Nothing concludes a satisfying stint in the yard like neatly wrapping up the hose. But a tranquil afternoon of gardening can deteriorate into a sweaty wrestling match if you have to manhandle 100 feet of synthetic rubber onto a hose holder. With a manually rewinding hose reel, a few turns of the crank zips the hose back into place like Lady (or the Tramp) sucking in a spaghetti strand. For durability and style, choose a metal version, like the ten fine specimens below.
Above: Liberty Garden Products’ Multi-Purpose Stainless Steel Hose Reel can be mounted on a wall or in the ground. It is 19 inches tall, can hold up to 200 feet of 5/8-inch hose, and costs $408.73 from Sustainable Supply.
Above: The Model 1041 Wall-Mount Hose Reel can be mounted in either a parallel or perpendicular configuration on a wall or fence. It wraps up to 150 feet of 5/8-inch garden hose onto its aluminum-alloy body. A braking system stops the reel from unspooling more hose than you want; $139 by Eley.
Above: For a portable version, consider a hose reel on wheels. A Swiss-made Large Galvanised Steel Hose Trolley has a steel frame, rubber wheels, and a comfortably sized hand crank. The Cadillac of hose reels, it is designed to be "the last one you'll purchase." It is 514€ from Manufactum.
Above: Designer-inventor Sean Weatherill makes the 35-inch-tall Axiom Razor of finely machined, premium-grade stainless steel. Can be freestanding or mounted to a stone base; handles 125 feet of 5/8-inch hose. Custom order from Blade Inc. for $985.
Above: A swing arm allows the Yard Butler Wall Mount Swivel Hose Reel to turn 180 degrees so the hose can be unwound at any angle from the wall. All-steel construction; holds up to 100 feet of 5/8” hose. Available from Lewis Tools for $132.25.
Above: The 3-in-1 Hose Reel by Liberty Garden Products handles 200 feet of 5/8-inch hose. Made of 13-gauge steel with a powder-coated tan finish and all brass/galvanized fixtures; $135.80 from Rittenhouse.
Above: Delight your inner firefighter with this oversized post-mounted number that holds 400 feet of hose on a powder-coated steel frame. Special order HRG-400FT-FIT from Valley Industries in Minnesota (1-800-864-1649); $157.45 with an extra fitting for garden hoses.
Above: A steel Swiss-made Alba Krapf Metal Hose Reel holds a hose up to 60 meters long and is £197.95 from Amazon UK.
Above: A Manual Rewind Hose Reel can be customized to fit several diameters and lengths of garden hose. Made of aluminum, it can be ordered with or without wheels; for more information and pricing, visit Perth, Australia-based dealer Real Ezy.
Above: The 19-inch-wide stainless steel RollX from Atelier Tradewinds in Belgium has a telescopic handle and wheels for easy mobility. Contact Jean-Pierre Galyn for pricing with delivery.
Above: A swiveling Wall-Mounted Hose Reel has a capacity to spool a 60-meter hose and is £24.99 from Screw Fix.
Above: A Wall Mounted Hose Reel made of die-cast aluminum is painted a dark bronze color and can be mounted for either left- or right-handed operation; $145 from Griot's Garage.
Above: Honeycomb-inspired cutouts detail the Hexy SS, made in the US of stainless steel by Blade Inc. Can be ordered with either 3/4-inch or 5/8-inch hose connections; $1,195.
Don't need a crank? See other tricks for detangling garden hoses in 5 Quick Fixes: Garden Hose Management. Sturdy and stylish is a pleasure in the garden. Outfit your hose as well; see 5 Favorites: Garden Hose Taps.
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