft self retracting reel has a capacity of 100 feet of 5/8″ garden hose. It does come in different size lengths as well if you need another size. This reel is designed with patented slow wind technology that is great for winding the hose back into the reel. The mounting kit is included as well. Click here to view this Gartenkraft self retractable hose reel at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Hoselink Automatic Retractable Garden Hose Reel This Hoselink automatic garden hose reel has a capacity of 82 feet of 9/16″ hose. This retractable garden hose reel is pre installed, meaning all you have to do is mount to a wall. The mounting kit is included in the purchase. This reel is designed with multiple handles making it easy to carry or move when you take it off the wall mount. Click here to view this Hoselink Automatic retractable garden hose reel at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- RL Flo-Master Retractable Garden Hose Reel This RL Flo-Master retractable garden hose reel has 180 degree rotation which is great for maneuvering around the yard. The capacity for this automatic hose reel is 65 feet. The mounting kit is also included in the purchase. Click here to view this RL Flo-Master retractable garden hose reel at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
10 Things to Consider When Buying Automatic Hose Reels
Storage Capacity
When buying an automatic garden hose reel, you are going to need to know how long of a hose do you need to store? For most city yards, 50 foot garden hoses should get the job done. For larger yards you will want a 100 foot hose.
And part of this comes down to whether you buy a wall-mounted retractable hose reel, or a box hose reel. A hose reel box allows you to move the hose from spigot to spigot around the outside of your house, meaning you don’t necessarily need a long hose. If you’re using a wall-mounted reel, you lose the ability to move your hose to an alternate spigot, so a longer hose may be necessary to reach all parts of the yard.
For most garden hose reels, storage capacity is based off a 5/8″ diameter garden hose. This is the size of a standard garden hose. For larger diameter hoses, not only will you have to take into consideration that you can’t fit as much hose on the reel for storage, you will also have to make sure the reel has the strength to take on the increased PSI of a large diameter hose.
PSI
Always make sure the hose reel can handle the PSI for your setup. For most standard 5/8″ diameter garden hoses, this will not be something you need to worry about. But if you plan to use a larger diameter hose for increased flow rate, make sure the hose reel is sturdy enough to handle it. Most all units should list the PSI limits.
Assembly
All things considered, assembly is generally not that hard for automatic hose reels. Most of the units ship almost completely assembled, and you may just simply have to attach a crank handle and/or mount the unit to the wall. These reels rarely aren’t assembled because of the engineering it takes to make the reel self retracting.
If you are buying a wall-mounted unit, be sure to confirm that the unit comes with mounting hardware. Many wall-mounted hose reels do not provide the mounting screws, so you might be making a trip to the hardware store. Also, make sure you have the tools required to attach the screws to your wall or post.
Large hose reel boxes may have more assembly required, but still they are likely to come mostly assembled. This assembly process might require screws, bolts, and washers. With these larger units, you will want to make sure and understand what assembly is required ahead of time.
Inlet Hose
The inlet hose (also called the “lead-in hose”) is the hose that connects from your spigot to the hose reel and allows you to supply water to the hose you have stored inside your reel. These hoses are also needed if you plan to add a garden hose holder that has a spigot built-in. You will need to consider what length of inlet hose you need.
A couple things go into this decision. First, if you are mounting on a wall, how far away will the hose reel be from the spigot? Second, if you are using a box, how far away from the spigot do you want to maneuver it.
Most inlet hoses fall in the 3 to 7 foot range, but there can be exceptions. Many (but not all) hose reels provide an inlet hose with purchase. Also, you can buy a longer inlet hose if you want to have your unit further away from the spigot.
Maneuverability
If you are going to use an automatic hose reel box because you need to maneuver around a yard or work site, make sure the unit has handles or other ergonomic solutions for moving it. Most of the box reels come with handles to move it around and put it away for winter. Always check out the dimensions to see if the box will be too big for one person to carry or not.
Hose size
Many of the automatic hose reels only use the hose they come with because of the way they work. Most of the hose reels come with either a 1/2″ or 5/8″ in diameter hose. 1/2″ hoses will usually be lighter and longer but they will have lower flow rate. Just make sure you determine what size of hose you need before buying your hose reel because you may not be able to change it out later.
Weight
If you are interested in an automatic garden hose reel box that will be moveable, be sure to consider the weight of the unit. Some box reels have a large storage capacity and extra storage which means a longer hose. If you are working on a small yard, this added weight might just be a nuisance.
Weather Resistance
Most of the automatic hose reels are made from plastic or steel. Some of the plastic hose reels are designed for weather resistance, but some require buying an additional cover when you aren’t using it. Most self retracting garden hose reels that are made from metal use a powder-coated finish to protect the metal, but it is always best to double check.
Self Retracting Method
There are two main types of automatic hose reels on the market today. Ones that are spring loaded that lock into place and are released by tugging on the hose which self winds the hose back in. The second types is battery powered motors that are typically operated by foot pedals.
Battery powered box reels can be very convenient but can be more expensive and you will have the added complexity of a motor and recharging the battery. Spring loaded self retracting hose reels are simpler but not quite as convenient. If you decide that automatic hose reels aren’t something you would want, you can always look into hand crank hose reels.
Height
This is something that is easy to overlook, but can be critical for ease-of-use. For a wall mounted hose holder, height is customizable since you can mount at any height. But for hose reel carts, you will want to consider the overall height of the units.
Some automatic garden hose box reels sit low to the ground, and that means bending over if you need to move or adjust the reel. If you want or need to take stress off your back, buying a unit that sits a bit higher might be best. You can always buy a stand or outside table for it to sit on as well.