Retractable Hose Reel Buying Guide

Are you looking for a hose that’s easy to use and store? Then you’re going to want a retractable hose reel. Find out more about these handy appliances in this comprehensive guide from The Hosemaster team…

What is a retractable hose reel?

A retractable hose reel is a purpose-built product designed to retract various different types of hoses automatically. 

Retractable hose reels eliminate the need for the laborious effort and elbow grease that is required when using a manual or semi-manual hose reel. 

The main function of this is to make the hose easier to manage and neater to store—but we’ll explore more of the benefits in just a moment.

You’ll typically find that retractable hose reels are powered using a spring mechanism or motor-driven system, either retracted using a built-in crank/handle or by pressing a button.

Retractable hose reels often include features such as:

• A locking mechanism to keep the hose at the desired length.
• A nozzle for controlling and adjusting the water flow.
• A guide system to help make sure that the hose retracts smoothly and evenly without kinks.
• Depending on the exact model you buy, you may be able to mount it on a wall. 

The benefits of retractable hose reels

So, why choose a retractable hose reel over a manual (or semi-manual) hose? If any of the main benefits below appeal to you, there’s your answer.

Less time and effort

Because retractable hose reels work by automatically winding up a hose after you have used it, it means you can save a whole lot of time and energy you’d otherwise spend coiling it up yourself.

This is particularly handy in professional and industrial environments where efficiency and reducing downtime are key to operations. 

Fewer injuries

Retractable hose reels make coiling a hose back up after use far quicker and less labour-intensive, which means significantly less risk of injury. 

There’s no more need to wind heavy hose lines up with your hands or strain your back bending over to grab a long manual hose.

More organised storage

A retractable hose reel works by feeding the line neatly and smoothly into a coil around an open frame or in a contained case. This prevents the hose from becoming tangled or kinked, which makes for far tidier and more compact storage.

This is especially advantageous in residential garages or garden sheds, for example, where storage space is limited. It’s also a huge advantage in industrial and professional environments where health and safety (i.e. reducing trip hazards, etc.) is crucial.

Many retractable hose reels can be wall-mounted using an integrated bracket for even easier use and safer storage. You just need to consider whether you need your hose reel to be portable or not.

Longer hose lifespan

Retracting your hose automatically, as opposed to manually, means the line is being fed systematically to avoid kinks and knots. Using a retractable hose reel, therefore, helps to protect your hose and extend its lifespan by minimising the risk of damage during storage.

What are the different types of retractable hose reels?

At The Hosemaster, we stock a range of different retractable hose reels, including reels suitable for air, alongside water hoses and multipurpose hoses. 

So, aside from the standard variety in length and diameter, we’re sure to have a retractable hose reel to meet your individual needs.

Let’s explore a few of the different types of hose reels you’ll find available in our collection:

Heavy-duty retractable hose reels

Heavy-duty retractable hose reels are designed for high-impact, intensive use in industrial settings. As such, they tend to feature tough and durable hard plastic polypropylene cases which are weather resistant and UV stabilised. They’ll also typically have corrosion-resistant brass or stainless steel fittings and will include a bracket for wall-mounting. 

Buy Now - 30 M Heavy-Duty Retractable ½” Water Hose Reel

Amongst the features you’ll find on heavy-duty retractable hose reels are:

• Stop anywhere functions - whereby the latch will engage at whatever point the hose is unravelled, making operation a breeze. 
• Adjustable tensions - where you can adjust how quickly the hose is retracted back into the reel.
• Swivel wall brackets - so that the reel can be swivelled away from its wall-mounting for ease of operation.

It’s possible to buy heavy-duty retractable hose reels that can be used for compressed air or fresh water applications.

Note - here at The Hosemaster, you’ll find a wide range of heavy-duty hose reels. Simply look for ‘heavy duty’ in the product name.

Open frame retractable hoses

To optimise your use of space, you could consider one of our open frame retractable hose reels. These don’t include a fully enclosed case, which makes them more streamlined and compact. 

Buy Now - Open Frame Retractable Metal ⅜” Air Hose Reel 20 Metres

A strong reel is supported on both sides via a pedestal-style base and arm guide, which makes open frame retractable hose reels super easy to use and manoeuvre. The frames are made from durable reinforced steel and are manufactured to withstand intensive use.

Open frame hose reels also tend to feature what are known as ‘roller hose guides’. These are rollers which are designed to guide the hose back onto the reel, reducing the likelihood of snags and kinks - and thus, premature wear. 

Note - you’ll find that the open frame retractable hose reels that we stock at The Hosemaster are designed for use with compressed air—not water.

Spring-rewind retractable hose reels

If you’re looking for a retractable hose reel that has all bases covered, then the best option will be a spring-rewind hose reel. 

Spring-rewind hose reels feature a controlled retraction system, which will stop the hose from retracting too quickly onto the reel. Likewise, a spring-rewind hose reel will have an automatic guide system, which reduces the likelihood of damage to the hose when it’s being pulled on or off the reel. 

Here at The Hosemaster, we stock the Redashe Spring Rewind Hose Reel. This is a high-quality spring-rewind reel that has all the features you’d expect from this kind of hose reel. 

Buy Now - Redashe Spring Rewind Hose Reel

Additionally, it’s possible to buy the Redashe Spring Rewind Hose Reel in a number of different versions, including; compressed air, hot wash, food-quality water, and cold wash. 

To top it off, the Redashe Spring Rewind Hose Reel features a polypropylene outer housing. This material is both tough and lightweight - ideal for the types of settings in which it will be used. 

So, if you’ve got a particular application in mind, there’s probably a Redashe hose reel to suit!

How much do retractable hose reels cost?

Retractable hose reels can vary considerably in price - ranging from as little as £120 up to £700 or more. 

How much retractable hose reels cost is influenced by factors such as:

• Brand.
• Quality. 
• Features. 
• Function (i.e. compressed air and/or cold, hot, or food-quality water).
• Frame type.
• Materials.
• Hose length.

We’d always recommend investing in as high a quality of hose as you can afford, so you can be sure you’re getting a retractable hose reel you can rely on.

Find the right retractable hose for you at The Hosemaster

Looking for a new retractable hose reel? Luckily, you’re in the right place! Here at The Hosemaster, we have one of the biggest selections on the web, with quick delivery and 5-star-rated customer service to boot.

Hopefully, it’s easy to find everything you need but if you’ve got any questions for our experts, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Shop high-quality retractable hose reels at The Hosemaster today!

For more news, information, and product advice, read The Hosemaster blog…

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