I'm considering buying a retractable hose reel since the good ones are priced around $150-$200. Before I make the purchase, I'd love to hear about your experiences with them. Are they worth the investment? Any recommendations? Thanks a lot!
8 Answers
I have two retractable hose reels, and they're a total game changer! They've been worth every cent, and I’m impressed after two years of use.
I just bought a Giraffe hose reel two weeks ago, and I absolutely love it! It’s been a great addition to my gardening setup.
My Hoselink hose reel is fantastic! It's so easy to use that I actually put it away every time, which wasn't the case with my old hoses.
I hesitated to spend the money, but after finally getting a Giraffe hose reel this year, I truly don’t regret it at all. It's amazing!
My 100ft Giraffe Tools reel is mounted on a brick wall, and it's only been a few months, but it's keeping my garden space tidy! Really happy with it.
I use a lightweight expanding hose which is easy to hang up when empty. They do leak a bit after a year or two, but for $30-50, I'm okay with replacing it rather than dealing with heavy, muddy hoses.
I've had two Giraffe Tools 115' hose reels for about a year, one at the front and one at the back of my house. They cost around $200 each, but they have made watering so much easier! They've held up well and been worth every penny so far.
From my experience as a landscaper, I don't use retractable hose reels. I haven't encountered many that still function properly at my customers' properties. I prefer traditional, portable options. I own a Gorilla 200' hose reel instead, and it's been fantastic! It's easy to use, can handle 150 feet of hose, and has lasted about 4 years. I recommend going for simpler, sturdy options over retractables.
I'll be blunt - the lower-end retractables break constantly and aren't worth it.

Check out Eley hose reels. They're pricey but built to last, unlike some lower-quality ones.