This is one of the cheapest reels on the list, and as a result it may not be quite as smooth in operation as some of the more expensive models. However, arguably the generous length of hose makes for an acceptable compromise. The hose can sometimes require a bit of persuasion to unravel, and to avoid damaging the unit or surrounding objects the hose should be walked in carefully.

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.Of course, non-drip connectors are a must-have when it comes to garden hoses – keeping water bills down and generally making watering jobs easier. The Alfresia hose reel and hose have all brass fitting; on the spray gun, hose end and tap connector. These are robust and durable, much like the spray gun itself which is also made from metal. 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. Neatly store the feeder hose when not in use. This is especially useful when tidying the unit away in winter. The leak free parking point prevents drips when storing in your shed or garage.

When re-winding the hose we would recommend that the feeder hose is disconnected from the tap, and no water is left remaining in the main hose, as this can cause the hose to take up more space in the Auto Reel which will cause some of the hose to stay outside of the casing.To empty the hose, turn the tap off, pull out the hose and open the hose nozzle to empty excess water - letting the water flow through.

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. When the hose is fully extended, take the last section of the hose, near the letterbox mouth, and raise it upwards to a 75 degree angle. Give it a sharp pull, and this should jumpstart the tension spring. Every auto reel comes with a 5 year guarantee (when you register online) providing you with peace of mind that your auto reel will be watering your garden for years to come. 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 It comes with both a spray nozzle and spray gun, leaving you with plenty of options. Whether you’re washing the car, watering the plants, or even cleaning your dog, there’s a spray setting for the job. In fact, there are 9 to choose from, including flat, centre, cone, full, fog and jet.

Garden pumps

If you will be using your garden hose reel regularly, and plan to leave it outside, it is worth spending a bit more money on a good-quality reel to ensure it last for years. To simplify garden maintenance and improve your daily watering experience, I thoroughly tested several automatic retractable garden hose reels. I rigorously evaluated a range of options and assessed their ease of assembly, overall design, practicality and, of course, value for money. Here’s a breakdown of the tests I conducted: 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!