Best Metal Garden Hose Reel Boxes: Complete Buying Guide

A metal garden hose reel box keeps your hose off the ground, out of the sun, and ready whenever you need it. This guide walks through everything that matters when you choose one, and links to our in-depth articles on each topic.

What Is a Metal Hose Reel Box?

A hose reel box is an enclosed cabinet with a reel inside. You connect it to your spigot with a short leader hose, attach your garden hose, and crank it in and out through a hose guide. The cabinet hides the hose and shields it from UV and debris, so your yard stays tidy. New to hose reels in general? Start with What Is a Hose Reel and How Does It Work?

Metal vs. Plastic

Plastic resin boxes are lighter and usually cheaper. Metal boxes feel sturdier, hold their shape better over time, and tend to look more like outdoor furniture than a utility bin. For a full side-by-side, read Metal vs Plastic Hose Reel Box: Which One Should You Choose?

Manual Crank vs. Electric Rewind

A manual crank is simple, needs no power, and gives you full control. An electric model does the rewinding for you, which helps with long hoses or if cranking is hard on your back. The RELHOST RW-24-E runs on DEWALT 20V MAX batteries (battery not included) and still has a manual crank as a backup. Learn more in our electric hose reel box article and why the RW-24-E uses a removable 20V battery.

Freestanding vs. Wall-Mounted

Hose reel boxes are freestanding: they sit on legs, need no drilling, and can be placed wherever is most convenient. Wall-mounted retractable reels save ground space but need a solid wall and installation. Compare both in Wall Mount vs. Freestanding Hose Reel, and see how a freestanding box keeps your yard organized.

How Much Hose Capacity Do You Need?

Measure from your spigot to the farthest spot you water, then add a little extra for walking around beds and corners. All three RELHOST metal hose reel boxes hold up to 125 ft of 5/8 in hose, which covers most backyards and gardens. Not sure what length you need? Read How to Pick the Perfect Hose Length for Your Garden.

Other Things to Check Before You Buy

• Is a hose included? Many boxes, including ours, include only the leader hose. Your garden hose is sold separately.
• Water pressure: Check the maximum pressure rating. Our RW-24 and RW-24-E are rated for water below 100 psi.
• Assembly: Look for simple leg-and-crank assembly with included hardware.
• Warranty: RELHOST hose reel boxes come with a 2-year quality warranty.

Independent Review: Tools Log Ranked the RW-24 #1

YouTube review channel Tools Log ranked the RELHOST RW-24 Metal Hose Reel Box #1 in its hose reel box roundup. The video starts at 7:38, where the RELHOST evaluation begins.

RELHOST Metal Hose Reel Boxes at a Glance

• RW-24 Metal Hose Reel Box: manual crank, freestanding, up to 125 ft x 5/8 in hose, Brown or Dark Gray. Ranked #1 by Tools Log.
• RW-24-E Electric Hose Reel Box: battery-powered rewind plus manual crank, compatible with DEWALT 20V MAX batteries (not included), up to 125 ft x 5/8 in hose.
• NW24 Decorative Metal Hose Reel Cabinet: manual crank, freestanding, up to 125 ft x 5/8 in hose, Dark Gray or Gray.

Using and Caring for Your Hose Reel Box

• How to Connect a Hose to a Hose Reel
• How to Roll Up a Hose on a Reel
• Your Hose Reel Box Is More Than Just Storage: 5 Ways to Use It
• Hose Reel Troubleshooting FAQ: Retraction, Leaks & Installation
• How to Store Your Garden Hose Reel in Winter
• Why Garden Hose Reels Crack in Winter (And How to Prevent It)

The Bottom Line

If you want a tidy yard and a hose that lasts, a metal hose reel box is a smart upgrade. Choose manual for simplicity or electric for effortless rewinding, and make sure it fits the hose length you actually need. Shop the #1 ranked RW-24 →