Eley Hose Reel Reviews & Buying Guide

We all have that one elusive hose that we use regularly and is always in the way because the water spigot is too close to a fence for proper storage, or coiling up the hose always results in unwanted kinks and folds. Personally I am incredibly tired of trying to get my yard hose out of the way every time I need pull it out to water the garden, or mow the lawn. I only have a 20-inch clearance between two fences to access the one water spigot I have in the back of the house so I feel like I’m always tripping over it one way or another. As it is I have just enough room to reach in there to turn it on and off as needed. However I am seriously rejoicing right now because I recently stumbled across this great little company that specializes in hose reels, and their choices are more than helpful for hose accessibility and storage in unique spots. Below is an overview of the Eley Company and their durable line of hose reels that can meet just about any need you may have.

ELEY HOSE REEL COMPARISONS CHART

THE ELEY CORPORATION

In 1990 a series of yard care related products and accessories were introduced to the market by a midwestern family run business to help meet some of the unique needs of lawn and garden care. Their durable, long-lasting quality hose reels have become a standard in the industry, allowing the company to go global, but still hold the customer service standard expected from a small family run business.

MATERIALS

Only high quality materials are used in the construction of the Eley products. Hose reels are made specifically for performance and durability in order to be a lasting product. As the highest rated reel on the market, all products are made with an aluminum reel with rust-proof metal construction including stainless steel hardware, oversized tubular frames, and powder coated finishes. The tires used in some of the models are also flat-free, making them more affordable and hassle free through the years of use you will get out of them. Connections from reel to hose are also of solid brass construction for ease of removal without worry of thread locking that can occur with other metal materials. Each reel also comes with a 6 foot leader hose made of durable polyurethane in order to get into those hard to reach spaces and make accessibility to your hose and hose storage that much more convenient. Reel brakes are also included on all models, as are tire brakes on those that have tires.

ASSEMBLY AND MAINTENANCE

Each model comes with it’s own assembly, installation, and maintenance booklet to help guide you through putting your new reel together, and to provide options for left or right hand rewinding, as well as different mounting options to best meet your needs. Quad wheel kits are also available for the cart versions to make areas where terrain may make stability a concern easy to maneuver through. Eley also offers an extra capacity kit for those of you who have extra lengths of hose that need a place to live when not in use.

WARRANTY AND RETURNS

All of The Eley Corporation hose reels are backed by a 10 year guarantee to be free from defects, malfunction or failure in workmanship, under normal use. Some exceptions do surround seasonal exposure and types of water used, such as those that leave behind mineral deposits as it is up to the buyer to rinse and keep the parts clean due the the corrosive nature of this factor. Be sure to review their policy upon purchase, as it is very simple and straightforward in nature and very transparent concerning responsibility.If within 30 days of purchase you are unhappy with your product choice, then you may return your reel hassle-free with no hidden charges or restocking fees. However, you must have purchased it direct from the Eley corporation, and all shipping charges will be your responsibility. They do give you 45 days to have it returned after making the initial claim.

WHAT TIPS TO CONSIDER BEFORE PURCHASE

Despite their generous trial period offer, in order to save yourself some shipping costs to return or exchange, consider a few of the following details to make sure you get what you need. Their website offers both online assembly and mounting booklets, as well as trouble shooting videos and online help in order to look over the products you are considering in advance. Plus, as a family run company their customer service is available during normal weekly business hours in order for you to speak directly with a representative to help you with any questions you may have.

What Is Your Hose Length?

Consider what hose lengths you will be using with your reel of choice in order to determine if the reel is large enough to handle the length, or if you may need an extra capacity kit. Although the reels are pretty generous in their capacity, knowing in advance your needs, or future needs, can make your shopping experience much easier.

Where is Your Water Spigot Located?

As mentioned, where your spigot is located has much to do with your reel needs. Although Eley offers some unique mounting capabilities and problem solving for those hard to reach, or out of the way spigot locations, taking measurements and getting an idea of the lay of the land is suggested in advance.

What Mounting Materials Do You Have or Need?

Do you have a place to mount a reel, or do you need the materials in order to do so? Also consider, if mounting is not an option, where you can place a cart for accessibility.

ELEY HOSE REEL DIFFERENCES

WALL MOUNT GARDEN HOSE REEL

Check The Price   Eley’s highest rated, and most popular reel is the wall mount garden hose reel that can be mounted to any wall surface, brick and concrete included. Because it can be configured for either parallel or perpendicular accessibility, it is a favorite with customers who have spaces that have proven difficult, or challenging to access with other types of hose reel designs. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive as this is the most versatile of all the reels offered by the company and provide multiple options for both mounting and accessibility. The only complaints surround issues with missing parts that is quickly remedied by the company. Also, this is not deemed a drinking water safe system, and most hoses that use brass fittings are not due to the lead that is used in the brass construction. Pressure treated lumber may not provide the best surface for mounting due to the highly corrosive chemicals used in the treatment however, so using mounting standoffs is recommended. Not doing so may void your warranty.

PROS

• Smooth winding capability
• Easy to install with instructions
• Fits well into challenging spaces

CONS

• Not for use with a power washer
• Not drinking water safe
• Not good for 24” stud width

 

 PORTABLE GARDEN HOSE REEL CART

Check The Price   Leading the industry in hose reel carts, this durable, and portable cart is the perfect solution for hard to reach places. If you don’t have an area to mount your hose to, or need to be able to provide additional accessibility into different areas of your yard, then this cart may be the answer you need. No flat tires can handle just about any terrain and moves smoothly. It also has the capabilities of adding an additional two tires with an optional kit in order to move the cart without tipping it up. Consumers mention how easy it is to move and the convenience of being able to place it almost anywhere in the yard. Plus it has a wheel locking system to keep it in place. It may be difficult to assemble however, and depending on your terrain, may be somewhat unstable when filled with water. The extra two wheels do help with this stability, although that does come with an extra cost. And like the other models, it is not drinking water safe due to the brass fittings.

PROS

• Very easy to move
• Adjustable brake system for stability
• Very durable cart construction

CONS

• May not take a heavier constructed hose
• May be unstable when filled with water
• Difficult assembly

 

 FREE STANDING GARDEN HOSE REEL

Check The Price   As far as free standing hose reels go this is a durable, long lasting product. Constructed to be placed on the ground and to be moveable when needed, it does have the capabilities to be staked into place for added balance. It also can be mounted horizontally if you are willing to purchase the proper hardware. Consumers like how well it stores heavy duty hoses and how easily the handle turns to reel up. This is a good choice for areas that do not have accessibility for mounting, but does provide the ground space for storage. Complaints of how low to the ground it is are common, as is how it can be pulled out of place and become off balance when pulling the hose out. Reeling up the hose also requires you to hand guide it, which isn’t a concern with models that use gravity to better line the hose out. Despite that it is considered a well made product, and does have the capabilities to add stability if needed.

PROS

• Can be mounted to a flat surface
• Easy assembly
• Well balanced

CONS

• Low to the ground
• Must hand guide the hose
• Not heavy enough when unwinding

 

WOOD POST MOUNT GARDEN HOSE REEL

Check The Price   The wooden post garden hose reel mount is actually the wall mount with a modified connection in order to place your reel on a 4×4, 6×6, or 4×6 post. This is the perfect alternative to mounting your reel if you do not have a wall to mount to, or the direction you need to take your hose is not supported well by the wall and spigot location. Mounting is an easy task, that supports easy removal if you wish to store your reel in the winter months. The reel brake is especially handy as gravity won’t pull on your hose end and unreel it when it is not being used. This has been an extremely popular option for consumers who need a very customizable location for reach and durability. No complaints exist concerning the actual post mounting and are generalized to the brass fittings not being drinking water safe or that it is not made to be used with a power washer due to pressurization.

PROS

• Easy to assemble
• Provides a customizable mount for location
• Winds easily both left and right

CONS

• Not for use with a power washer
• Not drinking water safe

 

ALUMINUM POST MOUNT GARDEN HOSE REEL

Check The Price   Another popular mounting choice, the aluminum post and mounting reel comes as a package deal to provide a great alternative to wall mounting. Considered extremely sturdy and durable, the only thing you need extra is concrete to set the post. Unlike the wooden post mount, the aluminum mount is only a one height size and so mounting to anything taller is not an option. This is, however, a good solution to anyone wanting something taller than the offered stand alone system, but still wanting a free standing design, albeit permanent in it’s location. It also cannot be mounted in different directions and is only offered in a perpendicular design. The reel can be easily un mounted for winter storage if need be from the aluminum post. No complaints exist concerning its use or design as the capabilities and instructions are easy to review prior to purchase.

PROS

• Incredible Durability
• Easy to install
• Easy to reel up and pull out

CONS

• Only mounts one way
• One size height

 

CONCLUSION

The Eley Corporation has proven itself in hose reel construction and accessories for the yard and garden through the years with a dependable, and sturdy line of products. They have an incredible list of positive ratings with very few complaints, none concerning the actual use of the product itself that doesn’t have either the full backing of the company, or an easy solution to its remedy. As far as hose reels go, this is a product that is mentioned multiple times by consumers that will last a lifetime. If you have been looking for a durable product, have a unique mounting situation, or are tired of replacing less expensive hose reels, this is definitely a company you should check out.