As any passionate gardener knows, having the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your garden lush, healthy, and thriving.
An often overlooked but extremely useful tool is a hose reel. Not only does a good hose reel keep your yard neat by neatly storing excess hose, but it also makes watering quicker and easier.
When looking for a quality hose reel, two brands stand out from the rest – Gardena and Giraffe. But which is better for your specific needs? This comprehensive guide will compare the pros and cons of Gardena and Giraffe hose reels to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Gardena Hose Reels | Giraffe Hose Reels |
| Materials | Plastic & metal construction | Powder coated steel frames |
| Hose Capacity | Up to 164 ft hoses | Up to 300 ft hoses |
| Models Available | Multiple mountable and decorative styles | 2 freestanding cart designs |
| Mobility | Wall mounted, limited movement | Wheeled cart, movable |
| Rewind System | Manual or automatic options | Manual or retractable |
| Water Inlet | Plastic or brass | Industrial brass |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty | 1 year limited warranty |
| Country of Origin | Designed in Germany, made in Europe/China | Designed & made in USA |
Key Differences Between Gardena and Giraffe Hose Reels
Before diving into the specifics, here is a quick overview of how Gardena and Giraffe hose reels differ:
Gardena
- German engineering and manufacturing
- Sleek, minimalist design
- Sturdy metal and plastic construction
- Mostly wall-mounted hose reel models
- Hose reels accommodate up to 164 ft hoses
- Large selection of accessories and nozzles
Giraffe
- American design and manufacturing
- Retro style inspired by 1950s industrial design
- Rugged powder coated steel frames
- Freestanding cart-style models
- Hose reels fit hoses up to 300 ft hoses
- Limited accessories compared to Gardena
Now let’s explore each brand and their hose reel offerings in more detail.
Also Read: Differences Between Hoselink And Gardena Hoses.
Gardena Hose Reels
Founded in Germany in 1961, Gardena has been a leader in garden tools for over 50 years. Gardena sells a wide range of hoses, nozzles, connectors, water timers and hose reels all designed work together as modular systems.
They are best known for sleek, efficient and minimalist hose reel designs made from durable metals and reinforced plastics. Most Gardena hose reels are wall-mounted to conserve yard space.
The Main Pros of Gardena Hose Reels Are:
- German engineered from quality materials
- Many mounting options – wall, ceiling or freestanding
- Accommodate up to 164 ft hoses
- Tidy, space saving design
- Parts are replaceable/repairable
The Potential Cons Are:
- Installation can be tricky
- Plastic parts may be less durable than steel
- Limited lifetime warranty only covers defects
Gardena makes several series of hose reels with different features. We’ll focus on two of their best-sellers.
Gardena Classic Hose Reel
The Gardena Classic mountable hose reel is made from durable plastic and steel. Its sleek cube shape fits neatly against any wall and can pivot 180 degrees for maximum coverage of your yard.
The Classic series is available in manual or automatic rewind models. The manual crank requires winding by hand to retract the hose. The automatic version uses a spring-loaded mechanism to effortlessly recoils the hose.
Key Features:
- Durable, UV-resistant plastic drum
- Accommodates up to 164 ft of standard 5/8” hose
- Mounts to wall, ceiling or freestanding post
- Manual or automatic rewind
- 180 degree pivot range
- Front or side hose guide options
This versatile mountable hose reel comes at a budget-friendly price while still offering Gardena’s trademark quality.
Assembly is straightforward with clear instructions.
The plastic drum feels sturdy but may be damaged if the reel is dropped.
With good build quality and user-friendly design, the Gardena Classic mountable hose reel is a reliable choice for most homeowners.
Gardena Decor Hose Reel
Homeowners wanting both functionality and aesthetics should consider the Gardena Decor hose reel series. These hose reels have the same specifications as the Classic line but packaged in stylishly decorative housings.
Gardena offers Decor versions made from metal or a rust-resistant “stone look” plastic. Despite their ornamental exteriors, the Decor reels have durable interiors and maintain all the key features necessary for storing and unwinding hoses efficiently.
Key Features:
- Durable UV-resistant plastic or powder-coated steel drum
- Accommodates up to 164 ft of 5/8” hose
- 180 degree pivot range
- Front or side hose guide options
- Manual or automatic rewind models
- Rust proof and frost proof
For those wanting to add visual flair to their exteriors, the lovely Decor series hose reels enable you to store hoses efficiently while complementing your home’s landscaping. Assembly is straightforward but may take a bit longer than a classic model.
Overall the Gardena Decor line delivers pleasing aesthetics paired with trusted functionality. An excellent choice for design-conscious gardeners.
Giraffe Hose Reels
Founded in Los Angeles, California in 1947, Giraffe Tools manufacturers commercial-style gardening equipment for home use.
Giraffe aims to bring industrial-level durability to homeowners wanting robust, reliable tools.
Their vintage-inspired hose reel designs stand upon four wheeled legs reminiscent of machinery from the 1950’s.
Giraffe uses durable steel frames and high quality brass fittings to make reels that endure years of heavy usage.
The Main Pros of Giraffe Hose Reels Are:
- Commercial quality steel frame construction
- Accommodates up to 300 ft hoses
- Easy to move around yard
- Vintage mid-century aesthetic
- Made in USA
Potential Cons Include:
- Limited model options
- Installation requires moderate DIY skills
- Higher price point than competitors
While Gardena offers various mounts and decorative choices, Giraffe focuses on perfecting the freestanding cart design in two available models.
Giraffe Commercial Grade Hose Reel
The Giraffe Commercial Grade Hose Reel is built from lightweight, powder coated steel designed to resist corrosion. It sits on a four-wheeled cart that makes it easy to move 220 lbs even when fully loaded with up to 300 ft of heavy duty 5/8” hose.
The 8-spoked wheel design provides more stability and maneuverability than standard 4 wheel carts. The brass swivel inlet remains leak-free even under high 500 PSI pressure. And the full-flow soft rubber hose guide protects against kinks.
Key Features:
- Holds up to 300 ft x 5/8” hose
- Durable powder coated steel frame
- 8-wheel cart for stability
- Swivel brass inlet up to 500 PSI
- Auto-track hose guide
Constructed from quality materials by skilled American workers, the Giraffe Commercial reel is built to last decades while making watering large yards a breeze. Assembly out of the box is straightforward with clear instructions.
The only downside is the higher price tag. But buyers agree it’s worth the investment for heavy duty equipment that endures.
Giraffe Retractable Hose Reel
Homeowners wanting an automated retractable reel would do well to consider Giraffe’s Retractable Hose Reel. This freestanding reel is made from the same commercial quality steel and component parts as the manual model.
The key difference is the presence of an automated spring-loaded rewind mechanism. Simply pull the hose to desired length and the hose automatically recoils when released. This makes storage fast and hassle-free.
Key Features:
- Holds up to 225 ft of 5/8” hose
- Durable powder coated steel frame
- Retracts hose automatically
- Easy to move 8-wheel cart
- Remains stable even on slopes
Between its heavy duty steel design and convenient auto-retractable system, Giraffe’s Retractable Hose Reel is built to deliver. The rugged retro stylings also provide unique decorative flair.
The downsides remain the steep price and limited supplier options due to small USA production runs. But many gardeners gladly pay premium for American craftsmanship built to last decades.
Gardena And Giraffe Hose Reels Comparison
Now that we’ve reviewed both brand’s offerings in-depth, let’s directly compare their key strengths and weaknesses:
Gardena Hose Reels
Pros
- Wide variety of styles and options
- Accommodates up to 164 ft hoses
- Sleek, compact, space saving designs
- Manual or automatic rewind models
- Easy to install mounting hardware included
Cons
- Mostly plastic components less durable than steel
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Imported parts subject to supply chain issues
Giraffe Hose Reels
Pros
- Very durable steel frame construction
- Accommodates up to 300 ft hoses
- Easy to move freestanding design
- Unique vintage aesthetic
- Made in USA from domestic & imported parts
Cons
- Limited models compared to Gardena
- Installation requires moderate DIY skills
- Higher price range than competitors
Now that you understand what each brand offers and how they differ, let’s summarize when each excels to help you decide…
Which Hose Reel Should You Choose?
Determining whether to choose Gardena or Giraffe ultimately depends on your budget, yard size, desired mounting style and other personal preferences.
- For Smaller Yards
Opt for Gardena – They offer more affordable and compact hose reels fitting standard 164 ft hoses that sufficiently accommodate average small to mid-sized properties.
- For Larger Yard Over 1/3 Acre
Choose Giraffe – Their larger 300 ft capacity and moveable designs are better suited for efficiently watering big yards.
- Convenience-Focused Buyers
Pick Gardena – The wide variety of mountable positions and decorative styles let you perfectly integrate hose reels with your landscaping aesthetics.
- Heavy Duty Durability-Focused Buyers
Go with Giraffe – Their long-lasting steel constructions have outstanding longevity compared to mostly plastic competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still deciding between Gardena and Giraffe hose reels? Here are answers to some of the most common questions homeowners have.
There is no definitive “best” hose reel brand applicable to all homes. Gardena and Giraffe make excellent products loved by consumers. Which suits you better depends on your yard size, budget, preferred mounting positions and desired durability:
1. For small to mid-sized yards, Gardena is an very good option offering affordable reliability and convenient mounting positions to neatly tuck away hoses.
2. For large yards over 1/3 acres, Giraffe really shines. Their bigger capacities and durable steel designs that withstand heavy use year after year are extremely well-suited to big properties.
The “best” garden hose also varies situationally. But when paired with quality hose reels like Gardena and Giraffe models, top choices include:
1. Flexzilla – Extremely flexible and durable, resistant to kinks
2. Water Right – Leak-proof brass & stainless steel fittings
3. Gilmour – Ozone & UV ray resistant for longevity
4. Craftsman Premium Rubber – Durable even in rough conditions
Be sure to match your hose diameter and length to your selected hose reel’s specifications for proper fit.
The “best of the best” precision hose reels that top the market in quality and performance depend on the specific feature that matters most to you such as:
Durability – Giraffe makes the longest lasting commercial steel hose reels
Convenience – Easy-Push Automatic Rewind Hose Reels from vendors like Suncast
Capacity – Titan Pro Industrial Grade Hose Reels holding up to 500 ft
Decor – Unique handcrafted hose reels from specialty suppliers like Tag or Ames
When evaluating “top of the line” models focus on the attributes benefitting your needs and yard requirements.
For wall-mount auto retractability, the Hideaway hose reel series from Suncast receives top marks from both professionals and homeowners.
Their enclosed plastic casing not only protects the the hose from UV damage, it adds a decorative element to exterior walls. Models accommodate 50 to 125 ft hoses and the Slide TrakTM guide prevents abrasion. This enclosed design takes up minimal space while neatly tidying away the hose.
So if keeping your hose conveniently accessible yet out of sight is key, Hideaway by Suncast excels as a durable wall-mounted retractable option.
Closing Remarks
To summarize:
- Gardena offers more versatility in mounting positions and aesthetics
- Giraffe provides heavier duty construction and larger hose capacity
So Gardena excels for convenient hose storage around average yards, while Giraffe is ideal for robust industrial-duty reels to cover big properties.
The choice comes down to whether space-saving convenience or rugged durability matters more for your needs.
