Gardening is a beloved pastime in New Zealand, with its lush landscapes and temperate climate providing the perfect backdrop for beautiful gardens. One essential tool for any avid gardener is a reliable garden hose reel, which helps keep hoses organized and easily accessible while also prolonging their lifespan.
With so many options available on the market, finding the best garden hose reel can be a daunting task. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore key factors to consider when choosing a garden hose reel, review top-rated products available on the market, and provide expert tips to help you make an informed decision for your gardening needs. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect garden hose reel to enhance your gardening experience!
Table of Contents
How to choose the Best Garden Hose for you
Choosing the best garden hose for your needs involves considering several factors such as the hose length, material, diameter, flexibility, durability, and added features. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision when selecting a garden hose:
Purpose:
General Use: For everyday gardening tasks like watering plants and cleaning, a standard hose will do.
Professional or Heavy-Duty Use: For more demanding tasks or frequent use, consider a heavy-duty hose made of stronger materials.
Hose Length:
Measure the farthest distance from your spigot to ensure you choose a hose that can reach all areas you intend to water.
Hose lengths typically range from 25 to 100 feet. Remember that longer hoses are heavier and can lose water pressure over distance.
Hose Diameter:
The diameter affects the water flow rate. Common diameters are 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch, and 3/4 inch.
A 5/8-inch diameter is a good all-around choice for adequate water flow and pressure.
Material:
Rubber: Durable, flexible, and can handle high water pressure and harsh weather but is heavier and more expensive.
Vinyl/PVC: Lightweight and more affordable but less durable and prone to kinking, cracking, and degrading in sunlight.
Polyurethane: Eco-friendly options are often found in soaker hoses, but they can be expensive.
Stainless Steel: Durable, puncture-proof, and resistant to kinks but less flexible and can be heavy.
Expandable Hoses: Made from latex and covered with polyester fabric; they expand when filled with water and are lightweight, but can be less durable than rubber or vinyl.
Flexibility and Kinking:
Look for hoses labeled as kink-free or no-kink — usually reinforced with a mesh lining to prevent them from twisting and restricting water flow.
Check the hose’s flexibility by bending it at a 90-degree angle. A good hose should bend without kinking.
Couplings:
The fittings at the end of the hose should be made of brass or aluminum (brass is more durable).
Avoid plastic couplings as they are less durable and prone to leaks.
Look for octagonal or hexagonal shapes for easier tightening and removal.
Durability and Warranty:
Check the warranty, as this can be an indicator of the hose’s quality. Some manufacturers offer lifetime warranties.
Hoses with UV protection or layered with reinforcing materials will last longer.
Special Features:
Soaker Hoses: Designed for irrigation, with tiny holes, to allow water to seep into the soil slowly, directly to plant roots.
Sprinkler Hoses A combination of a soaker and a sprinkler, lying on the ground with holes facing up for gentle watering.
Coiled Hoses: Save space due to their coiled design but can be less convenient for larger areas due to their tendency to retract.
READ NEXT: Best Water Timers | Water Blaster | Garden Sheds
The Best Garden Hose Reels NZ
1. Certa 30m Retractable Garden Hose
The Certa 30m Retractable Garden Hose offers a seamless and tidy approach to garden maintenance. Its wall-mounted design saves you space, while the automatic retractable feature allows for effortless use and storage. With the extra-long 30m reach, no corner of your outdoor space is out of bounds.
Equipped with an 8-pattern spray gun, this hose caters to a variety of watering tasks, from a gentle mist for delicate flowers to a strong stream for cleaning. The versatility ensures that all your gardening needs are met with precision and ease.
Durability is at the core of its design. The 3-layer PVC construction prevents kinking and withstands regular use, while the swivel function provides unrestricted movement in any direction. This hose is built to last and will keep your garden flourishing.
2. Gardena Retractable Hose Reel Roll Up
The Gardena Retractable Hose Reel streamlines the gardening experience with its user-friendly design. The convenience of a 13mm hose paired with a 1.5-meter connection to the tap simplifies the process of reaching every part of your garden. The retractable mechanism enhances the ease of use, ensuring quick deployment and tidy storage.
Adaptability is a key feature of this hose reel, with an adjustable spray nozzle that offers a range of watering patterns. Whether you’re nurturing delicate seedlings or blasting away dirt, the control is in your hands, enabling you to tailor the water flow to your specific task.
Availability in a substantial 30-meter size ensures that even expansive gardens are well-serviced. The Gardena Retractable Hose Reel is a solution that promises reliability and efficiency, assisting gardeners in maintaining their green spaces with minimal fuss and maximum flexibility.
3. Retractable Hose Reel Roll Up
Installation simplicity is a standout feature of this hose reel, designed for the homeowner seeking practicality and convenience. With an included 1.5m hose connection, reaching the tap is no longer a hassle. This easy setup ensures your garden remains hydrated and pristine with minimal effort.
The reel’s robust construction, boasting power grip technology rated at 3500 kPa, handles high water pressure with ease, ensuring longevity and reliability. Coupled with UV-stabilized materials, it’s built to resist the harshness of the sun, promising enduring performance throughout the seasons.
Efficiency meets quality with the 30m long, 13mm premium hose included with the reel. This ample length covers extensive garden areas, then retracts smoothly for neat storage. This hose reel is not just a tool but an enhancement to your gardening routine, ready to tackle watering tasks with effectiveness and grace.
4. Gardena Hose Trolley Metal Hose Set
Compact yet highly functional, this hose reel is an essential tool for gardeners who value both space efficiency and accessibility. Its design ensures that it occupies minimal space in your outdoor area, while the user-friendly mechanism allows for a quick and easy roll-out whenever watering tasks call.
Constructed from high-quality materials, the hose reel is not just about convenience; it’s also about durability. The added frost protection feature is a testament to its thoughtful design, safeguarding against ice formation during the winter, and ensuring year-round operation without the worry of weather-related damage.
The ergonomic trolley design, accentuated by a distinct shape and high-positioned wheels, provides stability and support, particularly beneficial for users who prefer or need to maintain an upright stance while moving the reel. This blend of practicality and user comfort makes it a standout choice for any gardening enthusiast.
5. Greenfingers Retractable Hose Reel
The Greenfingers Retractable Garden Hose Reel epitomizes efficient space utilization for the modern gardener. Designed to minimize the footprint in your home and garden, this retractable hose reel offers a smart storage solution, neatly tucking away the hose when not in use. Its integrated system ensures that no extra space is taken up, keeping your outdoor area clutter-free.
Functionality melds with durability as the hose reel boasts UV-resistant material, ready to withstand the test of time under the sun’s rays. The 180° swivel wall mount adds an extra layer of versatility, enabling you to anchor the reel to any suitable wall or surface, facilitating easy direction change while in use.
Ease of operation is at the heart of this design, with a user-friendly PVC hose that features a comfortable grip handle for effortless handling. The inclusion of a rubber stopper and a handy spray gun means you’re equipped from the get-go to tackle all watering tasks. Whether you choose the compact 10-meter version or the extended 20-meter option, the Greenfingers hose reel addresses your watering needs with a convenient and reliable solution.
6. Retractable Hose Reel Auto Rewind
The Retractable Hose Reel Garden Water introduces an innovative hose management system to the realm of gardening. With its auto-rewinding function, it eliminates the hassle of manual coiling and uncoiling, allowing for a more streamlined garden maintenance experience. The UV-resistant build ensures that the hose remains intact and free from sun damage, extending its lifespan and reliability.
Versatility is a hallmark of this garden hose reel, which features a convenient 180-degree swivel wall mount. This flexibility allows gardeners to navigate their outdoor spaces with ease, reducing the physical strain associated with watering. A built-in handle further enhances the practicality, making transport and operation smooth and simple.
Catering to both functionality and aesthetics, the hose reel is crafted from durable brass, sporting a design that adds an element of sophistication to any outdoor setting. With the inclusion of a rubber stopper and an adjustable brass spray gun, it offers customized watering solutions suited to a plethora of gardening requirements. Available in 10 or 20-meter lengths, this hose reel is a fit for both modest balconies and expansive yards, echoing a commitment to form and function.
FAQs
What is the best height for a garden hose reel?
The optimal height for mounting a garden hose reel is generally around 4 feet (48 inches) off the ground. This height allows for easy access and maneuverability without the need to bend down, making it comfortable for the majority of users.
Does hose length affect water pressure?
Hose length can affect water pressure; the longer the hose, the more frictional loss occurs, which can decrease water pressure. For every 100 feet of hose length, the pressure at the output can be reduced by as much as 5 PSI (pounds per square inch).
What is the difference between Hi Flow and normal Hoselink?
Hi Flow Hoselink systems are designed for larger-diameter hoses and fittings, providing a higher water flow rate compared to standard Hoselink systems. They are ideal for situations requiring more water volume, such as filling pools or using sprinklers.
Does a hose reel reduce pressure?
While a hose reel itself does not significantly reduce water pressure, poorly designed or overly narrow hose reels can cause restrictions and kinks that may result in reduced water flow and apparent pressure loss. Properly designed reels should minimize this effect.