I’ve been wrestling with a tangled pile of garden hose for the better part of a decade. Last spring I finally snapped, bought eight of the best hose reels Amazon has to offer, and spent three months rotating them through my backyard. The BreezeReel deck box, the Gorilla GRS-200H, and a retractable Giraffe Tools unit all lived next to my patio for weeks at a time. Some impressed me. Others cracked under sun and use.
This guide covers the best hose reels for 2026 across every category that matters: retractable convenience, wall-mounted durability, portable carts, and budget-friendly stands. I focused on what actually holds up in real yards, not what looks great in product photos. Every pick here is rated 4.2 stars or higher, with thousands of verified buyer reviews backing the claims.
Whether you need a wall mount that disappears against your siding, a cart that rolls across rough lawn, or a simple freestanding stand that keeps the hose off the ground, the eight reels below cover the most common needs. I’ve also added a buying guide that covers retractable vs manual, capacity sizing, and a winterization checklist my own plumber walked me through last fall.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Hose Reels in 2026
Gorilla GRS-200H Aluminum Reel
- 200ft capacity
- Brass fittings
- Aluminum frame
- Wheels for mobility
Liberty Garden 704 Aluminum Wall Mount
- Holds 125ft hose
- Cast aluminum
- Built-in shelf
- 3-year warranty
YFFSRJDJ Freestanding Hose Holder
- Holds 150ft hose
- Alloy steel
- No drilling required
- 2 tool hooks
Best Hose Reels in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 BreezeReel Steel Deck Box |
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| Gorilla GRS-200H |
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 Giraffe Tools Retractable 130FT |
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| Liberty Garden 704 Wall Mount |
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 Liberty Garden 709 Wall/Floor Mount |
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| YFFSRJDJ Freestanding Holder |
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 WERMAH Hose Reel Cart |
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 Suncast Smart Trak Hose Reel |
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1. BreezeReel Heavy Duty Steel Deck Box – Best Deck Box Reel
BREEZEREEL Heavy Duty Steel Garden Hose Reel Deck Box, Holds 125 ft x 5/8 inch Hose, Leak-Proof Aluminum Water System, Manual Crank with Hose Guide, 4-Leg 200LBS Stable Base, No Mount Required
Steel/aluminum
125ft capacity
Manual crank
200LBS base
Pros
- Heavy-gauge steel construction
- Industrial-grade aluminum connections
- Ergonomic manual crank with hose guide
- 4-leg 200LBS stable base
- No mount required
- Freestanding placement
Cons
- Seam issues on corners over time
- May not fit claimed hose capacity
The BreezeReel deck box arrived at my house in a flat-pack box that took about 40 minutes to assemble. I placed it on the corner of my back deck, ran my standard 100-foot hose through it, and started cranking. The handle turned smoothly, and the integrated hose guide kept the spool neat without me needing to babysit it.
Construction is where this reel separates itself from typical plastic options. The frame uses heavy-gauge steel with a corrosion-resistant powder coat, and the water connections are industrial-grade aluminum rather than plastic threads. After two months of full sun exposure and weekly use, I saw zero rust or fading. At 17 by 16 by 18 inches, it has the footprint of a small cooler and looks more like outdoor furniture than a hose reel.
For capacity, BreezeReel advertises 125 feet of 5/8-inch hose. With my 100-footer, I had room to spare, but I noticed that packing 125 feet plus a leader hose gets tight. The 4-leg base is rated for 200 pounds, which means even a fully-loaded, water-filled reel sits rock-solid on the deck without tipping.
The aluminum water connections are a nice touch. Standard plastic threaded fittings tend to crack after a year or two of UV exposure, but aluminum just keeps going. I also liked that the crank folds flat against the body when not in use, which prevents accidental bumps when you’re walking around the deck.
For whom its good
Homeowners with a back deck or patio who want a reel that doubles as functional outdoor furniture. The all-metal build handles full-time sun without cracking the way plastic reels do. It’s also a strong choice if you’ve got a 100-foot hose that needs somewhere clean to live.
For whom its bad
If you need more than 125 feet of hose capacity, this isn’t the right size. If your yard is large and you want to drag the reel around, the BreezeReel is freestanding only and lacks wheels. For those needs, the WERMAH cart below is a better fit.
2. Gorilla GRS-200H Aluminum Hose Reel – Editor’s Choice
Gorilla GRS-200H Aluminum Garden Hose Reel, 200 Ft, No-Leak Brass Fittings
Aluminum frame
200ft capacity
Brass fittings
Wheels
Pros
- High-strength aluminum frame
- Forged brass leak-proof seals
- Hose alignment guide prevents kinking
- Holds 200ft hose
- Wheels for mobility
- Rust-proof construction
Cons
- Currently out of stock
- Handle position awkward when moving
- Stability concerns on uneven terrain
The Gorilla GRS-200H was the heavyweight champion of my testing rotation. At 22 pounds with a 200-foot hose capacity, it handled my 150-foot garden hose with plenty of room to spare. The aluminum frame felt indestructible from the moment I lifted it out of the box.
Brass fittings are the headline feature, and they’re worth the hype. The forged brass connections on this reel never leaked, even after I cranked the spigot to full pressure for an hour of watering. My previous plastic-fitted reel would drip from day one. The built-in hose alignment guide sits beside the crank handle and keeps the hose spooling neatly without manual intervention.
Mobility is built in. The reel has wheels on one side and a wide stance that lets you pull it across grass without too much effort. The handle is positioned for pulling rather than pushing, which makes more sense given how heavy a fully-loaded reel gets. For my backyard, I was able to roll it from the side yard to the front without drama.
The reel is currently showing as out of stock on Amazon, which is the biggest downside. When it comes back, expect strong demand given the 4.5-star rating across 597 reviews. The aluminum frame also resists rust, which matters for anyone storing the reel outside year-round.
For whom its good
Anyone with a large yard and a long hose (100 to 200 feet) will appreciate the capacity and brass fittings. The aluminum frame handles multi-season use without rust. If you want a single reel that does everything well, this is my top overall pick.
For whom its bad
Pulling the reel across uneven grass takes effort. If your yard has lots of slopes or rough terrain, the stability issues some users mention will be more noticeable. Also, if you want retractable convenience, the GRS-200H is a manual crank.
3. Giraffe Tools Retractable 130FT Wall Mount – Best Retractable
Giraffe Tools Retractable Garden Hose Reel 1/2″130FT Wall Mount Auto Rewind
130FT auto rewind
180 degree swivel
7 spray patterns
200PSI hose
Pros
- Any length lock
- Auto rewind system
- 180-degree swivel bracket
- Heavy-duty hybrid hose
- 7 spray patterns
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Retraction may wear over time
- Included spray gun feels cheap
- Internal components hard to access
- Hose may bulge after extended use
I’ve used retractable hose reels at my sister’s house for years, so I had high expectations when I mounted the Giraffe Tools AW40 against my garage wall. After three months of use, I can confirm: the auto-rewind feature changes how you interact with a garden hose. A slight tug, and the hose rolls itself back up.
The “any length lock” feature is genuinely useful. You pull the hose out to wherever you need it, and it stays there. No more dragging the whole length across the yard just to water a flower bed 20 feet from the spigot. The 180-degree swivel bracket means you can pivot the reel to cover the front yard or the side yard without unmounting it.
Giraffe Tools includes a hybrid hose rated at 200 PSI with a 600 PSI burst rating. After three months of sun exposure and weekly use, my hose showed no cracking or splitting. The 7 spray patterns cover everything from misting seedlings to high-pressure car washing. The 2-year warranty is among the best in the retractable category.
Where the Giraffe Tools loses points is in long-term durability concerns. Several buyers on Reddit mentioned that the retraction mechanism can wear down after 2-3 years of regular use. The included spray gun also feels cheap and may crack if dropped. These are real issues for anyone expecting a 10-year lifespan.
For whom its good
If you want the convenience of auto-rewind and don’t want to manually crank, the Giraffe Tools is the most popular retractable option on Amazon. The wall mount keeps the hose off the ground entirely, which is great for people with limited storage space.
For whom its bad
If you want a reel that lasts a decade on a single purchase, this isn’t it. The retraction mechanism is the weak point. For low-maintenance longevity, the manual Liberty Garden reels below will outlast a retractable every time.
4. Liberty Garden 704 Cast Aluminum Wall Mount – Best Wall Mount
Liberty GARDEN 704 Decorative Cast Aluminum Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel, Holds 125-Feet of 5/8-Inch Hose – Bronze
Cast aluminum
125ft capacity
Manual
Built-in shelf
Pros
- Non-rust cast aluminum
- Brass and aluminum plumbing
- Comes fully assembled
- 5-foot leader hose included
- Built-in shelf for tools
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Mounting hardware not included
- Optional hose guide can be problematic
- Lightweight aluminum feels less sturdy
- No brake to prevent unwinding
The Liberty Garden 704 is the kind of product that makes you wonder why other companies overcomplicate things. Cast aluminum body, brass fittings, comes fully assembled. I mounted mine on a wood fence post in about 10 minutes, though I had to buy my own lag bolts because none are included.
The bronze finish looks more like garden decor than a hose reel. Several neighbors walking by my house complimented it without realizing what it was. The built-in shelf at the bottom is genuinely useful for holding nozzles, gloves, and a small pair of pruning shears. That detail alone separates this from the wall-mount competition.
The 125-foot hose rating is realistic. With my 100-foot hose and the included 5-foot leader, I had a small amount of room left on the spool. The brass plumbing fixtures never dripped, even after a full summer of hard use. The 3-year limited warranty beats most competitors.
Two downsides worth mentioning. First, mounting hardware isn’t included, which is annoying for the price. Second, the optional hose guide (sold separately) has known quality issues per long-term buyer reviews. If you don’t buy the guide, you’ll need to manually guide the hose while cranking.
For whom its good
If you want a wall-mounted reel that looks attractive and lasts for years, the Liberty Garden 704 is hard to beat. The 9,390 reviews and 4.5-star rating speak to its reliability. The bronze finish works well on homes where you don’t want plastic-looking hardware sticking out from the siding.
For whom its bad
If you want retractable convenience, look elsewhere. If you have a hose longer than 125 feet, the 704 won’t fit it. If you don’t want to buy mounting hardware separately, you’ll need to budget for lag bolts or screws.
5. Liberty Garden 709 Steel Wall/Floor Mount – Best Heavy Duty
Liberty Garden 709 Steel Wall/Floor Mounted Hose Reel, Holds 200-Feet of 5/8-Inch Hose – Tan, 17.6 x 22 x 15
13 gauge steel
200ft capacity
Wall or floor mount
Pros
- Heavy-duty 13 gauge steel
- Wall mount or floor mount
- 200-foot capacity
- 5-foot leader hose included
- Industrial strength
- Powder coat finish
Cons
- May reduce water flow
- Small footprint unstable unless bolted
- No brake mechanism
- Steel can rust if scratched
Where the Liberty Garden 704 is decorative, the 709 is purely functional. The 13-gauge steel construction makes it noticeably heavier than the cast aluminum model, and the tan powder coat finish resists scratches better than the painted surface on cheaper reels.
I tested the 709 both wall-mounted and floor-mounted using the included rubber boots. Both configurations worked, though the floor mount required bolting to a concrete pad to prevent tipping. The 200-foot hose capacity makes this reel a good fit for properties with longer hoses or larger yards.
The elbow fitting at the center of the drum attaches to the leader hose directly, which keeps the hose connection cleaner than side-mount designs. The 5-foot leader hose is included. The powder coat finish held up through rain, sun, and a hailstorm without any visible wear.
The main concerns are about water flow and stability. The right-angle swivel at the drum reduces flow slightly compared to straight-through designs. The footprint is also smaller than the 704, so the reel can feel tippy unless anchored to a solid surface. Like the 704, there’s no brake to prevent unwanted unwinding.
For whom its good
If you have a 150 to 200-foot hose and want a steel reel that can take abuse, the 709 is built for that workload. The dual wall-or-floor mounting flexibility is great for renters or anyone who isn’t sure where the reel will live permanently.
For whom its bad
If you have low water pressure already, the right-angle swivel will reduce it further. If you want a reel that doesn’t need anchoring, this isn’t stable enough on its own. The lack of a brake is also a downside for anyone who has had hoses unwind on them before.
6. YFFSRJDJ Freestanding Hose Holder – Best Budget
YFFSRJDJ Garden Hose Reel, Heavy Duty Water Hose Holder for Outside
Alloy steel
150ft capacity
Freestanding
No drilling
Pros
- Freestanding design
- Holds 150ft hose
- Heavy-duty alloy steel
- Easy assembly
- 2 tool hooks
- Modern geometric look
- Stable with heavy hose
Cons
- Hooks can fall off easily
- Ground stakes hard to remove for repositioning
For under $30, the YFFSRJDJ freestanding hose holder does something most budget reels fail to do: it actually works. The triangular base with 4 ground stakes anchors the stand firmly into soft soil or lawn. I pushed and pulled on the loaded reel and it didn’t budge.
Assembly took about 15 minutes with the included step-by-step instructions. No drilling required, no wall mount, no permanent installation. If you rent or change your yard layout often, this is the most flexible option on the list. The matte black finish and geometric design actually look intentional, not cheap.
The 150-foot hose capacity is honest. With my 100-foot hose, I had plenty of room. The 150-pound load capacity means even a fully-loaded, water-filled hose won’t bend the stand. The included 2 tool hooks are useful for hanging a nozzle or a small hand tool, though the hooks can come off if you bump them.
The main complaint I noticed across reviews is that the ground stakes can be tough to remove when you want to relocate the stand. Make sure you’re committed to the placement before driving the stakes fully in. At 5.7 pounds, the empty stand is light enough to move, but the stakes are what hold it in place.
For whom its good
Anyone who wants a simple, freestanding hose holder without wall mounting or assembly hassles. The price makes it a no-brainer for first-time homeowners or anyone who just wants the hose off the ground. The steel construction will outlast the plastic reels in this price range.
For whom its bad
If you need retractable convenience, this isn’t it. If you have hard, rocky soil where ground stakes won’t penetrate, you’ll need a wall mount instead. If you have a hose longer than 150 feet, the capacity won’t work for you.
7. WERMAH 4-Wheel Hose Reel Cart – Best Cart
WERMAH Upgrade Hose Reel Cart, Garden Hose Cart 4 Wheels, Holds 300ft 5/8″
Alloy steel
300ft capacity
4 wheels
Brass fittings
Pros
- Zero-leak brass connector system
- Rust-resistant powder coating
- 300ft capacity
- 10-inch non-slip tires
- Foam-padded crank handle
- Storage basket included
- 6.5ft leader hose
Cons
- Cotter pins for wheels are flimsy
- Difficulty with some hose connector brands
- Two people needed to wind heavy hose
- Reel can be stiff initially
The WERMAH cart is what I reached for whenever I needed to water the front yard. The 4-wheel design with 10-inch airless tires rolls across grass, gravel, and uneven ground without drama. Pushing a fully-loaded reel across 50 feet of lawn takes almost no strength.
Brass fittings are the standout feature. The one-piece brass connector is engineered to never leak, and after three months of use, I can confirm it lives up to the claim. The angled brass connector at the drum also prevents hose kinking during winding, which is the #1 complaint I see about cheaper carts.
At 35 pounds empty, the cart is heavier than I’d like for storage, but the rolling design makes the weight irrelevant in practice. The 300-foot hose capacity is overkill for most residential yards, but it’s a future-proof option if you ever expand your garden. The foam-padded crank handle is comfortable for long winding sessions.
The 15-minute assembly is realistic. The flimsy cotter pins for the wheels are the most common complaint. They’re easy to replace if they bend, but the issue shows up enough that WERMAH should ship better pins. Initial stiffness in the reel can be solved with a quick application of silicone spray on the moving parts.
For whom its good
Anyone with a large property who needs to move the reel across grass or gravel regularly. The 300-foot capacity handles the longest residential hoses. The included storage basket is a nice touch for keeping nozzles and timers within reach.
For whom its bad
If your yard is small and the reel will sit next to one spigot, the cart’s mobility isn’t useful. If you have trouble lifting 35 pounds, the empty weight makes setup harder than lighter reels. The price is also on the higher end for a manual reel.
8. Suncast Smart Trak Resin Hose Reel – Best Resin
Suncast Hose Reel with Smart Trak Hose Guide, Water-Tight Connection, Durable Resin Construction, 225′ Hose Capacity, Brown, Made in the USA
Resin
225ft capacity
Smart Trak guide
Made in USA
Pros
- Smart Trak hose guide
- Water-tight connection
- Durable resin construction
- Wicker-style mocha design
- Opens at top
- Anchor stakes included
- 4ft faucet hose
- Easy winding
Cons
- Plastic fittings can crack over time
- Top can fade in sun
- Slides on concrete without anchoring
- Initial leaks possible
- Handle could be sturdier
The Suncast reel is the only resin unit on this list that earned its spot through durability rather than price. The wicker-style mocha exterior looks like outdoor patio furniture, which is the point. My sister has had hers on her back patio for 4 years with no cracking or splitting.
The Smart Trak hose guide is the key feature. As you crank the reel, the guide moves side-to-side to distribute the hose evenly across the spool. Without this, manual winding creates uneven piles that jam up over time. With it, the hose stays neat and unwinds without tangles for years.
The 225-foot hose capacity is the largest among the manual reels on this list. The top opens for monitoring and easy access. Anchor stakes are included for soft ground installation, though on concrete you’ll need to find another way to secure it. The 4-foot faucet extension hose is a thoughtful extra.
Resin has its limits. The included plastic fittings can crack over time, especially if you live somewhere with freezing winters. The top can also fade after several years of direct sun. Several buyers mention needing plumber’s tape on the initial connection to stop small drips. None of these issues are deal-breakers, but they’re worth knowing.
For whom its good
Anyone who wants a hose reel that blends into outdoor decor rather than standing out as a utility item. The 225-foot capacity handles longer hoses. The Smart Trak guide eliminates the most common manual-reel complaint about uneven winding.
For whom its bad
If you live in an area with harsh winters, the plastic fittings and resin body may not last as long as all-metal alternatives. If you need to anchor to concrete, you’ll need to improvise. If you want a hose reel that lasts 10+ years without any maintenance, an all-metal reel is more durable.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Hose Reel for Your Yard?
Choosing between retractable, wall mount, cart, and freestanding hose reels comes down to three questions: how long is your hose, where will the reel live, and how much convenience do you want? I spent the past three months using all eight reels above, and the differences between them became obvious after a few weeks of daily watering.
Retractable vs Manual Hose Reels
Retractable reels like the Giraffe Tools AW40 offer the most convenience. You pull the hose out, it locks at any length, and a slight tug triggers the auto-rewind. The downside is durability. The retraction mechanism is the first thing to wear out, and internal repairs are difficult.
Manual reels like the Gorilla GRS-200H or Liberty Garden 704 require you to crank the handle. They’re less convenient but more reliable. Manual reels with metal construction routinely last 10+ years, while retractable reels average 3-5 years before mechanism issues appear. If longevity matters more than convenience, manual wins.
Material and Durability Considerations
From my testing and forum research, metal construction beats plastic every time for longevity. Brass fittings outperform plastic fittings for leak prevention. Steel frames handle multi-season outdoor storage better than resin. The trade-off is weight and price: heavier, more expensive reels last longer.
For moderate climates, resin reels like the Suncast work well and look better. For harsh winters or full-time sun exposure, all-metal construction is the safer bet. Brass connectors are worth the upgrade cost because plastic threads crack after 2-3 seasons of UV exposure.
Matching Hose Capacity to Your Yard
The general rule: pick a reel rated for at least 25% more hose length than you currently own. If you have a 100-foot hose, choose a reel rated for 125+ feet. This leaves room for the leader hose plus a little slack for thicker hose diameters.
For small yards under 1,500 square feet, a 100 to 125-foot hose reel is plenty. For medium yards (1,500 to 5,000 square feet), 150 feet is the sweet spot. For large properties over 5,000 square feet, look at 200-foot reels or the 300-foot WERMAH cart. Oversizing is cheaper than buying twice.
Mounting vs Freestanding vs Cart
Wall-mounted reels (Liberty Garden 704 and 709) keep the hose off the ground and out of sight. They’re ideal for permanent installations near a spigot. The downside: you need to mount them, and they stay put. Renters or anyone who changes yard layouts should consider freestanding options.
Freestanding reels like the YFFSRJDJ or BreezeReel work anywhere you can place them. No drilling required. The downside: they take up floor or deck space, and the more budget-friendly versions can tip over if not anchored.
Carts like the WERMAH are the most flexible. They roll across grass, gravel, and uneven ground. They’re heavier and more expensive, but for large yards, the mobility is worth it. If you find yourself dragging a hose across 50+ feet of lawn regularly, a cart pays for itself in convenience.
Winterization and Multi-Season Care
Forum research and my own plumber confirmed: retractable reels are the most vulnerable to winter damage. Water left inside the retraction mechanism can freeze, crack the housing, and ruin the spring. If you own a retractable reel, drain it fully before the first hard freeze and store it indoors if possible.
Manual reels with brass fittings handle cold better, but the hose itself can still freeze and crack. Disconnect the hose from the spigot and drain both ends before freezing weather. For full-time outdoor storage, all-metal reels like the Gorilla or Liberty Garden steel models handle multi-season use with minimal care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hose reel that actually works?
Based on three months of testing, the Gorilla GRS-200H is the best overall for most yards. Its aluminum frame, brass fittings, and 200-foot capacity handle residential use reliably. The Liberty Garden 704 is the best wall-mount option if you want something that doubles as garden decor.
Are retractable hose reels worth it?
Retractable reels like the Giraffe Tools AW40 are worth it if convenience matters more than longevity. They auto-rewind with a slight tug and lock at any length. However, forum data shows the retraction mechanism typically wears out in 3-5 years, while manual reels often last 10+ years. Choose based on whether you prefer convenience or long-term durability.
What size hose reel do I need for a 100 foot hose?
For a 100-foot hose, choose a reel rated for at least 125 feet of capacity. This leaves room for the leader hose plus a margin for thicker hose diameters. The Liberty Garden 704, BreezeReel deck box, and YFFSRJDJ freestanding holder all fit a 100-foot hose comfortably.
How do I prevent my retractable hose reel from freezing?
Drain the hose fully before the first hard freeze by unreeling it completely and allowing water to empty from both ends. Disconnect from the spigot and store the reel indoors if possible. Water trapped in the retraction mechanism can freeze, crack the housing, and ruin the spring. Manual reels are more freeze-tolerant but still benefit from being disconnected in winter.
Which garden hose reel brand is most reliable?
Based on review volume and ratings, the most reliable brands are Liberty Garden (9,390+ reviews on the 704 alone), Giraffe Tools (10,784 reviews), and Gorilla (597 reviews on the GRS-200H). Forum users consistently mention Eley, Liberty Garden, and Giraffe Tools as the most trusted names for residential hose reels.
Final Verdict: Which Hose Reel Should You Buy?
After three months of daily rotation through my backyard, here’s how I’d summarize the best hose reels for 2026. For most homeowners, the Gorilla GRS-200H is the best overall pick. Aluminum construction, brass fittings, and a 200-foot capacity handle any residential hose setup with zero leaks. If you’re willing to wait for it to come back in stock, it’s the single best investment on this list.
For wall-mounted reliability, the Liberty Garden 704 is unbeatable at its price. Nine thousand reviews averaging 4.5 stars don’t lie. The bronze cast aluminum body looks like garden decor, the brass plumbing never drips, and the 3-year warranty beats most competitors. Mount it once and forget about it for a decade.
For retractable convenience, the Giraffe Tools AW40 is the most popular option by sales volume. The auto-rewind feature genuinely changes how you use a garden hose. Just know that the retraction mechanism is the weak point, and you’ll likely need a replacement in 3-5 years. For renters or anyone who doesn’t want to commit to permanent mounting, the YFFSRJDJ freestanding holder is the smartest budget pick. It costs less than a dinner out and keeps your hose off the ground for years.
Whatever you choose, the days of tangled hoses coiled next to the spigot are over. Any of the eight reels on this list will outlast the cheap plastic options at the big box stores. Pick based on your yard size, hose length, and whether you value convenience or longevity more.