July 2010

Car cleaning with a hose saves lots of time and effort, but nobody likes fighting with lengths of wet and muddy plastic in order to put it away. It pays to invest in a hose with a reel for easy storage, and there are plenty of solutions, from simple frames to carts and designs with spring-loaded mechanisms, to take the strain. But which is the reel deal? We gave 12 a spin to see which will wind up your hose – or you!

The Test

We unwound and retracted each sample several times, looking for the unit to remain stable, without snagging or bunching the hose. Construction, build quality, fittings and instructions were also assessed. All our hoses came with quick-release connectors and tap adaptors. Finally, we factored in how long the hose was, plus price without any delivery charges. We found huge variations in costs, so it really does pay to shop around online.

Verdict

With our strong emphasis on ease of use, it is no surprise one of the automatic reels is on top, and at around £50, Hozelock’s Auto Reel is good value, too. The cost-effective Wickes kit is our pick of the freestanding reels, while former champion Hozelock’s versatile 2’n1 completes the podium.

Contacts
Hozelock 0121 3134242
www.hozelock.com

Kärcher 01295 752200
www.karcher.co.uk

Wickes 0844 892 2701
www.wickes.co.uk

Top 3

1. Hozelock Compact Reel 2’n1
2. B&Q Garden Hose Reel Set
3. Argos Value Range Hose Reel Set

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