In addition, the better quality the hose, the easier it will be to use and less likely to kink or fail to rewind. Superior garden hoses also come with better tap fittings meaning they are less likely to leak. Harry has real-world tested 46 products for DIY Garden, and is one of our more experienced testers. 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.

It’s worth noting that this is a large hose reel that does take up quite a bit of space – certainly something to bear in mind when considering if it’s the right product for your garden. The reel casing measures 27 x 66 x 55.5 cm, which is bigger than some other models. We tested 26 different hose reels in a range of styles and sizes, in the rooftop garden of our lab in Des, Moines, Iowa. We first set up each hose reel according to the manufacturer's instructions and recorded the time and assembly process. We then evaluated each reel’s design: For those that were simply reels, we connected a hose to the couplings and wound the hose around the reels, noting how much effort it took to do so. For the other styles, we simply coiled a hose into the pots or hangers, recording how easy this deceptively ornery process can be. Next, we tested the products' usability and practiced fully unwinding the hoses from the reel or taking the hoses out of the pots. We noted whether the hose unwound smoothly or was difficult to remove and whether the container tipped over during the process or needed a hand or two to steady it. We repeated this process with two different hoses of varying lengths and styles.If the space where you choose to mount your reel is some way from the outdoor tap, you may need to acquire an extra ‘leader hose’ to connect the reel to the water supply. Also referred to as a ‘feeder hose’, sometimes you will have to create this yourself by cutting a piece of the hose pipe. 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. We found reeling and unreeling the hose seamless with each type of hose we tested. Although this wagon can accommodate both large and small hoses, it is heavier than others we tested and definitely more than you would need for a smaller space. We also noted that during assembly we weren’t able to tighten one of the screws and all of them seemed a bit loose, although that didn't affect the wagon's performance during testing at all. The quality hose pipe is a three-layer, anti-kink hose that comes with a spraying nozzle. It has a variety of adjustable spray settings, making it easy to change between jobs 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!

We found this reel to be easy to put together (although the screws require a little extra effort), and the aluminum frame felt well-made and built to last. The reel's rubber wheels made it easy to maneuver on different surfaces. We also appreciated the rubber grips on the handle, which made the reel comfortable and easy to steer. For reference, our testing team member who used this reel is 5 foot 2 inches, so someone taller might have a different experience and might need to bend over to move the reel around, but generally, we believe this model is good for a variety of heights.Connecting and threading the hose into the reel was also effortless. In addition to the sliding threading guide, a loop on the side helps guide the hose around the reel. These alignment guides almost felt unnecessary, since there is already a spigot on the reel. However, our tester noted that the loop made reeling and unreeling more stable and seamless. 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. 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. If so, we’re happy you found us. Flat Out is an Aussie family business (est. 2001) dedicated to manufacturing 'tangle prevention products' of the highest quality, designed to make life easier. A sense of freedom and independence, the morning sun rays falling through the skylight, birds singing and the beautiful blue sky reflecting in the smooth surface of the water. Sounds familiar? Everyone who is a fan of traveling with a camper or caravan knows this feeling. This is the journey where the history of Flat Out International begins. Beautiful views, evening bonfires, thousands of miles travelled, spontaneous stops wherever we dream, and starry skies - this is the beautiful side of traveling with a camper or caravan. The other side is meticulous preparation for the trip from the technical side, taking care of every detail so that the trip could be trouble-free and provide only positive experiences. One issue frustrated Peter and Lena on their journey - they couldn't find a way to store the water and sullage hoses so that they wouldn't get tangled, dirty and wouldn't take up a lot of space. After many conversations with fellow travellers, testing various products and solutions, Peter and Lanie designed and in 2001 launched their proprietary, innovative Flat Out reels and hoses system. After 20 years on the market…

Traditional garden hoses are round and easily susceptible to punctures and kinks. Think about how many times you twisted your round garden hose and had to spend several minutes straightening it out. Wouldn’t you like a better alternative? Do you need a reel for your flat garden hose? One more additional benefit to a flat garden hose is that you can wind it up on a reel without getting it tangled. We sell hose reels separately or with the hose included. If you don’t have a flat garden hose already and would like a reel included with it, consider purchasing our hose and reel combination products. You should also look for a casing that is made from frost-resistant plastic to help protect the hose if it’s left outside during cold weather.It’s also a good budget option, possessing many of the same features as some of the best garden hose reels on this list, without the eyewatering price tag. 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.