Best Hose Stands for Your Garden: A Buying Guide

Last Updated on June 11, 2022 by Gary Stephen

Water is essential for plant growth. Thus, it is safe to say that water hoses should be every gardener’s best friend too. If you think about it, the more accessible they are, the more likely you are to water your plants with ease and confidence. However, these long and winding hoses can be quite cumbersome to organize. Tackling meters after meters of hose takes a lot of time and effort to put together. This is where the garden hose stands come in handy!

Hose stands, reels, or holders, whatever you choose to call it, all serve the same purpose – to organize your garden hoses

Yes, it is a very simple structure that offers very big help to garden hose users. This rack allows you to tidy up your hose to a specific spot in your garden. Thus, making it more manageable for you to wind and unwind the roll as needed. 

Furthermore, proper storage is also vital for your garden hoses. Keeping it well rolled and stored prevents the formation of kinks. The crimping or twisting on any portion of the hose puts stress on the material. Thus, causing it to eventually break and leak.

Now, that’s another problem you don’t wanna deal with!

In this article, we will teach you what to look for when buying a hose stand for your garden. Moreover, we have also compiled a list of the best hose stand products you can find in the market today. 

Without much said, let’s get this hose rolling!

Benefits of Using Garden Hose StandsBest hose stands

Ease of use

Convenience is often the number one reason why gardeners resort to using hose stands. I mean, who in the world would like to spend extra minutes to manually gather and arrange the hoses after each use. That is just unnecessarily tiring and a waste of time too. 

Why go through that hassle when you can simply roll it in with a hose reel, right?

Maintain the integrity of the hose

Storage is a vital key in keeping your hoses in pristine condition. Proper rolling in and out allows the hose to follow its natural alignment. Thus, preventing it from forming kinks that can distort the shape of the tube. 

Furthermore, the twisting can also narrow the passageway of water. Thus, creating too much pressure within the inner lining of the hose. This can eventually compromise the integrity of the material causing it to tear out and leak water.

Safety

Untidy hose laying carelessly on the ground can easily spell disaster. Any person can accidentally trip over the unraveled length of tubing. Thus, posing a safety hazard in your environment.

Accidents because of unkempt gardening equipment are definitely not cool!

Types of Mechanisms Used in Garden Hose StandsTypes of Mechanisms Used in Garden Hose Stands

Hand-Cranked

This manual garden hose stand is as simple as it can be. No complicated machinery whatsoever. Instead, it comes with a shaft and a crank. The shaft is where the hose will be wrapped onto. Meanwhile, the crank is attached to the shaft. As you turn the crank, the shaft rotates to wind up the attached hose.

Check out this hand-cranked hose stand.

Spring Retractable

From the name itself, this hose reel is spring-driven. Nevertheless, it also goes by other names such as spring rewind or auto rewind. However you call it, this fixture utilizes the spring tension to reel in and out the hose.

This type of hose holder also often comes with a locking system. Thereby, allowing the pulled hose to stay in position at your desired length. The lock ensures the hose will not roll back in not unless it is intentionally released.

So, how does a spring retractable hose reel work?

When you pull out the garden hose, the internal spring stretches and creates tension. With the help of the locking system, you will be able to hold the hose in place. To undo, gently tug the hose to unlock and release the tension from the internal spring. The recoil action of the spring itself is what causes the hose to reel in and wrap around the shaft.

Check out this spring-driven hose holder.

Motor-Driven

To make things way more easier and convenient, the motorized hose reels got it all for you. It has a mechanized system that automatically reels the hose in and out by demand. No physical effort needed. Just simply push the buttons and you are all set.

The only drawback, if you consider it so, is that it needs to hook onto a power source. Hence, you may need to have a lengthy cord to go with it. Remember, it will only go as far as your cord can reach. 

Furthermore, since it is pretty much reliant on power, it is not ideal to use it off-the-grid. So, you might want to rethink if your intended location has an unstable power supply. Rather, it is best to opt for manual hose stands instead.

Motor-driven hose holders are also very expensive. So, expect to shell out some serious amount of cash if you wish to avail of such machinery.

Check out this motor-driven hose holder.

Most Common Designs of Garden Hose StandsMost Common Designs of Garden Hose Stands

Basic hose stand

This is your standard hose organizer. It is a simple stand with arms built to hold your garden hose in place. It is manual so you still have to put in some labor to arrange the tubings. Then again, it helps to keep the hoses neatly hanged right where you need them to.

It is often made out of wood or metal that is either fixed or stand-alone fixtures. The latter gives you more stability as the base is installed deep into the ground. The former though gives you the advantage of transferability. That means, its legs are not burrowed so you can move its position as you please.

Check out this basic hose stand.

Wall-mounted

This is one of the popular choices for most gardeners. Simply because they are stable, space-saving, and cost-efficient too. So long as you have a solid wall to mount on to, you are good to go. Just make sure to install this fixture nearest the water source as much as possible.

The downside though for having a wall-mounted hose stand is that it is not mobile. The placement is permanently fixed thus you will no longer be able to move it someplace else. Moreover, it also requires you to drill holes into the wall. If that is an issue, then this is not the best option for you. 

Check out this wall-mounted hose reel.

Hose cart

If you prefer to have more mobility, then this is the way to go. Hose carts are like ordinary hose reels but with two or more sets of wheels. Hence, making it possible to carry your garden hoses in whichever place you like it to be.

The hose reel itself can either be manual or mechanized. So, you have the option to reel in the hose the standard way by cranking the levers. Or, better yet opt for those models with a retractable mechanism. With such, it further adds to your convenience.

Check out this garden hose cart.

Hose reel box

This hose holder is being designed with versatility and aesthetics in mind. These are not your ordinary boxes. Rather, they are built to house your hoses and discretely keep them out of sight. 

Moreover, the enclosed box also protects the hose from exposure to extreme weather. Hence, further adding to its ability to maintain the integrity of the garden hose.

These boxes are so versatile that other models offer multi-purpose functions. Some are designed to double as garden tool storage while there are some that are used as planter boxes too. Super unique!

What to Consider When Buying Garden Hose StandsWhat to Consider When Buying Garden Hose Stand

Hose Length

Garden hoses are often sold in the market in various pre-cut lengths. This usually ranges between 100 up to 400 feet. 

For basic household chores, a length of 75 to 125 feet should be enough. A slightly longer hose of up to 150 feet is great however for general tasks that need wider coverage of an area. Nevertheless, a hose within 150 to 400 feet is very long already. Hence, such length is perfect for industrial applications.

In choosing your holder, it is important to take note of the hose length. Relatively, the longer it is, the larger should be the capacity of the holder too. 

Hose Width

Along with the length, the hose width should be taken into consideration as well. The most commonly used widths are 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, or 3/4 inch. But, the width of 5/8 inch is considered as the standard for water hoses, especially in the United States. 

Technically, the thicker the diameter, the more water the hose can likely deliver. Consequently, the heavier and the more space it will consume as well. Thus, you should factor it in when purchasing hose holders.

Construction

Hose holders are often made with materials such as plastic, fiberglass, metal, and resin. Each of which has an impact on your options when buying garden hose holders. Not only will it affect the manner of usage, but it will also determine the durability, longevity, and price point of the holder.

For example, if you wish to have a lightweight hose holder, then choose one made out of plastic or fiberglass. This material is not as heavy as others hence it is great for portability. You can easily carry it around without causing strain to your body. Moreover, they are often sold cheaper too. 

But then again, plastics tend to be less long-lasting. They eventually tend to become brittle and break. This is especially the case when it is kept under extreme weather outdoors.

On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy-duty holder, then go for metal or resin. Metals such as aluminium, cast-iron, and stainless steel are not at all lightweight. But, this material is well-known for its capability to withstand rigid conditions. Thus, you can expect it to last you much longer.

Portability is also not much of an issue with metal. There are plenty of designs that come with wheels to allow for easy transport. The downside though for heavy-duty hose holders is the cost. These models tend to have higher price points considering the value and the quality of metal.

Manual or Retractable

Manual hose holders are your basic types of holders. It can be as simple as a hose hanger or stand. Or, it can also come with a hand-crank. Either of which, you are required to put in some labor to handle your garden hose. Manual holders are great for short-length hoses as they are less hassle to manage.

On the other hand, the retractability feature is not a must. But, it will definitely come in handy if you have lengthy and heavy hoses. Be it spring or motor-driven, you do not need to exert too much effort. The mechanism itself will take charge of winding in your hose with ease and convenience. This makes retractable hose reels ideal for users with physical restrictions such as the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Ease of Assembly

Assembling hose stands is not that complicated. Often, a few screws and drills here and there is all it takes to build it. And perhaps, a little bit of patience too. 

But let’s admit it, not all of us are quite a handyman. Some people are better off buying hose holder as is off-the-shelf. No assembly requirements whatsoever. If you are one of them, then do not hassle yourself further and just buy a solid piece model.

Nevertheless, if you have the skill to tinker stuff, then consider yourself lucky. You have a wider array of options and designs to choose from. From wall-mounts to decorative garden hose holders, name it.

Our Top Picks for Garden Hose Stands

1. Best Value for Money: Liberty Garden 710 Navigator Rotating Garden Hose ReelLiberty Garden 710 Navigator Rotating Garden Hose Reel 

Features:

  • 18-gauge steel construction.
  • Weather-resistant powder coat finish.
  • With pull-up knob for full 360-degree reel rotation.
  • Can be placed in 8 locking positions.
  • With a detachable crank handle.
  • With a storage tray.
  • Can hold up to 125 feet of 5/8-inch hose.
  • Brass and galvanized fittings.
  • Includes 5-feet leader hose.
  • Decorative design.
  • Fully assembled with an attachable crank handle only. 
  • 1-year warranty.

Weak Points:

  • Mounting hardware not included.
  • Limited warranty coverage.

Verdict:

The Liberty Garden 710 rotating hose reel is a home run! Although it may not be the cheapest in the market, its full-packed features make it worth spending for. It is heavy-duty, weather-resistant, fully rotating, with a usable tray, decorative design, and more. This thing got it all!

 

2. Best for Convenience: Gardena Retractable Hose Reel with Hose GuideGardena Retractable Hose Reel with Hose Guide

Features:

  • Steel spring retraction system.
  • Integrated hose guide.
  • Wall-mount or corner-mount.
  • 180-degree swivel.
  • Hose length up to 115 feet.
  • Hose width up to ½ inches.
  • Frost-proof.
  • Anti-drip device.
  • High water flow with optimal sprinkler operation.
  • Ready-to-use.
  • Accessories included (Hose, nozzle, sprayer, wash brushes, wall brackets, screws, and wall plugs).
  • 2-year warranty.

Weak Points:

  • Plastic construction.
  • Not portable.

Verdict:

The Gardena Retractable Hose Reel is a total breeze. This spring-driven hose holder offers both convenience and efficiency. No need for bending over and hassling around lengthy hoses. With a simple tag, the hose rolls back in with no kinks and twists.

 

3. Best for Portability:Ashman Garden Hose Reel Cart Ashman Garden Hose Reel Cart

Features:

  • Tubular steel frame.
  • Corrosion-resistant powder-coat finish.
  • Non-slip handle grip.
  • Foam-padded handle.
  • Brass fitting and couplets.
  • Includes 6-feet connection hose.
  • Welded crank handle with swivel grip.
  • 4 units of 10-inch pneumatic tires.
  • Storage basket.

Weak Points:

  • Requires assembly.
  • Warranty conditions not disclosed in the listing.

Verdict:

This garden hose reel cart is huge but amazingly easy to maneuver. The 4-point wheels allow you to transport it effortlessly. Be it a smooth cement flooring, grassy lawn, or a rock bed, you can assure its pneumatic tires can handle it. Furthermore, it also comes with a storage basket that is big enough to fit your garden tools.

 

4. Best for Budget: Yard Butler Deluxe Hose HangerYard Butler Deluxe Hose Hanger

Features:

  • Wall-mounted.
  • 12-gauge steel with extra bracing.
  • Powder-coated finish to prevent rust.
  • Can hold up to 100 feet of standard-sized ⅝ inch garden hose.
  • Patented design.
  • Offers “No risk satisfaction guarantee” warranty.

Weak Points:

  • Requires you to drill holes.
  • Mounting hardware not included.

Verdict:

The Yard Butler Deluxe Hose Hanger is the ultimate classic hose holder. The design is very simple but it works efficiently as intended. It is heavy-duty, rust-resistant, good capacity, and easy on the budget. 

 

5. Best Hideaway Design: AMES NeverLeak Cold-Weather Resistant Garden Hose CabinetAMES NeverLeak Cold-Weather Resistant Garden Hose Cabinet

Features:

  • Made with powder-coated steel material.
  • Cold weather-resistant.
  • Crank operated.
  • With an auto-track manual hose guide.
  • With aluminium never-leak water systems.
  • Includes leader hose.
  • Can hold up to 150 feet of 5/8-inch hose.
  • 90 days warranty.

Weak Points:

  • The cabinet is prone to dents and scratches.
  • Short warranty period.

Verdict:

If you wish to keep your garden hose outdoors without being too obvious, then this is perfect for you. This hideaway cabinet effectively tidies the hose and keeps it well-stored. Furthermore, it also protects it against cold weather. Thus, you need not worry about it as winter comes.

 

Wrapping Up:

Without a doubt, the hose stand is the perfect tandem for garden hoses. With the right kind of stand, it can tidy and store them with proper care. Thus, making these hoses easier to manage and last even longer. We hope that the guideline we provided herein will help you find the right one for you and your garden too.

Gary Stephen
Gary Stephen

Hi, I am Gary Stephen. I have been gardening for a long time. Gardening gives us much benefits and pleasure. Many of us desire to have a garden, but it cannot fulfill the desire for the proper guide or instruction of gardening. So, I am eager to help them. For this purpose, I have developed the MyGardenPlant.com website to make a garden with the proper guide. So, you will get me beside you if you want to know anything about gardening.