Flat Hose Reel

Product Information

Practicality: In terms of practicality, I looked out for reels that were resistant to kinks and those that had additional features that made them easier to use, such as auto-rewind technology. Models that were heavier – such as those above 15 kg – were rated lower in terms of initial practicality, as these were difficult to hold and assemble, so could pose difficulties to the average gardener immediately.

The hose is 20 m long, which accounts for the smaller unit, yet still offers sufficient reach for small gardens and medium spaces. Less force is required to pull out the hose than with longer models, and it extends smoothly. It retracts neatly into the drum after use, although you may need to coax the hose slightly as it begins to fill up the casing.

How did it all start?

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DKN Leisure Supplies offers flat garden hoses as a suitable alternative. Flat garden hoses are designed to be lightweight and resistant to punctures and kinks. That means you don’t have to worry as much about getting holes in the hose or spending a lot of time untangling it. Instead, you can spend less than a minute straightening out the flat hose as you bring the head to the proper destination. If you are looking for a high-quality hose reel to store and transport your hose (up to 200 feet), the Gorilla Aluminum Hose Reel is the perfect choice. After we tested 25 other reels of different shapes and styles, this product shines above the rest for its durability and design. This is one of the cheapest reels on the list, and as a result it may not be quite as smooth in operation as some of the more expensive models. However, arguably the generous length of hose makes for an acceptable compromise. The hose can sometimes require a bit of persuasion to unravel, and to avoid damaging the unit or surrounding objects the hose should be walked in carefully. Weighing 8.1 kg, installation is relatively straight forward; however, the included pieces of mounting hardware are only just up to the job. To avoid any future disasters, it might be an idea to use stronger bolts.The Umi Auto Rewind Garden Hose Reel comes from a lesser known brand, yet it’s a reliable hose with a surprising number of attachments included for such a budget-friendly item. The reel has a reliable, and fairly powerful, winding mechanism, making it well suited to use in small spaces and on terraces; it cleanly stores the garden hose away in a neat casing that measures approximately 55 cm in diameter. Seeing as these garden hoses should be stored away in winter to prevent damage from freezing, a lighter unit like this may appeal to some, making the notion of the bi-annual job a bit less daunting.

Compact units, holding 15 m hoses, are available for small gardens . In medium gardens, a hose of 20 – 30 m should work well. Larger gardens will benefit from a 30 – 40 m hose . You can always attach an additional extension to the hose whilst working.The Giraffe Metal Hose Reel Box is an excellent option if you want the benefits of a hose reel but also want to keep your hose contained and out of sight. This bronze-colored metal box is more stylish than some plastic versions and should be more resistant to weather over time. Although wheels would have been nice, we found it relatively easy to lift and move the Giraffe when needed, even when with the hose fully reeled. As with most garden pots, this option isn't ideal to transport your hose or any other garden accessories. We found that lightweight hoses were the best choices for this pot, because you have to take the whole hose out and drag it around when in use—you don’t have the benefit of a reel to roll up the hose for you, but if you are looking for a hose pot, you can’t go wrong with this stylish choice. Harry has real-world tested 46 products for DIY Garden, and is one of our more experienced testers. Our collections by our couriers are happening as usual. As it stands, delivery times are not being affected too much. Please be aware though that Royal Mail and other couriers are sometimes prioritising essential items so please bear with us if your delivery takes slightly longer than expected. But did you know that using a hose reel will make this job so much simpler? Gone are the days of having the hose trailing behind, getting frustratingly tangled and kinked every five minutes!