Best picks

8 Best Garden Hose Reels Sold Without a Hose (November 2026)

Updated on · By the Bee Buffer team

The best garden hose reels sold without a hose include the YFFSRJDJ Garden Hose Reel for most yards, the GOFORWILD Garden Hose Reel Holder Stand Holds for tool storage, and the WERMAH 4-Wheel 300 Ft Hose Cart for large lawns.

On this page (8 sections)
  1. The best garden hose reels sold on their own
  2. How these reels compare side by side
  3. How we compared these reels
  4. What should you check before buying a garden hose reel without hose?
  5. Which type suits your yard best?
  6. How do you set up a new reel without leaks?
  7. Do you need a new hose to go with the reel?
  8. The verdict on buying a hose reel without a hose

The best garden hose reel without hose for most yards is the YFFSRJDJ Garden Hose Reel, a staked metal stand that holds up to 150 ft and anchors firmly in lawns and soil. Choose a wheeled cart for a large lawn, a wall reel for a fixed tap, or a covered box if you want the hose out of the sun.

You already have a good hose. What you need is somewhere to keep it, and a reel sold on its own lets you spend on the holder rather than a second hose.

This guide covers eight reels that ship without a main hose, so you can match capacity, fittings and placement to the hose you own.

Our picks at a glance

  1. 1 YFFSRJDJ Garden Hose Reel
    Best for most yards

    YFFSRJDJ Garden Hose Reel

    8.8/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 GOFORWILD Garden Hose Reel Holder Stand Holds
    Best for tool storage

    GOFORWILD Garden Hose Reel Holder Stand Holds

    8.6/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 WERMAH 4-Wheel 300 Ft Hose Cart
    Best for large lawns

    WERMAH 4-Wheel 300 Ft Hose Cart

    8.3/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  1. 4Liberty Garden 712 Navigator Reel

    Liberty Garden 712 Navigator Reel

    Best for wall mounting
    Check it
  2. 5150 Ft Metal Hose Reel Deck Box

    150 Ft Metal Hose Reel Deck Box

    Best for hiding the hose
    Check it
  3. 6Suncast 225 Ft Smart Tube Hideaway

    Suncast 225 Ft Smart Tube Hideaway

    Best for long vinyl hoses
    Check it
  4. 7Giraffe Tools 200 Ft Hose Cart

    Giraffe Tools 200 Ft Hose Cart

    Best for tight budgets
    Check it
  5. 8Liberty Garden 709 Wall or Floor Reel

    Liberty Garden 709 Wall or Floor Reel

    Best for two mounting choices
    Check it

The best garden hose reels sold on their own

The YFFSRJDJ stand wins on stability and price tier for a typical backyard, while the rest of the list solves specific placement problems. We ranked by how well each reel handles a hose you already have.

1

YFFSRJDJ Garden Hose Reel: Best for most yards

YFFSRJDJ Garden Hose Reel, garden hose reels sold without a hose
8.8/10Our score
  • Triangular base with 4 ground stakes
  • Holds up to 150 ft of hose
  • 150 lb shelf weight capacity
  • 2 tool hooks

A staked stand that anchors into lawns and soil, so a full hose does not tip it over. Two tool hooks keep pruners and nozzles off the ground.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Four lengthened stakes for soft ground
  • 150 lb load capacity
  • Two tool hooks
  • Simple assembly

Cons

  • No wheels, so moving it means pulling the stakes
  • Freestanding design needs open lawn space

A triangular base with four lengthened stakes is what makes this stand work in soft ground. Push the stakes into a lawn or flower bed and a full, water-filled 150 ft hose will not tip it over.

The frame stands 43.3 in tall and spreads 15.8 in deep, so the hose drapes in a wide U rather than coiling into a pile.

The alloy steel frame carries a 150 lb shelf weight capacity, so the drum copes with the weight of a long hose plus the pull when you drag it around a corner. Two tool hooks hold a nozzle and pruners at arm's reach.

Assembly takes a short time with the included hardware and instructions, and the whole 5.7 lb stand moves when you need it elsewhere. The matte black finish resists rust and scratches, which matters for a unit that stays outside all season.

The trade-off against a cart is that you pull four stakes to move it. That's fine for a fixed watering zone and a chore for a lawn you water in several places.

YFFSRJDJ Garden Hose ReelCheck it on Amazon
2

GOFORWILD Garden Hose Reel Holder Stand Holds: Best for tool storage

GOFORWILD Garden Hose Reel Holder Stand Holds, garden hose reels sold without a hose
8.6/10Our score
  • Fits 150 ft of 5/8 hose
  • Basket plus 2 removable hooks
  • 4 reinforced anchor points
  • Removable stand

A bronze metal stand with a basket and two hooks, so gloves, pruners and a watering can stay with the hose. It comes apart for winter storage.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Storage basket and two hooks
  • Four anchor points
  • Removable stand packs down in winter
  • Holds 5/8 in hose

Cons

  • No wheels
  • Basket adds footprint at the base

GOFORWILD adds a storage basket and two removable hooks to the stand formula, which suits a gardener who carries gloves, twine and a trowel to the same spot every time. The bronze metal look reads more decorative than the plain black stand above.

At 46.4 in tall and 7.5 lb, it is a little taller and heavier than the YFFSRJDJ, and the extra height puts the hose clear of low shrubs.

It fits most standard hoses up to 150 ft of 5/8 in, so your existing hose should drop straight on. Four reinforced anchor points hold the base down under the pull of a full hose.

The removable stand is the selling point for anyone with hard winters. Take it apart, store it in the shed, and it takes up little space until spring.

Compared with the YFFSRJDJ, you give up a little of the stake length and gain the basket. If you want your tools with the hose, that trade makes sense.

GOFORWILD Garden Hose Reel Holder Stand HoldsCheck it on Amazon
3

WERMAH 4-Wheel 300 Ft Hose Cart: Best for large lawns

WERMAH 4-Wheel 300 Ft Hose Cart, garden hose reels sold without a hose
8.3/10Our score
  • Holds 300 ft of 5/8 in hose
  • Pre-installed brass connector
  • 10 in non-slip airless tires
  • 6.5 ft leader hose

The biggest capacity here, with four wheels and a powder-coated frame for pushing across a wide yard. A storage basket and foam grip handle round it out.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • 300 ft capacity
  • Brass connector with seals
  • 10 in airless tires
  • Storage basket

Cons

  • Heaviest pick in this group
  • Bigger footprint than a stand

WERMAH is the pick for a yard where the hose has to follow you. Four 10 in non-slip airless tires and a foam-padded crank handle make it easy to push across grass, gravel and a driveway, even for someone who finds a full cart heavy.

The tires never need air, which removes one more thing to maintain through the season.

The capacity is the largest on this list at 300 ft of 5/8 in hose, so a big property runs on one reel. A pre-installed brass connector with precision seals and an angled fitting are aimed at stopping leaks and kinks at the drum.

The frame, T piece and handle carry a heavy-duty powder coat, with stainless steel screws and rust-proof wheel hubs for year-round outdoor use. A storage basket on the side holds small tools.

The downside is weight. At about 35 lb before the hose goes on, this is not a cart you carry up steps.

It's the right answer for a flat, wide lawn and the wrong one for a tight patio.

WERMAH 4-Wheel 300 Ft Hose CartCheck it on Amazon
4

Liberty Garden 712 Navigator Reel: Best for wall mounting

Liberty Garden 712 Navigator Reel, garden hose reels sold without a hose
8.2/10Our score
  • Holds 125 ft of 5/8 in hose
  • 360 degree rotating carriage
  • Brass swivel connection
  • 5 ft leader hose

A bronze wall reel whose carriage turns a full 360 degrees and locks in eight positions. It keeps the hose off the lawn entirely.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Full 360 degree rotation
  • Eight locking positions
  • All brass fittings
  • Arrives fully assembled

Cons

  • Mounting hardware not included
  • No stand, so it needs a wall

Liberty Garden's Navigator is the wall-mounted option. The carriage rotates a full 360 degrees and locks into one of eight positions, so you can pull the hose toward the flower bed or swing it back against the wall when you finish.

The 18.6 by 20.3 in footprint is small for the capacity it holds.

It holds 125 ft of 5/8 in hose and includes a 5 ft leader hose. The 90 degree solid brass swivel is there to stop the hose kinking at the connection, and the 18 gauge steel with a bronze powder coat handles weather.

A storage tray on top keeps a nozzle handy, and the reel arrives fully assembled, so you only attach the handle. Mounting hardware is not included, so budget for the right anchors for brick, siding or a post.

The obvious limit is placement. This one needs a solid wall near the tap.

If you rent, or your tap sits in open lawn, a freestanding reel is the better call.

Liberty Garden 712 Navigator ReelCheck it on Amazon
5

150 Ft Metal Hose Reel Deck Box: Best for hiding the hose

150 Ft Metal Hose Reel Deck Box, garden hose reels sold without a hose
8.2/10Our score
  • Holds 150 ft of 5/8 in hose
  • Automatic track hose guide
  • Aluminum water connections
  • 5 ft leader hose

A dark brown steel box that hides the reel under an openable lid and doubles as a garden table. The guide spreads the hose evenly as you crank.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Hose stays hidden from sun
  • Track guide reduces kinks
  • Aluminum threads
  • Works as a side table

Cons

  • Lid has to open for every wind
  • Heavier than a bare stand

The AQUAZILLA deck box hides the reel inside a dark brown galvanized steel cabinet. That protects your hose from UV light and ground contact, which slows the cracking that kills vinyl hoses left out all summer.

At 22.5 by 19.5 in and 20.3 in tall, it reads as a piece of garden furniture rather than a hose holder.

It holds 150 ft of 5/8 in hose and takes water pressure up to 150 PSI. An automatic track guide at the front spreads the hose evenly as you rewind, and the aluminum water connections are threaded rather than molded, so they won't strip or freeze.

The top is sturdy enough to sit on or use as a garden table, and the powder coat blends with outdoor furniture. The lid opens for loading and winding.

Against a bare stand, you pay more and open a lid every time. In exchange the hose stays clean, the yard looks tidy, and a guest has somewhere to put a drink.

150 Ft Metal Hose Reel Deck BoxCheck it on Amazon
6

Suncast 225 Ft Smart Tube Hideaway: Best for long vinyl hoses

Suncast 225 Ft Smart Tube Hideaway, garden hose reels sold without a hose
8.0/10Our score
  • Holds 225 ft of 5/8 in vinyl hose
  • Smart Trak guide
  • Fully assembled, freestanding
  • Wicker-texture resin

The largest capacity in this roundup, in a resin box that arrives assembled. Smart Trak winds the hose evenly so it does not tangle.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • 225 ft capacity
  • No assembly required
  • Wicker texture blends in
  • Resists fading and cracking

Cons

  • Resin, not metal
  • Best suited to standard vinyl hose

Suncast's hideaway takes the largest load here at 225 ft of 5/8 in standard vinyl hose. It arrives fully assembled, so it goes on the lawn and works straight away, with no mounting and no tools.

That makes it the easiest reel on this list to live with if you don't want to build anything.

Smart Trak technology winds the hose evenly around the drum as you crank, which is the feature that keeps a long hose from tangling into a knot. The resin box shields the hose from sun and weather and carries a wicker texture that reads as garden furniture rather than hardware.

Heavy-duty resin resists fading and cracking, and the unit is made in the USA. Its limit is the plastic build.

If you want the look and weight of steel, the metal deck box above is the closer match. For pure capacity and zero setup, this is the one.

Suncast 225 Ft Smart Tube HideawayCheck it on Amazon
7

Giraffe Tools 200 Ft Hose Cart: Best for tight budgets

Giraffe Tools 200 Ft Hose Cart, garden hose reels sold without a hose
8.0/10Our score
  • Holds 150 ft of 5/8 or 200 ft of 1/2 hose
  • Solid brass connector
  • Two knobby tires
  • 5 ft lead-in hose

A two-wheel cart with a low center of gravity and a hose guide, built to roll where you need water. It handles 5/8 and 1/2 in hose, not 3/4 in.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Low center of gravity
  • Hose guide system
  • Brass connector
  • Fits 1/2 and 5/8 in hose

Cons

  • Not for 3/4 in hose
  • Two tires need more balance than four

The Giraffe Tools cart is the budget pick for someone who wants wheels without a large outlay. A low center of gravity keeps it from tipping when you pull the hose out, and two solid explosion-proof knobby tires roll over uneven grass.

The compact 19.7 by 19.3 in frame fits along a garden path.

Capacity is 150 ft of 5/8 in hose or 200 ft of 1/2 in hose, and the cart does not take 3/4 in hose. A solid brass connector makes the tap joint leak-proof and wear-resistant, and a 5 ft lead-in hose is included.

A reinforced axle and hose guide let you wind neatly with the non-slip handle, so you keep your hands clean. Most parts come pre-assembled, and the powder-coated metal frame handles all weather.

Two tires take more balancing than four, so it suits a smaller yard where the cart stays in one area. If you need the extra capacity and four wheels, step up to the WERMAH.

The maker also notes you should not wind a hose while it is full of water, so drain it first.

Giraffe Tools 200 Ft Hose CartCheck it on Amazon
8

Liberty Garden 709 Wall or Floor Reel: Best for two mounting choices

Liberty Garden 709 Wall or Floor Reel, garden hose reels sold without a hose
7.8/10Our score
  • Holds 125 ft of 5/8 in hose
  • Wall or floor mount
  • 13 gauge steel
  • 5 ft leader hose

An industrial-style tan reel you can bolt to a wall or set on rubber boots as a floor unit. It arrives fully assembled for immediate use.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Wall or floor mounting
  • 13 gauge steel
  • Ships fully assembled
  • Rubber boots for floor use

Cons

  • Mounting hardware not included
  • Lowest capacity in this group

The Liberty Garden 709 is the flexible one. Bolt it to a wall as an industrial-grade reel, or set it on the included rubber boots as a non-skid floor unit.

That covers a tap you might move, or a renter who can't drill. The rubber boots keep a floor-mounted reel from sliding as you crank.

It's built from 13 gauge steel with an industrial powder coat, and holds 125 ft of 5/8 in hose with a 5 ft leader hose. The elbow at the center of the drum is where your hose attaches.

It ships fully assembled and mounts on a wall, lawn or turf. Mounting hardware is not included, so the install is on you.

Capacity is the smallest here, which is the main reason it sits at the bottom. Choose it when placement flexibility matters more than a long hose, and look at a cart or a larger stand if 125 ft won't reach your beds.

Liberty Garden 709 Wall or Floor ReelCheck it on Amazon

How these reels compare side by side

The table below lines up the eight reels by type, capacity and material, which are the three things that decide whether a reel fits your hose and your yard. Read across the row for the reel you like and check the fitting type against the hose end you already own.

ProductBest forTypeCapacityMaterialOur score
YFFSRJDJ Garden Hose Reelmost yardsFreestanding stand150 ftAlloy steel8.8
GOFORWILD Garden Hose Reel Holder Stand Holdstool storageFreestanding stand150 ft of 5/8 in hoseMetal8.6
WERMAH 4-Wheel 300 Ft Hose Cartlarge lawns4-wheel cart300 ft of 5/8 in hoseAlloy steel8.3
Liberty Garden 712 Navigator Reelwall mountingWall mount125 ft of 5/8 in hose18 gauge steel8.2
150 Ft Metal Hose Reel Deck Boxhiding the hoseDeck box reel150 ft of 5/8 in hoseGalvanized steel8.2
Suncast 225 Ft Smart Tube Hideawaylong vinyl hosesHideaway box225 ft of 5/8 in hoseResin8.0
Giraffe Tools 200 Ft Hose Carttight budgets2-wheel cart150 ft of 5/8 in hoseMetal8.0
Liberty Garden 709 Wall or Floor Reeltwo mounting choicesWall or floor mount125 ft of 5/8 in hose13 gauge steel7.8

Which fittings and materials last longest outdoors?

Brass and aluminum threads outlast plastic ones because they don't strip, freeze or corrode when the temperature swings. On this list the WERMAH and Giraffe Tools carts, both Liberty reels and the AQUAZILLA box use brass or aluminum at the water joints.

The Suncast hideaway is resin throughout, which suits its lighter role as a cover rather than a pressure point. Steel frames with a powder coat, such as the 18 gauge on the Liberty 712 and the 13 gauge on the 709, stand up to sun and rain better than bare metal.

If your hose ends are brass already, keep the whole run in metal to avoid one weak plastic link.

How we compared these reels

We checked the specs and features of each reel against the job a hose owner actually has: storing an existing hose without leaks, tipping or tangling. Our score weighs capacity, fitting material, mounting type and the extras that help in daily use against what you're shopping for.

We didn't fit these to a tap or fill a hose. What we can do is translate the numbers, so a 150 lb shelf capacity or a 300 ft rating means something when you're standing in your yard with a hose in your hand.

A 300 ft rating, for instance, only matters if your hose is actually that long, and a 125 lb steel frame matters most in soft ground.

A few patterns stood out. Metal stands with stakes beat plain frames in soft ground, carts win where water moves, and covered boxes protect a hose better than anything open to the sun.

Where a reel is rated for 5/8 in hose, that is the size to plan around. The Giraffe Tools cart is the one clear exception, since it also takes 1/2 in hose but rules out 3/4 in.

What should you check before buying a garden hose reel without hose?

Start with the length and diameter of the hose you already own, because the reel's rating is the hard limit. A reel sold without hose still needs to match both numbers.

The second check is where the reel will sit, since a wall unit and a staked stand are not interchangeable.

How much hose will it hold?

Count your hose length and note whether it's 1/2, 5/8 or 3/4 in. The reels here rate mostly for 5/8 in, and the Giraffe Tools cart takes 1/2 or 5/8 but not 3/4.

Older, thicker hose takes more room on a drum than the rating assumes. A 150 ft reel holding a 100 ft hose leaves slack to wind loosely, while a 125 ft reel on a 120 ft hose leaves almost nothing.

Leave a little room so the hose isn't packed tight against the drum.

Will the reel fit where the tap is?

A wall reel like the Liberty 712 needs a solid wall near the tap. A staked stand needs lawn or soil to push into.

A cart needs a path. The deck boxes need a level spot and room for the lid to open.

The full guide to choosing a garden hose reel walks through placement for each type. Measure the run from tap to beds before you decide, because a short leader hose only covers a few feet.

Should you get a leader hose?

A leader hose is the short length that runs from the tap to the reel, and several picks here include 5 ft or 6.5 ft of it. Without one you'll need a short connecting hose or a reel positioned close enough to the tap.

It also affects how you join the ends. A longer leader hose, like the 6.5 ft one on the WERMAH cart, buys you room to park the cart away from the spigot.

What fittings does the reel use?

Brass and aluminum threads hold up better than plastic, and brass swivels are the usual fix for kinks at the drum. If your hose has a worn end, a garden hose reel with brass fittings is the upgrade path that pairs well with a new reel.

Check the fitting on your hose end as well, since a worn brass end can leak against a new brass swivel just as badly as plastic.

Which type suits your yard best?

Buy a staked stand for a lawn with one watering spot, a cart for a large yard you cover on foot, and a wall reel for a tap beside sturdy masonry. A covered box is the choice where looks and sun protection matter.

The type matters more than the brand, because each one assumes a different way of moving water around the yard.

Stands for fixed spots

The YFFSRJDJ and GOFORWILD stands are the simplest reels to live with. Stake them in the garden, hang the hose, and they stay put.

They're also the lightest to move at the end of the season. A stand works best when the hose stays in one bed all summer and you don't need to drag it across a lawn.

Carts for big lawns

WERMAH and Giraffe Tools put the reel on wheels, so the hose travels toward the job. Choose WERMAH for 300 ft and four wheels, or Giraffe Tools for a lighter cart that fits a smaller budget and 1/2 or 5/8 hose.

Remember to drain the hose before you wind it, and store either cart indoors over winter.

Wall reels for a tap on a wall

The Liberty 712 swings the carriage through 360 degrees and locks it in eight positions. It keeps a 125 ft hose off the ground and out of the mower's path.

The 709 offers the same wall option with the added choice of a floor mount on rubber boots.

Boxes for tidiness and sun protection

The AQUAZILLA steel box and the Suncast hideaway cover the hose. That keeps UV light off the vinyl, which is the main cause of cracks, and hides a messy drum from view.

A box also doubles as a surface, so it earns its space in a small garden.

How do you set up a new reel without leaks?

Attach the leader hose first, add fresh washers, and tighten by hand before you wind the main hose on. The step-by-step guide to attaching a hose to a reel covers each joint in order.

Run water through the reel before you wind the hose onto the drum, with the tap half open, and watch both ends for drips. If a swivel weeps, reseat the washer rather than reaching for a wrench.

A wrench can crush a soft washer and start the leak you were trying to stop. Once the joints are dry, wind the hose loosely and leave a little slack so the drum isn't under tension.

Do you need a new hose to go with the reel?

No, a reel sold without hose is built to take the one you already have, as long as the length and diameter fit the rating. Your hose does the watering, and the reel just stores it.

Check the reel's capacity against your hose size, and confirm the fitting matches the end on your hose.

That said, a worn hose on a good reel still leaks. If your current hose is cracked or too short for the reel, a retractable unit may suit you better, and our roundup of the best 5/8 retractable garden hose reel options covers that route.

For most people the existing hose is fine, and the reel is the only thing to buy.

The verdict on buying a hose reel without a hose

For most yards, buy the YFFSRJDJ Garden Hose Reel: 150 ft of capacity, four stakes in soft ground, and two hooks for your tools. It's the best garden hose reel without hose for a lawn with a fixed watering spot.

Its 150 lb load rating and triangular base mean a full hose won't drag it over.

Choose WERMAH if the hose has to travel 300 ft across a big property, the Liberty 712 if you can mount to a wall, or the Suncast hideaway if you want 225 ft of capacity under a lid with no assembly at all. Start with your hose length and your tap's location, and the right reel is easy to spot.

If your tap is on a wall and your hose is short, the 712 is the neatest answer. If your yard is wide and flat, a cart earns its keep.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

  1. 1 YFFSRJDJ Garden Hose Reel
    Best for most yards

    YFFSRJDJ Garden Hose Reel

    8.8/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 GOFORWILD Garden Hose Reel Holder Stand Holds
    Best for tool storage

    GOFORWILD Garden Hose Reel Holder Stand Holds

    8.6/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 WERMAH 4-Wheel 300 Ft Hose Cart
    Best for large lawns

    WERMAH 4-Wheel 300 Ft Hose Cart

    8.3/10 our score

    See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Do garden hose reels come with a hose?

Most do not. Reels and carts are usually sold as the holder alone, and some include a short leader hose to reach the tap while your main hose goes on the reel.

Check the capacity and the included parts so you buy the right size for the hose you already own.

What size reel do I need for a 100 ft hose?

Match the reel's capacity to your hose length and diameter. A reel rated for 150 ft of 5/8 hose comfortably takes a 100 ft hose of the same size, while a 125 ft reel leaves little slack.

Capacity figures assume 5/8 in hose unless the reel states otherwise.

Can I put my own hose on any reel?

Yes, as long as the hose fits the reel's stated capacity and the connection matches. Brass and aluminum fittings take standard 3/4 in garden hose threads.

A hose thicker than 5/8 in takes more room on the drum, so buy a larger reel than the rating suggests.

Is a wall mount or a freestanding reel better?

A wall mount keeps the hose off the ground and suits a tap near a sturdy wall. A freestanding stand or cart moves wherever you need water and needs no drilling.

Pick the wall reel for a fixed spot and the stand for a lawn with changing watering zones.

How do I stop a hose reel from leaking?

Use fresh washers at both ends and tighten the swivel by hand, not with tools. A brass connector with a clean seal usually stops drips at the tap.

If a leader hose is included, connect it snugly and check the joint before you wind the main hose on.