A garden hose reel is a useful tool that keeps a garden hose rewinded and ready for use. Reels are usually made of weather-resistant materials, such as metal or powder-coated plastic. Metal ones are strong and typically rust-resistant, and are available with different finishes. Plastic ones hold up well under direct sunlight, but can become faded and brittle after extended use. Ideally, you should store them in a sheltered area. Iron ones can get extremely hot and need special care to prevent rusting.

A garden hose reel has two main types: manual hand crank and piston driven. Manual hand crank hose reels are better for smaller garden hoses, and piston-driven reels are better for longer hoses. The latter doesn't require manual cranking; instead, it uses a spring load system to automatically pull in the hose. Both types are suitable for most garden hoses, though there are also fancier models that are designed for aesthetic purposes.

Another type of garden hose reel is a rustic version. It's perfect for gardens and small yards, but can't be mounted on a house. The reel is accented with an embossed metal diamond pattern and has a bronze finish. Its center post is removable so you can uncoil the hose. It also has a hole on one side for snaking the hose through. It holds a standard 5/8 inch hose up to 100 feet.

In addition to the reel, some garden hoses are designed with specific hose lengths. It's important to choose a hose length that's suitable for the area you want to mow. You may find that a 6-1/2 foot hose is enough for a smaller yard, while a 13-foot hose will be too long for the larger one.

While you can find garden hose reels with plastic construction, you might want to consider a more durable metal model. A rust-resistant one, for example, won't spontaneously fall apart, but it will last for years. For the price, these reels are a solid option. They are also a great choice if you have a long hose. Their built-in winding guide helps to keep the hose evenly distributed.

A retractable garden hose reel is another option. It allows you to easily retract the hose. It will prevent you from having to wrap the hose manually. It can be mounted on a wall, shed, or house. When you're done with your work, you can store the reel easily away.