Retractable Hose Reels Guide: Reviews, Pros & Cons [2024]

Traditional garden hoses are often difficult to untangle. They pick up dirt and dust from the ground and are prone to kinks and twists, making the watering process more cumbersome than it needs to be. Additionally, these hose types are heavy and challenging to maneuver, and the constant coiling and uncoiling can lead to wear and tear, reducing their overall lifespan.

In response to these challenges, many gardeners are turning to modern alternatives such as retractable hose reels. A retractable reel keeps your hose neatly stowed when not in use and readily available when you need it. The reel is mounted on a wall or post near the water source.

In this guide, we discuss everything you must know about these garden tools and recommend the best options on the Australian market. Say goodbye to the hassle of tangled hoses and hello to effortless watering.

Our Top Picks

Need to make a quick purchase? Here is a quick roundup of our top three retractable hose reels in Australia:

Hozelock Auto Reel

Best overall retractable hose reel with a robust construction, 180° swivel, three hose length options, a child lock feature, and a padlock facility.

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Gardena 8055 Hose Reel

Best high-end retractable hose reel with UV and frost-proof build, 180° swivel, power grip technology, and five hose length options.

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Ayleid AY4-JP58N100

Best retractable hose reel for large spaces with a 40m hose (1.58 cm diameter), 180° swivel, and a 9-function nozzle for different applications.

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Retractable Hose Reel Explained

A retractable hose reel is a cylindrical spindle that holds a hose, typically constructed from durable materials such as plastic, fiberglass, or metal. The standout feature of these reels is their innovative spring-loaded mechanism. This mechanism, often powered by a spring or similar technology, facilitates the automatic retraction of the hose after use.

This functionality eliminates the need for manual winding and coiling. Its automatic retraction saves time and ensures the hose is neatly and efficiently stored, preventing tangles, kinks, and potential damage. To use a retractable hose, pull the hose out to the length you need—the built-in adjustable hose stopper ensures that the hose stays put. When finished, a slight tug triggers the self-retraction feature, which neatly coils the hose into the reel.

Most retractable hose reels are wall/post-mountable with a mounting bracket that swivels 180 degrees to follow you around the yard. You can also easily detach from the mounting bracket for storage. They are ideal if you want a hassle-free and organised solution for watering gardens, washing vehicles, or performing any other task involving a hose.

Retractable Hose Reels vs. Manual and Semi-Manual Hose Reels

Besides retractable hose reels are manual and semi-manual hose reels. As a dedicated homeowner and gardener, you must consider which hose reel type suits your garden or use case before purchasing. We will help you figure out the differences between these hose reel types.

Type #1 - Retractable Hose Reels

Retractable hose reels have a spring mechanism that automatically coils the hose for you. You pull to deploy your preferred hose length. After use, you activate the auto rewind feature by gently pulling on the hose. These types of hose reels have roll control technology that ensures safe and slow retraction.

Reasons to buy

• Prevents tripping hazards
• Protects the hose from sun damage
• Easy to use

Reasons to avoid

• Relatively expensive
• Limited hose length

Type #2 - Manual Hose Reels

Manual hose reels don’t have an automatic rewind system. Instead, they have an integrated hand crank for rewinding the garden hose manually. They have a rugged, highly durable construction. Manual hose reels also feature a bend restrictor that can help prevent kinks and bend damage.

Reasons to buy

• Affordable
• Simple design

Reasons to avoid

• Can be tricky to use
• Requires effort to gather and loop the hose
• May not always prevent kinks

Type #3 - Semi-Manual Hose Reels

Semi-manual (semi-automatic) hose reels are manual varieties with some form of automation. They have a wheel or hand crank for manually recovering the hose onto the reel. But in addition, they feature an internal spring system that helps with the rewinding process. This hybrid design provides a balance between user control and added convenience.

Reasons to buy

• More control than fully automatic reels
• Suitable for larger yards

Reasons to avoid

• Requires effort to turn the handle
• Not as convenient as retractable reels

What is the Difference Between Retractable vs Manual and Semi-Manual Hose Reels?

There are two key differences between retractable hose reels, manual hose reels, and semi-manual hose reels—mode of operation and build design.

#1 - Mode of Operation

Retractable hose reels have built-in spring mechanisms that automatically allow you to rewind the garden hose into the reel, while manual and semi-manual hose reels require you to turn a hand crank to retract the hose into the reel.

Some semi-manual models have a spring mechanism that assists with the retraction, but you still have to manually guide the hose back into the reel to prevent twisting and kinking.

#2 - Design and Accessories

There is a big design difference between retractable and manual/semi-manual hose reels. Retractable hose reels are portable and versatile and include all the essential accessories: garden hose, adjustable lock, spray nozzle, lead-in hose, mounting bracket, and anchor kit.

Manual and semi-manual hose reels are often available with or without the garden hose. You also get standard parts like a hand crank, spring tension brake, in-let swivel, bending restrictor, and mounting brackets. Manual and semi-manual hose reels also have a heavy-duty design that can be challenging to operate.

Which Hose Reel Type is Best?

To choose the best hose reels for your garden or outdoor space, you need to consider the mode of operation, design, and accessories. Here are our expert recommendations:

1. Choose retractable hose reels if you have a smaller yard or limited space and want an automatic mechanism that retracts the hose effortlessly. We also recommend them if you're willing to spend more for the added convenience.
2. Choose manual hose reels if you have a larger yard, don't mind a bit of physical effort, and want a budget-friendly or affordable option.
3. Choose semi-manual hose reels if you want versatility and moderate convenience and need a longer hose length than what fully automatic reels offer.

Top 4 Retractable Hose Reels for Australians

Our reviews of the best retractable hose reels in Australia considered each product's durability and build quality. Functionality and ease of use were also pivotal, as were stability and mounting options to guarantee they could withstand various outdoor environments and weather conditions.

1. Hozelock Auto Reel

Best Overall Retractable Hose Reel

Hozelock Auto Reel is first up on our list, which earned its spot due to its robust construction and handy features. Its auto reel makes light work of what can otherwise be a time-consuming and frustrating watering task. It's wall-mountable and rotates 180 degrees to access hard-to-reaches spots. The reel's body is removable from the hanging bracket for storage. You also get a big carry handle on top for comfortable and easy lifting.

Hozelock Auto Reel has three hose length options: 20m, 30m, and 40m, all in a one-size durable outer case. The hose layering mechanism works efficiently, with a stop attached to the hose to prevent it from getting lost inside. The tool also includes a child lock feature that ensures the hose cannot be pulled out or retracted in your absence. And for security, you can lock the unit to the wall bracket through the padlock facility at the rear.

Hozelock's Auto Reel comes complete with all the essential fittings: soft-touch hose attachments, an adjustable spray nozzle, and a feeder hose. It's an excellent investment if you frequently use hoses for outdoor tasks. Its three hose length options make it suitable for gardens of different sizes.

Pros

• 180 degrees rotation
• Includes all essential accessories
• Automatic hose rewind and layering
• Easy to install and store
• Child lock features
• Padlock facility

Cons

• Pricier

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2. Gardena 8055

Best High-End Retractable Hose Reel

For a premium hose reel with best-in-class retraction, choose the Gardena 8055. The heavy-duty unit has a unique laying system with a hose that uses power grip technology. The Gardena hose is built with durable materials, ensuring long-lasting performance. Its high-density double spiral mesh reinforcement reduces the risk of kinking, knotting, and twisting. Plus, it's free from toxins and heavy metals, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

The hose smoothly comes out of the reel and will follow you up to 30m away. Gardena has five hose length options you can choose from on purchase. When in use, you can move from one side of your garden to another, thanks to the 180-degree swivel wall bracket. When you’re done, jerk the hose a little bit, and it will retract automatically. During the winter, you can easily remove the box from its bracket and store it away from frost and snow.

We recommend the Gardena 8055 if you want a stress-free gardening and watering experience. It requires a heavy investment upfront due to its build quality and improved technology. But this is justified by the premium experience this hose reel offers, even for large gardens and yards.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Strong and durable build
• Environmentally friendly choice
• Convenient stop valve
• UV and frost-proof

Cons

• Pricier
• Heavier than most options

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3. Ayleid AY4-JP58N100

Best Retractable Hose Reel for Large Spaces

The Ayleid AY4-JP58N100 is the perfect partner for your large garden. It has a 40m hose with a 1.58 cm diameter that guarantees an impressive performance. One of its primary advantages is the combination of standard hose reel convenience and enhanced water pressure. You get a wide-out internal hose diameter that provides more volume when you press the trigger, perfect if you struggle with low water pressure.

Ayleid's AY4-JP58N100 is also adaptable for smaller spaces, as the hose locks at your desired length. When you’re done with your watering chores, activate the automatic recovery system by gently pulling the hose outward. The reel will slowly recover the hose to ensure tidiness and peace of mind.

The garden tool also packs a 9-function nozzle, making it ideal for keen gardeners. So, whether you need a soaker, rinse, flat, shower, angle, mist, centre, jet, or cone spray, the Ayleid AY4-JP58N100 is designed to offer maximum coverage for different applications.

Pros

• Wide-out internal diameter
• Suitable for different applications
• Swivels for multi-directional watering
• Conveniently locks in place
• Long hose length

Cons

• Hose connection is liable to leaks
• Slightly heavier at 12 kg

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4. Giraffe Tools EUAW20

Best Retractable Hose Reel for Compact Spaces

The Giraffe Tools EUAW20 has a compact design to meet all your small to medium-sized garden watering needs. It comes pre-installed with a 35m hybrid hose. Adjusting the hose length is easy with its any-length lock feature. This ensures superior flexibility and maximum convenience when watering the garden in your backyard or rinsing your car on the driveway.

Giraffe Tools' hose reel has a stable retraction system. The reel’s guidance system ensures the hose rolls up neatly to prevent tangles and kinks that impede your watering tasks. And with the 180-degree rotation bracket and a few screws, you can easily mount it on the wall or post and start experimenting with its seven modes spray nozzle.

We recommend the Giraffe Tools EUAW20 Retractable Hose Reel if you want a compact, efficient, easy-to-use retractable hose reel for your medium-sized garden or random watering tasks. While it lacks some advanced features, its practical and functional design guarantees a hassle-free watering experience.

Pros

• Compact design
• Smooth retraction system
• Hybrid hose for all weather conditions
• Swivel bracket improves coverage
• Easy to storage

Cons

• Relatively pricey

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Do I Need a Retractable Hose Reel?

Retractable hose reels offer a far more convenient and user-friendly solution. Here are a host of benefits you can expect:

1. Retractable hose reels are not limited to watering gardens; they come in handy for various tasks such as car washing and pet bathing.
2. Retractable hose reels offer hassle-free operation; bid farewell to the tedious task of manually winding your hose.
3. Designed for easy mounting and use, these reels are suitable for everyone, even those who may not be particularly skilled with tools.
4. Enjoy a clutter-free garden with the help of retractable hose reels, as they effectively reduce the mess associated with hoses.
5. Enhance safety in your garden by minimising tripping hazards with retractable hose reels.
6. They offer increased efficiency and improved hygiene with faster and more sanitary operation compared to traditional hoses.
7. Access to all areas of your garden is easy with long hoses and swivel brackets provided by retractable hose reels.
8. For convenient seasonal storage, these units are easy to unmount, helping to extend their lifespan.

With these eight benefits, you can appreciate the ever-increasing popularity of retractable hose reels in Australia and why you need one.

How to Safely Use a Retractable Hose Reel?

The first and most important thing to do is mount the hose reel at a suitable position near a water tap. When selecting the position, remember that the hose reel must be able to swing 180 degrees unobstructed. From here, follow the steps below to use your new garden tool.

1. Pull the hose reel to the required length after successfully installing the hose reel and attaching all the fixtures.
2. Hold the trigger gun and gently pull the positioning ball to extend the hose until you reach the desired length. Avoid exceeding the maximum length of the hose.
3. Retractable hose reels have a braking or locking system that automatically locks the line when you release the hose. To rewind, give the hose a little tug and walk it back to the reel as it self-retracts.
4. Make sure you close the tap and expel all the water from the hose by pressing the trigger before activating the auto-rewind mechanism.

Safety is important when deploying and recovering the hose reel. Never let go of the spray gun. Should you accidentally release the spray gun, it can swing and damage something or injure a person. And although retractable hose reels have a system for preventing kinks and twists, we recommend guiding the hose back into the reel for maximum safety.

How Can I Attach the Hose Reel if I Don’t Have a Wall?

Garden hose reels are often wall-mounted and include a wall-mounting bracket on purchase. What can you do if you don’t have a wall close to your garden or watering area? The alternative solution is to use a hose reel mounting post.

You can purchase one online or build it from a square wooden post. Hose reel mounting posts come in different materials, including wood, powder-coated steel, and powder-coated aluminium. Let's go over how to mount

What You Will Need?

• Hose reel mounting post
• Ground mounting spike or a hole
• Post fixing mix
• Retractable hose reel
• A water tap located in a suitable location

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Retractable hose reels have inlets that aren't long enough, so the mounting post needs to be situated near a water tap.
2. Dig a hole about 60 cm deep to bury your square post. We recommend an overall post length of 80 to 100 cm. The post should not be too tall or too short from the ground level.
3. Put the post in the hole and make sure it's in the middle. Wet the hole, add two bags of mix, level the post area, cover it with soil, and put bricks on top for support. Now, let it dry.
4. Use the mounting bracket to map out the holes on the post. You can use a drill bit to drill mounting holes into the post. From here, position and screw the bracket onto the post.
5. Insert the retractable reel on the mounting bracket, ensuring that it swivels freely from one side to the other. Complete the installation by attaching the inlet valve to the water tap.

Alternative Solutions

In addition to a hose reel post mount, you can use a freestanding base, a wheelbarrow, or a cart conversion. A freestanding base provides stability and flexibility, allowing you to place the hose reel around your garden or yard in different locations.

But if you prefer mobility, a wheelbarrow or cart conversion offers the convenience of effortlessly moving the hose reel from one area to another, ensuring efficient and hassle-free watering.

How to Choose the Best Retractable Hose Reel?

A quality retractable hose reel is a must-have kit for the keen gardener. Superficially, they all look alike, but self-retracting hose reels vary enormously in quality and functionality. This buyer’s guide section explains everything you need to know to make the right choice.  

#1 - Mounting Options

The first and most important factor to consider is the mounting options the reel comes with. The most popular choices include wall and post-mounted hose reel. With a few models that can be hooked to the ground or used as a portable unit. It’s important to choose a model with heavy-duty mounting hardware that securely holds the reel to a wall or a post.

#2 - Lockable Design

You need a lockable design for one of two reasons – to prevent theft and to keep children from tampering with the device.  

Some high-end auto-rewind hose reels have a facility that enables you to padlock the reel to the wall mounting bracket. This is a reliable feature if you don’t have a secured fence surrounding your yard. It gives you peace of mind when you walk away for extended periods.

An integrated child lock also prevents children from pulling the hose out of the reel. This averts any damage to the reel when you leave it on the wall bracket while children are playing in the yard.

#3 - Hose Length

The length of the hose determines how far you can pull the line from the reel. So, it’s crucial to know the size of your garden or yard before selecting a hose reel. Hose lengths vary from 10m, 20m, 30 m, and 35+ m for retractable hose reels. The longer the length, the farther you can pull the hose.

#4 - Hose Diameter

Every gardener knows the hose diameter can directly affect water pressure. A smaller diameter decreases water pressure, whereas a larger diameter boosts water flow. We recommend a large-diameter hose if the pressure from your water tap is usually low for a better watering experience.

#5 - Any Length Lock and Adjustable Stopper

Most quality retractable hose reels have a braking mechanism that helps lock the hose when you have pulled it to a sufficient length. Choose a model that will lock at any length rather than a specific measurement. This will ensure you don’t drag around an excess length to reduce the chances of kinks and twists.

Similarly, select a self-retracting hose reel with an adjustable stopper or positioning ball. The stopper prevents the hose from being swallowed whole into the reel. You can also adjust the position of the stopper to prevent the nozzle from dangling near the ground.  

#6 - Build Quality

Auto-rewind hose reels don’t come cheap. So, make sure it’s made of durable parts that can withstand outdoor conditions and daily use. If you will be using your hose reel in the sun, consider one made of UV-stabilised materials.

Apart from exposure to the sun, retractable hose reels must be able to withstand a variety of weather conditions to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Look for features such as waterproof seals and corrosion-resistant materials.

In regions with cold climates, hose reels made with anti-frost materials can withstand exposure to freezing temperatures without undergoing damage, degradation, or loss of functionality.

Maintenance Tips for Retractable Hose Reels

Maintaining retractable hose reels is essential to ensure their longevity and optimal functionality. Here are some maintenance tips to keep your retractable hose reel in good condition:

• Avoid pulling the garden hose past its recommended length.
• Don’t forget to turn off the water when you are not using the hose reel.
• Ensure the tap is off and there is no water pressure in the hose before walking it back into the hose reel.
• Although retractable hose reels have an auto-rewind feature, walking the garden hose back into the reel can reduce damage.
• Avoid placing undue force on the casing of the hose reel to prevent damaging the mounting bracket or the casing.
• Store the retractable hose reel indoors during winter to prevent freezing and potential damage.
• Use only water and mild soap to clean the housing/casing and garden hose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about retractable hose reels in Australia.

Wrapping Up

Investing in a high-quality retractable hose reel can greatly improve your watering experience. You will hardly notice you have a garden hose until you pull one from your wall-mounted hose reel in your backyard.

Through thorough research, we have shortlisted the best retractable hose reels in Australia. We handpicked diverse options to cover the needs of those who value strong build quality, portability, long or short reach, or durability. Remember to take into consideration your garden needs and personal preferences before making a purchasing decision.