We’ve spent 17 hours assessing and evaluating different products of Automatic Hose Reels to find the most recommendable one. After weeks, we’ve come to conclude that the Suncast PW100 Powerwind 100-Foot Capacity Automatic Rewind Garden Hose Reel stood out among the rest. We are impressed by its ability to efficiently deliver its functions in a very easy to do manner. More so, it comes with a very durable design that includes with it storage. All these things balances efficiency and convenience, necessary for products that do exhaustive work.
Reeling in your hose can be an exhaustive task. We all know too well the struggles of having to bend over and wrestling with it right after an already exhausting day out in the sun.
On top of that, you have to properly arrange the hose for storing so as not to damage it. You need a good space and a good tie to keep it in place.
With these things, wouldn’t it be nice if there is a device that can rid away this extra task for you?
Well, the answer to that is a good automatic hose reel.
But just like anything in demand these days, there is always that difficulty of finding a good one that you can trust to effectively work.
If you have been searching for long and still not able to find one, then we’ll do that for you.
In this article, we have written down the top 5 automatic hose reels that do the job well.
How did we do it?
Read on to find out.
The Best Automatic Hose Reel in 2018
| Pain Relief Patch | Patch Size | No. of Patches | Active Ingredient/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bengay Ultra Strength Pain Relieving Patch | 3.9 x 7.9 inches | 4 | Menthol (5%) |
| Tianhe Guteng Tiegao Pain Relieving Patch | 2.75 x 4 inches | 10 | Camphor (3.5%) Capsicum (0.25%) Menthol (3.05%) |
| Salonpas Lidocaine 4% Pain Relieving Maximum Strength Gel-Patch | 3 15/16 x 5 ½ inches | 6 | Lidocaine (4%) |
| Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patch | 4 x 2.75 inches | 5 | Camphor (80mg) Menthol (24 mg) Capsicum extract (16mg) |
| Icy Hot Extra Strength Medicated Patch | 3 15/16 x 7 13/16 inches | 5 | Menthol (5%) |
How Do Automatic Hose Reels Work?
An automatic hose reel is an efficient tool that retracts and stores the garden hose for you. It comes in a covering or housing depending on the kind, which you can control to draw the hose back in. Some other varieties include:
- Hose Hideaway
- Hosemobile Hose Reels
- Hose Hangout Hose Hangers
When using the hose, you will have to pull out the garden hose according to the length you need. Gathering it back once you finished can be a tiring task.
With an automatic hose reel, you just have to press a button or flip a lever—in the manner instructed by the device—and watch it reel back the hose for you.
The machine uses different mechanisms to work:
- Some can be spring-loaded, which distributes the hose side to side in the device.
- Some use water pressure to rewind the hose.
- And others are battery-powered.
Buying guide - What Should You Consider?
An automatic hose reel is a great device that eliminates the additional task of having to gather back and arrange the garden hose yourself.
But of course, the demand for this convenience has made more kinds of automatic hose reel to come up. This makes it difficult to choose.
Well, you need not to worry anymore. We have laid out some of the things you should consider when buying one.
They are:
1. Hose Capacity
– One of the initial things you must consider when buying an automatic hose reel is its capacity. You may buy one that could only store half the length of your garden hose. And that is definitely a no-no. It would beat its purpose to store it. So when looking for one, make sure that it has enough storage capacity to fit what you have at home.
2. Hose Connector
The usual complaints we found when reviewing this device is the hose connector. The hose connector is where you attach your garden hose to for the device to reel. When the hose connector is loose, the reeling won’t be done effectively. It would also lead to leakage.
3. Hose Stopper
The hose stopper stops the hose from being retracted completely into the housing. If you get one with a faulty stopper, then you might end up having to reach inside the device just to get the hose. Some even have to turn the device upside down for it to fall. This would be a great hassle when picked unnoticed.
4. Housing
Some concerns regarding hose reels point to the durability and long-lasting quality of the device. A housing that is not made sturdily may only last you for a few weeks. So find one that is built from good materials that can withstand any environment. This ensures that the hose inside is well-protected and stored safely.
Another thing you could consider is the speed of the retractor. Find one that matches well with you.
You may learn that the one you bought snaps back directly, which could surprise you.
Look at whether it can retract the hose in the right speed, be that fast, slow, or medium.
With all these things in mind, you are bound to find a pretty good one for you.
But of course we can spare you from actually having to go on a research spree just to find an automatic hose reel that matches well with what we’ve written.
We have already found them for you!
How did we do it? Well, read on to the next part to know.
How We Assessed & Evaluated These Products
Passing on judgments is a pretty heavy task. That is why when we set out to find the great and very recommendable products for you, we made sure that we have gathered the right amount of information to arrive at our conclusions.
To do this, we have scoured through a number of sources just to get our hands on a good number of automatic hose reels to review. We welcomed thoughts from review sites as well as from family, friends, and customer insights.
For hours we have considered and reconsidered a lot until it came down to a narrowed list of devices from what we initial have. We also eliminated those that are immediately associated with bad reviews. We didn’t include those with negative reputations to maintain validity.
As you can expect, even with the cut we’ve made, the number of devices were still a lot to take. So we made a criteria based on very important factors to make another cut that would leave the top 5 automatic hose reels.
The criteria we used considered the factors we have written above as well as some remarkable features that helped separate the products from each other.
Suffice to say, we have done our job and arrived with the top contenders left.
Now what is next for us to do is rank the five automatic hose reels into the top pick down to the last. For this, we have yet again consulted trusted sources:
We looked at reliable product review sites like ProductReview and even consulted gardening forums such as GardenersWorld. Additionally, we’ve also read reviews from personal blogs. This is to widen the perspectives.
After gathering these helpful information, we took things into our own hands through product-testing. We assessed and evaluated the products personally and eventually, arrived at our findings that determined the rank of the top 5 automatic hose reels.
As we have stated above, passing judgments is a task that has a lot of responsibility attached to it. So we really made sure that we’ve reviewed the products well. This includes not entertaining any inducements from brands. We have remained and assessed with our own findings, free of any bias and influences.
Through our process of assessing and evaluation, we hope that we have built confidence in you of what we are about to discuss:
Our Top Picks
100-Foot Capacity Automatic Rewind Garden Hose Reel
The Suncast PW100 Powerwind Hose Reel is very easy to use from the get-go. When we tested it out, we never had the hassle of assembling it as it came out fully assembled.
We simply inserted the battery that came with it, and then started connecting the hoses—leader hose, garden hose—and stakes. All these things were very easy to do with the help of their simple manual.
Once the parts are all connected, we then set out to use it. It works on a foot pedal function. So we just walked the head of the hose near to the device and then pushed the pedal all the way down. The can accommodate a 100-foot hose.
The Smart Trak feature helped guide the hose into place tangle-free. It smoothly moves left and right without much hassle.
The device runs using a 12 Volt Rechargeable battery, which can be used up for 20 wind-ins before charging it back. When we reached this part and ran out, we wind the hose manually. But this was still made easy for us to do since the device has its manual crank feature.
Another feature we liked is the tilt-out storage bin at the bottom of the opening.
It is good for keeping gloves and other tools for convenient access.
One thing we found that can make this product difficult is that it tends to wind-up the hose a little too tight. It puts pressure, which leaves us keeping the nozzle open.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
with Excellent Optional-Position Lock Mechanism and 3/8-Inch by 50-Feet Hybrid Hose, Max. 300 PSI
Departing from the usual retractor of garden hose, the Duryte Pro Retractable Air Hose Reel is used for air hose. This is good for those who are struggling to keep their air hose stored other than their garden hose.
It comes with 3/8-inch by 50-ft Hybrid Hose making it ideal for your indoor shop. We thought it accommodates the right hose length for a garage use. It would be overwhelming if it comes any longer than that.
The product can also be used in any position. This is supported by its optional-position lock, which departs from the usual interval lock mechanism we saw on others. We tested it on walls and ceilings at different hose lengths and positions and it still works fine.
And if you are wondering about the position, we mean that the hose can be rotated without problem while using. This is made possible by the swivel bracket for mounting the hose reel on a wall.
To retract the hose, Duryte uses a spring-powered mechanism. So a tug automatically and easily does the job.
Furthermore, it is important to note how flexible the hose is. This indicates that it can be retracted with no problem and is durable enough in extreme temperatures.
To add to that, the case that encloses the product is pretty solid. It is made of high-impact polypropylene making it crack resistant. This is necessary to protect the hose inside for long use.
The one fault we have with the Duryte, however, is that it does come with a strong chemical smell. The moment we opened it, the smell was unmistakable.
But hopefully it comes off with time.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
The RSH125 Crate made by ReelSafe is a garden hose reel that can retract 125-ft using water-powered rewinding mechanism.
This product is also remarkable as the Suncast Aquafinder in that it runs without any battery.
The device is intended to be mounted on the floor. It comes with an auto-sort guide that helps guide the hose away from binding while retracting.
The storage is compact enough to accommodate up to 125-ft of 5/8” hose with its very manageable size of 20.8 x 14.3 x 20.2 inches. So it is not as bulky to look at and can be kept anywhere.
Its casing is made of durable plastic casing that has wood-like texture. It is also corrosion-resistant. This ensures that it can even last for long use.
The product comes with a hose reel, spigot hose, drain hose, hose stopper, 2 wall or ground brackets as well as a user guide. To set it up, we just connected all the hose together as instructed in the manual. We did all of this in less than 15-minutes. So the set-up was pretty easy.
Now for its hydraulic mechanism, it also uses a lever to activate the water to retract the garden hose. After that, it is basically hands-free.
For its con, we can associate it with its use of water. And to point it out, it tends to use a lot of water for it to finish doing its reeling. We immediately noticed it on the drainage hose, which spills the water it used out. What it saves in electricity may make up for the water used.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
Just like the previous model we discussed here from Suncast, the RSW125D Hose Reel comes in assembled. However, instead of battery-operated, it is water-powered.
To operate, all it needs is a little flip on the lever to activate the water-pressure for the reeling to start. It is literally hands-free after that. Very easy to use.
It is good for those who want to save electricity by getting rid of the charging process.
We particularly love the whole look of this product. It easily matches the garden environment with its wicker design in java color. It can pass off as an ornament piece in your backyard.
The device also uses Smart Trak to guide the hose evenly while retracting. It can retract and accommodate 125-ft of hose capacity.
However, even with the Smart Trak, we find that the hose is still not neatly retracted which can make it hard to take it back out for another use. The hose just gets binded so it is hard to pull it out. Leaving us to have to open the top and manually loosen and remove the hose.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
The RL Flo-Master Hose Reel is a wall-mounted device. Which means, you have to look for a strong and sturdy wall or post to install the mounting. We thought that it needs the users to make sure to put it in a strategic place that is accessible to a number of areas.
The device works on a mechanical, spring-assisted winding system. So when using, simply pull out the hose to the length needed or once you see the yellow mark. The hose then will be automatically locked into position.
To reel it back, all it needs is a little gentle tug and the hose will be retracted automatically. We also found the heavy duty spring to smoothly guide back the hose and prevent it from overlapping.
And since it comes with a convenient carry handle, you can unmount the device for storage and safe-keeping. Furthermore, the RL Flomaster can house 65 feet of 5/8” hose. It weighs 26 lbs.
An issue that we find common from those who have used it is that it tends to fail retracting sometimes. It has some troubleshooting problems. This problem is also acknowledged in the manual so it needs full compliant with how to use it.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
Our Recommendations
Editor's Pick: Suncast PW100 Powerwind 100-Foot Capacity Automatic Rewind Garden Hose Reel
With all that is said and done, we have come to the conclusion that the Suncast PW100 Powerwind 100-Foot Capacity Automatic Rewind Garden Hose Reel is the most recommendable one. Its easy to use features as well as it being assembled from the get go earned it its spot.
Also, not any less to consider is its battery-operated system that, when used up, still offers a manual crank option. And the Smart Trak feature works well in this device and makes the retracting tangle-free.
But to top it all off, what separates it from others is the storage that comes with it. Simply, not one of the other devices above has it; making it very ideal and convenient for home use.
Runners Up: DuRyte Pro Retractable Air Hose Reel with Excellent Optional-Position Lock Mechanism and 3/8-Inch by 50-Feet Hybrid Hose, Max. 300 PSI and the RSH125 Crate 125-Foot Water Powered Retractable Garden Hose Reel.
The DuRyte Pro Retractable Air Hose Reel, though great it may be in a lot of aspects, only made it as a runner-up since its use is not as in-demand as that for garden hose reelers.
Yet, even with that, it is equally important to place it as a top contender since it has with it the good qualities other products who haven’t made the list can use and employ. Most especially in the durability and flexibility aspect.
For the RSH125 Crate Water Powered Retractable Garden Hose, it is a good contender for its durability and hands-free features. Since it is water-powered, it saves electricity. And its durability of material has made it no less than a good product that will remain loyal to its functions.
