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 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 Another thing to consider is the size of the reel unit itself. You should make sure you have enough wall space to mount the hose reel that you want to buy, as some of them are quite large.

Installation can also be a bit of a challenge; at 16.4 kg it’s not the lightest of units and it needs to be fixed to a solid wall to make sure it stays in securely.Practicality: In terms of practicality, we 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.

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 hose stop prevents the hose fully retracting into the unit meaning the hose is easily available every time. You might be torn between hose reels or expandable hoses – both options are space-saving ways to get a longer hose in the garden. Automatically reeling in 40 m of hose, and winding it on to the wall unit without tangling or kinking, this popular auto-reel saves time and effort. The result: a neatly stored hose in minutes.

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That said, you should still position your reel out of direct sunlight. High-quality casing will protect the hose from UV damage, but it will last longer if it is in a position where the temperature is more stable. 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.