Does the Gardena Hose Reel 30 need much preparation or assembly?
Yes, despite the website description of ‘ready to use’. Like most of the larger reels, the hose needs to be completely unrolled as the reel end needs clipping to the interior. Thankfully this is easier to do than some of the others, as there’s plenty of space inside the reel and the angled interior connector makes it easy to clip the hose on. You also need to cut a short section of feeder hose to connect the reel to the tap.
What is the Gardena Hose Reel 30 like to use?
This hose reel is very smooth and easy to use. Designed with a low centre of gravity it stays stable whilst pulling out the whole length of the hose and it’s smooth to rewind too with a large plastic handle. The angled interior connector prevents the hose from kinking or pinching inside the reel and the chunky, twist-grip nozzle is comfortable and simple to use.
How easy is the Gardena Hose Reel 30 to store?
This has no special storage features you need to remember to drain the hose before putting it away to avoid drips. However, it’s very light so it’s easy to move around.
Is the Gardena Hose Reel 30 built to last?
The five-year warranty inspires confidence and both the reel and hose are good quality. There’s no problem with kinking or twisting of the hose either, which will help it to last longer.
Is the Gardena Hose Reel 30 good value for money?
This is a good, simple, easy-to-use product with a long warranty. We think it’s excellent value for money.
For more tried and tested models, head to our round-up of the best hoses and best garden hose spray guns on test. If you're looking for something to help clean the patio, see our guide to choosing the best pressure washer.
Hoses - Buyer's Guide video
What is the Hozelock Pico Reel suitable for?
Ideal for any small garden, patio, courtyard or balcony with a pistol-grip spray gun that’s particularly good for anyone with stiff hands. If your only tap is indoors, the option of connecting the long section of hose to the tap and carrying the reel around is handy as any drips are kept outside.
Does the Hozelock Pico Reel need much preparation or assembly?
This comes supplied completely assembled and ready to use: simply screw on the connector to your tap (a dual fit ½ / ¾ in connector is supplied), clip on the hose and you’re all good to go. The outer packaging has helpful, clear pictorial instructions too.
What is the Hozelock Pico Reel like to use?
The versatile design means you have a choice of which end to clip on to the tap, so the reel can either stay by the tap or you can carry it around, unwinding/winding the hose as you go – rather like using an extension lead. The hose pulls out smoothly and was equally easy to rewind, with a large, comfortable to grip, rotating winding knob. The only minus point is that the shorter section of feeder hose is a little fiddly to wind up and tuck behind the plastic holder.
How easy is the Hozelock Pico Reel to store?
Both ends of the hose clip upright onto the reel so there’s no drips or dribbles when stored - ideal if you’re keeping it indoors, in a cupboard or on a shelf.
Is the Hozelock Pico Reel built to last?
Despite being lightweight, the reel feels solid and the hose doesn’t twist or kink. This, along with being able to easily store the reel under cover away from the damaging ultra-violet rays in sunshine, should make for a long life. The manufacturer’s five-year warranty (which requires registration) gives extra confidence too.
Is the Hozelock Pico Reel good value for money?
This is not the cheapest model we tested but is of sound quality, easy and simple to use, with a good range of features and with its long warranty we think it’s excellent value for money.
For more tried and tested models, read our round-up of the best hoses and best garden hose spray guns on test. In the market for a pressure washer too? See our guide to choosing the best pressure washer.
Hoses - Buyer's Guide video
